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Opener Jonty Sebborn returns from Exeter University to potentially boost the Rowledge batting against Southern Premier Division 1 rivals Sarisbury Athletic at Allotment Road, 12.30.
His inclusion is the only change in the Rowledge team which beat Portsmouth in a curtain raiser thriller last week, with teenager Ethan Martin doubtless having been on the receiving end of some leg pulls from his team-mates after being dismissed Handled the Ball !
Sarisbury were heavily beaten by New Milton, having had their top order batting seriously weakened by the flamboyant Sam Floyd's decision to play golf instead of cricket this summer.
Rowledge: Ben Wish, Jake Wish, Ollie Baker, David Lloyd, Jonty Sebborn, Ricky Yates, Sam Plater, Ryan Littlewood, Ethan Martin, Olly Ryman, Zac Le Reux.
Portsmouth and Andover, who each lost their opening games, meet at St Helen's, Southsea, where the pavilion and clubhouse refurbishment is well under way.
Skipper James Christian is absent for Portsmouth, while Ali Hooper misses out for the Lions. Ben Duggan wears the city captain's armband, while spin all-rounder Charlie Ayres comes in for the visitors.
Portsmouth: Duggan, J Marston, Hammond, T Wallis, Hirani, Smitherman, D Wallis, Woolf, McArdle, A Marston, Webb.
Opening day winners Calmore Sports and Sparsholt – both involved in Village Cup second round action on Sunday - go head to head at the Norman Edwards Ground.
Calmore Sports: Bailey, Johns, Johnson, Lavelle, Lepervanche, Moss, Parker, Perry, Taylor, West, Wright.
In the other matches, Basingstoke & North Hants host an unchanged New Milton at May's Bounty, where the Green & Golds aim to expand on last week's Lee Beck inspired 70-run win at Sarisbury Athletic.
New Milton: Watts, Edwards, Greig, Hall, L Beck, Golding, Hussey, Loader, Mills, R Beck, Bartlett.
Totton & Eling visit St Cross Symondians II, minus teen all-rounder Tommy Cheater, who has been called up by the Hampshire Academy.
Bashley (Rydal)'s Neil Taylor, nearing 'legendary' status at the BCG, is three victims shy of 1,000 competitive wickets in his career – a milestone he could achieve at Fair Oak.
Now in his mid-fifties, Taylor has enjoyed a fantastic career, having played for Middlesex, the Minor Counties, Dorset and SPL and HCB representative teams, besides his 'home town' clubs New Milton and Bashley (Rydal).
Bashley (Rydal) II: Francis, O'Sullivan, Morris, R Taylor, Underwood, Achakzai, Mulley, Baker, Penycate, N Taylor, Read.
South Wilts II host OTs & Romsey, their closest rivals, at Bemerton, with the visitors eager to build on last weekend's three-wicket success over Liphook & Ripsley.
South Wilts II: Cranch, Litchfield, Pearce, Edwards, Pittman, Falconer, Pittman, Warner, Partridge, Atkinson, Brewer.
Elsewhere, Fawley host Ventnor at Holbury , both sides having lost their first match.
In Premier Division 3, Hambledon host near neighbours Purbrook, boosted by Chris Pratt's weekend return from Loughborough, but handicapped by one-time Hampshire left-arm spinner Ian Turner having a broken toe and James Marshall, who has a fractured finger. Opening bowler James Restall has a Churcher's College match.
Neither Hambledon nor Portsmouth & Southsea got going last weekend - their match at St James's Park was rained off - so P & S look to break the ice on Waterside against Hythe & Dibden at Jones Lane.
Hythe rattled up 249-4 at Basingstoke last week, with Tom Gates and Matt Young in good nick, but they still lost in a thrilling finish.
Hythe & Dibden:T Richards, T Gates, M Young, Z Millar, S Redford, W Mckay, A Wakely, A Nicholas, D Taylor, N Vaughan, T Ndowora.
Hook & Newnham Basics II look to improve on their round one win over Gosport Borough at Langley Manor, while Gosport Borough and Trojans aim to win their first games at Privett Park.
Hook & Newnham Basics II: Light, Bruin, James, Brown, Warner, Allnutt B, Gardner, Balcombe, May, Shore, Neville.
Tichborne Park host Basingstoke & North Hants II, who pipped Hythe & Dibden in a May's Bounty thriller.


