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Made in 2016 by a young fashion enthusiast, we design and make the lion's share of our limited-edition collections from mindful production accomplices here in India utilising sustainable strategies and materials. We source sustainable and vintage fabrics while fusing better practices all through our supply chains to make excellent styles at a small amount of the environmental impact of conventional fashion. It is our central goal to lead and motivate a sustainable way to be stylish.
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Stephen Shorey
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Letter from Patton Principal
Hello and welcome to Patton Elementary School!
My name is Jeanne Williams and I am the proud Principal of this incredible school that is located in the northern point of Roseville. I have worked for Roseville Community Schools for over eighteen years serving as a principal, sixth grade teacher, fourth grade teacher, and girls' volleyball coach for 7th through 9th grades. These years in education and prior experience in the business world, have prepared me on how to best enhance our students' learning opportunities, educational and character growth.
It takes a community working together to create a well rounded, educational environment. My goal as Principal is to bridge a strong relationship and partnership between the school and community. Research shows that the parental involvement in the school directly impacts the academic success of the student. I look forward to developing a Patton Parent Club with you. Please consider getting involved!
In addition to building strong relationships with all of you, it is important to me that your children- Patton students, benefit from this partnership. To this end, I encourage students and parents to have daily discussions about the objectives and lessons they are learning at school. I know that the Patton staff has high expectations for students. They have and will continue to hold the standards high as they guide each students along on his or her educational continuum. Imagine what we could do for students if, as a school community, we were all having similar discussions.
If you ever have a concern or question, please do not hesitate to call or email me. Communication is paramount for your child's success in school and our success as an educational institution. For this reason, I also encourage you to contact your child's teacher with questions and/or concerns. I look forward to working with your children and you in the upcoming school year. I look forward to seeing you at the Open House/Parent Club Start-Up, Wednesday, September 16th to meet me, the staff, and each other. Together we will plan for the successful year,
Go BULLDOGS!
Jeanne M. Williams, Principal


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Traits and stress: keys to identify community effects of low levels of toxicants in test systems
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Community effects of low toxicant concentrations are obscured by a multitude of confounding factors. To resolve this issue for community test systems, we propose a trait-based approach to detect toxic effects. An experiment with outdoor stream mesocosms was established 2-years before contamination to allow the development of biotic interactions within the community. Following pulse contamination with the insecticide thiacloprid, communities were monitored for additional 2 years to observe long-term effects. Applying a priori ecotoxicological knowledge species were aggregated into trait-based groups that reflected stressor-specific vulnerability of populations to toxicant exposure. This reduces inter-replicate variation that is not related to toxicant effects and enables to better link exposure and effect. Species with low intrinsic sensitivity showed only transient effects at the highest thiacloprid concentration of 100 μg/l. Sensitive multivoltine species showed transient effects at 3.3 μg/l. Sensitive univoltine species were affected at 0.1 μg/l and did not recover during the year after contamination. Based on these results the new indicator SPEAR mesocosm was calculated as the relative abundance of sensitive univoltine taxa. Long-term community effects of thiacloprid were detected at concentrations 1,000 times below those detected by the PRC (Principal Response Curve) approach. We also found that those species, characterised by the most vulnerable trait combination, that were stressed were affected more strongly by thiacloprid than non-stressed species. We conclude that the grouping of species according to toxicant-related traits enables identification and prediction of community response to low levels of toxicants and that additionally the environmental context determines species sensitivity to toxicants.
KeywordsRisk assessment Long-term effect Low-level toxicant Population stress Trait indicator system Habitat templet concept
Effects of toxicants at high concentrations that induce a high rate of acute mortality are observed easily, even in complex communities. Prominent examples are the effects following catastrophes such as the pesticide spill from the chemical company Sandoz into the River Rhine (Van Urk et al. 1993) and the oil spill from the tanker Exxon Valdez (Peterson et al. 2003). The effects of toxicants at low concentrations that do not immediately result in acute mortality are much more difficult to detect. This is because, in such cases, communities are shaped not only by the effects of the toxicant but also to a great extend by other environmental factors. As a result, the complex relationship between a multitude of environmental factors and the composition of the community obscures the effects of the toxicants (Liess et al. 2008). Additionally, confounding factors may also mask the effects of toxicants. For example, pesticide runoff is often associated with increased hydrodynamic stress. Therefore, until recently the effects of pesticide runoff and of hydrodynamic stress were only distinguished using experimental approaches (Liess and Schulz 1999).
Trait-based approaches are a powerful tool that can be used to link habitat characteristics to life history strategies (Southwood 1988). On the basis of this approach, a posteriori associations between species traits and various environmental parameters have been identified over an extended geographical region (Usseglio-Polatera et al. 2000) (see also Doledec and Statzner 2008; Statzner and Beche 2010). Trait based approaches can also provide a priory predictions of species traits to be expected according to the environmental characteristics of a given habitat (Townsend and Hildrew 1994). Inversely, the occurrence of traits of species in a given habitat can be used to infer environmental characteristics. To identify the effects of agricultural pesticides on field communities this approach was first developed by Liess and co-workers (Liess et al. 2001) and later elaborated within the Species At Risk concept (SPEAR) (Liess and von der Ohe 2005). The SPEAR bioindicator system was validated to identify non-point pesticide contamination (Schäfer et al. 2007) and point sources of toxicants originating from treatment plants (Ashauer, in revision). The identification of trait combinations that were associated with a specific environmental parameter (stressor) enabled the effects of this parameter to be identified on the trait composition of the community, even though a multitude of other parameters were affecting the composition of taxa within the community.
Despite the considerable advances that these methods have yielded for field studies, trait-based methods have not been adopted for experimental studies at the community level (i.e. mesocosm tests) that support prospective risk assessment of toxicants (deJong et al. 2008). However, it has been shown clearly that life-cycle traits are of the utmost importance for predicting the dynamics of the effects of, and recovery from, toxicants in mesocosms (Sherratt et al. 1999; Beketov et al. 2008). The development of a trait-based index similar to the well-validated pesticide-specific index SPEAR pesticide is now required (Liess and von der Ohe 2005). Such an index will not only enable the stressor-specific assessment of effects and associated recovery, but will also allow the tested communities to be standardised according to ecologically relevant traits. This trait-based standardisation, in comparison with taxonomy-based standardisation, can be performed on large spatial scales and linked to ecosystem functions and services (McGill et al. 2006; Schäfer et al. 2007; Menezes et al. 2010; Peru and Doledec 2010).
The relationship between toxicant exposure and effect on individuals and populations is also determined by the environmental context. Indeed, stress conditions often increase the sensitivity of individuals to toxicants (see Heugens et al. 2001 for review). Hence, to determine the quantitative link between exposure and effect it is necessary to consider additional stress factors. Such factors include a wide range of stressors that increase the rate of mortality due to toxicants (factor of increase in brackets): exalted temperature (10) (Song et al. 1997), food limitation (2) (Pieters et al. 2005), exalted salinity (10) (Wildgust and Jones 1998), low oxygen (2) (Van der Geest et al. 2002), UV radiation (30) (Liess et al. 2001), competition (10) (Liess 2002), predation (8) (Beketov and Liess 2006), and the requirement of food acquisition (10) (Mommaerts et al. 2010).
The aim of the study reported herein was to explore the possibility that exposure to a low level of toxicants exerts a strong and sustained effect on the composition of a community and to identify methods with which to link exposure to low levels of toxicants and community response. For this purpose, we developed a new trait-based index, SPEAR mesocosm , which was based on the SPEAR pesticide index designed for bioassessment of pesticide contamination in the field (Liess and von der Ohe 2005). To achieve this aim, we performed and evaluated a long-term 4-year experiment with an outdoor stream mesocosm system that was designed to mimic small streams in agricultural landscapes.
