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We had to plan our trip in Japan months beforehand, and so we slightly missed best sakura in Yoshinoyama. Even though place was beautiful. You might appreciate an extra shirt for...
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Though this place is famous for cherry blossoms, I decided to go ahead after learning that it is also the place for autumn leaves. However, I think we were too early (mid-Nov). Thought we can visit Kinpusenji Temple, but it was under renovation. Nevertheless, it is still a nice place to visit.
We had to plan our trip in Japan months beforehand, and so we slightly missed best sakura in Yoshinoyama. Even though place was beautiful. You might appreciate an extra shirt for changing if walking all the way up to observation deck, and do dress yourself warmily because it's windy. Gambatte!
We took a bus from the station to Chikirin-in temple then walked up to Hanayagura viewpoint. The slope was steep so we took several breaks. There were stores selling snacks and souvenirs. The view was beautiful. There were several hiking trails for those who really love walking. Some people bought picnic mats and foods.
We also went to some shrines,...
My wife and I went to Yoshino to watch cherry blossoms. As we were there, the whole mountain was turned into a carpet of flowers, and it was really marvelous. We walked a long way to Mikumari Shrine, but if you feel tired, you can stop your hiking at any place. It is allowed to bring outside food into some...
We were so lucky to visit here just on sakura peak time. If travelling that period, be prepared: it is very crowded - but still, it is worth of it!
This must be beautiful place also other seasons. Enjoyable small villages, not that far from Nara or Osaka.
Besides nature, also shrines, shopping and restaurants. Really worth for several hours...
Don't say that Mt. Yoshinoyama is a cherry-blossom spot because it is not correct. It should be the forest of cherry trees, or a fairy tale of cherry blossom.
When I saw it at the first sight, I fell in love. It was not over-reaction, but real emotion.
Cherry trees were blossoming everywhere, from small trees, big trees, tall trees,...
I went to Yoshino on the second week of April. Wonderful sakura blossoms can be found everywhere. The best way is to get on the bus (only available during sakura blossom season) twice up to Oku Senbon Guchi. I suggest instead of taking the Ropeway, I suggest to take the bus immediately after getting off the Yoshino train station. So...
A very miserable day, rained most of the time there for our day trip but what a spectacular view from all over when visible. The mist added to the beauty of the blossoms. Didn't make it to the top as carrying a knee injury, but what we saw was well worth the pain & effort.
I really wanted desperately to ensure that I caught the best viewing period I could get so I booked the only vacancies I could find which were from 4th to 7th April. That's considered quite early for the Yoshino season. Typically the cherry blossoms start blooming around the end of March at the lower portion and then move up the...
Visited Mt Yoshinoyama in late March when the weather is starting to warm up. We started at Osaka Abenobashi Station, taking the Kintetsu Yoshino. We got caught off guide several stations later that a transfer was needed, since we don't speak Japanese. Existing the Yoshino Station, we bypassed taking the rope way, and hiked up to the town. We didn't...
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Is it possible to drive up to the naka-senbon? I'm planning to take my parents there, but they are not up to too much walking. Is there somewhere I might be able to find parking?
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FAA Revokes Maintenance School Certification »
The Atlanta Technical College, in Atlanta, Georgia, is no longer certified to offer aviation maintenance technician training, the FAA said this week. The FAA issued an emergency order alleging that the college failed to keep proper records for students. Some grade records were incomplete or lacked instructor signatures, the FAA said, and several students who hadnt made up absences were allowed to advance in the program. ATC surrendered its certificate. More

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text: OverviewBack to top Traditional Medicinals - Echinacea Elder Herbal Syrup SPECIALLY PRICED - 4 oz. Item# :68946UPC# :032917001740 Brand:Traditional Medicinals Size/Form:4 oz. Servings:8 Dosage:1 Tablespoon(s) Echinacea Elder Herbal Syrup contains herbs that support the immune system* delivered in a sweet tasting base of kosher glycerin and organic honey with elder fruit extract. Both echinacea and elder have proven immune system stimulant effects* and are an effective combination for shortening the duration of common winter season conditions.


text: U.S. sales receipts dropped slightly week-to-week in the period ending Saturday, a national trade group said Tuesday. The International Council of Shopping Centers said sales dropped 0.1 percent in the week, but rose 2.8 percent compared to the same week of 2010. \"The pace of shopper footfall was weaker for the period, especially at discounters and department stores,\" ICSC said. The report said warm weather may have slowed enthusiasm for a fall lineup of products. Weather Trends International said the temperature averaged 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the same week a year earlier. That said, shopping in the first part of the week was hampered by heavy rain and snowfall in Western states. \"This likely spurred outerwear sales in the West,\" ICSC said. However, on the East Coast, Weather Trends International said, \"the week started on the cool side, but warmed appreciably as the week progressed.\"


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StartUpHire is the place to find CTO jobs. Review the list of CTO career opportunities to the left. These CTO jobs represent some of the most rewarding careers available.
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Title: Sr. IP Program Manager Location: Santa Clara, CA, USA Job ID: 111116 Date required: Immediately Reports to: CTO and SVP of Engineering Job Summary/Objective This position reports to the CTO and SVP of Engineering and is responsible for managing the on-time, quality2/24/2017 Santa Clara, CA Save This Job
Position Summary: This northeast based position reports to Manager of Technology Team. The Principal Engineer is a key technology gate-keeper, specializing in making projects successful, and training staff in design, monitoring and optimization of in-situ thermal technologies1/27/2017 Gardner, MA Save This Job
Location: Marshall , Texas , United States Full-time SEVEN Networks develops innovative mobile software solutions that help wireless carriers, mobile device manufacturers, application developers and end users understand, analyze and optimize the wireless traffic between mobile1/24/2017 Marshall, TX Save This Job
The Strategic Success Manager (SSM) is responsible for ensuring the overall success of a portfolio of strategic accounts with Carbon Black products. As a senior member of the Sales Customer Success team, the SSM is responsible for driving success and valu2/16/2017 Waltham, MA Save This Job
Engineering - Software & Big Data Sunnyvale, CA Apply Description ABOUT ENLIGHTED: At Enlighted, we?ve created the most intelligent IoT sensor platform for smart buildings. The Enlighted platform transforms a building infrastructure into a robust, always-on, always-computing,2/27/2017 Sunnyvale, CA Save This Job
Location: Los Angeles, CADepartment: EngineeringType: Full TimeMin. Experience: Mid Level Want to run away and join the circus? We?re looking for a fantastic project manager who can help our teams bring many of our concepts to life. Over the next year, we will be working with2/7/2017 Los Angeles, CA Save This Job
Overview Reporting to the VP of Product Management, the Senior Product Manager for Digital Lumens Software Applications is responsible for managing Digital Lumens? building intelligence SW platform and applications including but not limited to Lighting Control, Environmental1/25/2017 Boston, MA Save This JobApplied To
Roles/Responsibilities Zettaset, Inc. has an opening for a Senior Backend Developer at our Mountain View office. In your role you will architect, design, and implement our large-scale Hadoop management system product. This role involves developing fault tolerant software,1/22/2017 Mountain View, CA Save This Job
Position Duties Architect, design, and implement our large-scale Hadoop system product. This role involves developing fault-tolerant software, performing whole-system optimizations for distributed systems, and solving hard systems problems in an innovative manner Develop1/22/2017 Mountain View, CA Save This Job
Position Duties Design, and implement our large-scale Hadoop system product. This role involves developing fault tolerant software, performing whole-system optimizations for distributed systems, and solving hard systems problems in an innovative manner. Develop low-level1/22/2017 Mountain View, CA Save This Job
Architect and implement APIs. Plan, direct, execute, and manage feature enhancements to Thinkmap products. Be a key contributor to overall product strategy and methodology. Work with the CTO to plan future technical development. Develop and code new features according to the1/18/2017 New York, NY Save This Job
at AnchorFree Inc. Menlo Park AnchorFree?s mission is to provide secure and private access to the world?s information for every person on the planet. AnchorFree?s Hotspot Shield app is the world?s most popular freedom and privacy platform. Hotspot Shield is the starting point,1/14/2017 Menlo Park, CA Save This Job
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The Director of Business Development will be responsible for the marketing and sales of the Division?s products and services, as well as the development of coherent product and market strategies both domestic and international. Will create and execute the multi-year business1/9/2017 San Dimas, CA Save This Job
NEW YORK, NEW YORKSALESFULL-TIME APPLY FOR THIS JOB Gigya Senior Account Executive (NYC) - 309 Location: New York, New York With Gigya?s technology, businesses increase registrations and identify customers across devices, consolidate data into rich customer profiles, and1/8/2017 New York, NY Save This Job
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Engineering ? Bellevue, Washington VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING Ossia (www.Ossia.com) is hiring the Vice President of Engineering out of our Bellevue, WA office. The VP of Engineering will report directly to the CTO and founder. This role will lead the hardware engineering1/8/2017 Bellevue, WA Save This Job
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Aptara is the market leader in content transformation services with more than 5000 employees worldwide. Aptara's document transformation, Publishing Services and Content technology practice serves top publishers and fortune 1000 customers with digital content, web and computer1/4/2017 Falls Church, VA Save This Job
Key Role Full stack (Microsoft/Android) dev ops engineer needed to augment existing technical team. This position reports directly to the CTO/VP of Engineering. Perform software development of new requirements, support development, and release of features to augment existing1/2/2017 Bristol, PA Save This Job


