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Recycling event
Scoil Bhride is having a clothes recycling drive to help raise funds for the school. Please donate all your new and used men's, women's and children's clean and unwanted clothing, shoes, belts, handbags, ties, linens, household textiles, stuffed toys etc. Mobile phones in separate bag. Please leave all for collection at the school before 9.30 am on Friday 22nd November. If you need bags collected please contact 087 9512281.
'Work4You' set up by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland provides a free vocational assessment service for individuals who have an acquired brain injury and would like assistance and guidance in returning to work, training or education. It is free to anyone with an acquired brain injury and in receipt of a payment from the Dept. of Social Protection. If you are interested in the service or would like more information, Work4You are holding a Pop-Up Information Stand in Longford Library on Tuesday 26th November 2013 between 11am-1pm. All are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. For further information please call 044 933 8773.
On Thursday last our two teams entertained two Streete teams in the League, the A team winning 4-1 and the B team beaten 4-1 On Thursday next both teams play again at home, we have Athlone B v Ardagh B and Streete C v Ardagh A. Our club was honoured to hold the Westmeath doubles Championship on Sunday last. A great day had by all. Thanks to Seamus Murray for his help on the day. As we are organising our Christmas competitions, membership must be paid.
Whist Results
Results of whist drive held on Friday last in the Community Centre First Lady Olive McCloughrey, second Anna May McLoughlin, third Mary Gregg. First Gent Jimmy Cahill, second Brendan Farrell, third Martin Clyne. First half lady Bernard Nally, second Maeve Reynolds, third Gerty Kenny. First half gent Peter McIntyre, Matching Lady Mary Cahill, gent Tom Ward.
Panto Time
Ballymahon Vocational School are getting ready to take on the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol Scrooge" The show will hit the stage in the Vocational School on December 4th 5th 6th Doors open at 7.30 show starts at 8pm. Adults €10 Children/Students/OAP €5. Prizes galore each night. Book your ticket at 0906 43211.
Tidy Towns Lotto €3,900
Numbers drawn 14, 24, 25, 26. No winner, €25 each to Mary Finsley, Ardagh; Lisa Leavy, Cross; Mel Ryan, Cross. Bingo every Tuesday night at 8.30pm. Second draw - Numbers drawn 2,4,9,13, No winner €25 each to Brendan Bannon, Coolcaw; Colm Bannon, Coolcaw; Patrick Bannon, Cross.Bingo every Tuesday at 8.30pm.
Gold for Cian
Cian McPhillips competing in the Woodies All Ireland Cross Country Championships in Santry last Sunday completed an unprecedented treble of national titles for a Longford athlete when he won the under 12 boys gold medal. He can now add this All Ireland to the under 12 indoor and outdoor 600m titles to become the best under 12 athlete in the country. Cian dominated the race from start to finish and he received tremendous support from his Ardagh team mates Brendan Finnan and Cathal Farrell. Both Brendan and Cathal were competing in their first All Ireland in an age group a full year above their age and in a field of 125 runners. They ran super races and celebrated wildly when they realised that their team mate had won the gold medal. All three boys attend St Mel's National School and have also won the Division 1 GAA Championship and the Team of the Year Award in the Longford Sports Partnership Awards when the Community Games Mixed Distance Relay team were honoured. What a week!


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In 2010 I moved from San Juan, Puerto Rico to New York City to start my career as a graphic designer at Bonnier Corporation producing print and Ipad issues for the Men's Tech Group, including Popular Science Magazine, Popular Photography, American Photo and Sound+Vision.
Tablet design lead me to Billboard Magazine as their Senior Designer where I produced the highly acclaimed weekly iPad app and designed weekly print issues with some really talented people for four highly entertaining years.
Currently, I'm the Art Director at The Village Voice, producing photo shoots and managing my awesome design team at one of the most celebrated alt weekly newspapers in America.
I'd love to share additional work experience upon request.

subset: commoncrawl


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New behind-the-scenes photos from upcoming 'Expect Dating' starring BoA
Behind-the-scenes photos from Expect Dating were released yesterday. In them, BoA and Im Shi Wan act out the first encounter of the characters Joo Yeon Ae and Jung Jin Gook.
A representative from the show said, "In the story Boa and Im Si Wan are going to show off a different charm from Choi Daniel and Kim Ji Won. It will be more fun to compare the two couples while watching the show." They added, "Especially, with making one smile just by looking at them, we ask for much interest in how the two people will meet for the first time."
Expect Dating will start airing this September -- we can't wait!


text: Hi, when I select 60hz in my Wii settings, some images on my screen go slightly distorted, and when my screen is black, I have a thick vertical red bar on the middle/left of my screen. I don't think its my TV as I've got my XBox 360 running at 1080i 60hz and I have no problems there. I'm using the standard connection cables that come packaged with the Wii and have tried connecting with the scart adapter and without using it, any ideas?


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Newborn 100% Cotton Baby Bib | Bunny
Made from 100% silky soft pure cotton for absorption, these big bibs will keep your little one nice and dry. Coupled with the adorable animal design, it will guarantee to bring fun for baby and toddler. Makes an excellent gift.
- 100% silky soft pure cotton for absorption.
- Made from 490 gsm thick velour towelling.
- 20 cm width x 30 cm height for maximum coverage.
- Velcro opening.
- Machine washable.
- Exceptional quality that lasts wash after wash.


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Purrrrfect Michelle
This dress made me feel so sexy, so cat like. I just had to complete the look with a pair of purrrfect pantyhose. Here kitty kitty!
Only Members Can See The Whole Upload
Upgrade Now To:
- See all pictures from Michelle
- Exchange sexy messages
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Members Also Get:
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Considering that even top generals, senators, journalists and military brass are subject to the unreasonable searches being commited daily by the Surveillance State, it is important to be aware of the risks and act accordingly. The Electronic Frontier Foundation is your staunch defender and advocate, and have once again posted the methods for remaining anonymous online using a Tor onion browser, pseudonymous webmail and end-to-end encryption.
Tips and step-by-step instructions available at EFF:
So, just how do you exchange messages with someone, without leaving discoverable records with your webmail provider? This is an important practical skill, whether you need to use it to keep your love life private, to talk confidentially with a journalist, or because you're engaged in politics in a country where the authorities use law enforcement and surveillance methods against you.
The current state of anonymous communication tools is not perfect, but there here are some steps that, if followed rigorously, might have protected the Director of the CIA, the Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan, and their friends against such effortless intrusion into their private affairs.
Anonymous online communication is a valuable tool for journalists, whistleblowers, dissidents, and Directors of the CIA. As you can see, it is still quite hard to do and do well, and few people will have the discipline necessary to ensure that their webmail provider can never disclose their IP address or inter-account linkages, because the provider will never see the identifying information in the first place. Technologists all over the world are hard at work, improving the usability of all sorts of anonymous online communications tools, and we look forward to the day when all people who need to exercise their freedom of expression can do so safely, simply, and anonymously.
In other words, Don't Be a Total Petraeus!
Latest posts by Breshvic (see all)
- There's a Drug that Prevents HIV, But Most People Don't Know About it - Dec 18, 2016
- What would a Donald Trump Presidency look like? - Aug 8, 2016
- The Toll of Super Bowl 50 - Jan 28, 2016


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In The Council, you'll make difficult decisions that really matter. You'll develop an assortment of skills that directly impact the way the narrative unfolds. You'll suffer long-lasting consequences. There will be no turning back.
The game, which spans five episodes, offers a tale of intrigue and manipulation in the style of a classic murder mystery. It's populated with intriguing characters hiding dark secrets. You'll be uncovering ominous truths without not knowing who to trust.
The first episode -- The Mad Ones -- takes place in 1793. Step into the shoes of Louis de Richet, who's invited by the enigmatic Lord Mortimer to join a secret society. On a private island, you'll meet historical characters such as Napoleon and George Washington. Hidden agendas will abound.
The Council's core gameplay is derived from maneuvering through character encounters using the unique Social Influence system. During confrontations, skills and resources can be manipulated to reach desired outcomes.
You can choose to solve issues using various approaches such as diplomacy or occultism, or by playing detective. Fifteen diverse skills will be available to use as you see fit. The consequences of failing an encounter are permanent and may result in persistent physical disfigurements, or mental traits that will help or hinder the rest of your adventure.
The Council Episode 1: The Mad Ones will be released on Windows, PS4 and Xbox One in February 2018, exact date TBD.


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Climate Change
The Paris Agreement
The June 2017 announcement that the U.S. intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement is short-sighted and reduces the ability of the U.S. government to provide global leadership on climate change. Since the Withdrawal Announcement, more than 1,200 universities, colleges, investors, businesses, mayors, and governors from around the country have declared in unison that they are still part of the Paris agreement and have sent a letter to the United Nations to underline their commitment to continue to address carbon emissions.
For more on the Conservancy's thoughts on that decision, read our President's blog.
The central challenge to people and places around the globe is climate change. The costs of inaction are high, and smart solutions can propel economic opportunity, innovation, and greater energy reliability—goals that all Americans can embrace." Read our full statement following the U.S. election.
Here are the top things you should know about the Paris Agreement – and what it means for you. Sign the Pledge and call on world leaders to make good on their promises for climate action.
- The world as a whole agreed on a path forward. 196 nations signed the Paris Agreement, the first time — since climate change rocketed to the top of the list of global issues — that the world has agreed on a path forward.
- The Paris Agreement is a turning point. The agreement "signals the turning point in the road to a low-carbon economy, a road paved by continued innovation in the technology, energy, finance, and conservation sectors," said Andrew Deutz, the Conservancy's director of international government relations.
- The Paris Agreement was years in the making. When negotiations to address climate change failed in 2009, countries walked away with a better sense of how to make an agreement work. Using past failures as a guide helped launch a "bottoms up" approach in which each country set its own goals, enabling the Paris agreement to work for everyone — the best way to ensure change.
- The deal asks any nation signing it, of which there were 196, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to regularly increase their ambitions. The agreement requires that ratifying nations "peak" their greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible and pursue the highest possible ambition that each country can achieve.
- Countries will aim to keep warming well below 2 degrees Celsius, and for the first time to pursue efforts to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees C. The nations involved in COP 21 agreed upon and required that they would all work towards making sure the Earth's temperature doesn't rise above 2 degrees Celsius; this degree change is usually agreed upon as being the tipping point to preventing massive effects of climate change. (However, it should be noted that more recent science indicates a change of even 1 degree Celsius could cause major threats and impacts to coastal communities and developing nations.)
- Ratifying countries can independently decide on how to lower their emissions. This is a big deal: previous attempts at a climate deal required that similar measures be adopted by all signing parties. However, because economies, cultures, and nations differ so greatly, a common denominator was hard to determine and, therefore, achieve. Allowing ratifying countries to determine the best way forward for them, individually, galvanized support for the agreement. The Nature Conservancy recently advanced a similar approach through our 50 State Strategy.
- The Paris Agreement has aspects that are binding, and aspects that are not. Some elements of the agreement — such as requirements to report on progress towards lowering emissions — are binding. However, some elements are non-binding, such as the setting of emission-reduction targets. See #6.
- The Paris Agreement calls out the power of nature — specifically forests — to reduce climate change. "The agreement affirms the important role that ecosystems, biodiversity, and land use can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping communities and countries reduce risks and adapt to climate change impacts. It also promotes sustainable management of land, which can range from conserving and restoring forests to improving agriculture," said Duncan Marsh, the Conservancy's director of international climate policy.
- Investing in nature is clearly a smart way forward for combatting climate change. The Conservancy is well positioned to create major strides in how healthy ecosystems can protect people from the effects of climate change. In fact, our science-based methods have been informing this work for decades.
- You can make a difference. What the world did by ratifying the Paris Agreement was truly inspiring, but you don't have to be a diplomat, or scientist, or politician to make a difference. Sign our pledge that calls on world leaders to keep their promise for action on climate change. Sign the pledge today!


