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MARINA DEL REY, Calif., March 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional athletes from many sports are competing while on a plant-protein based diet, and recent studies have shown that rice protein equals animal-based whey protein. This month, MMA fighters from Florida's Combat Club gym, including the UFC's Michael Johnson and Rashad Evans, will be participating in a new double-blind research study testing the performance of pro-athletes on rice protein versus the traditional golden standard of fitness, animal-derived whey protein. The 6-week study will be executed by sports nutrition PhD's, Dr. Douglas Kalman and Dr. Corey Peacock, researchers who have worked with Olympic athletes and teams, professional sporting teams and collegiate teams.
The new research project includes ten of the Combat Club's star fighters, some of whom are omnivores and others vegan, vegetarians or transitioning to a vegetarian diet. Below is the list of participating fighters:
Drs. Kalman and Peacock, both respected sports nutrition and exercise physiology researchers, are associated with The International Society of Sports Nutrition (www.theissn.org), while also being academically affiliated with Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University, respectively. Drs. Kalman and Peacock have published research examining the role protein plays in an athlete's diet, health and well-being, while also examining the safety of increased protein intake.
During the project, the researchers will look to determine how plant-based protein compares to animal-based whey protein to build and maintain muscle and for any immune supportive effects for athletes who train up to three times a day. "We studied this protein in 2013 and the results showed for the first time that it equals animal-based whey protein in building and maintaining muscle," said Dr Douglas Kalman. "Another study published in 2014 found that Oryzatein® rice protein supplies the muscle building amino acid leucine to a similar degree and speed as the popular 'fast' protein whey. These studies both demonstrated the completeness of the brown rice protein isolate. Now, we hope to learn and demonstrate that this protein, as compared to whey can support the high level elite athlete that trains at a greater intensity and stress level than the typical gym goer," he continued. "As the research on brown rice protein isolate, namely Oryzatein® grows, the data supports use for the professional athlete noting that in the study, there are fighters who are already vegetarians, vegans and the others are meat eaters."
Maker of Oryzatein®, David Janow, President of Axiom Foods and Growing Naturals added: "Axiom Foods' brown rice protein ingredient is in thousands of food products with plant proteins today. Our sister company, Growing Naturals the only 90% isolate Oryzatein® rice protein supplier to pro-athletes and weekend warriors, millennials and baby boomers alike as part of its pure, non-blended rice and pea proteins and since it was used in Dr. Kalman's first study, it will be used again."
The study will be documented in a series of webisodes which follows the natural contentiousness that exists between the team's plant- and meat-eaters. The series of webisodes will air during Plant Protein Month in April 2017. Results of the study will be submitted by Drs. Kalman and Peacock along with their respective graduate students for publishing in the top sports nutrition journals.
About: Combat Club is a mixed martial arts training facility in Lantana, FL, led by head coaches: Henri Hooft (Dutch Kickboxing), Gilbert Burns (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), and Greg Jones (Wrestling). Combat Club caters to people of all levels, from beginner to pro.
About: Growing Naturals, LLC is the maker of both allergen-friendly single-source Pure Plant Protein Powders from organic brown rice and pea, plus Benefit Blends powered by Growing Naturals, featuring "one and done" formulas that provide effective solutions that simplify our daily rituals. All Growing Naturals plant proteins are FDA GRAS approved as food and the rice protein products feature Oryzatein® inside, which was clinically shown to be the first plant protein to equal animal-based whey protein in building and maintaining muscle. Oryzatein® was also shown to absorb Leucine, the key muscle building amino acid, faster than in whey, which is believed to help rice protein still act like a complete protein.
Press Contacts:
Combat Club:
Danny Valentine,
Axiom Foods / Growing Naturals:
Alyson Dutch, Brown + Dutch PR, Inc.
SOURCE Growing Naturals
Today in the Rickson Interview: We talk to Rickson about Ronda Rousey's comment that she thinks she could beat any BJJ woman under any set of rules. Rickson - "So I hope she has a great, brilliant future."
On the GreatMMADebate June 23 2014 Ronda Rousey stated:
"One thing I couldn't stand when I was only watching MMA coming from Judo, is all these people saying that that all of these Jiu-Jitsu people would beat any judo fighter on the ground. It was such a stereotype. I still think that I can beat any BJJ girl in the world, any weight division, gi or no gi, black belt all the way, in any rule set that they want.
To be able to pull off being someone in Judo that can submit on the ground, it takes so much more skill because we have so little time to do it. Like Flavio Canto, Olympic bronze medalist from Brazil, who was known to have one of the best ground fighters in Judo... He could definitely win a world championship in Jiu-Jitsu. I really feel that the Judoka who excel with their ground work, have never really gotten enough respect.
This fight against Alexis, who is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, the kind of person that should be the type to tap me on the ground with no problems, it would be nice to prove a point."
BJJ Legends: Recently Ronda Rousey was noted for saying that she could beat anybody, any female Jiu-Jitsu athlete in a Jiu-Jitsu competition. I have two questions. One is: What are your thoughts on that? Do you think it's true of not?
Rickson Gracie: In Jiu-Jitsu competition?
BJJ Legends: Yeah. And two, either way, whether you think it's true or not, do you think it says something about what the perception is of Jiu-Jitsu, outside of our community?
Rickson Gracie: No. First, she's saying something based on her momentum. She may talking... Because she never competed in a Jiu-Jitsu tournament. If she competes in one and win easily, I will maybe respect what she's saying, believing what she's saying, but she never proved.
She's been demonstrating a lot of good positive elements on the cage. I don't know if those opponents are weaker. I don't know if she's really super.
BJJ Legends: Well, she has that medal in the Olympics as well.
Rickson Gracie: Yeah.
BJJ Legends: Do you feel that plays a role at all?
BJJ Legends: So as in judo... Judo is a very tough sport. In order for you to become an Olympian, you have to really commit and be exceptional. In order for any Jiu-Jitsu competitor to be facing, it has to be a world champion. It has to be somebody in that level.
Even though I cannot confirm if she can really win or lose, I think she should be more focused on what she's doing right now, which is a great job in the MMA, and leave Jiu-Jitsu aside. I know she's been training some Jiu-Jitsu with my cousins and stuff. So I hope she has a great, brilliant future.
For fans of the Magazine we did a quick YouTube search and found these two old videos of Ronda competing in what looks like a BJJ no-gi tournament. In one she indeed kills it and the second she has to work a little harder. Neither opponents appear to be black belts or world champions.
Valentine's Massacre (no-gi) - Ronda Rousey http://youtu.be/IjoMMpWUWKA uploaded by CrystalBJudo
RONDA ROUSEY GRAPPLINGX 2 - http://youtu.be/lmzEWYfXUGM uploaded by CrystalBJudo
Tomorrow: We ask Rickson's how his thoughts have evolved over his many years practicing Jiu-Jitsu.
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Today in the Rickson Interview: Rickson on women in MMA, "Maybe one out of 100 [women] that makes a very special desire to confront, to go, and feels like, 'Okay. I'm born to do this.' I have to respect that."
BJJ Legends: How about Kyra? When she was on her path towards MMA... It's been temporarily set off for even better reasons now. Bless you and your family for that. What are your thoughts on her competing or women competing at large? I know I've heard you talk about Ronda a little bit. You seem very enthusiastic and encouraging about her, but there's some questions.
Dana White, himself, said you'd never see women in the UFC, which essentially meant you hardly ever see them in MMA. He changed his mind. Ronda Rousey made him change his mind. I've seen Kyra compete a number of times in Jiu-Jitsu competition. Lovely girl. I had the opportunity of interviewing her as well.
What are your thoughts on a member of your own family, who's a female, competing in MMA, as capable as she is? And how does that apply to other women as well, to the sport?
Rickson Gracie: If you pick generally 100 women, at the most, 10 will like to compete in something like that. I don't believe, based on my experience, women have this appealing desire to compete in such a violent and aggressive element.
Normally they don't belong to that kind of competitiveness. It's not common. It's not for everyone. Even for men, it's a kind of little fraction there who doesn't fit. Imagine for women, but that is maybe one out of 100 that makes a very special desire to confront, to go, and feels like, "Okay. I'm born to do this." I have to respect that.
For those very small percentage, Jiu-Jitsu competition, Vale Tudo or MMA will fit. But for the 99% who doesn't kind of have the appealing for that, they'll still be very motivated to learn self-defense, to learn how they can be able to deflect some aggressor, how to stand up from a guy who's trying to keep her and force her or something.
So the idea of deflection, the idea of empowerment, the idea of defense is appealing for any women or any children. The aggressiveness, the competitiveness, the toughness, and the willing to sacrifice every day and get punched, that's not appealing for every woman.
For these few who like it, I encourage and be positive about it, but that's not exactly... I don't believe every woman has to compete or even to have the pleasure to see a fight. Some don't even like it. They see the fight. They turn it off.
They put on something. So I'm favored to help those too. I think Jiu-Jitsu has a place to favor those general women, like soft art. That's why Jiu-Jitsu is also called soft art.
Tomorrow: We get Rickson's thoughts about Ronda Rousey stating she could beat any BJJ female in a BJJ competition.
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In the storied career of the iconic Royce Gracie, there have been many memorable moments and fights that have defined his career. Be it the Gracie Challenges that began the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu rise, his UFC 1 match against Ken Shamrock, or maybe his phenomenal litmus test against Sakuraba that lasted roughly 90 minutes, Royce has provided some fantastic moments for the fans of Mixed Martial Arts.
However, one moment that seems to go unnoticed was his fight against Bobby Ologun.
What made this fight so unique was Ologun himself. Born in Nigeria, Ologun was on a Japanese gameshow, and through his charismatic antics, became a big star in Japan! He had his own show, where he would try out new activities and sports.
He would eventually give Judo a shot, and the running joke was that he'd be ready to fight in an actual MMA fight by year's end. Ologun continued to train, and 8 months after he began his experiement, he was slated to fight against the pioneer himself, Royce Gracie!
The dynamic was fantastic: the icon vs. the TV star! Seeing the fight was held in Japan, Ologun had a strong fan base in attendance. Despite the vast experience gap, the fight didn't play out as you would assume.
Dealing With The Element Of Surprise In Stride
Be it by luck or by skill, Ologun was actually able to control the pace of the match early on the first round. Was Royce taking him lightly? Was he toying with him? Whatever the case may be, Ologun had the dominant position on one of the most notorious men in Mixed Martial Arts history!