Mesocosm system
The mesocosm system consisted of 16 artificial streams that were characterised by the following parameters: length 20 m, width at water surface 0.32 m (±0.03), average depth 0.25 m (±0.11), discharge 160 l/min (± 9), slope 2%, and approximate total volume of 1,000 l. Each stream was designed as a closed circulation system with the following flow of water. From the upstream to the downstream sections of the stream, the water was propelled by gravity. It then reached a 200-l reservoir installed below the downstream margin of the stream. Subsequently, it was pumped back to the upstream section through a plastic tube by an electric pump. Loss of water through evaporation was compensated for by rain- and tap water. A dam with a polyester net filter (1-mm mesh) was installed at the end of each stream to prevent the loss of animals through drift. The stream channels were situated in the ground to a depth of approximately 0.4 m and lined with watertight non-toxic polyvinylchloride foil. The bottom of each stream was covered with a mixture of fine gravel and sand (particle size 0.2–3.7 mm, layer depth of 30–50 mm) and half of the bottom surface in the cross-channel direction was planted with watercress (Nasturtium officinale). An area of ground was retained between the streams to support riparian vegetation, in order to provide a refuge for insects that emerged, reduce the amount of direct sunlight, and in general to create an ecology that matches that found in small lowland streams as much as possible.
Main physico-chemical parameters of water in the stream mesocosms
Standard deviation
Ammonium (mg/l)
Nitrate (mg/l)
Nitrite (mg/l)
Phosphate (mg/l)
Hardness (mg Ca/l)
Dissolved oxygen (%)
Conductivity (μS/cm)
Monitoring of long-term development of temperature was done by measuring constantly (every 3 h) with μS-LOG540 data logger (Driessen + Kern, Bad Bramstedt, Germany) in two randomly selected streams. The maximum summer (April to September) and minimum winter (October to March) temperatures were 24.8 and 2.9°C respectively. Mean summer and winter temperatures were 20.1 and 4.7°C respectively. Comparison of temperature regimes between all streams was done by constantly (every 3 h) temperature with data loggers (Driesen + Kern, Bad Bramstedt, Germany) in each stream for 1 month (02–30.03.2007). No significant differences between the groups of treatment and control streams were found for mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures (P > 0.05, univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA)).
Experimental schedule and design
The entire experimental period was 4 years and 3 months; from September 2003 to December 2007. The mesocosm system was constructed in the summer of 2003. The streams were planted with macrophytes in September 2003 and colonised by macroinvertebrates during the winter of 2003–2004 and in October 2005 by adding sediments and macroinvertebrates collected in an uncontaminated stream located near the city of Grimma in Germany.
The streams were contaminated with the insecticide thiacloprid in May 2006 and May 2007. The experimental design included 16 independent streams and four treatment levels (control, 0.1, 3.2, and 100 μg/l thiacloprid) with two replicates for each concentration level and 10 replicates for the control in 2006 and four replicates for each concentration level including the control in 2007. The streams that were contaminated at a certain concentration in 2006 were contaminated with the same concentration in 2007. For the second contamination (2007), two replicates for each concentration level were reallocated from the streams used as controls in 2006. A 2-year precontamination period was employed to establish a community with strong biotic interactions (competition, predation) and a considerable number of sensitive and long-living taxa. At the beginning of the experiment 16 out of 35 species were considered as sensitive according to the SPEAR classification (Liess and von der Ohe 2005); from these 16 sensitive species 5 species were univoltine.
Thiacloprid application and monitoring
Thiacloprid (generic name (CA) [3-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl) methyl]-2-thiazolidinylidene] cyanamide, CAS number 111988-49-9) is a neonicotinoid insecticide. Among neonicotinoids, it is used against various chewing and sucking pests. Thiacloprid was obtained from Agrar–Handel und Transport (Schafstädt, Germany) as the commercial formulation Calypso (suspension concentrate), which contains 480 g/l of the active ingredient (Bayer CropScience, Langerfeld, Germany). The initial nominal pulse concentrations for the three treatment levels (low, medium, and high) were 0.1, 3.2, and 100 μg/l, respectively, in terms of the active ingredient. Throughout the paper, we refer to these nominal concentrations.
One litre of stock solution was prepared for each channel at the respective concentration by diluting the toxicant formulation with distilled water. The stock solutions were poured into the water reservoirs installed below the streams (see above for a description of the mesocosm system) to dilute the toxicant and make its input gradual. This was designed to simulate short-term contamination due to spray drift and surface water runoff, which constitute a relevant input path for small streams in agricultural areas (Liess et al. 1999). Aqueous solutions were applied because thiacloprid is highly soluble in water (the water solubility and log octanol–water partition coefficient (log KOW) of the active ingredient at 20°C are 185 mg/l and 1.26, respectively; USEPA (2003)).
Analysis of thiacloprid residue
Time after contamination (h)
Mean measured concentrations ± standard deviation at different time-points after contamination (μg/l)
Nominal concentration (μg/l)
First-year contamination (n = 4)a
3.55 ± 2.80
36.64 ± 10.37
1.29 ± 1.61b
6.48 ± 1.43
5.43 ± 0.75b
Second-year contamination (n = 8)c
0.07 ± 0.05
2.64 ± 0.21
76.33 ± 10.03d
65.67 ± 11.91d
0.04 ± 0.01
0.48 ± 0.54
32.62 ± 9.88
0.02 ± 0.01
0.23 ± 0.20
9.23 ± 7.08
0.02 ± 0.02e
0.07 ± 0.05
2.52 ± 3.61
0.36 ± 0.53
0.08 ± 0.12
Macroinvertebrate sampling and processing
Macroinvertebrate sampling was done at the following time periods with respect to the contamination event, first year: −34, −8, −4, −1, 1, 3, 10, 17, and 27 weeks; second year: −8, −4, −1, 1, 3, 10, and 27 weeks. Samples were obtained using a metal frame that covered a 15 × 15 cm area of the bottom of the stream. This frame was shaped square, had 20-cm-high walls and a 15 cm × 15 cm opening at the top and the bottom. For sampling, all macrophytes were removed from the enclosed area by hand, washed, and checked for macroinvertebrates in a white plastic tray. Subsequently, the water column was sieved and sediments were collected using a small hand net (60 × 55 mm frame, 500 μm mesh) and examined for macroinvertebrates in the white tray. During each sampling, four samples in total were taken from each experimental channel: one from the upstream section, one from the middle upstream, one from the middle downstream, and one from the downstream section. Benthic samples were taken near the bottom of the channel, which included both macrophytes and non-vegetated substrate.
Macroinvertebrates were identified and counted in situ and returned to the stream with the exception of the very first sampling, which was undertaken in September 2005. For this first sampling, all the macroinvertebrates were preserved in 90% ethanol and identified in the laboratory. During subsequent samplings, this procedure was repeated when required (e.g. when new species were found that could not be identified in situ). Most of the Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Heteroptera, Coleoptera, Isopoda, and Amphipoda were identified to the species level, whereas for all other taxonomic groups, the level of identification varied from species to family. Oligochaeta were identified at the class level only.
Trait-based grouping of the macroinvertebrate taxa and the new index SPEAR mesocosm
To understand the dynamics of the effects of toxicants on species characterised by different biological traits, we divided the taxa into four groups using two traits: toxicological sensitivity to pesticides and generation time (in this study, this is defined in terms of voltinism) according to the SPEAR approach (Liess and von der Ohe 2005). On the basis of these binary divisions, we established the following four groups: (i) non-sensitive multivoltine, (ii) non-sensitive univoltine, (iii) sensitive multivoltine, and (iv) sensitive univoltine (see Appendix, Table 4). The classification of taxa with regard to toxicological sensitivity was based on the relative sensitivity distribution approach developed by Wogram and Liess (Wogram and Liess 2001) and revised by Von der Ohe and Liess (2004). Taxon-specific sensitivity values (Sorganic) were taken from the SPEAR Database (http://www.systemecology.eu/SPEAR/index.php), and the threshold for dividing the taxa into sensitive and non-sensitive classes was taken from the SPEAR pesticide bioindicator (a taxon is regarded as sensitive if it has an Sorganic value > −0.36 (Liess and von der Ohe 2005). In addition, because thiacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide and has very unusual insect-specificity, this classification was based on detailed existing toxicological data. In detail the caddisfly species Hydropsyche angustipennis was considered to be sensitive, because Hydropsychidae has been shown to be sensitive to neonicotinoids (Yokoyama et al. 2009), despite the relatively low Sorganic value assigned to this group previously (von der Ohe and Liess 2004). Second, Ischnura elegans was grouped as insensitive as available information on Odonata suggest that the group is insensitive to thiacloprid (Beketov and Liess 2008). Hence, the general classification of taxon sensitivity was adapted for two species to produce a ranking of taxon sensitivity to this specific toxicant according to the available knowledge. In addition, taxa that did not exhibit aquatic stages during the contamination period, and were thus not present during the pesticide exposure, were not considered to be sensitive despite their toxicological sensitivity (Notidobia ciliaris, Appendix, Table 4).