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SOURCE: First Financial Corporation
May 23, 2013 14:51 ET
TERRE HAUTE, IN--(Marketwired - May 23, 2013) - The directors of First Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: THFF) have declared a semi-annual dividend of 48 cents per share payable on July 1, 2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business June 14, 2013. Today's declaration increases the total dividend paid in 2013 to 96 cents per share, a 2.1% increase from 2012 and is the Corporation's 25th consecutive year of dividend increases.
First Financial Corporation is the holding company for First Financial Bank N.A. in Indiana and Illinois; The Morris Plan Company of Terre Haute; and Forrest Sherer, Inc., a full service insurance agency.
For more information contact:
Rodger A. McHargue
(812) 238-6000
For more information contact:
Rodger A. McHargue
(812) 238-6000
See all RSS Newsfeeds


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If you're like me, you probably spend most of your time on Facebook, Twitter or some other mind numbing social network. You don't know why you do it, you just do. You tell yourself you're going to do a quick check of updates and important messages and 4 hours later, you're watching a Bad Lip Reading video of Obama and it's almost time for dinner. You have no idea where the time went or how it got there but you know it's gone and you can never get it back. You want to change this awful habit but you just don't know how. You find yourself wading through pages and pages of self help sites, forums, motivational speeches and weight loss techniques. You want drive, you want passion. You want to feel alive and free to do the things you want to do. You don't even know what you want to do but you want to know that you have the freedom to go find it, should you ever realize what it is. You feel empty and alone and no amount on consoling from your family, friends or partner can fill the void, within.
I know because I've been there. In fact, I am there right now, still trying to realize what it is exactly that I want. I feel like a total loser and a failure at life, which is what sparked the creation of this blog. I don't want to be a loser at life. I wan't to be a loser of weight and a winner at life. You won't know until you try, they say. Try, try, try again and if you fail, try some more. I had an epiphany. What if you don't want any ONE thing? What if you just want to be happy? What if everything else follows once you cross that bridge? So, I pondered this epiphany for awhile. I don't know what I want to do in college or for a career. I stopped going to college because I didn't know what I wanted. I felt bad because I didn't know and my fears kept me from trying to find out. I tried several hobbies, growing up but nothing ever stuck, except for singing and when you become unhappy, so do your songs. I lost myself in a sea of misery, on a sail boat, with no wind to even put in my sails, should I feel the urge to explore. I was stuck. When you are little, you think you have all the answers. Your teachers would ask, "What do you wanna be when you grow up?" You'd say, "A princess! A rock star! A firefighter!" We all had those dreams, as children. But what comes after that and how do you get to that point? You have to live for it. You have to represent it and nurture it and how can you do that if you aren't even happy to begin with?
That's when I realized what it means when something has to come from "within." Ever heard the phrase, "You can never truly love anything if you don't love yourself first?" I always thought that was the biggest load of crap. I don't have to like myself to like my partner. My morning mood swings do not determine the amount of love I have for my child. I don't need to cherish and adore myself in order to cherish and adore others...but it's true. How can you truly see from your partner's eyes, what they see in you, when you can't even see it for yourself? How can you appreciate those bright eyes and tiny hands that greet you every morning, if you don't even know what is to be appreciated? I've realized that loving myself, IS loving those who love me and anything less, is selfish. So, I am going to fall in love with myself. I'm going to search my soul and my heart for all of the things that make me, me and I'm going to pull them out one by one, analyze them to the core and adore them just like my daughter does, just like my parents do and just like Mike does. Happiness is a product of love and love is a product of happiness and the rest will just fall into place.
So, no, I don't have any grand aspirations like I did when I was a child. I don't want to be the next Britney Spears or Christina Aguilara anymore. I don't want to be the next Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg. I just want to wake up, feel good, feel alive, look in the mirror and be proud of who is staring back at me and this is where it starts.
I accomplished my 30 minute workout routine, (+ 5 for stretching) which consisted of some stretching, some cardio, and some Yoga. I apparently need to eat more than 2,250 calories but less than 2,700 a day, according to my BMR and TDEE. So, it was 20 minutes on the treadmill and I split the other parts up in 5 minute increments.
Speed on treadmill: between 1.5 and 4.
Walk- 15 mins
Stretching - 5 mins
Crunches, leg lifts, arm lifts, squats, - 10
Yoga- 5 mins.
I feel great and I can't wait for tomorrow's workout!


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Stay in Touch
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How do I download the QVC for iPhone® App?
The QVC for iPhone app is free of charge and can be downloaded via the iTunes Store (requires iTunes account). It's available anytime, anywhere, and is compatible with iPhone OS version 3.0 or later and iPod touch. If you'd like to order an item using the Speed Buy® option, please be sure to have your email address and password handy. Or you can tap the Call to Order button to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
Is there a charge for the application?
The QVC for iPhone app is free; however, data plan rates apply. Please consult your data provider for more information.
Does playing QVC's live video stream use a lot of data?
Yes. Watching the live video stream may significantly increase the amount of your mobile device's data usage and may incur additional fees. Contact your data provider for more information.
Do I need to be a QVC customer to use the QVC for iPhone app?
No, anyone can download the application. Existing customers can simply purchase by entering their account information or email address. Or you can create a QVC account right through the app — all without calling. Additionally, anyone can tap the Call to Order button to easily order over the phone.
What if I don't have a QVC account?
New customer? No problem! You can quickly create a QVC account directly through the app — no phone call required.
How do you protect my personal information?
QVC is committed to giving you quality service and treating your information responsibly. For details, please see our Privacy Statement.
QVC is VeriSign Secured, so you can feel confident while shopping with us. We participate in the VeriSign Secured Seal Program. All of your personal information is encrypted by Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software when it's transmitted to us during the checkout process, just as it is on QVC.com. Also, your QVC password is never stored on your device. QVC provides award-winning service. We've been honored eight times with BizRate's "Circle of Excellence" distinction. We've also received Shopping.com's "Trusted Store" Seal, a prestigious vote of customer confidence awarded to online merchants.
What kind of personal information is stored within the application?
QVC customers can store their email address to make future purchases faster and easier. The app will remember you until you sign out. However, every time you make a purchase, you'll need to authenticate each purchase. If you choose to save your password or use Touch ID™ to make the checkout process faster, please note that this information is stored on your personal device, and that QVC does not have access to this information.
How can I check for application updates?
You can check for updates by visiting qvc.com/everywhere.
How is my Speed Buy® order placed?
Speed Buyautomatically uses the current data on your account: name, bill-to address, and QCard®or your last payment method. Your item will be shipped to your bill-to address, and/or permanent ship-to address, on file. Your item will be shipped via Standard S&H. Your order will be billed to your QCard®. If you don't have a QCard, your last payment method will be charged: either the last credit card you used or your Bill Me Later® account, if you've signed up for that option.
Note: With Speed Buy®, if the item is available on Easy Pay, that payment method will be applied. Your order will ship to your previously provided Bill-To Address and/or permanent Ship-To Address. If you'd like to edit your address, shipping, or payment method, check the ''Review or Edit'' box and click the ''Submit Order'' button.
How do I edit or cancel previously placed orders?
View QVC.comand click on Order Status or call 1-888-345-5788 to speak to a representative.
No problem! Click on Forgot Your Password? and follow the instructions we provide.
What is Waitlist and how does it work?
The Waitlist option is offered when QVC has a reasonable expectation that the item will return to stock within 45 days. Although placing an order on our Waitlist is not a guarantee that stock will be received, it is a good way of reserving an item if it does come into stock. If we are unable to fulfill your order, you will be notified within 45 days.
Auto-Delivery is a convenient and risk-free program that allows you to enjoy the benefit of receiving your favorite QVC products, at your original order price, on an automatic shipping schedule that meets your individual needs. It's about having what you love, when you want it, at a price that's guaranteed.
QVC products that are available on Auto-Delivery are clearly identified and can be easily ordered. After you place your Auto-Delivery order, you don't need to reorder the item again. You will be billed for and will be shipped the first shipment in your plan promptly after your payment is processed. Your subsequent shipments will be billed at your original order price and will be automatically sent to you on a regular shipping schedule (for example, approximately every 60 or 90 days) or on a schedule that you can conveniently customize to fit your individual needs. Delivery and billing are repeated until you cancel your Auto-Delivery plan or until the plan reaches its automatic end date. A plan will also automatically end if the total number of shipments or products offered in the plan have been sent.
There's no obligation to remain in the Auto-Delivery program and you can cancel your plan at any time. You can also conveniently manage your Auto-Delivery plan(s) online by visiting QVC.com or by calling a Customer Service Representative at 1-888-345-5788.
I'm having problems loading the application. What do I do?
If you've determined that your device is compatible and the application still doesn't load properly, you can attempt to uninstall and then reinstall it.
It's simple: love it or return it within 30 days. Get the details.
Touch ID™ is a feature available on select Apple® products that allows you to use your fingerprint to authorize your sign-in credentials. By approving Touch ID™ within the QVC app, you'll be able to streamline your shopping experience and avoid having to type in your email and password during checkout.
How do I set up Touch ID™ with the QVC for iPhone® app?
First, set up Touch ID™ on your iPhone®. If you've already set up Touch ID™ to unlock your phone, you're good to go.
The next time you make a purchase using the QVC for iPhone® app, a prompt will appear asking if you'd like to save your password. Choose yes. From now on you'll be able to make a purchase using your fingerprint and Touch ID™. You can modify Touch ID™ settings anytime. Just go to the "More" section of the QVC app and tap "Security Settings."
Is my device compatible with Touch ID™?
This feature is available on the iPhone® 5S and above. You must be using iOS 8.