With the fans on their feet in shock, Royce showed the signs of a true veteran by not overacting. The much more athletic Ologun clearly had a more impressive frame that could probably pack a nice punch, but Royce wasn't about to find out.
Keeping his wits about him, Royce did the smart thing and kept the arms—at least one most of the time—pinned to his own chest. By establishing a high closed guard, Gracie was preventing Ologun from posturing and reigning down shots. By eliminating the hands or his opponent, Royce not only saved himself from unwanted damage, but also limited the ground game of Ologun.
However, Ologun continued to dictate the match and where it went. Maintaining top position, Bobby had the legend in the corner, and was ready to unload. Again, being the crafty vet, Royce was aware enough to angle off to the side, while maintaining a grip on the arm of Ologun. This bought him time to fend off any serious strikes, and allowed him to get his right hand on the calf of Ologun.
From here, Royce was able to adjust Ologun's footing, bringing him back to the mat. This eliminated the posturing advantage Ologun had, and brought the fight back to where Royce was most comfortable.
Trusting In The Foundational Skills of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The bell would eventually ring without any major damage being done, but clearly something special was happening, and it's hard to argue that Ologun didn't win the first round.
At the start of the second, Ologun was able to stuff a takedown and even plow Royce over, regaining dominant top position. This would not last long, as Gracie was soon able to hit a series of sweeps, bringing him back on top in full mount position.
Aware of the power and athletic ability that Ologun brought to the table, Gracie was smart and was quick to get high up on Bobby when he mounted him. By establishing the mount closer to Ologun's chest, Gracie didn't have to worry about Ologun getting his hips under him and exploding and bucking him off.
The full mount is known in the MMA world as the most dominant position, one that would bring some vicious punches and elbows to the poor soul trapped underneath. However, it was clear that Royce had an agenda, as he didn't throw a single punch from this position.
Rather, he methodically worked his way towards the armbar. Once he had it applied, his top leg had slipped off Ologun, and was on the mat for the most part. Even with a little kink in the process, Royce was able to work around the technical flaw and earned himself the submission victory in round two.
Royce has proven to be very influenctial on the BJJ scene. For more thouhts on HOW important Royce really has been check out this article!
Dan Faggella
Follow a man's unlikely story of how he came from a small Nebraskan town of 200 people to becoming a cornerman in the most distinguished Mixed Martial Arts promotion in the world.
Contact: Jerome Gage
Fight Log Media
A Lesser Told Story of Mixed Martial Arts
In the Blue Corner: by Jerome Gage
Tucson, AZ-‐2014 – Mixed Martials Arts (MMA) is emerging into a mainstream sport. As it grows more recognizable so do many of the stars. There are copious amounts of television shows, books, magazines, and radio shows highlighting the biggest players in the game. They constantly showcase the lifestyle and training of these fighters, who receive large sponsorships, fight out of renowned gyms, and make the big time money. However, for every one fighter, trainer, or promoter in the limelight there are thousands in the sport who do it solely for the love. Some of these people are promoters, fighters' wives, gym owners, teammates, and trainers, all of which have their own story of their roles in the sport.
In the Blue Corner is a unique glimpse into one of the lesser told stories behind MMA and the fight lifestyle. It's a narrative of how a hobbiest in the sport found himself cornering his friend in MMA. This book recounts the story of the cornerman while discussing training camps, scouting opponents, dealing with loss, overcoming injuries, the importance of good teammates, and the attitude behind the winning mindset.
Muscular power, just the sound of those two words together makes me think of muscle bound men deadlifting and bench pressing weight more than twice my weight! That doesn't have to be the case, you can have great muscular power even if you are in the rooster division! Many of us little guys don't hit the gym hard every day so we're unsure of how strong we truly are. To get a good starting point we you should test yourself out!
I'm sure that we've all been in the same situation before where we learn a new technique and something isn't clicking, no matter how hard we try to focus on the details we often overlook. With tons of mat time and research, there is still something that isn't making sense. At a stand-still, you're ready to pass up on learning that technique and move forward.
However, times are changing thanks to the iGrapple Mobile app.
Recently released, the iGrapple is a fantastic tool that every single one of us Brazilian Jiu Jitsu players can use in order to take the next step forward in our skill development.
If you go back to the first paragraph and think to yourself, "Hey, that's me!" when it comes to learning new techniques, then you're in luck because the iGrapple is here to eliminate any issue that you may face in learning.
With a very classroom-like approach to grappling, the app does a fantastic job of breaking everything down so that even the most basic white belts out there can soak up the moves and implement them in a heartbeat!
Dan Faggella is a BJJ Academy Owner, No Gi Pan Am Champion at 130 pounds, and recognized expert in the area of light weight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Dan writes or Jiu Jitsu Magazine, Jiu Jitsu Style, MMA Sports Mag, and more - find more of his techniques by checking out his academy Black Diamond MMA.
Fighting Off Of Your Back In A Self Defense Scenario
Dan Faggella is a BJJ Academy Owner, No Gi Pan Am Champion at 130 pounds, and recognized expert in the area of light weight Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Dan writes or Jiu Jitsu Magazine, Jiu Jitsu Style, MMA Sports Mag, and more - find more of his techniques by checking out his academy Black Diamond MMA.
Let's be honest, in a situation where someone is attacking you either in the streets or a social setting, chances are extremely high that you'll end up going to the ground at some point. There's a chance your attack blind sides you, tackles you, trips you, etc., and now you're stuck on your back.
As they jump into mount and begin to do their best schoolyard bully impersonation, it's vital to know how you get out of this.
Grappling 101: Escaping Mount
I recall my early days of Jiu Jitsu; learning to escape bottom mount was one of the first techniques ever taught to me by my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu RI instructor. This is exactly what I'll be touching upon, but we aren't just trying to get out of from under our opponent on a mat in a sanctioned event; this could be a life or death situation.
Knowing that they can cause some serious damage, the urgency to execute this move properly shoulder be a maximum level.
Don't Fight Fire With Fire
In this case, it's best to stick to your grappling instincts! The reason being, if you're in bottom mount, you do NOT want to try and go punch-for-punch with your attacker. It is not the same as the back mount, because gravity is NOT on your side. Simply because you have nowhere to go, if he hits you, the only way you absorb the impact is if your head snap backs onto the concrete. To learn more about escaping the back mount, check out an article that I just sent to my Rhode Island MMA students.
Seeing that he is also in your mount, they can posture up and really add extra force to their punches with a downward motion. So not only can they land power shots, they can land more shots in general than you can. Don't try to be a hero, just do what you have to do in order to stay safe!
Again, this is a basic technique you learn early on in grappling. However, when you frame it in a situation such as self defense, it becomes fare more than basic; it could become the most important technique you've ever learned.
-Dan Faggella
Ben Askren is a 2x NCAA champion and current Bellator fighting champion (undefeated in 10+ MMA bouts). I appreciate the interview with Ben, who is now for the first time offering a DVD course on Wrestling and Control for combat sports called "The Manhandling Manifesto," which is available only for a limited time. Check it out here, and thanks again to Ben!
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In every sport, there is always a sect of fans that will nitpick until they can't see straight. For these fans, nothing is ever good enough and the glass is always half empty. For these version of MMA fans, if you aren't going out knocking people out left-and-right, then you have no business being inside the cage.
One fighter that feels the wrath of many MMA pundits is Ben Askren. An elite wrestler who can exert dominant top control, Askren has been on the opposite end of MMA fans distain for some time.
Fans are quick to dub Askren as "boring" or "dull" due to his style of fighting. Willing to take you to the ground and make your life miserable, Ben Askren has perfected the polarizing style of "lay and pray," a style that relies heavily on top control and ground strikes.
Despite all of this, these people will neglect to tell you that Askren is 11-0 in his MMA career, a world champion, and a truly elite fighter.
UPDATE: Watch Cruickshank TONIGHT on UFC on FOX 8 Live from Seattle Yves Edwards vs Daron Cruickshank
Daron Cruickshank is a UFC fighter. He was a fighter on Bully Beatdown, and he was on the TV reality show The Ultimate Fighter. Daron was born and raised in Michigan. BJJ Legends contributor Sharon Schleif caught up with him at their BJJ academy July 9th, 2013. They talk about the TV shows, preparing for UFC and Daron's heavy involvement in the martial arts.
BJJ: I know you grew up in martial arts; can you give us a little bit of your family history?
Daron Cruickshank: Yes, both my parents were fourth degree black belts in Tae Kwon Do. They both had their own schools. My mom fought professionally, kickboxing and boxing. My dad cross trained in different martial arts, dabbled in savate and the JKD system. Then they popped me out. I'm like a hybrid.
BJJ: What we want to know now is how old you were when you first started competition? Also, when you first started martial arts. Were you raised on the mat?
Daron: Yes, I never really, I don't remember when I started. I just always did it. I was always on the mat with my parents and doing their classes and things like that. I started, I would say, my athletic career in middle school when I stared wrestling.
I started wrestling in eighth grade, and I also picked up swimming. That's where I really got serious with competition. I fell in love with wrestling. I did it all through high school, all through college, and then during the summers and things like that I would train with my dad when my mom was training.
BJJ: You were on The Ultimate Fighter this last year. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience on The Ultimate Fighter?
Daron: The Ultimate Fighter was awesome. I enjoyed every bit of it. It was 13 weeks, my season. Most seasons are six weeks. I did over twice as long as most groups. The biggest thing that was hard is there's no contact with the outside world.
A lot of guys have families, they have kids and things like that. They're constantly wondering what's going on, where I felt, I really didn't think about that stuff. As far as girlfriends, drama, and stuff like that, that was probably the hardest part for most of the people on the show with me.
My biggest problem was there was no music. There's no music whatsoever. No radio, no TV. Have you ever worked out without music? It's hard. Try running on a treadmill.
It's like, you get to the gym, you're starting to warm up, and every time you come in to the gym, you're jogging and you're like "Oh, when's the radio going to turn on? When's the techno coming out?" That was the hardest part for me.


