text:
Content Count748
Last visited
About Lucille Oka
Advanced Member
Profile Information
Pottery, historical ceramics, throwing a variety of clays, testing and using commercial glazes
Recent Profile Visitors
elaine clapper reacted to a post in a topic: temp for opening kiln?
Lisa Montoya Catlin reacted to a post in a topic: First time on a wheel...
CaroleLagace reacted to a post in a topic: Wheel Height
GEP reacted to a post in a topic: High School Ceramic Teacher
JoshEdgarStudios reacted to a post in a topic: How long does it take plaster to dry that was poured for a wedging table?
Sheryl Leigh reacted to a post in a topic: Ceramic Bakeware
laughlin reacted to a post in a topic: Amaco Ancient Jasper Question
Lucille Oka reacted to a post in a topic: Introduction And Garage Studio
Lucille Oka reacted to a post in a topic: Qotw: Do You Like Innies Or Outies?
Lucille Oka reacted to a post in a topic: Simple Rack System For Shows- Standard Rack
Lucille Oka reacted to a post in a topic: You Break It You Buy It Rule?
Lucille Oka reacted to a post in a topic: Qotw: Is There No Qotw This Week?
Lucille Oka reacted to a post in a topic: Chip Card Readers. How Do You Like Yours So Far?
Lucille Oka reacted to a post in a topic: Karen Karnes, 1925-2016
ShellS reacted to a post in a topic: NASA...Mars and the photos
Lonna reacted to a post in a topic: What does it take to make vessels like these?
Marcia Selsor reacted to a post in a topic: What would you be doing if you were not making pots? | Q.O.W. 12/18/12
wax on kiln shelves
Lucille Oka replied to minspargal's topic in Clay and Glaze ChemistryBe sure to vent well.
Discolouration of fired white clay products
Lucille Oka replied to Emcarm's topic in Clay and Glaze ChemistryI used to make ceramic earrings years ago. At first I didn't glaze the backs but I didn't like the look of one side being unglazed so, I started putting one very thin coating of glaze on the backs as well. The stilts that I used did not get embedded into the ceramic pieces and having glaze on two sides makes the earrings easier to clean.
Fast bisque using controller
Lucille Oka replied to clayshapes's topic in Studio Operations and Making WorkI have recently purchased a kiln with the same Bartlett model V6-CF controller. You can use the 'Vary Fire Mode' (on the left side of the panel) to write your own program for the bisque as well as the glaze firings. It is just one of the many features of the Bartlett V6-CF.
Does your wheel face the wall?
Lucille Oka replied to Kristin_Gail's topic in Studio Operations and Making WorkNo, my wheel faces a doorway and there is a doorway behind me and a table to my right and a window beyond that for northern light but it is facing west. Shouldn't this post be in the weekly question for CAD? Have your wheel where it feels most comfortable for you. There are no set equipment placements and the layout is for your comfort.
No, not location, but education. Next time say,"No I have my own studio." Then give a business card.
glazing at different temps
Lucille Oka replied to druttaro's topic in Clay and Glaze ChemistryWhy must you do this, are these the only glazes available to you?
Don't save the bad ones--I sure don't want to be represented solely by my mistakes. Study your mistakes, learn from your mistakes, and then smash them. No!! Wait! I purchased a book solely about 'wasters' and they can be wonderful and museums dedicate entire study halls to them. If you do not think the 'ugly' work is good now it will be a thousand years from now. Many of the ancient wares are wasters. There are excavations going on in many areas of the world trying to uncover wasters. Just knowing that the work I am doing now will possibly be around for someone to see thousands of years from now is thrilling. Discovering wasters will be a real treat for the anthropologists and archaeologists they will not care if the pots are 'ugly' or not they will be happy just to find it just like they are today. At least get a second or third opinion from family and friends before you get rid of anything.
I agree save some for your self and save some for future archaeologists. Bury some of the pots some where they will love you for it. You can always make pavers by embedding big chunks of fired ware into concrete (there are molds you can buy). Sorry if there are errors in this post I am doing this from my phone.
Lucille Oka replied to anniec9's topic in Studio Operations and Making WorkThe most important thing is to limit the amount of dust that you will create. You have to determine the best texture for your carving. Try carving at different 'water content textures' and see what feels best to you. Get a spray bottle just incase you may need to add a little water.
glaze after 1200 fire
Lucille Oka replied to dianadvash's topic in Clay and Glaze Chemistry1200 what centigrade or Fahrenheit?
Designation--"Master Potter"
Lucille Oka replied to Nelly's topic in Educational Approaches and ResourcesNelly, not just an 'A' an 'easy A'
Success - what is it?
Lucille Oka replied to Chris Campbell's topic in Business, Marketing, and AccountingSuccess for me is envisioning a project, sketching, planning, making the project and it comes out exactly as envisioned.
Clay storage
Lucille Oka replied to Natania's topic in Studio Operations and Making WorkWhat I usually do after opening a bag of clay, fresh or not, I take what I need out of the bag then give the inside of the clay bag a misty spray of water from a spray bottle. The water hits the clay surface and the interior of the bag, I fold the bag and turn it to allow the remaining clay to hold down the opening.
Can you read this picture?
Lucille Oka replied to Lucille Oka's topic in Aesthetic Approaches and PhilosophyI think the painting is an ad like "shop Bloomingdales' it's like no other store in the world!" or 'find it at Macy's!' When I try drinking from the vessel holding it like the persons in the painting the only one that is holding the cup believably is the young girl. To imitate the others drinking tea makes maneuvering the cups with tea in it difficult. I think this artist was a painter like Toulouse-Lautrec he painted ads for businesses. I have no proof of this but he was obviously 'talking' to someone and saying, 'Look at what we have!' Also there are three persons and 4 cups of tea, maybe the tea cup of the painter?
New Kiln suggestions?
Lucille Oka replied to CPT's topic in Studio Operations and Making WorkThe Kiln has no model number but the name 'Olympic Doll/Test Kiln'. On the Big Ceramic Store link it just says 'DOLL' There are two controllers available and you have to decide which one you want and be sure to specify it when you order. Also something they don't tell you in the manual, I had to call Olympic to find out what it was, there is a fuse compartment on the side of the controller the fuse may burn out and need replacing. The fuses are readily available from Radio Shack, Amazon,etc. They are inexpensive. The little kiln is cooling down now from a firing this am. I started it at 5:40am it completed at 12:37pm. It was a C05-1911 degrees F programmed with a 23 degrees offset, this was a slow glaze fire (SGL) total firing time was 6 hours 53min. Total firing time reads on the display at the completion. The temperature now at 4:27pm is 550 degrees F. If you keep a log you can really get to know the little kiln well.


text:
My recent excursion into the welfare system has left me scratching my head. Prior to writing and researching this project, my only impression of food stamps and similar welfare programs was that the credit only worked for certain items at certain stores and that an individual had to be in a particularly dire financial situation to receive such aid. I was wrong.
An EBT card works and looks like a debit card, but instead of the user withdrawing money from a checking account, the government prepays an amount of money it deems necessary for the user's food expenditures. Several of my classmates recently implemented the use of an EBT card for their groceries, and their involvement in the program immediately piqued my interest. To be honest, my first thought was: "I wonder if I qualify for free grocery money." My immediate second thought was: "How do they qualify for free grocery money?" These students come from similar financial backgrounds to mine, live in similar accomodations, and take the same amount of college credit hours that I do. Thus, my investigation began with a food stamp application, an interview request, and a trip to a place no one really wants to visit: the Department of Human Services.
I was informed by a very kind woman from the DHS that I would have to complete an interview to be considered for the program. The next morning, I was surprised to see the long line of people that trailed outside. When I reached the front of the line, I was informed that all of the interview spots were filled for the morning and that I'd have to call back later and complete my interview over the phone, which I did later that day. To be considered, I needed to submit my last four paychecks, one rent receipt, one utility bill from the previous month, and verification that I was a student worker on campus.
I received a notice in the mail that the Department of Human Services had not received my employment verification and therefore could not review my case until I produced another pay receipt (which I could not produce, due to the fact that I'd only worked three weeks at my new job). I had essentially given up at this point. I didn't need an EBT card; my investigation was merely an exercise in civic welfare accountability and efficiency.
Approximately one month after I had received the first letter, another letter found its way to my mailbox from the Department of Human Services. I opened it up to find an EBT card with my name on it, instructions on how to activate and use the card, and the amount I could access on it per month — 200 dollars. Nothing followed-up my interview, other than the evidently pointless letter I received during the previous month. No one ever asked for a copy of my birth certificate or Social Security card, nor for my student identification card. I answered all of their questions truthfully, but how were they to know that I was who I said I was? Is it really this simple to obtain welfare benefits here in the United States?
It's not hard to qualify for the program as a student and some universities even publicize food stamps to their students. For example, in Oregon, if you fall into any of the following categories, you automatically qualify for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) program: full-time student who works at least 20 hours per week, full-time single student who is caring for children younger than the age of 12, full-time married student who is caring for children younger than the age of 6, or at least a half-time student who is actively working any hours in a work-study program (institutional or federal) can receive a certain amount of money per month from the government. While some of these requirements are certainly understandable, the last one leaves the door open for massive amounts of unnecessary welfare spending and fraud.
Welfare in America was intended to provide a temporary means of survival for those at rock bottom. However, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people using food stamps over the past 40 years, and it would be hard to argue that they are all that destitute. Over that same time period, an estimated $753 million per year has been spent fraudulently by welfare recipients. Moreover, the government's own accounting has cost taxpayers billions of dollars per year as food stamp programs routinely overpay their recipients; last year, that figure alone totaled $2.5 billion.
That being said, the students I know who use food stamps are hard-working, productive individuals whose parents won't compensate them for the costs of college. Mine generally don't either, so I get that. By using the program, students are able to save hundreds of dollars on food so they can pay for school instead of taking out an extra loan. I'm not discrediting that logic; I totally sympathize.
But when government starts to act as the hand that feeds its people and makes personal decisions for them, citizens lose their identities and freedoms. Not only is the innovative, hardworking, passionate American lost because the government promotes the idea that individuals can't do it themselves, but the individuals come to expect the handouts and riot when they are revoked.
Given my own personal experience, it is clear that food stamps are too easy to obtain, student or not. I realize that the food stamp program is different in all states, and some are more thorough with background checks than others, but much greater reform is needed. It concerns me that 15% of the population, or 46 million people, rely on others' tax dollars to pay for their food. That doesn't sound like freedom to me.
Yes, I apparently qualify for and possess an EBT card in the state of Tennessee, but I will not activate it. Participating in a government welfare program simply because I can would amount to an endorsement of the growing entitlement society in America. We should always advocate smaller government. The decision to use food stamps for my food supply would directly contradict that principle, and our government's purpose as it was described in the Federalist Papers and U.S. Constitution would be further distorted.
Sydney Phillips | Lee University | @sydphillips