As reflected in the names of the groups, the classification of taxa with regard to voltinism was based on the separation of taxa that have several generations per year (multivoltine) from those that have one or fewer generations per year (univoltine and semivoltine). For simplicity, we have used the term "univoltine" for the latter, because there was only one semivoltine species, Ephemera vulgata. The threshold value of 1 year was selected to match the frequency of contamination (annual) with the life cycles of the taxa and their respective abilities to recover, taking into account the proximity of the control and contaminated streams, which was necessary because insects that emerged from a control stream could easily oviposit in a contaminated stream and substantially facilitate recovery.
Data analyses
Data from separate samples taken from the same stream at a particular time point were pooled to avoid spatial pseudoreplication. To reduce the stochastic variability, data from successive time points were pooled pairwise. To give a traditional overview of the effect of thiacloprid on the macroinvertebrate communities, the widely employed univariate parameter s of abundance and taxa richness were used. Abundance was calculated as the log(x + 1)-transformed number of individuals per square metre. Taxa richness was calculated as the number of taxa (species or other lowest possible taxonomic category) per sample.
To test for the significance of the effects of the toxicant on the univariate parameters (overall abundance, taxa richness, abundance of the four trait-based groups, and SPEAR mesocosm ), we used ANOVA followed by the Games–Howell post hoc test. The latter test is robust with respect to potential deviations from normality or variance homogeneity and exhibits a good type I error rate (i.e. a low probability of finding a difference between identical populations) and good power properties (Zar 1996). This conservative test was applied to confirm statistical significances, taking into account the low number of replicates. This method was used to infer the lowest- and no-observed-effect concentrations (LOEC and NOEC, respectively) on the basis of the SPEARmesocosm index. LOEC is defined here as the lowest concentration of toxicant at which a significant difference from the control is detected. Similarly, NOEC is defined as the highest concentration at which the effect is insignificant.
To compare the trait-based groups and SPEAR mesocosm index with traditional methods of mesocosm data analysis, we employed the principal response curve (PRC) method and a set of redundancy analyses (RDA), which were performed for the different sampling time points (data log(x + 1)-transformed). The PRC method is a multivariate technique developed especially to analyse data obtained in experimental studies on the responses of communities. It is based on the RDA ordination technique, which is a constrained form of principal component analysis (Van den Brink and Ter Braak 1999). The statistical significance of the PRC models, in terms of the displayed treatment variance, was tested by Monte Carlo permutation tests that were performed for the entire time series in the RDAs from which the PRCs were obtained, using an F-type test statistic based on the eigenvalue of the components (Van den Brink and Ter Braak 1999; Leps and Smilauer 2003). RDAs in which toxicant concentration (log(x + 1)-transformed) was used as only one explanatory variable were applied in order to test the statistical significance of the effects of the toxicant on community structure at different concentrations of toxicants and different time points using the Monte Carlo permutation test, and therefore to infer the LOEC and NOEC. The latter type of test was performed by testing every concentration level against the control.
The grouping of the species on the basis of the traits selected for SPEAR mesocosm was expected to reduce the variability in the effect endpoints both over time and between replicates. To identify such a reduction of variability for a trait based group compared to individual species we calculated the variability for abundance of each species building up this group, and the variability for the trait groups of species. We then compared the coefficients of variation (CV) for individual species and trait groups. The comparison was based on the entire experimental period (4 years) for each experimental treatment separately (control and the three thiacloprid concentrations, all replicates pooled).
To analyse the relationships between species sensitivity, population stress, and viability, we first analysed the dynamics of the species that comprised the most sensitive group, "sensitive univoltine", in the control streams over the period of two summer seasons (May–November) after the first contamination. Specifically, between year changes (growth or decline) in abundance were quantified as a multiplication factor of the abundance in the first year (e.g. a factor of 2 would indicate doubling of the abundance from the first year to the second). Then, these changes in the abundance of species in the control streams were correlated with the abundance of the same species (average abundance over the same observation period of two seasons) in the streams exposed to the low concentration treatment (0.1 μg/l). This analysis revealed the presence of two distinct groups that were based on the population dynamics in the control: species that exhibited a decline or an increase in number. Therefore, instead of a regression model, we applied the one-sample t-test. This test was performed with predefined values of 0 and 100 to compare the observed values between the different groups of species and the control. This analysis was performed for the low concentration treatment only, because most of the sensitive univoltine species were eliminated completely at the higher concentrations. Furthermore, it was carried out only for the sensitive univoltine group, because the other groups of species experienced only transient effects and were able to recover shortly after contamination. Therefore, the analysis of long-term effects in relation to long-term population dynamics was not applicable for these groups.
Statistical analyses were performed using the following programs: R, version 2.7 for Mac OS × (http://www.r-project.org/), SPSS 11.0 for Mac OS × (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois), and CANOCO 4.5 for Windows (Wageningen, Netherlands).
In all analyses, recovery was defined as the point when statistical tests failed for the first time to detect a significant difference between contaminated and control mesocosms, with the condition that a significant effect was not detected later (before the second contamination or until the end of the observation period).
Abundance and taxa richness
Trait-based groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates
In order to compare variability within the trait-based groups with variability in the separate species, we calculated the coefficients of variation (CV) for the sensitive univoltine species for each of the experimental treatments. Comparison of the CVs derived for the trait-based groups with the variability of single species revealed much lower variability for the trait-based groups than for the individual species. The average CVs for the entire experimental period for the control, low, medium, and high concentrations of thiacloprid were 58, 87, 186, and 48.57 for the trait-based group of sensitive univoltine species, and 160, 223, 435, and 165.3 for the independently considered species, respectively.
Community effect measures—PRC versus SPEAR mesocosm
The index SPEAR mesocosm identified long-term community responses to thiacloprid at all concentrations tested, which included the lowest concentration of 0.1 μg/l (Fig. 3b). For this method, the effect was defined as the proportion of long-living, sensitive taxa among the entire community (for details, see Methods). This change in community structure could be identified for the entire duration of the experiment, which included the period of around 1 year after the first contamination event (Fig. 3b). Classification of sensitivity for most species was obtained from the SPEAR pesticide database that is not substance specific. According to specific sensitivity information specifically available for thiacloprid we adopted this classification for two species as outlined in the methods. We investigated how the calculation of SPEAR mesocosm changes if the substance specific information were not included. Using only the general toxicity information differences between control and lowest concentration were still obvious but not significant any more.
Lowest-observable-effect concentrations (LOEC) and no-observable-effect concentrations (NOEC) derived by Monte Carlo permutation tests followed by redundancy analyses (RDA) and by by ANOVA followed by the Games–Howell post hoc test for the adapted SPEARmesocosm index (SPEAR) (see also Fig. 3)
Time after contamination (weeks)
LOEC (μg/l)
NOEC (μg/l)
First-year contamination
Second-year contamination
Interestingly, the species classified by PRC as most affected (the four species having bk-values higher than 2, Fig. 3a) include only one sensitive univoltine species (Limnephilus lunatus). The other species identified as sensitive by PRC are showing effects only at the high concentrations and for a short period of time. This indicates a basic difference between PRC and SPEAR. The PRC calculates the strength of effects over the entire period analysed and for all concentrations. Hence, also short-term effects at high concentrations may result in a response of the PRC values. The response of PRC is not necessarily based on long-term effects at low concentrations. In contrast, SPEAR is grouping species with known high sensitivity and low recovery potential. As a consequence the SPEAR approach is pinpointing long-term community effects at low concentrations that are missed by the PRC approach because of the high variability of such effects.