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Alabama: Rural HIV Patients Linked to Medical Care
April 24, 2014
This article was reported by Montgomery Advertiser.
The Montgomery Advertiser reported that Medical AIDS Outreach of Alabama, Inc., (MAO) is reaching more rural HIV patients by using a telemedicine program. Initiated two years ago, the program links doctors at an HIV-specific clinic to patients in rural and distant clinics so that no patient needs to travel more than 30 minutes for regular care.
"The problem we were facing was access to care," said Dr. Prashanth Bhat, a physician with MAO. "We cover a large area in Alabama.... We used to go to Selma every week. But in an eight-hour work day, about half the time was spent traveling. Now the same access through telemedicine doubles the number of patients served," he added. Many patients cannot afford frequent, long-distance trips to see a doctor. Approximately 25 percent of MAO's patients, or 300 individuals, use the telemedicine program for services, including behavioral health and clinical pharmacy consultations as well as medical care.
A grant from AIDS United provided funds for this Access to Care initiative program. Doctors can provide medical care and counseling to their HIV patients by communicating through a web-based video connection. The White House's National HIV/AIDS Strategy acknowledged MAO's telemedicine program in December.
Three Louisiana Health Insurers Will Continue Accepting Federal Subsidies for Policyholders With HIV/AIDS
This article was provided by CDC National Prevention Information Network. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update.
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One of my fond memories is of the enormous Christmas tree that my family decorated when I was five years old. It was larger than life and seemed to fill the entire room. As I grew older the trees grew smaller and shorter. It wasn't a larger than life tree, I was just a small girl looking up at a large, tall tree. But what a precious memory that has been. I can still see the angel on the top and have never seen one like her.
As I decorate my Christmas tree of 2011, memories are conjured up about decorating trees in years past. There was the thrill of seeing the lights on the tree and hoping that none would burn out. The ornaments that students gave me still remain precious to me. There are fragile ornaments that my children made in school. Rounded out with home made ornaments, they make my tree festive and special. If only I could find the angel that topped the tree over sixty years ago.
|Terry .. Christmas at age 2
Christmas is for all ages. I love the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas. It is seeing awe in the eyes of children which we can than return in love through our eyes. One of my favorite Christmas photographs is of my nephew, Terry. He was two years ago. Terry passed from us too soon at the age of 46.
Perhaps conjuring up memories brings moments of sadness, but we can always find love through sadness. Merry Christmas to all of you ... and to all of you best memories.


