text:
- Research
- Open Access
Prostaglandin receptors EP and FP are regulated by estradiol and progesterone in the uterus of ovariectomized rats
- Chellakkan S Blesson1Email author,
- Edgar Büttner1,
- Britt Masironi1 and
- Lena Sahlin1
© Blesson et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2012
- Received: 19 September 2011
- Accepted: 18 January 2012
- Published: 18 January 2012
Prostaglandins are important for female reproduction. Prostaglandin-E2 acts via four different receptor subtypes, EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 whereas prostaglandin-F2alpha acts through FP. The functions of prostaglandins depend on the expression of their receptors in different uterine cell types. Our aim was to investigate the expression of EPs and FP in rat uterus and to identify the regulation by estradiol, progesterone and estrogen receptor (ER) selective agonists.
We performed four different rat experiments involving treatments with estradiol, progesterone and ER agonists. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were employed to evaluate receptor expression.
Our results showed that all mRNAs and proteins of EPs and FP are expressed in the rat uterus. The expression pattern and intensity of immunostaining vary between different cell types and treatments. The mRNA expression of all EPs and FP are downregulated by estradiol and the ERalpha specific agonist PPT, whereas the ERbeta specific agonist DPN downregulates only EP2 and EP4. The protein expression however, showed an increase in EP2 and EP3 after estradiol treatment. When treated with estradiol and progesterone in combination, the expressions of EP1 and EP3 are upregulated.
Regulation of EPs and FP expression by estradiol appears to be mainly modulated via ERalpha for EP1, EP3 and FP, while EP2 and EP4 also are affected by the ERbeta selective ligand. Our immunohistochemical data shows a cell specific regulation of prostaglandin receptors under the influence of ovarian steroids, where EP2 is estrogen regulated in all uterine tissues examined. EP1 and EP3 are upregulated by the combination of estradiol and progesterone. Thus, our observations indicate that estradiol and progesterone regulate the mRNA and protein expression of EPs and FP in a receptor and tissue specific way.
- Prostaglandin Receptors
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- ER agonists
Prostaglandins are inflammatory mediators that play an important role in female reproduction [1–5]. Prostaglandin (PG) receptors are heptahelical transmembrane G protein coupled receptors and are expressed in cytoplasmic membranes [6, 7]. PGE2 transduces its signal through four different receptor subtypes, EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 whereas the action of PGF2α is mediated by FP [8, 9]. These receptors have a distinct differential affinity to ligands, biochemical properties and tissue localization [8]. PGE2 and PGF2α are key factors in female reproduction with vital functions in blastocyst spacing, implantation, decidualization and uterine contraction [2, 9]. EP1, EP3 and FP cause smooth muscle contraction, whereas EP2 and EP4 contribute to the relaxation of smooth muscles [8, 10]. EP2, EP3 and EP4 might play a role in the regulation of stromal edema, endometrial blood flow and blood vessel permeability [1].
Key reproductive events are under the strict control of estrogen and progesterone (P4). There are reports suggesting that sex steroids can modulate the expression of PG receptors. In mice, EPs and FP are expressed in a temporal and cell-specific manner around the time of embryo implantation and decidualization [2, 3, 11, 12]. Further, P4 upregulates EP2 expression and estradiol (E2) augments this process; however, E2 alone downregulates EP2 [3]. In rats, EP2 mRNA levels are upregulated during pregnancy and their levels decline during labor and postpartum, suggesting a possible involvement of P4 in the regulation of EP2. Moreover, P4 upregulates EP2 mRNA in the uterus of ovariectomized rats [13]. A recent study on human endometrium showed that the expression of PG receptors varies throughout the menstrual cycle in a phase specific manner with EP2, EP3 and EP4 dominating the mid-secretory phase, EP1 dominating early-secretory phase and FP peaking during the proliferative phase [1] indicating that E2 and P4 might regulate their expression. Thus there are both direct and indirect results indicating steroidal regulation of PG receptors in different species. These results add to the existing complexity of the regulation of the reproductive cycle suggesting interplay between the sex steroid hormone and PG systems.
We hypothesized that E2 and P4 might regulate the spatio-temporal expression of PG receptors in the rat uterus. E2 acts via its receptors, estrogen receptor (ER) α and β. It is not known if both these receptors are involved in the regulation of PG receptors. Further, it is also not known if there is any dose or time dependent regulation of PG receptors by E2 alone and in combination with P4. The aim of this study is to evaluate cell specific expression of PG receptors EPs and FP in the rat uterus and how they are regulated by E2, P4 and ER selective agonists.
Estradiol-17β and progesterone were purchased from Sigma Chemical Co. St. Louis, MO, USA. The hormones were dissolved in 99.5% ethanol at a high concentration and then diluted with propylene glycol to the required concentration. The final concentration of ethanol in the injections was less than 5%. The ERα selective ligand 4,4',4''-(4-Propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (PPT) and the ERβ selective ligand 2,3-bis(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN) were purchased from Tocris Bioscience, Bristol, UK. RNAlater® was purchased from Ambion, Austin, TX, USA.
Adult female rats (55-60 days old, approx. 250 g) of the Sprague-Dawley strain (BK-Universal, Sollentuna, Sweden) were used in all four experiments. The animals were housed in a controlled environment at 20°C on an illumination schedule of 12L: 12D. The rats had unlimited access to standard pellet food and water. Rats were ovariectomized and given two weeks to rest before proceeding with the treatments. The studies were approved by the committee on animal care in Sweden.
Study 1, Effect of estradiol dose
The ovariectomized rats (n = 22) were divided into four groups. Three groups were treated with E2 subcutaneously at doses 1.0 μg (n = 4), 2.5 μg (n = 6) or 5 μg (n = 6) per rat and day for two days. The control group (n = 6) was treated with vehicle alone.
Study 2, Effect of time
The ovariectomized rats (n = 27) were divided into four groups and treated subcutaneously with 2.5 μg of E2 daily for 1 day (n = 7), 4 days (n = 7) or 7 days (n = 6). The control group (n = 7) received vehicle alone.
Study 3, Effect of estradiol and progesterone
Treatment schedule of study 3
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Study 4, Mode of action of estradiol
Four groups of ovariectomized rats (n = 31) were treated with vehicle, E2, ERα selective or ERβ selective agonists, PPT or DPN, respectively. The animals were subcutaneously administered either 5.0 μg of E2 (n = 8) or 1.25 mg of PPT (n = 8) or 3.125 mg of DPN (n = 7) or vehicle (n = 8). The rats were killed 24 h after treatment. The doses of PPT and DPN were chosen by comparing data on the activity of the agonists and were prepared as reported earlier [14].
Tissue Collection
At sacrifice, the rat uterus was removed, stripped of fat and connective tissue. In study 1 and 4 one portion was stored in RNAlater® for RNA preparation and another portion was immersion fixed in buffered formalin at room temperature (RT) overnight and then stored in 70% ethanol in 4°C to be embedded for immunohistochemistry. In study 2 and 3, tissues were only prepared for immunohistochemistry.
RNA preparation and reverse transcription
Total RNA from uterine tissues were purified with RNeasy® Mini kit (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany) according to the manufacturer's protocol for fibrous tissues. The protocol included an on-column DNase digestion, as recommended by the manufacturer. Two micrograms of total RNA from each sample was reverse transcribed at 37°C for 60 min in a final volume of 20 μl with a reaction mixture (Qiagen) containing 1 × RT buffer, dNTP mix (0.5 mM each dNTP), 600 ng random primers (Invitrogen, Paisley, UK), 30 units RNase inhibitor (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany), and 4 U of Omniscript™ reverse transcriptase (Qiagen).
Real time PCR analysis
Oligonucleotide primers used for real-time PCR
Accession No.
F = forward; R = reverse
Product Size
Annealing Temp.
Paraffin embedded blocks were cut in 5 μm thick sections and mounted on histological slides. The paraffin sections were deparaffinized, rehydrated and washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH 7.4). Antigen retrieval was performed by boiling the sections in 0.01 M sodium citrate buffer (pH 6.0) in microwave for 10 min. The endogenous peroxidase activity was quenched by placing the slides in 3% hydrogen peroxide in methanol. The slides were then blocked with 1.5% normal donkey serum followed by incubation with primary antibodies. Primary antibodies (Cayman Chemicals, Michigan, USA) were incubated overnight at 4°C. The antibodies were incubated by diluting to final concentrations of 3 μg/ml for EP1 (Cat # 101740), 2 μg/ml for EP2 (Cat # 101750), 1.5 μg/ml for EP3 (Cat # 101760), 10 μg/ml for EP4 (Cat # 101775) and 5 μg/ml for FP (Cat # 101802). The specificities of the antibodies were verified by performing western blot using rat uterine extracts (data not shown). These antibodies have been used and verified before in rat tissues [15, 16]. The negative controls were obtained by replacing the primary antibody with an equal amount of rabbit IgG. Thereafter, incubation with biotin conjugated donkey anti-rabbit secondary antibody (SantaCruz, CA, USA) was performed at RT for 30 min at a dilution of 1:1000. Further, incubation with avidin-biotin horseradish peroxidase complex was performed at RT for 30 min using Vectastain elite® ABC kit (Vector labs, CA USA). The location where the enzyme was bound was visualized by the addition of the substrate 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAKO, CA, USA), a chromogen which produces a brown insoluble precipitate. The sections were then counterstained with haematoxylin, which was followed by dehydration and mounting with Pertex. A Leica microscope was used to evaluate the slides. The staining intensities were assessed semi-quantitatively by manual scoring. All the slides were evaluated for the five different tissue compartments (luminal epithelia, glandular epithelia, stroma, myometrium and blood vessels). Scoring was performed independently by two investigators blinded to the identity of the slides. The staining intensity was arbitrarily graded on a scale of (0) no staining, (1) faint, (2) moderate and (3) strong.
Statistical analyses for all studies were carried out by Kruskal-Wallis test (ANOVA on ranks) and the significances were evaluated by Dunn's test using Sigma plot® software. Values are considered significant when P < 0.05.
Study 1, Regulation of EP and FP receptors by different doses of estradiol
Study 2, Time dependent upregulation of EP2 receptor proteins by estradiol
Study 3, Regulation of EP and FP receptors by combined estradiol and progesterone treatment