Population viability, stress, and sensitivity to the toxicant
Population stress determines sensitivity
Long-term development of the populations of all sensitive univoltine species was investigated in the control streams. From May 2006 until November 2007 the abundance of two species was found to have declined by a factor of approximately −1.5 (Ephemera vulgata and Nemoura cinerea). In the same period, the abundance of three species increased on average by a factor of approximately 2.5 (Atherix sp., Hydropsyche angustipennis, and Limnephilus lunatus).
Using traits to link exposure and effect
The LOEC for acute community effects revealed by SPEAR mesocosm was a factor of 30 lower than that revealed by PRC. For chronic effects, the LOEC revealed by SPEAR mesocosm was a factor of 1,000 lower than that revealed by PRC. We suggest that the reason for this striking difference between the two methods is the variation of species abundance in such complex systems. Similar to natural communities, mesocosm communities are shaped by a multitude of environmental parameters that characterise the habitat and the biotic interactions present in the community. Firstly, environmental parameters that shape the composition of the community were not identical in the different replicates. Factors such as the velocity of the current and the structures provided by plants will have been slightly different. Secondly, biotic interactions may have been different between replicates as a result of differences in environmental parameters and stochastic processes, for example, those that occur within the process of colonisation. Hence, communities within each mesocosm were unique to a certain degree, similar to natural communities, which resulted in considerable inter-replicate variation (Sanderson et al. 2009). Multivariate analyses lose power in the identification of statistical links when variation is high. The description of biological communities in terms of traits provides a focused and simplified description of the community (McGill et al. 2006). The trait-based grouping of species according to the SPEAR approach aggregates those species that are affected by the toxicant. Applying this a priori ecotoxicological knowledge species were aggregated into trait-based groups that reflected stressor-specific vulnerability of populations to toxicant exposure. This reduces inter-replicate variation that is not related to toxicant effects and enables to better link exposure and effect (Liess and von der Ohe 2005). This was shown herein by finding that the CVs were lower for the trait groups than for the individual taxa, a fact that explains why SPEAR is identifying long-term effects at low concentrations in contrast to the PRC approach. The successful grouping is based on existing knowledge about traits that are sensitive to pesticides with this knowledge being combined in an a priori approach similar to the one used to identify the effects of insecticides on communities in the field (Liess and von der Ohe 2005). The single traits that reflected sensitivity of populations to toxicant exposure were the inability to (i) recover from a recurring stressor, which is linked to a long generation time (Barnthouse 2004) and (ii) survive toxicant exposure, which is linked to high toxicological sensitivity, as quantified by (Wogram and Liess 2001) updated (von der Ohe and Liess 2004) and specified for thiacloprid (Beketov and Liess 2008).
Stress influencing magnitude of toxicant effect
Chronic effects of thiacloprid on the five long-living sensitive species identified in the microcosm occurred at 0.1 μg/l. These chronic effects caused by thiacloprid occurred at a concentration that was 70 times below the lowest known acute LC50 for this toxicant (Beketov and Liess 2008). Such an acute to chronic ratio (ACR) is well below that which is found generally for fish (10.5), daphnids (7.0), and algae (5.4) (Ahlers et al. 2006). In addition to this low concentration at which an effect could be identified, we observed even stronger effects when populations were stressed, as indicated by the long-term decline in abundance of stressed species in control streams. We assume that these results are associated with individual stress within the mesocosms. The mesocosms were designed to include levels of stress that reflect those that occur in the field through competition and predation and are typical for ageing communities. This was achieved by the incorporation of a long precontamination period of 2 years. Hence, we assume that competitive interaction between conspecifics and controphics for food exerted stress on individuals (Schoener 1983). In addition, predation pressure is expected to have occurred because several predatory insects were present in the mesocosm (Peckarsky and McIntosh 1998). The combined effects of predation, intimidation by predators, and competition for food can exert pronounced stress and significantly reduce individual fitness (Bolnick and Preisser 2005; Beketov and Liess 2007).
It has often been stated that stressed organisms are more vulnerable to toxicants. For example, in test systems, abiotic stressors such as high temperature (Fisher and Wadleigh 1985; Song et al. 1997; Lydy et al. 1999) and a deficiency of food (Pieters et al. 2005) were found to increase the sensitivity of macroinvertebrates to insecticides by a factor of from 2 to 10. UV radiation in conjunction with food deficiency increased sensitivity to copper by a factor of more than 30 (Liess et al. 2001). In addition, biotic stressors such as competition (Liess 2002; Beketov and Liess 2005) and predation pressure (Schulz and Dabrowski 2001; Beketov and Liess 2006) increased vulnerability to toxicants. Furthermore, field investigations have revealed that stress in combination with exposure to toxicants might exert synergistic effects on the viability of populations. A decline in amphibians was linked to the combined effect of parasites and atrazine (Rohr et al. 2008) and the absence of amphipods in a contaminated bay in Antarctica was linked to the combined effect of UV radiation and copper (Duquesne and Liess 2003).
In the light of these observations we suggest to differentiate between "toxicological sensitivity" and "context sensitivity" to account for the increase in the sensitivity of organisms to toxicants. We define toxicological sensitivity as the sensitivity of a species to a toxicant under optimal environmental conditions for the respective species. In general, such conditions are achieved in standard test systems, which are characterised by low mortality under control conditions. Such optimal conditions will also occur in the natural environment, but rather as an exception. We define context sensitivity to account for the altered sensitivity in the context of environmental conditions that includes stress. Mortality or sublethal stress within the natural context are caused by competition (Hülsmann and Weiler 2000; Hülsmann 2001), predation (Lampert et al. 1986), and unfavourable environmental conditions (Baillieul et al. 1996). Additionally, sensitivity in the context of environmental conditions includes processes that reduce sensitivity. This is for example selection of tolerant/resistant strains or enhanced metabolic performances associated to previous exposure to toxicants. We conclude that the environmental context determines species sensitivity to a toxicant.
Prospective risk assessment with SPEAR mesocosm
We suggest using the SPEAR mesocosm approach in complement to the PRC analyses in order to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the toxicant induced community effect. The PRC approach delivers an overall assessment of community effects identifying sensitive species and also species benefitting from contamination. The downside of the approach is a weakness in identifying effects on species showing a high variation in abundance within the test-systems. In contrast, the trait-based grouping of species in accordance with the SPEAR approach aggregates species that are affected by the toxicant and by this reduces inter-replicate variation. Hence, the description of biological communities in terms of traits provides a focused and simplified identification of sensitive species. If available, information on the specific sensitivity of investigated organisms should be included to obtain the best possible species classification on sensitivity. However, if such information are not available, already the standard classification used for the SPEAR pesticide approach (Liess and von der Ohe 2005) allows an assessment of toxicant induced community effects.
Within the current investigation we have used stream mesocosms to apply the approach. We argue that the same approach can also be used for pond mesocosms as the traits used to calculate SPEAR mesocosm are also relevant to describe effect and recovery of lentic organisms. For toxicological sensitivity it was shown that no difference in SSD's are apparent when comparing lentic and lotic species (Maltby et al. 2005). Also the relevance of life-cycle traits for the duration of recovery is evident. However, it may be necessary to adopt thresholds of life-cycle traits according the community investigated. For example, communities consisting only from short-living species will show faster recovery from toxicant induced effects compared to communities with a high proportion of long-living species.
The effects of toxicants in the field have been described using trait modalities and linked to the classes of water quality defined by the water framework directive (WFD) (Beketov et al. 2009). The effects observed in mesocosms can also be related to the quality classes defined by the WFD. Effects that are detected in mesocosms can be translated directly to effects predicted for the field by comparing the ratio of species at risk, independent of the geographic region in question (Liess et al. 2008). However, to enable a sound effect assessment mesocosms should host a community that includes organisms that are (i) toxicologically sensitive to realistically assess the ability of the community to detect effects and (ii) sufficiently long-lived to realistically assess the time required for the community to recover.
The trait-based identification of effects of low levels of toxicants in mesocosm communities is possible. When trait modalities rather than species are assessed within a community, it becomes possible to predict effects in the field across taxa, environmental conditions, and geographic borders. The SPEAR mesocosm approach facilitates the interpretation of results within the framework of risk assessment, because the results can be linked directly to the distribution of traits in the field.