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DENVER—A man wanted for injuring four people in a hit-and-run accident in Denver has turned himself in.
Police said Wednesday that 25-year-old Larry Vo called them and said he wanted to surrender. He was being held for investigation of vehicular assault and other charges.
Vo is suspected of speeding through a parking lot following a fight outside a nightclub around 2 a.m. Sunday. The four people hit weren't involved in the fight.


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sporrty necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 351 diseños de 74 diseñadores freelance.
BFit (the capitilization hasn't been decided so feel free to be creative with it)
We are a start up company whose mission is to inspire and empower adults and youth to live a healthy and active life. Over the past decade, obesity has become more prevalent and is causing many health issues among adults and youth.
We are dedicated to inspire and empower people to change to a healthy lifestyle by providing education, nutritional information, coaching, and the personal training necessary to make their fitness goals possible.
Our audience will be reached through a social fitness network website where online training and coaching will be provided. Clients will also have the opportunity to participate educational workshops, bootcamps, one on one and small group personal training
males and females that have a desire to lead a healthy lifestyle
* The name of our company is BFit International and the website is bfitcoach.com. We would like for "BFit" to be the brand, but would like to have the ability to add "International" or "Coach" with BFit brand. It is ok to also submit as BFit International or BFit Coach.
* Would like to have the logo appeal to male and females
* Would like a simple, unique, and contemporary logo.
* No color scheme has been selected at this time. Please feel free to use whatever colors you feel will enhance the design.
* Logo will be used for website, business cards, stationary etc. Logo will also be used on clothing in the future, so we would like to see logos that will be appealing on t-shirts and sportswear.
* We are NOT interested in seeing logos with fruit or vegetables or logos with a whistle.
*NEW - We are moving away from the abstract person in the design. We have moved more to the text only designs. You can still submit designs with the abstract person if you wish.
* Have fun with it!
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Project InformationA trailer, a movie credit, a promotion, a video reel… All these projects need an amazing, epic, cinematic atmosphere. This template matches with all these things. A must have for every epic video production.
- Full HD (1920×1080)
- cinematic atmosphere
- 14 Text Placeholder
- easy to customize
- no plugins required (Pre rendered Flare included)
- completely adaptable
- well structured
Music and Sound Effects
- Project Music: Intense Cinematic Trailer
- Sound Effects are from Video Copilot's Designer Sound FX


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The liberal advocacy group that helped draft Elizabeth Warren into the US Senate campaign in 2011 is now trying to make Barney Frank her junior senator.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee sent an email to 25,000 Massachusetts members Wednesday afternoon asking them to sign an online petition urging Governor Deval Patrick to appoint Frank as the state's interim senator. The group also launched a website, AppointBarneyFrank.com.
Patrick is expected to have that opportunity later this month, if Senator John Kerry is confirmed as secretary of state, as expected.
The appointment would last for about 145 to 160 days until a permanent replacement is elected and sworn in.
The PCCC email is signed by Cynthia Curtis, a member from Wellesley.
"As Elizabeth Warren takes a principled stand against cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits, we can't afford to have our other senator be lukewarm, undecided, or uncertain," Curtis wrote. "We need someone who we are 100% confident will fight right alongside her. Barney Frank is that person."
Frank, a Newton Democrat who retired this month, has been openly campaigning for the temporary appointment. But Patrick has the ultimate decision and has expressed some frustration with the relentless focus on who he will choose. His top political advisor, Doug Rubin, has spoken out against Frank's appointment, saying there are better choices available.Noah Bierman can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text: Please join us this Wednesday as we unveil a new crop of zines for October and host two very special music performances at the Main Library. Kevin Lee Newberry will be playing his retirement show, and Robert Lester Folsom will play a rare solo set. Both are legends in Northeast Florida's music scene; you don't want to miss this! We will be in the old Shelby's Cafe on the Laura Street side of the building. Show starts at 6:00pm sharp!


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Pratt County Commissioner Glenna Borho has questioned policies presently being used to regulate, or not regulate, employee use of vacation and sick leave. Accumulation of hours of both, according to Borho, does not seem to be fair to Pratt County.
One of the major flaws in the present policies being used, allows employees to be paid for accumulated hours at their most recent rate of pay even though hours were earned years ago when employees were making a far smaller hourly wage.
Borho said she thought employees should be paid only at the rate of pay during which the hours of vacation and sick leave were earned. Additionally, during the discussion, Commissioner Joe Reynolds said he thought employees should be required to take vacation and sick leave annually, or lose it, similar to what happens in the business community.
Because of the absence of Commissioner Charles Rinke, it was decided to discuss the issue at length in the future. Additionally. Borho stated, she thought the county commissioners should tighten the procedures for budget hearings and have a more direct input into the process. According to Borho, the process being used does not allow the commissioners to have enough control over the mill levy and any reductions, which might be possible through a tighter process.
In other matters, commissioners:
• signed an annual lease with John Swindler for property surrounding the Pratt County Landfill in the amount of $1,728.
• discussed a new program with Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce Director Jan Scarbrough and Carol Meyer, with the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC). The program provides matching funds to eligible Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) applicants that are starting or purchasing an existing business in an eligible ROZ county. An article relating to the program will be forthcoming from KDOC in the near future.
In other business, the commissioners:
• were informed by Pratt County Veterans' Memorial Lake Supervisor Nick Birdsong, security cameras are installed at that location. Pratt County Road and Bridge Supervisor Randy Phillippi agreed to get telephone numbers for rock quarries in the area, so Birdsong can repair piers at he lake.
• signed Juvenile Justice Authority "Conditions of Grant" for Pratt County Probation and Parole.
• were informed road and bridge crews were working on Cairo Road and accumulating asphalt to be used on various road projects in the county.
• were informed by Sheriff Vernon Chinn, that he had met with HHM Architects, Kansas City, to discuss rehabilitation at the Pratt Law Enforcement Center. Additionally, Chinn had the group look at what was going to be needed to secure the courthouse, to meet state requirements. Pratt County can opt out of doing anything for up to four years, according to Chinn.
• approved a $200 donation for the annual 75ers' Dinner.
• were informed by Great Plains Development, the loan for High Plains Veterinary Services has been paid in full.