In general, it was observed that there is a strong tendency for increased immunostaining of EP1 in all the compartments when treated together with E2 and P4, irrespective of the sequence of the treatments (Figure 5). In stroma we could observe an increase in immunostaining (p < 0.05) when treated with E2 followed by P4, when compared to vehicle treated control or E2 alone. Further, in myometrium an increase in immunostaining (p < 0.05) could be observed between the controls and groups treated with E2 and P4 irrespective of the treatment sequence. EP3 expression was upregulated (p < 0.05) when treated with P4 after priming with E2 in glandular epithelium, stroma and myometrium (Figure 5). Luminal epithelium and blood vessels showed similar tendencies although not statistically significant (data not shown). EP2 was upregulated (p < 0.05) in myometrium when treated with E2 alone after 24 h (Figure 5) but there was no change in the other cell types in any of the combined treatments. Treatment with P4 alone did not affect the regulation of any of the PG receptors investigated in this study. EP4 and FP did not show any regulation when treated with E2 or P4 alone or in combination.
Study 4, Estradiol and ER selective agonists regulate the expression of EPs and FP receptor
Summary table of the significant immunohistochemistry results showing the regulatory effect
Blood Vessels
Increased (48EP)
Increased (48EP and 48PE)
(1 and 5 μg E2 48 h, 2.5 μg E2 4 and 7 days)
(5 μg E2 48 h
2.5 μg E2 4 and 7 days)
(5 μg E2 24 h and 48 h, 2.5 μg E2 4 and 7 days)
(5 μg E2 48 h, 2.5 μg E2 1, 4 and 7 days )
Increased (2.5 μg E2, 7 days)
Increased (48EP)
Increased (2.5 μg E2 48 hrs; 48EP)
Increased (2.5 μg E2 48 hrs; 48EP)
Increased (5 μg E2 24 h)
Our study shows that EPs and FP are localized in different cell types of the rat uterus suggesting their involvement in normal uterine physiology. Although PG receptors are G protein coupled receptors, they are also localized to cytoplasm and nucleus [5, 7, 10, 17, 18]. We observed EPs and FP in cytoplasm and membranes, although some nuclear staining was seen in EP1 and EP4. Nuclear PG receptors have been reported to perform intracrine signaling by activating transcription [18, 19].
The mRNA data shows that EPs and FPs are regulated by E2. It has been reported that P4 does not regulate mRNA of EPs, but upregulated EP2, EP3 and EP4 proteins in rat cervix [20]. In the uterus of ovariectomized rodents EP2 mRNA increased when given P4 alone or co-treated with E2 [3, 13]. We did not have mRNA data to compare, but upregulation of EP2 protein levels by P4 was not found in our study. EP2 mRNA expression was downregulated by E2 in mice [3] which is in agreement with our observation in rats. Previous studies have shown the regulation of EP2, EP3 and EP4 mRNAs by E2 in pseudopregnant endometrium [21] and EP2, EP3 and EP4 protein by P4 in rat cervix [20] showing steroidal regulation of EPs. However, most conclusions in previous studies on mice are based only on RNA levels [2, 3, 11, 13, 21] and few studies shows the regulation of protein levels [5, 12]. We showed that the ERα selective agonist PPT downregulates all EPs and FP mRNAs, whereas the ERβ agonist DPN downregulates EP2 and EP4 mRNAs. We did not observe any differences in protein expression after PPT or DPN treatment. This could be due to the short duration of the treatments. These observations indicate that ERα may play a major role in the regulation of EPs and FP mRNA expression. It is known that ERα is the dominant ER subtype in rat uterus [22]. The expression of EP2 and EP4 are decreased also by DPN in addition to E2 and PPT. Thus, ERβ could be involved in relaxation of the uterine smooth muscle cells. The mRNA level of FP was decreased by E2 and PPT, but not DPN treatment, indicating an ERα mediated FP regulation. None of the PG receptors inducing contraction are affected by DPN.
Our study shows the expression of EPs and FP proteins are differentially regulated by ovarian steroids. Interestingly, EP2 and EP4 proteins are exclusively regulated by E2 but EP1 and EP3 proteins are regulated only by a combination of E2 and P4. FP protein levels appear to be insensitive to ovarian steroids. Thus, the contraction mediating receptors are regulated exclusively by a combination of E2 and P4, while the relaxatory receptors are regulated only by E2. EP2 regulates epithelial differentiation and implantation [3, 12, 23]. E2 is known to induce proliferation and changes in epithelium in preparation for implantation [24]. Thus, regulation of EP2 by E2 in epithelium may be important for implantation. Further, EP2, EP3 and EP4 are known to play vital roles in decidualization [21]. Our findings show that administration of P4 after E2 priming upregulates EP1 and EP3, indicating the role of both steroids in the regulation of EPs in stroma during decidualization. These receptors may be regulated via a P4 mediated pathway [20]. EP4, upregulated in stroma by E2 in our study, is known to trigger decidualization under the direction of ovarian steroids [21]. PG receptors can constrict (EP1 and EP3) or dilate (EP2) blood vessels [23, 25, 26]. Treatment with E2 increased EP2 protein in blood vessels indicating that uterine blood flow could be regulated by E2 via EP2. It was recently reported that the expression of EP2, EP3 and EP4 increased in human endometrium during the mid-secretory phase, coinciding with increased stromal edema, blood vessel permeability and blood flow [1]. We could also show that E2 upregulates the expression of EP2 and EP3 proteins in myometrium. Interestingly, when treated with E2 in combination with P4, there is an upregulation of EP1 and EP3 also in myometrium. It appears that E2 and P4 act synergistically to increase the expression of EP1 and EP3 and estrogen priming seems to be especially important for EP3. Thus, EPs may modulate the contractile and relaxatory functions under the regulation of steroid hormones.
E2 downregulates the mRNA levels of EPs and FP, but their protein levels were either upregulated or unchanged suggesting a multilayered regulation of RNA and protein. This apparent discrepancy has to be interpreted with caution. It is not possible to compare mRNA results with protein, as RNA data shows the total expression while immunohistochemistry detects the protein in a cross section. However, it is interesting to note that such discrepancies have been reported before [1, 12, 20, 27]. Although there are justifications based on the techniques used, we speculate that there may be a post-transcriptional regulation. Estrogen is known to regulate mRNA stability of many genes [28], and could be the possible regulator. A weakness of the present study is that only RNA data from studies 1 and 4 are analyzed. It would have added strength to the study if RNA levels from studies 2 and 3 had been available, enabling studies of long duration of E2 treatment and E2 and P4 combined effects.
The exact mechanisms of the steroidal regulation of PG receptors at transcription and translation are not clear. There are reports showing the presence of response elements in PG receptor genes that could be utilized by E2 and P4 to regulate their expression. EP1 has an estrogen response element and AP1 element [29, 30], EP2 has a progesterone receptor binding element [31], EP3 and EP4 have SP1 binding sites and the FP promoter contains AP1 and SP1 sites [32, 33]. Thus, it is possible that E2 and P4 directly or indirectly regulate the expression of PG receptors through these binding sites. E2 can also bind to G-protein coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER) to activate kinase mediated pathways [34] which may also regulate the expression of PG receptors.
Our study shows that EPs and FP mRNAs and proteins are regulated by E2 and P4. E2 appear to modulate the regulation of EP1, EP3 and FP via ERα, while EP2 and EP4 could also be regulated via ERβ. Immunohistochemical data shows a cell specific regulation of PG receptors under the influence of ovarian steroids. EP2 is estrogen regulated in all uterine cell types examined whereas EP1 and EP3 are upregulated by the combination of E2 and P4 in stroma and myometrium. Further investigations are required to dissect the exact molecular mechanism by which steroid hormones regulate the expressions of PG receptors.
This study received financial support from The Swedish Research Council (project 20137) and Karolinska Institutet. C. S. Blesson had a post doc scholarship from the Swedish Institute and received support from Kronprinsessan Lovisas förening and Sällskapet Barnavård. The authors would like to thank Maria Wåglund and Lavanya Ramimeni for their technical assistance.
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text: Zuckerberg rejected criticism that the company was ill-prepared for a shift to mobile devices [Reuters]Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, has said the social network is focused on mobile devices and should be seen as a smart bet despite a "disappointing" stock market debut. "It is really clear from the stats and my own personal intuition that a lot of energy in the ecosystem is going to mobile, not desktop," Zuckerberg said on Tuesday during an on-stage interview at a TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco. "That is the future," he continued. "We are going to be doing killer stuff there." Zuckerberg was adamant that the company was being underestimated and was on track to make "more money on mobile than we make on desktop." His appearance at the conference marked his first public interview since the massive public offering on May 18 that was hotly anticipated but ended up being a financial flop. Facebook shares have lost around half their value since the IPO at $38 a share. Disappointing shares "The performance of the stock has obviously been disappointing," Zuckerberg acknowledged. Facebook has made a priority of following its more than 900 million members onto smart phones and tablet computers, by tailoring services and money-making ads for mobile devices. The company's shares gained 3.30 per cent on Wall Street on Tuesday to close at $19.43. Then in after-hours trading following Zuckerberg's remarks, the stock gained 3.45 per cent to $20.10. Zuckerberg rejected criticism that the company was ill-prepared for a shift to mobile devices, where Facebook has only begun to earn ad revenues. "Now, we are a mobile company," he said. The company would pursue its "mission" of making the world more social and connected, cranking profit for shareholders, he added. "Building a mission and building a business go hand in hand," Zuckerberg said. "From the beginning we've had this understanding we've had to do both." Zuckerberg has stated repeatedly, even in pre-IPO paperwork with US regulators, that Facebook did not build great services to make money but rather made money to build great services. Zuckerberg acknowledges 'missteps'When pressed on the point, in the context of the California-based company losing more than $50 billion in value based on the stock price drop, Zuckerberg was quick to add that making money was a component of its broader mission. He conceded that the stock price plummet has dimmed morale of workers compensated with shares but that Facebook staff are accustomed to criticism and "have a pretty good compass" pointing to better days. Stock compensation for Facebook employees is made based on cash value of shares, meaning that workers are actually awarded more shares when the stock is listed at lower prices, according to the chief executive. "I actually think it is a great time for people to join and a great time for people to stay and double-down," Zuckerberg said of the Facebook team. "We are seeing that." Zuckerberg rejected suggestions that Facebook would make its own smart phone, adamant that the company had no intention of stepping into the fiercely competitive handset hardware arena. "Apple, Google, everyone builds phones. We are going in the opposite direction," Zuckerberg said. "We want to build a system deeply integrated in every device people want to use." SOURCE: AFP Science & Technology Business & Economy US & Canada United States