The study was supported by the European Union (Project INTERACT, Marie Curie IIF contract no. MIF1-CT-2006-021860) and the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres (Project ECOLINK, HRJRG-025). We thank two anonymous reviewers for many constructive suggestions.
Open Access
This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.
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The LuLac Edition #18-May 31rst, 2006
NEWS OF THE DAY..................Lynn Swann made a stop with former Governor Tom Ridge at the Airport yesterday. It was part of a multi city tour where Swann met and greeted voters in a controlled setting. Swann's travels took him to Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Wilkes Barre/Scranton and then winding up in Erie. Swann also was accompanied by his running mate, Jim Matthews. The candidate touched upon issues like property tax reform. Swann's plan is a type of California based "Proposition 13" plan which would give property tax relief to homeowners in the form of rebates. 75% of the general fund budget would be used to make the short term cuts. The long term sloices would come in the form of a proposed Constitutional amendment should he defeat Ed Rendell in the fall. Campaign officials gave no word on when Swann's broadcast media would begin.
The Luzerne County Commissioners are talking reassessment. At the bi monthly meeting at the Courthouse, the commissioners sparred on whether to proceed with the project this year or wait until next year. The proposed cost of the project is $725,000.00. There are some homeowners paying less than they should, others paying more. The issue always has been a political third rail that not many office holders want to deal with. The last time there was a property reassessment inh the county was during the terms of Bill Goss, Jim Post (Depublican majority) and Ed Wideman (Democratic minority) from 1963 to 1967. The political fallout from that reasessment was so strong that Goss ran for County Treeasuer, vacating the Commissioners candidate's seat, Post teamed up with Ethel Price to run as the Republican team against minority commissioner Wideman and former state reprsentative Frank Crossin. Wideman and Crossin were elected in the 1967 race, Price was elected the Minority Commissioner and Post came in dead last. Goss was also defeated as Treasuer losing to Bill Curwood. Politicos agree how all three commissioners handle this reassessment situation will make all the difference in the world regarding their election chances in 2007. In the meantime, there will be more debate on this issue in the weeks to come.
Joe Chacke, Republican candidate in the 120th Republican race wrote a nice letter to the editor in the Citizen's Voice. Chacke thanked his supporters (he got 1500 voters) and really was quite cohesive in his comments as President of the Forty Fort Borough Council. Chacke campaigned hard (harder than the guy he beat) and had his signs all over the district. In a classy moved he lent his support to the GOP candidate, State Committeeman John Cordara who faces off against Phillis Mundy (Democrat) in the fall. Chacke seems to have a bright political future and the way he handled adversity in his defeat, plus his articulation of his role in government gives him high marks.
Former Sen. Lloyd Bentsen had a "massive, positive impact" during his two years as treasury secretary in one of the country's most economically challenging times, former President Clinton told mourners Tuesday. Clinton, accompanied by his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, spoke at a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, held after a private graveside service for Bentsen's family.
Bentsen, who represented Texas in Congress for 28 years and was Clinton's first treasury secretary, died at his Houston home May 23 at age 85. He had been under a doctor's care and in a wheelchair since suffering two strokes in 1998.
Bentsen, the running mate of former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis in the 1988 presidential election, was "one of the very few candidates for the vice presidency in the history of the republic who lost and came out better than he went in," Clinton said, drawing laughs from the crowd of about 1,200 mourners.
As Clinton's first treasury secretary, in 1993-94, Bentsen was instrumental in developing the country's economic plan and in winning passage of a plan to expand trade relations with Mexico, Clinton said. "It's still a controversial issue, but I ask you to think how much more complex and difficult this immigration debate would be today" if that plan had not been approved, Clinton said.
Bentsen also is credited with helping pass a program providing billions to help Russia's economy as it teetered on financial collapse and could have "started the Cold War all over again," Clinton said. The aid to Russia "was opposed by 76 percent of the American people, but Lloyd knew it was right, and we got it through," Clinton said.
Attending the service were former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, former Secretary of State James Baker, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, former House Speaker Jim Wright, Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn of Texas, and former Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros.
During the 1988 vice presidential debate, Bentsen famously put down vice presidential rival Dan Quayle after Quayle commented that he had as much experience in Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency. "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy," Bentsen said. "I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."
Among the more than 60 honorary pallbearers were Clinton; Dukakis; former President Bush; former Secretaries of State Baker, Madeleine Albright and Henry Kissinger; former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan; Lady Bird Johnson, the former first lady; former Texas Gov. Ann Richards; and Southwest Airlines Chairman Herb Kelleher.
BENSTEN KNEW IT WAS COMING.....Much has been made of the 1988 debate comment made by then Vice Presidential candidate Lloyd Bensteon regarding Dan Quayle equating his own experience with that of the late President Kennedy. (Kennedy had 6 years in the House, 8 in the Senate, Quayle had 4 in the House and 10 in the Senate). While the devastating line was delivered with perfect timing, Bensten was ready for the Quayle comment because the GOP candidate was making that same remark on the campaign trail. The Democrats who were helping Bensten with the debate prep keyed in on thre remark and when Quayle made the comment, Bensten made Vice Presidential debate history.


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This difference seems to be caused by one particular type of esophageal cancer - adenocarcinoma - which is linked to obesity as well as long-term acid heartburn or indigestion**.
Esophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the UK. The latest figures show more than 5,600 men in the UK develop esophageal cancer every year compared to 2,800 women. This equates to rates of almost 15 in 100,000 men getting the disease, compared to around 5 in 100,000 women.
There are two main types of esophageal cancer, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas. Obesity, tobacco and long term acid reflux increase the risk of adenocarcinoma, while tobacco, alcohol and a diet low in fruit are the most common risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma.
Cancer Research UK statistics show that, in England, adenocarcinomas in men have been rising steadily from 1,600 cases (or 6.2 per 100,000 men) in 1997, to over 3000 cases (or 9.4 per 100,000) in 2010***.
For women adenocarcinomas have also increased, though more slowly to around 800 cases (or 1.8 per 100,000 women) ***.
By comparison squamous cell carcinoma rates in both men and women haven't increased. There were around 900 and 1000 cases diagnosed each year in men and women respectively in 2010****.
Tim Underwood (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/medicine/about/staff/tju.page), an esophageal surgeon and researcher at the University of Southampton, said: "These figures show a worrying number of esophageal cancers being diagnosed each year, particularly among men.
"Diagnosing the disease earlier is key to improving the chances of survival. Food getting stuck when you swallow and persistent heart burn are not normal. If this is happening to you, you need to see your GP. The vast majority of people won't have anything seriously wrong with them, but it's important to get checked out. If left untreated, acid reflux - often called heartburn - can damage cells of the oesophagus leading to a condition called Barrett's oesophagus which in turn can be a precursor of oesophageal cancer.
"And there's still so much more we need to understand about the disease. One of the most important research projects is unravelling the genetic code of esophageal cancer. British scientists, funded by Cancer Research UK's Catalyst Club, are working on this as part of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC).
"To raise the money to fund this vital research, I'm going to be running the New York Marathon for the Catalyst Club project in November. My fellow team of runners and I have pledged to raise 100,000 euros."
Donna Sharland, an esophageal and gastric cancer nurse at the University of Southampton and part of the marathon team, said: "Every day I ask patients to give far more than they ever thought they could, so I feel it is my turn to step out of the comfort zone, and push myself to see how much reserve I have. My patients don't have the luxury of being able to stay in their comfort zone. They have to trust me and the team, and dig in for the hard slog."
Mr Jim Byrne, a consultant esophageal surgeon at the University of Southampton and part of the marathon team, said: "My father in law has also just been through his own cancer marathon - he is undergoing treatment for a recurrence for bladder cancer. As a marathon runner himself, it seems right to do this marathon in part as a tribute to him."