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My Ws6's 650whp+ Trans am and others from Jax head down to Orlando to meet with Guys from Tampa, to see who has the fastest cars in Florida!!!!! Over 10 minutes of racing!
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Community & Spa Naha Central Hotel
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Blessed Warmth - Okinawa
... who came by.
Then even without the neon, inside the cinema had a glow all of its own.
I bought a ticket for a film, and with an hour to kill grabbed a quick dinner and went looking for some xmas presents. This is of course led me to the sock department. I had seen the wonderful array of socks a few times in my travels in Japan and wanted to get Jack ...
Chatan, Relaxing in the tropics
... even a large Japanese style Furo (bath).
Then we went to the Ginowan Convention Center. It was rather simple compared the the performing arts hall.
Sunsets and sunrises were amazing.
Other places we visited were the Okinawan beer,Orion Factory. This beer is made from barley,rice and corn with the hops and yeast. Drinking beer at 11 am did not go to well with me or maybe it was because we had 5 minutes to ...
Epitome of Performance Venues in Japan
Okinawan National Performing Arts Hall was funded by the government to create a venue for the production of traditional Kumiodori, the refined entertainment for the royal court and the highest form of hospitality for entertaining Chinese Inaugural envoys. It is known to be the most elaborate and modern theatrical structure in Japan. It is still used for the original Kumiodori but also drama, music and ...
Naha - Castles and monuments and memorials
... of Okinawa.
Tsuboya Kiln: My one personal mission during my free time was to find the pottery disyrict and the old kiln. Photos tell the story.
Royal Gardens, preserved ancient summer house of the lord of the country, and Chuko Awamori Rice Wine Factory. I says wine bur this this stuff is 40% alcohol, 80 proof.
The underground tunnel headquarters of the Japanese navy. All dug by hand with pick and shovel. It is a maze of tunnels and rooms.
Naked men in the hot tub
... from lockers, pick up the bullet train back to Tokyo (quick peek at Mount Fuji on the way), then the Narita Express to the airport, a 3 hour plane to NaHa in Okinawa, a ride on the monorail and a taxi for the last few hundred yards ( which we could have walked if we could have read the hotel sign, which was completely in Japanese). We have hired a small apartment for the 4 days we are here, complete with a seperate bedroom, a washing machine and a small kitchen. ...


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The Wikimedia Forum is a central place for questions and discussions about the Wikimedia Foundation and its projects. (For discussion about the Meta wiki, see Meta:Babel.)
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unfair signing![edit]
Gnom delete any votes against his hypocrisy Environmental impact. his project could kill birds and bats, but he neglects critics (Idot (talk) 14:59, 8 February 2017 (UTC))
- @Idot: You seem to not understand what talk pages are meant for (as you added random bullet points with a signature on the content page), and your first reaction to a revert was to insult people (as can be seen in the edit history of that page). Now ask yourself why your edits maybe are not welcome? --Malyacko (talk) 10:19, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
- Hello @Idot:, I'm sorry if something is wrong in my comments, but, you say that user is making the "Opposes are overruled" property? But the actual case which I found is that page is only opposed by you. Where are other opposers? From Fukushima or Chernobyl (because that page mentioned "Nuclear")? You say that ideas from Gnom will kill animals, so the de facto power plants are not killing? So you rather like Mercury, Cadmium, Plumbum than solar? --Liuxinyu970226 (talk) 09:28, 11 February 2017 (UTC)
Concerns on copyright[edit]
I enjoyed myself by creating this little thing today. But as soon as I finished I realized that Apple Inc may not enjoy it as much as I do. I mean, do they have some sort of copyright to the overall feel of the macOS interface? I obviously did not take the source code from anything, I just mimicked it the best I can with CSS, question being will the look and feel of it alone make it incompatible with the CC license, though? Bluedeck 12:42, 11 February 2017 (UTC)
- You can read en:Look and feel. The answer is that probably not. However they may have a valid en:trade dress claim. So, you can apply a cc license I think. Ruslik (talk) 14:23, 11 February 2017 (UTC)
De-Recognition of Wikimedia Hong Kong[edit]
This is an update from the Wikimedia Affiliations Committee. Translations are available.
Recognition as a Wikimedia movement affiliate — a chapter, thematic organization, or user group — is a privilege that allows an independent group to officially use the Wikimedia trademarks to further the Wikimedia mission.
The principal Wikimedia movement affiliate in the Hong Kong region is Wikimedia Hong Kong, a Wikimedia chapter recognized in 2008. As a result of Wikimedia Hong Kong's long-standing non-compliance with reporting requirements, the Wikimedia Foundation and the Affiliations Committee have determined that Wikimedia Hong Kong's status as a Wikimedia chapter will not be renewed after February 1, 2017.
If you have questions about what this means for the community members in your region or language areas, we have put together a basic FAQ. We also invite you to visit the main Wikimedia movement affiliates page for more information on currently active movement affiliates and more information on the Wikimedia movement affiliates system.
Posted by MediaWiki message delivery on behalf of the Affiliations Committee, 16:25, 13 February 2017 (UTC) • Please help translate to your language • Get help
Review of initial updates on Wikimedia movement strategy process[edit]
Note: Apologies for cross-posting and sending in English. Message is available for translation on Meta-Wiki.
The Wikimedia movement is beginning a movement-wide strategy discussion, a process which will run throughout 2017. For 15 years, Wikimedians have worked together to build the largest free knowledge resource in human history. During this time, we've grown from a small group of editors to a diverse network of editors, developers, affiliates, readers, donors, and partners. Today, we are more than a group of websites. We are a movement rooted in values and a powerful vision: all knowledge for all people. As a movement, we have an opportunity to decide where we go from here.
This movement strategy discussion will focus on the future of our movement: where we want to go together, and what we want to achieve. We hope to design an inclusive process that makes space for everyone: editors, community leaders, affiliates, developers, readers, donors, technology platforms, institutional partners, and people we have yet to reach. There will be multiple ways to participate including on-wiki, in private spaces, and in-person meetings. You are warmly invited to join and make your voice heard.
The immediate goal is to have a strategic direction by Wikimania 2017 to help frame a discussion on how we work together toward that strategic direction.
Regular updates are being sent to the Wikimedia-l mailing list, and posted on Meta-Wiki. Beginning with this message, monthly reviews of these updates will be sent to this page as well. Sign up to receive future announcements and monthly highlights of strategy updates on your user talk page.
Here is a review of the updates that have been sent so far:
- Update 1 on Wikimedia movement strategy process (15 December 2016)
- Introduction to process and information about budget spending resolution to support it
- Update 2 on Wikimedia movement strategy process (23 December 2016)
- Start of search for Lead Architect for movement strategy process
- Update 3 on Wikimedia movement strategy process (8 January 2017)
- Plans for strategy sessions at upcoming Wikimedia Conference 2017
- Update 4 on Wikimedia movement strategy process (11 January 2017)
- Introduction of williamsworks
- Update 5 on Wikimedia movement strategy process (2 February 2017)
- The core movement strategy team, team tracks being developed, introduction of the Community Process Steering Committee, discussions at WikiIndaba conference 2017 and the Wikimedia movement affiliates executive directors gathering in Switzerland
- Update 6 on Wikimedia movement strategy process (10 February 2017)
- Tracks A & B process prototypes and providing feedback, updates on development of all four Tracks
More information about the movement strategy is available on the Meta-Wiki 2017 Wikimedia movement strategy portal.
Posted by MediaWiki message delivery on behalf of the Wikimedia Foundation, 20:30, 15 February 2017 (UTC) • Please help translate to your language • Get help
Fundamental categories[edit]
hi all, i need to do a category tree with some meaning. Something like fundamental categories and so on. You can see an example in Portals:Contents/Categories but that is hand-made. I should do it programmatically —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Eliabntt94 (talk)
Project ideas of collecting images of people[edit]
I created a project idea of obtaining images of people who passed away recently and long ago. Slowking4 created an idea to obtain images of living persons. I invite you all to discuss the above ideas. Feel free to participate in the project. --George Ho (talk) 12:41, 24 February 2017 (UTC)
New project[edit]
Hello, I was wondering if somebody know's if its possible to create a wiktionary for the cu.wikipedia.org? There is non at that moment, only that. Thank you kindly! -- Vēnī‧vīdī‧scrīpsī [DM] 18:27, 24 February 2017 (UTC)
- Please, see Language_proposal_policy. Ruslik (talk) 19:32, 24 February 2017 (UTC)


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4 March 2013
28 March 2013 Last updated at 23:09 GMT
Police in California have released CCTV video of a botched burglary in a bid to track down the suspect.
Redding Police have been examining close-up footage of the man who was caught on camera attempting to break into a convenience store.
Sherie Ryder reports.