subset: commoncrawl


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Installing CF Instances in a different location
I got asked yesterday - how can I set up a CF Instance somewhere other than the default location?
Its actually pretty easy. In the JMC (Java Management Console) when you create a new server instance simply give the server path as a fully qualified path rather than using the {java.home} variable in the front of the path. And that is it.
If you want to change the path of an existing server, the paths reside in the Jrun4/lib/Servers.xml file. In theory, you should be able to move the server folder and change the path in the server.xml file and hey presto! I say "in theory" because I've never tried this.
Don't forget to shut the JRun server down before you do this....


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Working With What You Have: A Homey Little Cake
DISH: Whole Grain Hot-Water Cake
MAIN INGREDIENT: Eggs, Cornmeal, AgaveThis cake is a funny mix of inspiration. In part, it comes from the variety of angel food cake-like recipes in James Beard's sort of miraculous cooking tome, American Cookery. I wouldn't have known much about cooling a sponge cake upside down if it weren't for James Beard. On the other hand, I think it's an inspiring project that the 101 Cookbooks author has undertaken, to revamp some classically delicious dessert recipes with natural sweeteners and whole-grain flours.
Before telling you about this strange but homey little cake I made, I should make three things clear about me, desserts, and natural sweeteners. One, I consider such a revamped recipe a success only if it tastes perfect and delicious in its own right—not almost delicious, but not quite as good as the original. Be that as it may, I do think whole-wheat flour tastes good and it doesn't bother me that you often notice its presence. Second, such desserts are still not healthy like salad is healthy, they just don't contain so many super-refined ingredients and have a more nutritious vibe than regular-old confections. And third, sometimes I don't use refined sugar because I don't have any in my pantry. In fact, this cake's particular ingredient combination is in part a result of the lack of sugar and flour in my cabinets. But (see point number one), it tastes delicious, so I figure we'll let it slide.
Anyway, the cake is the kind of thing I imagine might have made for spontaneous company in, like, the 1950s (Beard seems to trace it to the 1890s, even). It's great warm out of the oven and is mellow enough you could eat it for breakfast without suffering from a morning sugar rush. Or, as I did, you can up the ante (and lower the nutrition value) by filling and frosting it. Which I guess brings us to an unanticipated fourth point: this is much more flexible than James Beard might ever have imagined.
From my kitchen, albeit small, to yours,
Cara, THE QUARTER-LIFE COOK
Whole Grain Hot-Water Cake
Makes one 9-inch cake
My decision to make this cake wasn't unbiased by the fact that I love playing with my new hand-held electric egg beater. If you don't have one (or, of course, an standing electric mixture), you'll get a good arm workout whisking away.
2 eggs, separated
1 cup agave nectar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup boiling water
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup finely ground white cornmeal
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Blueberry Filling (see below)
Vanilla Icing (see below)
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a large bowl, whip the egg yolks with 1/2 cup agave nectar until lightened, thickened, and slightly syrupy, 2-3 minutes with an electric beater. Slowly, while whisking, add the hot water and the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flours, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder. Fold gently into the egg yolks. Set aside.
In a third bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add in the remaining 1/2 cup agave and the 1/2 cup maple syrup, beating all the while until the white are large and the beater leaves soft peaks when you pull it out.
Fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture, trying not to deflate them.
Pour into a 9-inch round cake pan and put into a middle rack in the oven. Cook for about 25 minutes, until the top is browned. When the cake is done, it should bounce quickly up if you press it with your finger.
Balance the cake pan upside down on several ramekins. Cool for 20-30 minutes, then loosen the cake from the pan and remove.
If filling, split the cake using a sharp, unserrated knife. Because the cake is spongy, you might have to use your hands or a fork to help tear, but it shouldn't fall apart when you split it. Scatter the filling across the bottom, and don't worry too much about it being perfectly even. Replace the top layer.
When cake is completely cooled, spread a thin layer of vanilla icing across the top. Serve with extra blueberry sauce or some fresh blueberries if you come by them.
For the filling (optional):
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Put the blueberries in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until defrosted, then add the remaining ingredients and microwave, pausing to stir often, 3-4 minutes, until the blueberries are melted and syrupy.
For the frosting (optional):
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Mix the butter with the sugar until very creamy. Drizzle in the milk as needed, then stir in the vanilla.


