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Quit beating up on Comox Valley Common Sense
Dear editor,
Enough already of beating up on Common Sense!
Although it has often been said, "Common sense isn't common," it certainly was during the 2011 municipal elections in the Comox Valley.
Even if they weren't going to vote for them, anyone with common sense knew that Manno Theos, John Ambler, (and yes) even Doug Hillian and Ronna-Rae Leonard were going to get re-elected in Courtenay. After all, theses councillors had done a good job.
With one councillor retiring and one running for mayor, there were going to be only two seats available anyway.
It was a no-brainer when a former star of local politics said she was running again. She was so confident of a win that she had put the word re-elect on her signs so she could be ready for the next election!
Courtenay can always count on a couple of fringe candidates to run again. In fact they have run so many times that they only have to use their first name on their signs.
However, anyone with common sense knew they didn't have a chance either.
The new mayor of Courtenay can probably thank the outgoing councillor for a few votes when he said Larry wasn't a team player. Does anyone else see the irony in that statement coming from him!?
There were really only two issues that resonated with voters: water meters and $3 million on a shelter for the homeless.
Any candidate who supported water meters is not sitting on the council in Courtenay or Comox (with the exception of Mayor Ives, who barely beat out a political unknown by 40 votes).
There really were no surprises in the Comox election either.
Let's hope that one of the Grants will step up next election and put this water meter issue to bed for good. I mean really, water meters in a rainforest makes no sense at all!
All this whining about some group called Common Sense is an insult to the intelligence of the voters who used their common sense when they elected candidates of their choosing.
There is not a shred of evidence that some silly group of old retired guys made any impact on the election at all. So, unless someone can produce a few hundred voters who were influenced (one way or the other) by this elusive group called Common Sense, then give it a rest.
If there is an issue with a mailout list it should be addressed by Elections BC not by local council who should now get on with their civic duties.
If you want this group called Common Sense to go away, quit giving them what they want which is free publicity.
Paul Weed,


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Producer(s): | Howco Productions. |
Cast: | Chill Wills, Lance Fuller, Cathy Downs, Jess Barker, Sterling Holloway, Jeanne Cagney |

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Effect of Clostridium difficile toxins A (A) and B (B) on internalization of Salmonella typhimurium, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli by Caco-2 enterocytes. Lower limit of assay detection was 1.7 log10. Values represent mean ± SE of at least 4 assays.
Effect of Clostridium difficile toxins A (A) and B (B) on transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of cultured Caco-2 enterocytes. The TEER is presented as percent change from baseline. Values represent mean ± SE of at least 6 tissue culture wells. Asterisks indicate significance at P<.01.
Effect of Clostridium difficile toxins A (A) and B (B) on transmigration of Salmonella typhimurium, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli through Caco-2 enterocytes. Lower limit of assay detection is 1.7 log10. All correlation coefficients (r) indicate positive dose responses (P<.01). Values represent mean ± SE of at least 12 tissue culture wells. Asterisks inidcate significance at P<.01.
Effect of Clostridium difficile toxins A (A) and B (B) on adherence of Salmonella typhimurium, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli to Caco-2 enterocytes as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (described in the "Materials and Methods" section). Asterisks indicate significance at P<.05. Values represent mean ± SE of at least 10 tissue culture wells.
Scanning electron micrographs of Caco-2 enterocytes showing ultrastructural effects of 16-hour incubation with 100 ng of Clostridium difficile toxin A. A, Untreated enterocytes with dense, relatively uniform apical microvilli and with individual enterocytes tightly apposed to each other. B, Rounding of toxin-treated enterocytes, with some adjacent enterocytes pulling apart from each other (arrows); microvilli appear elongated and distorted, with denuded enterocytes also evident. C, Preferential association of Escherichia coli with apical microvilli of toxin-treated enterocytes, with higher magnification (D) revealing E coli flagella (arrow) intimately entwined amongst microvilli. Scale bars: A and B, 10 µm; C, 5 µm; and D, 2 µm.
Effect of 16-hour pretreatment with Clostridium difficile toxins on distribution of filamentous actin in Caco-2 cells, visualized by staining with fluorescein-labeled phalloidin. A, Untreated (control) Caco-2 cells showing relatively smooth distribution of actin within enterocytes, as well as in perijunctional areas (arrowheads). B and C, Enterocytes treated with either 10 ng/mL of toxin A (B) or 100 ng/mL of toxin B (C) revealing disruptions in actin distribution evident as focal accumulations and alterations in distribution of perijunctional (arrowheads).
Feltis BA, Kim AS, Kinneberg KM, Lyerly DL, Wilkins TD, Erlandsen SL, Wells CL. Clostridium difficile Toxins May Augment Bacterial Penetration of Intestinal Epithelium. Arch Surg. 1999;134(11):1235-1242. doi:10.1001/archsurg.134.11.1235
© 2017
Background Clostridium difficile can be recovered from many high-risk hospitalized patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Clostridium difficile toxins A and B have been associated with increased intestinal permeability in vitro and there is growing evidence that increased intestinal permeability may be a common mechanism whereby enteric bacteria penetrate the intestinal epithelium.
Hypothesis Clostridium difficile–induced alterations in the intestinal barrier facilitate microbial penetration of the intestinal epithelium, which in turn facilitates the translocation of intestinal bacteria.
Design Mature Caco-2 enterocytes were pretreated with varying concentrations of toxin A or toxin B followed by 1 hour of incubation with pure cultures of either Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, or Proteus mirabilis. The effects of toxins A and B on enterocyte viability, cytoskeletal actin, and ultrastructural topography were assessed using vital dyes, fluorescein-labeled phalloidin, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The toxins' effects on bacterial adherence and bacterial internalization by cultured enterocytes were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative culture, respectively. Epithelial permeability was assessed by changes in transepithelial electrical resistance and by quantifying paracellular bacterial movement through Caco-2 enterocytes cultivated on permeable supports.
Results Neither toxin A nor toxin B had a measurable effect on the numbers of enteric bacteria internalized by Caco-2 enterocytes; however, both toxins were associated with alterations in enterocyte actin, decreased transepithelial electrical resistance, and increased bacterial adherence and paracellular transmigration.
Conclusion Clostridium difficile toxins A or B may facilitate bacterial adherence and penetration of the intestinal epithelial barrier.
ANNUALLY IN the United States, an estimated 10% of hospitalized patients develop nosocomial infections involving more than 2 million people (with 58,000 deaths), and costing more than $4.5 billion.1 Many nosocomial infections have an undefined focus and seem to be caused by translocating enteric bacteria.2- 4 These infections, which include gram-negative bacteremia (primarily Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae), are often life-threatening.1,5,6 Septicemia, often acquired in the nosocomial setting, is the 13th leading cause of death in the United States, and its incidence is increasing.7 Despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy, the mortality associated with gram-negative bacteremia is 20% to 50%.1,5
Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus found in the normal intestinal flora of approximately 3% of healthy adults, 15% to 30% of hospitalized patients, and up to 50% of neonates.8 The incidence of C difficile–associated diarrhea is increasing9 and is highly correlated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, particularly third-generation cephalosporins.10C difficile produces tissue-degrading enzymes (proteases, collagenases, hyaluronidase, heparinase, and chondroitin-4 sulfatase) as well as 2 toxins, A and B, the widely recognized etiologic agents of antibiotic-associated diseases ranging from diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis. These toxins, recovered from 90% to 100% of patients with C difficile–associated diarrhea, are known to alter the integrity of confluent cultured intestinal epithelial cells.11,12
A growing literature documents that intestinal barrier function is compromised in the diverse clinical conditions associated with translocation of intestinal bacteria; these conditions include enteric bacterial overgrowth, surgery, burn wounds, and other trauma.13- 16 It may not be coincidental that patients at highest risk for systemic infection caused by enteric flora are the same patient populations with a high incidence of C difficile intestinal overgrowth.17 In vivo, the pathologic effect of the C difficile toxins can include disruption of enterocyte brush border membranes followed by extensive mucosal damage, leukocytic infiltrate into the lamina propria, toxic megacolon, and intestinal perforation.8 Formation of pseudomembranes (consisting of fibrin, mucus, and leukocytes) can occur from 2 to 10 days after first use of antibiotics to 1 to 2 weeks after cessation of antibiotics. Resultant mortality may approach 10%.8
Following initial experiments with injecting C difficile toxins into rodent ligated intestinal loops, investigators concluded that toxin A alone was responsible for pathogenic activity because it causes a florid inflammatory response including hemorrhagic fluid secretion, tissue necrosis, and mucosal inflammation as well as increased intestinal permeability.18 Toxin B was termed a cytotoxin, because it caused a cytopathic effect in tissue culture while having no detectable activity in ligated intestinal loops.18 However, data from experiments using human colonic explants indicated that toxin B was more potent than A in causing mucosal damage, suggesting that both toxins play a role in pathogenesis of C difficile–associated enteric disease.19 Both toxins induce release of several proinflammatory monokines from cultured human monocytes.20 Toxins A and B are similar in size (308 kd and 269 kd, respectively), with 63% amino acid homology. Both toxins contain 3 recognizable domains, namely the amino terminus containing the active site, the carboxy terminus with repeating units responsible for binding, and a hydrophobic domain important for translocating the toxin across the vesicular membrane into the cytoplasm after internalization.21 There is evidence that the intracellular mechanism of action is enzymatic,21,22 with both toxins acting as glucosyltransferases to glucosylate the small guanosine 5C-triphosphatases (GTPases) Rho, Rac, and Cdc42.23- 25 Glucosylation inactivates these GTPases, which are intimately associated with maintenance of the cellular cytoskeleton. Inactivation leads to cytoskeletal alterations26 and the resultant cytopathic effect characteristic of these toxins on cultured cells. Although much is known about the epidemiology and activity of C difficile toxins, the effects on bacteria-enterocyte interactions (adherence, internalization, and paracellular transmigration) are unstudied.