text:
Why Christians Should Create
May 4, 2016
Freelance writer, blogger, full-time husband and father of three. Zach is also co-founder of Theologues.com, a website for Christians to grow in learning about their faith. You can find him on ... Read More
I was recently having a conversation on Facebook with a friend who was quite frustrated. His frustration stemmed from how Christians seem to stifle certain forms of art or put certain art into categories, calling them either "Christian" or "Secular."
This has been an ongoing conversation among Christians. Prominent Christian artists such as Jon Foreman have spoken into the debate about "Christian songs." Foreman said, "What is more Christ-like: feeding the poor, making furniture, cleaning bathrooms, or painting a sunset? There is a schism between the sacred and the secular in all of our modern minds."
It seems Foreman only touched the tip of the iceberg. There is a deep rift that has been slowly growing for decades, possibly even centuries, in Christian thought, and it's bled into the modern creative Christian culture. Because of this divide, this "Christian" label we slap on art, we often think art made by Christians has to look or sound a certain way.
To those of us trying to live out our beliefs, art can seem dangerous because the art of our culture preaches the beliefs of the culture, and many of these beliefs run counter to the Christian values we hold. But our goal should not be to avoid "secular" art and media, or merely take art as it's given to us and try to fix it, but to create our own art that is unique, meaningful and paradigm-shifting.
Far from sticking to the conventional standards of "Christian" art, Christian artists should be willing to take risks, to express their deep-seated beliefs and convictions in their own ways. For Christians, art is taking part of the material world and making it sacred with our expression of love and devotion to God. The aesthetic isn't what makes it Christian, the artist's purpose does.
Art can not only express our beliefs in Jesus Christ, but breathe life into the world in the process. There are several ways art is linked to our beliefs, which show us, in part why Christians should create:
It's Innate
Art is inherently manifesting ideas and concepts into pictures and words that we are at a loss to describe plainly.
We first need to understand our beliefs. Are they just a category of our lives? Are they something we put on the bottom shelf, to take out only on Sundays? I think most Christians would say "No," and I think most artists would say we have convictions that motivate our art and cause us to create in a certain direction, whether these convictions are religious or not.
Our art usually ends up as an expression of what we perceive as the main conviction in our lives. As Christians, this doesn't limit our subject matter because the Gospel applies to every part of life. And, at times, this means our art may not be censored because it's coming from an unfiltered part of our being. David certainly didn't censor his thoughts in the Psalms, and the author of Song of Songs didn't either.
It's Incarnational
Art is inherently manifesting ideas and concepts into pictures and words that we are at a loss to describe plainly. Similarly, when God came down and became a man, He put the unfathomable, indescribable God into a human image. He had a face and a form.
Art is how we express our unfathomable reality in words or pictures or sounds. When a painter paints a sunrise, the artist is putting forth his or her interpretation of the emotions and unspoken words of that sunrise. The author of a book is projecting part of his or herself into the characters and settings, sometimes expressing his or herself in ways that surprise even the author.
It's Inspired
Art comes from the deepest part of any human. When an artist works, they know it's something they have to let out.
Art comes from the deepest part of any human. When an artist works, they know it's something they have to let out. It is an idea that cannot be contained but must be expressed.
We, as Christians, ultimately see the entire universe filled with God, so our art comes from that same gut feeling that drives us to express the beauty and majesty of what we see around us and in is. It can be controversial and brazen to many, but it is an expression of the truth we have found deep within our souls.
It's Iconoclastic
I appreciate and love the iconographic tradition of the Church. I love how I can look at pictures that are hundreds of years old and see my faith with different eyes.
But sometimes, we can start to value the aesthetic of an artform over its greater meaning. We latch on to a specific genre or structure that appeals to us or that we've seen traditionally in the church we grew up in and then put that above all other forms. This often happens within Christianity. It's easy to demonize certain expressions of art we're unfamiliar with and say they're inherently ungodly. Take, for example, the new, growing movement in Christian hip-hop. There was even a recent NCFIC forum debate where the Godliness of Christian hip-hop was scrutinized. Now, this may seem silly to many, but there are many people who hold certain forms of art as more or less pleasing to God and that may be because the aesthetic is newer and seems less secure.
But sticking to the accepted forms of art is unnatural for how art operates. Art is supposed to take us to new places and break down walls in our perceptions. That doesn't mean we should abandon old artforms. There is a lot of value in rediscovering the art of the past, the art that has stood the test of time. But we shouldn't fear the new, either.
These are just a few of the reasons Christians should create. And, whether they label their art as "Christian" or not, artists need the support of the Christian community, not its derision when they dare to shift our paradigm regarding the aesthetics of art. If the core conviction and meaning is something we share, we shouldn't reject or decry art that doesn't appeal to our aesthetic tastes. After all, the art may appeal to someone else who's searching for art in an avenue that they're familiar with and ends up discovering art from a Christian artist willing to take a risk that speaks to their soul and leads to an encounter with a living God.
An earlier form of this article appeared in 2014.
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Interesting. Yet why do we choose to discuss music, theatre, movies and books repeatedly? They too are expressions of something deep worthy of discussion. The visual arts are no different. My point from earlier is that the visual arts are not really being discussed at all. Why is it that in each issue there are sections devoted to music, movies and books and not the visual arts? Why not a section on the visual arts? Album reviews, book reviews...why not exhibition reviews? If you want Christians to dig into the world and create excellent, meaningful work then show the readers examples of great visual art. Discuss and look at the work of artists that are making an impact in the world. As an artist and an art teacher myself, my students and I discuss art all of the time. We don't just simply look at it and walk away. That is simply selling visual art short if we were to do that. I have to disagree with you Markus I believe the arts need to be talked about, discussed and chewed on more than ever.
Zach, some 30 years a leader in my church criticized Pat Boone's appearance on the Tonight Show because he did not share the plan of salvation and sang "April Love." Living the Christian life entails every emotion, every relationship, every attitude. No matter the genre, art created by believers should express the heart of God and should encompass everything common to humans, but having a Bible verse stamped on it should not be a requirement. Christian artists need to permeate every artistic outlet and speak to the heart and soul of people,
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username: tlj3r_mtsu_s14
I'm very thankful that an article such as this is on such a public forum that is available to millions across the globe. For multiple years now, I've shared much of the same convictions as the writer. Christian art should not be limited to a few long-in-the-tooth aesthetics. There is absolutely nothing wrong with honoring the art of the past, which was made by our spiritual predecessors. However, if I understand him correctly, I agree with the author that Christians should be creating art that is fearless in venturing into new aesthetics without sacrificing the purpose of bringing the audience into an encounter with the living God.
I believe that Christians should be at the forefront of creating art that is literally awe-inspiring. I think Christians cower from creating such art because perhaps so many of us miss the fact that it's okay to be pioneers of art on earth, because as a Christian- a born-again child of God, we have the spirit of God dwelling inside of us. This is the God who so masterfully created the heavens and the earth, and the more we create art as undiluted worship to our God, the more we make ourselves fully available as conduits of The Holy Spirit for God to reveal more of Himself to the lives of billions across the world.
Art communicates in such a way that casual conversation or ferocious debate just simply cannot. For a Christian, art is more than just creative expression, it is worship, and it is full immersion into the awe-inspiring and living God Himself, Yahweh. To be brought into a state of total of awe of God for both the artist and the audience of God- the most profound artist of all-time. Who was, is, and always will be.
Preach. Tired of this art/Christian art seperation. Read a book by Steve Turner about this very topic entitled Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts. Great read.
Wow. Just read the "NCFIC forum debate" over Christian hip-hop. The "arguments" against? Full of nonsense.
Excellent article. Vital topic. Heaven's heartbeat. My lifelong pursuit.
As a creative disciple of Jesus for 4 decades, He's taught me that He longs first to make ME His song & His art. And then create thru me. So, I may create worship or witness music or art. Or I may make romantic or political works. I may preach sermons or clean toilets. But tho they may appear sacred or secular, holy or mundane, they should all be done prayerfully, excellently, joyfully, fearfully(?) dependent on His Spirit! Lord- sing, paint, compute, cook, clean, plumb, preach thru me!
"Let Your Kingdom will be done on earth (& in me) as in Heaven."
"Whatever your hand finds to do: do it w/all your heart as to the Lord."
(Another great book on this: "Every Good Endeavor" by Tim Keller.)
Love this article -- funnily enough, I've been thinking many of these same conclusions and writing about them on my blog.


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The Horse Forum (http://www.horseforum.com/forumindex.php)
- Tack and Equipment Classifieds (/tack-equipment-classifieds/)
- - English Saddle (http://www.horseforum.com/tack-equipment-classifieds/english-saddle-75166/)
English Saddle
My mom got this English saddle for me about a year ago, used, and I've hardly used it. We lost the girth when switching barns, so that would not be included. It's just been sitting in our garage for a few months since we've been trying to sell it. 16", hoping to get about $100 for it. These aren't the best pics, but if you would like more just let me know.
Note: There are stirrups on it.. Not sure why it was moved in the first pic!
What is the maker? Look under the flap or on the d ring rivets.
I looked and didn't see one...
No marks, anywhere? That's odd. It looks like a nice saddle. Surely there will be some young rider here who'll just be thrilled to have it.
Not anything too noticable. I will look more tomorrow. I'm also gonna try to remember to take more pics of it and my western saddle to put up.
how big are the leg flaps? do you know if it's an A/P saddle? and the size of the tree?
hmm.. not sure :/ i don't really ride english, it's just for fun every now and then so i don't really know much about it
hehe thats what i'd use it for. do you think maybe you could measure the tree width? i know on my western saddle she uses a 7inch gullet. as long as it's around 6-8 i'm sure it will be fine. i'm just gonna play around with it abit and get used to an english saddle, and jump a bit.
Yeah that's what I've been doing. I lost our old girth a while back and I have one in the mail right now. Got tired of havin the saddle not selling and no girth to use it, haha. But yeah I'll measure it this weekend when I go to the barn if I remember :)
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Cooked Filling
|Ground beef
|1⁄2 Pound
|1 Small, chopped
|1 Clove (5 gm), minced
|Cracked grain
|1⁄2 Cup (8 tbs)
|1 1⁄2 Cup (24 tbs)
|1 Small
|To Taste
|To Taste
Lightly brown the ground beef in a large skillet.
Drain off excess liquid.
Add the onion and garlic, and saute.
Add grain, and cook until lightly brown.
Add 2 cups of the water, cover skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Check moisture content, adding remaining 1 cup water if necessary.
Ten minutes before grain is tender, add carrot.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Mixture should be thick.
Baking: Bake in a 425°F.
Oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Rate It
Nutrition Rank
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: Complete recipe
Calories 1168 Calories from Fat 556
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 62 g95.2%
Saturated Fat 22.4 g111.8%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 160 mg53.3%
Sodium 617 mg25.7%
Total Carbohydrates 109 g36.4%
Dietary Fiber 25.6 g102.3%
Sugars 8.2 g
Protein 55 g109.8%
Vitamin A 167.3% Vitamin C 22.7%
Calcium 9.6% Iron 30.3%
*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet


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Worldwide Locations
If you had 60 seconds with the 45th president, what would you say? We asked local Asian Americans to tell us — on camera.
Studying in America seems to be transforming Chinese students' political, religious, and social outlooks — but not in a uniform direction.
In this excerpt from his new memoir, the veteran Indian journalist remembers the first time he felt "otherized."
The philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, who died on Friday at 88, rose above his country's divisions.
GMB Akash explains how he gains the trust of the underprivileged people he photographs and brings their stories to life.
In India and Nepal, devoted Hindus dress up in elaborate costumes to celebrate Maha Shivrati or the Great Night of Shiva in reverence of Lord Shiva, lord of destruction.
The recent brouhaha over a book on religion has Vishakha Desai worried that Indian cultural discourse is being "hijacked by narrow-minded interests."
Can Indonesia be seen as a democratic model for other Muslim-majority countries like Egypt and Tunisia?
Watch a clip from Aslan's 2010 Asia Society appearance in which he boldly takes on Islamophobes and offers a witty response to the "unprecedented" wave of anti-Muslim prejudice he saw sweeping the U.S. in 2010.
A Buddha sits on display during the annual Vesak Buddhist festival, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 24, 2013. (Lakruwan Wanniarachchi/AFP/Getty Images)
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Intrinsic inotropic stimulation of the heart is central to the regulation of cardiovascular function, and exogenous inotropic therapies have been used clinically for decades. Unfortunately, current inotropic drugs have consistently failed to show beneficial effects beyond short-term haemodynamic improvement in patients with heart failure. To address these limitations, new agents targeting novel mechanisms are being developed: (i) istaroxime has been developed as a non-glycoside inhibitor of the sodium-potassium-ATPase with additional stimulatory effects on the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump (SERCA) and has shown lusitropic and inotropic properties in experimental and early clinical studies; (ii) from a mechanistic point of view, the cardiac myosin activators, directly activating the acto-myosin cross-bridges, are most appealing with improved cardiac performance in both animal and early clinical studies; (iii) gene therapy approaches have been successfully employed to increase myocardial SERCA2a; (iv) nitroxyl donors have been developed and have shown evidence of positive lusitropic and inotropic, as well as potent vasodilatory effects in early animal studies; (v) the ryanodine receptor stabilizers reduce pathological leak of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum with initial promising pre-clinical results; and finally, (vi) metabolic energy modulation may represent a promising means to improve contractile performance of the heart. There is an urgent clinical need for agents that improve cardiac performance with a favourable safety profile. These current novel approaches to improving cardiac function provide the hope that such agents may soon be available.
In 1986, two review articles on new positive inotropic agents for the treatment of congestive heart failure were published,1,2 presenting a number of promising developments. However, over 24 years later, the only inotropic agent recommended, and weakly at that, in the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the treatment of chronic heart failure is digitalis, a drug introduced in the eighteenth century.3 In the setting of acute heart failure, inotropic agents are only recommended in patients with systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg and evidence of inadequate organ perfusion despite other therapeutic interventions.
Why have so many promising inotropic drugs failed to demonstrate beneficial clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure? The therapeutic hypothesis is compelling; central to the pathogenesis of systolic heart failure is decreased left ventricular (LV) contractile function. The initial insults (myocardial infarction, other cardiomyopathies, hypertension, etc.) that cause decreased LV function set into motion an inexorable series of maladaptive haemodynamic, remodelling, and neurohormonal responses that result in heart failure, clinical deterioration, and ultimately death. It would seem intuitively obvious that improving LV function should halt the progression of disease and improve clinical outcomes. A recent analysis supports this concept, where clinical device or drug trials that demonstrate long-term improvement in LV function are associated with improved survival.4 Furthermore, the success of cardiac resynchronization therapy in reducing heart failure events and improving survival clearly supports the hypothesis.5 However, there is no similar supportive evidence for inotropic agents. While there may be many reasons for the failure of currently available inotropes to improve clinical outcomes, the adverse effect of these agents on myocardial energetics and intracellular calcium may play an important role. While most inotropic agents increase energy consumption and intracellular calcium, inotropic stimulation through cardiac resynchronization therapy does not. Thus, the success story of cardiac resynchronization by biventricular pacing therapy may indicate that the future search for inotropic intervention in heart failure is not hopeless, and that inotropic mechanisms that avoid these liabilities may be clinically beneficial.
What defines an inotropic intervention?
Inotropic interventions comprise all means that increase muscular contractile force, and in particular, the contractile force of the myocardium. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of myocardial force production can best be explained at the level of the smallest force-producing unit, the acto-myosin cross-bridge using a simplified two-stage cross-bridge model (Figure 1). During a cross-bridge cycle, the myosin head attaches to actin, rotates to produce force, which is maintained during the so-called on-time (Figure 2). Thereafter, the cross-bridge detaches again to enter its non-force-producing state for the duration of the off-time. The on-time and the unitary force production of the cross-bridge define the force–time integral of the individual cross-bridge cycle. Accordingly, contractile force depends on the number of cross-bridges attached per unit of time. The cross-bridges are activated by calcium binding to troponin C with the subsequent conformational changes of tropomyosin and troponin I to facilitate acto-myosin interaction. The muscle relaxes when calcium is pumped back into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) by the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump (SERCA) and eliminated outside the cell by the sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX).6 Inotropy, i.e. the number of cross-bridges activated, depends upon: (i) the amount of calcium available to bind to troponin C, (ii) the calcium affinity of troponin C, and (iii) alterations at the level of the cross-bridge cycle including promotion of the force-producing cross-bridge state, cross-bridge unitary force production, and prolongation of the on-time, and thus the duration of the force-producing state. Furthermore, the ability of attached cross-bridges to increase calcium affinity of troponin C and activate neighbouring cross-bridges (i.e. co-operativity) may also increase contractile force.
The mechanisms underlying the increase in inotropy may also influence the velocity of contraction and relaxation as well as energy consumption of the myocardium. It is assumed that one molecule of ATP is hydrolysed during one individual cross-bridge cycle. Accordingly, the most efficient way to increase contractile force would be to prolong cross-bridge attachment time, but this mechanism might reduce the velocity of force development and relaxation. However, it is also recognized that there is a basal rate of non-force-generating ATP hydrolysis by myosin,7 such that mechanisms that increase the likelihood of force-generating hydrolysis with cross-bridge formation would potentially increase performance with no adverse effect on energetics. Thus, efficiency (economy) of contraction and contractile performance may diverge depending on the inotropic mechanism.
How does the heart regulate its inotropic state?
Endogenous inotropic mechanisms include (i) length-dependent activation of cross-bridges, (ii) contraction frequency-dependent activation of contractile force, and (iii) catecholamine-mediated inotropy.6 The most important mechanism to regulate the basal contractile force of the heart is length-dependent activation of cross-bridges by increasing the length of the individual sarcomere (Frank-Starling mechanism). This length-dependent activation occurs without an increase in calcium release, partially by spatial changes and increased co-operativity.8 Frequency-dependent up-regulation of contractile force is calcium dependent. With increasing heart rate, more calcium enters the cardiomyocyte, is accumulated into the SR, and is available for release during the next contraction, resulting in more recruited cross-bridges and increased contractile force.9 Catecholamines increase contractile force by the β-adrenoceptor-adenylyl cyclase system or by stimulation of α-receptors. Through protein kinase A, the β-adrenoceptor system phosphorylates L-type calcium channels to increase calcium influx and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to increase SR calcium release resulting in activation of cross-bridges. In addition, phosphorylation of phospholamban accelerates SR accumulation of calcium and relaxation which is supported by phosphorylation of troponin I due to reduced calcium sensitivity of troponin C (positive lusitropy). At the cross-bridge level, cyclic AMP (cAMP)-mediated increase in contractility has been reported to reduce the attachment time of the individual cross-bridge. Consequently, cAMP-mediated inotropy increases the rate of force development and rate of relaxation at the expense of a reduced economy of contraction.9
Alterations of the inotropic state in heart failure
In heart failure, excitation–contraction coupling is significantly altered, largely by abnormal calcium accumulation of the SR (Figure 3). Calcium enters the cell following activation of the L-type calcium current during the upstroke of the action potential. This calcium triggers the release of a larger amount of calcium by activating the RyR, which is the calcium release channel of the SR. Released calcium binds to troponin C to activate acto-myosin cross-bridges, inducing myocyte contraction. For relaxation, calcium is transported back to the SR by SERCA and eliminated outside the cell through the NCX. In heart failure, SR calcium uptake is abnormal due to SR calcium leak through RyR, decreased re-uptake of calcium secondary to decreased SERCA protein levels, and increased calcium elimination outside the cell due to increased levels of the NCX. Disturbed SR calcium accumulation is also the main mechanism underlying inversion of the force-frequency relation (see above, 'How does the heart regulate its inotropic state?'). In the failing myocardium, frequency-dependent up-regulation of SR calcium load is absent, which is associated with a decline of contractile force at higher heart rates.9
Current inotropes
Current inotropic drugs include cardiac glycosides, β-adrenoceptor agonists, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, and calcium sensitizers (Figure 4, Table 1).1,2 Cardiac glycosides inhibit the sodium-potassium-ATPase (Na+/K+ -ATPase) resulting in sodium accumulation which in turn promotes cellular calcium accumulation by influencing driving forces of the NCX. Providing intact SR function, calcium accumulates in the SR, ready for release during the next twitch. As explained above, β-adrenoceptor stimulation increases intracellular cAMP that activates protein kinase A to phosphorylate key calcium-cycling proteins. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors prevent cAMP degradation, thus increasing cAMP activation of protein kinase A. Because β-adrenoceptor density is reduced in heart failure, PDE inhibitors have been assumed to be more effective in heart failure patients. The beneficial effects of both catecholamines and PDE inhibitors are directly a result of their ability to increase intracellular calcium, which is also the direct mechanism of the adverse effects of these agents, including myocardial ischaemia and arrhythmias. Calcium sensitizers increase contractile force without increasing intracellular calcium release. The molecular mechanism of current calcium sensitizers is at the level of troponin C through increased calcium affinity or more downstream through alterations of cross-bridge kinetics (1, 2).
|Inotropic mechanism
|Sodium-potassium-ATPase inhibition
|β-Adrenoceptor stimulation
|Dobutamine, dopamine
|Phosphodiesterase inhibition
|Enoximone, milrinone
|Calcium sensitization
|Sodium-potassium-ATPase inhibition plus SERCA activation
|Acto-myosin cross-bridge activation
|Omecamtiv mecarbil
|SERCA activation
|Gene transfer
|SERCA activation plus vasodilation
|Nitroxyl donor; CXL-1020
|Ryanodine receptor stabilization
|Ryanodine receptor stabilizer; S44121
|Energetic modulation
|Etomoxir, pyruvate
|Inotropic mechanism
|Sodium-potassium-ATPase inhibition
|β-Adrenoceptor stimulation
|Dobutamine, dopamine
|Phosphodiesterase inhibition
|Enoximone, milrinone
|Calcium sensitization
|Sodium-potassium-ATPase inhibition plus SERCA activation
|Acto-myosin cross-bridge activation
|Omecamtiv mecarbil
|SERCA activation
|Gene transfer
|SERCA activation plus vasodilation
|Nitroxyl donor; CXL-1020
|Ryanodine receptor stabilization
|Ryanodine receptor stabilizer; S44121
|Energetic modulation
|Etomoxir, pyruvate
Current clinical use of inotropes
According to current ESC guidelines, cardiac glycosides (digoxin) are indicated in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation to control the ventricular rate.3 In patients with sinus rhythm, digoxin may be given to symptomatic patients with chronic systolic heart failure to improve ventricular function and patient well-being, and to reduce hospitalization, but without improving survival. Non-glycoside inotropic agents should only be used in patients with acute heart failure with low blood pressure or cardiac output in the presence of signs of hypoperfusion or congestion. Available agents include cAMP-elevating drugs such as dobutamine, dopamine, milrinone, and enoximone.10 However, cAMP-mediated inotropic stimulation may impair survival, in particular, in patients with coronary artery disease. This adverse effect has been demonstrated by several clinical trials, including the OPTIME-CHF trial that randomized patients with acute heart failure to milrinone or placebo infusion. Milrinone was not superior to placebo regarding the primary endpoint of number of days hospitalized for cardiovascular causes within 60 days after randomization, and milrinone was associated with more adverse events, with significant increases in atrial fibrillation/flutter, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, and sustained hypotension.11 In addition, milrinone patients suffering from coronary artery disease had worse outcomes, including increased mortality.12 Moreover, in the ESCAPE trial, use of inotropes was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality.13
Use of the calcium sensitizer levosimendan may be more favourable. Levosimendan has a unique mechanism of action. It binds to troponin C depending on the actual calcium concentration. This may result in drug binding only during high systolic calcium levels but not during diastole when calcium is low. By this on–off mechanism, levosimendan may increase calcium sensitivity only during systole without impairing diastolic relaxation.14 In addition, levosimendan activates ATP-dependent potassium channels in smooth muscle cells resulting in vasodilation.15 At higher concentrations, levosimendan also acts as a PDE inhibitor.14 A number of clinical trials have been performed demonstrating inotropic and vasodilating properties of levosimendan in patients with heart failure including cardiogenic shock: an increase in stroke volume and cardiac output and a decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP).10 Levosimendan possesses unusual pharmacokinetics with a biological half-life of its active metabolite extending over several days, explaining the recommendation to administer the drug for only 24 h using continuous infusion. However, some caution in the use of levosimendan, particularly with bolus loading doses, may be warranted given the results of the only placebo-controlled acute heart failure trial, REVIVE II, which demonstrated an early increase in mortality, as well as increased atrial fibrillation/flutter, ventricular ectopy, and sustained hypotension.16 A recent meta-analysis of studies in patients with acute severe heart failure showed that levosimendan has favourable haemodynamic effects superior to placebo or dobutamine and suggested that levosimendan was associated with reduced mortality compared with dobutamine.17