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Record Road Trip
Thursday is a day or rest for the Phillies. Wednesday's big come-from-behind win ended a stretch of 20 games in 20 days, 16-4 (outscored the enemy, 101-62). It also ended the trip at 9-1. Since the All-Star Game break, 19-6. When you're that hot, you may not want a day off.
The trip through Denver, SF and LA ranks as the best one ever. Oh, there was a 7-0 trip in 1968 and a pair of 9-2 trips (1969 and 1984), nothing better. Want a bad trip? Well, there was 1-13 in 1939 and how about this one, 2-17 in 1928, a seven-city nightmare. Had to a lot of laughs.
Worley got hit hard but the offense rallied. It was the 10th consecutive game the Phillies have won that Worley has started.
So, back home Friday night to take on the Nationals. Phillies are 6-3 against Washington, losing the first game in April, winning six in a row and then dropping the last two.
Twelve of the next 15 games are at home, the three road games being in DC next weekend. Then, another string of 20 consecutive games, August 26-September 14. September features 10 home games, 17 in enemy territory.
Alumni Weekend
Thursday was a sold out luncheon for Seniors, Friday John Kruk's Wall of Fame induction ceremony (7:05 p.m. start), Saturday, Alumni Night with 40 Alumni from eight decades introduced on the field (6:30 p.m.) and Sunday, unveiling of the Harry Kalas statue (1:10 p.m.). Plus, some Alumni surprises on Sunday . . . A pair of Phillies Alumni will be in the Washington dugout, manager Davey Johnson and coach Pat Corrales.
Chase will break Tony Taylor's club record (1,003) for most games at second base on Friday night, if he's in the lineup . . . TT is in town for Alumni weekend and will present Chase with the base on Saturday, assuming he breaks the record on Friday . . . Lakewood coach Greg Legg will receive the John Vukovich Award pre-game on Saturday. Vince Vukovich and his baby son, John Christopher II, will make the presentation.
Down On The Farm
Lehigh Valley lost, 5-4, at Norfolk. 3B Carlos Rivero, 1st AAA home run, 2 RBI . . . Reading bowed to Bowie for the second straight game, this time, 6-4, in 10 innings . . . Clearwater won a pair of at Tampa; 4-0 behind RHS Trevor May (9-6), 0 runs, 2 hits, 7 innings, 9 strikeouts and 6-5, scoring 3 in the top of the 9th . . . Lakewood lost, 8-2, at Greensboro . . . Williamsport edged Staten Island, 5-4. LF Aaron Altherr stole 3 bases (16-17-18); CF Pete Lavin, triple, home run, 2 RBI; LHR James Birmingham, in his first game following promotion from Gulf Coast League, picked up the win with 2 scoreless innings . . . Gulf Coast League continued its rain-out streak, 3 straight days.


text:
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have united some of music's biggest stars – including Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood – for a benefit concert to assist victims of the floods that recently ravaged Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
On Monday, Tim and Faith announced they would be hosting and performing at the benefit concert, Nashville Rising: Benefit Concert for Flood Recovery on June 22, at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.
"The damage that we've seen to people's homes and the effect that the flooding has had on their lives is unimaginable. But we've seen the spirit of our community first hand, as volunteers, church groups and our local business leaders rally to help," said Tim and Faith in a statement to Access Hollywood. "We all need to continue to support those in need in anyway that we can, and for that reason we could not be more appreciative to all of the artists, the companies and the people behind the scenes, who collectively, will make June 22 a truly special night."
In addition to Tim and Faith, the star-studded line up includes Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Michael W. Smith, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Amy Grant, Lynyrd Skynyrd and additional performers and special guests to be announced soon.
Tickets, which will range from will range from $25 to $75, go on sale on May 14.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hot Shots Of Country Cutie Carrie Underwood!
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Celebs Who Give Back
PLAY IT NOW: Music Video: Miley Cyrus - 'Can't Be Tamed'
PLAY IT NOW: Taylor Swift On Making Time's 100 Most Influential: This Is 'Mind-blowing'
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Music - Country Music - Miley Cyrus - Faith Hill - LeAnn Rimes


text:
Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Americas' started by devo2002, Jul 15, 2012.
Bullwinkle Jr.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bj8NsEu2SkE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Yes, I forgot to mention that Russians can do the best Borat impression
Good to see some pics and see that you are apparently in reasonable spirits!
I usually rise early because I get up around 5:30 for my job. But with this new tent I savored the few extra hours. After Rich ate the above breakfast he emerged from his tent, with the usual grumbling from Anton. About 4 hours later Anton said he woke up with an ominous feeling, wish I knew that as we shall see
After the usual morning banter, and a few showers for the smelly, we were off to get breakfast at the local grocery. Apparently everyone got their coffee here and only one k-cup at a time:huh
Taking a page out of my fellow rider's playbook I settled for a hunk of bread and some chicken spread in a can, which made me wish I had gotten the tuna salad in a can instead. Ignoring the picnic tables as the sun was bright and we were fully geared up, we chose the sidewalk, were Rich looked like a true bum.
Anton was asking customers for change jokingly, nobody but us were laughing. Despite the early breakfast he was now on to coffee cakes and iced tea.
After a quick run to the outfitter we were off. the goal was to try a different path today as we feared it would be boring slab south and around the Appalachian Mountain Club, or as Canuman likes to say, the Amalgamated Money Corp. We stopped in the local AMC office and they confirmed, absolutely no bikes, but showed us a route that appeared to be a good alternative, and the woman promised it to be the most scenic in Maine. Why not right? The route was Lily Pond Road > Greenville Road > Golden Road into Millinocket. Another local confirmed the portion of the Golden road was indeed open.
Off we were. I stopped everyone here to say I wanted to go see what was down Burnt Jacket Road, with a name like that why not? I was expecting a wonderful view of Moosehead Lake.
Well the first part appeared to be plots for future McMansions, but now it was all old jeep trails. Off we went, dirt was dirt, and the exploring was fun.
With Anton in the lead, me in the middle, and Rich behind, it was turning into a lovely day. Rain was in the forecast for the evening.
As I write this my heart is pounding, it fears having to recall yet again, but here goes...
Going no more than 5-10mph max, in the same formation I came to a 5-10 feet ascent, off camber and with plenty of ruts....well my wheels couldn't make up their mind which one to be in. In an instant I was down, but not before twisting and landing on my right leg. Crunch, Crunch, the bike is laying on top of me. I'm screaming for help as I can't move my body out from under. Rich comes up behind and drops his bike as he gets off to help me. I crawl away in relief but it soon turns to horror. My lower leg is flopping to the right, and when I try to straighten it I hear crackling. From what I can gather my toe went into the rut and the bike and momentum swung my heel aounrd
I instantly knew the journey was going to end here, I felt awful to also end it for my partners on only Tuesday.
They made me as comfortable as possible while supporting my head. It was decided Rich would double back to the logging operation and ask for help, Anton stayed behind.
I was terribly nervous now that Rich would rush and injury himself, thankfully he didn't. It took the police 30 minutes to show up. It felt like forever and I was just concentrating on my breathing but it was getting difficult. I was already playing out the next 3 months in my head, we all know how overwhelming that can be. I kept telling myself help is on the way and thank god for medical insurance.
After a minute he unhooks his knife and kneels down with it pointing in my face, then diverts to my stomach to remove a poisonous caterpillar
Another 30 minutes, god it seemed like forever, an ambulance shows up on this gnarly "road". We were about a mile in. It even managed to do a 180, these guys are prepared for the outdoors up here.
Besides my buds there is now two vehicles and 4-5 guys. One was wearing a Laconia bike week sweatshirt and looked like a Harley guy, I knew in his mind he was thinking "you dumbshit"
They sedate me and strap me in. Now they carry me 100 feet to the ambulance, I'm super nervous they are going to slip but they are pros. After a very uncomfortable mile ride we are back on maintained gravel and soon afterwards slab it to the hospital.
Anyone in an urban area knows that with just a broken bone you are at the back of the line and will wait hours in the ER. Not here, Greenville Medical Center took me right away, one doctor and 3 nurses were waiting just outside the ambulance. I can't tell you how wonderful these ladies and gentlemen were to me. After marveling at my "snow boots" and praising my protection, it was time for the clothes to come off I don't want to imagine what would have happened to my ankle if I wasn't wearing these, do they make twist proof boots
I had the boots which I dreaded to remove, but were actually easy and boy were they gentle. Next were the dakar pants and I can only describe it as merciless pain like I have never felt before, but I wasn't going to be out $150
My cheapie thermals got the scissor.
Two Xrays later and my fear was confirmed. Well not really my fear, I knew it was broken, I was just hoping I was going to walk again. Broken Fibula and Tibia. Putting the intermediate caste on was the most painful thing I've experienced to date, the doctor had to pull my leg so it would stay in the correct place while the nurses wrapped me. I was cursing that guy.
Now it was decision time. The regional hospital, Eastern Medical over in Bangor, had the doctors and tools to fix me up. They would have done it there in Greenville but they didn't have a long enough titanium rod. :eek1
My option was a 1.5 hour ambulance ride to Bangor with unknown doctors, or a grueling 10 hour car ride back to NYC where I'd have to find one.
Now I'm not putting down anyone outside NYC, but it's a fact the best medical care is there, about 45 minutes from my apartment. After calling my parents for help we decided Bangor it would be, time and 10 hours of car would just make it worse, besides the fact the car was hours away by slab.
Without me asking, Rich and Anton knew what they had to do. The bike was graciously held in the police lockup, but they would have to ride all the way back to Sutton, and come back with a trailer. I'll let them tell that saga, all I can say is I am infinitely grateful for the help from guys I had just met 4 days ago.
After hard painkillers until 4am, we set off for Bangor. Another great group. I don't really remember much after that except waking up and being shown this x-ray
Somehow they inserted a rod through the entire length of my bone and held it in place with three screws at either end. The piece of bone that broke at the bottom actually dislodged like a triangular piece of a puzzle, they held it in place and slipped the rod through. :huh
Shortly after my dad flew in to be there for me. Rich showed up the following day with bike in tow and once released bought us lunch at his in-law's seafood restaurant. They did not have fried clams...
After a grueling plane ride and NYC traffic I was home, where I have been since last Tuesday, with another week to go before returning to work. Doc said 6 weeks no walking at all, crutches for me. I'm hoping with a good diet and diligent PT, my youngish body will fully recover quickly.
I must be crazy because I have no intention of quitting dirt riding, and unless I get too much shit from GF and family, my next yearly trip will be dirt yet again. It does make me wonder though if I'd be better served doing nearly anything else, mostly for the fright I give my mother and especially girlfriend, who now takes care of me every evening whens she gets home from work.
It used to do it, but I will never again go into the woods alone, it would have been days before someone found me. No cell reception, and in some cases you can't reach your spot tracker.
Some details unknown to Devin...
The wait for the ambulance was made longer because I got sidetracked looking for help. The first guy I saw had a fried clam sweatshirt on so I asked him where he got it. A quart of clams later I remembered, "Oh shit! Gotta rescue Devin!"
The guy with the knife was about to do him in untill I mentioned Devin has a Harley back home.:eek1
Anton was anxious waiting for me down at the bottom of the hill. He called me on my cell and started asking me if we were in trouble with the law for where we were riding. I keep my phone volume up high and the Chief of Police standing right next to me could easily hear Anton on my phone!
When the game warden got done "interviewing" me, he asked where Anton was. I told him he went to the hospital to see about Devin. His response:
"Tell him NOT TO LEAVE TOWN until I speak with him!"
Yowsers! Are we not quite legal up here?
There was no mention of any violation by either LEO. In fact, after loading Devin's bike into the CO's truck, they each gave me a business card and told me to feel free to call them if we needed any further assistance!
You know Devs, you've made me ask a couple of questions here. I ride in the boonies more often alone than not. The fact I was outside of reasonable rescue with a few niggling issues happening to the bike on the UPAT made me ditch the lower section until a better time.
I think solo riding is possible and rational -- otherwise many times I'd get no dirt. However, riding with Anton the other day proved something to me. You can ride a lot further and a lot harder with a good support team. There was only one minor incident on my ride with Anton. Part of the route took us over old slippery logs that were once bridge abutments. I lost traction on a steep one coming out of a stream crossing. I suspect I'd eventually have figured it out. Anton was off his bike in seconds, heaving the rear up and over the obstacle.
You picked an excellent crew for your ride. Anton is an intelligent maniac who will ride anywhere, and the ClamMan is a really good planner and a good friend. Anyone who will run Moose Alley in the dark to help a friend has my sincere respect.
I hope to see you next year, healed and happy. None of us ever go out thinking we'll get hurt. It's nice to know that when you do, all the stops get pulled to bring you home.
Over 3 weeks in and my leg muscle is shrinking by the day even with all the exercises every hour. 3 more weeks before it is on to the cane.
8gv was kind enough to drop the bike of on Tuesday and we went out for dinner. I think the real reason he brought it down now was his wife was getting upset her car had to sit in the driveway while he was winterizing mine and leaving it in the garage. Either way, thanks again Rich. Is it too early to plan a ride for next year
So where we going next year!?
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
I don't know but wherever we go I'm not eating any more of that corn cooked on the fire. It took me twenty candy bars and some devil dogs to get my stomach right!
Of course, it could have been the rusty steaks...:eek1
The TET starting in Duncannon PA? There are many nice campgrounds and lots of legal cowboy camping. No moose but plenty of snakes and deer...and BBQ.
For next trip I will buy 20 bags of freeze dried fried calamari! All for you! Just one a day! My TET files missing PA part. But I would like to ride it there! Just received new sadle bags and really like those new bags!!!!
Are you sending them back tomorrow or the next day?
Keeping those hot bags.
I hope this doesn't make Devon's leg ache!
Are you still here! Move on!!!!!!!!!!!
Devo moved west and forgot all about us
Vent thru again! Good memories!!!! I like you like a friend!