Because C difficile can be recovered from many high-risk hospitalized patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy,17 because C difficile toxins A and B have been associated with increased intestinal permeability in vitro,11,12 and because there is growing evidence that increased intestinal permeability may be a common mechanism whereby enteric bacteria penetrate the intestinal epithelium, we formulated the following hypothesis. C difficile–induced alterations in the intestinal barrier facilitate microbial penetration of the intestinal epithelium, which in turn facilitates the translocation of intestinal bacteria, a likely initial event in the pathogenesis of systemic infection in many high-risk patients. Herein we report effects of C difficile toxins A and B on bacterial interactions with cultured enterocytes. The data indicate that intestinal colonization with C difficile may play a heretofore unrecognized role in facilitating bacterial transmigration across the intestinal epithelial barrier.
Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md. Proteus mirabilis M13 and E coli M21 are rodent isolates. These species of enteric bacteria have been used in several in vivo studies of oral infectivity in rodents27 as well as in vitro studies of bacterial internalization by cultured enterocytes.28
Clostridium difficile toxin B (0.24 mg/mL) and toxin A (1 mg/mL) were purified as described,29,30 maintained in sterile normal saline at 4°C, and diluted in tissue culture medium for use in experiments. Toxin activity was confirmed by observation of characteristic cytopathic effect in human foreskin fibroblasts.30 After a 16-hour incubation, C difficile toxins A and B exhibited a cytopathic effect at 10 and 1 ng/mL, respectively.
Caco-2 cells, which are derived from a human colon cancer, have many features of differentiated enterocytes including apical microvilli, tight junctions, structural polarity, ion conductance, and permeability. Caco-2 cells are spontaneously differentiated and in vitro interactions have been shown to have in vivo relevance.31- 33 Caco-2 cells, obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, were cultivated in the absence of antibiotics in 24-well plastic dishes (Falcon; Becton Dickinson Co, Lincoln Park, NJ), seeded at 2 × 104 cells per well, and incubated at 37°C in 9.5% carbon dioxide for 15 to 18 days, at which time these enterocytes are considered polarized and differentiated.28,31 Viability was determined by the vital dyes trypan blue (0.36%) and propidium iodide (20 mg/mL).
To study the effect of C difficile toxins A and B on bacterial internalization, enterocytes were pretreated for 16 hours with varying toxin concentrations. Bacteria were then added and bacterial internalization was assayed as described,28 with C difficile toxin present throughout the assay. Briefly, overnight tryptic soy broth (Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Mich) cultures of individual bacterial strains were washed twice and diluted in sterile isotonic sodium chloride solution, and 100 µL containing 108 viable bacteria was added to each tissue culture well. Bacterial concentrations were determined by densitometry and confirmed by serial dilution, followed by viable plate counts on appropriate agar media. Bacteria were incubated with enterocytes for 1 hour at 37°C. Enterocytes were then washed 5 times with Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS). Tissue culture medium containing 50 µg/mL of gentamicin sulfate was added to kill residual viable extracellular bacteria. After 2.5 hours, enterocytes were washed 5 times with balanced salt solution and lysed for 5 minutes with 1% Triton X-100 (Sigma-Aldrich Corp, St Louis, Mo). Viable intracellular bacteria were quantified following serial dilution and incubation on appropriate agar media.28
Experiments were designed to test the ability of C difficile toxins to modulate bacterial transmigration between Caco-2 cells. Using 3.0-µm membrane filter inserts with a 0.3-cm2surface area (Becton Dickinson Co), Caco-2 enterocytes were seeded at 3 × 103 per membrane and cultivated as described earlier. Caco-2 cultures had varying concentrations of toxin A or B added to the apical chamber 16 hours prior to the migration assay. Bacteria (108 per well) were then apically introduced, and enterocytes were incubated for 1 hour. The basal chamber was then sampled, serially diluted, and incubated on appropriate agar media.28
Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was used to monitor changes (ohms per square centimeter) in epithelial cell culture integrity, presumably caused by loosening of the tight junctions; decreasing values reflect increasing epithelial permeability.34 The TEER of Caco-2 enterocytes was studied with the Millicell Electrical Resistance System (Millipore Corp, Bedford, Mass). All electrical resistance readings were recorded after subtracting the average resistance of 2 membranes in the absence of enterocytes; ie, membranes equilibrated overnight in tissue culture medium. Because TEER values often vary among individual enterocyte cultures, the electrical resistance value was recorded for each membrane before and after experimental treatment, and the percentage decrease from baseline was calculated for each membrane.
Bacterial adherence to cultured enterocytes was assayed as previously described.35 Briefly, 108 bacteria (prepared as described above) were incubated with 106 confluent Caco-2 cells. Washed enterocytes (with adherent bacteria) were lightly fixed with 0.01% paraformaldehyde, incubated with primary rabbit antibody (diluted in 5% goat serum), washed, incubated with horse radish peroxidase–conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG (Organoteknika-Cappel, West Chester, Pa), washed, the blue color developed with tetramethylbenzidine-hydrogen peroxide color development reagent (Sigma-Aldrich Corp), the reaction stopped with sulfuric acid, and the color intensity read at 450 nm in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plate reader.35 Resulting data are optical density units, a measure of relative adherence. This method does not determine absolute numbers of adherent bacteria, but the goal is to compare differences in bacterial adherence between untreated and toxin-treated enterocytes. Wright-Giemsa stains were also used to qualitatively assess relative bacterial adherence.
Statistical analyses were performed using StatView 4.5 (Abacus Concepts Inc, Berkeley, Calif). Experiments were repeated at least twice on separate days to verify reproducibility. On a given day, for bacterial internalization, assays were performed in triplicate tissue culture wells and the average was considered 1 assay value. For bacterial migration and adherence assays, each well was considered an assay value. Bacterial numbers were log10 transformed and analyzed by analysis of variance followed by the Fisher test for significant difference. Dose responses were analyzed by correlation coefficient (r). Statistical significance was P<.05.
Phalloidin is a phallotoxin that preferentially binds actin filaments as opposed to actin monomers.36,37 The distribution of filamentous actin in the epithelial cell cytoskeleton was observed using the method of Howard and Meyer,38 with minor modifications. Epithelial cultures were incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes with 0.8-µmol/L fluorescein-labeled phalloidin (Sigma-Aldrich) suspended in 5% buffered formalin containing 0.1 mg of lysophosphatidylcholine (Sigma-Aldrich) per milliliter, then washed 3 times with HBSS, mounted in phosphate-buffered saline and glycerin (1:9) containing 0.1% p-phenylenendiamine (Sigma-Aldrich) at pH 8, and viewed by epifluorescence microscopy.
High-resolution, low-voltage scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the effect of C difficile toxins A and B on confluent Caco-2 cells. Bacterial surface interactions with toxin-treated enterocytes were also observed. Caco-2 cells were cultivated in wells containing a 12-mm-diameter glass coverslip. Caco-2 cells were pretreated with either toxin A or B, then incubated with or without bacteria as described earlier for bacterial internalization. Enterocytes were then washed, fixed, and processed as described.35 Fixed samples were dehydrated in ethanol, critical-point dried with carbon dioxide, and sputter-coated with a 1-nm discontinuous layer of platinum. A modified YAG crystal scintillator was used for backscatter electron imaging at 3 or 4 kV in a Hitachi S-900 (Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan) field emission scanning electron microscope.
The effects of varying concentrations of C difficile toxins A or B on Caco-2 internalization of S typhimurium, P mirabilis, and E coli are presented in Figure 1. For internalization experiments, the maximum toxin A concentration was 10 ng/mL rather than 100 ng/mL, because the higher concentration resulted in enterocyte sloughing, likely facilitated by the multiple washes required by this protocol. Neither toxin had a noticeable effect on internalization of any of the bacterial species tested (Figure 1).
Both toxin A and toxin B caused a dose-dependent decrease in TEER (r=0.9 and 0.8, respectively) (Figure 2), indicating an opening of enterocyte tight junctions. Correspondingly, toxins A and B were also associated with dose-dependent increases in bacterial transmigration through mature Caco-2 enterocyte cultures (Figure 3).
To determine if increased bacterial transmigration (Figure 3) was related to increased bacterial adherence, enterocytes were pretreated with either 100 ng/mL of toxin B or 10 ng/mL of toxin A and bacterial adherence was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Both toxins were associated with increased bacterial adherence and statistical significance was achieved with P mirabilis and E coli (P<.05) (Figure 4). Wright-Giemsa stains of adherent bacteria (viewed by light microscopy) also confirmed that both toxins were associated with increased bacterial adherence.
Pretreatment of Caco-2 cultures with 0, 1, 10, or 100 ng/mL of either toxin A or B had no apparent effect on viability, and enterocyte cultures were consistently 95% viable or higher. Wright-Giemsa staining showed noticeable separation of individual enterocytes, an effect that increased with increasing toxin concentrations (not shown). Ultrastructural observations of untreated (control) Caco-2 cultures showed confluent enterocytes with tightly apposed borders (Figure 5, A). Although ultrastructural alterations appeared more pronounced with toxin A, both toxins caused distortions in apical microvilli, enterocyte rounding, and individual cells separated from each other (Figure 5, B). Bacteria appeared preferentially adherent to distorted apical microvilli (Figure 5, C and D). Following incubation of enterocytes with toxin A or toxin B, staining with fluorescein-labeled phalloidin revealed alterations in distribution of filamentous actin (Figure 6), and these cytoskeletal alterations appeared more prominent with toxin A than toxin B.