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Listen in on this Morning Joe conversation with Joe Scarborough and Mike Barnicle as they discuss the "overall ignorance" of President Donald Trump and the lack of accountability for what he says, a day after Trump announced he is open to cutting Medicare and other entitlement programs. Join the conversation here.
Jan 23, 2020

subset: commoncrawl


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For the fifth time in the last seven years, the Texas Longhorns are headed to the Sweet 16. Any and all Rick Barnes haters can [redacted to keep the site PG-13].
If you're a little uneasy about the way this game finished, let me urge you to set that aside for a moment and let out a primal scream of joy. Texas dominated this game throughout, and though the ending was closer than you'd like to see, the outcome was never seriously in doubt. Most important, Texas is headed to mother#$@*& Houston!!!
One of the nice things about watching a game by yourself is the opportunity to take solid notes. That was me today, so I've got quite a bit of post-game commentary. The notes are so diverse that I won't bother trying to make it all flow together. Straight bullet points:
About five minutes before tip, I scribbled down the following "Keys To The Game" :
- One and done – limit Miami on the offensive glass; be especially aware of long boards off jumpers.
- AJ feeling it – we're unstoppable when he's locked in on his jump shot
- Be an inside team – control the glass, don't just weave the perimeter
- Be determined to win, as opposed to afraid to lose
Reviewing each, today was quite the success.
- Texas outrebounded Miami 39-25 on the day and, most impressively, limited the 'Canes to just 5 offensive rebounds. I'm pretty sure Miami secured three of those offensive rebounds in the first three minutes of the game, and the issue never appeared in my notes again.
- Abrams finished 7-13 from the floor, including 6-10 from downtown. Add in 6-6 from the stripe for good measure and Texas fans are wondering whether we can petition to have the Houston Regional moved to Little Rock. For the weekend, AJ finishes 17-29 from the floor, 12-20 from downtown, leading Texas with 26 points in both games. Absolutely brilliant, and if he's feeling it in Houston, we're the favorites.
- Texas didn't run the offense through the low-post too often, but when you're hitting 13-26 from three-point range, it doesn't matter. Most importantly, Texas cleared the glass and didn't just run the perimeter weave. Even though there wasn't much low-post scoring from Texas' forwards, the Longhorn guards did a good job of getting into the lane on penetration.
- Texas came out confident and playing to win. You can quibble that we eased off the gas pedal a little too early, but in a one-and-done tournament, draining that clock wasn't a strategy I disagreed with. Moreover, if Texas shoots adequately from the free throw line, they coast in to the victory by 8-12 points.
AJ Abrams wasn't just the Offensive MVP today, he was probably the Defensive MVP as well. Miami must have run a hundred screens for McClinton today, and AJ was absolutely phenomenal in chasing him around the court. He took the right angles around screens and did a terrific job of making Miami's sharpshooter catch the ball at least 23 feet from the basket. AJ also did a great job of being involved in the rebounding effort, securing four tough boards in traffic. Absolutely his best game in weeks.
Click here for the rest of this article.
The Texas team defense is infinitely better than it was a year ago and through the first half of this season. I scribbled "GREAT HELP D!!" in my notes over and over and over today. If you have the game on tape and plan on watching again, check out how well we're doing switching, showing on screens, and denying passing angles with team help. There are a lot of differences between this year's team and last, but the team defense is perhaps the biggest. It's the single most important reason we're a legit Final Four contender, as opposed to a team you don't want to catch on its best offensive night.
We all know how good Connor Atchley has been this year, but it's increasingly apparent to me that Atchley's important to this team in ways that aren't as obvious as his scoring and defense. In particular, the two-man game he and DJ run is so much smoother than the two-man game DJ runs with anyone else. Not just that, but the drop off to everyone else is pronounced. Whether it's Damion, Gary, or WingMan trying to run the two-man game in Atchley's place, it's not half as effective as the chemistry those two have. He must remain on the floor for Texas in Houston.
I know it's tempting after one of Dexy's great games to say Rick Barnes is under-utilizing Pittman, but today was a great example of why it's hard to stick him out there consistently. Yes, he's a beast in the middle and has enormous potential to dominate collegiate players... but my God, does he continue to make a lot of boneheaded plays. His defense is absolutely awful on an unacceptable number of possessions, and his body control remains a huge issue. As easy as he makes it look during his best games, he has to take a big step forward in doing the little things right if he's going to be consistently effective.
Has there ever been a Rick Barnes Texas team with this much leadership and chemistry? At one point in the second half, after a particularly excellent Texas run that gave us our biggest lead of the day, I thought a bit about this team as compared with Rick's previous two best teams: 2005-06 and 2002-03. The '06 group was insanely talented and terrific defensively, but lacked a quality point guard and struggled mightily at times to create offense. The '03 team was perhaps the most compelling group of Longhorns ever assembled by Barnes, and watching TJ Ford was truly one of the most joyous experiences of my sports life. Even so, at its essence, that team was an elite point guard leading a cast of lovable characters/role players to great success.
Compare those teams to this year's squad. Though DJ is an elite point guard, he's not doing this all by himself. He's the centerpiece, but not the only star. And we're finally playing team defense in a way that's comparable to the '06 group. It might be, in other words, that we've got the best of each. Whatever happens in Houston, it's worth asking: Is this Rick Barnes' best Texas team yet?
Did anyone else notice that our defensive strength today was man-to-man? Miami was on the verge of being blown out when we switched to zone in the first half, allowing them a string of three point baskets to stay in the contest. Not only did the zone take pressure off Miami, but the man-to-man defense looked like a real strength to me. That's a big, big development.
This begs the question: what to play against Stanford? It's a damn tricky match up because, on the one hand, leaving our bigs in man coverage against the Lopez twins is a scary proposition, but, on the other, our defensive rebounding suffers mightily when we play zone defense. I think the most important goal has to be focusing the defensive effort on where we let the Lopez boys catch the ball. If they've got a foot in the paint, they're near-impossible to stop. Pushing them out just a foot or two from the block makes a world of difference.
I'm sure over the next week Andrew and I will look for every little nugget of info on Stanford and the best way to beat them, but watching today, did anyone else think to themselves, "It's sink or swim with our outside shooting"? Occam's Razor, right? When AJ, Connor, DJ and Damion are stroking it from the perimeter, we're a team that can beat Tennessee by 19 on a neutral floor, or UCLA in their own gym. And when they're not? A loss to Texas Tech isn't out of the question. For all the little stuff we're likely to cover this week, that's probably the biggest thing to watch for in Houston: are the guys comfortable shooting at Reliant?
As far as letting Miami back into the game at the end... I'm not of the opinion that our strategy was misguided down the stretch. I thought, first, it was wise to drain the clock when possible, and second, that if Texas' players had just executed a little bit better we wouldn't have been sweating there at the end. 13 turnovers and 12-21 from the free throw line were the only reasons Texas didn't win this thing by double digits. And if we want to spin a little silver lining into this thing, it's probably not the worst thing that our guys dealt with some high pressure tournament minutes at the end of the game.
If I had to pick two areas I wasn't thrilled with today I'd choose our interior defense and our transition defense. If we earned an A+ for our perimeter defense today (critical, given Miami's strength), I didn't think we did a consistent enough job playing solid position defense on the inside. Part of that was probably due to how focused we were on taking away Miami's guard game, but it's worth noting as we face a team as strong in the paint as Stanford. The transition defense was just pitiful in the second half, allowing Miami at least four too-easy buckets to stay in the game late. This one's just a matter of execution – shut off the damn penetration at the free throw line.
Finally, let's all raise our glasses and toast Rick Barnes and the 2007-08 Texas Longhorns basketball team. As far back as November, we dreamed about the opportunity to get to San Antonio via Houston. Amazingly, they've done just that. It took wins over Tennessee, UCLA, and Kansas – among many others – but they did it. With the team's 30th win of the season today, they've tied the school's single-season record and get to go to Houston with an opportunity for #31. Win or lose, that's all you can ask for.
Hook 'Em