text:
Knife Clever Cutter Price Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi
Chat now on Whatsapp: +92310-4080037
Product Available
Knife clever cutter price price in Pakistan, daska
(0321-2223646) clickbuy.pk is the bringing the deal of the Clever Cutter 6-in-1 Knife and Board Multi-Functionals Scissors - Foods, Vegetables Chopper with the Built-In the Cutting Board in such low and the affordable price which you'll not get in the Pakistan. So, what are you waiting for this? Come on and the get this deal only at the clickbuy.pk!
Clickbuy.pk offered Cleve Read more »


text:
The J-1 Visa or Exchange Visitor Program was first implemented in 1961 as part of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. The idea behind this act was to promote the understanding of other cultures by the people of the United States and likewise the understanding of the America culture by people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges.
The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant, cultural exchange visa issued through the Exchange Visitor Program.
The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved sponsor program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training.
Individuals who qualify for J-1 status if sponsored through an accredited Exchange Visitor Program include:


text:
Hiring a contractor can be an efficient, reliable way to get a job done quickly and to a high standard, but if you choose the wrong person, it can also be a costly mistake. With so many different contractors available to carry out pretty much any piece of work you can imagine, it can be rather daunting to know where to begin. Here are four simple tips that can help you hire the right contractor, the first time.
Never underestimate personal recommendations. Few things are more reliable in life than recommendations from people that you know. If you are thinking about having some work done, talk to your friends, colleagues and family members about any similar work that they have had done, and get the details of contractors that they recommend. You will also be able to see first-hand the results of the contractor's work.
Conduct thorough telephone interviews. Before you meet a potential contractor, you should always attempt to have a telephone conversation first. You can find out a lot about an individual over the phone, and this way, you may avoid an unnecessary visit to your home. This Old House recommends that you ask contractors to provide financial references, a list of previous clients and how many other projects they are currently working on. If you are not happy with what you hear, you should not consider taking things further.
Find out more. Once you have spoken to several contractors, make a short list of three people that you may want to take on the job. Arrange to meet them face to face to discuss things further, and make sure that you feel at ease and confident with the person. Always follow up on references, too. Speak to previous clients, follow up bank references and check with your local Better Business Bureau to ensure that he has a clean history.
Compare bids. Price is, of course, very important when it comes to hiring a contractor, so ensure that you get bids or quotes from at least two of them. Typically, he should not be charging a profit margin of more than 15 to 20 percent, unless the work is particularly skilled. Ensure that the bid contains all the details you need. Is he trying to cover something up? Be wary of very low bids. This could indicate that he is cutting corners. Check the proposed payment terms, too. If he wants too much up front, then it could indicate that he has financial problems and or may not be reliable.


text:
UPDATE: Word broke the other day that Paul Greengrass was considering an opportunity to direct a film based on the hijacking by Somali pirates of the Alabama Maersk. Now Deadline says the director's been assured that there's room in his calendar for him to do "Maersk" and still shoot his MLK assassination film, "Memphis," so it's expected a deal is imminent.
Paul Greengrass used to crank out top-notch action films at a pretty steady clip before taking some time to clear his head of Jason Bourne. When he returned after three years, the result was the disappointing "Green Zone." More than a year later, he may have finally found his next project.
Greengrass is considering signing on for "Maersk Alabama," reported Vulture. The film is an adaptation of "A Captain's Duty," by Capt. Richard Phillips, which recounts his kidnapping at the hands of Somali pirates who had attacked his ship two years ago. The whole ordeal lasted five days, ending with Phillips' daring rescue by the Navy SEALS.
U.S. & World
"A Captain's Duty" is being adapted by screenwriter Billy Ray, the same guy who's doing "The Hunger Games." Sony, which has the film rights, wants to get started filming as Tom Hanks is available, after he's finished shooting Tom Tyvwer and the Wachovskis' adaptation of "Cloud Atlas" in Germany this summer.
This material is right in Greengrass wheelhouse, the kind of action-adventure that he film that he practically reinvented while directing the previous two "Bourne" films. As much as we disliked "Green Zone," we're pretty sure he can bounce back from it.


text:
Not that there's a lot of us or anything, but here's a fine little place for us to get started.
Location: Sioux Falls
Members: 30
Latest Activity: Jun 27, 2013
Started by Josh Nankivel. Last reply by Josh Jun 27, 2013. 1 Reply 0 Likes
SD Conference of Reason April 19-20 in Chamberlain, SD
Hope to see you there!
Just providing an updated link to the Black Hills group. Dont let the silence of this Atheist Nexus page scare you, both the Sioux Falls and the Rapid City groups are very active and here to stay.
We have events in Sioux Falls and Brookings all the time! Check out http://SLFT.org
Hello people. We need more atheists in Brookings. I feel all alone here. All of my friends in this town are christian, and as a musician/audio engineer before I really decided I was definitely an atheist, I ended up doing sound as a favor to a friend at his church. Now I'm stuck there, and I'm too nice to leave him hanging. The only part that really bothers me though is the disconnect in the brains of these people. They will be given serious evidence to challenge their beliefs, and will outright agree that said evidence exists, but like completely ignore the implications of that evidence. The worship leader didn't know that the ending to Mark was not originally in the bible, for example. I showed it to him (in his very own bible, even) and he was shocked to see it. Did this shake his crazy beliefs any? Not one bit. UGH. it's so damn frustrating! I need some support. D=
Scott and Justalysn, check out this group for the west side of South Dakota: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SoDakAA/
Well, I'm from a large city, so yes, I'm experiencing some culture shock. Nothing I can't adjust to, though. :-)
Why is everything on the other side of the state.
I'm in BFE...I mean Springfield. LOL Sioux Falls isn't that far.
Hi! *waves* Transplant from FlorWeirda, hoping to meet other sane, rational people! ;-)
© 2020 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: The Nexus Group. Powered by