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For once I didn't have to think about the date today! This time 41 years ago K was a couple of hours old and I was merely a child myself! What a long long time ago that seems.
We did open some presents last night! Well, K did. I had bought a present between the 3 of them, an art mirror set into stone with leaves imprinted into it. It's already hanging on the wall by their front door. K also weakened when she saw a bottle shaped parcel and 5 minutes later was sipping a single malt whisky, with much 'oooing' and 'aaaahing' coming from her direction!
This morning it took a while for us all to get ready and gather in the sitting room, where K opened more presents, all well chosen, all well received. We both nearly fainted when a courier brought 2 huge bunches of glorious flowers to the door. One for me and one for K from my brother. I haven't heard from him for ages so it was a bit of a shock. They are beautiful flowers but that doesn't make up for the hurt he had caused me.
Coincidentally, his ex-wife, the adorable Miranda came today with her daughter Rachel. We all went off to a local pub for late lunch. When I say 'all', at the lunch was:
Rachel, K, Luisa, Lina, Kirsty, Jay, Miranda, Rachel 2 and me (Gina). It was wonderful to see Miranda and Rachel again, it's been some time since we've managed to meet up. They put us in a little 'annex' room with a vast medieval wooden table and chairs, fabulous. The meal was great, the service fast and friendly. We chatted much, took loads and loads of photos and ate heartily. My cholesterol level must be about 9 by now. I forgot to mention the croissants we had for breakfast!
We all loved Miranda and it was a great loss to us when my brother left her for a younger model. The 'new' woman seems to have taken over his life and we hardly see or get to speak to him any more. I think I mentioned that my brother is getting married on Sept 6th, but not only have I not been invited (that wouldn't have been a problem), but I haven't even been told about it by him. Then I discover today that all his wife's children are going plus partners and Grandchildren. To say I'm hurt in an understatement. Anyway, it's great here and I'm being spoilt and loving it, so raspberries to him.
Gosh, I feel so full! I think I might go for a quick walk before this evening's festivities begin to wake myself up.
Later, xxxx
It's still only 11.30pm but we've packed so much in. Lots of people turned up this afternoon for K's birthday surprise. My walk turned into a sleep! It was lovely and I really needed it. I was up at 7pm and things were buzzing all around the house. Everyone was going to dress up in Thai clothes and a vast Thai meal was being cooked and assembled for K. She knew something was going on but not what.
A phone call from my son Ben delayed the proceedings a little but I had a little chat with him, which was great. It's so long since I've heard his voice.
The first event was to be 'the hoody dance' in the garden. Lina had performed this at her school at the end of term and had vaguely taught the others to do it. Luisa, Sue, Gemma and Aimee, plus Lina in the front, counting like mad all the way through, performed the whole dance and it was just great. K videod it and I took photos. Great fun.
Rachel was dressing in 'my' room into a lovely black oriental suit and I complained that I didn't have anything to wear. Luckily the dress she was going to wear wasn't right so I tried it on and it was fabulous. Bright red with a gorgeous kimono over it. All floaty and diaphanous. It was tailor made for me. Various folk arrived from all around, all dressed in Thai clothes, many of them made for the occasion. We all looked rather splendid and K was suitably overwhelmed and impressed with the surprise. Lina looked gorgeous in her long purple floaty dress with special jewellery round her head.
The food was incredible. Several courses with noodles and rice, different curries, crackers, samosas, green beans and all sorts of little bits. A wonderful spread. Luisa and Aimee looked superb in their Gandhi type nappies. Kirsty arrived with J a bit later and presented K with the birthday cake she had made for her, in the shape of a fan. It was brilliant and tasted just as good as it looked. I'm afraid to say we demolished it at the end of the meal.
Tony, K's son arrived too and it was so good to see him. He's staying overnight for the 'do' tomorrow. Can I cope. Another party? Bring it on!!
I'm going to have a go at downloading the photos now. So don't go away!
Ah, I can't download the photos here without the software, so Monday is photo day. Oh, there'll be lots of them too. K is going to download hers, which isn't fair! Still, there'll be some photos of me on there, so go have a look if you like. I'll put the link on when I have it.


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Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our SmugMug site.
The NBA playoffs start in three weeks. Whether Boston's Kyrie Irving and Golden State's Stephen Curry will be ready when the postseason starts seems doubtful, at best.
The Celtics said that Irving will need at least three and possibly as many as six weeks to recover from a procedure performed to relieve irritation on his left knee Saturday, that news coming almost simultaneously with the word that Curry has a Grade 2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
The Warriors said Curry will be evaluated again in three weeks.
Based on those timetables, it would appear that both the Celtics and Warriors will not only be without their All-Star point guards for the rest of the regular season -- but very easily could still be without them for Game 1s of their respective first-round matchups.
"It could be a lot worse," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters just before Curry's MRI results were revealed. "You think about some of the other guys in the league that have suffered injuries this year. Gordon Hayward is the first one that comes to mind. This is not a major injury. The timing's not ideal but we can overcome this.
"Steph can be back this year. ... Just got to hold down the fort and understand this is all part of the journey."
In the short term, it would seem like being without Irving and Curry for the final games of the regular season won't have a pronounced effect on either club. Boston is fairly well locked into the No. 2 spot behind Toronto in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and Golden State will almost certainly finish No.
Curry got hurt when teammate JaVale McGee fell awkwardly into him.
"I think JaVale probably felt bad last night because he was involved even though it was a total fluke, an accident," Kerr said.
Heading into Saturday's games, Golden State was four games behind first-place Houston in the West and 10 ahead of third-place Portland. Boston trailed East-leading Toronto by 4 1/2 games and six ahead of Cleveland.
If Irving needs six weeks, that would mean the Celtics -- a team that has been dealing with injury issues since the first quarter of the first game of the season, when Hayward was lost for the year -- would need to get through the entire first round without their best player. Irving's procedure was to remove a wire in his surgically repaired kneecap, since that wire was irritating a tendon and apparently causing soreness.
"It's tough when you lose anybody, especially multiple guys," Boston's Jayson Tatum told Celtics.com. "We're just going to have to try to figure it out and figure out how to win games."
The Warriors have also been dealing with multiple injuries. Curry had ankle issues before the knee injury, and the reigning champions have also been playing of late without Draymond Green, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson.
Green is expected to return Sunday, and Durant's return is likely this week. Thompson should play again before the end of the regular season.
And the Warriors have been through this drill before, including last season when Durant suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain -- ironically, the same injury that Curry is dealing with now.
Durant came back in plenty of time for the playoffs, and the Warriors went 16-1 in the postseason on the way to their second title in three seasons. But he needed about five weeks to get right, and if Curry needs that long that would also mean the Warriors could be without the two-time MVP in the opening round.
"Some years everything goes great. Some years they don't," Kerr said. "This team has seen it all over the last few years."


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Health professionals can make a complaint, give a compliment or offer a suggestion to help us improve our service.
If you are a customer or business you should send your feedback or make a complaint using the specific options for you.
You can provide feedback or make a complaint online or over the phone 1800 132 468.


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1, 764 Likes 58 Dislikes
STEPHANIE SANZO (@stephfitmum) - Stephanie is an Australian fitness celebrity and a personal trainer, known among her fans as "Steph Fit Mum". As a young girl, Stephanie was never interested in the gym or physical exercise. However, after having two , Stephanie gained over 25 kilograms, which made her feel insecure about her body. This led to her becoming a gym fanatic, and later, a personal trainer. After 3 years of weight training, dieting, and many ups and downs, Steph transformed her once-overweight figure into a strong physique. She's also became a successful personal trainer along the way.
These are some of Stephanie's thoughts on her lifestyle and advice for everyone; "Living the life I always dreamed! To get here I had to be challenged, tested and put through the hardest of times. Every single disappointment, pain, and feelings of despair was worth it. Hardship grows you, molds you and creates you into a strong human Being that can conquer and triumph! That's not to say life is perfect! But each day it feels better and I feel stronger. Never let your struggles defeat you! Allow them to strengthen you!" – Stephanie Sanzo
► www.facebook.com/StephanieSanzoOfficial/
► www.instagram.com/stephfitmum/
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SUBSCRIBE ► http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=barfamily2011
► Sport Motivation: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmw9rXTuLboDbX9O8U1zAm8pfGiwmc-3L
► Workout, Calisthenics: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmw9rXTuLboCBzw0fnKl0tKmu8vciNXme
► Bodybuilding & Fitness: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmw9rXTuLboBXEYX0WDCov4Iq3wIGrFn3


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UPDATE: In regard to "one-seat ride" evening service coming to the Raritan Valley Line this fall, William J. Smith, a spokesman for NJ Transit, told The Alternative Press Tuesday, "At this point we are finalizing some logistical issues, so we are not prepared to let the public know how many trains will be utilized and what that schedule may be."
News that NJ Transit plans to expand the one-seat ride service on the Raritan Valley line into Manhattan to evenings first came from a story on MyCentralJersey.com. NJ Transit Executive Director Veronique Hakim made the announcement in response to a question by Assemblyman Joseph Cryan during a legislative budget hearing on Monday, the story said.
"I'm very pleased to read that NJ Transit's new Executive Director Veronique Hakim has assured us that the 'one seat' service on the Raritan Valley Line will be expanded into weekday evening service as of November 2014," Raritan Valley Coalition Trustee Martin Robins, a resident of Westfield, told TAP, "Her clear statement is reassuring that NJ Transit will continue to pursue 'one seat' service throughout much of the Raritan Valley timetable."
The Raritan Valley Line's first "one-seat" rides to and from New York City began March 3. For information on the schedule, click here.