Future directions
Promising new inotropic agents have been developed during the last decade (Table 1). They are based on pathophysiological defects identified in heart failure and include (i) istaroxime, which is an inhibitor of Na+/K+ -ATPase and an activator of SERCA, (ii) cardiac myosin activators, (iii) increasing myocardial SERCA through gene therapy, (iv) nitroxyl donors, (v) stabilizers of the RyR, and (vi) energetic modulation (Figure 5).
Istaroxime—a new luso-inotropic agent?
Istaroxime [(E,Z)-3-((2-aminoethoxy)imino)androstane-6,17-dione] has been identified in the search for new inotropic agents acting at the Na+/K+ -ATPase. Istaroxime does not have a glycoside-like structure and in addition to its inhibitory effects on Na+/K+ -ATPase, it has been suggested to stimulate SERCA.18 Inhibition of Na+/K+ -ATPase increases intracellular sodium, which reduces the driving force for the NCX, decreasing calcium elimination outside the cell. Moreover, increased sodium may stimulate the NCX to function in the reverse mode of transporting calcium intracellularly. Calcium influx into the cytosol may, however, be harmful in the failing heart with reduced SERCA activity and elevated diastolic calcium levels. Under those circumstances, Na+/K+ -ATPase inhibition by elevating cytosolic calcium may not only impair diastolic function, but it may also induce delayed after-depolarization and cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, additional effects on top of Na+/K+ -ATPase inhibition, which promote calcium uptake of the SR, may be crucial to the potential success of this type of inotropic agent. In a study of guinea pig myocytes, Micheletti et al.19 demonstrated that istaroxime increased twitch amplitude and accelerated relaxation without the after-contractions seen with digoxin. In various dog studies, istaroxime increased the maximum rates of rise and fall in LV pressure and decreased end-diastolic pressure and volume without a change in the heart rate and the blood pressure. Most importantly, these inotropic and lusitropic effects were different from those of digoxin and have not been associated with an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption.20,21 Thus, from animal experiments istaroxime shows a favourable profile with increased inotropy and accelerated relaxation without associated increased energy consumption.
The HORIZON trial evaluated the haemodynamic, echocardiographic, and neurohormonal effects of intravenous istaroxime in 120 patients hospitalized with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.22 In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating study, three doses of istaroxime or a placebo were given as intravenous infusions over 6 h to patients with a history of heart failure and a PCWP >20 mmHg. A reduction in PCWP was the primary endpoint, which was attained in all three dose groups during the entire observation period of 6 h. There was an increase in systolic blood pressure and a transient increase in cardiac index with the highest dose and a decrease in heart rate and diastolic and systolic volume, without a change in ejection fraction. As indicators for improved diastolic function, E-wave deceleration time and Ea velocity increased, and the E/Ea ratio decreased. Istaroxime shortened QTc and was well tolerated with a short half-life of 1 h. Thus, the haemodynamic profile of istaroxime reflects inotropic and lusitropic effects without any indication of vasodilatory properties. The limitation of this study is related to the fact that patients included presented with milder forms of acute heart failure, not requiring inotropic interventions according to current guidelines.
Cardiac myosin activators—increasing myocardial performance
Cardiac myosin activators represent a new class of compounds, which directly influence the cross-bridge cycle. These molecules accelerate the rate of actin-dependent phosphate release of the weakly bound acto-myosin cross-bridge (the rate-limiting step of the cross-bridge cycle). This promotes transition to the force-producing on-state of the cross-bridge. (Figure 6)23 As a consequence, more cross-bridges enter the force-producing state, more cross-bridges are activated per unit of time, and contractile force increases (Figure 2). Several compounds have been investigated so far.24 These agents stimulate myosin-ATPase and increase fractional shortening of myocytes without increasing intracellular calcium transients. The increase in myocyte shortening is associated with an increase in time-to-peak contraction with unaltered velocity of contraction.
The molecule omecamtiv mecarbil (formerly CK-1827452) has recently been studied in two different dog models of heart failure.25 Both included tachycardia-pacing-induced failure on top of myocardial infarction in one model and pressure overload by constriction of the ascending aorta in the other. In both models, omecamtiv mecarbil increased stroke volume and cardiac output, and decreased LV end-diastolic pressure and heart rate. In addition, omecamtiv mecarbil increased LV systolic ejection time (SET) by 26%. Importantly, these improvements in cardiac function were not associated with increased myocardial oxygen consumption.
Omecamtiv mecarbil has advanced into clinical studies. The first-in-human study assessed the effect of omecamtiv mecarbil in ascending dose cohorts of healthy volunteers (n = 34) and demonstrated dose- and concentration-dependent increases in the SET, stroke volume, fractional shortening, and ejection fraction.26 A subsequent study in patients with heart failure presented similar findings.27 Due to concerns that prolongation of SET might adversely impact diastolic-filling, particularly during exercise, another study, enrolling 94 patients with documented ischaemic cardiomyopathy, exercise-induced angina, reduced ejection fraction, and symptomatic heart failure, evaluated the effect of intravenous omecamtiv mecarbil on symptom-limited exercise tolerance.28 In these patients, there was no deleterious effect of omecamtiv mecarbil on exercise tolerance. No doubt, the cardiac myosin activators are a very interesting new development in inotropic heart failure therapy. While the characteristic increase of SET may be a matter of concern, as long as relaxation is not prolonged and heart rate not too high, the increased ejection period should be well tolerated, as suggested by the exercise study.
Gene therapy approaches to increase sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump activity—stimulating the calcium pumps
Various gene therapy strategies have been proposed to correct abnormal excitation–contraction coupling in heart failure and increase inotropy. Most approaches are related to reduced SR calcium uptake, however, abnormal SR leak has also been considered. It has been shown in isolated myocytes that overexpression of the RyR-regulatory protein FKBP12.6 increases SR calcium content and fractional shortening.29
A number of studies have been performed to evaluate the possibility of SERCA gene transfer. Up-regulating SERCA2a, the cardiac isoform of the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase, in different animal models of heart failure results in improvement in systolic and diastolic function30,31 and may reduce arrhythmias.32 A recent paper on a sheep model of myocardial infarction and mitral regurgitation showed that SERCA up-regulation improves function and reduces the remodelling processes.33 The Calcium Up-regulation by Percutaneous Administration of Gene Therapy in Cardiac Disease (CUPID) study, enrolled with a total of 39 patients with severe heart failure randomized to adeno-associated virus-mediated transfer of SERCA2a or placebo, has been recently presented.34 As a phase 2 study, there was no single primary endpoint, but when a broad range of efficacy and safety endpoints were evaluated, there were very encouraging signals in improvement in symptoms and ventricular remodelling.35 Problems related to gene transfer approaches to increase inotropy include (i) immunological reactions, (ii) duration of gene expression, (iii) control of gene expression, and (iv) unknown toxic effects, which are related to the vector used to transfer a gene. Currently, new-generation adeno-associated viruses have brought considerable progress in the field.
Nitroxyl—nitric oxide's soon-to-be famous sibling?
Nitric oxide (NO) is well known as an important signalling molecule central to the regulation of vascular tone and other cardiovascular processes, but NO's one-electron-reduced and protonated sibling, nitroxyl (HNO), is currently less well known. While HNO and NO are both gaseous signalling molecules and can be potent vasodilators, HNO appears to have additional unique signalling pathways and mechanisms independent of NO.36,37In vitro experiments have demonstrated HNO-induced vasorelaxation in isolated large conduit and small resistance arteries, as well as intact coronary and pulmonary vascular beds, and HNO is a potent arterio- and venodilator in intact animal studies. While some of these vasorelaxant properties may be mediated by soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), other mechanisms are also important in HNO-induced vasodilation, including increased circulating neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide levels and activation of vascular smooth muscle potassium channels (perhaps both Kv and KATP-channels). While the importance of these non-sGC mechanisms in patients is unclear, there is one characteristic that clearly differentiates HNO from traditional nitrovasodilators: the potential absence of tolerance or tachyphylaxis.38 If confirmed in human studies, the absence of vascular tolerance could provide an important clinical advantage for HNO in the setting of heart failure. Additional effects of interest include inhibiting platelet aggregation and limiting vascular smooth muscle proliferation.39
While these vascular properties are intriguing, the positive inotropic effect of HNO is potentially of greater clinical interest. Early in vitro experiments suggested positive inotropic and lusitropic properties of HNO, while subsequent studies in healthy and heart failure dog models with the HNO donor Angeli's salt (Na2N2O3) demonstrated significant improvements in load-independent LV contractility, associated with reductions in pre-load volume and diastolic pressure.40,41 The mechanisms of these beneficial inotropic and lusitropic effects continue to be elucidated, but they appear to be independent of cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and cGMP/PKG signalling,42 with no modification of l-type calcium channel activity,43 and related to modification of specific cysteine residues on either phospholamban44 and/or SERCA2a,45 resulting in augmented SR calcium transients. These and other studies39 were encouraging, but the clinical utility of HNO was limited by the poor pharmacological properties of the available HNO donors, such as Na2N2O3. Recently, a clinical development programme has used the new HNO donor CXL-1020 in animal studies, which have confirmed its positive inotropic and lusitropic effects.46 Clinical studies are currently being conducted (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01092325, clinicaltrials.gov NCT01096043). Nitroxyl donors, such as CXL-1020, may be a new generation of inodilators that avoid the safety issues of current inodilators, such as catecholamines, PDE inhibitors, and levosimendan, and offer significant promise, however, the extent of the vasodilating properties may determine their clinical utility.
Ryanodine receptor stabilizers—stopping the leak
As discussed above, calcium leak through RyRs significantly contributes to abnormal calcium cycling in human heart failure. Accordingly, restoration of RyR function seems to be an interesting target for its treatment. A leak of calcium from the SR may not only decrease SR calcium load and availability for systolic contraction, but it may also promote diastolic dysfunction due to diastolic activation of contractile proteins. In addition, SR calcium leak may be a trigger for arrhythmias and contribute to altered gene expression in heart failure. Finally, a leak has unfavourable energetic consequences because ATP consumption for SR calcium accumulation increases with recycling calcium. Several compounds that reduce calcium leak through the RyR have been developed. JTV519, a 1,4-benzothiazepine, was one of the first compounds that restored abnormal RyR function and preserved contractile performance in heart failure models.47,48 In addition, JTV519 improved diastolic and systolic function in isolated myocardium from failing human hearts.49 In addition to RyR stabilization, JTV519 has inhibitor properties on l-type calcium channels, potassium channels, and possibly other transporters. Subsequently, molecules that may specifically act on cardiac RyRs have been developed, including S44121. The study drug S44121 is currently being evaluated in a phase 2 multicentre clinical study (ISRCTN Registration number 14227980).
Energetic modulators—fuelling the engine
Disturbed energetic metabolism is considered to play a major role in human heart failure.50 This may result from inadequate vessel formation during cardiac hypertrophy, altered substrate uptake of the myocyte or disturbed mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and ATP availability for contractile processes. Several drugs that switch energy metabolism from fatty acids to glucose oxidation have been investigated. Etomoxir, an inhibitor of mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, had shown promising results in animal experiments. It was also shown that substrate switching is associated with changes in gene expression such as myosin heavy chain gene or SERCA, but in a recent study in rats with aortic banding, an improvement of cardiac function has not been observed.51 A clinical trial had to be stopped prematurely because of liver toxicity of the substance in some patients.52
Administration of the glycolytic substrate pyruvate may result in profound inotropic effects under experimental conditions as well as in patients with heart failure. Pyruvate has numerous molecular effects that may contribute to its inotropic action. These include: (i) an increase in phosphorylation potential, (ii) a reduction of inorganic phosphate, (iii) a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration, and (iv) a modulation of the cytosolic redox state. The most important mechanism for its inotropic action may be an increase in the phosphorylation potential and an increase in free energy of ATP hydrolysis. In isolated muscle strip preparations from patients with end-stage heart failure, pyruvate resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in developed force and a decrease in diastolic force.53 There was a dose-dependent prolongation of time-to-peak tension and relaxation time. This was associated with increased intracellular calcium transients and increased SR calcium content. The data support the hypothesis that pyruvate increases energy availability to the SERCA resulting in improved SR calcium handling.53 When pyruvate was injected into the coronary circulation of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, it exhibited a profile of an ideal inotropic agent with an increase in cardiac index and stroke volume index, a decrease in PCWP and heart rate. Mean aortic pressure and system vascular resistance did not change.54,55 These pyruvate data suggest that energetic modulation has a significant potential for the treatment of heart failure. A major difficulty for using pyruvate to treat acute heart failure in patients results from the fact that high arterial concentrations are needed which can only be achieved by intra-arterial application of pyruvate. Nevertheless, the favourable pronounced inotropic effects of pyruvate suggest that efforts should be invested to search for energetic targets in the treatment of heart failure.
Despite the compelling therapeutic hypothesis that increasing ventricular performance should improve clinical outcomes, the development of positive inotropes in the past has generated a litany of failures. These failures have been largely due to increases in cardiovascular complications directly related to the mechanism of action of these agents. Newer agents targeting different mechanisms of action hold new promise for the future, as long as complications of myocardial ischaemia, arrhythmias, and hypotension can be avoided.
Supported by German Research Foundation (G.H.).
Conflict of interest: J.R.T. received research grants/consultant to the following companies: Abbott Laboratories, Amgen, Cardioxyl, Cytokinetics, Celladon, Orion Pharmaceuticals. G.H. received research grants/consultant to the following companies: Servier, Orion Pharmaceuticals.