text:
|Pain relief - osteopathy
Osteopathy is based on the belief that most diseases are related to problems in the musculoskeletal system and that structure and function of the body are inseparable.
The musculoskeletal system is comprised of the muscles, bones, and soft-tissues like cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. All of these structures are interconnected and form the body's framework. Nerves originating in the spinal cord create an important network throughout the body and are highly connected to the musculoskeletal framework.
Doctors of osteopathy (D.O.s) receive the same basic training as medical doctors (M.D.s). D.O.s also learn manipulation therapies (hands-on adjustments of muscles, bones, and ligaments), using these in addition to more conventional medical treatments. Most D.O.s are primary care practitioners, specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, or pediatrics. A few can be found in other medical specialties as well. D.O.s have full practice rights in all 50 states.
Although osteopathic manipulations were originally intended and used to treat all forms of disease, now they are mainly considered useful for musculoskeletal conditions.
How does osteopathy work?
Long nerves connect the spine to various organs in the body. According to Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy, when problems arise in the spine the nerves send abnormal signals to the body's organs. Still called these spinal problems "osteopathic lesions" ("osteo" for bone and "pathic" for diseased), and devised osteopathic manipulation techniques (OMTs) to treat them. Such lesions are detected by the osteopathic doctor from abnormal texture of the skin and other soft tissues of the body as well as from restricted range of motion in the joints.
OMTs range from light pressure on the soft tissues to high-velocity thrusts on the joints. These treatments, he believed, would return the nerves to their normal function and allow the blood to flow freely throughout the circulatory system. Mr. Still theorized that with structure restored, the body's own natural healing powers are then able to restore the entire body to full health.
What happens during a visit to the osteopath?
A visit to a D.O. is much like a visit to your family doctor. The D.O. will ask you questions about your medical history, physical condition, and lifestyle. However, because D.O.s have particular expertise in musculoskeletal systems (namely, bones, joints, and soft tissues like ligaments and tendons), the physical exam of that bodily system will likely be more extensive.
During the physical, the D.O. will assess your posture, spine, and balance; check your joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments; and may use their hands to manipulate your back, legs, or arms. If needed, the D.O. will order x-rays and laboratory tests.
When the results are in, the D.O. will make a diagnosis and establish a treatment plan for you that may even include prescriptions for medications.
For problems involving the bones, muscles, tendons, tissues, or spine, many (but not all) D.O.s use OMTs. There are two categories of OMT procedures: direct and indirect. In direct OMT, "problem" or "tight" tissues are moved (by the D.O., the person being treated, or both) toward the areas of tightness or restricted movement. In indirect OMT, the D.O. pushes the "tight" tissues away from the area of restricted movement, in the opposite direction of the muscle's resistance. The D.O. holds the tissues in this position until the tight muscle relaxes.
What illnesses and conditions respond well to osteopathy?
OMTs may be effective for back and neck pain. In fact, if you have back pain, you may be able to reduce the amount of pain medication you are taking if you receive OMT as part of your therapy.
Who should not be treated with osteopathy?
You should avoid osteopathic manipulation if you have a broken bone or dislocation, bone cancer, a bone or joint infection, damaged ligaments, rheumatoid arthritis of the neck, or osteoporosis. Osteopathic manipulation is also not recommended for people who recently underwent joint surgery or for people taking an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication.
Are there risks associated with osteopathy?
Shortly after an OMT treatment you might feel an increase in pain, slight headache, or fatigue. These symptoms are temporary, and generally disappear within a day. More serious adverse events of stroke and spinal injury have been reported following manipulation of the neck; this complication is extremely rare.
How can I find a qualified practitioner?
To locate a licensed D.O. in your area that has been trained in one of the 19 medical schools and 200 teaching hospitals approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), visit the AOA's web site at www.osteopathic.org.
For additional information or referrals, visit the American Academy of Osteopathy web site at www.academyofosteopathy.org, or the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians web site at www.acofp.org.
Review Date:
Reviewed By: Andrew W. Piasecki, MD, Camden Bone and Joint, LLC, Orthopaedic Surgery/Sports Medicine, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.


text:
Welcome to Nepal1 Craft Center! We are the manufacturer, wholesaler, supplier and exporter of handmade Nepali products. We ship globally; PayPal, Credit Cards & Bank Transfer Accepted.
Please enter your phone number or email (for our manager to contact you)
Minimum quantity for "Dark Green Colored 100% Ribbed Cotton Loose Trouser" is 20.
CNTC_RC_122COTTON TROUSERSMADE IN NEPALMATERIAL : 100% RIBBED COTTONSIZE : S/M/L/XL/XXLWEIGHT : 300g
Enter your email and we'll send you a coupon with 10% off your next order.


text:
This is where I'll be spending the festive season with my family and friends this year - Airey's Inlet - on the stunning Great Ocean Road in Australia. I'll be away without internet access until January 7th. So to all my readers - have a great festive season, and happy holidays! Thanks again for visiting my blog and for your comments, it makes it all wothwhile.
Friday, 21 December 2007
Happy Holidays!!
This is where I'll be spending the festive season with my family and friends this year - Airey's Inlet - on the stunning Great Ocean Road in Australia. I'll be away without internet access until January 7th. So to all my readers - have a great festive season, and happy holidays! Thanks again for visiting my blog and for your comments, it makes it all wothwhile.
Posted by Suzy 10 comments
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Today I'm loving...
This stunning crystal light by Marchetti of Italy. It's like a piece of jewellery for your home!
Posted by Suzy 2 comments
Labels: Lighting
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
From my style files - London Chic
I've been holding onto these tear sheets of this chic London home for quite some time, so I thought I would finally share them with you all. The owner is a very stylish Valentino executive who also has houses in Paris and Rome. He has a seriously enviable art collection, and had the assistance of Jacques Grange decorating the place, which helps!
The above two images are of the drawing room. I love this colour combination, it's so sultry and also looks very comfortable. The fireplace surround is Indian mica, with a c. 1700 venetian mirror above. The two paintings above the aubergine velvet sofa are by Francic Bacon. I love the side tables, you can find similar ones from EJ Victor.
Posted by Suzy 10 comments
Labels: Decor, Jacques Grange, London, Valentino
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Thomas Maier does it again!
Posted by Suzy 12 comments
Labels: Bottega Veneta, Fashion
Friday, 14 December 2007
BODW, Day 3 - Zaha Hadid
Born in Baghdad in the 50's Hadid first studied mathematics in Beirut before moving to London to study architecture. Upon graduation Hadid went to work for, and later become partner of The Office for Metropolitan Architecture - a practice set up by Hadid's former teacher, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his former teacher, Greek architect Elia Zenghelis.
Hadid set up her own architectural practice in London in the 80's and very quickly gained a reputation through some of the innovative spaces she created for international competitions, that she later went on to win.
Hadid learned early on that she was not able to use normative processes to express her ideas. The sketches presented to us were different from the standard architectural drawings that are normally produced, like none other that I had seen before. Full of life and colour, they are symbolic of a mind that works differently from that of its peers.
The themes of 'fluidity', 'layers' and 'seamlessness' were often referred to when she spoke about her spaces, because they are what defines her work. 'Transparency' and 'volume' are just as central to her philosophy. Her experimentation with vacuum formed furniture and buildings has created shapes that are almost calligraphic and are some of the most organic, yet elegant structures ever built.
As technology and building techniques improve with time, we will perhaps begin to see more exciting things from the unique mind of Zaha Hadid.
Posted by Suzy 0 comments
Labels: Architects, Hong Kong, Zaha Hadid
Thursday, 13 December 2007
BODW, Day 2 - Tom Dixon
Dixon's passion for cars and motorbikes initially fuelled his dedication to teach himself how to weld, allowing him to fix and repair them by himself. At a time in the UK when the industrial era was ending, Dixon had access to an abundance of scrap metal. It was with this very crude material, and his basic knowledge of welding, that he first started to create furniture. He relished not having clients or school teachers giving him guidelines or restrictions, so his creations were borne of trial and error. His practice with this material and method churned out no less than 50 chair designs in his first year.
His first commercial ventures were with some of the large Italian manufacturers, Cappellini and the like. Their understanding of design being a value add in many industries gained Dixon's respect and lead to a long term working relationship. A relationship that allowed Dixon to grown from a one-man operation, to a studio now employing more than 15 designers.
Not long after this time, Dixon was employed by Habitat as their head of design. This was to be his first 'real' job. He went overnight from being an untrained and uneducated designer and producer to the creative head of the largest furniture producer in the world (Habitat, founded by Sir Terrance Conran in the 60's, is now owned by the IKEA group). Despite the shock to his system, he insists that Habitat was good grounding for him, an environment where he was able to work on diverse products in many categories, and enabled him to learn the peripheral business of design – sourcing, marketing, branding, packaging and retail.
Seven years later Dixon took the leap and went out on his own again starting his own label, in much the same way, he describes, as a fashion designer would. Rebelling again against what is the 'norm', Dixon decided rather than providing a design service to manufacturers (whereby he would receive only a small royalty); he decided if he could control the entire manufacturing process he would also be able to reap the financial benefits. One of the first designs he would produce under his own label was the mirror ball pendants (see photo below, from none other than the home of Gwenyth Paltrow). The idea behind this successful product was his rejection of design. His tenure at Habitat had left him almost sick of design, he explains, so these had to be pure, design-free. The sphere, being the purest form, along with a lack of design or decoration would enable the pendants to disappear. Thankfully, they don't. But the designer is also happy to admit that sometimes things don't work out the way you expect, and often what you think is a mistake can turn out to be a success.
The business of design is quite capital intensive, Dixon explains, – tooling and machinery can cost several hundreds of thousands of dollars – so again, he broke the mould and investigated unorthodox business models. He found off-the shelf plastic injection moulding machines, removed all the tooling and moulds, and ended up with what he described as a 'plastic spaghetti maker'. He used this to create custom one-off chairs that are now worth far more at auction that what he originally sold them for (see photo below).
Dixon admits that the generation of the 80's in London that he belonged to found it much easier to be rebellious. There was simply more to rebel against (i.e. the establishment), and the punk movement made that a lot easier. He feels that now almost anything is acceptable, so it's much more difficult for designers (or anyone, for that matter) to be rebellious. However he encourages young and upcoming designers to do just that. He is still rebelling, be it against stereotypical business models, or types of self-promotion. I think it gives us hope that we can expect to see new and exciting things from him, and other designers in the future.
Posted by Suzy 8 comments
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
BODW, Day 1 - Marc Newson
Training in jewellery design rather than industrial design has given Newson more of an artist's education than most of his contemporaries. Initially, working with his hands to realise his designs was born of necessity – it was the only way to get his designs into production. However, learning how to make the products he designed and the materials he wanted to use was an informative process for Newson and has influenced his career to this day, removing ties to any one particular material and lending a willingness to experiment with innovative techniques. In fact, Newson stressed repeatedly during the presentation the importance of young and upcoming designers learning how to make the items they are designing, and of understanding the materials they are working with (I agree with this ethos entirely), and spoke at length of the heavy influence of three things: technology, materials, and processes, on his work. To me, his fascination and respect for these factors are clearly evident in his body of work.
Physical production wasn't the only part of Newson's work born of necessity; he also explained that his desire and inspiration for most of his product design resulted from his lack of options. His design for a Japanese mobile phone for KDD (see above photo of Marc with said product), for example, sprang from him literally not being able to find a phone on the market that he wanted to buy, and his consequent frustration as a consumer at his lack of choice.
As for the future, Newson is already spending sixty percent of his time working on projects for the aviation industry (partly due to being appointed creative director at Qantas, the national Australian airline). His fascination for transportation design, particularly aeroplanes, he says has been mostly influenced by the need as an Australian to spend so much time traveling by air to get anywhere. (I can certainly identify with that!) With a few other trial projects and conceptual work for aeroplanes and other means of transportation (one being a passenger 'space plane'), his work in this industry shows no signs of abating.
And Newson certainly should know something about travel: he moved to Tokyo after completing university, remaining there for four years until moving on to Paris, where he set up Marc Newson Limited. The company is now based in London, his home for the last ten years. And, despite having lived outside of his native Sydney for two decades, Newson still has a touch of the Aussie twang to his accent, much to my delight!
I'm looking forward to seeing what Marc Newson's talents hold in store for us – even though the thought of space travel frightens the life out of me!
Posted by Suzy 4 comments
Labels: Designers, Hong Kong, Marc Newson
Monday, 10 December 2007
Business of Design Week 2007
This week is Business of Design Week in Hong Kong. BODW is Asia's premier annual international design event which is run by the Hong Kong Design Centre, along with many other sponsors.
"Bringing the best of the global design industry to Hong Kong, Business of Design Week (bodw) is Asia's leading international conference dedicated to design, brand and innovation.
Uniquely focused on the intricate relationship between business and design, bodw is an international platform for designers, experts and entrepreneurs to network and share ideas, and an essential introduction to design for students and the public."
I'll be attending some of the events - including attending forums by Marc Newson, Tom Dixon and Zaha Hadid - so stay tuned for more posts later this week!
Posted by Suzy 6 comments
Labels: Hong Kong
Sunday, 9 December 2007
Paint & Paper Library
Habitually Chic posted this week about the launch of the new book "Paint and Paper: In Decoration" by fellow aussie David Oliver, founder of the Paint and Paper Library. I've had these tear sheets of the London home he shares with his wife and business partner Sophie, for 4 years. I've been meaning to post them because their living room is still one of my favorites, so now I have a great excuse to share them with you.
In 1996, from their Chelsea apartment basement, David and Sophie developed a range of paint colours that they hoped would reflect the 20th century. They very quickly developed a following by local designers and in 1998 they introduced a range of wallpapers they had designed, along with designs by Emily Todhunter and Neisha Crosland. Needless to say, neither of them knew they were creating what would be a leading company in the international interior design scene.
These interior shots are of the victorian terrace house they renovated and restored over a two-year period, that they now share with their two children (Edward and Cosmo) in West London.
The 70's sofa in their living room was a hand me down from Sophie's parents. Regency style armchairs to the right are covered in fabric remnants David had found years before.
A little difficult to see in these pictures, but the wallpaper and rug motif are the same, "Liberation", which was designed by David.
Sitting on top of the side table by Ashley Hicks is a glass match-stick striker (similar ones available from Nina Campbell).
This living room is still one of my favorites. The combination of colours and furniture styles is so warm and inviting. It has a range of historical references as well as many personal touches that make this ultimately a wonderful family home.
Wallpaper panels are Neisha Crosland's "Willow". The Art Deco desk and 60's pewter desk-set add character to their study.
All images from Vogue Living (Australia) August/September 2003. More images can be found on the Paint & Paper Library website - here.
Posted by Suzy 7 comments
Labels: Decor, London, Wallcoverings
Thursday, 6 December 2007
What I wouldn't do...
...for $28,000 to buy this Parzinger Cabinet listed on 1st Dibs today...
Posted by Suzy 6 comments
Labels: Antiques, Tommi Parzinger
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
My Loveseat
Reading Stylecourt's guest posts about Ruthie Sommers and Carla Lane and their vintage furniture rescuing on Design Sponge today made me even more depressed that there are not many vintage goods stores here. When I was in Melbourne one of my favorite pass times was checking out second hand, vintage and antique goods stores for pieces to rescue. Most of them have since found other homes - mostly because I've moved so many times (twice internationally) - but also because my tastes change so fast. That's the beauty of buying cheap and cheerful though, you don't need to spend a fortune, so it doesn't need to be a lifetime investment. One particular piece I've rescued has become a companion, travel and otherwise. The antique Sheraton-style loveseat that is now at the foot of my bed was picked up from a vintage furniture store on High Street in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne. This was the condition it was in when we first saw it....
When I said I wanted it my husband first reaction was to call me crazy. Then, because he's learned to trust me on these things, he relented. And we bought it. It took a bit of deliberation to finally chose a fabric, but once we'd agreed and had the frame restored and the seating re-sprung we finally got it re-upholstered. Didn't she scrub up nice?
It might be a while before he lets me do that again, the cost of the fabric was more than the cost of the loveseat and the upholstery put togehter! Oh well, she'll always be with us, so I think it was a good investment. If anyone is interested, the fabric is from Zoffany - "Rossini" VEL01008.
As you can see these photos were taken two years ago now, just before we moved to Hong Kong, in the midst of renovating our little Victorian townhouse...for someone else to live in..*sigh*(hence the nasty looking floorboards and rubbish bags etc.)
Posted by Suzy 9 comments
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Goodbye, Mr Chippendale
I picked up a copy of "Goodbye, Mr Chippendale" by the mid-century designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings via Amazon recently and read it last weekend in a matter of hours. I had no idea how witty, if not a little sardonic, Mr Robsjohn-Gibbings was!
Despite the fact that he manages to slam Stanford White, Elsie de Wolfe, Dorothy Draper and Syrie Maugham in a matter of pages I found it an interesting read. Written at the time of post-war reconstruction in America - a very exciting time for designers I imagine - Mr Robsjohn-Gibbings takes a swipe at America's preoccupation with antique collecting, and advocates a new modern American style of furniture to compliment the lives of a new young nation. Probably not for everyone, but worth reading nonetheless.
I enjoyed the illustrations by Mary Petty (my picks are below) who also contributes to another of his books, "Homes of the Brave". It made me think though...how would our friend Mr Robsjohn-Gibbings feel about modern Americans favouring his vintage designs over newer more modern pieces – at a much higher cost? And how would he feel about his elegant and refined designs furnishing homes along with all the fussy decorations that he so vocally abhorred? Irony, perhaps. Food for thought, definitely.
Posted by Suzy 4 comments
Labels: Books, Furniture, Interior Designers, TH Robsjohn-Gibbings
Monday, 3 December 2007
Christmas wishes
Posted by Suzy 16 comments
Sunday, 2 December 2007
Hong Kong design series - Part 3
A couple of photos of their stunning showroom.
Posted by Suzy 0 comments
Labels: Hong Kong
Monday, 26 November 2007
Jacques Quinet
If I could go back in time to any place or any era, I would have to say that France (or Paris in particular) in the 30's & 40's would by my choice. They had such style, such grace, such elegance in that era, in a way that I don't think has ever been replicated by anyone, anywhere since. I've long admired the work of Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (more prolific in the decades previous) and Jean-Michel Frank who, despite sitting at polar opposites of the decoration scale, both worked with luxurious materials and who created such grand interiors and furniture that they are still inspiring designers today. I more recently discovered the work of another genius of that time, Andrè Arbus, who also had a talent for refining furniture designs to their absolute finest detail that they still look modern, yet classic at the same time, today. Since then, I've made another discovery....Jacques Quinet. Quinet worked in this era also, but was also producing furniture and interiors into the 60's and 70's. I was so taken with the images that I'd found on the internet that I bought a book about him (below) as soon as I stumbled upon it. The book is full of lovely images, and as its the 4th book I've purchased recently that has French text it's inspiring me to learn the language.
"Jacques Quinet" by Guitemie Maldonado. Published by Editions de l'amateur (September 1, 2000). Unfortunately both Amazon and Stout Books are both out of stock of this item at the moment.
Two interiors featured the book that still look as current today, despite a few minor details, as they did in the 60's when they were created. The book is full of photographs, some colour but mostly black & white, so if you like the style, I highly recommend the book (if you can get a hold of a copy). If you read French it's a bonus!
Just two of the pieces that are currently available on 1st Dibs and Artnet.
Posted by Suzy 10 comments
Labels: Furniture, Interior Designers
Friday, 23 November 2007
Week of art
Posted by Suzy 1 comments