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This is an exciting time to be a part of the Children's Ministry at the Locust Grove Free Will Baptist Church! We are currently developing the Children's Ministry from the ground up. Think of it like building your first house. One could say that we are "under construction". So what exactly does that mean?
What it means
Your children are highly valued. We want to partner with parents to help them raise Spiritual Champions! The staff and volunteers are currently meeting to develop our policies, core beliefs and mission of the Children's Ministry.
What it doesn't mean
It doesn't mean your kids need to bring hard hats. But that would be cool if they did! It doesn't mean that we can do it alone. We desire your prayers daily and the assistance of passionate people who love kids and want to see their lives transformed. It doesn't mean there is no organization. We currently offer classes for children birth through sixth grade, provided by a loving and caring group of volunteers.
We hope you'll invite your friends and family to our growing children's ministry where kid's are loved and highly valued. Come be a part of a Children's Ministry that shares the gospel in a kid-friendly way that is fun, entertaining and Jesus focused. We hope to see you soon! Below are a few ministries we have:
Kid's Choir
We have an amazing kids choir that meets throughout the school year each Wednesday evening at 7:00. (Grades 1-6).


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Science, to us, isn't just test tubes and lab coats. It's knowing how our minds work, where we came from, where we are, and where we're going. It's to help examine the cogs and gears of our big, beautiful universe and understand our place in it. To us, it's an adventure, but not one we can go on alone. Join us as we look deeper into normal and outlandish occurrences alike.
We here at Faraday's Candle are composed of a two-sister team. Rorie, the older sister, is currently crafting the bulk of the posts and research, and Didi, the younger sister, posts quotes occasionally, suggests ideas for articles, and gets Rorie through sporadic plagues of writer's block.
We don't post entirely regularly, but as frequently as can be managed. We'd love to see your contributions and suggestions in the comments. Let's all work together to explore our wonderful universe!
Please subscribe to our blog to hear the latest.
It's an amazing world of science… let's go exploring!
P.S.: Just wanted to mention- our parents do no ghostwriting! However, Mom handles our social media and moderates comments, and Dad organizes our madcap adventures into nature.


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There are four things that can make a Monday more bearable, and one of them is Brian Blessed. Publishers, take note: if you release a trailer incorporating Brian Blessed, I will probably put it up without thinking twice.
This isn't the only reason I'm telling you about this Putty Squad trailer, though: it's actually a fairly interesting game in its own right. Putty Squad was a side-on platformer (and sequel to Putty) and was released on the SNES back in 1994. Versions for other systems – the Amiga, the Mega Drive/Genesis, and our beloved PC – were also developed, with the Amiga and Mega Drive versions actually being entirely completed, but none of these versions were ever released to the public. Well, Putty Squad has now been remade.
The trailer below is actually a launch trailer for the Sony systems, but A) it has Brian Blessed in it, B) the game is coming to PC at some point in the near future, C) it explains and shows off the game pretty well, and D) go away. At least, it'll be coming to PC as long as developers System 3 aren't too authentic with their remake, and are planning on developing it but never releasing it…Related to this article


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Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal is in talks to replace Dominic Cooper in upcoming action movie Motor City.
The Mamma Mia! star was initially cast as the lead in the project, about a recently-released felon intent of bringing the men who framed him to justice, but he was forced to drop out due to scheduling difficulties.
Gyllenhaal is now slated to lead the film, which will also star Gary Oldman and Amber Heard.
Motor City will be directed by Albert Hughes, one half of the Hughes Brothers, who directed Menace II Society and The Book of Eli. It is scheduled for release in 2013.


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Olive Garden Utility/Dish Machine Operator in Orlando, Florida
Work in a team-oriented, high-volume, fast-paced, guest-centric environment to deliver on our purpose of Hospitaliano! Our passion for 100% guest delight by:
Ensuring guests and team members have a spotless, clean and safe environment and equipment, including:
• Cleaning dishes, silverware, glassware, utensils, pots and pans, etc.
• Maintaining sparkling clean restrooms and grounds
• Stocking and restocking supplies for servers and cooks


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For those of us who are addicted to earrings, have similar tales of ear lobes that hurt. And why not when those fancy jhumkas you wore last night ...On April 14, 2017 / By Anindita Dhar
@2016 MetroMela. All rights Reserved. MetroMela is an online fashion blog covering women's fashion, beauty and makeup.


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Denmark supports the promotion of sustainable livelihoods and food security in Myanmar through the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT). Since 2010, Denmark has supported LIFT with total DKK 57 million.
LIFT is a multi-donor fund operating in Myanmar since 2010 to improve the lives and prospects of smallholder farmers and landless people in rural Myanmar. LIFT is working to ensure that Myanmar's rural economic transformation is inclusive.
(Photo: LIFT)
Activities are focused on raising incomes, providing access to credit and markets, improving nutrition, bolstering people's ability to cope with shocks and setbacks, and providing evidence to inform the development of policies, which consider rural poor people.
In 2016, LIFT worked in 222 townships across Myanmar, more than double the townships compared to at the end of 2015. Roughly 20 per cent of the country's rural population is receiving support from LIFT which has been able to expand to the previously conflict-affected areas of Kayin and Kayah States and Tanintharyi Region. New projects have also been launched in Rathedaung and Maungdaw, both in northern Rakhine.
Danish support to LIFT will be phased out when the current grant expires as Denmark is concentrating its efforts on the three focus areas of the Denmark-Myanmar Country Programme; peace, rule of law and human rights, sustainable economic growth and basic education.
Fill out the form to send a mail with a link to the current page:
Henning Nøhr
Development Counsellor


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Welcome to the website of the European School of Strasbourg
"Educated side by side, untroubled from infancy by divisive prejudices, acquainted with all that is great and good in the different cultures, it will be borne in upon them as they mature that they belong together. Without ceasing to look to their own lands with love and pride, they will become in mind Europeans, schooled and ready to complete and consolidate the work of their fathers before them, to bring into being a united and thriving Europe."
— Jean Monnet