Dr Rebecca Fitzgerald, a Cancer Research UK scientist at the University of Cambridge, said: "Esophageal cancer is on the rise, and sadly the outlook for this disease remains poor. But we're doing all we can to buck this trend. The chances of surviving esophageal cancer are greatly improved when it is diagnosed at an early stage. "I'm working on a trial looking to see whether a technique called cytosponge or 'sponge on a string', could help doctors diagnose the very early pre-cursors of oesophageal cancer so that they can be treated. We hope this may have the potential to cut the number of people who develop oesophageal cancer in the future."
Patron of Cancer Research UK's Catalyst Club, business entrepreneur James Caan, said: "The worrying increase in esophageal cancer in men is a key reason why the Catalyst Club's support for the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC)'s vital work into unravelling the genetics behind the disease is so important.
"It's fantastic that Tim Underwood and his team have taken on the challenge of running the New York Marathon and raising an ambitious 100,000 euros for this incredible research which will help improve survival rates."
Follow Tim's personal story at http://thecancermarathon.org/ and support him and the team at http://www.justgiving.com/TheCancerMarathon
TNS C 71NayakRashmita 130619-30FurigayJane-4394296 30FurigayJane
© 2013 Targeted News Service


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(1st or 2nd Sat of every month)
PLEASE NOTE ; Jumble and Pearls will be at The Pins EP Launch, The Queen of Hoxton on Wed 27 Oct and not The Hoxton Pony as previously announced.
JUMBLES AND PEARLS on Saturday 6th November & Saturday 11th December...@ The Horatia
+ Pop ups @ The Queen of Hoxton on Wednesday 27th October ..
The only jumble sale offering the best one off vintage and designer clobber in London at very low cut prices. Keeping it firmly on the map for most bargain hunters/jumble junkies & thrift chicks...
Jumble and Pearls is a stylish and popular vintage/designer all day event. It's run by three industry savvy starlettes (Rosalia, Willow & Jacquilina) the brains behind this concept, a trio stemming from fashion, music, media worlds. Jumble and Pearls was born and launched in October 2008 @ Albert and Pearl on Upper Street but quickly outgrew the venue and moved a year on to newly opened pub 'The Horatia' in 2010. During this time we have been offered endless venues across London and around the country.
Jumble and Pearls is carefully presented and unwrapped each and every month, making it very special, classy, cool & consistent. It's the original jumble sale with a dedicated team and die hard fans and followers.....a not to be missed on the list!
Jumble and Pearls feature cutting edge music and cult films from our guest and resident DJs. We show random independent art exhibitions platforming up and cool talent. We have special graffiti and stensils done live and on request. Our Jumble and Pearls team offera choice of 15 minute massage, make up/makovers, tarot card reading and FREE lifestyle consultations all on rotation....We also stock 'EggMag' - The Horatia bar staff have been trained to mix you delicious cocktail delights plus they have a revised and new drinks menus.
The spanking new café next door to The Horatia who present an array of organic treats made with love and on the same day 'Curious Yellow Kafe' (as seen in The Telegraph are offering 15% discount to all Jumble and Pearls members and guests exclusively.) ssssh
As seen, supported and featured by Who's Jack, Elle, Daily Candy, London Paper, London Lite, The Sunday Times Style, The Publican, Highlife BA Inflight Magazine, Evening Standard, Time Out, View, London Loop, Run Riot, Queens of Vintage, Le Cool, Urban Junkies, Angel Magazine, ElectronicMusicMagazine, Data Transmission, The Independent, EggMag, LondonStreetDesign, The Telegraph and endless fashionista blogs...
Every month we are holding brand new labels and stock from names such as: Alexander McQueen, House of Holland, Marc Jacobs, DvF, Vivienne Westwood, Pucci, Chloe, A.P.C, Super Fine jeans, Sonia Rykiel as well as one off vintage originals all eras...
For more information www.ferrarapr.com
email email@example.com


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Humanitarian needs
Frequent natural disasters and situations of instability in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in central and north-eastern India, generate significant humanitarian needs among the country's most vulnerable populations.
Over 700 000 of the state's residents, who have witnessed violence for years, bear symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress. Many also need livelihood support, as insecurity hampers economic activities.
Central India, particularly southern Chhattisgarh, has seen sporadic bursts of violence between Maoist insurgents and security forces in recent years. Indigenous people living in remote forests have been the most affected. Such instability limits their access to already inadequate basic services, including health care.
North-east India is a quagmire of insurgencies. The resulting violence affects thousands of people. Ethnic tensions over land rights flare up time and again. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, an estimated 616 000 people were displaced in India as a result of armed conflict and inter-communal violence as of April 2015. The prolonged conflict has disrupted access to education for thousands of children who are currently living in relief camps. Lack of access to health care services and potential child labour and sexual exploitation are another major concern.
Overall, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts and landslides have inflicted tremendous suffering on the people of India over the years. Low castes and tribal populations, whose social and economic indicators lag behind national averages, are most impacted. This was again demonstrated during the 2013 Cyclone Phailin in Odisha, which affected hundreds of thousands of people.
The EU's humanitarian response
The European Commission has been present in India since 1995 and has responded to all major emergencies, including the Orissa cyclone in 1999, the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, the Tsunami in 2004, the Jammu and Kashmir earthquake in 2005, the Bihar floods in 2008 and Cyclone Phailin in 2013. The EU's total humanitarian assistance to India to date exceeds €128.9 million.
In 2016, the Commission has provided €500 000 to fund a project focusing on access to education for displaced children in conflict-torn Assam. The funds will also be used to deliver much-needed health care assistance and increased protection to affected children.
Last year, €3.4 million was allocated to provide psycho-social support and livelihood means to people affected by conflict in Jammu and Kashmir and the north-eastern states, as well as health and protection services to communities in remote settlements in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
Between 2001 and 2014, as part of its Disaster Preparedness Programme (DIPECHO), the Commission released more than €8 million to support vulnerable communities in reducing the impact of floods, cyclones and other natural disasters through community-based initiatives, such as the creation of early warning systems and the building of adapted physical infrastructure. Over the years, disaster risk reduction initiatives have been integrated in all humanitarian response programming.


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Gollum might be considered the breakout character of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but he's not as central to the story of The Hobbit. Actor Andy Serkis, who has portrayed Gollum in all four Tolkien films released from Peter Jackson thus far, said that he doesn't expect his character to show up in Hobbit 2 and 3.
Serkis is back as Gollum/Smeagol in what is arguably the best scene in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the "riddles in the dark" exchange between himself and Martin Freeman's Bilbo Baggins. It's an iconic scene from the book, but Gollum's presence in Peter Jackson's new trilogy is minor, as it was in the novel. Gollum may be central to Lord of the Rings, but he only ever got a cameo in the original tome.
But Serkis's influence will be present on the whole of the new trilogy nonetheless, as he accepted a production role as second assistant director on the new trilogy.
"It was only four weeks before going down to reprise the role of Gollum that Pete asked me to be second unit, so it went from a two-week job to a year and a half," Serkis said at a promotional press conference forThe Hobbit.
Freeman complimented Serkis on his new role:
"We weren't always aware of Andy's feelings, so we would go on to second unit, so we weren't always aware of how stressed you might be. [Speaking to Serkis] You did a good job of being diplomatic and making us feel good."
So even though Gollum's appearance in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is more of a curtain-call or an encore than anything, it's good to know that Serkis is at least involved, albeit peripherally, in the trilogy.


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Gold for the Caesars (1963)
Labels : 60's , Adventure , André De Toth , France , Italy , Riccardo Freda , Sabatino Ciuffini , 0 com
Gold for the Caesars (1963)
aka Oro per i Cesari
Genre: Action | Adventure | Drama
Country: Italy | France | Directors: André De Toth,
Sabatino Ciuffini & Riccardo Freda
Sabatino Ciuffini & Riccardo Freda
Language: English | Subtitles: None
Aspect ratio: Widescreen 1.66:1 | Length: 85mn
A slave architect in Gaul is ordered by a Roman governor to lead an expedition, constantly under danger of attack by Celtic warriors, to the Valley of the Sil to find much-needed gold for Rome.