text:
Pack of 6 cups with saucers
All Ancap cups are made of quality hard feldspar porcelain, fired at high temperature (1410 degrees Celsius). They are made for everyday use and resist washing and washing liquids (including bleach) without discolouration or alteration of the glossy surface.
The upper rims are designed to withstand chipping and cracking from thermal shocks.
The coloured "Torino" pleases with its elegant colour application lines. Fully made in Italy.
Capacity: 200ml
Height: 67mm
Diameter: 90mm
Saucer: 145mm


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
The stopper is a match I think. A flat one matches less good.Unfortunately I don't remember seeing KK as a signature before. It may be the light but it looks like that KOSTA was written by one person and the rest by another.
Hi Pam,This one looks interesting! - Looks the same as your decanter, although has a different stopper, marked K.K. 104. Also engraved Kosta 1936, T. Gronqvist.http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1852137Just to add, also came across a Gronqvist glass vase, with a similar engraving also dating to 1936, link below, for reference:http://www.bonhams.com/eur/auction/14200/lot/595/Greg
Page created in 0.597 seconds with 27 queries.


text:
Anchor Stranded Cotton: Shade 78
Anchor Stranded Cotton: Shade 78
In stock
Anchor Stranded Cotton: Shade 78
A superior, six strand 100% long staple mercerised cotton embroidery thread on 8m skeins.
Available in 484 colours, including ombré and Multicolors, Anchor Stranded Cotton is the most versatile embroidery thread and can be used for freestyle and counted thread embroidery and is particularly popular for Cross Stitch.
100% long staple mercerised cotton
8m skein
6 strands
Colour Range:
460 colour balanced and co-ordinated shades
24 multi-color shades
Hook or Needle:
1-4 strands use needle no.24
5 strands use needle no.22
6 strands use needle no.20
Care Instructions:
Machine wash on cycle 95°C
There are no reviews yet.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.


text:
Town of Chapel Hill, NCHome Menu
Find A Service Services
Sign up to receive emails on events
Sign up to receive emails on events
Holidays | Festivals & Events | Chapel Hill Public Library Calendar | Community Calendars | Public Notices
Planning Commission (CANCELLED)
- Date: 12/17/2019 7:00 PM
- Location: Town Hall, Council Chamber (110)
405 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514
Return to full list >>
(The meeting agenda and materials for review are typically available online a week before the meeting date.)
View Agendas, Minutes, and Video. See the Advisory Board page for background and membership information about this Town board.
Public attendance is welcome via the entrance on the ground floor. Parking is available at Town Hall lots and the lot at Stephens Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Additional parking is available in several public lots on Rosemary Street. See https://www.parkonthehill.com. Town Hall is served by NS and T routes of Chapel Hill Transit (www.chtransit.org).