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|ognizant Communication Corporation
Cell Transplantation, Vol. 13, pp. 331-336, 2004
0963-6897/04 $20.00 + 00
Copyright © 2004 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved.
Embryonic Stem Cells Form Articular Cartilage, not Teratomas, in Osteochondral Defects of Rat Joints
Shigeyuki Wakitani,1 Hideyuki Aoki,2 Yasuji Harada,3 Masato Sonobe,2 Yusuke Morita,3 Ying Mu,3 Naohide Tomita,3 Yukio Nakamura,1 Satoshi Takeda,4 Takeshi K. Watanabe,4 and Akira Tanigami5
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School
of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan
3Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8508, Japan
4Otsuka GEN Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Tokushima 771-0130, Japan
5Fujii Memorial Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Otsu 520-0106, Japan
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are considered to be a potential tool for repairing articular cartilage defects, but so far it has been impossible to cause these cells to differentiate into chondrocytes exclusively, either in vivo or in vitro. To explore a potential new cell source of cell transplantation for articular cartilage defects, we transplanted ES cells into articular cartilage defects in immunosuppressed rats. ES cells (AB2.2 or CCE cells) were transplanted into articular cartilage defects in the patellar groove of immunosuppressed rats treated with cyclosporine. The cells were histologically observed until 8 weeks after transplantation. To determine whether the repair tissue in the defect in the AB2.2-transplanted group was derived from the transplanted cells, the neomycin-resistant gene, which had been transfected into AB2.2 cells but does not exist in rat cells, was used for detection. The cells produced cartilage, resulting in repair of the defects from 4 weeks until 8 weeks after the transplantation without forming any teratomas. The neomycin-resistant gene was detected in every sample, demonstrating that the repair tissue in the AB2.2-transplanted group was derived from the transplanted AB2.2 cells. The environment of osteochondral defects is chondrogenic for ES cells. ES cells may thus be a potential tool for repairing articular cartilage defects.
Key words: Chondrogenic lineage; Hyaline cartilage; Regeneration; Local environment
Address correspondence to Dr. Shigeyuki Wakitani, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Asahi 3-1-1, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan. Tel: 81-263-37-2659; Fax: 81-263-35-8844; E-mail: email@example.com
Effects of Osteogenic Induction on Mesenchymal Cells From Fetal and Maternal Parts of Human Placenta
Kenji Takahashi, Koichi Igura, Xiaohong Zhang, Ayako Mitsuru, and Tsuneo A. Takahashi
Division of Cell Processing, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
To clarify whether the mesenchymal cells derived from human placenta were available for bone regeneration, we investigated the effects of osteogenic induction on mesenchymal cells of fetal and maternal parts of the placenta. The osteogenic-induced mineralization in both types of cells was measured by von Kossa staining, and the calcium concentration and the expression of osteogenic markers were assayed by RT-PCR. In the mesenchymal cells of both parts, osteopontin, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and collagen type I, which are osteogenic markers, were expressed. Moreover, the mesenchymal cells of the fetal part of the placenta were mineralized for 3 weeks, but those of the maternal part were not. These results showed that the mesenchymal cells derived from human placenta had an osteogenic phenotype and that only the mesenchymal cells of the fetal part were capable of being used as a cell source for bone reconstitution.
Key words: Placenta; Mesenchymal cells; Osteogenesis; Bone regenesis
Address correspondence to Tsuneo A. Takahashi, Division of Cell Processing, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan. Tel: +81-3-5449-5599; Fax: +81-3-5449-5452; E-mail: email@example.com
Translational Research for Injectable Tissue-Engineered Bone Regeneration Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma: From Basic Research to Clinical Case Study
Yoichi Yamada,1 Minoru Ueda,2 Hideharu Hibi,1 and Tetsuro Nagasaka3
1Center for Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, Nagoya University School of Medicine, 2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 3Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsuruma-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
Translational research involves application of basic scientific discoveries into clinically germane findings and, simultaneously, the generation of scientific questions based on clinical observations. At first, as basic research we investigated tissue-engineered bone regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in a dog mandible model. We also confirmed the correlation between osseointegration in dental implants and the injectable bone. Bone defects made with a trephine bar were implanted with graft materials as follows: PRP, dog MSCs (dMSCs) and PRP, autogenous particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM), and control (defect only). Two months later, dental implants were installed. According to the histological and histomorphometric observations at 2 months after implants, the amount of bone-implant contact at the bone-implant interface was significantly different between the PRP, PCBM, dMSCs/PRP, native bone, and control groups. Significant differences were also found between the dMSCs/PRP, native bone, and control groups in bone density. These findings indicate that the use of a mixture of dMSCs/PRP will provide good results in implant treatment compared with that achieved by autogenous PCBM. We then applied this injectable tissue-engineered bone to onlay plasty in the posterior maxilla or mandible in three human patients. Injectable tissue-engineered bone was grafted and, simultaneously, 2-3 threaded titanium implants were inserted into the defect area. The results of this investigation indicated that injectable tissue-engineered bone used for the plasty area with simultaneous implant placement provided stable and predictable results in terms of implant success. We regenerated bone with minimal invasiveness and good plasticity, which could provide a clinical alternative to autogenous bone grafts. This might be a good case of translational research from basic research to clinical application.
Key words: Translational research; Tissue engineering; Injectable bone; Mesenchymal stem cells; Platelet-rich plasma; Dental implant
Address correspondence to Yoichi Yamada, Center for Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, Nagoya University School of Medicine, 65 Tsuruma-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan. Tel: 81-52-744-2348; Fax: 81-52-744-2352; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Osteogenic Potential of Cultured Bone/Ceramic Construct: Comparison With Marrow Mesenchymal Cell/Ceramic Composite
Jin Iida,1 Takafumi Yoshikawa,1,2 Manabu Akahane,1 Hajime Ohgushi,1 Yoshiko Dohi,3 Yoshinori Takakura,1 and Akitaka Nonomura2
Departments of 1Orthopaedic Surgery, 2Diagnostic Pathology, and 3Public Health, Nara Medical University, Kashihara City, Nara 634-8522, Japan
Osteogenesis occurs in porous hydroxyapatite (HA) when porous HA blocks combined with marrow mesenchymal cells are grafted in vivo. In vitro bone formation occurs in HA pores when HA combined with marrow cells is cultured in osteogenic medium containing dexamethasone. This cultured bone/HA construct possesses higher osteogenic ability when it is grafted in vivo. In the present study, we compared the osteogenic potential of a cultured bone/HA construct with that of a marrow mesenchymal cell/HA composite. Marrow cells were obtained from the femoral bone shaft of 7-week-old, male Fischer 344 rats and were cultured in T-75 flasks. Cells were concentrated, then frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen for 6 months. The cryopreserved cells were then thawed and prepared for subculture in porous HA (5 x 5 x 5 mm, Interpore 500) and for implantation with porous HA. After 2 weeks of subculture, three cultured bone/HA constructs were separately implanted in the right side of the back of each syngeneic 7-week-old male Fischer rat, and three thawed cell/HA composites (without subculture) were separately implanted in the left side. These implants were harvested at 2 or 4 weeks postimplantation, and prepared for histological, biochemical, and genetic analysis. Alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content of cultured bone/HA constructs were much higher than those of the cell/HA composites at 2 and 4 weeks postimplantation. Histological examination and gene expression data agreed with these findings. The culture technique discussed herein should facilitate the development of biosynthetic bone implants with higher osteogenic capacity.
Key words: Marrow cell; Osteogenesis; Dexamethasone; Hydroxyapatite
Address correspondence to Takafumi Yoshikawa, Department of Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara City, Nara 634-8521, Japan. Tel: +81-744-22-3051; Fax: +81-744-29-1460; E-mail: email@example.com
Bone Tissue Engineering Using Novel Interconnected Porous Hydroxyapatite Ceramics Combined With Marrow Mesenchymal Cells: Quantitative and Three-Dimensional Image Analysis
Masataka Nishikawa,1 Akira Myoui,1 Hajime Ohgushi,2 Masako Ikeuchi,2 Noriyuki Tamai,1 and Hideki Yoshikawa1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Osaka University Graduate School
of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
2Tissue Engineering Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 3-11-46 Nakouji, Amagasaki City, Hyogo 661-0974, Japan
We developed fully opened interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite ceramics having two different pore sizes. One has pores with an average size of 150 mm in diameter, an average 40-mm interconnecting pore diameter, and 75% porosity (HA150). The other has pores with an average size of 300 mm in diameter, an average 60-100-mm interconnecting pore diameter, and 75% porosity (HA300). Because of its smaller pore diameter, HA150 has greater mechanical strength than that of HA300. These ceramics were combined with rat marrow mesenchymal cells and cultured for 2 weeks in the presence of dexamethasone. The cultured ceramics were then implanted into subcutaneous sites in syngeneic rats and harvested 2-8 weeks after implantation. All the implants showed bone formation inside the pore areas as evidenced by decalcified histological sections and microcomputed tomography images, which enabled three-dimensional analysis of the newly formed bone and calculation of the bone volume in the implants. The bone volume increased over time. At 8 weeks after implantation, extensive bone volume was detected not only in the surface pore areas but also in the center pore areas of the implants. A high degree of alkaline phosphatase activity with a peak at 2 weeks and a high level of osteocalcin with a gradual increase over time were detected in the implants. The levels of these biochemical parameters were higher in HA150 than in HA300. The results indicate that a combination of HA150 and mesenchymal cells could be used as an excellent bone graft substitute because of its mechanical properties and capability of inducing bone formation.
Key words: Bone tissue engineering; Hydroxyapatite; Image analysis; Marrow mesenchymal cell; Osteoblast; Osteoconduction
Address correspondence to Hajime Ohgushi, M.D., Ph.D., Tissue Engineering Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 3-11-46 Nakouji, Amagasaki City, Hyogo 661-0974, Japan. Tel: (+81) 6-6494-7806; Fax: (+81) 6-6494-7861; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Enhancement of In Vitro Osteoblastic Potential After Selective Sorting of Osteoblasts With High Alkaline Phosphatase Activity From Human Osteoblast-Like Cells
Noriko Kotobuki, Motohiro Hirose, Hiroyuki Funaoka, and Hajime Ohgushi
Tissue Engineering Research Center (TERC), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Nakoji 3-11-46, Amagasaki, Hyogo 661-0974, Japan
In this article we describe the expansion of in vitro osteogenic capability of human osteoblasts (HOS cells) after sorting by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) with the osteoblastic marker of human bone alkaline phosphatase (AP) monoclonal antibody. After culturing for 7 days, the HOS cells were incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled AP monoclonal antibody. The antibody recognized the cells with high AP activity (high AP cells), which were about 76% of the total cells. After the HOS cells were sorted, the high AP cells could be recovered, and almost all of them reacted strongly with the AP antibody. Therefore, we were able to condense the high AP cells about 1.3 times. We further cultured the sorted cells as well as the unsorted control cells. After the initial seeding, the culturing periods for both groups of cells were 20 days. At the end of this period, we measured AP activity per DNA and osteocalcin contents. In contrast to the low condensation ratio of the high AP cells in the sorted fraction, the AP activity and osteocalcin contents were about nine times and four times greater than those of the unsorted cells, respectively. These results demonstrated that using the sorting technique to isolate the high AP cells might be a useful method for applications in bone tissue engineering.
Key words: Flow cytometry; Cell sorting; Osteoblast; Alkaline phosphatase; Tissue engineering
Address correspondence to Hajime Ohgushi, Tissue Engineering Research Center (TERC), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Nakoji 3-11-46, Amagasaki, Hyogo 661-0974, Japan. Tel: 6-6494-7807; Fax: 6-6494-7861; E-mail: email@example.com
Propagation of Adult Rat Bone Marrow-Derived Hepatocyte-Like Cells by Serial Passages In Vitro
Masahiro Miyazaki, Takuro Masaka, Ichiro Akiyama, Emiko Nakashima, Masakiyo Sakaguchi, and Nam-ho Huh
Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
Previously, we found that hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met)- and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-expressing cells were present in adult rat bone marrow, and that these cells also expressed hematopoietic stem cell markers, such as CD34, Thy-1, and c-Kit. When bone marrow cells were cultured in a hepatocyte growth medium (HGM) with HGF and EGF, colonies composed of polygonal cells resembling mature hepatocytes appeared by 2 weeks and grew very slowly because of overgrowth of stromal cells. At days 34-41, 2-mm2 sheets of hepatocyte-like cells were cut out of their colonies by scratching with an injection needle under observation with a phase contrast microscope, transferred into wells of 24-well plates, and cultured in the HGM medium in the presence or absence of HGF and EGF. When cells reached confluence, cells were detached with trypsin and EDTA and transferred step by step into bigger culture vessels. Thus, hepatocyte-like cells were expanded 1000-fold during less than 4 months. These cells were immunocytochemically stained for albumin and also for AFP and the hematopoietic stem cell markers described above, showing characteristics of oval cells. By RT-PCR, we detected mRNAs of tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase and tyrosine aminotransferase, markers of hepatocytes at a terminal differentiation stage. The present culture system may be useful for supply of hepatocyte resources for cell transplantation therapy.
Key words: Bone marrow cells; Hepatocyte-like cells; In vitro expansion; Albumin; Tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase; Tyrosine aminotransferase
Address correspondence to Masahiro Miyazaki, Ph.D., Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558, Japan. Tel: (+81) 86-235-7395; Fax: (+81) 86-235-7400; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Functional Activity of Human Hepatoma Cells Transfected With Adenovirus-Mediated Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor (HNF)-4 Gene
Takafumi Naiki,1 Masahito Nagaki,1 Yoshihiro Shidoji,2 Hisanori Kojima,3 and Hisataka Moriwaki1
1First Department of Internal Medicine, and 3Department
of Neurology and Psychiatry, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194,
2Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Siebold University of Nagasaki, Nagayo, Nagasaki 851-2195, Japan
Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is still associated with high mortality despite recent advances in medical management. There is need of an effective and safe bioartificial liver (BAL) support to help keep patients with FHF alive until an organ becomes available for transplantation or the native liver recovers. The aim of this study was to establish highly functional liver cells by means of transfecting hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4 gene for the development of BAL. We constructed adenovirus vector carrying rat HNF-4 cDNA, and transfected to hepatoma-derived cell lines, HepG2 and HuH-7, to enforce expression of the exogenous HNF-4 gene. We analyzed expression of HNF-4, HNF-1, and liver-specific genes in cells infected by the adenovirus vector expressing HNF-4. Adenovirus-mediated HNF-4 gene transfer resulted in increases in expressions of HNF-4, HNF-1, and liver-specific genes such as apolipoproteins, a1-antitrypsin (a1-AT), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxy-kinase, cytochrome P450 families, and glutamine synthetase in transfected hepatoma cells. Cells overexpressing HNF-4 removed ammonia from medium supplemented with NH4Cl to a greater extent than control cells. These findings demonstrated that transfected cell lines restored differentiated gene expressions and liver-specific function by the overproduction of HNF-4. HNF-4-overexpressing hepatocyte cell lines are useful for bioreactor of BAL systems.
Key words: Adenovirus; Bioartificial liver; Fulminant hepatic failure; Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4; Transcription factor
Address correspondence to Masahito Nagaki, M.D., Ph.D., First Department of Internal Medicine, Gifu University School of Medicine, 1-1 Yamagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan. Tel: +81-58-230-6308; Fax: +81-58-230-6310; E-mail: email@example.com
Transplanted Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Effective for Skin Regeneration in Acute Cutaneous WoundsCell Transplantation
Hiroko Satoh,1 Kazuo Kishi,2 Takara Tanaka,3 Yoshiaki Kubota,2 Tatsuo Nakajima,2 Yoshikiyo Akasaka,4 and Toshiharu Ishii4
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National
Tokyo Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
2Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
3Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shizuoka Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
4Second Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess the capacity for site-specific differentiation of cell types in response to cues provided by different organs. This phenomenon suggests that MSCs participate in cutaneous wound regeneration. However, there are no prior reports on the influence of the local application of MSCs on cutaneous wound regeneration. To examine the effects of MSCs on wound regeneration, we cultured bone marrow cells of the femur of rats and treated the plastic adherent cells with a differentiation medium to induce differentiation. After treatment, we found that the bone marrow-derived plastic adherent cells possessed myogenesis, chondrogenesis, and adipogenesis capabilities, indicating that these cells are MSCs. The bone marrow-derived plastic adherent cells were injected intradermally into the skin of rats, and linear full-thickness incisional wounds were made immediately through the injected area. At 14 days after operation, wounds transplanted with bone marrow-derived plastic adherent cells had healed with very fine scars. Collagen architecture was thick and appeared to be similar to normal dermis. Histomorphologic scale analysis demonstrated significant differences between the control and the wounds transplanted with bone marrow-derived plastic adherent cells. These results indicate that transplanted MSCs can respond quite normally to wound healing and regenerate dermal structure.
Key words: Mesenchymal stem cells; Bone marrow; Rat; Cutaneous wound; Wound regeneration
Address correspondence to Dr. Kazuo Kishi, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan. Tel: +81-3-5363-3814; Fax: +81-3-3352-1033; E-mail: email@example.com
Transplantation of Nonvascularized Kidney Tissue Fragments Into the Rat Liver With the Aim of Preserving Renal Function
Shin Enosawa,1 Nanae Takahashi,1 Hiroshi Amemiya,2 and Yoshihiro Motomiya2
1Department of Innovative Surgery, National Research Institute
for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
2Suiyukai Clinic, Nara, Japan
For research in regenerative medicine, not only the study of cellular pluripotency but also knowledge of the reorganization of tissue structure is crucial. However, the latter will probably be more difficult to acquire. When small fragments of kidney (approx. 1 x 1 mm) were implanted in the liver of syngeneic LEW rats, the tissue survived at least 2 weeks with retention of normal structure including glomeruli and tubules. In contrast, no kidney structure survived when transplanted to subcutaneous sites, omentum, or spleen. Molecules involved in renal tubular function, such as megalin and glut2 transporter protein, were detectable in the implanted tissue by immunohistochemistry, suggesting that the cells were biologically active. Survival of cortex, medulla, and calyx tissues was then compared. All three components were still detectable 8 weeks after transplantation but cortex and medulla were replaced by granuloma at 6 months. Only calyx tissue survived for up to 12 months after transplantation. There was no marked difference in tissue survival, either when the recipient liver was partially resected or when infantile donor kidney was implanted instead of adult kidney. The present method opens new avenues in the development of regenerative medicine (i.e., tissue transplantation) as an intermediate modus between organ transplantation and cell transplantation.
Key words: Tissue transplantation; Kidney; Rat; Megalin
Address correspondence to Dr. Shin Enosawa, Department of Innovative Surgery, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 3-35-31 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-8567, Japan. Tel: +81-3-3416-0181, Ext. 8776; Fax: +81-3-3411-7309; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Vigorous Neuronal Differentiation of Amplified and Grafted Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Responsive Neurospheres Derived From Neuroepithelial Stem Cells
Motoyuki Yamada, Koichi Uchida, Takuro Hayashi, Yutaka Mine, Yasuo Toda, and Takeshi Kawase
Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinanomachi 35, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
Neuroepithelial stem cells (NESCs) have emerged as a possible donor material aimed at neural transplantation for the repair of damaged neural circuitry, particularly because of their propensity to differentiate into neurons. We previously ascertained in vitro that NESCs derived from rat early embryos could be amplified in culture containing basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF), and that neurospheres grown for 7 days in the culture had a strong tendency to differentiate into neurons. In this report, we analyze immunohistochemically the biological nature of bFGF-responsive neurospheres derived from NESCs. We first succeeded in amplifying the number of NESCs from the mesencephalic neural plate of embryonic day 10 Wistar rats with the addition of bFGF. Grown neurospheres were labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in vitro and were stereotactically transplanted into the right striatum of the normal adult Wistar rat. Two weeks after transplantation, a viable graft in the host brain was observed. While many BrdU/Hu double positive cells were seen in the graft, and a few BrdU/nestin double positive cells were also seen, no BrdU/GFAP double positive cells could be identified. These results suggested that bFGF-responsive neurospheres derived from NESCs demonstrated a propensity to differentiate into neurons in the adult brain environment. Furthermore, following in vitro amplification of the original stem cell number with bFGF, the grown neurospheres preserved their propensity to differentiate vigorously into neurons. NESCs are thus suggested as a feasible candidate for intracerebral grafting donor materials aimed at reconstruction of damaged neural circuits.
Key words: Neuroepithelial stem cell; Neural transplantation; Neuronal differentiation; Mesencephalic neural plate
Address correspondence to Koichi Uchida, M.D., Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinanomachi 35, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan. Tel: +81-3-5363-3808; Fax: +81-3-3354-8053; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Therapeutic Angiogenesis by Autologous Bone Marrow Cell Implantation for Refractory Chronic Peripheral Arterial Disease Using Assessment of Neovascularization by 99mTc-Tetrofosmin (TF) Perfusion Scintigraphy
Masaaki Miyamoto,1 Masahiro Yasutake,1 Hitoshi Takano,1 Hiromichi Takagi,1 Gen Takagi,1 Hiroshi Mizuno,2 Shinichiro Kumita,3 and Teruo Takano1
1First Department of Internal Medicine, 2Department of Plastic Surgery, 3Department of Radiology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan
We investigated efficacy and safety of implantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells plus platelets, including endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), for recovering refractory chronic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) using visual and quantitative analyses by 99mTc-tetrofosmin (TF) perfusion scintigraphy, and also investigated various quantitative assessments objectively. We performed 12 consecutive cases and 19 limbs and hands with severe chronic PAD that were almost Fontaine class IV (11/12 cases, about 92%) in this trial. This treatment was very effective in relieving severe pain of PAD, especially for Buerger's disease. We used a visual analog scale (VAS) for measurement of pain level. The maximum pain level before implantation was 66.5 ± 5.0 mm, and it decreased to 12.1 ± 2.2 mm after implantation (p < 0.001). Rest pain in legs and fingers was resolved in 11 cases (11/12 cases, 92%). All patients could measure pain-free walking time on a treadmill, which improved remarkably (140 ± 53 s before implantation vs. 451 ± 74 s after implantation, p = 0.034). Resting ankle brachial pressure index (ABI) in legs implanted with bone marrow mononuclear cells was also improved (0.65 ± 0.08 before implantation vs. 0.73 ± 0.07 after implantation, p = 0.055). According to 99mTc-TF perfusion scintigraphy, the proximal area (region from knee to ankle) was 1.32 ± 0.10 before implantation versus 1.56 ± 0.11 after implantation (p = 0.007). 99mTc-TF perfusion scintigraphy in the distal area (region from ankle to end of toes, or from wrist to end of fingers) was 0.79 ± 0.06 before implantation versus 0.83 ± 0.06 after implantation (p = 0.29). Ischemic legs and hands that were injected showed increased perfusion blood flow. 99mTc-TF perfusion scintigraphy was effective to estimate visual and quantitative analysis of collateral vessels in neovascularization. We were successful with this new treatment for the most severe, chronic PAD that was not curable by any of the current treatments. Thus, this therapeutic angiogenesis could be a new strategy for saving severe ischemic limbs and hands.
Key words: Therapeutic angiogenesis; Bone marrow cell; Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs); 99mTc-Tetrofosmin (TF) perfusion scintigraphy; Peripheral arterial disease
Address correspondence to Masaaki Miyamoto, M.D., First Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603, Japan. Tel: +81-3-3822-2131, ext. 6743; Fax: +81-3-3856-0987; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
In Vivo Tissue-Engineered Small-Caliber Arterial Graft Prosthesis Consisting of Autologous Tissue (Biotube)
Yasuhide Nakayama,1 Hatsue Ishibashi-Ueda,2 and Keiichi Takamizawa1
1Department of Bioengineering, National Cardiovascular Center
Research Institute, Fujishiro-dai 5-7-1, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
2Department of Pathology, National Cardiovascular Center Hospital, Fujishiro-dai 5-7-1, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
In this study, vascular-like tubular tissues called biotubes, consisting of autologous tissues, were prepared using in vivo tissue engineering. Their mechanical properties were evaluated for application as a small-caliber artificial vascular prosthesis. The biotubes were prepared by embedding six kinds of polymeric rods [poly(ethylene) (PE), poly(fluoroacetate) (PFA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), segmented poly(urethane) (PU), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and silicone (Si)] as a mold in six subcutaneous pouches in the dorsal skin of New Zealand White rabbits. For rods apart from PFA, biotubes were constructed after 1 month of implantation by encapsulation around the polymeric implants. The wall thickness of the biotubes ranged from about 50 to 200 mm depending on the implant material and were in the order PFA < PVC < PMMA < PU < PE. As for PE, PMMA, and PVC, the thickness increased after 3 months of implantation and ranged from 1.5- to 2-fold. None of the biotubes were ruptured when a hydrostatic pressure was gradually applied to their lumen up to 200 mmHg. The relationship between the intraluminal pressure and the external diameter, which was highly reproducible, showed a "J"-shaped curve similar to the native artery. The tissue mostly consisted of collagen-rich extracellular matrices and fibroblasts. Generally, the tissue was relatively firm and inelastic for Si and soft for PMMA. For PMMA, PE, and PVC the stiffness parameter (b value; one of the indexes for compliance) of the biotubes obtained was similar to those of the human coronary, femoral, and carotid arteries, respectively. Biotubes, which possess the ability for wide adjustments in their matrices, mechanics, shape, and luminal surface design, can be applied for use as small-caliber blood vessels and are an ideal implant because they avoid immunological rejection.
Key words: Biotube; Arterial graft prosthesis; Tissue engineering; Autologous transplant; Small caliber
Address correspondence to Yasuhide Nakayama, Department of Bioengineering, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishiro-dai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan. Tel: +81-6-6833-5012; Fax: +81-6-6872-8090; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Development of a Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Nanocomposite as a Medical Device
Soichiro Itoh,1 Masanori Kikuchi,2 Yoshihisa Koyama,3 Kazuo Takakuda,3 Kenichi Shinomiya,4 and Junzo Tanaka2
1Division of Molecular Tissue Engineering, 3Department
of Biomechanical Engineering , and 4Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgery,
Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima 1-5-45, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519,
2Biomaterials Center, National Institute for Materials Science, Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
The effect of cross-linking of a hydroxyapatite/collagen (HA/Col) nanocomposite, in which HA nanocrystals and collagen fibers are aligned like natural bone by a self-organization mechanism between HA and collagen in vitro, on mechanical properties, was examined. The influence of degree of cross-linking, as well as rhBMP-2 preadsorption to the composite on the substitution pattern and rate with bone was examined. In Experiment 1, anterior fusion was carried out at the C3-C4 vertebrae on 10 dogs and they were implanted as follows: without cross-linking and without adsorbed rhBMP-2 (three dogs), with cross-linking and without adsorbed rhBMP-2 (three dogs), without cross-linking and with adsorbed rhBMP-2 (two dogs), and with cross-linking and adsorbed rhBMP-2 (two dogs). Implants were removed from each dog for histology determinations after 12, 16, and 24 weeks in the non-rhBMP-treated groups, and after 16 and 24 weeks in the rhBMP-treated groups. In Experiment 2, the HA/Col composites with cross-linking and both with and without rhBMP-2 pretreatment were implanted into a bone defect of 20 mm made in the central part of tibiae in dogs (N = 3 in each group). As a control, bone defects of 20 mm remained without implantation (N = 3). The dogs were allowed to walk using an Ilizarov extra skeletal fixator. The implants were removed after 12, 16, and 24 weeks from one dog in each group. The cross-linking of the HA/Col composite was effective in controlling both the mechanical strength and bioresorbability. A "self-organization process" on the HA/Col implant surface resulted in the formation of bone remodeling units in and around the implant. Radiographic and histological findings suggest that a combined treatment of cross-linking of the HA/Col composite with preadsorption of rhBMP-2 molecules may be a very suitable replacement of existing ceramic systems in the anterior fusion of the cervical spine, as well as inlay grafting of bone defects in weight-bearing sites.
Key words: Hydroxyapatite/type I collagen (HA/Col) composite; Bone remodeling unit; Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2); Self-organization
Address correspondence to Soichiro Itoh, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan. Tel: 81-3-5803-5279; Fax: 81-3-5803-5274; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Collagen Vitrigel: A Novel Scaffold That Can Facilitate a Three-Dimensional Culture for Reconstructing Organoids
Toshiaki Takezawa,1 Katsuyuki Ozaki,1 Aya Nitani,1,3 Chiyuki Takabayashi,2 and Tadashi Shimo-Oka1,3
1Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology, National Institute of
Agrobiological Sciences, Ikenodai 2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
2Laboratory of New Silk Materials, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Gouda 1-4-8, Okaya, Nagano 394-0021, Japan
3Life Science Center, Asahi Techno Glass Co., Gyoda 1-50-1, Funabashi, Chiba 273-0044, Japan
Three-dimensional reconstructed organoids in vitro are valuable for not only regenerative medicine but also drug development. However, the manipulation of conventional three-dimensional cultures is not simple. We describe a nylon membrane ring-embedded or a pressed silk sheet-embedded scaffold made of collagen "vitrigel" that can facilitate three-dimensional cultures for reconstructing an epithelial-mesenchymal model or a hard connective tissue model, respectively. Here we define vitrigel as a gel in a stable state produced by rehydration after the vitrification of a traditional hydrogel. The collagen vitrigel was successfully prepared in three steps involving a gelation process in which a cold and clear neutral salt solution containing type I collagen formed an opaque and soft gel by incubation at 37°C, a vitrification process in which the gel becomes a rigid material like glass, and finally a rehydration process to convert the vitrified material into a thin and transparent gel membrane with enhanced gel strength. The framework-embedded collagen vitrigel scaffold that can be easily reversed by forceps was prepared by inserting a nylon ring or a silk sheet in the collagen solution prior to the gelation. The scaffold enabled culturing anchorage-dependent cells on both surfaces of the collagen vitrigel by the manipulation of two-dimensional cultures and consequently resulted in reconstructing a three-dimensional organoid. An intestinal epithelial-mesenchymal model was reconstructed by coculturing fibroblasts on the opposite side of monolayered Caco-2 cells on the nylon ring-embedded collagen vitrigel. Also, fibroblasts seeded on both surfaces of the silk sheet-embedded collagen vitrigel proliferated well and formed multilayers and some cells invaded into the vitrigel framed by the network of numerous strong silk filaments, suggesting a reconstruction of a hard connective tissue model. These data demonstrate that the collagen vitrigel is a valuable scaffold for tissue engineering.
Key words: Scaffold; Tissue engineering; Collagen; Vitrigel; Three-dimensional culture; Organoid
Address correspondence to Toshiaki Takezawa, Ph.D., Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Ikenodai 2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan. Tel: 81-29-838-8689; Fax: 81-29-838-8610; E-mail: email@example.com