Although exact mechanisms whereby C difficile toxins A and B damage intestinal epithelium are not completely understood, there is evidence that both toxins have direct and indirect effects in vivo. Direct effects, manifested as cytoskeletal damage and increased paracellular permeability, likely result from toxin binding, internalization, and intracellular enzymatic activity.21- 26 Directly, toxins A and B have been shown to damage human colonic explants19 as well as cultured enterocytes.11,12 Indirectly, studies involving ligated ileal loops in experimental animals have revealed that toxin A can activate lamina propria neuroimmune cells39 and cause infiltration of the submucosa by neutrophils.8 Chaves-Olarte et al40 recently suggested that the initial event in C difficile pathophysiology may be toxin A–induced activation of the enteric nervous system. This hypothesis assumes that toxin A binding to the intestinal mucosa results in signal transduction, resulting in secretion of proteins that signal neuroimmune cells to become effectors of inflammatory damage. Intracellular enzyme-mediated (glucosyltransferase) cytotoxicity then becomes important as a secondary mediator of damage.23,24
Whether by a direct or indirect effect, both toxins increase intestinal permeability in explanted colonic tissue19 and in cultured enterocytes,11,12 and toxin A increases permeability in ligated intestinal loops.8 Hecht et al11,12 have shown that toxins A and B can increase permeability of cultured intestinal epithelium (T84 enterocytes) in the absence of inflammatory cells or their products. Using dual mannitol/sodium flux studies, this group also suggested that the toxin-induced permeability defect may be mediated by tight junctional disruption.12 Defects in this barrier potentially enhance transepithelial movement of peptides or macromolecules, including bacterial cell wall fragments and toxins that are known to induce intestinal inflamation.41
Multiple mediators of inflammation, including vasoactive amines and kinins, are known to increase the permeability of vascular endothelium directly, or indirectly by recruiting neutrophils and monocytes, the products of which can contribute to disruption of tight junctions.42 Similarly, in clinical conditions associated with increased intestinal permeability (eg, shock, trauma, and sepsis), intercellular tight junctions are a likely target for injury. We have speculated that in these high-risk patients, intestinal bacterial toxins may affect tight junctional integrity, facilitating bacterial translocation.28
We have previously shown that exposure of the lateral membranes of cultured enterocytes (using low extracellular calcium,43Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxin,28 or cytochalasin44) promotes preferential bacterial adherence to the exposed lateral enterocyte membranes, and also augments bacterial internalization. These observations have led us to speculate that, in compromised patients, translocation of enteroinvasive bacteria may occur via a similar mechanism. However, in the present study, toxin A– or toxin B–induced exposure of the enterocyte lateral membrane was associated with increased bacterial adherence but not increased internalization, although bacterial paracellular (between enterocytes) migration was augmented in a dose-dependent fashion.
Our working hypothesis links C difficile intestinal overgrowth with compromised intestinal epithelial barrier function and with bacterial penetration of the intestinal epithelium. Herein we report that C difficile toxins A and B caused confluent Caco-2 enterocytes to pull apart, resulting in decreased TEER and increased transmigration of enteric bacteria. This cytopathic effect was accompanied by disruptions in enterocyte filamentous actin. Others have also noted similar toxin-induced actin disruptions in cultured enterocytes, namely T84 cells.11,12 However, our study is the first to correlate these effects of C difficile toxins with bacteria-enterocyte interactions. If the present in vitro results can be extrapolated to the in vivo situation, the data presented herein suggest that C difficile toxins could act in vivo to compromise the intestinal epithelial barrier and facilitate bacterial penetration into extraintestinal tissues.
Presented at the 19th Annual Meeting of the Surgical Infection Society, Seattle, Wash, April 29, 1999.
This work was supported in part by Public Health Service grant AI23484 from the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
Surgical patients are considered high risk for both intestinal colonization with C difficile and for systemic infection caused by normal enteric flora. Data from this in vitro study (with enteric bacteria and cultured enterocytes) indicate that the intestinal toxins produced by C difficile may facilitate bacterial penetration of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Thus, intestinal colonization with C difficile may contribute to a heretofore unrecognized increased risk of septic complications in this patient population.
Reprints: Brad Allen Feltis, MD, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Box 195 UMHC, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com).
Donald Fry, MD, Albuquerque, NM: Thank you very much for the opportunity to discuss this well-presented paper. I find an analogy in this proposed mechanism of increased gut permeability as being quite analogous to what one sees with the increased vascular permeability of the changes that endothelial cells undergo; specifically, endothelial cells undergo cytoskeletal changes and some degree of globular formation as vascular permeability is increased by any of a number of different specific chemical signals. So the changes of the enterocyte that permit between-cell or paracellular movement of bacteria has a lot more appeal to me than the traditional Dr Wells' explanation of transcellular movement of bacteria. So I find this intellectually a little more satisfying as well.
I guess the question that comes up at this point is about the remodeling of the cytoskeleton. Is the change of permeability a specific response to the toxin, or is this a nonspecific response of the cell to any of a host of different noxious stimuli? You have studied 2 very specific toxins. I would like to beg the question of whether you have looked at other potentially noxious stimuli to your study model here? Is it specific to the toxin or is it potentially a nonspecific response?
One of the other interesting things that you actually allude to in your manuscript is that, in addition to direct effects of the toxin, there are potentially indirect effects. The release of histamine by mucosa-associated mast cells is probably one of the best-studied in vivo models of changes in gut permeability. So I am curious as to whether you have looked at agents such as histamine in terms of whether it potentially changes the cytoskeletal structure of the enterocyte as yet another potential indirect mechanism that might speak to cytoskeletal changes of the enterocyte cells?
I guess my last question is whether these cytoskeletal changes are permanent. Is the cell that has been attacked by the specific toxin irreversibly changed into the globular configuration, or can the cell really recover its normal native morphology and function?
One of the things that is evident to me is that this particular research effort is opening up another Pandora's box of a large number of signals that may be responsible for changing the cytoskeletal structure of the enterocyte. I somehow suspect this will increase indirect cost recovery at the University of Minnesota over the next few years.
Dr Feltis: In answer to your first question about whether or not C difficile toxigenic activity is a specific or nonspecific response, although toxin interactions with enterocytes have not been rigorously studied, some data are available. Previously, we have studied the effects of Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxin on enteroctyes and we noted morphologic changes similar to what we have observed with C difficile toxins, notably, rounding up, and pulling apart of adjacent cells. This argues that these effects may be seen with other intraluminal toxins as well.
Your second question concerns indirect effects of C difficile toxins. As you point out, a similar phenomenon of increased permeability due to tight junctional disruption is observed in vascular endothelium in response to inflammatory cytokines. One current hypothesis on the mechanism of C difficile toxin activity describes the initial event as toxin A–induced activation on the enteric nervous system. This hypothesis assumes that toxin A binding to the intestinal mucosa results in signal transduction, followed by secretion of proteins that signal neuroimmune cells to become effectors of inflammatory damage. A secondary effect of the toxin may be the direct effect on disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. Therefore, similar to inflammatory changes in vascular endothelium, there may be a direct effect on the enterocytes by cytokines from neuroimmune inflammatory cells.
To answer your last question, we do not yet know if the changes in the cell cytoskeleton are reversible. We do know that in cultured fibroblasts, if you remove the toxin stimulus, the cells return to their normal morphologic state after a few hours.
Ed Deitch, MD, Newark, NJ: I would like to compliment the authors on a very nice study. As you know, we have been working with this model of Caco cells since about 1990 and have had a lot of fun with this model. Now, one of the problems with studying the gut in a jar is that you miss the entire unstirred layer. In vivo there is an unstirred layer on top of the enterocytes that's made up of mucous and a number of other factors that prevents many of the things that might injure the enterocyte from reaching it. So, clearly, the gut is wearing a bulletproof vest under normal circumstances and what you have done in this study is make it naked.
So my question is, have you done any studies to look and see whether the same sort of injury would occur if you add mucous back? We have done that and it can be done relatively easily to see if the gut is protected from these toxins by the addition of low levels of virus.
Second, what happens if you put a mixed flora in or try to recreate the competitive environment that resides in the gut? There are a lot of good things that bacteria do as well as bad.
You have made a very important observation. You have dissected out in a reductionist mode a very interesting phenomenon. Have you put the pieces back together to see how it fits when we have a whole picture?
Dr Feltis: The short answer is that we aren't sure what effect an unstirred mucous layer might have on bacteria-enterocyte interactions. Preliminary results from similar experiments in our lab with mucous-secreting HT-29 enterocytes indicate that in vitro the presence of mucous does not alter the morphologic effects of C difficile toxin.
Henri Ford, MD, Pittsburgh, Pa: Very interesting study. We have been also interested in trying to figure out the preferred route of bacterial migration across the epithelium. When we take the isolated piece of colonic mucosa and mount it in the Ussing chamber, we are able to see that the mere presence of bacteria is able to induce similar changes with regards to the TEER. It is clearly associated with a paracellular defect; however, we are not able to demonstrate any increase in bacterial migration across that mucosa, even though when you look at the mannitol flux, it is clearly increased. So clearly, there must be some divergent properties here.
I was wondering if, number one, you looked at mannitol flux within your system and is there any evidence besides what you have surmised that this is indeed a paracellular defect that is allowing the bacteria to get across? Second, have you been able to demonstrate that by either transmission electron microscopy or by scanning electron microscopy that the bacteria are indeed going through the defect that you presume is there?
Dr Feltis: No, we have not performed ion flux studies in our system. We relied on electrical resistance measurements to represent disruption of the enterocyte tight junctions caused by C difficile toxins. Interestingly, in regard to colonic explant models, if the primary activity of the toxins is induction of the gut neuroimmune system via transcellular signaling, having an intact myenteric plexus might be important to elicit the full effect. This is another reason that an in vivo model is essential for further study.


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Seattle officer drives away with assault rifle on car trunk
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The Seattle Police Department apologized Wednesday after a resident snapped a picture of an assault rifle left unattended on the trunk of a patrol car.
Nick Gonzales took the picture around 9 p.m. Monday when he says no officer was in sight of the car, according to 9 News.
A woman also reported seeing an officer later drive away with the rifle still on the trunk.
"It is unacceptable that a rifle was left unattended on a patrol car and people should expect more from their police department," SPD Office of Professional Accountability said in a statement.