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Tile wallpaper is a stylish choice for modern homes. Designed to give your walls that added feeling of texture and depth, our tile and mosaic effect wallpaper is a great choice for living areas. Choose from a range of colours and styles in our tile effect wallpaper range and pair with statement metallic decor for a truly on-trend look.
Tile effect wallpaper looks great in most rooms in the house and can be used to give your space a luxurious feel. Many of our tile wallpaper styles are designed to look like ceramic tile, perfect for kitchens and dining areas. If you prefer something bold, our mosaic style wallpaper is a great choice for those looking to inject some colour.
Whatever you're looking for, make sure you take a look at the full range of wallpaper available at I Love Wallpaper. Alongside our tile effect wallpaper, we also offer a wide selection of stone wallpaper and slate wallpaper.


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|The Effect Of Feeding Coriandrum Sativum (Kuzbara) Fruits Powderon Plasma Lipids Profile In Cholesterol Fed Rats
|Yousif, Shihab El Din
|The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Coriandrum sativumfruits powder on plasma total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides (TG) and total lipid levels in an induced hypercholesterolemic Wistar albino rats. Twenty male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into four groups A, B, C and D. Group A (control group) received a basal diet, group B received a basal diet with 2% cholesterol, group C received a basal diet with 2% cholesterol and 4% sativum fruits powder, group D received a basal diet with 2% cholesterol and 8% sativum fruits powder. The results showed that, plasma TC, LDL-c, TG and total lipid were increased significantly (P< 0.05) in group B compared to the control group, while HDL-c level was decreased significantly compared to the control. In group C, the plasma levels of TC, LDL-c, TG and total lipid were non-significantly lower compared to group B, while, HDL-c was non-significantly higher compared togroup B. The plasma levels of TC, LDL-c, TG and total lipid ingroup C were significantly (P< 0.05) higher compared to group D, while, HDL-c was significantly (P< 0.05) lower compared to group D. The plasma levels of TC, LDL-c,TG and total lipid in group D were decreased significantly (P< 0.05) compared to group B, while HDL-c was significantly (P< 0.05) increased. The levels of TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, TG and total lipid in group D were non-significantly different compared to the control group


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So yesterday was 2 weeks since surgery, and tomorrow I go back to work. Thank God it's only half days. (It's not time for the kids yet...this is our pre-planning time.) I'm positive I'm not ready for full days. I've been going out on "mini errands" every day for the past week. Sometimes walking around where we're going, and other times just waiting in the car...but every time we get home, I need to lie down for a few hours.
Before surgery, P and I went in and put up all my bulletin boards...which involves lifting, crawling, etc. So that's good.
I've made a big list of "running around" stuff for my aide to do. She's great, so I know that's fine...but it's hard for me to hand off what I perceive to be MY stuff.
Waistbands are still NOT my friends, so I went today and got three dresses. Between those and the 2 pair of pants I can tolerate, at least I have something different to wear each day.
I had my urology post-op today, and so far everything looks good. Do you want specifics? or just to know things seem to be ok? LOL! Whenever I start talking about this stuff, I kinda feel like everybody goes "Oh good...bladder news!" Hahahahaha!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Post Op...and back to work!
Labels: ifellowship
4 comments:
- Allied Moms said...
Hey Sweet friend, it's Steph, and I am glad to hear your doing well...I am praying for you tomorrow. You can text me specifics if you want!! =) =) loves!
- August 11, 2010 at 9:54 PM
- Ann said...
Hi, I am visiting from iFellowship. I hope you have a blessed week. I was reading about your surgery. Hope you are as good as new soon!
Take care!
- August 11, 2010 at 10:16 PM
- Joy said...
Stopping by to say hi from iFellowship! Hope you heal quickly from your surgery!
- August 12, 2010 at 12:47 PM
- Jennifer said...
Hi Cindy, keep going, day by day! One day you'll be past all of this.
- August 13, 2010 at 7:33 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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At last, an opportunity to celebrate and promote good news! I may come across as some weirdo milk obsessive (not that this isn't entirely untrue), my grandfather did grow up on a dairy farm in Carmarthenshire, so I have a connection to dairy farming, (milk is in my blood <sic>). I have despaired about modern society rejecting the value of good quality produce. A new dairy initiative has been set up to promote and distribute traditionally produced milk from cows that graze on grass (as indeed they should), check out and look out for freerangedairy.org.
So, why am I so excited about this? I have been saddened as small dairy producers have fallen by the wayside as the supermarkets demand lower and lower unsustainable farm gate prices for milk. The mega-dairies have arose with cows never seeing the light of day in giant factory farms. I have found this particularly annoying, as such production methods are not as sustainable, or even efficient as pasture based systems. Basically more labour is involved in looking after the cows and harvesting grasses (or worse grain) to bring in to feed the cows, this system is really inefficient though economically cheaper only because of a distorted market.
I only buy organic milk. Well almost… not all of the cheese I buy contains organic milk, I love cheese and I wish I had better access to decent cheese made with sustainable milk, cheese it the one compromise I make in ethically sourcing food. I digress, like intensive chicken meat, organic milk makes up 2-3% of the market in the UK currently. It has always puzzled me why free-range eggs make up >50% of the market and not chicken. I remember seeing in the supermarket a ready meal containing intensive chicken, and the label was promoting the fact that the sauce contained free-range eggs, did no-one else see the irony?
Perhaps the reason for this is simply price. People will happily pay a few pennies more for ethically sourced eggs, but not a few pounds more for a free-range chicken. Conscience, it seems, does have a price for the majority of people. So, I'm excited by this new scheme as without having to jump through the expensive hoops to certify as organic, free-range milk will only be a few pennies more than intensive milk, it can win, our environment need not be blighted by ugly smelly mega dairies.
Another thing that has frustrated me is that the family farms of upland Wales, the area where I grew up and the area I call home, are relatively poorer than farmers elsewhere in the UK. Basically because the land is less productive, however they produce a superior product in free range lamb, yet have often been unable to command a superior price for their superior product. I may be bias but i think it is true that Welsh lamb is sweeter and more flavoursome than lowland English or New Zealand lamb. Actually, the best lamb I have ever tasted came from Scotland (and it does pain my Welsh heart to say that).
Also recently, I've discovered a way to describe my food requirements in a way that doesn't offend people but makes clear what to offer me. I am 'mostly vegetarian'. The phrase is apparently widely used in India to describe Hindus who aren't entirely strict with their vegetarian diet, yet haven't entirely abandoned the traditional Hindu diet. The phrase 'mostly vegetarian' works to describe people like me who only eat free-range, traditionally produced meat products as an occasional treat (due to pricing). No longer will I have to explain myself in restaurants for taking the veggie option, then chomping through a rare steak of lovely Welsh beef at home. Basically I have often had a hard time explaining to people that I don't eat intensive meat and some homes I've visited have been offended by this, so I've longed for a way to describe it.
I wish this scheme every success, and hopefully someone will read this and buy a pint of proper free-range milk?


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This Baby Blue, 3 LOVE logo Tee with Arthur's signature is the same design as on the Pink Tee ... But .. NOT the same sizing.
These are Unisex sizing which means a little larger & longer than ladies sizes but still do not run too large.
Made in Los .Angeles, CA by American Apparel of 100 % cotton and are a little thicker than the previous organic cotton Tee's & the fabric does not have as much stretch as the previous organic fabric.