text:
Talkbox. What is it?January 23, 2009
A talk box is an effects device that allows a musician to modify the sound of a musical instrument. The musician controls the modification by lip syncing, or by changing the shape of their mouth.
The effect can be used to shape the frequency content of the sound and to apply speech sounds (in the same way as singing) onto a musical instrument, typically a guitar (its non-guitar use is often confused with the vocoder) and keyboards.
A talk box is usually an effects pedal that sits on the floor and contains a speaker attached with an air tight connection to a plastic tube, however, it can come in other forms, such as the 'Ghetto Talkbox' (a homemade version which is usually crude) or higher quality custom made versions. The speaker is generally in the form of a horn driver, the sound generating part of a horn speaker with the horn replaced by the tube connection.
The performer can vary the shape of the mouth and position of the tongue, changing the sound of the instrument being reproduced by the talkbox speaker. The performer can mouth words, with the resulting effect sounding as though the instrument is speaking. This "shaped" sound exits the performer's mouth, and when it enters a microphone, an instrument/voice hybrid is heard.
There is controversy over who invented the talk box. Bob Heil has claimed he invented the talk box but there is clearly prior art in the form of the Kustom Electronics device, "The Bag", which is the same concept housed in a decorative bag slung over the shoulder like a wine bottle and sold in 1969, two years before Heil's Talk Box. The Bag is claimed to have been designed by Doug Forbes, who states that the exact same concept (horn driver attached to a plastic tube and inserted into the mouth) had previously been patented as an artificial larynx.
In 1973, Heil gave his talk box to Peter Frampton as a Christmas present. Frampton first heard the talk box when Stevie Wonder was using it for his upcoming album Music of My Mind. Then when he was playing guitar on George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, he saw Pete Drake using it with a pedal steel guitar. Frampton used it on his album Frampton Comes Alive! Due to the success of the album, and particularly the hit singles "Do You Feel Like We Do" and "Show Me the Way", Frampton has become somewhat synonymous with the talk box.
In a interview with Nuno Betencourt, Brian May was questioned about whether the song "Delilah" was recorded using a talk box on Queen´s "Innuendo" record. May answered: "Yes, i finally succumbed and used one … I suppose there´s no other way to make the meow sounds, meouw, meouw, meouw".
In 1988, Heil sold the manufacturing rights to Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. who currently builds the Heil Talk Box to the exact standards that Bob Heil designed in 1973. Peter Frampton also now sells his own line of custom designed "Framptone" products, including a talk box.
It can also be created rather well using a synth. a Microkorg for instance.
And of course ….