Watch this video from 9 News, broadcast June 29, 2011.
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These look and taste like artificially colored and flavored snacks, but they contain no dyes, additives, or preservatives. They're certified organic, made with real fruit juice, and they have 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. The colorful, bunny-shaped treats are packaged in individual pouches, like other brands of fruit snacks, so our kids can eat like their buddies while remaining chemical-free. To find a store that carries them, visit Annies.com.
Stonyfield Organic YoKids Squeezer
Although Yoplait now offers Simply Go-Gurt -- a more natural version of its market-leading product, Go-Gurt -- Stonyfield Organic YoKids is our pick among single-serve yogurts, because of its commitment to the big O. YoKids organic yogurt comes in portable, squeezable tubes and doesn't contain preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, gelatin, or high fructose corn syrup. While yogurt marketed to kids is often sickeningly sweet, YoKids contains 25 percent less sugar than leading kids' brands. Most major supermarket chains carry Stonyfield yogurt, but if yours doesn't, go to Stonyfield.com.
Barilla Plus Pasta
Pasta made from white flour isn't ideal for kids with ADD/ADHD. The rule in my house is, The higher the fiber in a food, the better it is for my daughter's hyperactivity -- and my stress levels. Barilla Plus pasta looks and tastes like traditional pasta, but its higher protein and fiber levels prevent blood sugar levels from spiking and then crashing. The "Plus" is 360 mg. of omega-3 fatty acids, from ground flaxseed, which is good for our ADD/ADHD kids. And there are shapes for all my favorite recipes, so it's the only pasta I buy. Learn more at BarillaUS.com.
Snacks for Brain Power, Better Moods
Without noontime fuel, our children's moods and academic performance will likely suffer as the day wears on. I send my daughter Natalie to school with foods that make the most of every bite and swallow.
Chobani Champions Greek Yogurt
Natalie likes the grown-up version of Chobani Greek Yogurt, with fruit on the bottom. But she loves Chobani Champions -- an already-blended, creamier version of the original, packed in kid-sized containers -- even better. The first Greek yogurt made for kids, Chobani Champions is free of preservatives and dyes. A 3.5-ounce serving delivers 100 calories, 8 grams of protein, and 12 to 14 grams of carbs. Visit ChobaniChampions.com.
Naked Juice Protein Smoothie
Some kids find drinking more appealing than eating, according to pediatrician Karen Harum, M.D. "For those kids, we recommend a high-protein drink at lunch." Naked Juice's Protein Zone smoothies are perfect. Available in Pineapple/Coconut/Banana, Mango (Natalie's favorite), and Double Berry flavors, the smoothie has no preservatives or sweeteners. One serving (half of a 15.2-ounce bottle) contains several servings of fruit and delivers 220 calories, 16 grams of whey and soy protein, and about 35 grams of carbs. Visit NakedJuice.com.
Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters
Unlike crunchy or chewy granola bars, these bite-sized goodies are light and crisp, like potato chips. One serving of seven clusters -- a number that a child with a depressed appetite can manage -- includes 140 calories, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. Paired with a carton of milk, these sweet and salty treats make an easy-to-eat mini-meal. Visit NatureValley.com.
Learn more about Kay and Natalie Marner on ADDitude's ADHD Parenting Blog.


text: Neil Patrick Harris is awesome. His career had a revival with his appearances in the Harold and Kumar movies as well as his even better performances on the show "How I Met Your Mother" (the BEST comedy on television today). NPH hosted SNL this weekend and this was one of their best shows in YEARS. So before your friends find it youtube, you'll find the video here that everyone will be talking about all week. We first met NPH as Doogie Howser M.D. as a teenage doctor who saved lives (this could only happen on ABC). NPH performed the theme from the show last night on SNL with the rest of the SNL cast acting as his orchestra, all of them donning doctor lab coats and Doogie Howser wigs. Though this is usually a rock music news site, we will make an exception. Check out the awesome video below:


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Blanched Almonds
Shelled almonds | 250 Milliliter (2 Cups) |
1. Fill a medium size saucepan with about two inches (5 cm) of water
2. Place on a moderate heat and heat to boiling point.
3. When the water begins to bubble, add the almonds all at once.
4. Take pan off the heat and let the almonds soak in the boiling water for about 2 -3 minutes.
5. Drain in a strainer and refresh immediately under cold tap water to arrest the heat.
6. Let drain thoroughly.
7. To peel off the almond skins, press and squeeze each almond between thumb and forefinger to remove the skin.
8. Use the blanched almonds as required in cooking.
9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until required
Recipe Summary
Rate It
Nutrition Rank
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: Complete recipe
Calories 1438 Calories from Fat 1034
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 124 g190.1%
Saturated Fat 9.3 g46.6%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 2.5 mg0.1%
Total Carbohydrates 54 g18.1%
Dietary Fiber 30.5 g122%
Sugars 9.7 g
Protein 53 g106.1%
Vitamin A 0.1% Vitamin C
Calcium 66% Iron 51.7%
*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet


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Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 30-Day Facebook Contest Announced
The official Guardians of the Galaxy Facebook page is holding a 30-day contest where fans can interact and win all sorts of cool prizes.
The contest is already into day 2 with a full year of Marvel Unlimited Digital currently up for grabs.
Enter each day for a chance to win the grand prize sweepstakes: A trip for 2 to the Guardians of the Galaxy Hollywood Premiere!
Enter here: https://www.facebook.com/guardiansofthegalaxy
To celebrate summer, we've declared June Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" Month! Make sure to visit our Facebook page every day to check out content and a chance to win cool prizes! Play each day to earn an entry into the grand prize sweepstakes: A trip for 2 to the Hollywood Premiere.
No Purchase Necessary. Void Where Prohibited. This promotion begins 6/1/14 at 10:00 AM PT and ends on 7/1/14 at 9:59 AM PT and includes thirty Daily Sweepstakes and one Grand Prize Sweepstakes. Open to legal residents 13 yrs+ of 50 U.S. and D.C. at time of entry. Grand Prize trip must be booked by July 14, 2014 and taken on July 19, 2014. For details (including Daily Sweepstakes entry periods and prizes), restrictions and limitations, see Official Rules at http://bit.ly/gotgcontest. Sole Sponsor: WDSMP.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" has an August 1, 2014 release.
For news, images and more head on over to the Cosmic Book News Guardians of the Galaxy Movie Hub.


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After a year that most would rather forget, we managed to find a few companies that shined. Most of the winners profiled here grew profits faster than sales or simply found the right way to give customers what they wanted.
As for the losers, we could have included the likes of Enron, WorldCom and Tyco. But a company doesn't have to be the object of an investigation to be abandoned by shareholders these days. Some of the unfortunates profiled here are overleveraged, some suffered from overambitious management and some are in the wrong industry at the wrong time.
Anthony Trahar 53 CEO since 2000 |
Anglo-American |
$14.8 bil (flat) Profits: $3.2 bil (up 62%)
This massive South African mining outfit was synonymous with the former apartheid regime. Even today, Anglo-American is managed by whites, with some 140,000 blacks toiling underground. But under Anthony Trahar, it plans to offer African employees treatment for the HIV virus. The company also has a venture-capital program that is aimed at developing black-owned suppliers to Anglo-American. Just as impressive has been the outfit's financial performance, helping the London-listed shares outperform the FTSE 100. -Heidi Brown |
Martin broughton 55 Chair since 1998 |
$16.4 bil (flat) Profits: $1.5 bil (up 43%) Market Cap: $26.0 bil (up 57%) |
Smoking may be bad for your health, but it is good for BAT's bottom line. Other tobacco firms are diversifying into more healthful consumables, and away from lawsuits, but BAT remains a pure tobacco company, selling everything from roll-your-own tobacco to the sleek Dunhill brand. Hard times, higher vice taxes and ever-more gruesome warnings on the dangers of smoking have done little to dent BAT's sales. Despite the company's name, sales are mostly in Eastern Europe and Asia. Japan, Korea and Russia are fast growing. On the wish list: China. -Deborah Orr |
Richard Schulze 61 (stepped down in June) |
Best Buy |
$19.6 bil (up 28%) Profits: $570 Mil (up 11%) Market Cap: $14.8 bil (up 76%) |
For the last few years, Americans have been feathering their nests with such essentials as wide-screen TVs, and Best Buy has the sales to show for it. The future may not be quite as clear: Store renovation costs could help drag down second quarter results, and American consumers may discover that there's a limit to the number of new home theaters and DVD players they need. Best Buy's just-departed CEO Richard Schulze is its largest shareholder and started the company 36 years ago with one store in Minnesota. He stepped down at the end of June. -H.B. |
Luc Vandevelde 50 CEO since 2000 |
Marks & Spencer |
$10.9 bil (down 9%) Profits: $219 mil (from loss) Market Cap: $12.7 bil (up 25%) |
This once-troubled retailer is now making a fashion statement. Luc Vandevelde, who took the helm of the clothing and food chain two years ago, is a former Kraft foods executive responsible for rebuilding the 118-year-old British retail institution. He cut nearly 4,000 jobs, pulled in younger executives, raised more than $1 billion by selling non-core businesses and, despite protests in France, closed moneylosing stores in Continental Europe. So far, Vandevelde has won over investors; now he must keep the customers happy. -Susan Kitchens |
Steve Reinemund 53 CEO since 2001 |
Pepsi |
$26.9 bil (up 32%) Profits: $2.7 bil (up 22%) Market Cap: $91.7 bil (up 35%) |
Under Steve Reinemund, PepsiCo is gaining ground in its battle with Coca-Cola to become the top beverage company in the world. Thanks to its merger in August with Quaker Oats, which added such brands as the sports drink Gatorade, Pepsi is now the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world by revenue. Armed with new brands and such endorsers as Britney Spears, Pepsi is steadily increasing its reach around the globe: Worldwide servings of its snacks and beverages grew 4% last year. -Alexandra Kirkman |