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Cold Trail
Susana Matos 1/30/2004 11:07:55 PMvery nice!!! It looks like a strong graphic image, but it shows nature very well, I like it!
Colleen Braun 1/31/2004 1:34:14 AMvery nice... #354951
Carolyn M. Fletcher 1/31/2004 3:51:01 AMEXCELLENT!! #354999
Colette M. Metcalf 1/31/2004 4:11:30 AMWonderful image, Nancy!! #355021
Nancy L. Ferrell 1/31/2004 8:24:09 AMThanks for the comments....
Murry Grigsby 1/31/2004 6:21:45 PMGood eye and image Nancy!! #356183
Nancy L. Ferrell 1/31/2004 7:47:53 PMThanks Murry.....
Rick Riddle 2/15/2004 5:22:00 PMCongrats Nancy Wonderful Photo. #379264
Damian P. Gadal 2/16/2004 7:19:04 PMCongrats Nancy - wonderful shot! #382173
Susana Matos 2/17/2004 11:56:22 AMCongratulations, great photo!
digital photo taken today at work. The moose had to walk around my car to get up the hill. I always carry my little Canon with me. I liked the lines and shadows.
Uploaded on 1/30/2004 8:49:34 PM
Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to Nancy L. Ferrell. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
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CHICOPEE – The city is beginning to begin the process of building offices on the vacant second floor of the Department of Public Works headquarters and is hoping to move employees there for next summer.
This year some of the water department employees were moved to the building on Baskin Drive, joining Department of Public Works and engineering workers in an attempt to reduce the number of buildings the city uses and to better coordinate offices which work together.
"We all have gotten closer since everyone moved in," Stanley W. Kulig, the Department of Public Works Superintendent said.
Kulig said the city has hired the architect firm of Caolo & Bieniek Associates, Inc. to do a space analysis and preliminary design so at least some of the second floor can be converted to offices and storage space.
Because the city is also considering moving the building and health departments into the building, they are also looking at the needs of those department, Kulig said.
"This will make the second floor useful finally. I call it the bowling alley. It needs to be used eventually," City Councilor James K. Tillotson said.
The cost of the study is about $50,000 and the design work is estimated at between $100,00 and $122,000 and construction is expected to cost between $1 and $1.2 million, Kulig said.
The City Council last week approved spending $50,000 from the sale of real estate account to fund the design.
But teachers at Comprehensive High School have agreed to have students studying in the carpentry and electrical departments to do some of the work to give the teenagers a new way to get learning experience. Students are expected to save the city about $250,000.
The city will still have to hire plumbers, heating and ventilation experts since the high school does not teach either trade. A company will also have to be hired to install an elevator to make the second floor handicap accessible, Kulig said.
"We will do some work in-house with out staff as well," he said.
Kulig said he expects the design to be completed by the fall and construction work to last most of the school year. The offices are not expected to be ready until the summer or next fall.
Renovations on Chicopee DPW garage to begin soon
CHICOPEE – The city is beginning to begin the process of building offices on the vacant second floor of the Department of Public Works headquarters and is hoping to move employees there for next summer.