text:
Servicios Personalizados
- Citado por SciELO
Links relacionados
- Similares en SciELO
- uBio
Phyton (Buenos Aires)
versión On-line ISSN 1851-5657
Phyton (B. Aires) vol.79 no.2 Vicente López jul./dic. 2010
Cloning and expression analysis of rubredoxin from cold-treated banana leaves
Clonación y análisis de la expresión del gen de rubredoxina de hojas de banano sometidas a tratamiento de frío
Feng1 RJ, LF Lu2, KH Yuan3, P Cheng3, LL Zhang3, JF Qi3, Y Ren4, XL Xu5, XB Zhang3, LY Zhou3, YD Zhang3
1 Key Laboratory of Tropical Crop Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Haikou 571101, P.R. China.
2 Hainan Institute of Science &Technology, Haikou 571126, P.R. China.
3 College of Agronomy, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, P.R. China.
4 Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, CATAS, Danzhou 571737, P.R. China.
5 The Environment and Plant Protection Institute, CATAS, Danzhou 571737, P.R. China.
Address Correspondence to: YD Zhang, e-mail: email@example.com; fax 0086-898-66890978; Phone 0086-898-66279092.
Recibido - Received 2.VII.2010.
Aceptado - Accepted 3.VIII.2010.
Abstract. A banana (Musa AAA, Cavendish subgroup cv. Brazil) cDNA encoding a putative rubredoxin-like protein (MaRd1) was obtained from total RNA isolated from cold-treated banana leaves using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique. MaRd1 cDNA contained 597 nucleotides encoding 198 amino acids in the open reading frame. MaRd1 protein showed 56% amino acid identity with that of Pyrococcus furiosus rubredoxin (P24297). A chloroplast transit peptide and a transmembrane region were detected at the N-terminus and the C-terminus, respectively, of the deduced amino acid sequence of MaRd1 gene. Southern blotting revealed the occurrence of at least two copies of MaRd1 in the banana genome. Real time quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of MaRd1 gene was mainly in leaves, pseudo-stems and immature fruits, while it was barely detectable in roots and flowers. Cold and salt stresses induced higher levels of MaRd1 transcript accumulation in leaves. This finding indicated a role of MaRd1 in the response to these abiotic stresses.
Keywords: Rubredoxin; Expression; Banana; Stress response.
Resumen. Un ADNc de banano (Musa AAA, Cavendish subgroup cv. Brazil) que codifica para una rubredoxina putativa (MaRd1) fue obtenido a partir de ARN total aislado de hojas de banano tratadas con frío por la técnica de amplificación rápida de los extremos del ADNc (RACE). El ADNc de MaRd1 constaba de 597 nucleótidos que codifican para 198 aminoácidos. Estos aminoácidos de la putativa MaRd1 de banano mostraron un 56% de identidad con los correspondientes a la rubredoxina de Pyrococcus furiosus (P24297). Un péptido de tránsito de cloroplasto y una región de transmembrana fueron detectados en los extremos N-terminal y C-terminal, respectivamente, de la secuencia deducida del gen de la MaRd1. El análisis utilizando la técnica de Southern reveló la presencia de al menos dos copias del gen en el genoma de banano. El análisis por RT-PCR cuantitativa en tiempo real reveló que el gen MaRd1 se expresa principalmente en las hojas, seudo-tallos y frutos inmaduros, mientras que su expresión fue débilmente detectable en raíces y flores.
Palabras clave: Rubredoxina; Expresión, Banana; Respuesta al estrés.
Temperature might drop to levels lower than usual, causing damages to many species of plants. Crops of tropical origin, such as banana and rubber, are especially vulnerable because they are not normally exposed to such stress. Prolonged cold exposure usually causes wilting, chlorosis or necrosis, and stunting growth and development in susceptible plants (Lyons, 1973; Wang, 1990). Exposure of cold-sensitive plants to cold results in significant and rapid physiological changes, such as shifts in photosynthesis and respiration rates, ion leakage from cell membranes, and the production and accumulation of toxic compounds including reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant cells (Lyons, 1973; Huner & Williams, 1988; Xin& Browse, 2000; Suzuki & Mittler, 2006). Low temperatures generally stimulate acclimation or adaptation responses from plants. These responses enhance cold tolerance on the affected plants (Levitt, 1980; Provart et al., 2003). Cold acclimation is a complex and global process involving, but not limited to, accumulation of proline and other cryoprotectants, changes in membrane lipid composition, alterations in photosynthetic carbon metabolism and detoxification of ROS (Iba, 2002; Stitt & Hurry, 2002; Provart, 2003).
Banana varieties (Musa spp.) initially originated in tropical regions of Southeast Asia. They are sensitive to cold, which can result in serious losses in commercial banana production. Conventional breeding for cold tolerance in banana has proven more difficult than in many other crops because most banana cultivars are triploid. Therefore, modern biotechnology may offer the best hope for genetic improvement in banana.
We studied cold inducible genes in banana with the goal of genetically modifying banana for cold tolerance. In this study, we identified an expressed sequence tag (EST) encoding for a rubredoxin (Rd) protein. Rd proteins play an important role in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and have been reported as electron transfer molecules branching electrons in several biochemical pathways (Chen& Mortenson, 1992; Yoon et al., 1999; Wastl et al., 2000). Rd is involved in reactions for scavenging ROS in Archaeoglobus fulgidus (Rodrigues et al., 2005). Enhancer1 (ENH1), an Rd-like protein, enhances salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis by ROS detoxification (Zhu et al., 2007). This study explores possible connections of MaRd1 gene to cold response in banana.
Plant materials. Banana (Musa AAA, Cavendish subgroup cv. Brazil) plants were obtained from a commercial nursery (Hainan Wanzhong Co.,Ltd) in Hainan province, China. They were cultivated in an experimental plot of loamy soil under natural daylight conditions at the Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Haikou, China. They were irrigated twice a week with tap water and supplied with a local organic fertilizer at a rate of 1 kg per tree once monthly. The Real-Time quantitative RT-PCR samples of roots, pseudo-stems, leaves, flowers, and immature fruits were harvested during summer from adult plants (about 250 cm tall) 70 days after flowering. Banana plantlets were generated and propagated in vitro to avoid pathogen contaminations. These plantlets were then grown in 9 cm ceramic pots (Jiajiayi Porcilain Industry Co.,Ltd, Dehua, China) in a mixture of loam and coconut husk (60:40 v/v, pH 6.0). They were watered twice a week with tap water and once a week with a plant nutrient solution containing: 0.7g/L KNO3; 0.7 g/L Ca(NO3)2; 0.8 g/L Ca(H2PO4)2 · H2O; 0.28 g/L MgSO4; 0.12 g/L Fe2(SO4)3, and 0.6 mg/L (NH4)6MO7O24 · 4H2O; H3BO3; MnSO4; ZnSO4 and CuSO4, respectively. Greenhouse conditions were 16 hours light (300µmol/m2/s, fluorescent lamp) at 28 °C, and 8 hours dark at 21 °C. The relative humidity was maintained at 85%.
Banana plantlets with 4 well-developed leaves were placed at 5 °C, 28 °C or 39 °C (temperature treatments) in climate cabinets (SPX-250/300IC, Shanghai Boxun Industry & Commerce Go., Ltd.) They were under a 16 h light/ 8 h dark photoperiod at 300 µmol/m2/s (fluorescent lamps). Nine plantlets were used in each temperature treatment. The third and fourth well-developed leaves from the top were harvested after 3 days.
Salt treatments were also applied to plantlets with 4 welldeveloped leaves. These plantlets were irrigated using the plant nutrient solution described above plus sodium chloride (Guangzhou Chemical Reagent Factory). The salt was added 4 times at a rate of 25 mM or 50 mM per addition. Interval between additions was 2 days. Plantlets were kept at either 100 mM or 200 mM for 2 days. Control plantlets were watered with the nutrient solution without sodium chloride.
The third and fourth mature leaves from 9 plantlets were harvested for each of the above temperature and salt treatments, frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80 °C until needed.
Total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Total RNA from each banana tissue was isolated using Concert™ Plant RNA Reagent (Cat. 12322-012, Invitrogen, USA) and quantified with a NanoDrop® ND-1000 Spectrophotometer (NanoDrop Technologies, Starlab, USA) at 260 nm. Leaf total RNA from 5 °C-treated plantlets was used to synthesize 5′- and 3′-RACE-Ready cDNA according to the manual of BD SMART™ RACE cDNA Amplification Kit (Cat. 634914, Clontech, USA). First-strand cDNA used for Real-Time quantitative RT-PCR was synthesized using M-MLV reverse transcriptase (Cat. M1701, Promega, USA) in 25 μl reactions according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Rapid-amplification of cDNA ends. The 5′ and 3′ flanking regions of MaRd1 gene were obtained by 5′-and 3′- RACE using the BD SMART™ RACE cDNA Amplification Kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Primers were designed based on an EST sequence from the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) library using cDNA of 5 °C treated banana leaves as tester, and those of 28 °C as driver (unpublished). 5′-RACE PCR was performed using the cDNA as template and the MaRd1-L1 primer (5′- TGCCTCCTAGCCCGAACTGCTGGTT-3′) and MaRd1- L2 primer (5′-CCGGCGATCTCCACGCTCTTGCTCT-3′) of MaRd1 gene, the universal primer A mix (UPM), and the nested universal primer A (NUP) of the RACE kit. 3′- RACE PCR was performed using the MaRd1-R1 primer (5′- GAGGAGCGCTTCGCGGTCCTCAACA-3′) and MaRd1- R2 primer (5′-CCGGCATCTACGAGTGCCGCTCTTG-3′) of MaRd1 gene, UPM and NUP. PCR products were purified with the QIAquick Gel Extraction Kit (Cat. 28704, Qiagen, USA), cloned into the pGEM®-T Easy Vector System I (Cat. A1360, Promega, USA), and transformed into E. coli strain DH5α competent cells (Cat. CB101-01, TIANGEN, China) by heat shock. White colonies were picked, and plasmid DNA was isolated using QIAprep Spin Miniprep kit (Cat. 27106, Qiagen, USA). The presence of cDNA insert was confirmed by EcoRI (Cat. FD0274, Fermentas, Lithuania) digestion. Sequencing was performed on both strands by Sangon (Shanghai, China).
Sequence analysis. Prediction of chloroplast transit peptides (cTP) of MaRd1 protein was performed using ChloroP 1.1 at http://www.genome.cbs.dtu.dk/services/ChloroP/. Transmembrane helices prediction was made using TMHMM at http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/TMHMM/. Multiple sequence alignment was carried out by the DNAMAN program (V5.2, LynnonBiosoft, Quebec, Canada).
Real-Time quantitative RT-PCR (RQ-PCR). For expression profiling of MaRd1 gene, gene-specific primers (MaRd1-RF, ACTCCTCCAAGCCCACCAATAC; MaRd1-RR, ACTCGTAGATGCCGGTGTTGAG; Mh- Act1-F, TGTACGTTGCTATCCAGGC-T; Mh-Act1-R, TGATGGCTGGAAGAGAACCT) were designed, and RQ-PCR was performed using cDNAs from roots, pseudostems, leaves, flowers, and immature fruits. The RQ-PCR was performed with an ABI PRISM® 7000 Sequence Detection System (Applied Biosystems, Inc.) using SYBR Green I as dye. A banana actin gene, Mh-Act1 (GenBank accession AF246288), was used as an internal control in each reaction. Each sample in triplicate was quantified by the comparative cycle threshold method (Wittwer, 1997). The same methods were employed to detect the transcription levels of MaRd1 gene in the temperature and salt stress experiments.
Southern blot hybridization. Genomic DNA from young leaves of banana plants was isolated by the cetyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide method (Rogers and Bendich, 1985). Twenty micrograms genomic DNA was digested with the restriction enzymes EcoR I and Hind III (Cat. FD0274 and FD0504, Fermentas, Lithuania), separated on 1% (w/v) agarose gel, and blotted to a Hybond-N+ nylon membranes (Cat. RPN1510B, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) according to the manufacturer's instructions. DNA probe was made using MaRd1 cDNA as template and with a DIG High Prime DNA Labeling and Detection Starter Kit I (Cat. 11745832910, Roche, Penzberg, Germany) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The membrane was pre-hybridized and hybridizied at 48 °C, washed at 68 °C and stained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Identification and cloning of MaRd1 gene. A previous study in our lab identified a 237 bp banana EST that showed homology to a rubredoxin in other species. We designed PCR primers based on the sequence of this EST and isolated a sequence from banana leaves of plants treated at 5 °C using 5'- and 3'-RACE strategy. This sequence, deposited in GenBank (accession numbers DQ875443), is designated as MaRd1. It contains a 597 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encodes 198 amino acid residues with a theoretical molecular mass of 21.58 kDa.
Multiple sequence alignment using the DNAMAN program revealed that the amino acid sequence of the MaRd1 protein was highly similar to the 8 orthologous Rd proteins from the GenBank (Fig. 1). A putative cTP with 53 amino acid residues was detected in the N-terminus of the deduced polypeptide of the MaRd1 gene (http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/ ChloroP/). A hydrophobicity profile of the deduced polypeptide of the MaRd1 gene at the C-terminus (amino acid residues 177-197) (http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/TMHMM/) was predicted as membrane-spanning regions. The deduced polypeptide of the MaRd1 gene has 56% identity with the Rd protein of Pyrococcus furiosus (P24297) (Blake, 1991). Rd is a small nonheme iron protein, and the iron atom is coordinated by four cysteine residues (Fe(S-Cys)4) which were arranged in two cysteine boxes (CXXC) with conserved spaces between them (Fig. 1). These cysteine residues participate in the formation of active sites with iron (Cheng & Markley, 1995).
Fig. 1. Alignment of several Rd proteins. Musa spp. (this work, MaRd1, DQ875443), Arabidopsis (AtRd, AAD25628), Vitis vinifera (VvRd, CAN65205), Ricinus communis (RcRd, EEF49703), Medicago truncatula (MtRd, ACJ83960), Populus trichocarpa (PtRd, XP_002319619), Guillardia theta (GtRd, CAB40406), Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 (SsRd, NP_440410), Pyrococcus furiosus (PfRd, P24297). Sequences were aligned by DNAMAN program using default parameters. Numbers in parentheses refer to GenBank accession numbers. Identical amino acids (100% similarity) are shaded black, and similar amino acids (less than 100% similarity) in at least 75% of the compared sequences are shaded pink. The cysteine ligands of the iron ion are marked with *.