Jong Yong Yun 58 CEO since 1996 |
Samsung Electronics |
$25.1 bil (down 17%) Profits: $2.3 bil (down 57%) Market Cap: $41.1 billion (up 71%) |
When Samsung lit up its video sign just above Coke's flashing-light extravaganza in Times Square in May, the Korean chipmaker rose another notch in home electronics. Samsung's brand is now distributed in every major gadget retailer in the U.S., and its mobile phones, which are No. 2 after Nokia in North America, have a 30% market share. Even though its net income was halved in 2001, it led major electronics makers in profit. But Yun is 58 with no known replacement, and Chairman Lee just appointed his daughter to a managerial post at another Samsung company. -H.B. |
Pierre Bellon 72 CEO since 1966 |
Sodexho |
$10.6 bil (up 3%) Profits: $122 mil (up 47%) Market Cap: $5.4 bil (flat) |
Despite a tough operating environment, the French foodservice giant is still managing to serve up solid profits. Greater exposure than its competitors to higher-growth opportunities like healthcare and education should allow the world's No. 2 food-service company to continue to generate decent returns. And a new listing on the NYSE in April should give Sodexho more clout, as it lengthens its reach in the 72 countries where it operates. But stiff competition from the likes of Compass and Aramark will no doubt keep Pierre Bellon on his toes. -A.K. |
Antony Burgmans 55 CEO since 1999 |
Unilever |
$46.1 bil (up 5%) Profits: $1.6 bil (up 62%) Market Cap: $64 bil (up 19%) |
Even when times are bad, people still need to eat and wash. This is something that the Anglo-Dutch consumer products company has turned to its advantage before. Profits in 2001 were boosted by the sale of a number of brands, part of a plan to push such core lines as Dove soap and Lipton tea while shedding other goods, such as Elizabeth Arden makeup. Co-CEOs Niall FitzGerald and Antony Burgmans plan to slim down the product portfolio to only (!) 400 brands by 2004. That's still too many, but it is fewer than the 900 that Unilever now offers. -S.K. |
Antoine Zacharias 63 CEO since 1991 |
Vinci |
$15.4 bil (up 18%) Profits: $406 mil (up 47%) Market Cap: $5.3 bil (up 14%) |
This 103-year-old construction company is a newcomer to France's benchmark CAC 40 index. Zacharias' controversial strategy is to free Vinci from its dependence on construction by acquiring airport service companies and toll-road concessions. His most recent purchase: 16.4% of Autoroutes du Sud de la France, the second-largest manager of highways and toll roads in Europe. Zacharias hopes that concessions (now 11% of revenue but 57% of operating income) like airport services will protect the company from a maturing construction sector. -H.B. |
Bernd Pischetsrieder 54 CEO since 2002 |
$82.1 billion (up 4%) Profits: $2.6 billion (up 9%) Market Cap: $18.4 billion (up 10%) |
Volkswagen, Europe's largest car manufacturer, managed to improve operating margins from 4.8% to 6.1% on higher sales and lower materials and personnel costs in a tough year for most automakers. But with unit sales falling 5% through May, new CEO Pischetsrieder's pledge to keep profits on par with 2001 looks particularly challenging. Pischetsrieder's plan: to go for higher margin luxury sales. He boldly aims to outsell BMW (where he was the CEO) with Volkswagen's Audi brand over the next decade. He's going to need some kind of acceleration. -A.K. |
Dennis Bakke 56 (quit as CEO in June) |
$9.3 bil (up 39%) Profits: $273 mil (down 58%) Market Cap: $3.5 bil (down 81%) |
Two years ago, Bakke looked like a genius. The electricity supplier in Arlington, Virginia, that he ran for eight years rode the wave of deregulation around the world, running power plants from Australia to Venezuela. Bakke kept AES ahead of the competition by making everyone in the company a boss.Even low-level employees could make decisions on multi-billion-dollar deals. No more. With AES $28 billion in debt anda balance sheet that defies understanding, Bakke stepped down as CEO last month. AES shares have taken a merciless whipping, falling as much as the bankrupt and scandal-ridden entries on our list. -D.O. |
Richard Harvey 52 CEO since 2001 |
Aviva |
$50.7 bil (down 18%) Profits: $48 mil Market Cap: $21 bil (down 29%) |
When Britain's Norwich Union merged with CGU in 2000, the two CEOs aimed to create a British insurance giant capable of taking on the likes of AXA and Allianz. Instead, the firm has little to show for its adventures on the Continent, and profits from mutual fund sales fell by 52% last year. Worse, the insurer renamed Aviva this month had to boost its solvency margin recently to compensate for stock market losses. It booked a $2 billion loss in its first year and meager profits in 2001. Richard Harvey, CEO and one of the merger's engineers, drew shareholder wrath in February for cutting Aviva's dividend. -D.O. |
Rod Eddington 52 CEO since 2000 |
British Airways |
$11.9 bil (down 13%) Loss: $203 mil Market Cap: $3.2 billion (down 43%) |
Blame it on mismanagement, 9/11 or the dismal economy: 2001 was a terrible year for all major airlines, and BA suffered no less than its peers. Even before the attacks, CEO Rod Eddington recognized problems. He cut capacity, cut staff and shifted BA's dependence away from the low-margin U.S. passengers who fly to London on their way to the Continent.But neither Eddington nor any other airline executive has stemmed the loss of passengers to Europe's beckoning discount carriers.BA managed to turn an operating profit of $50 million in the first quarter but is unlikely to have a profitable year. -H.B. |
Kunio Takagi 58 president since 2001 |
Daiei |
$20.1 bil (down 25%) loss: $2.7 billion) Market Cap: $581 mil (down 57%) |
Daiei is a company that should have been put out of its misery a long time ago. Instead, the Japanese department store, under Takagi, is being kept alive by government-supported bank bailouts as it undergoes a slow and painful restructuring to pay off its $14 billion debt. The company borrowed recklessly to invest in such pet projects as a baseball team, a sports stadium and large real estate holdings. But with so much debt, Daiei is deemed too big to fail. Instead, it's being kept on life support by its banks even though it is a corporate vegetable. -Justin Doebele |
Paulo Fresco chariman since 1998 |
Fiat |
$51.5 bil (down 2.9%) Loss: $398 mil Market Cap: $6.7 bil (down 38%) |
In 1990, Fiat accounted for almost 14% of European new car registrations; last year's figure was under 10%. Fiat Auto, with the exception of a slim operating profit achieved in 2000, just can't seem to make money. Meanwhile, the conglomerate has developed a credit crisis, with net debt of $6.5 billion. Last month, under pressure from creditor banks, Fiat fired its CEO, Paolo Cantarella, and appointing Gabriele Galateri di Genola to take his place. There are still hopes that Chairman Paolo Fresco, a former understudy of Jack Welch until four years ago, can turn things around. -Richard Heller |
Naoyuki Akikusa 64 president since 1998 |
Fujitsu |
$40 bil (down 19%) Loss: $398 mil Market Cap: $6.7 bil (down 38%) |
Last year Fujitsu spilled more red ink than any other Japanese manufacturer. Japan's tech companies were once feared around the world. Now most are mired in red ink and losing out to more nimble rivals, such as Korea's Samsung Electronics. Just before the miserable results came out, Akikusa signed an alliance with Toshiba and unveiled a new growth strategy for the electronics giant. One push is with Microsoft is for tablet computers.Will these measures be enough to fix Fujitsu? Investors aren't convinced: Since the Toshiba plan was released, the stock has sunk 17% -J.D. |
Millard Drexler 57 CEO since 1995 |
Gap |
$13.8 bil (flat) loss: $8 mil Market Cap: $12.6 bil (down 39%) |
The once high-flying U.S. retailer Gap hasn't been able to design a formula to boost the company's dismal performance over the past two years. Despite ad campaigns featuring such artists as Alanis Morrisette and Dennis Hopper, the company has floundered: Net income for the first quarter plunged 68% year-on-year to$37 million-the first time its been in the black for three quarters. In May, Drexler, a 19-year veteran who built Gap into a retail powerhouse in the 1990s, announced that he would retire this year. His successor had better be able to put on pants two legs at a time. -A.K. |
Jean-Pierre Garnier 54 CEO since 2000 |
GalaxoSmithKline |
$29.5 bil (up 8%) Profits: $4.5 bil (down 30%) Market Cap: $126.2 bil (down 25%) |
GlaxoSmithKline isn't the only pharmaceutical giant to suffer from paltry drug pipelines, expiring patents and astronomical development costs, but it is the biggest outside of the U.S. The latest trouble: One of GSK's blockbuster drugs, Augmentin, lost a U.S. patent protection case in May. Once a generic version of the antibiotic hits U.S. pharmacies, $390 million in annual profits could disappear. Will Garnier try to merge his way out? Rumors regularly go around that GSK will buy troubled Bristol Myers-Squibb, and every time they do, both companies take a beating in the market. -D.O. |
Kohei Nishi 61 (stepped down) |
Snow Brand |
$9.3 bil (down 9.8%) loss: $573 mil Market Cap: $352 mil (down 70%) |
Not even two years after the worst food-poisoning case in Japan involving contaminated milk products, Snow Brand Milk Products nearly ran itself dry in January. That was when the news broke that its Snow Brand Food unit, which was 66%-owned by the parent company Snow Brand Milk Products, tried to pass off foreign meat as bona fide Japanese beef in an attempt to secure government subsidies after mad-cow disease was discovered in Japan. The foods unit was dissolved in April. Kohei Nishi admits that the company is in distress; he recently resigned as CEO. -S.K. |
Rolf Hüppi 59 (stepped down) |
Zurich Financial Services |
$38.5 bil (up 3%) loss: $387 mil Market Cap: $19.4 bil (down 31%) |
Zurich Financial Services' former leaders had big hopes but learned the hard way that creating an on-line financial services powerhouse was too big a project with too little direction. Rolf Hüppi, then the CEO, who became known for his wild claims, reportedly vowed to triple the number of customers to more than 100 million in a few years. The big ideas cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars and Hueppi his job. Maybe James Schiro, named CEO in May, can breathe new life into this beleaguered insurer. His first task? Restoring profitability and winning back investors and customers. -S.K. |


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20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox
Ben Stiller has no problem with Tropic Thunder. Snowy hills, that's another story...