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Since August 2008, Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) forces have conducted an intensified military campaign in Dta Greh and T'Nay Hsah townships of eastern Pa'an District and Kawkariek Township of north-eastern Dooplaya District. The Dawna mountain range, running north-south in eastern Karen State, crosses through all three of these townships.
In Pa'an District, the DKBA's recent operations have involved forces from Special Battalion #999 under the command of Maung Chit Thu, Brigade #555 under the command of Pah Doh Boh and Brigade #999 (not to be confused with Special Battalion #999) under the command of Pah Nwee. Maung Chit Thu commands Special Battalion #999 from his base in the town of Shwe Ko Ko, located in eastern T'Nay Hsah Township (Myawaddy Township in SPDC maps) along the Moei River bordering Thailand.
In Dooplaya District, DKBA operations have involved combined troops from Special Battalion #999 and Battalion #907, operating under the command of Na Kha Mway and Saw La Po. DKBA operations in Pa'an and Dooplaya districts have included forced relocations of civilian populations, restrictions on movement, attacks on villages and village destruction, deployments of landmines near civilian areas and forced recruitment of soldiers.
State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) #565, led by battalion commander Hlaing Htun Oo, has been active alongside DKBA forces in Dteh Greh Township. SPDC forces active in Kawkareik Township include LIBs #401 and 407.
Soldiers from KNLA Battalions #21, 22 and 101 - all under the command of the KNLA's 7th Brigade - are currently active in Dta Greh Township of Pa'an District. KNLA Battalion #101 was previously based in T'Nay Hsah Township, but since the split of former 7th Brigade commander Htain Maung and the formation of the Karen National Union / Karen National Liberation Army - Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC) in January 2007, KNLA forces have been unable to operate in the area. Battalion #101 has therefore moved into Dta Greh Township to operate alongside battalions #21 and 22. As a consequence, there are no longer any KNLA units based out of T'Nay Hsah Township. In Kawkariek Township, active KNLA units include Battalions #103, 201 and 18.[1]
The recent operations of DKBA, SPDC and KNLA forces in Pa'an and Dooplaya districts have created additional threats to local communities already facing severe financial and livelihood challenges. Aside from the DKBA's forced relocation efforts in eastern Pa'an District, the group has also threatened and carried out punitive measures against civilian communities residing near incidents of attacks conducted by KNLA forces. In at least one case, villagers in Dta Greh Township petitioned local KNLA forces to not deploy landmines in the area so as to avoid punitive action taken against them by DKBA forces. Villagers and livestock residing in Pa'an and Dooplaya districts have also been regularly injured and killed by landmines deployed near their homes. Nevertheless, DKBA, SPDC and KNLA forces all continue to deploy landmines in the area.
Destruction of villages
DKBA attacks on villages in Pa'an and Dooplaya districts since August 2008 have been employed for two primary purposes: forced relocation of villagers or punitive measures against civilians for alleged cooperation with the KNLA.
In some cases, these attacks have been employed as part of a forced relocation program in which soldiers have burnt down villages (typically located on the slopes of Dawna mountain range) in order to prevent the return of villagers relocated into DKBA-controlled areas. Such relocation reduces the possibility of contact between villagers and KNU/KNLA personnel and provides increased resources (new recruits as well as villagers' labour, money, food and supplies) for local DKBA forces.
On August 26th 2008, for example, DKBA forces operating under Bo Gk'Do, an officer serving under DKBA Special Battalion #999, burnt down the village of Ler Bpoo in T'Nay Hsah Township.[2] On October 7th 2008, DKBA Brigade #999 officer Mu Naw Dweh and 20 soldiers under his command burnt down Gk'Law Lu village and forced local residents to move to DKBA-controlled Htee Bper village in Dta Greh Township. On October 8th 2008, DKBA soldiers from Brigade #999, Battalion #2, Company #1, under the command of Captain Maw La Wah, travelled to Htee Ber Kee village and evicted villagers who had not yet relocated to Htee Ber village. The soldiers then burnt down or otherwise destroyed villagers' houses and caught and ate villagers' livestock.[3] However, many villagers refused to relocate and some fled into the surrounding forest. The DKBA responded by firing two-to-three Chinese made Type-69 RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenades) at Htee Ber Kee village each day for the following week. The DKBA received these Chinese-made Type-69 RPGs (which are a variant of the Soviet RPG-7) from the SPDC.
Due to the demands and restrictions placed on relocated villagers living under DKBA control in eastern Pa'an District, many villagers have sought to avoid relocation and to flee (either before or after relocation) to Thailand or other areas inside Karen State. From January 15th to 16th 2009, for example, approximately 20 villagers - who faced persistent demands after losing their farm fields when forcibly relocated to DKBA-controlled Htee Bper village - fled with the intention of reaching the Thai-Burma border. However, the DKBA blocked nearby forest paths with landmines, forcing the villagers to travel by road. Local DKBA forces were thus able to catch these villagers as they were travelling and send them back to Htee Bper.
In other cases, DKBA attacks on villages have been employed as a punitive measure taken against villagers in response to KNLA landmine deployment or KNLA attacks on DKBA forces.
On January 3rd 2009, for example, DKBA soldiers from a combined force of Special Battalion #999 and Battalion #907 were injured during skirmishes with KNLA troops near the base of KNLA Battalion #103 in Dooplaya District. The DKBA soldiers therefore withdrew to their base at Tha Waw Thaw in Kawkareik Township. On the way to Tha Waw Thaw, these DKBA troops burnt down the farm field huts of the Thai-Karen residents of Gklaw Htaw, which was located near the area of the fighting.[4]
Forced recruitment
Since August 2008, DKBA military units - particularly Maung Chit Thu's Special Battalion #999 - have been engaged in an aggressive forced recruitment drive. KHRG previously reported on the DKBA's conscription of soldiers in T'Nay Hsah township in August 2008.[5] At that time, DKBA Special Battalion #999 was able to forcibly conscript 175 new recruits from local villages in T'Nay Hsah Township. Some of the new recruits were told that they were to be sent south to join in DKBA attacks against the KNLA in Dooplaya District. In 2009, the DKBA has initiated another round of forced recruitment in T'Nay Hsah Township. Villages have been told to provide a specific number of recruits from amongst their residents and also pay 20,000 Thai Baht (approx. US $572) per recruit in order to support them during their time as soldiers. The names of villages and number of conscripts demanded during one incident of forced recruitment (in T'Nay Hsah Township on January 28th 2008) are listed below:
|Village name
|# of conscripts
Support funds demanded [6]
|Htee Wa Blaw
|200,000 Baht (US $5,723)
|Bpaw Baw Koh
|210,000 Baht (US $6,009)
|Htee Law Thee
|110,000 Baht (US $3,147)
On February 2nd 2009, local DKBA authorities in T'Nay Hsah Township ordered Htee Gkah Rah village to provide 10 recruits to serve as DKBA soldiers. Then on February 3rd, local DKBA authorities ordered an estimated 10 villages in Noh Gkay village tract of T'Nay Hsah Township to each provide 10 villagers as new recruits.
"I don't want to go back and stay as they [DKBA] ordered because I can't work for them. They always demand forced labour and have also planted landmines around the area and villagers dare not go outside of the village. For these reasons I don't want to go back and stay there [at Htee Ber]. And so I decided to come here [to an IDP camp in Karen State]."
- Saw P--- (male, 29), --- village, Pa'an District (October 2008)
In Pa'an and Dooplaya districts, SPDC, DKBA and KNLA military units all continue to regularly deploy large numbers of landmines. Some of these deployments have been fatal while others have caused severe injury and dismemberment.
SPDC landmines
The most common type of landmine which SPDC forces deploy in Karen State are domestically-made copies of the American M-14 landmine. Landmine Monitor reports that these domestic M-14 landmines are "manufactured by Myanmar Defense Products Industries at Ngyaung Chay Dauk, in Bago division." [7] While the M-14 can prove fatal, in most cases victims initially only loose the lower section of one or both legs. However, if these injuries are not treated, survivors may subsequently die from blood loss or infection. Being factory-made, the M-14 is durable and can, once deployed, remain active for years.
In August 2008, KHRG field researchers operating in T'Moh village tract of Dta Greh Township encountered an SPDC-deployed M-26 landmine. Although SPDC forces have reportedly deployed this type of landmine in the past it has - before this instance - not been recently been encountered. SPDC soldiers had lain the landmine around a camp in T'Moh village tract and left it behind after withdrawing from the area. In a correspondence with KHRG in December 2008, Landmine Monitor provided the following statement about this mine:
"The mine in the photograph is... a bounding mine. This means when triggered, a small explosive charge blows the mine up from the ground where a much larger explosion takes place at chest height. They are lethal. The mine is an American made M26. Where it came from is a mystery to our experts as they state the mine is extremely rare. The mine which you document being lifted was brand new, and laid by someone who did not understand how it worked. Your photographs showed that it had been laid upside down. Our experts noted that one of your pictures showed that the arming pin [was] in place, so the mine was probably not armed. The internal trip wire spool in the base of the mine was still in storage position, and the tripwire lever was also in its storage position. Despite that, if armed correctly, the M26 is extremely dangerous and can also function on pressure."
SPDC forces operating in Pa'an and Dooplaya districts have mostly deployed landmines around army camps and bases and alongside vehicle roads and bridges. In mountainous northern Karen State, SPDC forces have frequently deployed landmines in abandoned villages after residents have either fled or been forcibly relocated. While not a common practice, SPDC forces have in some cases informed local communities about the deployment of landmines in a given area - typically when laid around more permanent army bases.
DKBA landmines
The DKBA utilises a mixture of handmade landmines which they produce themselves and factory-made landmines which they receive from the SPDC. DKBA-deployed handmade landmines include those constructed out of glass bottles, metal pipes or wooden blocks stuffed with gun powder to which a battery-powered detonator is fastened. These handmade landmines can typically stay active for about six months. After this time, these mines stop functioning due to battery depletion or corrosion from water seepage.
Factory-made landmines which the DKBA receives from the SPDC are mostly domestically produced copies of the American M-14 mine described above. DKBA forces in Pa'an and Dooplaya districts have deployed landmines on roads, around abandoned villages after residents have been relocated and on forest paths. The DKBA typically does not inform local communities regarding the whereabouts of its deployed mines.
In some cases, DKBA forces have planted landmines specifically to block civilian travel. This was the case following the relocation of villagers in Dta Greh Township to DKBA-controlled Htee Bper village in October 2008. At this time, residents of Htee Ber Kee village were attempting to flee the area to reach the Thai-Burma border via paths in the forest. DKBA soldiers therefore laid landmines along these forest paths forcing villagers to instead travel by roads which the soldiers could more easily monitor.
"They forced villagers to go back and stay in [Htee Bper] village under their control. When the villagers didn't go back [to Htee Bper], they [DKBA soldiers] came and burnt down the village. They don't want the villagers to stay outside of the villages that they control. But the villagers know that if they go back and stay in [Htee Bper] village, the DKBA will plant landmines and they won't be able to go out to work. The villagers don't like to live among them. Some villagers have said that even if we dare to live among them, we still have to be afraid of landmines when we go to work. If they [DKBA soldiers] want to go somewhere, they always force villagers to ago ahead of them [to trigger any mines encountered on the way]."
- Naw Y--- (female, 40), --- village, Pa'an District (October 2008)
On October 15th 2008, at about 7:00 am, 40-year-old Saw Pah Nya Loo, a resident of Khaw Tho Kee village, Dta Greh Township, Pa'an District, was walking to his hillside farm field located about 20 minutes from the village. On the way, he stepped on a landmine laid by soldiers from DKBA Brigade #999, Battalion #2, under the command of deputy company commander Pah Muh Naw Dweh. When the mine exploded, Saw Pah Nya Loo lost a large part of one of his legs. As the explosion had been audible from a distance, Pah Muh Naw Dweh's soldiers arrived an hour later to check on the landmine. Some local villagers also came at this time to see what had happened. When the soldiers and villagers arrived at the site of the explosion, they saw Saw Pah Nya Loo severely injured and bleeding but not yet dead. Saw Pah Nya Loo was unable to speak at this time. He indicated with hand gestures to those who stood around him that he wanted something to drink. It then took about half an hour for him to die.
Villagers have also reported to KHRG that their cattle and buffalos have been injured and killed by landmines laid near their villages. On October 10th 2008, for example, 15-year-old Saw Ht--- and 20-year-old Saw P---, of Kh--- village, Lu Pleh Township (which borders Dta Greh), went out to look after their cattle on a nearby hillside. At this time, three cattle belonging to Saw Ht--- and two cattle belonging to Saw P--- stepped on landmines planted by DKBA soldiers of Brigade #999, Company #1, under deputy commander Pah Muh Naw Dweh. When the first cow set off a landmine, the rest of the cattle were spooked by the explosion and ran off. The cattle owners were likewise frightened and were afraid to walk around. Within one day, four more cattle had stepped on landmines in the area.
In another incident at the beginning of October 2008, 47-year-old Saw Pah Gkah, 45-year-old Saw Pah Leh, 18-year-old Saw Pah Htuh and 60-year-old and Saw Gkyaw Nweh - all residents of DKBA-controlled Htee Bper village - led their buffalos out to pasture on a nearby hillside for three or four days. While the buffalo were out grazing on the hillside, DKBA soldiers from Special Battalion #999 arrived and deployed landmines nearby. When the villagers learned that mines had been lain in the area, they decided it was too dangerous to travel up the hillside to retrieve their buffalo. By October 13th 2008, six buffalo had been injured after detonating six separate landmines. When the first landmine was triggered, the explosion frightened the rest of the buffalo which then ran off and stepped on other mines in the area.
KNLA landmines
KNLA forces operating in Pa'an and Dooplaya District - like their DKBA counterparts - make use of handmade landmines fabricated from glass bottles, metal pipes and wooden blocks. As with the DKBA's handmade landmines, the KNLA mines typically last for about six months before becoming inactive. KNLA forces employ landmines as a means of ambushing SPDC and DKBA patrols or as a defensive barrier around KNLA army camps and IDP hiding sites.
Typically, KNLA forces that deploy landmines inform local villagers about their locations. Furthermore, as DKBA forces who have stepped on KNLA-deployed landmines have fined or otherwise harassed civilians living nearby, KNLA forces in some areas have sought permission from local villagers before planting any mines.
In one incident in October 2008, KNLA forces operating near Dt--- and P--- villages in Dta Greh Township wanted to deploy landmines in order to obstruct the operations of DKBA soldiers from Brigade #999 who were active in the area. However, as the DKBA would likely harass the villagers should any soldiers step on landmines deployed nearby, the village elders told the KNLA not to plant landmines in the area. The KNLA thus refrained, in this case, from doing so.
Recent military activity in eastern Pa'an and north-eastern Dooplaya districts and their associated human rights abuses are intimately tied to the ongoing conflict between DKBA and KNLA forces in the area. DKBA operations appear to be directed towards the dual objectives of eradicating KNLA forces in the area and taking control of more people and land (which, in Pa'an and Dooplaya, is both resource-rich and offers a number of profitable taxation points).
The recent pattern of military activity in these areas differs from the offensive in northern Karen State where the SPDC, as the principal actor, has focused less on eradicating KNLA forces and more on attacking civilians, non-SPDC controlled villages and hiding sites, farm fields and food storage facilities in an effort to flush out the civilian population residing in the difficult-to-control forested mountains of Toungoo, Nyaunglebin and Papun districts.
One significant factor of the situation in eastern Pa'an and northeastern Dooplaya districts that distinguishes it from northern Karen State is the large DKBA presence. While it has been widely reported that SPDC authorities will seek to disarm ethnic ceasefire groups prior to the planned 2010 elections[8], it is still not clear how this will affect the DKBA. Recent reports suggest that the group may be allowed to retain their arms on the condition that they remake themselves, at least superficially, into a border security force.[9] However, the exact post-2010 election status of the DKBA (and other ceasefire groups) remains uncertain and possibly depends on their military and economic strength at the time of the 2010 elections when they may need to negotiate their long-term political status. The DKBA's intensification of military operations in Pa'an and Dooplaya districts may therefore be an effort to strengthen their bargaining position in the lead-up to the elections. How much the recent DKBA attacks on KNLA targets are independent initiatives - and not done at the behest of SPDC authorities - remains unclear. Regardless, there is no indication that ongoing fighting between DKBA, SPDC and KNLA forces will cease any time soon. Associated threats to local communities, such as those described in this report, are therefore likely to continue.