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FREE SHIPPINGon Orders over $75 (Does not apply to bikes/fitness equipment & oversize packages)
Southside - Megastore312-794-41552540 S WabashM-F 11-7Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5
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Slam the door on the competition with the featherweight Race Lite Mini! This pint-size race rig features a strong 6061-aluminum frame and chromoly fork with Haro's confidence-inspiring geometry so it's no sweat going fast! And, decked with legit BMX componentry, such as the 3-piece cranks, integrated seat/post combo, and quick Alienation rims wrapped in Kenda rubber, the Mini is as durable as it is fast.
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Throw Pillow
CUPID 002by Lazy Bones Studios
Throw Pillow made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric, a stylish statement that will liven up any room. Individually cut and sewn by hand, each pillow features a double-sided print and is finished with a concealed zipper for ease of care. Sold with or without faux down pillow insert.
This is from my CUPID series in 2012. If it isn't exactly what you're looking for but close let me know as there are many variants and who knows one of them might be exactly what your heart desires. A little early for Valentines Day but I just couldn't help myself.
Cupid is a crule one make people fall in love with the wrong one as to break their hearts. Thats where he draws his pleasure, his power. So beware this Feburary 14th that you don't fall victim to his evil game of love and love not.
St. Saint Valentine Cupid Love sweetheart boy girl friend lover husband wife engaged steady date betrothed Fiancée anniversary skull wing till death do us part grunge Goth broken heart