The actor-director required a trip to the hospital over the weekend after a downhill mishap, E! News has learned.
"I can confirm he broke his hand snowboarding," said publicist Kelly Bush.
The 43-year-old funnyman was admitted Sunday to New York's Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was treated for the fracture. He is now on the mend.
No further officials details have been released, but the New York Daily News reports that one of Mount Sinai's top hand specialists was called in to patch up Stiller.
He'll be fully healed in time for the publicity rounds for his next probable blockbuster, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, due in May.


text:
Stacy Summary: As Max is saying in the background, "welcome to the blogosphere!"
79 comments on "800 British Airways staff offer a month of free labor"
Is this not a clearcut example of "peasant mentality." However, I think a more appropriate terminology is "slave mentality." There are a myriad of ways in which BA could have combated the turmoil, including a restructuring of the pay pyramid. As a corporation, BA is, by nature, tyrannical. Why not take some money away from the CEO so as to pay these workers, who clearly must feed their families. This month, I am guessing, will help normalize the idea of below subsistence wages, especially in an industry where labor union–at least here in the States–were crushed under Regan/Thatcher.
I found the difference between BA staff and slavery; BA staff doesn't get shelter, food and health care, in the old days the slaves atleast had some sort of maintenance of life (needs) and even could buy themselves free…. but this is a new kind of slavery; first of all people who had nothing to do with the cause, make the least ammount of money, didn't take the decisions but do have to "pay the price" (3x, to work free, by higher taxes and higher inflation) beside the whole scam of the monetary system. Maybe they can go ask the royal family for some cash, here in holland the royal family gets 113 million a year and has a estimated wealth of 2,3 billion, they get paid for doing nothing instead of doing everything and not getting paid.
It's called social engineering,……getting folk used to serving the state,.. incrementally,……….slowly slowly catchy monkey!
Has worked for thousands of yrs,… -
Yeah exactly, the shit that is being normalized the world over, especially since November 16th, 2008, and more so after January 20th, 2009 is historic in nature–the most tangible evidence that we are "between two ages."
We're all fucked, let's withdraw (from civilization) now. Learn what plants near you are edible, plant gardens, become shaman, inform others. Make friends, too.
And you're right, it has worked for thousands of years. However, one difference between now and yestercenturies–besides its easier to kill than to control–is the masses have access to more information than ever before. Early Chinese literature, at the onset of that civilization, stressed not letting the peasants learn!
Governments have less control of us now than ever. Except for the monopoly on force. But the monopoly on force is a figment of our imaginations. Let's take a gamble.
@DharmaBum,……back then, weapons were far less sophisticated,…….I think there is a concerted effort on many parts to create an aggresive revolution, which is exactly what the powers that be have forcast (quite predictable aren't we)!
I could see the value of working for free within a small business, the mom and pop size business, where the benefit of the action is clearer. I suspect those poor 800 guys only going to get a nice thank you pat on the shoulder and later be forgotten by the company.
Maybe this is the ultimate time to set up a business with a lot of free labor, everybody can do it. I was planning to build myslef the biggest Pyramid for when I die.
Gonna phone the airline compagny if they have some free labor for me cause I need another 500.000 to get the job done. I demand that all the queens and kings of the world give me a medal cause I've been able to set up a business for al the unemployed in the UK.
Maybe I will build a pyramid in the USA too so many people can get to work.
I could see the value of working for free within a small business, the mom and pop size business, where the benefit of the action is clearer. I suspect those poor 800 guys only going to get a nice thank you pat on the shoulder and later be forgotten by the company. (hope this isn't a double post)
Oh yes, I know…but when push comes to shove….
Also, I advocate first and foremost the sort of emotional/intellectual revolution knowledge makes possible.
And also, we've got to ditch this "hope" bug. It afflicts us like a disease. It takes away our agency, leaving our futures up to a fate that is no more than the sum total of chance events over time. By ditching hope, we disencumber ourselves from this "fear" endemic and can, then, restore authority into the communal organism of which we are all a part, instead of in automatic institutions…yadayadayada
@Youri,…….I want the biggest!!
G. Edward Grffin on BreakTheMatrix
Take Back TV with guest G. Edward Griffin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDy3_K8OTow -
Stacy ' extracting equity for a living '
humm sounds like the extraction is going the other way. -
Griffin's Website
Building America (Pyramids) http://tinyurl.com/nvtndf
Build America bonds, taxable securities that pay 1 percentage point more in interest than corporate debt on average. The Federal government helps pay the bonds' interest.
Federal government pays borrowers 35 percent of the interest cost if they issue taxable debt instead of tax-exempt securities for capital projects. The Treasury prefers the taxable bonds because tax-exempt debt mostly benefits investors in higher tax brackets, said Krueger.
Really good Matt Taibbi article about Government Sachs:
Airline jobs can be low skill so the workers are easy to replace. If the economy is actually permanently stuck in a tunnel rather than temporarily as assumed, these workes will be wasting a month in which they could be looking and training for a new job. For that reason I would never participate nor do I like the BA management.
It should definitely not be considered a precedent or example of 'good worker mentality'. Everyone would become complicit. How would it be to fly with a stewardess that made no money serving you drinks? That would indeed be slavery. Perhaps a fatal error on the side of BA in the fight against virgin…
I decided to become a 'maker'.
(Pyramid) Builders Will Keep Getting 'Squeezed' for Months: Chart of Day http://tinyurl.com/m4y6mf
Solution? Free labor and Pyramids will rise everywhere without any squeeze.
Wow, John Kerry pased over to the dark side..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/25/kerry-pushes-for-public-o_n_220822.html -
@Mother Earth
Kerry allready was on the dark side!
George Bush, John Kerry, David Gergen, and many others have admitted their membership of the Skull and Bones AKA the Bohemian Grove.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2E_HP97Rzc
Here Comes Russian Bank Nationalization
add on: In fact Kerry and Bush are family related.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2E_HP97Rzc -
Good idea : 4409 — "It's NOT my Debt"
Michael Jackson rushed to hospital
"Capt. Steve Ruda said paramedics responded to a call at Jackson's home around 12:26 p.m. He was not breathing when they arrived."
Lets hope for a TARP-style recovery..
"Obama's Cheney is named Larry Summers. He is Obama's senior-most economic advisor, and like the former vice president, he is a man of conviction. The financial crisis may be large, but Summers' self-confidence is even larger. More importantly, President Barack Obama follows him like a dog does its master.'
-Der Spiegel
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,632494,00.html -
It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream but terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes
You're paralyzed'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one's gonna save you from the beast about strike
You know it's thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonightYou hear the door slam and realize there's nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand and wonder if you'll ever see the sun
You close your eyes and hope that this is just imagination, girl!
But all the while you hear the creature creeping up behind
You're out of time'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
There ain't no second chance against the thing with forty eyes, girl
Thriller, thriller night
You're fighting for your life inside a killer, thriller tonightNight creatures calling, the dead start to walk in their masquerade
There's no escaping the jaws of the alien this time
(They're open wide)
This is the end of your lifeThey're out to get you, there's demons closing in on every side
They will possess you unless you change that number on your dial
Now is the time for you and I to cuddle close together, yeah
All through the night I'll save you from the terror on the screen
I'll make you seeThat this is thriller, thriller night
'Cause I can thrill you more than any ghost would ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight and share a
Killer, diller, chiller, thriller here tonight'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghost would ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller, ow!(I'm gonna thrill ya tonight)
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y'alls neighborhoodI'm gonna thrill ya tonight, ooh baby
I'm gonna thrill ya tonight, oh darlin'
Thriller night, baby, ooh!The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years
And grizzly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doomAnd though you fight to stay alive
Your body starts to shiver
For no mere mortal can resist
The evil of the thriller -
Michael is DEAD!
WE lost an Fawa today as well
These where 70's Icons for meNot a good day.
Mike -
@Asiablues even posted it on the http://www.twitter4all.com/channels/Economy
WSJ: Michael Jackson Rushed to Hospital http://bit.ly/JysB3
Am 45, & God do i feel old tonight
Mike -
I am a bit over weight, my hair is trying to turn grey, mainly because of the stuff i spray on my head to TRY to make my hair grow ( Might try a transplant next year).
Am OLD!!!
Mike -
ummm getting old…..is that why you repeat yourself so much?……… -
I quess we on http://www.twitter4all.com/channels/Economy are very fast whit the economic news but lack the ability to keep up with the Michael news.
Michael dead, that's a shame the guy shorely could make some jingles sound & dance too. I even bought a CD of Michael once.
Michael Jackson Dies R.I.P.
http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/25/michael-jackson-dies-death-dead-cardiac-arrest/ -
As a mark of respect we should ALL go and download "Thriller" without paying.
Mike -
I think the michael jackson I liked died a long time ago and now that he's dead ….there's gonnal be a new TAM in town…'Truth About Michael' and then we'll see some evil stuff for real…..
His music should be free!
Micheals dead reached the The Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124596607046356333.html -
@Mr Supergeek
Dead of Michael downside: I was thinking to make an easy quick buck and say that Michael misused me and sue him for that. Can say goodby to that Ponzi sceme.
Oh, this will be as BIG as Diana, we NEVER hear the end.
Foot note to Stacy:-
Find Mike a nice French woman.
Mike -
@Mr Supergeek
I agree whit you that after Michaels ….(how many?) plastical misurgeon we can conclude that Thriller game out much to early. Better waited till his own face had become suitable for the Thrillerclip whitout any extensive make up.