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Monday, October 16, 2012 (NS) - The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion
Beloved Parishioners of St. Mary Orthodox Church of Calhan, Colorado,
Christ is in our midst!
I am writing this brief article about the name of our church on the parish's new letterhead with a draft of the new logo. It is the comments I have received on this new logo that generated the research that led to this article.
When the graphic artist, who is Orthodox, and I discussed the logo, we debated whether to use "St. Mary" or the canonically appropriate "Dormition of the Theotokos." After some thought and prayer, I made the decision to use Dormition of the Theotokos in the logo, and St. Mary's Holy Dormition on the text of the letterhead. After my research, I chose to switch the letterhead to St. Mary's Orthodox Church of Calhan, as that is our legal name in Colorado.
The logic behind this was to continue to call us St. Mary's, but have our "official" logo have the canonically appropriate name. Doing this eliminates the frequent accusation that "they" (usually referring to both us and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption in Denver) don't know how to properly name their parish, yet maintains a connection to the customary name of "St. Mary's."
When I shared this new logo with a few people, however, I have had an almost evenly split opinion on the title. Some people think that Dormition was never part of our name, and there is a clear memory of always calling this parish St. Mary's. Other people acknowledge that we were always called St. Mary's, but there is also a strong opinion that we need to be "canonically appropriate" in our name. When I heard this, it got me to thinking: "What was this parish historically named?" So I went to the archives and found some interesting things.
The original stamp says, in transliterated Slavonic, Ruskaya Pravoslavnaya Tserkov Uspeniya Bog*ien, which is the abbreviated form of Bogorodichen, and the stamp is not clear for the rest. What is visible translates as "Russian Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos." The inner circle, however, says, in English "Russian Orthodox St. Mary's Church, 1905."
The articles of incorporation from 1929 have our official name as "the Karpato Russian Orthodox St. Mary's Church. In 1956, George Eurich, president, and Frank Mikita, secretary, filed a revision and changed the name to "St. Mary's Orthodox Church of Calhan, Colorado, Inc." In 2004, Fr. Lawrence and Joe Eurich re-filed paperwork to reinstate us as a non-profit corporation in Colorado, retaining the name as revised in 1956. In 2007, paperwork was filed with the State of Colorado to formally change the name of the parish to St. Mary's Holy Dormition Orthodox Church, Inc.
Clearly, then, our official name of the church, in English, has been some variation of St. Mary's for a very long time. However, it also appears that in Slavonic, the Church's name was "Dormition" because, in the Orthodox Tradition, one does not refer to the Theotokos as "St. Mary." She has her own title, Theotokos, to differentiate her from the many other "St. Marys" on our calendar, such as St. Mary Magdalene, and St. Mary of Egypt. This leaves us with several questions. Why did they call our church one thing in Slavonic and another in English, and why did we not use the "correct" Orthodox terminology from the beginning? The answer, I believe, is less complicated than it can seem, and it has more to do with evolving Orthodox terminology and evolving theories of translation from the original languages into English.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when our church was founded, "Liturgical English" and English theological terminology was well established by the Church of England. In this era, to translate into English meant that one translated into the existing idiom. This idiom was very Western, and did not always match Orthodox terminology precisely. In fact, Isabel Hapgood, whom St. Tikhon commissioned to make the first translation of Orthodox Services into English was an Episcopalian, and her existing theological tradition likely influenced her translation and influenced our translation decisions for years. Hence, in Slavonic our Church was called Dormition of the Theotokos, and in English it was called either St. Mary's Orthodox Church, or, following the example of the Greeks in Denver, "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary."
By the late 1950's and mid 1960's, our translations committees began to realize that following this Western model, which was deeply influenced by Roman Catholic and Anglican theological understandings, was not effectively translating the Orthodox understanding of our terminology. In 1967, the OCA Synod officially designated the Virgin Mary's title to be "Theotokos." Not long after, in 1969, Archimandrite Kallistos and Mother Mary produced The Festal Menaion, which was the first scholarly translation of the festal hymns of the Orthodox Church into English, and they chose to translate the "falling-asleep of our Lady" as Dormition. Both of these terms are the Greek term from which the Slavonic was taken, and help convey the Orthodox understanding of who the Theotokos is, and how she is the "New Eve" who restores mankind to God by giving birth to Christ.[1]
In Christ,
Priest Simeon B. Johnson
Rector, Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, Calhan, CO
- Baptismal record for Dalmar Kobilan with the "original" seal from 1928
- Articles of incorporation for the State of Colorado from 1929, and the revision of said articles in 1956, and the reinstatement of our charter in 2004.
[1] The Greek term "Theotokos" renders into English, literally, as "Birthgiver of God." Dormition is rendered, literally, as falling asleep, or repose.
A while back, Fr Paul Fedec provided me a copy of a document he had detailing St. Tikhon's 1905 visit to Calhan, Colorado. The full document is attached here.
St. Tikhon's travels from Pueblo and his stay in Calhan.
On . . . June 20th, [1905], His Eminence was again aboard a train continuing on his great missionary journey, this time heading toward Calhan Station, where he was to lay the cornerstone for the future church. He arrived at the small wooden station at 3:04 pm and was met there by many farmers and their "familiias" (a humorous word play on the English word "family", which sounds like the Russian word for 'surname' - familiia – trans.), as well as by a crowd of Americans who came to gaze upon such a never seen before "Event." After the blessing, (and following a traffic-jam of all sorts of wagons and carriages) the people returned to the town. At the head of the procession were two heralds mounted on horses swathed in the colors of the "Home of the Free," followed by a carriage decorated with American flags and driven by a team of white horses. Following them was the rest of the column of gaily-decorated wagons and farmers all decked out in their Sunday best. His Eminence and Father Kalnev rode in the carriage. This festive procession reminded me of the way in which Hierarchs are typically greeted in Russia, but only in its externals, for much was lacking in the way of comfort and elegance. His Eminence, the Most Reverend Archbishop Tikhon, already exhausted and weary from his five-day cross-country journey from the East Coast was settled not in a suitable guest room but rather in the best that the farms could offer, a very old, dilapidated farm cabin that had a rather "specific" odor. Here the Archbishop stayed for two days. It is probably unnecessary to describe just how difficult it was for him, but I will only say that it was impossible for him to recover any strength or to gain sufficient rest despite the best efforts of the farmer's wife, who fussed over her dear guest, gave him the farm's only bed to sleep in, and fed him the next-door kitchen — where the lucky Father Kalnev and Father Shutak slept on straw laid down on the floor. During the night all they heard were the Archbishop's deep breaths and moans coming from the room next door. Next morning, when I inspected the bed and threw back the covers, I discovered that the surface of the mattress was as rough as the Colorado mountains themselves, nothing but peaks and valleys, valleys and peaks, and I felt very sorry for the Head of our Mission, that he had to bear such a crown of thorns. Please forgive me this digression. I return now to my narrative.
When the festive procession reached its destination, the Archbishop was shown the schoolhouse, which was going to serve as the temporary chapel for the next few days. Having given some specific instructions, the Archbishop was taken to the poor, but spiritually welcoming cabin of farmer K. That evening, it pleased the Archbishop that both Vespers and Matins be served by Father G. Shutak, while Father V. Kalnev joined the farmers in singing the responses and hymns in their plaintive "Krayan" chant.
On June 21st at 10:00 am, His Eminence arrived at the schoolhouse for the Divine Liturgy. The parish representatives welcomed him in front of the school and thanked him for coming to Calhan to visit them. During the Liturgy, Father Shutak gave a sermon after the reading of the Gospel, while afterwards, His Eminence gave a sermon entirely in keeping with the celebratory occasion of their gathering.
After the Liturgy all of the parishioners and clergy went to the building site of the new church for the blessing and the laying of the cornerstone. After the blessing, Father Kalnev gave a moving sermon in the field. The farmers were deeply touched by this sermon and many of them wept out loud. Once again they witnessed the fatherly love and care given them by His Eminence and were grateful to him for giving them such a good and talented priest like Father Kalnev, who was expending so much of his efforts in helping them to return to the path of Truth. After the ceremony was concluded, we returned to the house of the same farmer K., where, thanks to the efforts and labors of Matushka Kalnev, a trapeza was served.
Originally published in the Russian Orthodox American Messenger, Vol. IX, No. 151, August 1905. Translation from Russian by Sergei Arhipov.