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A Santa Clara County Superior Court judge has sided with the Los Altos School District in its latest legal run-in with Bullis Charter School, but the fight over facilities appears to be far from over.
In a lawsuit filed Sept. 12, the high-performing charter school asked Judge Patricia M. Lucas to compel the district to accept its higher enrollment projections and allocate facilities accordingly, as well as provide exclusive daily use of one-half of the City Gym at Egan Junior High.
The action also sought furnishings and equipment for seventh- and eighth-grade students at Bullis that are "reasonably equivalent" to those enjoyed by their peers at district schools.
Lucas instead ruled in the district's favor.
According to the judge's eight-page decision dated Nov. 19, Bullis incorrectly argued that the district must defer to the charter school when there is disagreement over enrollment projections.
"While the regulations do not specifically address what happens when the district and the school district disagree, if, as Petitioner claims, the district has no discretion at all to favor its own projections over those of the school, there would be little point in allowing the district to express them," Lucas wrote.
Lucas also disagreed with the charter school's position that the district could not revoke access to the City Gym. Although gym access was initially included in its 2012-13 facilities offer, the district said it had to account for the physical education needs of more than 500 Egan students.
"There is no support for a holding that a district is utterly without discretion to accomplish the statutory goal of balancing the needs of charter and non-charter schools," Lucas wrote.
As for turning down the charter school's request for reasonably equivalent furnishings and equipment, Lucas pointed to evidence presented by the district that it had made "relevant inquiries" as long ago as April.
District officials welcomed the turn of events Tuesday.
"The District is heartened by this ruling because it has always endeavored to take the best interests of all its public school students into account, and this ruling affirms it has the right to do so and made the right choices," Superintendent Jeffrey Baier said in a statement.
"This ruling affirms that LASD is permitted to exercise reasonable discretion, and to balance the needs of all students when considering facilities issues. Having this discretion from the court should provide some clarity for all parties, and allow LASD to focus more of our time and energies on doing what is best for children."
However, a lawyer for the charter school, Arturo Gonzalez, said the judge got it wrong and that an appeal would be filed.
"The ruling is disappointing. There are a number of issues we raised that were not addressed in the order," Gonzalez told The Daily News. "We look forward to presenting them to the (California) Court of Appeal. We have a strong record there and I'm sure we'll prevail just like we did last time."
One of those issues is the amount of space the district provided Bullis in the most recent facilities offer. Gonzalez argued that it is "far less" than the 8.37 acres an appellate court said the charter school was entitled to in 2009-10, when its K-6 enrollment was 327 students.
The 2012-13 facilities offer places Bullis' 439 K-6 students at Egan Junior High and 27 seventh- and eighth-grade students at Blach Intermediate School.
"In fairness, we did receive a substantial amount of acreage at Blach for our middle school students, but the vast majority of that acreage is shrubs," said Gonzalez, adding that the space is all but unusable. "We have more shrubs per student than any other public school in the country."
Lucas also sided with the district in a separate case related to Bullis' demand for $1.3 million in attorney's fees incurred in the prior litigation. On Nov. 9, the judge ruled that the charter school had no "substantial justification" for refusing to turn over a portion of its donor data to the district and slapped it with a sanction of $51,085.
"It seemed unjust to us that Bullis could ask the public to pay $1.3 million in attorney's fees for a lawsuit that sought to grab more resources away from the District's 4,500 public school pupils for the benefit of lawyers," district board President Mark Goines said in a statement.
"The order granting the District access to that information and sanctioning Bullis injects some common sense into attorney's fee issues. Bullis does claim to be a public school, so it should not be hiding behind a veil of secrecy."
Gonzalez said Bullis would also appeal that decision.
"In my opinion, it's an egregious order. The information that the court has ordered us to produce is constitutionally protected and completely irrelevant to the issues before the court," Gonzalez said.
"It's clearly information the district is seeking for harassment, intimidation and PR purposes."
Email Jason Green at jgreen@ dailynewsgroup.com; follow him at twitter.com/jgreendailynews.


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Tomatillo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Notes:Use cooked chicken to get this on the table in under 30 minutes. The consistency of the salsa can be moist, but if too watery, set in a strainer to drain before using. The salsa should not be made ahead. When flipping the quesadillas, stick a spatula under the bottom and place your hand on top to gently flip the quesadilla in one piece.
About the Author: Yvonne Ruperti is a food writer, recipe developer, former bakery owner, and author of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Easy Artisan Bread. You can also watch her culinary stylings on the America's Test Kitchen television show. She presently lives in Singapore working on her new baking cookbook, and as a recipe developer for HungryGoWhere Singapore. Check out her blog: shophousecook.com . Follow Yvonne on Twitter.
Every recipe we publish is tested, tasted, and Serious Eats-approved by our staff. Never miss a recipe again by following @SeriousRecipes on Twitter!
- Yield:serves 4
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Total time:30 minutes
- 2 cups homemade or store-bought low sodium chicken stock
- 1 bunch cilantro (1 cup leaves, stems reserved), rinsed, divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed of visible fat
- 10 ounces (about 5 or 6 small) fresh tomatillos, husks removed, washed, quartered
- 1 small red onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 jalapeno peppers, quartered
- 2 teaspoons juice from 1 large lime
- Kosher salt
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
If using chicken breasts, halve each breast on the bias so that pieces are of equal thickness. In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat chicken broth to simmer. Add cilantro stems to broth.
Add chicken to broth and gently cook until just cooked through (chicken should register 155 to 160°F on an instant-read thermometer), 8 to 10 minutes, reducing heat if necessary to maintain a bare simmer. Transfer chicken to plate and shred into small bite-sized pieces when cool enough to handle.
While chicken is cooking, pulse tomatillos, onion, jalapenos, lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cilantro leaves in food processor to form a medium chunky consistency. Do not puree. Season to taste with more salt as desired.
Heat large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in pan and sprinkle with 1/4 of cheese. Arrange 1/4 of the chicken pieces over cheese and spread 1/4 of the salsa over the chicken. Place a tortilla on top and gently press with spatula.
Cook until both sides are crisp, brown, and spotty, and cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes per side, adjusting heat so as not to burn tortillas. Continue with remaining ingredients to form 4 quesadillas total. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.
This Recipe Appears InChicken Dinners: Tomatillo Chicken Quesadillas
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Teias has been provided with the funds by the World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Clean Technology Fund.
Prospects for Turkey's wind energy industry are positive, with up to 1GW expected to come online in 2014. However, there have been concerns that its grid is not properly set up to deal with this explosion in wind energy capacity.
"The project aims to extend and strengthen the electricity transmission network, integrate the wind power investments to the transmission network and support the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity," the Turkish treasury said in a statement.
The loan is secured by the Turkish government.
Last year saw Turkey's largest wind farm, the 143MW Balikesir project, come online. The E.on-developed wind farm in the west of the country is made up of 52 GE 2.75MW turbines.
However, other barriers to greater wind development, beyond the readiness of the grid, still exist. The permitting process is particularly cumbersome and there is still little in the way of government financial support for projects, with most developers choosing to sell their power on the wholesale market.


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Camping and Caravan sites ideal for cycling and mountain biking in Snowdonia National Park
We have found 2 properties to book, based on your search for Camping and Caravan sites ideal for cycling and mountain biking in Snowdonia National Park, Wales.
Hot Tub Safari Luxury Glamping North Wales
Campsite in Llandyrnog, Denbighshire, Wales
This isn't Camping...this is Glamping, the new craze where you get the feel of the outdoors of camping, coupled with the home comforts that we all know and love. This is the perfec...
£ 180.00 - £ 220.00 per night
No. Pitches: 2Pet & Dog Friendly Pets Welcome
Bryn Gloch Caravan and Camping Park Snowdonia National Park
Campsite in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales
Bryn Gloch is a truly beautiful caravan, camping and holiday location at the foot of Snowdon in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. Set on the banks of the Gwyrf...
£ 20.00 - £ 42.00 per night
No. Pitches: 160Pet & Dog Friendly Pets Welcome
Wheelchair Friendly Accessible


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Comfort Camp "Fichtelsee" - and your holiday can start
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The Cambridges & Turkey
US Weekly's new cover features Cambridge baby news. Apparently they're working on it. Actively. And they hope to have something to announce by Christmas. Five weeks to go! Just like Love Actually! Word is Prince William and Catherine had to wait for their round of malaria medication -- taken for precaution during their South Pacific tour -- to run its course before trying. And now, again, if it wasn't clear enough before, they are TRYING. They are HAVING SEX. On the cover of several US magazines just in time for Thanksgiving.
In other Will and Kate news, they've updated their official website with the Princess's photography art. It's all nature shots. Very underwhelming. I mean, I know they would never but can you imagine how amazing it would be if we could get some royal candids? Not saying she needs to Demi Moore the situation and post pictures of herself in a bikini but, I dunno, at this point, after being bored by all this foliage, I'd even take a photo of their four feet buried in the sand.
Click here to see.