Or maybe Michaels surgeon was a fan of thriller too?
But nothing bad about the dead now. Been chosing an actal topic song from the 80ties: Somebody's Watching Me!
What a Amazing voice from Michael, that's why we loved him his voice and dance not his private live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu1RP34FLXU -
For US maybe bigger than elvis….or…..kennedy ….or 9/11…wait I'm just receiving word yeah yeah cospiracy thought so….but seriously who will be the first on this site to come up with some MJ death theory type deal….yay….kinda..@mike2 gonnaq be one of them do you remember where you were when you heard the news…except for kennedy I remember all the events vivdly and I remember jumping up and down with joy…..and screaming yaaaaahooooo….sorry I meant screaming noooooo….Damn you damn you all to hell…
btw For the oldies under us: 'Charlie's Angels' actress Farrah Fawcett dies from cancer at 62; Longtime love Ryan O'Neal at side
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/06/25/2009-06-25_charlies_angels_actress_farrah_fawcett_dies_from_cancer_at_62.html -
Jeff Goldblum NOT Dead; Reports Of Hoax Surface
http://screencrave.com/2009-06-25/report-jeff-goldblum-has-died/ -
Well, back to Gloom & Doom business again:
Jobs picture dims and overshadows improved GDP http://r.reuters.com/waj77c
"Welcome to the blogosphere"? Keiser sounds like Larry Mullen.
Maybe working for free is just you working out your karma for your thievery on Wall Street. Or maybe having your mug on every international news program isn't exactly "working for free" but working for free advertising.
Search for " Michael Jackson – New Album (2008) Pre-Release " on torrent sites!
WHO and UN are being CHARGE by a reporter in Austria for using bioterrorism to kill the people with an upcoming mandatory vaccination. Very interesting.
The bloggers are suggesting that everyone file a charge against their government for treason.
http://www.newswithviews.com/Kincaid/cliff323.htm -
I heard something about taxing day-traders 80% on all their profits by the Canadian GOV'T
Bat-shit crazy is what it is…In British Columbia, Canada,
we are already dealing with the Carbon-tax Ponzi…
Originally, it was touted as a means to 'aid the poor"
Yet, after the smoke cleared,
and people stopped paying attention,
(and cashed their Carbon Tax Credit teaser the BC Libs offered as a "greasing of the palm")
the Carbon-Tax revenues have become a trough for our
Politi-pigs…Utter bullshit…
What's this I see on Max's twitter about a banker being tossed out a window???
@Giuseppe … " Politi-Pigs"
Good expression.
We have had this "Eco" tax in Germany ( Green party ) since years .. didn't change the auto-industry very much , just filled the Govts coffers with more tax.
Same goes for the "Greenhouse" Bill in the EU .. Companies can buy and sell their vouchers .. just a joke .. will change nothing apart from certain industries moving to exploit poor countries that don't have that regulation.6/25/2009 Peter Schiff On The Glenn Beck Show: National Energy Tax Bill Goes To Vote TOMORROW!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MmlElFmJKIGermany is discussing 25% VAT for 2011.
Stock trades are now taxed ( since 1.1.2009 ) at a flat 25%.
Just a joke … the Govt. thinks that people make profits on trading .. maybe in 10% of cases from what I've seen.
BTW … the "bank" takes that Tax out of your trading account AUTOMATICALLY after EACH TRADE. Great way to reduce your trading capital !
Good brokers ( like Consors for example ) will offset profits against losses and return subtracted taxes accordingly.
A friend of mine was at another broker-bank, where they did NOT do this … he was totally p*ssed off, and wanted to quit completely ( which would have been good for him, as he has ONLY losses since quite a few years ).
Here's a chart of German VAT since 1968 :
From 10% in 1968 to 19% in 2007.
Now we'll never know whether his moonwalk is any use on the moon 🙁
@ME .. yeah, the 60's/70's .. some good music.
Doors / Yes / Deep Purple / Santana / Chaka Khan & Rufus / Joni Mitchell / Eric Clapton / Jimi Hendrix / Police
All the commercial junk today gets on my nerves.
Sting and Phil Collins and Joni are the few greats still surviving.I lived in Islington when Police played in the Hope & Anchor 's cellar – my local pub. Great days – Holloway Road.
Went to Rocky Horror Show ( Theatre ) about 10 times – due to visitors always wanting to go there.
Ah .. those were the days !
Police at Hope & Anchor
http://www.dordt.nl/~gugten/s19770708.htm -
@ME … Police in 1977
Did you notice the prices on my last link ?
50 Pence .. to see Police !
Can you say : Inflation ! -
72 year old women gets TASERED for refusing to sign a speeding fine ?
Video Released of Grandmother Being Tased
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxhYaUjZUI0&feature=rec-HM-fresh+divI didn't actually see her being "tasered" .. didn't look like it !
Still, it's no way to treat the elderly. -
Hey Max!,…..and I've bet you've heard this a thousand times,………Do you do the voice over for crusty the clown?
New Zealand GDP shrinks for fifth quarter http://tinyurl.com/m7cfew
Current Inflation Rates: 2000-2009 http://tinyurl.com/lh5z36
Japan logs record deflation as demand falls http://tinyurl.com/kl8ggl
@phil Those where some good prices!
Got some friends in this band playing the Max Keiser theme song:
You'll have to pay 5 euro to see them, so not that bad..Randomly: I think we will see a rise in enclaves and communions. I think we are entering a new flower power era, unless off course there is war…
Spread the word:
JOE STIGLITZ: IMF same exact four-step TAKE OVER COUNTRIES PROGRAM http://tinyurl.com/5rdqkl
Good link TnX!
U.N. TO EMERGE AS GLOBAL IRS http://tinyurl.com/lbdfll
Its a shift from "I am a business that sells my skills" to "I need my corporation for survival"
Neo Fudalisim with the CEO as the fudal overlord
Max and Stacy called it
The Hague rocks!
@Youri Carma – thanks for the Palast piece. Now I finally understand why Obama had to force Larry Summers to call Stiglitz a few months back for consultation.
I just read a Reuters piece about Capitalism, the IMF, and the World Bank being "under fire" at the UN that quoted Stiglitz:
Didn't know that he is an adviser to Nicaragua's foreign minister.
@ all of the "audit the Fed" enthusiasts . . . you don't want to miss this clip re: what Bernacke thinks of that piece of legislation:
Is he threatening future financial armageddon? Or is he just expressing that he views a Fed audit as a hostile act?
Could this have to do with the two bond carrying Japs caught at the Italian border?
Japan's financial regulator has ordered Citigroup to halt some of its businesses http://tinyurl.com/mu7ffd
Americans no more own America than the chickens on the Kentucky Colonel's farm own the farm on which they are slaughtered.
Very true indeed.
(http://www.lemetropolecafe.com/toulouse-lautrec_table.cfm) -
TnX! Also have a look at: World Bank Secret Documents Consumes Argentina Alex Jones Interviews Reporter Greg Palast
Bernanke in the audit the Fed response clip is a joke. He claims to have made the Fed more transparent.
M3-figures anyone?
Want to go pirate hunting? You can!
RED Alert!
China drops a NUKE
Mike -
David Duke Tours?
BNP Hoildays?
Mike -
You got me scared there for a moment cause I was reading China Retaliates instead of Reiterates Pfffffffffff ……..
I think it was because of "China drops a NUKE" association.
What is your Alert colour when the realy dropped some Nuke? You used op Red for this? Yellow, Orange alert?
Fed begins exit from emergency support measures ??? http://tinyurl.com/r49eb5
Dollar Falls on China Call for World Currency; Stocks Pare Gain http://tinyurl.com/mr4hgg
Thanks for the excellent links!!!
A link to an interesting look at the correlation between Iceland, Argentina, and the US: economic collapse, Central Bank insolvency:
http://seekingalpha.com/article/109480-analyzing-the-crisis-in-iceland-can-it-happen-here"Now in Iceland, like in Argentina, the true breaking point came when its central bank became insolvent. The result was a complete lack of confidence in Iceland's ability to repay; essentially, Iceland had defaulted. The result has been a run on the Icelandic krona, which has lost half its value in just a few months time."
How do we audit the Fed, prosecute Bernanke (and Geithner and Paulson), and not play into the globalist banker's agenda? I like the link Mep sent: too bad we can't dismantle the IMF and World Bank. China and the Bric countries are serving validity to the IMF by buying their bonds. It is a gruesome picture, especially when hunger strikes in the near future.


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In our archdiocese the norm is to remain standing until all have received. Then one may either kneel or sit. I suggest the poster who asked the question of you become informed of the local norms before commenting to the priest or pastor. He or she should either ask the pastor or place a call to the chancery. |
Answer by Catholic Answers on 9/13/2013: | ||||||||
P.J.-- Okay, this is going to be my final response on this issue. Readers, please stop sending responses as this is not a discussion forum. As to this issue, while I didn't say so to begin with because I didn't want to encourage disrespect for the priest's authority, the fact is that this priest had no right to attempt to enforce a preference for standing after receiving Communion. Your archdiocese also does not have the authority to require congregants to stand until all have received. In 2003, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a clarification on whether people could kneel after receiving Communion: Responsum: Negative, et ad mensum [No, for this reason]. The mens [reasoning] is that the prescription of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani, no. 43, is intended, on the one hand, to ensure within broad limits a certain uniformity of posture within the congregation for the various parts of the celebration of holy Mass, and on the other, to not regulate posture rigidly in such a way that those who wish to kneel or sit would no longer be free (source). There is no restriction on the priest that forbids him to ask people to remain standing, which is why I did not dispute his request. But there is a clear restriction on any attempt to bully laity into not kneeling. In a place where a "norm" has been promulgated "requiring" all to remain standing until all have received Communion, individual laity are free to sit or kneel if they prefer and should not be pressured to conform. Michelle Arnold |


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This 6,950 yard par 71 golf property offers a unique golfing experience for players of varying skill levels. The design features breathtaking elevation changes and expansive landing areas that meander through picturesque terrain. Our 11,000 square foot clubhouse is available for private events.