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In only took 4 years for my daughter to enter into a life of crime.
Like many parents, we would like to teach our daughter about money, business, and the value of hard work. What better way to teach such values than with an old fashioned roadside lemonade stand. So that is what we set out to do.
About 30 mins after setting up her lemonade stand on the corner, an officer approached and shut down the stand. In all fairness, the officer was very nice and apologetic and said, "I really don't want to do this, but my chief sent me over to shut you down."
I've occasionally heard stories of officers or other city's officials shutting down children's lemonade stands in other towns, but it always seems so far away. I always thought to myself, 'wow, don't they have better things to do? I'm glad my town isn't like that.' But I guess I was wrong, Coralville Iowa, home of the nanny state.
This comes on the heels of another nanny state news article from Des Moines Iowa. Earlier this month a family's garage sale was shut down for lacking a sales tax permit. City and to some extent state code indicates that you can only have 2 garage sales in a year, to have a third requires a sales tax permit, and evidently someone is keeping track.
Similar stories have made Reason TV's nanny of the month reports in the last few years:
Aug 2010
June 2011
Coralville and Des Moines, do you really have nothing better to do than bust lemonade stands and garage sales? Give me a break!
Dustin Krutsinger
He and his wife attended nursing school together before he started medical school.They plan on using their medical training to serve others.They have gone on several construction and medical trips to South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Peru, and most recently Afghanistan in 2009.
Dustin considers himself to be a "Christian Libertarian." He is unapologetically, and absolutely 100% pro-life. Dustin credits Ron Paul's run in 2008 for revitalizing Dustin's interest in politics.He has recently been an activist for liberty in the Iowa City area.
He also ran for the Iowa House in 2010 as a Libertarian.It was a somewhat symbolic run, as no third party has ever been elected to the Iowa legislature, but it allowed him to discuss limited government solutions to our current problems as well as gave people another option, as the incumbent was running unopposed.
His career interests include medical ethics, critical care medicine and organ transplantation.He serves on the University of Iowa's ethics committee.
Latest posts by Dustin Krutsinger (see all)
- Liberty Alive and Well in Iowa - March 10, 2015
- Rand Paul on Dress Debate - March 5, 2015
- Speaking of Jesus by Medearis: FREE Kindle version today! - April 10, 2012