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Stop the World - I Want to Get Off
Musical by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.
Stop the World! - I want to get off, exclaims the clown Littlechap, who rushes through the circus of life in a mad dash for money, love and success. The classic story of the man who conquers the world but loses himself is told through song, dance, drama and artistry. A lot has happened since it first opened in London 1961, but the story of the little man with the enormous ego is still a current issue. This version by Rikard Bergqvist is a boundless, shameless, drastically and humourously entertaining production about our time, a show musical in a circus environment, intended to bring out tears and laughter from the audience.
Stop the World is one of the modern musical classics. It is an action packed, funny and tender story about the choices we make and the opportunities we get during our lifetime. It is about the responsibility we have for our own lives, and how it sometimes feels like your world is spinning out of control and you just want to get off. This is a new and modern version, updated and adapted to the realities of today.
Music: Leslie Bricusse
Lyrics: Anthony Newley
Musical Arrangement: Jan Radesjö
Direction and Adaptation: Rikard Bergqvist
Lars Hjertner
Eva, Anja, Nadia, Ginny
Sara Jangfeldt
Lena, m fl
Ingahlill Wagelin
Lisa, m fl
Lisette Nilsson
Kungen, programledare m fl
Jonas Åhnberg
Göthe Norehäll
Kapellmästare, keyboard
Rickard Åström
Saxofoner, dragspel mm
Dick Karlsson
Ulf Bandgren
Matz Nilsson
Per Ekblad
Med reservation för eventuella ändringar
Musikalisk bearbetning/Arrangemang
Jan Radesjö
Rikard Bergqvist
Kapellmästare /Arrangemag
Rickard Åström
Roger Lybeck
Ulf Evrén
Scenografi och kostym
Tomas Sjöstedt
Hans Tjernberg
Joakim Brink


text:
- Rigging
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- 100kg 30cm Black Safety Wire With Karabiner
100kg 30cm Black Safety Wire With Karabiner
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|A.C. Rigging
Request more information or contact us now for purchasing information.
Equipment available to buy from this site is for professional use only. Please note in certain countries some products listed may not be available from A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd.
E&OE. Information is subject to change without notice. The rights and ownership of all trademarks are recognised.


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Ed Vaizey rejects arts funding criticism
Culture minister Ed Vaizey has defended the coalition government's record on arts funding, following a series of scathing attacks from leading theatre industry figures.
In a letter to The Stage, Vaizey challenges claims of "alleged government indifference and a lack of public funding".
He said: "In the current debate about arts funding, I agree with much of what has been said. Yes, our regional theatres are very good value and, yes, they produce brilliant work.
"We are living in tough economic times. But despite that, over the life of this parliament, we'll be investing £2.9 billion in the arts. How? We secured a fair settlement for the arts in the comprehensive spending review and we also reformed the National Lottery, increasing the share to the arts back to what it was when the Lottery was set up."
He also defends the government against accusations by National Theatre artistic director Nicholas Hytner that it has done "next to nothing" to encourage philanthropy.
"My department and the Lottery have set up a £100 million fund that arts companies can apply to help develop endowments and increase their ability to raise funds," he adds.
"The Bristol Old Vic, for example, has received £240,000, as have the Liverpool Everyman and Sheffield Theatres, while the West Yorkshire Playhouse has received £231,000, Northern Stage £179,000 and Chichester and the Salisbury Playhouse £120,000 each."
Vaizey's letter follows renewed criticism by Hytner and Olympics opening ceremony director Danny Boyle at the London Evening Standard Awards last weekend.
For Vaizey's letter in full, see this week's print edition of The Stage.


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josiahm needed a new twitter background design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 44 designs submitted by 10 freelance designers.
I'm a hotel technology & web consultant, and use this Twitter account to share ideas, insights and cool things I find online.
Hotel, hospitality, travel, marketing, and technology people.
Mostly hip, new design hotels.
I'm not really sure the creative direction I want to take, which is why I'm posting here.
I do know what I want it to be simpler and more focused on hotels & travel than my current background. Maybe that means some hotel photos, maybe that means my photo, maybe that means including my email (email@example.com) and phone number (+1 415 671 6235).
Use your professional judgment - I'd like to see your ideas.
Some backgrounds I've seen and like are:


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What's better than free?
It might seem irrational, but one of the best ways that authors have found to gain popularity and profitability for their eBooks has been to, well, give them away. Authors have found that dropping the price of their books to $0, at least for a short time, leads to dramatically better sales when they do raise the price.
[Recommended Reading: How Free Books Build Your Brand as an Author and Authority]
Speaking on The Self Publishing Podcast, independent author David Wright found that this type of promotion works, especially with writers who work in genre fiction. "Free downloads drive sales," he said. "Especially with the serialized fiction model, where if our readers get our first episode for free, they want to read on, so they buy the next episode or the full season."
[Recommended Reading: How To Serialize with Lulu]
Dropping the price of your eBook can help raise your sales rank and visibility, while, at the same time, promoting other books you've written. Of course, the lost revenue can sting a bit, but who knows if readers would have taken the plunge on your book if you hadn't taken the cost-free promotional plunge?
But is a free promotion right for you? For serialized fiction, the answer is yes. Get readers hooked, and then get them to buy the rest of your series or your other titles. For experts and speakers, the answer is also yes. You want to spread your brand and name, and an eBook is even better than just giving out your card. Use your eBook mainly as a promotional tool — not a revenue stream.
Here's who this promotion might not work for: writers of long, literary fiction who depend on sales to make up for some of the painstaking work that went into their novel. It might also not work for historians, who also put in a tremendous amount of time and energy and whose specialized knowledge has a place in the marketplace and should be able to find a readership despite its cost.
Either way — it always helpful to experiment with different marketing tools. Dropping your price to zero might feel weird, but the eventual reward could be huge. If it doesn't work out anyway, it's just as easy to start charging more for your book, and go back to the drawing (or writing) board.
Have you tried this technique? What was your experience?
Meg Crawford writes for the Lulu Blog – Archived


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Dame Grease (Feat. E-Nasty) - Smoke With Me
Video for Dame Grease "Smoke With Me" featuring E-Nasty off of the Bloomberg Series mixtape available now.
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Am I Caught Up Yet?
Um...no. I shudder to think of all I've missed and am still missing, sigh. But I am at the moment back in Miami--well, just outside Miami--and having a great time at my BFF's house. Which is pretty cool. Yesterday we visited our old comic shop which was exciting; they've expanded! And we got a very warm welcome, which was awesome.
I should probably discuss RT but to be perfectly honest most of it is just a blur at this point and everyone else has been talking up their experiences anyway. I got to meet everyone--well, I'd already met Caitlin several times of course, but everyone else. That was seriously cool. And they're just how I expected them to be. Twitter followers are already aware of the hell that was the pirate dinner theater, and of the copious amounts of booze which found its way down our respective throats. I am still trying to get my voice back after straining to be heard over the noise everywhere, but it's cool. I think I actually sound kind of sexy.
Some highlights, well, everything pretty much was a highlight--except the serious lack of accessible internet at that hotel--but these things stand out:
Okay, technically this is not RT, but. The hubs and I took the girls to Disneyworld the day before RT. Disney anything is so not my thing, but I managed to amuse myself for the most part by smoking, wishing for booze, and giving dirty looks. But one thing did cheer me up. Outside the Pirates ride there's a booth where they carve rings. We got them for Princess (who has an unusual name so whenever we find something we can personalize for her, we do) and Faerie. But the rings are rather delicate, so not for me... Until I saw the chunky MAN rings. And had a thought.
Yes. I am now the owner and proud wearer of the world's most awesome, tacky badass ring: a big chunky silver one that says KANE. I know. You all want one too. There are many like it--or I'm sure there will be--but this one is mine. And yes, it fucking rocks.
Also visited the Small World ride for the first time ever, which was surprisingly not as bad as I thought, but that might be because I never had a bad trip to flashback on in there.
Then came RT, and the great stuff was...
Hanging out with Caitlin again. I can't believe I won't see her again until September. Also got to meet Richelle Mead, which was really cool, and Jackie Kessler, whose boys are marrying my girls. And of course got to hang with Kaz Mahoney a bit again, which was great.
Dakota Cassidy. She smolders, baby. And is awesome.
Mark Henry was, of course, just as funny and cool and everything as I thought he would be, and he and his wife are cute as buttons together.
Michelle Rowen, Miriam Kriss, and I almost peed ourselves laughing at the pirate dinner theater.
I got to meet my CP, finally!! Unfortunately Anna wasn't feeling very well, so I felt bad trying to drag her out to places or to hang with me at the bar. I did have a great time smack-talking her when I signed copies of Demon's Triad--like "The best parts of this book are mine," etc.--but she wasn't feeling up to reciprocating. Or perhaps she just knew there was no point, muahahaha.
Also got to hang out with Christine D'Abo and Carole Nelson Douglas, which was totally fun.
Mario Acevedo is so awesomely bloodthirsty. It totally turned me on.
Had a GREAT evening chatting with Patrice Michele and Jeri Smith-Ready, both of whom are just awesome, fascinating, great people.
Honestly, I met so many cool people I'm afraid to mention them all would just take forever. Michelle Bardsley. Jeanne Stein. LA Banks HUGGED ME. Sat next to EC author Stephanie Julian at the signing and had a great time chatting, in between talking to actual readers! People who bought my books! Some people brought their own copies for me to sign which was really amazing. Also had a great little chat with Tina Burns from Loose-Id and met Angela James from Samhain, in addition to getting a big old hug from Raelene Gorlinsky; all three of them were interviewed here on the blog in summer 07, if you recall, so it was especially neat. I felt like a mover and shaker, y'all.
And I have to go to Target now, and force myself not to get a big whipped-cream-covered Frappucino at the Target Starbucks. I am having some serious trouble keeping my diet with all the yummy food around. So far I'm being pretty good, but the temptation to go crazy with the peanut butter M&Ms and the Lay's potato chips and Chips Ahoy and Papa John's and Wendy's and everything else is pretty bad. Not to mention all the things I could bake, or the ice cream, or the restaurants... Sigh. I have to keep reminding myself of the new small clothes I bought.
But I am having a great time. :-)