Gold for the Caesars (1963)
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The best part about Hoyts Broadway, is that you can attend the cinemas in an inner-city Sydney location, and find free parking while you're there. Hoyts Broadway, is located within the Broadway Shopping Complex, on the very top floor. This offers the perfect opportunity for an extended day or night of Sydney entertainment, as you can easily add in some retail therapy, or stop by for a quick meal at the food court.
The retail shops within the shopping area, are great for browsing the mainstream fashions, but there are also some quirky gift and clothing stores near the cinemas. You can also treat yourself a massage, or hang out in the food court area which includes everything from cafes with deserts, affordable restaurants, and a very popular sushi bar.
If you feel like escaping the indoor atmosphere, you can easily add a trip to the main street of Glebe, which is at the foot of the Broadway Shopping Complex. Browse the book shops, discover art and craft, or catch up with friends for coffee, before or after you head to the Hoyts Cinemas for a movie.
Other local areas, within walking distance, include Ultimo, and the charismatic Newtown. Because of the proximity to two international universities, the Broadway area has many diverse sub-cultures, and a very young and stylish crowd. You can also visit via public transport, which is any bus that runs down King Street or Parramatta Road, to and from Central Station.


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Yet another chapter in my life has come to an end. The awful visits to the doctor and tons of medication with bad side effects is over. I am talking of my troubles with acne. I was back at the doctors for a last visit today. There is no more to be done. All I can hope for now is that it will go away by itself. I got some advice and some of it is totally useless for me. The doctor recommended some kind of chemical almond peeling that she didn`t think was available in Sweden but they have in Denmark. Well...Thanks, I guess...
Besides that she recommended me to look up cremes that don`t have any kind of oils in them and use a scrub about two times a week. Otherwise I already avoid dairy products and try to eat healthy. I guess I could be better on the healthy eating thing.
All well except that nothing of this will help me with the hormonal problem that causes my acne. Yay...
The doctor also shared some thoughts with me. She had seen an increase of grown ups with acne and how it`s hard/impossible to treat it. She also started talking about our living and eating habits nowadays. She believes it may have come from eating meat from chickens and other animals that have been treated with antibiotics and such. I am kind of sad that I didn`t stop eating meat sooner. And I still eat fish... I guess it`s not to healthy in along run either. I wish I had the inspiration and will to become a vegan. It is just a incredibly hard thing to live by in this society. It is hard enough to be a vegetarian sometimes. I truly believe eating vegan that is the best way of staying healthy and avoiding diseases...
A lot of bla bla bla from me tonight but I just needed to get it out.
No post is complete without pictures. So here are some butterflies I found eating nectar from the Buddlejas we sell at work. They where so busy that they didn`t even care that I came super close with my Iphone.
Rose Gold and Acanthus Leaves
Hi lovelies.
I am in a weird mood these days. I am happy yet restless with a sprinkle of anxiety.
I hope I can shake this weird feeling off soon and keep looking forward.
A while ago I decided to treat myself with some pretty things that are on the way to me as we speak. Soon I am back to my low season paycheck witch means I need to hold keep a tighter budget and really think about my purchases.
Not to feel to bad about my little shopping spree I have put in a double payment + a little bit more which was meant for next years down payment on my study loan. This means I no longer have any debt to the Swedish CSN.
This feels so utterly wonderful but sad at the same time. I had not been able to put in this extra money if my love and I had the possibilities to do as we had planned this fall. We had to cancel our trip to Edinburgh. I would rather spent my money on new memories and wonderful views of the Scottish landscapes but sometimes life has other plans. Hopefully we will be able to go some other time.
Today I received one of the treasures that I bought on my little shopping spree.
It is a beautiful ring perfect for the time of the year that soon lies upon us.
I just wanted something useless but pretty. I have worn it all day and can`t stop watching it transform under different lights and surroundings. The transforming is simply because of the mirror effect.
For it is the sun that gives light to the moon
A second try to snap a couple of outfit shots! This time in the sun light from my living room windows and the camera flash. Maybe a bit better but still not super.
Today was really hot and it just shows everybody that summer is still not gone.
I like dressing comfy and specially when I know I am going to sweat!
So a pair of leggings with a cute bow from Necessary Evil under a super simple cotton dress from H&M that shows off my lace bra had to do. The wedges are my beloved Clinic by Jeffrey Campbell. They pinch my little toe but I don`t care. I just put on a band-aid and keeps on smiling.
The sun glasses are my new favorites. Their size and shape reminds me of the pair Johnny Depp uses in Charlie and the chocolate factory.
I even tried to fix my hair today. But I suck at hair styling. It never come out as I want it to. So when I fail I usually put it up in a ponytail and tries forget about it. Like today.
Hahaha. Looking good...
Pentangles & spines
I wasn`t sure about posting these pictures. I would love to be better blogger for you and show more of my outfits and how I look on a everyday basis but I really don`t have a good spot anywhere to shoot them in our tiny apartment. I know how I enjoy these posts with others so why not have them myself. There is no room and there is not any place with sufficient lighting inside so I tried out the balcony this time but I don`t think it`s the perfect spot either... Really boring and not inspiring at all, or what do you think? Is It better to shoot on the balcony than not at all?
To make outfit post outside by myself where everybody can see feels way to awkward. It would be much easier if I had someone who would shoot them for me. Oh well, I made an effort to try model these clothes so you get to see them this time.
I am still loving my Actual Pain leggings I bought a year ago. They are comfy and cool. Whenever I go out with them I always get a lot of looks by people, good or bad I don`t care. I usually pair them with a long tank top that covers my bum a bit.
My beloved spine heels have become my to go boots. They are surprisingly easy to walk in and I can have them a couple of hours without wanting to cut of my feet because of to much pain^^
I am crazy in love with the heel and can`t think of anything that would be a better match for me.
Ólafur Arnalds
Now and then I enjoy music other than metal. Sometimes I just need something different. And when I do I usually go for something with a lot of atmosphere that encourages daydreaming and makes all my thoughts wander.
Lately I have found myself lost in the beautiful worlds created by listening to Ólafur Arnalds music.
I have fallen in love with the album For now I Am Winter.
I think this album is one of few I am going to buy this year. I like to support artists that I really like and I am on of these weird people that still likes to put on a CD.
I think this album is one of few I am going to buy this year. I like to support artists that I really like and I am on of these weird people that still likes to put on a CD.
If you find his music to your liking I could not find a lot from him on YouTube but there are lots on Spotify for you to listen through.
And her lips where red like blood
I did some late evening shopping.
I blame my other half you see...
He was like "wow, the dollar is really low now....If you need to buy anything, now is a good time"
And before you know it I was on the Lime Crime page putting stuff in the shopping cart!
Oh such treasures I soon have shipped my way ♥
I bought the snowsicle gloss. I think I will use it both as a layering gloss and on it`s own.
Look how pretty it sparkles!
I bought the Poisonberry lipstick I have been wanting for a year now.
Such an awesome color, hope it suits me.
& a Velvetine lipstick in Red Velvet, which is a matte color.
I really have grown to love matte lipstick after trying the ones from Sleek. I bet this is even better.
Last but not least I went for a glitter called Ophiucus. It is a multi-colored holographic!
I can`t wait until I get my stuff!!! I need them now! I don`t think they will arrive for about 2-3 weeks though....
The Revenant
It have been ages ago since I posted a movie tip here! But last night we saw a movie I feel like recommending.
It`s called The Revenant and is a comedy/horror movie about a guy that rises from the dead.
Here you have the trailer if you want to spoil it a bit for yourself! And it`s rated 6.3 on IMDB if you care about that stuff.
Departure Theme
I thought I would share this music video with you. It`s from my love`s EP Self 2.0 and this particular song is one of the bonus tracks.
Christian made this video all by himself and it`s shot all aroud the area where we live. You may spot me a couple of times too. It`s very personal and I really like it.
Christian usually growls and play guitar in metal bands so this is very different from what you usually would hear from him.
Hope you enjoy it.
The cd is limitied to 500 copies so if you want one go to Dimout Productions page to get one.
I am so happy today. My stupid coughing that have been torturing me (and my love) this last week seems to finally give in. This night I only woke up twice. I hope this night will be a normal one and all of my cold will be gone.
Otherwise not much is happening. I have been working and relaxing as much as possible because of my extreme low energy level.