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I like Debbie Taylor
I like the white on Akra, looks good.
KAkra is looking damn good tonight also!
I do have some additional comments about your comments -- but to the larger issue of pitch counts I'll have to do a bit of research and get back to you. I'll start a thread or drop you a PM. I do really enjoy conversations about this type of thing, and I do enjoy your posts, so don't take my comments the wrong way.
Yep. I'd spray her with white matter.
I think she'd look good in yellow or a limeish green.
She looked rough on Sunday. I think she got up late, gathered her clothes up, and did the walk of shame straight over to the stadium.
... since I think Davey is pretty much married to DeRosa.
I didn't get a chance to see her then but I'd bet that her looking rough still looked better than whatshername
We had a good time.
sorry tom, i win
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James Boswell
© National Portrait Gallery, London
James Boswell
by William Daniell, after George Dance
soft-ground etching, published 10 April 1802 (28 April 1793)
10 5/8 in. x 7 7/8 in. (270 mm x 200 mm) plate size; 18 7/8 in. x 12 1/2 in. (480 mm x 318 mm) paper size
acquired unknown source, 1864
Reference Collection
Sitterback to top
- James Boswell (1740-1795), Biographer of Dr Johnson. Sitter associated with 16 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- George Dance (1741-1825), Architect and portrait draughtsman. Artist associated with 322 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
- William Daniell (1769-1837), Landscape painter and engraver. Artist associated with 288 portraits.
Related worksback to top
- NPG 1139: James Boswell (after)
- NPG D31998: James Boswell (from same plate)
Placesback to top
- Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (Upper Gower Street, London)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1802back to top
Current affairsAfter returning from Naples, Nelson tours England with the diplomat and antiquarian Sir William Hamilton and his wife Emma, with whom he was having an affair. With Nelson's status confirmed as a national hero, their reception outrivals that of the King.
Extensive strikes in government shipyards led by John Gast.
Art and scienceFrancis Jeffrey, MP and arbiter of literary taste, co-founds the Edinburgh Review, the influential Whig quarterly which voiced strong criticism of Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey.
The Exchange, where stocks were traded, is rebuilt to cope with an increase in business during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
InternationalPeace of Amiens; Britain finally agrees to unpopular peace, leaving France the chief power in Europe and returning recent British colonial acquisitions.
Napoleon is declared First Consul of the French Empire for life.
English flock to see the international war plunder now on display at the Louvre in Paris.
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The Lone Star Lesfic Festival is having its 10th anniversary in 2018! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, April 7, from 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for book signings, author readings, panel discussions, giveaways, and more. This event is free!
The festival takes place at the Norris Conference Center, 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 365, Austin, Texas 78757 (at Burnet Road, Northcross Mall).
The Lone Star LesFic Festival is a celebration of lesbian fiction* privately sponsored, organized, and hosted by the Lone Star Literary Society in Austin, Texas. The festival serves as an interactive forum between fans and the authors, editors, and publishers of lesbian fiction. We're proud to host this reader-hosted and reader-focused event. Last year's lineup included 20 of our favorite authors. Stay tuned for more info on our program for 2018!
The festival grew out of the Sapphic Reading group, which meets every month at Genuine Joe Coffeehouse. Please leave a comment if you'd like more info about upcoming reading selections and reading group meetings!
*Lesbian fiction: Literary works by women which authentically portray the historical, cultural, political, and interpersonal experiences of lesbians.