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Used Car - 2002 Dodge Stratus Coupe in Belair, Md
Please Call For Price
About This 2002 Dodge Stratus Coupe
Vehicle Location:
Belair, Md
Call For Price
V6 Cylinder Engine
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Type:
Three Door
Fuel Economy Estimates
City MPG
Highway MPG
Combined MPG: 26
Estimated Monthly Fuel Cost: $85.58*
*Based on $1.78 per gallon and 15k miles per year.
Actual costs may vary.
Actual costs may vary.
Send This Vehicle To Your Smartphone
Seller's Description and Comments:
Located at D&D Motors in Belair, Md. Call D&D Motors today at 301-729-3700 for more information about this vehicle.
Vehicle Options:
- 5-speed Manual Transmission W/od *fleet Orders Req: 4-speed Auto Transmission*
- Front Wheel Drive
- 525 Amp Maintenance Free Battery W/run Down Protection
- 90 Amp Alternator
- Tow Hooks
- 4-wheel Touring Suspension
- P205/60hr16 All-season Performance Sbr Bsw Tires
- Compact Spare Tire
- 16" X 6.0" Steel Wheels W/wheel Covers
- Pwr Rack & Pinion Steering
- 16.3 Gallon Fuel Tank
- Front/rear Body-color Bumpers
- Body-color Body-side Moldings
- Halogen Headlights
- Black Pwr Mirrors
- Tinted Windows
- Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Body-color Door Handles
- Cloth Low-back Reclining Front Bucket Seats W/driver Height Adjuster
- Full Length Floor Console W/cup Holders
- Floor & Cargo Area Carpeting
- Front/rear Floor Mats
- Tilt Steering Column
- Instrument Panel-inc: Tachometer
- Speed Control
- Pwr Windows W/driver 1-touch Down Feature
- Speed Sensitive Pwr Door Locks
- Immobilizer System
- Rear Window Defroster
- Air Conditioning
- Electronic Am/fm Stereo Radio W/cassette-inc: (6) Speakers
- Locking Glove Box
- Auxiliary 12v Pwr Outlet
- Front Door Map Pockets
- Dual Visor Vanity Mirrors
- Interior Lights-inc: Dual Front Map/courtesy
- Rear Courtesy/reading
- Glove Box
- Trunk
- Lev Certified (2.4l Engine/5-speed Manual Trans)
- Lev Certified (2.4l Engine/4-speed Auto Trans)
- Lev Certified (3.0l Engine/4-speed Auto Trans)
- Driver & Front Passenger "next Generation" Airbag
- Front 3-point Height Adjustable Shoulder Belts
- Rear 3-point Seat Belts
- Dual Note Electric Horn
- Driver Air Bag
- Passenger Air Bag
- Front Side Air Bag
- A/c
- Am/fm Stereo
- Cassette
- 4-wheel Disc Brakes
- Cruise Control
- Rear Defrost
- Front Wheel Drive
- V6 Cylinder Engine
- Floor Mats
- Gasoline Fuel
- Power Door Locks
- Power Mirror(s)
- Cloth Seats
- Bucket Seats
- Power Steering
- Adjustable Steering Wheel
- Tires - Front All-season
- Tires - Rear All-season
- Temporary Spare Tire
- 5-speed M/t
- Power Windows
- Intermittent Wipers
- M/t
- Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers
- Power Outlet
- Engine Immobilizer
- Driver Vanity Mirror
- Passenger Vanity Mirror
- Front Reading Lamps
- Rear Reading Lamps
- Tow Hooks
- Wheel Covers
- Steel Wheels
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2002 Dodge Stratus ReviewThis car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale.
Value with style.
Swaggering, sleek and muscular, the Dodge Stratus recalls a bygone era of big coupes, hulking, family-size coupes, that absolutely demanded your attention. Dodge's own Charger comes to mind. Arrogant and powerful, they were the toys and status symbols of the young and successful, some 30 years ago.
Stratus brings that excitement back, in a modern, efficient, and aerodynamic package, still with a family-size back seat, and all for starting price under $18,000.
Stratus was all-new last year (2001), when it replaced the similarly themed Dodge Avenger. Compared to the Avenger, however, the Stratus Coupe features a stiffer platform and larger engines, including a 200-horsepower V6. Changes to Stratus for 2002 are minimal, consisting mostly of upgrades to sound systems and other optional equipment.
Two trim levels are available for the Stratus Coupe, SE and R/T.
Stratus SE ($17,920) comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and the choice between a five-speed manual and (for $825) a four-speed automatic transmission. Air conditioning plus power windows, mirrors and door locks are all standard on the SE.
Stratus R/T ($20,940) comes with a 3.0-liter single-cam V6, which delivers 200 horsepower. The V6 also mates either to the standard five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox (again, $825). For $165 more, automatic R/T buyers can choose the AutoStick feature, which allows either automatic operation or no-clutch manual shifting.
Dodge makes the V6 available as an option for the Stratus SE, either as a stand-alone option ($850) or included in one of two Quick Order packages. One of these, Option 24A ($1,710), adds the V6, four-wheel-disc brakes and automatic transmission; that adds up to a very nice V6-powered coupe for less than $20,000.
The V6-powered R/T adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium sound system with cassette deck, CD player, and seven Infinity speakers. Optional anti-lock brakes (ABS) cost $565 with a manual transmission, or $740 with an automatic, as in the latter case they come packaged with traction control.
Safety systems in Stratus begin with the rigid structure that wraps around the passenger compartment. Add to that dual-stage front airbags, three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions and four-wheel disc brakes with optional (on R/T only) ABS and traction control.
Dodge also makes a Stratus Sedan, but offers it in different trim levels, with different engine and equipment options. (See separate nctd.com report.) Stratus Coupe and Stratus Sedan ride on different chassis. The Stratus Coupe is more closely related to the new Chrysler Sebring Coupe and Mitsubishi Eclipse; all three share engines, chassis and suspension designs, and are built at a joint-venture assembly plant between Bloomington and Normal, Illinois.
The slick shape of the Stratus Coupe demonstrates the benefits of wind-tunnel testing, as its arched structure slices through the air with a clean sweep from nose to tail. Its taut skin stretches across its long, broad form as smoothly as flowing water. Flat side panels seem to come from the NASCAR school of design, along with muscular shoulders suggesting strength and action.
The graceful profile and dramatic windshield rake reflect Dodge's flagship sedan, the Intrepid. Yet its stubby prow and body-colored, cross-hair grille reveal a relationship with the racy Dodge Viper. At the rear, shapely pillars slide down into rolled flanks, and a neat tail spoiler curves over bold corner lamps and the thick mass of a monochrome bumper.
Generous passenger space comes from the Coupe's architectural design, which extends the windshield forward, abbreviates space for the engine, and increases the length and width of the cabin.
High-back bucket seats come standard, although they are trimmed in different fabrics for the SE and R/T. For an additional $1,045, the R/T can be ordered with cushy and comfortable leather; the package also includes six-way power and a HomeLink garage door system nicely integrated into the visors. The visors themselves are wider than the sharply raked windshield and are articulated on the end to allow them to bend around the A-pillar, which is not the ideal solution.
The tachometer and other instruments are tucked into deep binnacles beneath a bowed cowl designed to shield them from sunlight. Sculptured pods on either side of the center console create separate cockpit spaces for the driver and front passenger. From the driver's seat, you can easily reach the shift lever, or the window and lock switches mounted on the door. The handbrake lever is on the spindly side.
Above the console is a central stack of audio and climate controls. The ventilation system uses basic rotary dials with plastic vents that feel a bit flimsy. Stereo controls are small, with sliders for bass and treble that can be difficult to operate on a bumpy highway. A display at the top of the dash provides compass heading and outside temperature readings, useful information when out and about.
The Stratus provides excellent outward visibility for the driver with broad, tall expanses of glass, and relatively narrow windshield pillars.
Unlike some sport coupes, Stratus has a room in the back seat for adult riders. The rear bench seats three, and the seat back is split 60/40 for access to the trunk. We crawled into the rear seat and found that our long legs fit neatly, even comfortably, behind the driver's seat. The front seat slides forward far enough to permit quick entry or reasonably graceful extraction. Few coupes provide as much rear seat leg space, although Toyota's Solara beats the Stratus by more than an inch.
Trunk space is the best in its class, exceeding most Japanese coupes by three cubic feet and the Ford Mustang by more than five cubic feet. We easily parked two medium-sized recycling bins in the trunk of our test car.
Driving Impression
With its confident road manners, Stratus creates a feeling of hardware working in harmony. Its ride quality is smooth, yet firm enough to feel nimble in curves. The car is quick to respond to steering inputs, deftly changing lanes.
The R/T suspension is tuned stiffer still, and rides on wider tires. The SE has 16-inch wheels with P205/60HR16 tires; R/T uses 17-inch wheels with P215/50HR17 rubber. The larger tires feel more aggressive when turning, and ultimately improve the coupe's agility.
Still, the basic suspension layout is same for both models, and includes MacPherson struts up front with lower A-arms. Shock tower bracing increases chassis rigidity. In back, upper A-arms combine with lower lateral and semi-trailing links and coil springs. Anti-roll bars, which reduce body lean in corners, are standard. Straight-line stability and highway ride are particularly good, although we think the old Avenger might have felt a little more confident when charging hard through a turn. The tires offer good grip, but generate a hissing sound at highway speeds.
Stratus SE is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and sequential multi-point fuel injection. Output reaches 147 horsepower with a manual transmission, and 142 with an automatic. That's good enough to beat the base engine in the Toyota Solara, and comes close to matching the power of Honda's Accord. The four-cylinder engine feels energetic through all the gears, but it also works pretty hard. To maximize the power you must run the revs high, and it gets a bit noisy in the upper-rpm range.
On the other hand, the 3.0-liter single-cam V6 (standard in R/T, and part of a $1710 package in SE) delivers brisk acceleration. It develops 200 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 205 foot-pounds of torque at just 4500 rpm. That's as much or more power than other V6 competitors. Nail the throttle and the R/T goes, whether starting from the gate or overtaking a slower car. When cruising, the V6 produces a sporty exhaust note pleasing to enthusiasts. Overall, the character of the Stratus R/T lies somewhere between that of a pony car (Camaro, Mustang) and a more refined Japanese coupe.
The standard five-speed manual is a short-throw stick that moves effortlessly fore and aft, with smooth clutch engagement and easy up-shifts. The optional four-speed automatic contains an adaptive controller tied to a computer that quickly learns a driver's habits and manipulates shift patterns to suit their driving style. Take it easy, and the transmission shifts gently at relatively low engine speed. Stomp it and it stays in gear longer for better acceleration. Tackle a long downhill descent and it drops down a gear to add engine braking. With the AutoStick, you can slide the automatic shift lever into manual mode for shift-it-yourself entertainment without having to pump a clutch pedal.
The R/T and 3.0-liter SE both come with four-wheel disc brakes that bring them to a quick stop. Slam on the brakes and optional ABS steps in to prevent wheel lockup, helping you maintain steering control in an emergency braking maneuver. The four-cylinder SE coupe comes with rear drum brakes, and ABS is not an option. Traction control, available on R/T automatics, is useful to reduce front wheel spin when accelerating on wet pavement.
Dodge Stratus Coupe disguises a spacious passenger compartment behind a sleek facade. It offers style, practicality, and value. The sporty Stratus R/T adds V6 performance yet still holds the bottom line to a reasonable number.
Model Lineup
Assembled In
Normal, Illinois.
Options As Tested
ABS ($565); power sunroof ($695).
Model Tested
Stratus R/T ($20,940).Sport-coupe styling with four-door practicality.
Sleek as a coupe, but roomy like a sedan, the mid-size, four-door Stratus sedan was totally redesigned and re-engineered last year for better ride, handling, and performance. Its improved road manners now boost Stratus squarely into the same league as the most popular imports, including the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.
But for sheer style, the Stratus struts more individual personality than any 10 Pacific Rim products put together.
For 2002, Dodge has reinforced the individualistic image of the Stratus with a sporty R/T sedan, powered by a 200-horsepower V6 and riding on a lowered suspension and 17-inch Vertex alloy wheels.
The basic Stratus SE sedan ($17,400) is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, generating 150 horsepower. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission available. SE is modestly equipped with air conditioning, power brakes and power steering, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM cassette stereo with four speakers, and power windows and locks.
Stratus SE Plus ($18,845) adds amenities such as cruise control, power mirrors, power seats, a CD player and 16-inch aluminum wheels.
Stratus ES ($20,660) moves up to a 2.7-liter dual-cam V6 rated 200 horsepower, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm-feel power steering, sport suspension, lower-profile tires, a premium sound system, and other niceties.
The V6 may be added to the Stratus SE or SE Plus for $850.
Several safety systems are listed as options for all three models, including ABS ($565) and side-impact airbags ($390).
The new Stratus sedan R/T ($21,400) mates the 2.7-liter V6 with a five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is optional, with or without Dodge's slick AutoStick manual override. ABS comes standard on the R/T, along with a performance-tuned suspension and P215/50HR17 Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The combination of V6 power and a real stick shift is growing increasingly rare in this class; kudos to Dodge for not forgetting the enthusiast driver.
Dodge also builds a Stratus coupe, in SE and R/T trim. But while it shares a family resemblance with the sedan, the coupe is a very different car mechanically. (See full review of the Stratus coupe at NewCarTestDrive.com.).
Dodge has applied the taut dimensions and fluid lines of a slick two-door coupe to the surprisingly space-efficient Stratus sedan.
The Stratus sedan shares many of the design cues of the Stratus coupe, even though the two cars are built on entirely different platforms. The Dodge Stratus sedan is built on a Chrysler platform, while the Stratus coupe is rides on a Mitsubishi platform.
The windshield of the Stratus sedan describes a graceful arch that extends over its sensuously shaped doors. It merges thin rear roof pillars into an abbreviated tail. That arching profile echoes design cues from other Dodge sedans, while the stubby prow and body-colored, cross-hair grille suggests the Viper. Rounded front corners carry multi-lens headlamps set above round fog-light openings.
Shapely rear pillars slide down into the sedan's flanks to form shoulders around the high tail. A rear spoiler lip arches over large corner lamps and the thick mass of a monochrome bumper.
The architectural design of the four-door Stratus carves out generous space for riders by extending the windshield forward, increasing the length and width of the cabin, and abbreviating space for the engine. A highly rigid structure encases the passenger compartment, contributing to safety. Stratus enjoys a double-five-star safety rating from the Federal government.
In spite of its sporty appearance, the Dodge Stratus offers a roomy interior. High-back bucket seats come upholstered in cloth or optional leather. The rear bench seats three, with folding seatbacks split 60/40 for access to the trunk.
Round analog instruments, tucked beneath an arched cowl and rimmed with black bezels, employ bold black-on-white graphics. Although the dashboard is flat and linear, there's a wrap-around feel to the cockpit.
From the driver's seat you can easily reach window and lock switches mounted on the door, or the center console housing the transmission shift lever and a padded armrest. Above the console, stacked controls for audio and climate systems include large rotary dials in a simple scheme.
Thanks to the broad and tall expanses of window glass and relatively narrow windshield pillars, the Stratus provides excellent outward visibility for the driver, enhancing safety.
Passive safety measures include three-point seatbelts for all five seat positions and dual-stage frontal airbags. Side-impact airbags are available as a $390 option.
Driving Impression
The Dodge Stratus sedan is easy to control with precise handling and a firm, smooth ride. With rack-and-pinion power steering, it turns in crisply and feels nimble on winding roads.
The V6 engine delivers spirited acceleration performance. It responds quickly for merging onto crowded freeway. Punch it at highway speeds, and it quickly overtakes slower cars for safe passing. With its aluminum block, dual overhead cams and multi-valve technology, the 2.7-liter V6 delivers 200 horsepower but still earns respectable fuel economy (EPA-rated for 20/28 mpg city/hwy). And it runs on regular-grade gasoline.
The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is quiet and efficient. Gear ratios have been calibrated to produce quick acceleration performance and responsive shifting in stop-and-go commuting.
Stratus SE with its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine musters less power than the V6, but feels energetic through all the gears. It's a noisy engine, however, and to maximize the power you'll need to rev it up.
Instinctively, the four-cylinder engine may sound like a bargain, but the primary difference is in the initial purchase price, which only differs by about $850. Fuel economy numbers differ by only 1 mile per gallon. Therefore, we recommend the V6 option.
This car feels very stable and is not easily upset by bumps, like dropping the right wheels off the pavement on an irregular shoulder. This and its smooth ride quality are benefits of its fully independent suspension with a double wishbones in front and a multi-link setup in the rear. Anti-roll bars come standard (front only on SE, front and rear on ES and R/T) to reduce body lean in corners. In addition to its stiffer springs, the ES has 16-inch rather than 15-inch wheels. The larger tires feel more stable when turning, and ultimately improve the car's agility.
Four-wheel-disc brakes with optional ABS provide sure stopping power.
Dodge Stratus comes as an attractive sedan with sleek styling that makes this four-door look more like a coupe. The sporty design is backed up by competent road manners and crisp acceleration performance from the available V6 engine.
This sportiness comes with practicality. Inside, the Stratus sedan is spacious and comfortable. Best of all, it's reasonably priced.
Model Lineup
SE ($17,400); SE Plus ($18,845); ES ($20,660); R/T ($21,400).
Assembled In
Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Options As Tested
side-impact airbags ($390); leather seating and trim ($600); ABS Plus ($565).
Model Tested
Stratus ES ($20,660).
15520 McMullen Hwy SW
Belair, Md. 21502
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Some people choose to take out over 50s life cover, to cover the cost of their funeral. Over 50s cover provides a fixed amount lump sum on your death. However, you may pay far more in monthly premiums over your lifetime (up to the age of 90 in most cases) than the lump sum paid out on your death. The lump sum that is paid out may also not cover the full cost of the funeral when the time comes. If you miss a number of monthly payments, your over 50s cover could stop and you (or your family) may not get anything back.
Some people choose to put money into a savings account to cover their funeral costs. However this too could end up costing more money in the long run. Recent reports from both SunLife and Royal London showed funeral costs had increased from 2016 to 2017 between 3% and 4.7%*. This is higher than the current rate of inflation and far more than traditional savings accounts have been paying in interest for the past 10 years.
With a Co-op funeral plan, all the services within your chosen plan are fully guaranteed. So you're buying the funeral at today's prices, no matter how far in the future the funeral will take place. We even cover the full cost of third party fees on all of our plans, which no other national funeral plan provider in the UK does**. This includes officiant's and crematorium fees. Your family will also know exactly what you want for your funeral, saving them the anguish of having to make decisions at such a difficult time. Over 50s life cover or savings accounts aren't able to offer this.
If you want the certainty that the funeral costs will be covered, if they're included in your Co-op Funeral Plan, they will be guaranteed to be covered.
|Benefits of funeral plan vs other ways of paying for your funeral
|Co-op Funeral Plan
|Over 50s Cover
|Savings Account
|Can I pay monthly?
|Does it protect against funeral cost inflation?
|Does it guarantee to pay for all the items you want including in your funeral?
|Does it help the person arranging the funeral with deciding what kind of funeral you want?
|If I cancel or close the policy/account, will I get my money back?
|✔ (less an cancelation charge. See T&Cs)
* Information correct as at 6 October 2017. The Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2017, released on 13 September 2017 stated that 'the cost of a basic funeral has risen for the 14th year in a row and now stands at £4,078, an increase of 4.7% in just one year and a huge rise of 112% since we started tracking funeral pricing in 2004'. The Royal London's National Funeral Cost Index for 2017 stated that '2017 sees a return to funeral cost increases… the cost increase of 3%, means that the average funeral in 2017 now costs £3,784 compared to £3,675 in 2016'.
**Our Set Burial Plans do not include the cost of the grave or lair, as in some parts of the country this can be as much as £5,000.