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Are you looking for Ramps in SOUTH CAROLINA? Hotfrog showcases more than 30 popular businesses related to Ramps in SOUTH CAROLINA! Find a specific region or suburb using the left navigation.
- 09/11/2009
Mt Pleasant, SC
Alumarine, Inc. is Charleston's premier manufacturer of custom low-maintenance aluminum ramps, walkways, catwalks, floating docks and pier-heads. Our high grade aluminum products are built in a modern manufacturing facil…
Aluminum RampsFloating Docks
Murrells Inlet, SC
We custom build docks, decks, ramps, seawalls and walkways We have been in the marine construction business since 1991 serving Horry County, Georgetown County and surrounding areas Seven Seas Marine Constr…
Floating Docks
DOCK SHOP , Specializing in: High Quality Low Maintenance Marine Structures & Supplies. Wetland permitting,Dock Hardware & Supplies. Permitting for Docks,Piers,Boardwalks,Fixed docks,Floating docks, Boat Ramps, …
Aluminum RampsBoat RampsFloating DocksLifts
Columbia, SC
Healthcare Etc. is a supplier of Durable and Home Health care equipment and supplies. We provide wheelchairs, walkers, canes, rollators, diabetic supplies, bathroom safety products, incontinent supplies, supplemental nu…
Wheelchair Rampsgrab barsWheel ChairCrutches
Florence, SC
Wheelchair Ramps at Ramp Solutions. Your source for Handicapped Ramps, Modular Wheel Chair Ramps, Folding Wheel Chair Ramps and Wheel Chair Ramps For Vans
portable wheelchair rampsModular RampsWHEEL CHAIR RAMPSWheelchair Ramps
Myrtle Beach, SC
Titus Titan Corporation provides ADA Assessments, Compliance & Construction services to meet the needs of the disabled and/or physically impaired persons. In addition, we offer property preservation, restoration, rem…
Lifts & RampsScooter LiftsWheelchair LiftsStair Lifts
iNet Mobility is now
offering a 10% discount to all local residents in Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina . Call 888-524-8640 now to find
out how to take advantage of this exclusive offer for Myrtle Beach
Lifts & RampsWheelchair Lifts & RampsScooter LiftsVehicle Lifts
Charleston, SC
2005 American Dock & Marine Construction From docks to bulkheads to boatlifts, we bring your dream of a waterfront structure to completion in a timely and professional manner
BoatliftsFloating DocksLiftsRevetment
We provide a full line of medical equipment, including sales, service, and rentals of oxygen, bathroom, power chairs, scooters, aids to daily living, diabetic shoes, walkers, canes, hospital beds, patient lifts, wheelcha…
Lifts & RampsHandicap MobilityVan Conversions & AccessoriesWheelchair Ramp
spartanburg, sc
McElrath Trailers is a Professional Construction and Heavy Equipment Specialist that will custom build all kinds of trailers such as tag a long, gooseneck, mini float
bamberg, sc
MacLumber Inc is a composite plastic lumber manufacturer. MacLumber offers several lines of recycled plastic resin lumber for decks, docks, landscaping, outdoor furniture and many other non-structural uses. Low maintenan…
Wallace, SC
Sandhill Quilting is a family owned and operated USA manufacturer since 1962 producing quilted furniture moving pads used in the warehouse, container and delivery industries and custom fitted quilted covers used in the a…
Appliance TrucksDockboardsMoving BlanketsWheel Chocks
Duncan, SC
Ryder has been delivering transportation and logistics solutions worldwide since 1933. Whether you need to rent a truck or trucks, looking to purchase a used truck or lease a fleet, Ryder has the right vehicle to fit you…
Transportation System SolutionsE-logisticsSemi-truck PartsFourth Party Logistics
At The Mobility Center of the Pee Dee, we focus on providing quality products and services that cater to the needs of those with disabilities and assistive needs
Mobility CenterLift ChairsWheelchairshospital beds
Wando, SC
Patients First Medical Equipment consists of several companies that are uniquely able to provide true one stop shopping for all medical needs at home, from nebulizers and their medications, to diabetic test strips, hospi…
Portable Lifting CushionsFolding WheelchairBath Tub Safetypowered wheelchairs
charleston, SC
2005 American Dock & Marine Construction
Aluminum RampsBoatliftsFloating DocksRevetment
Mobility Center, located in the Carolinas provides Home Medical Equipment to Seniors such as: Portable Oxygen, Wheelchairs, Walkers, E Tanks, Medical Equipment Rentals, Lift Chairs, Vehicle Lifts
Wheelchair Lifts & RampsVehicle LiftsWheelchair Lifts RetailWheelchair Lifts
Hotfrog US provides information regarding Ace Custom Concrete in Myrtle Beach SC. Ace Custom Concrete is located at 6505 Rodney Dr and provides Home Improvement,Contractor services. Contact them on (843) 457-6878.
Spartanburg, SC
Located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, UpState Medical & Mobility supplies its customers with all types of top-of-the-line medical equipment and supplies. UpState Medical & Mobility has a wide array of products such as:…
Pride MobilityManual WheelchairsMotorized WheelchairsPower wheelchairs
Mount Pleasant, SC
ABACARE HOME MEDICAL provides a wide array of durable medical equipment, aids, and supplies Our trained customer service representatives include Mobility Specialists and Clinical Specialist, who are available t…
Portable Lifting CushionsPortable Liquid SystemsT E N S UnitsThermophore Heat Pad
Sumter, SC
With locations in Sumter, Mt. Pleasant, and North Charleston, we are proud to be serving South Carolina's home medical equipment and supply needs. As one of the area's largest retail suppliers of top quality home health …
Portable Lifting CushionsPortable Liquid SystemsThermophore Heat PadFolding Wheelchair
We are also the exclusive distributors for Safe Haven Boat Lifts by Carolina Waterworks along about 400 miles of coastline in NC, SC, GA, and both coasts of Florida We provide customized docking and lift soluti…
Platform LiftsBoatliftsFloating DocksLifts
Anderson, SC
Anderson SC Pharmacy, Wheelchair Sales & Repair, CPAP & BiPAP Machines
Turning Automotive SeatingStairliftsVehicle LiftsWheelchair Lifts Retail
Beaufort, SC
Loading RampsMattress Bags & Mattress CoversLoad TrailerAppliance Dollies
Surfside Beach, SC
Lift ChairsWheelchairshospital bedsNebulizers
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Speed Bumps
Manning, SC
Ridgeway, SC
Lift ChairsWheelchairshospital bedsScooters
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Season 2 of the Overtime podcast is here! Listen to the first episode with Meg Robichaud now.
Stockholm International Comics Festival is in may. It´s become popular to make fan art based on the poster for the festival. Here is my contribution. The whole picture in the attachment.
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Show and tell for designers
What are you working on? Dribbble is a community of designers sharing screenshots of their work, process, and projects.
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A video plea posted online featuring an 11-year-old Yemeni girl who threatens to kill herself if she is forced to marry has become a global internet hit.
Nada al-Ahdal speaks passionately in the three-minute video which has had more than two million views since it was uploaded on Sunday.
In the seemingly heartrending plea, apparently filmed in the car, she asks: "What about the innocence of childhood?" as she explains why she has run away from home. "I'm better off dead. I'd rather die," she says.
There is no law in Yemen to prevent child marriage. More than 50 per