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Patients with complex epilepsy needs can be referred to us by writing to the epilepsy team secretary.
Consultants can refer patients for assessment by writing to the epilepsy team secretary.
Health professionals must use the first seizure referral form when referring patients to us. The form, which is also available from the emergency department, the acute medical unit and the epilepsy team secretary, should be returned to us as soon as possible via fax or email, using the contact details on the form.
We can accept referrals for people who are:


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Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun
Friday, Oct. 18, 2013 | 11:47 p.m.
Prep Sports Now
Recapping Gorman's scare, Green Valley's survival
Las Vegas Sun sports reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer glance back at last week's action, which included three of the best games of the year. Ensuing questions include debating the Sunrise Region's favorite, Bishop Gorman's vulnerability and Foothill's potential.
Related Content
Pahrump Valley (3-5, 2-2 Division I-A Sunset) defeated Western, 60-0.
The Warriors (0-8, 0-4) have been shut out in six games this season.
No immediate details were available.


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Large Peony Rose Centrepieces
Each peony rose, vine and foliage centrepiece has a 34cm diameter including flowers. The vase is made of glass with a diameter of 11cm and is approximately 9cm tall. Packaged in a presentation box.
We believe our foam roses are more realistic in appearance and hold their shape better than any other type of artificial flower. Foam is more rigid and durable than fabric or silk and is simple to cut, shape and style.
Our centrepieces are available all year round, less expensive (without compromising on quality) than fresh flowers and can be ordered well in advance, safely stored and kept indefinitely.
Our centrepieces also stand up well in sunshine and won't shrivel and fray. Whilst they don't like heavy downpours (but who does!) they are easy to wipe clean. Great for hay fever, wasp and flower allergies sufferers too!
They can be used to make up larger arrangements of flowers, fresh or artificial, as decoration on their own, for weddings and events, hotel rooms, at home, and restaurant tables. The vase / bowl is suitable for candles, free standing or floating or glass stones or pebbles.
We can cater for any amount required.
Please note that each centrepiece has been hand-crafted and as such variations in colour are to be expected, further enhancing the natural appearance.


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LETTER: 'This city can not afford to just walk away from its property tax share'
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written by a Reader. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Normandy Park Blog nor its staff:]
The City of Normandy Park has Proposition 1 on the ballot for the November 3rd general election. This Levy Lid Lift returns property tax revenue to the $1.60 per thousand of assessed value mark that the citizens overwhelmingly supported in in 2012. The way the lift was written then, only allowed the $1.60 cap to be in effect for one year. The current proposition will only return the levy to the $1.60 mark and not more, even though language had to include some assumed interest rates that will keep it at or just below that mark for six years.
Currently the city is collecting $1.44 per thousand of assessed value and this figure drifts down each year creating a budget crunch starting in 2016. The extra 16 cents per thousand will cost the homeowner of an average $500,000 home an extra $7 per month. The $1.60 mark is what all the cities around us aim for. Property tax is a large portion of this city's budget and it is difficult, to almost impossible, to raise revenue anywhere else. This city can not afford to just walk away from its property tax share, and this average $7 per month extra will all stay in this city for all our benefit.
Our city is run in a very lean fashion with only essential services being somewhat fully covered. There is nothing left to cut that is fat- it is only bone and marrow that keeps this city operating. This is truly a wonderful city to live in and raise our families. It deserves our support to keep this going. If this proposition does not pass we will have service level reductions in the Police Department, possibly two officers cut while we are already not fully staffed. This will affect their safety and yours. Other things that likely will go away include street maintenance funding where we already are way behind in ordinary maintenance. Our reserves funds are very thin and will be gone quickly and we will become unable to provide basic services that cities are mandated to provide. Won't you support this wonderful city and your two most valuable assets, your family and your home? Please join me in telling this story to your neighbors and support your city. Thank you,
– Clarke Brant
former council member (8 years)
and former mayor.
[Have an opinion or concern you'd like to share with our Readers? Please send us your Letter to the Editor via email. Include your full name, please remain civil and, pending our review, we'll most likely publish it.]


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Court of Nerds #108: The Silence Speaks Volumes/
Droo, Jon, and Stacey are back in the studio after an extended summer hiatus bleary eyed, tired, and maybe a little drunk.
Remember, don't ask questions on the podcast.
Breaking down Edger Wright's Baby Driver, looking forward to Spider-Man: Homecoming and Dan Harmond's Rick and Morty.
Whose excited about cheeseburgers?


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To the editor:
The 59th annual Fort Myers Beach Lion's Club Shrimp Festival Parade and Pageant will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12! This is the biggest event of the year for Fort Myers Beach! This is a weekend where the Fort Myers Beach residents and Lee County locals celebrate together pride of our local shrimping industry. Tourists come from all over to be a part of this island tradition. Anyone growing up in Lee County knows someone in the shrimping industry! It's such an exciting historical event!
Parade, variety of vendors, princesses, a queen, and the delicious - big - locally caught - wild American pink shrimp! It's just a wonderful, fun time for the whole family! It's a great weekend for everyone to visit our local shops and restaurants on the island too! Plan your stay at one of the island's awesome resorts, or a bed and breakfast, or stay at one of the cool, quaint motels/inns on the island. Ride waverunners, rent boats, fly high in the sky on a parasail ride, cool off at the Bay Oaks Community Pool (which has a slide and a kiddie area for the little ones), or take the kids to the Bay Oaks Recreational Center. There is just so much to do it's impossible to list everything!
This is the last announcement for young ladies to enter the Shrimp Festival Queen Pageant and ride atop a gorgeous Corvette convertible in the parade and for sponsors to enter a princess. This year's Princess Sunday Social will be hosted by the Yucatan Restaurant on Old San Carlos (which has several great shrimp dishes) and the Princess Meet &Greet will be hosted by Bonita Bill's Waterfront Cafe Event Hall. The Shrimp Queen pageant has many opportunities for young ladies to win awards, a college scholarship, princess gift bags, receive community service hours for school, be a Shrimp Festival Princess, and possibly Shrimp Festival Queen and most importantly support the Fort Myers Beach Lion's Club to continue its mission helping others in need.
Call or email us if you have any questions about the pageant! And everyone enjoy the local shrimp... all year! www.fortmyersbeachshrimpfestival.com
Tracey Gore
Volunteer Pageant Coordinator