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Gobble, Gobble … Blam!
It's that magical time of year when glorious fall colors glow with iridescence in sparkling sunlight, when crisp air carries the first wisps of smoke from wood stoves and fireplaces, when flocks of migrating geese whistle and honk through the night – and when the hills are alive with the blast of shotguns.
Those of us who prefer to hit the trail armed only with trekking poles and digital cameras should now add one apparel item to their outdoor wardrobe – a vest emblazoned with international orange, the universal message to guys in Elmer Fudd hats: "Please don't shoot me."
I've used this forum previously to take aim at hunting in general – going against my better judgment by antagonizing guys with weapons – and realize my opinion carries about as much weight with the Field & Stream crowd as a BB gun does against a charging rhinoceros.
I've also taken pains to avoid tarring all hunters with the same brush, since my experience has been that for every Rambo trophy hunter there's at least one thoughtful, conservation-minded woodsman simply trying to put food on the table. I've hiked, kayaked and enjoyed various other outdoor activities with a few hunters, and for the most part we've agreed to disagree about the merits, or lack thereof, of their pastime.
However, one aspect of hunting (besides the obvious downside of slaughtering a living, breathing creature) has always stuck in my craw: the government's role as accomplice in a blood sport.
Last week the hunting season for wild turkey opened in Connecticut, which would not be possible if the state hadn't launched a stocking program in the 1970s that has swelled the estimated population to 35,000-38,000 birds.
I enjoy wild turkeys – even the tom behind my house that periodically wakes me at 5 a.m. with his mating gobble – and ordinarily I would applaud efforts to re-introduce a wild species that had been all but wiped out in the post-Colonial era. But the main purpose of the stocking program has been to provide hunters with game.
I'd almost rather have no wild turkeys than flocks propagated for fodder.
And while the birds can be wily and elusive, most of the ones I've seen waddle contentedly in plain view while foraging for food, are targets every bit as easy as the proverbial fish in a barrel.
Speaking of piscine programs, I might as well alienate another genre of outdoor enthusiasts and carp about a related pet peeve: fish stocking.
Also last week the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection released 100 salmon and trout into the Shetucket River at Sprague River Park in Baltic – a small fraction of the tens of thousands of fish raised in hatcheries and set loose elsewhere every year, only to be snagged later by fishermen's hooks.
Again, I'd feel a lot better about government programs to expand fish populations if I didn't suspect the primary goal was to satisfy fishing interests rather than to enhance biodiversity.
As long as I'm getting government-sanctioned animal "harvesting" off my chest, one more gripe: Why should the state establish such a Byzantine code that regulates everything from the caliber of bullets to the use of decoys in an apparent effort to make hunting more "sporting?"
If you're going to allow – more accurately, encourage – people to kill animals, why try to "legitimize" the practice by making the game more difficult, as if forcing hunters to tramp through the woods and hide in the bushes somehow levels the playing field. Why not force them to hunt blindfolded, or with nothing but a jackknife?
Better yet, how about permitting only mano-a-paw hunting?
Oh well, like the wild turkey I've indulged in a flight of fancy.
Watch your backs, hikers. Remember, sometimes its quiet out there – too quiet.
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EDISON — Twenty-three new camp programs have been added to Camp Middlesex for the summer of 2011. The camp, located on the Middlesex County College campus in Edison, is for kids 6 to 18 years old. It runs from June 27-Aug. 19.
An open house, at which prospective campers and their parents can meet staff, learn about all the programs and register, will be Sunday, March 6 from 1-4 p.m. in the Technical Services Center. A raffle will be held for a $100 gift certificate toward camp.
Camp Middlesex is actually many special interest camps. Campers can pick their activity from a list of dozens, including theater, robotics, chess, magic, karate, sports, video game creation, art, cooking, fashion, computers, and much more. Each session runs for one week, mornings or afternoons, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. Most kids pick two camps for a full-day experience. There is also a pre-camp option starting at 7:30 a.m. and an after-camp program that goes until 6 p.m.
The cost varies by program but most are $175 per half-day camp.
"Parents love the variety of programs," said Elaine Berlin, the Camp Middlesex coordinator. "They tell me 'Who else offers theater, painting, sports, science and cooking, all in one place.' This is a great option for working parents who want their children to be doing something fun and fulfilling. It's affordable, and all our instructors are certified classroom teachers who care about each child. We have a full-time nurse should the need arise. Plus, the classrooms are air-conditioned and the campus is beautiful. It's a wonderful experience."
New programs include digital photography, making movies, how to be a deejay, the science behind special effects, baking cupcakes, and many, many more.
For a brochure that details all the camps, or for more information, call 1-732-906-2556 or visit www.middlesexcc.edu.
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A Purdue University-led sequencing of the Selaginella moellendorffii (spikemoss) genome - the first for a non-seed vascular plant - is expected to give scientists a better understanding of how plants of all kinds evolved over the past 500 million years and could open new doors for the identification of new pharmaceuticals.
Jody Banks, a professor of botany and plant pathology, led a team of about 100 scientists from 11 countries to sequence the genome of Selaginella, a lycophyte. Lycophytes, which are the oldest living vascular plants, shed spores to reproduce and have a single vascular vein through their leaves, as opposed to more complex vascular plants.
"There are only three families and about 1,000 species of lycophytes remaining. Selaginella has been on Earth about 200 million years," said Banks, whose findings were published Thursday (May 5) in the journal Science. "This plant is a survivor. It has a really long history and it hasn't really changed much over time. When you burn coal, you're burning the Carboniferous relatives of these plants."
Banks said the Selaginella genome, with about 22,300 genes, is relatively small. Scientists also discovered that Selaginella is the only known plant not to have experienced a polyploidy event, in which it creates one or more extra sets of chromosomes.
Selaginella also is missing genes known in other plants to control flowering, phase changes from juvenile plants to adults and other functions.
"It does these in a totally unknown way," Banks said.
Banks said Selaginella's genome would help scientists understand how its genes give the plant some of its unique characteristics. The genome also will help them understand how Selaginella and other plants are evolutionarily connected.
In comparing this genome sequence with others, researchers were able to identify genes that are present only in vascular plants and genes present only in flowering plants. These genes likely played important roles in the early evolution of vascular and flowering plants, respectively. Many of these genes have unknown functions, but it is likely that those genes that are present only in flowering plants may function in the development of fruits and seeds, which are important to agriculture.
"For many plant genes, we have no idea what their function is," Banks said. "Knowing this gives us ideas. It's an important piece of the puzzle in understanding how plants evolved."
Banks also noted that Selaginella and Arabidopsis thaliana, a plant widely used in research, use significantly different genes to control creation of secondary metabolites, molecules that are responsible for creating scents, seed dispersal functions, defense and other tasks. Those secondary metabolites also are used to create pharmaceuticals.
"These metabolic genes evolved independently in Selaginella and flowering plants, so the metabolites they make are likely to be very different," Banks said. "This means Selaginella could be a huge resource for new pharmaceuticals."
Banks said the genome sequence would now be mined for more information as scientists learn more about plant evolution and applications for Selaginella's genes.
The National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and several international organizations funded the research. The Joint Genome Institute of the U.S. Department of Energy sequenced the genome.