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Audie Award, Best Female Narrator, 2016
Jacky Faber is framed as passing confidential U.S. information to the British. Forced to flee Boston, she goes undercover as a governess for a prominent Puritan family. When outed by a nosy postmaster, she deserts the respectability of her position, dons a leotard and slippers, and poses as a Russian tightrope walker in a traveling circus. But the law soon catches up with her, and prospects do not look good. Through her many adventures, Jacky has always found the ingenuity to escape dire situations, but this time it looks like Puss in Boots has run out of lives... and her happily-ever-after will be cut short at the foot of the gallows.
©2014 LA Meyer (P)2015 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.
There are no listener reviews for this title yet.
"I feel I have lost a friend."
I have listened to the entire series over the last couple weeks. I am a truck driver so I have ample time to follow through with all the books. I will say this is the best series I have ever listened to, and I am currently more than 30 days of aduble books yes over 720 hours of books.
on to the story, I do feel as though I have lost a friend. I have lived with Jackie over the last 2 weeks and all her struggles and rewards. I have laughed out loud, I have cried, I have been frustrated, and have been dumbfounded. but as Jackie is in the story it always pops back up and leaves me wanting more. it's now time to move on to a new adventure and Jackie had done.
if you ate looking for a series of books that will lead you around the world and back again, through struggles and rewards then this is the series to begin. I will strongly advise the following, listen to them in order bloody jack is the first one, and don't plan on much sleep one you start. as just this past Saturday night I sat in my truck and listened to the book for 7 hours just sitting there (I was going out to eat but the book had me spell bound) I think I finally feels asleep at 3 am.
well I guess the time had come, I must start the search for another series. but Jackie will always be in my heart. (I will probably listen to the series again right now)
"Satisfying Ending to a beloved series"
Well Played Mr. Meyer you made me laugh, you made me cry and gave Jacky the sendoff she deserved!
Great narration by Katherine Kellgren, as always, but this time she had to do a Russian accent and sing in that accent, you are an amazing talent Ms. Kellgren!
I don't want to spoil this book for those of you that have read the entire series, so I will just say I enjoyed this book more than Boston Jacky and it was an excellent end to a fabulous series that will forever be a go-to book for me and I know I will listen to this series again and again.
I am sad that the series is over but am glad that Mr. Meyer had the chance to finish the book before he passed away and that we won't end up with another author coming in and ruining his work. I am so glad your memory will live on in the wonderful characters you have written, RIP Mr. Meyer.
5 Stars
I have loved all of these books so very much. young adult fiction? bah... these books are for everyone! Or.. I am just a kid at heart. I stayed up all night listening to this book and laughed and cried. I rarely do that.
Well, not to give any of the story away, but the final reckoning was wonderfully done.
She is among the best of the audible performers. I will listen to anything she does. She IS Jacky Faber.
I hope generations of readers, both young adult and adult, read these books, listen to these books, cherish LA Meyer's wonderful work and Katherine Kellgren's masterful performance. I know I will listen to them again and again.
"But I haven'the listened yet..."
Well, I hadn't listened to many female narrators; I am hooked on George Guidall, and Iove the Le Carré Smiley books by Frederick Davidson, and David Aaron Baker's Odd Thomas. Then I listened to the first Royal Spyness mystery, and I thought "wow", very quietly and with some reverence. "This woman
can really read you a book!" After I searched Audible by narrator, I discovered Jacky Faber and her adventures. The stories are really good - while demanding a large suspension of disbelief - but Katie Kellgren makes them PERFECT. I have listened to all but this one (ah, farewell, Mr Meyer) but I am listening to them all once again before I have to come to the end of the story. And as I expected, the narration alone let me hear more this time than the last.
With printed books I have always been a re-reader;(Susan Howatch, Thomas Costain, Steven King, Mary Stewart, Dick Francis) and I find with audiobooks it is just the same. Sometimes I read 'em again right away, sometimes I need to let a year go by. Not this time...Jacky Faber was so wonderful I think I did the "3 extra credits" thing three times running! A HUGE part of this devotion is due directly to this wonderful narrator.
Just think: Cockey (actually more Michael Caine, which is kinda complicated), upper-class English, Irish, Scots, American, southern American, American-accented French, better French, Spanish, Russian, German, Jamaican accents...and ALL believable...not to mention rather lovely singing of sea-shanties and folk songs of all kinds (in soprano, tenor, baritone, child, and male and female ranges - WOW again).
Whew! The stories are really neat, but Katie Kellgren as a narrator leaves me breathless ( or speechless). I would buy an audiobook just on her name as narrator. Don't miss this series!
PS But George Guidall, dear, you will always be first in my heart (and ears)...
"loved the story"
i have listened to all the books in this series and loved it ,wish there were more books
"Farewell Jacky! Farewell Lou!"
I hesitated for over a year to listen to this, because I didn't want Jacky to die. I even re-listened to all the others! I almost wish I hadn't re-listened because the one thing I didn't care for in this one was that Jacky actually seemed younger psychologically to me, which I might not have noticed had I not been thinking how much she had grown over the years. I imagine this was largely a result of having actually been written earlier, as Mr Meyer explained that he did. Of course I am very glad he did, because in the end it was a satisfying ending, and I am deeply saddened at the passing of such a wonderful author. The first hour or so was super shrill with Jacky swearing off men and raging about Clarissa, and a painfully long letter from Clarissa herself. Anyhow, suffice it to say, it is far from the best of the series
"sail on Lou, we will miss u"
as always the final bloody jack book doesn't disappoint. I'm so sad the author has passed. ... don't miss this final installment.
"The last one does not disappoint!"
I am a long time Jacky Faber/L.A.Meyer fan, and Katherine Kellgren is unbelievable in bringing all the fabulous characters to life. I have read all and listened to the audiobooks twice, except for Wild Rover. Oh My - usually the last book in a series is so bittersweet, but this last book could not have been more well planned!
From Bloody Jack to Wild Rover- all have brought tears and laughter. Me, at 53, and my 23 and 24 y/o daughters are all huge JF fans- I recommend this series to everyone, and hope to one day see a stage version!
"More please"
Jackie is a good person you want to be with, so you have to read on. She is loyal, respectful, thoughtful and kind. History is woven in accurately yet not overdone. This was a joy to listen to. She had to come from a good family to come out so good. Katherine Kellgren was great, the best narrator I've heard. HBO should do a series, lots of good reasons. 🕵uvajbc
"Spectacular ending to this extraordinary series!"
I absolutely adore these books. An amazing journey. Humor, Joy excitement abound! Wow! Just outstanding.


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Restrictive cardiomyopathy is the least common form of cardiomyopathy. This condition gets its name from the way it restricts the heart from stretching properly. While the rhythm and pumping action of the heart may be healthy, the stiff walls of the heart chambers keep them from filling normally. So blood flow is reduced, and blood that would normally enter the heart is backed up in the circulatory system. In time, the heart fails.
What causes it?
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is often caused by diseases in other parts of the body.
One known cause is cardiac amyloidosis, which is sometimes associated with cancers of the blood. Amyloidosis is a condition that causes proteins from certain blood cells (called amyloid deposits) to build up in the heart tissue, making the tissue stiff and thickened. Cardiac amyloidosis is also called "stiff heart syndrome."
Another known cause is a disorder called hemochromatosis. This disorder is passed down through family members and results in a buildup of iron in the body.
Sarcoidosis is the name of an inflammatory disease that starts as tiny, grain-like lumps called granulomas, which most often appear in your lungs or lymph nodes. The granulomas can clump together and form larger lumps that attack other organs. Sarcoidosis often affects your skin, eyes, or liver, but it can also cause restrictive cardiomyopathy. In other cases, diseases create deposits that can make the heart walls thick and stiff.
Another term for restrictive cardiomyopathy is infiltrative cardiomyopathy, because it is the "infiltration" of different materials, such as the amyloids or the granulomas, in the heart that lead to the cardiomyopathy.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy can also result from scarring of the heart, caused by a heart attack.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to those of congestive heart failure. You may feel weak, very tired, and short of breath. Many patients have swelling in their legs (called edema). You may also find that you are sick to your stomach, bloated, and do not feel like eating. These symptoms most likely result from a buildup of fluid around your liver, stomach, and intestines. An irregular heartbeat (called an arrhythmia) and a condition called heart block are also common in restrictive cardiomyopathy.
How is it diagnosed?
Restrictive cardiomyopathy can be mistaken for a condition called constrictive pericarditis. This condition causes the sac-like membrane around the heart (the pericardium) to become inflamed and thickened. Surgery can usually correct constrictive pericarditis. On the other hand, restrictive cardiomyopathy cannot be corrected surgically. Instead, doctors will try to control its symptoms.
Diagnostic tools include the following:
How is it treated?
Doctors may be able to treat the condition that is causing restrictive cardiomyopathy, but the heart problem itself generally cannot be reversed. Doctors currently have no way of repairing severely damaged heart muscle. So the treatment goal is mainly controlling the symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy. Medicines are sometimes used to ease the heart's workload and to keep a regular heart rhythm. When the condition becomes severe, a heart transplant may be needed.
Return to main topic: Cardiomyopathy
See also on other sites:
MedlinePlushttps://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000189.htmRestrictive cardiomyopathy


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This is a discussion on 32ACP in Ruger SP101, ,327 Mag? within the Defensive Carry Guns forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Originally Posted by Philly Boy Although the manual doesn't say it, I've read several places that the .32 acp can be shot in the SP101 ...
I have to admit I like my 327, I've never shot the 32acp through, but I tried the others 32s&w, long & H&R mag, I ended up just getting a set of dies to go
with the gun. I mostly reload the 327 rounds, from time to time I'll do the 32 H&R mag rounds too, but never anything smaller..


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