I have been thinking a bit about what to to this fall and I am really keen on having a Halloween party! I think it would be so much fun to make scary food and decorate the apartment. We don`t have a lot of space so it will have to be a small one for my closest friends. I just love fall and everything that comes with it.
Picture from Pinterest.
How a bout the last post from summer vacation. Our Gothenburg trip to be exact.
We don`t live that far from Gothenburg that we have to stay at a hotel. But sometimes it`s just nice to not stress over train departures and other things. So two nights at our favorite hotel was a perfect little trip for me and my love.
We got an upgrade on our room and with that upgrade came a room with a view and a nespresso coffee maker. Not to shabby!
The room was really cozy. With an exception due to the bathroom. A bathroom entirely made of glass walls may be pretty but not to practical. They had a curtain you could put around it but it wasn`t long enough for the entire thing. Luckily for us we are not shy. But I can tell you that I late one night bumped my nose in that glass door so hard I thought it was fractured. Ouch! I only broke my ego a bit.
Here is a couple of pictures with the view from the hotel the second night. So pretty.
Our bed had fluffy pillows and comforter.
The coffee corner
I tried to take a pictures of the glass walls around the bathroom but they didn`t turn out anything near good. So you get the glass sink instead. The hotel`s name is Riverton in case you want to go there sometime.
As usually when Christian and I are on trips there are mostly eating, shopping in second hand shops and relaxing on the schedule.
We didn`t take as may pictures this trip as the last one but here are some random ones.
In Haga enjoying brownies. lol
Sushiiiii. We found a new favorite place in called Ai sushi.
We had an evening at the Dubliner. Beer and drinks where at the menu.
My precious! Mine, all mine..
We had drinks in the sky-bar on top of our hotel overlooking a beautiful sunset
A really crooked building that is still in good use.
The last morning we skipped the hotel breakfast because of how disgusted we where over other human beings. Bad manners from grown ups and their screaming kids just aren`t a nice way to start the day.
Instead we went to or favorite cafe that have delicious sourdough bread and a breakfast menu.
The view there isn`t that bad either.
I didn`t shop a lot of stuff on this trip. Most things where on sale and a lot is from second hand stores.
The angel wing shaped brush was the one I bought in Stockholm but forgot to show you (new one!)
The pretty tulle shrug was found on half off the half price! The sunglasses and seashell earrings was half off and the mother of pearl bowl I bought as container for all the jewelery I tend to put everywhere around the apartment. I bought some inscense and dvd`s too but I could not be bothered to take pictures of it. The dvd`s I got where Cry baby, Sin city and Addams family values. Perfect for watching on long dark autumn evenings.
I love Gothenburg. It`s such a beautiful city and most people here are super friendly. I am glad it lies close enough for us to just visit over a day if we want to.
What do you think of this post? I would be happy if you leave me a comment! I love comments ;)
Stockholm in my heart
At first we had to cancel our trip to Stockholm due to my Christians horrible back pains. He didn`t think it was possible to travel so far with his back pains that makes it impossible to sit for more than a couple minutes of the time. But after taking the train to visit Gothenburg over a day he decided that it could be done. As long as there was someplace to stand like in a bistro wagon with high tables. So I booked us a hotel and off we where. The train trip went OK and we got there in good health.
Really happy to see some other views the our town we walked to our hotel located at Södermalm which is one of our favorite places in Stockholm.
We got a room that was super cozy but not at all something that would work for us. Christian is about 193 cm tall and could not stand up straight in there! I also had a bit trouble with it because I managed to bump my head two times in the short time we spent there. As you can see in the picture You could only walk to the door and bathroom in the small space where the ceiling was at the highest.
We went and asked if there where any chance if we could change the room and lucky us there was one room available.
We where aware that we maybe got one that wasn't as nice but as it turned out the change was to the better. The room we got was much more roomy, just as cozy, with a much larger bathroom and even a little hallway.
As you see we even had a beautiful old tiled heater.
And the bathroom was tiled with black stone.
I am not going to tell you what we did hour from hour. A nice flow of pictures with some comments will have to do. I can tell you that we had super sunny and warm weather almost every day except from one day with really much wind and changing weather.
Breakfast was eaten outside in the hotel garden every morning. Yum. Loads of bread and cheese for me!
We have a favorite bar called Akkurat. It was the first pit stop and I had my favorite kind of beer, cherry beer♥
Haha, look at that happy face.
We walked everywhere like we always do. But this time I managed to get blisters under my feet! It hurt ed so much. Luckily these band-aids are amazing and I could walk the rest of the days with them on taking away the worst pain...
We visited all of our favorite shops. Mostly second hand and charity shops.
I visited all three Beyond Retro that lies in Stockholm but I never seems to find anything there. To much stuff with awful fabric and cuts. And I don`t think their prices are at all reasonable. Maybe it`s just me there is something wrong with..
They have lots of tulle skirts at in all colors you can think of at least!
And oh how much cake and other sugary treats we indulged on. This picture was snapped in a fancy pansy macaroon shop. It wasn`t allowed to take pictures and we got a warning.
You see me studying the flavors very intensely there. I ended up with licorice, orange flower and rose.
The black one was eaten in the presence of suitable black metal vinyl.
The fancy french treats don`t come close to the goodness of these fudges made in Pärlans shop though. If you ever visit Stockholm this place is a must! I really mean it.
We brought some to the hotel too. My mouth waters just thinking about them.
Remember the dry muffin I had on the Stockholm trip this winter? These Muffins or should I say cupcakes where nothing like that. They where divine!!! The little one was licorice with lime and the big one red velvet with beetroot. Why isn`t there a place like this at home...
Here is a picture Christian snapped of me. I am wearing my favorite dress and my new goat necklace.
At one point this trip we felt like we where in Thailand. This Thai restaurant/bar had lots of vegetarian food but we settled for a drink in the hot weather.
Posing with some street art.
We went back to the sushi place that we found on or last trip.
The sky over the old town the one day with sad weather.
Christian and a old and beautiful church in Södermalm somewhere.
Us, weird as usual..
And just because we are adults that do as we please we had hot chocolate in the middle of summer.I got a lovely Tim Burton deck of cards in the same shop where I got the Lenore book.
Here I am exploring the old town with thousands of other tourists
We had planned to go to this event but I were too tired to even speak of it. Probably would have been fun though.
We had such a lovely time in Stockholm and we where super sad we had to go home...
After just one day at home we felt the need of more city vacation and booked ourselves a trip to Gothenburg with two nights at a even better hotel! Crazy kids..
I did shop some in Stockholm. Not much but some.
I found more of the Sandman comics I love so much. It always seems like I find more comics when I go to Stockholm than anywhere else for some reason.
I found another Lenore book to my collection, or I really found them all but couldn`t afford more than one...
And I also bought comic book nr.4 for my Liberty medows collection.
I found myself a new pretty brush too but I forgot to take a picture of it! I promise you will find it in the Gothenburg post I will put up next.
Hope you guys enjoyed my Stockholm entry. It`s always hard work putting up a post this long with loads of pictures. I do it because I really enjoy posts like this in other blogs myself and it`s fun to look back at. I would love a comment of what you think of my post or if you have any opinions of what you would like to see more of.
It`s all smoke and mirrors
This first week after the vacation have been awful. Trying to get back on track with eating healthy, getting back to work and having a cold just haven`t made me full of energy.
Today was quite nice though. My mother in law and I went to the beach for some sun and cooling down in the crystal clear water. And later this evening a big thunder storm was roaming for a couple of hours. I just love thunder. After a while in the light of a candle I fell asleep listening to the rumble.
While I still enjoy the summer I can`t help thinking of the fall which is just around the corner. I love fall. The cool crisp air, the scent of woods and leaves, the colors, the dark nights, pumpkins!, the rain and cozy evenings with candles. Anyone other than me that longs for it?
Now over to something else than me babbling!
In Gothenburg on our last visit I found this beautiful and very useful thing.
It`s a smoke detector in the shape of a moth. How I want it! To bad it is a bit expensive for me at this time.
I found it on this one place on the internet if you can afford to get one yourself
Pretty pretty little bug