Fig. 1. Alineación de varias proteínas Rd. Musa spp. (este trabajo, MaRd1, DQ875443), Arabidopsis (AtRd, AAD25628), Vitis vinifera (VvRd, CAN65205), Ricinus communis (RcRd, EEF49703), Medicago truncatula (MtRd, ACJ83960), Populus trichocarpa (PtRd, XP_002319619), Guillardia theta (GtRd, CAB40406), Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 (SsRd, NP_440410), Pyrococcus furiosus (PfRd, P24297). Las secuencias se alinearon utilizando el programa DNAMAN usando parámetros establecidos. Los números en paréntesis se refieren a los números de las cepas en el Banco de Genes. Los aminoácidos idénticos (100% de similitud) están coloreados de negro, y los aminoácidos similares (similitud menor del 100%) en al menos 75% de las secuencias comparadas están coloreados de rosa. Los ligandos de cisteína del ion hierro están marcados con una *.
Genomic Southern blot was carried out with the MaRd1 cDNA as probe (Fig. 2). Several bands were detected from EcoRI and HindIII digestion, suggesting that the banana genome has multiple copies of the MaRd1 gene.
Fig. 2. Southern blot of MaRd1 gene. The genomic DNA was isolated from immature leaves of banana plants followed by digestion with restriction enzymes [EcoRI (left lane), and HindIII (right lane)]. The digoxigenin-labelled MaRd1 cDNA was used as probe.
Fig. 2. Mancha más al sur del gen MaRd1. El ADN genómico fue aislado de hojas inmaduras de plantas de banana seguido por digestión con enzimas de restricción [EcoRI (banda a la izquierda), y HindIII (banda a la derecha)]. El cADN MaRd1 marcado con digoxigenina fue usado como prueba.
Transcript profile of MaRd1 gene assessed by RQ-PCR. Expression of the MaRd1 gene in different tissues of the banana plants was analyzed by RQ-PCR using gene specific primers (Fig. 3). The highest expression was detected in leaves, followed by pseudo-stems and immature fruits, all being green. In comparison, the transcript levels of the MaRd1 gene were barely detectable in roots and flowers.
Fig. 3. The transcript profile of MaRd1 gene in various tissues of banana plants. Analyses were performed by RQ-PCR using SYBR Green I on ABI PRISM® 7000 Sequence Detection System with total RNA extracted from various tissues of banana plants. Transcript levels were calculated from triplicate data, after normalization against banana Mh-Act1 gene using the standard curve method.
Fig. 3. Perfil de la transcripción del gen MaRd1 en varios tejidos de plantas de banana. Los análisis se desarrollaron por RQ-PCR usando SYBR Green I en un Sistema de Detección de Secuencias ABI PRISM® 7000; el ARN total fue obtenido de varios tejidos de plantas de banana. Los niveles de transcripción se calcularon por triplicado, después de la normalización respecto al gen Mh-Act1 de la banana usando el método de la curva estándard.
Induced transcript levels of MaRd1 gene in response to temperature and salt stress. To determine whether MaRd1 gene transcript levels change in response to different temperature treatments, RQ-PCR was performed with gene specific primers on leaf total RNA from banana plantlets grown at 5 °C, 28 °C or 39 °C for 3 days (Fig. 4A). The MaRd1 gene transcript was at a lower level on leaves from the control (28 °C) plantlets. The transcript levels increased significantly on plants treated at 5 °C. However, there was no noticeable difference between the control and the heat (39 °C) treatment.
Fig. 4. The expression analyses of MaRd1 gene in response to temperature and salt stress by RQ-PCR. (A) banana plantlets were treated at 5 °C, 28 °C or 39 °C for 3 days. (B) plantlets irrigated with 0 mM, 100 mM or 200 mM NaCl for a week. Total RNA was obtained from the leaves of treated plantlets.
Fig. 4. Análisis de la expresión del gen MaRd1 en respuesta al estrés por temperatura y sal por RQ-PCR. (A) juveniles de banana tratados a 5 °C, 28 °Có 39 °C por 3 días. (B) juveniles regados con 0 mM, 100 mM ó 200 mM NaCl durante una semana. El ARN total se obtuvo de las hojas de los juveniles tratados.
When banana plantlets were irrigated with the nutrient solution, MaRd1 expression levels were relatively low (Fig. 4B). Treatment with 100 mM NaCl greatly increased MaRd1 transcript levels on leaves. NaCl at 200 mM resulted in appreciably higher levels of detectable MaRd1 transcript.
Rds are known as nonheme iron proteins, where one iron is covalently attached to four cysteines (Meyer et al., 1995). They have been found in a wide range of prokaryotes and eukaryotes (Lovenberg & Sobel, 1965; Peterson & Coon, 1968; Aurich et al., 1976; Ragsdale & Ljungdahl, 1984; Seki et al., 1988; Sieker et al., 1994; Beinert et al., 1997; Wastl et al., 2000). The prokaryotic Rds are short proteins with a cysteine ligands core. Based on the amino acid spacing between the cysteine ligands to iron, Rd can be classified as type I Rd or type II Rd. Type I Rd, the most common, has a CX2C…CX2C motif binding the iron, and type II Rd has two extra amino acid residues between the first two cysteines, CX4C…CX2C (Rodrigues et al., 2005). According to this classification, the MaRd1 protein belongs to type I Rd. The eukaryotic Rd proteins usually contain, in addition to the cysteine ligands core, a cell signal peptide at the N-terminus, and a membrane anchoring domain at the C-terminus (Wastl et al., 2000). MaRd1 is similar to the cryptomonad Guillardia theta Rd protein (Fig. 1). It has a N-terminus cTP that directs the preprotein into the stroma of the chloroplast, and a C-terminus that includs a transmembrance region which presumably acts as a membrane anchor (Wastl et al., 2000).
Rd proteins in prokaryotes are a cofactor in several biochemical pathways (Chen & Mortenson, 1992), an electron acceptor for pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (Yoon et al., 1999), and an electron donor for neelaredoxin in reactions for removing harmful superoxide (Rodrigues et al., 2005). Eukaryotic Rd in Guillardia theta [nucleomorph-encoded rubredoxin (nmRub)] is associated with the thylakoid membrane, and co-localized with PSII membrane particles and PSII core complexes (Wastl et al., 2000). It was suggested that nmRub could act as an electron transfer molecule, branching electrons from PSII to plastid membranelocated pathways. It could also replace the cytochrome b6/f complex or plastoquinone from the photosynthesis machinery under some circumstances. Because nmRub is the closest homolog to MaRd1, functions of MaRd1 could be the same as suggested for nmRub. Our results on MaRd1 transcripts, showing a predominant expression in green tissues, agree with this hypothesis. To our knowledge, there is no published data on the expression pattern of eukaryotic Rd. The closest Arabidopsis homolog of MaRd1 is At1g54500 and, according to the website http://www.bar.utoronto.ca/, At1g54500 is expressed mostly in green tissues, which is similar to what we found. However, according to the same website, the expression of At1g54500 is either reduced or unchanged in Arabidopsis by salt or cold treatments for up to 24 hours. In contrast, these 2 treatments increased the transcript levels of MaRd1 in our experiment. This discrepancy could be caused by the difference in treatment length (3 to 7 days in our experiments), plant species or study sequences.
Abiotic stresses, such as cold and salt, induce production and accumulation of toxic compounds that include ROS in plant cells. These compounds disrupt cellular homeostasis and uncouple major physiological processes (Xin & Browse, 2000; Suzuki & Mittler, 2006; Kotak et al., 2007; Zhu et al., 2007). Plant chloroplast thylakoids are the main generation site of ROS (Asada, 2006). The continuous production of ROS can disrupt photosynthetic electron transport (Niyogi, 1999). Rd is a thylakoid membrane protein in organisms with oxygenic photosynthesis (Wastl et al., 2000; Peltier et al., 2004). ENH1 that is an Rd-like chloroplast protein enhances salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis by ROS detoxification (Zhu et al., 2007). The likely cellular localization of MaRd1 suggests a role of this gene in photosynthesis. Enhanced expression of MaRd1 gene in response to cold and salt stresses, as shown in this study, implies that MaRd1 could be involved in banana cold and salt responses and participate in eliminating ROS. This hypothesis is supported by the report that Rd in Archaeoglobus fulgidus acted as an electron donor for neelaredoxin in reactions for removing a harmful superoxide species (Rodrigues et al., 2005). It would be interesting to investigate the role of MaRd1 in cold and salt stress in banana by genetically modifying the expression of this gene in this plant species.
In conclusion, a MaRd1 gene was isolated from cold-treated leaves of banana plants. Higher transcript of the MaRd1 gene in immature fruit, pseudo-stems and leaves indicate that the gene was associated with chloroplast. Induction of MaRd1 by cold and salt suggests a role of this gene in response to these stresses.
We thank Dr. Nanfei Xu (Bayer CropScience LP) and Ms. Amy McCaskill (BASF Plant Science LLC) for their careful reading and editing of this manuscript. This work was supported by the National Nonprofit Institute Research Grant of CATAS-ITBB (ITBBZD0931).
1. Asada, K. (2006). Production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species in chloroplasts and their functions. Plant Physiology 141: 391-396. [ Links ]
2. Aurich, H., D. Sorger & O. Asperger (1976). Isolation and characterization of rubredoxin from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. Acta Biologica et Medica Germanica 35: 443-451. [ Links ]
3. Beinert, H., R.H. Holm & E. Münck (1997). Iron-sulfur clusters: nature's modular, multipurpose structures. Science 277: 653-659. [ Links ]
4. Blake, P.R., J.B. Park, F.O. Bryant, S. Aono, J.K. Magnuson, E. Eccleston, J.B. Howard, M.F. Summers & M.W.W. Adams (1991). Determinants of protein hyperthermostability: purification and amino acid sequence of rubredoxin from the hyperthermophilic archaebacterium Pyrococcus furiosus and secondary structure of the zinc adduct by NMR. Biochemistry 30: 10885-10895. [ Links ]
5. Chen, J.C. & L.E. Mortenson (1992). Two open reading frames (ORFs) identified near the hydrogenase structural genes in Azotobacter vinelandii, the first ORF may encode for a polypeptide similar to rubredoxins. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 1131: 122-124. [ Links ]
6. Cheng, H. & J.L. Markley (1995). NMR spectroscopic studies of paramagnetic proteins: iron-sulfur proteins. Annual Review of Biophysics and Biomolecular Structure 24: 209-237. [ Links ]
7. Huner, N.P.A. & J.P. Williams (1988). Low-temperature-induced alterations in photosynthetic membranes. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences 7: 257-278. [ Links ]
8. Iba, K. (2002). Acclimative response to temperature stress in higher plants: approaches of gene engineering for temperature tolerance. Annual Review of Plant Biology 53: 225-245. [ Links ]
9. Kotak, S., J. Larkindale, U. Lee, P. von Koskull-Döring, E. Vierling & K.D.Scharf (2007). Complexity of the heat stress response in plants. Current Opinion in Plant Biology 10: 310-316. [ Links ]
10. Levitt, J. (1980). Chilling, freezing and high temperature stresses. In: Kozlowski T.T. (Ed.), Responses of plants to environmental stresses. 2nd ed. Academic Press, New York, p. 23-64. [ Links ]
11. Lovenberg, W. & B.E. Sobel (1965). Rubredoxin: a new electron transfer protein from Clostridium pasteurianum. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 54: 193-199. [ Links ]
12. Lyons, J.M. (1973). Chilling injury in plants. Annual Review of Plant Physiology 24: 445-466. [ Links ]
13. Meyer, J., J. Gaillard & M. Lutz (1995). Characterization of a mutated rubredoxin with a cysteine ligand of the iron replaced by serine. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 212: 827-833. [ Links ]
14. Niyogi, K.K. (1999). Photoprotection revisited: genetic and molecular approaches. Annual Review of Plant Physiology & Plant Molecular Biology 50: 333-359. [ Links ]
15. Peltier, J.B., A.J. Ytterberg, Q. Sun & K.J. van Wijk (2004). New functions of the thylakoid membrane proteome of Arabidopsis thaliana revealed by a simple, fast, and versatile fractionation strategy. Journal of Biological Chemistry 279: 49367-49383. [ Links ]
16. Peterson, J.A. & M.J. Coon (1968). Enzymatic omega-oxidation. 3. Purification and properties of rubredoxin, a component of the omega hydroxylation system of Pseudomonas oleovorans. Journal of Biological Chemistry 243: 329-334. [ Links ]
17. Provart, N.J., P. Gil, W. Chen, B. Han, H.-S. Chang, X. Wang & T. Zhu (2003). Gene expression phenotypes of Arabidopsis associated with sensitivity to low temperatures. Plant Physiology 132: 893-906. [ Links ]
18. Ragsdale, S.W. & L.G. Ljungdahl (1984). Characterization of ferredoxin, flavodoxin, and rubredoxin from Clostridium formicoaceticum grown in media with high and low iron contents. Journal of Bacteriology 157: 1-6. [ Links ]
19. Rodrigues, J.V., I.A. Abreu, L.M. Saraiva & M. Teixeira (2005). Rubredoxin acts as an electron donor for neelaredoxin in Archaeoglobus fulgidus. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 329: 1300-1305. [ Links ]
20. Rogers, S.O. & A.J. Bendich (1985). Extraction of DNA from milligram amounts of fresh herbarium and mummified plant tissues. Plant Molecular Biology 5: 69-76. [ Links ]
21. Seki, S., A. Ikeda & M. Ishimoto (1988). Rubredoxin as intermediary electron carrier for nitrate reduction by NAD(P)H in Clostridium perfringens. J. Biochemistry 103: 583-584. [ Links ]
22. Sieker, L.C., R.E. Stenkamp & J. LeGall (1994). Rubredoxin in crystalline state. Methods in Enzymology 243: 203-216. [ Links ]
23. Stitt, M. & V.Hurry (2002). A plant for all seasons: alterations in photosynthetic carbon metabolism during cold acclimation in Arabidopsis. Current Opinion in Plant Biology 5: 199-206. [ Links ]
24. Suzuki, N. & R. Mittler (2006). Reactive oxygen species and temperature stresses: a delicate balance between signaling and destruction. Physiologia Plantarum 126: 45-51. [ Links ]
25. Wang, C.Y. (1990). Chilling injury of Horticultural Crops. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 313 p. [ Links ].
26. Wastl, J., E.C. Duin, L. Iuzzolino, W. Dörner, T. Link, S. Hoffmann, H. Sticht, H. Dau, K. Lingelbach & U.G. Maier (2000). Eukaryotically encoded and chloroplast-located rubredoxin is associated with photosystem II. Journal of Biological Chemistry 275: 30058-30063. [ Links ]
27. Wittwer, C.T., M.G. Herrmann, A.A. Moss & R.P. Rasmussen (1997). Continuous fluorescence monitoring of rapid cycle DNA amplification. Biotechniques 22: 130-131, 134-138. [ Links ]
28. Xin, Z. & J. Browse (2000). Cold comfort farm: the acclimation of plants to freezing temperatures. Plant Cell Environment 23: 893- 902. [ Links ]
29. Yoon, K.S., R. Hille, C. Hemann & F.R. Tabita (1999). Rubredoxin from the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobium tepidum functions as an electron acceptor for pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase. Journal of Biological Chemistry 274: 29772-29778. [ Links ]
30. Zhu, J., X. Fu, Y.D. Koo, J.-K. Zhu, F.E. Jenney Jr., M.W.W. Adams, Y. Zhu, H. Shi, D.-J. Yun, P.M. Hasegawa & R.A. Bressan (2007). An enhancer mutant of Arabidopsis salt overly sensitive 3 mediates both ion homeostasis and the oxidative stress response. Molecular and Cellular Biology 27: 5214-5224. [ Links ]