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This is one of the hundreds of Doodle Pages made from the 1950's up until 1998. They contain valuable information and instructions for many aspects of leatherworking. Made by some of leatherworkings premier artists of their time, the lessons taught and the patterns given are a vast source of inspiration and knowledge for any leather artist.Download File Size: 2.3 MBPages: 4 What am I buying?
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Steampunk Style Bandolier
2017 Catalog 191 Cover Bonus Pattern
Trucker's Log Book Cover
2016 Catalog 190 Cover Corner Bonus Pattern
Pocket Photo Album
Ideas with Leather Vol. 1
Bold Watch Bands
Katie Handbag Kit #44362-00 Tooling Pattern
Prices are in United States Dollars. Prices and the availability of items are subject to change without notice.
We are not responsible for typographical or photographic errors.
© 2015 Tandy Leather Factory. All rights reserved. The material contained within this website is protected by copyright and trademark by Tandy Leather Factory and may not be used, retransmitted or reproduced for any purpose other than for personal use.


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New Member
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post #1 of 11 Old 02-13-2010, 12:05 PM Thread Starter
hello to everyone
hi im new to this forum
at the moment i have a 4ft aquarium housing 3 angels 2 opaline gouramis and 1 dwarf gourami and 2 ghost shrimp
at the moment i have a 4ft aquarium housing 3 angels 2 opaline gouramis and 1 dwarf gourami and 2 ghost shrimp
post #2 of 11 Old 02-13-2010, 01:21 PM
Welcome to the forum! Do you have any pics of your tank that you can share? We love pics! :)
If you don't stand up for something you'll fall for anything...
post #3 of 11 Old 02-13-2010, 02:35 PM
Sup, yo.
Welcome to the aquarium fo' one one. It's all here. If you don't see it, ask.
Welcome to the aquarium fo' one one. It's all here. If you don't see it, ask.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors
Thomas Jefferson quote
post #4 of 11 Old 02-13-2010, 02:48 PM
Hi, welcome to the forum!
- 55 Gal x2, 30 Gal, 20 Gal, 20 Long, 10 Gal x 3, 2.5 Gal, 1 Gal
- 4 Beta's, 3 Pleco's, 4 Convicts, 4 Fire Belly Toads, 4 Serpe Tetras, 3 Angel Fish, 5 Tiger Barbs, 2 Rosey Barbs, 2 Cherry Barbs, 2 Odessa Barbs, 2 YoYo Loaches, 3 Ottos, 2 Yellow Labs, 2 Snails, 1 Black Tiger Barb, 1 Pictus Cat, 1 Balla Shark, 1 Rainbow Shark, 1 Ghost Shrimp, 1 Oscar, 2 Chinease Algea Eater,2 Tadpoles
- 4 Ferrets,3 Gerbils, 2 Cats, 1 Dog
- 1 Child, 1 Girlfriend
post #5 of 11 Old 02-13-2010, 03:31 PM
Hello and welcome to the forum.
Animal testing is a terrible idea; they get all nervous and give the wrong answers.
post #6 of 11 Old 02-14-2010, 01:16 AM
post #7 of 11 Old 02-14-2010, 09:28 AM
post #8 of 11 Old 02-14-2010, 04:13 PM
hope you enjoy your stay here with us.
hope you enjoy your stay here with us.
when you set up a new tank,hide an extra
sponge or two behind some decor,that way you have
something seeded for you next filter.
post #9 of 11 Old 02-14-2010, 10:08 PM
post #10 of 11 Old 02-15-2010, 12:22 AM
« Hi all, newbie | Hi From TN »
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Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) refers to a condition in which patients act out their dreams and engage in potentially disruptive, injurious and even dangerous behavior while asleep[1-3]. Clinical reports of RBD have been shown to anticipate the development of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's Disease by 20 years or more [4-6]. Despite this potential prognostic significance for human disease, the field of Sleep Medicine lacks an accepted computerized approach to quantify muscle activity in sleep. This proposed interdisciplinary research seeks to merge methods of computer engineering based computation with advanced neuroscience to establish a computerized clinical decision support system (CDSS) to detect RBD via measurement and analysis of the phasic electromyographic activity metric (PEM). The sponsor (Bliwise) has provided evidence based on traditional visual analyses from "expert" scorers that PEM recorded during sleep is a sensitive indicator a) to differentiate PD patients from controls [7];b) to distinguish non-PD patients with a history of RBD from controls [8];and c) to differentiate PD patients with early and late stage disease [9]. These data suggest that computer-aided PEM detection within a user-friendly CDSS will be vital for clinicians to determine prognosis, track disease course, and, possibly, even monitor treatment.
The proposed work is envisioned as a vital and integral component to establish standardized computerized bio-signal processing methods to detect phasic muscle activity in overnight human sleep polysomnograms for the identification and treatment of Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder.
|Fairley, Jacqueline A; Georgoulas, George; Smart, Otis L et al. (2014) Wavelet analysis for detection of phasic electromyographic activity in sleep: influence of mother wavelet and dimensionality reduction. Comput Biol Med 48:77-84


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Lazio boss Vladimir Petkovic has congratulated Juventus after his side lost to the Old Lady this evening.
The capital club went down 2-0 at Stadio Olimpico after a brace from Artuto Vidal [12], and the Biancocelesti Coach has claimed that his side were well beaten.
"At the start we dominated," he told Sky Sport Italia. "Then we complicated matters by giving away the penalty.
"Juve then took advantage of a goalscoring chance, but they have to be congratulated for the victory.
"We looked tired today, but I think that's normal after playing five games in so few days."
Keep up to date with the latest news and action from Spain's Primera Division with Football Espana - from the team behind Football Italia. [13]


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Alberta Premier Alison Redford has pledged to publicize the results of an investigation into a donation her Progressive Conservatives received from billionaire Daryl Katz during this year's spring election campaign.
The commitment marks a change of tune and comes a day after Alberta's Chief Electoral Officer announced that he would investigate the matter and as Ms. Redford faces questions from within her own party.
The Globe and Mail has reported Mr. Katz, founder of the Rexall pharmacy chain and owner of the Edmonton Oilers, wrote the PCs one cheque for $430,000 – nearly a third of the party's total campaign fundraising. It was then allotted to several entities for receipt purposes. Alberta caps individual donations at $30,000.
The PCs have declined to answer questions on the cheque by repeatedly deferring to Chief Electoral Officer Brian Fjeldheim, suggesting they'll co-operate with him but not release any specific information otherwise.
Elections Alberta's investigations are, however, not typically made public. For instance, the agency has found over the past year 45 cases of illegal donations made to provincial political parties, and issued fines in 31 of the cases – but the donors, recipients, donations and subsequent fines have all remained hidden.
The same rules would apply to this investigation. "The legislation does not allow us to release our investigation findings to the public," spokesman Drew Westwater said Wednesday.
But Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk said earlier in the day that he expects this case to be different.
"We are very supportive of giving the Chief Electoral Officer the ability to release his findings. Albertans deserve to know. They shall find out," he said, adding it could mean changing the law.
Later, during Question Period, Ms. Redford said that if Mr. Fjeldheim doesn't release the results of the investigation, the PCs will. "Of course we will make whatever information is communicated to our party publicly available as soon as possible," Ms. Redford said.
Ms. Redford and Mr. Lukaszuk have said they don't know if their party received a single cheque – an "absolutely ridiculous" statement, New Democratic Leader Brian Mason said. "All they'd have to do is pick up a phone and ask," he said Wednesday.
It's not clear how long an investigation could take. But Mr. Westwater has said officials can ask for any documents – such as bank statements – that are relevant to the investigation.
Behind the scenes within the party, the donation issue has become a hot topic. Stephen Carter, a top strategist on Ms. Redford's campaign, said he didn't know about the cheque, but would advise the party to release letters that show the donations came from the pockets of each individual or company named in records submitted to Elections Alberta.
"If they don't have that," Mr. Carter said, "They've got to give [the money] back right now."
Patrick Walsh, who was a fundraiser for the Wildrose Party before he joined the PCs and worked on Ms. Redford's campaign, said a staffer in Ms. Redford's office recently contacted him to ask about Wildrose accounting practices. (Wildrose, for instance, has said it would accept a cheque for up to $60,000 from spouses with a joint bank account).
Mr. Walsh believes the PCs should release cheques and deposit slips with personal information blacked out.
"If it's one cheque, then that money should be returned – absolutely. That's the only way you can undo it," Mr. Walsh said.
One long-time Tory party organizer, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak about the matter, told his party that, if the money came in a single cheque, those involved in accepting the cheque should be fired. "We should give it back. And heads should roll in terms of whoever accepted this cheque. Our judgment is poor on this," the source said.
Ms. Redford's staff referred questions to the PC party, which declined to comment on internal decisions. Mr. Katz has repeatedly declined comment on the issue. He's pressing for a new NHL arena to be built in Edmonton, one the province has said repeatedly it won't directly fund.
Keith Brownsey, a political scientist with Mount Royal University in Calgary, suggested the party should be transparent and look into reforming notoriously loose campaign financing laws. "Get some legislation passed immediately that limits campaign donations by everybody."
Mr. Mason, the NDP Leader, has little faith the investigation will actually be made public.
"They're withholding the information, they're hiding it from the public and saying you're going to find out eventually," he said. "Well, should we trust them? Maybe not."Report Typo/Error
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