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What is Homeopathy?
well trusted that
300 million patients
in more than
80 nations use it."
~ 2011 Swiss
government study
The principles of homeopathy have been used for centuries and go back to Hippocrates. It is a scientific heath treatment based on the principle of "like cures like". That is, if a substance can cause symptoms of a disease in a healthy person, then it can cure a sick person suffering with similar symptoms.
Homeopathy is specific for the whole of each individual. All of your specific and unique symptoms, physical and emotional are taken into account by the trained homeopath. It's about the mind-body connection. The patient is treated, not the disease(s).
It might be easiest to understand homeopathy by comparing it to conventional medicine. In conventional medicine, each disease is treated the same way for everyone, and each disease is treated by itself. For example, if you were to have a rash you may be prescribed a salve. If you then complained of stomach problems you could be prescribed an antacid. The salve and the antacid are likely prescribed for millions of people. In addition, your rash and your stomach problems would not be considered together as part of your unique self.
With homeopathy, both symptoms of having a rash and stomach issues would be considered along with other factors that combine to make you a unique individual. The relationship between the rash and the stomach problems is the patient! Your remedy, and its dose, will be determined specifically and only for you.
Homeopathy regards symptoms as the body's healthy attempt to restore itself to balance. A homeopath will choose a remedy that is similar to your symptoms rather than by opposing or suppressing them as in conventional medicine. Further, homeopathy uses the least amount of remedy necessary to cure.
Homeopathic treatments are aimed at strengthening constitution and vitality and are not medical treatments. They are not directed at identifying, treating, or preventing specific diseases. Practitioners are prohibited by law from diagnosing or treating disease.
Click here to learn about Beth's training and experience.
Who chooses Homeopathy?
People of all ages and health conditions respond well to homeopathy, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Homeopathy treats any symptom that causes you discomfort.
Often clients first come to homeopathy with the following complaints or
diagnoses from their physicians:
• Anxiety • Headaches • Migraines • Asthma • Arthritis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) • Bladder Infections
• Sore Throats • Insomnia • Digestive Issues • Grief
There are too many health concerns to list as Homeopathy treats virtually everything! Many times clients present with multiple and chronic issues as well.
Homeopathy can be coordinated with other holistic and conventional treatments including but not limited to:• acupuncture • chiropractic • massage
• nutrition • physical therapy • counseling
• pharmaceutical prescriptions • surgery
Beth also offers homeopathic prophalaxsis for those who have concerns about modern vaccines.
Click here to read Testimonials from local residents who have been treated at Classical Homeopathy.
What is the Homeopathic process?
about Homeopathy
is that it is true,
whether or not
you believe in it."
~ Homeopathy
World Community
Homeopaths believe everything in the body is inter-connected - all symptoms are related. All treatments are specific for you as an individual. In order for your homeopath to prescribe the correct remedy she needs a detailed verbal accounting of all your symptoms, medications, a description of your mental and emotional state, as well as some history.
Thus, your first visit is scheduled for two hours. After that, depending on how your particular remedy works for you, your appointments could be as short as 15 minutes and months apart! Typically, as time goes on and you continue to respond to your remedy, the less often you will need to see Beth.
Your specific needs are always Beth's top priority. If you, or your family member, should develop a new health issue at any time in the future you are encouraged to contact Beth.
Scheduling your appointment is just a click away!


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Healthy & Delicious Diabetic Chicken Recipes
Oven-Fried Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks
You don't have to give up the comfort of fried chicken -- just prepare it a little differently. Try this oven-baked alternative using a crispy combo of Parmesan cheese and dry bread crumbs. One serving has only 4 grams of carb.Related Links
Chicken Focaccia Sandwiches
With a deli-roasted chicken, this focaccia sandwich is super simple to put together -- no cooking involved! To bring the carb count to a range that's just right for you, opt for a lower-carb bread to create this sandwich masterpiece.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
When you're craving the heat, take a bite of this spicy Buffalo chicken salad topped with creamy blue cheese crumbles -- without the worry of excess calories and fat.Related Links
Chicken Honey Nut Stir-Fry
Citrus, ginger, and soy sauce are packed into this delicious stir-fry that's both easy and satisfying for a weeknight meal. Plus, it's loaded with plenty of protein to keep you feeling full longer!
Apricot-Mustard Chicken Sandwiches
For a quick lunch or dinner, stack up these sandwiches in 15 minutes or less by using leftover chicken from the slow-cooked Shredded Chicken Master Recipe. Didn't make the shredded chicken recipe? Shred a deli-roasted chicken to save time.Related Links
Louisiana Chicken Drumsticks and Tomatoes
Take dinner up a notch with a spicy, healthy take on a Louisiana favorite. This baked chicken recipe is low-carb and full of flavor -- perfect for game day or movie night.Related Links
Crispy Chicken Tenders and Savory Waffles with Herb Gravy
Oven-baked chicken and whole wheat waffles make a healthier version of this Southern-style comfort fare. This take on chicken and waffles is a mix between the syrup-topped fried soul food and the Pennsylvania Dutch version with pulled chicken and gravy.Related Links
Thai Chicken Wings with Peanut Sauce
These homemade Thai-style appetizers are easy to fix with help from a slow cooker. The low-carb peanut sauce gets its zest from garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper.Related Links
Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa
Jazz up boring chicken with this Southwestern-style dish. A cilantro, avocado, and peach salsa blend complements grilled drumsticks for a restaurant-worthy meal with only 5 grams of carb per serving.Related Links
Chicken and Cornmeal Dumplings
Comfort food on a chilly day is a must. Accompanied by chicken, corn, and carrots, these dumplings are a healthy option for a soothing slow cooker meal at the end of a long day.Related Links
Mexican Chicken Salad Stacks
Chili powder adds spice to these broiled chicken breasts while avocado and orange slices offer a refreshing flavor pairing for a protein- and vitamin-packed meal.Related Links
Chicken, Macaroni, and Cheese
Serve this childhood classic at your next dinner party. The spinach and tomatoes bring sophistication to this diabetes-friendly dish without compromising the cheesy taste.Related Links
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Cut down the fat in this classic take on Creole gumbo by browning the flour in a skillet without adding fats or oil and using reduced-sodium chicken broth -- equally delicious and healthy.
Chicken Taco Pizzas
Pita bread makes for a lower-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust. Topped with chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and light sour cream, these easy pizzas will please the whole family.Related Links
Five-Spice Chicken Wings
Five-spice powder is a mixture of spices commonly used in Asian cuisine and has a balance of heat and sweet. The most common spices are anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel. Serve these wings with celery for a low-carb way to conquer the spice.Related Links
Chicken and Mushroom Manicotti
Dish up generous portions of this classic Italian favorite without breaking your carb or calorie bank. Plump pasta rolls are full of lean chicken breast, reduced-fat cheese, and light spaghetti sauce.Related Links
Salsa Chicken on a Stick
Spicy chicken skewers are perfect party appetizers that are low-carb yet exploding with taste. Or serve as a main dish with a side of grilled veggies.Related Links
Chicken, Sauerkraut, and Apple Panini
For a quick-fix lunch or light dinner, try this filling sandwich on heart-healthy wheat bread for an easy, bistro-worthy meal.
Balsamic-Dijon Chicken
Marinated in mustard, balsamic vinegar, and garlic, this oil- and sugar-free dish is sure to be a pleaser at any grill-out or family get-together.Related Links
Pumpkin, Bean, and Chicken Enchiladas
Though pumpkin bumps up the carb count in these bean and chicken enchiladas, it also amps up the nutrient value and can help you feel fuller longer.Related Links
Chicken, Pear, and Parmesan Salad
Chop and slice the night before, then throw this salad together in the morning for a healthy take-along lunch.Related Links
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Cut down calories with this easy-to-fix casserole by using light sour cream. This Mexican-inspired meal is also carb-friendly and perfect for a family dinner.Related Links
Hearty Chicken and Bean Casserole
Featuring low-carb veggies, this chicken casserole is packed with protein and fiber. Fix it the night before and simply stick it in the oven when you get home.Related Links
Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Light, crisp lettuce blends beautifully with the intense flavors of feta cheese and Kalamata olives. This chicken salad is filling enough for lunch or dinner.Related Links
Easy Chicken Pasta
Need a quick dinner recipe that's as delicious as it is easy? Try this healthy dish that comes together in a snap and makes six servings.Related Links
Citrus Chicken Salad
This garden-fresh spinach salad is a terrific way to use leftover chicken.
When you're cooking chicken breasts, add an extra piece or two so there's some left over for recipes like this.Related Links
Tarragon Chicken Linguine
Bite-size chicken strips are studded with broccoli florets in this yummy -- yet healthful -- pasta dish.
Cook broccoli with linguine to save on cleanup.Related Links
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Slices of zucchini and yellow summer squash make this grilled chicken sandwich extra tasty. Brush the zesty citrus coating on toasted whole wheat buns for extra flavor.
Add a lively bite to the lime dressing by stirring in 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper before chilling.Related Links
Chicken-Brown Rice Salad
Whip up this scrumptious chicken-studded salad in minutes. Go green with French-cut green beans and shredded cabbage.Related Links
Kiwi Chicken Tostadas
Kiwifruit and plum tomatoes bring fun flavor to this yummy chicken salad.
Look for baked tostada shells in the Mexican food section of your supermarket.Related Links
Chicken Vegetable Soup
This isn't your mom's chicken soup! Barley adds texture, flavor, and a healthy dose of fiber to this colorful (and flavorful) soup.Related Links
Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli
Mayonnaise makes a terrific no-fuss sauce for the chicken and pasta.
Bonus: Use light mayonnaise rather than regular to keep the fat and calories down.Related Links
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
This isn't an old-fashioned chicken casserole loaded with calories. Reduced-fat soup and fat-free milk greatly reduce fat and calories while keeping a hearty taste.Related Links
Chicken and Slaw Tostadas
Shredded chicken and tangy slaw combine for tasty tostadas in this easy-to-follow recipe.
If you prefer to make a wrap sandwich, encase the tortillas in foil and bake them in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes or until warm. Then wrap each tortilla around some of the slaw and chicken mixture.Related Links
Shortcut Chicken Mole
Unsweetened cocoa powder gives this spicy chicken dish an unexpected dose of flavor, which comes together in only 20 minutes!