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The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
During the pandemic many states have experienced worsening direct care workforce shortages that have affected providers of home- and community-based long-term care services (HCBS), according to early findings of a new KFF survey of Medicaid HCBS programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Most states reported workforce shortages as the pandemic's primary impact on HCBS provided in an enrollee's home and in group homes. The pandemic has brought new attention among policymakers to the longstanding unmet need for HCBS for seniors and people with disabilities, as well as the direct care workforce shortage that has been driven by low wages, high turnover, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
The survey also finds that the HCBS provider infrastructure declined during the pandemic, with two-thirds of responding states reporting a permanent closure of at least one provider. The survey finds that states' initial plans for the new American Rescue Plan Act's (ARPA) 10 percentage point temporary increase in federal Medicaid matching funds for HCBS center on provider payment rate increases and workforce recruitment — two areas which recent experience confirms are crucial to sustaining and expanding access to long-term care services at home and in the community.
The new survey report focuses on state policies adopted in response to challenges posed by the pandemic, the pandemic's impact on Medicaid HCBS enrollees and providers, and states' initial plans for the ARPA funding. The funding is available from April 2021 through March 2022.
Just under half of the states that responded to the survey said they were tracking COVID-19 vaccination rates among Medicaid HCBS enrollees. At the same time, state HCBS programs are playing a role in facilitating vaccine access for HCBS enrollees, with most responding states adopting multiple policies in this area. Over one-third of responding states have publicly available data on COVID-19 cases and deaths among HCBS enrollees.
The ARPA enhanced funds are available only for one year. The budget reconciliation package proposed by Democratic leaders in Congress aims to expand funding for HCBS, though the details will be worked out by Congressional committees. President Biden earlier this year proposed a $400 billion federal investment in Medicaid HCBS, though it is unclear how much of that funding increase will be approved by Congress as it considers competing priorities in the budget package this year.


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Recap: In any other timeline, Sonic's first feature film would have been a total flop. The Internet's response to Sonic's aesthetic in the movie's first trailer back in 2019 was beyond harsh, and the design was roasted online for looking too humanoid and outright creepy. Remarkably, it all worked out in the end.
Fortunately, the movie's director took the criticism in stride and announced a three-month delay to give Sonic a makeover. The end result was a character that more closely resembled Sega's mascot from the Genesis days. It worked at the box office, too, as the film had the best domestic opening for a movie based on a video game across three- and four-day openings.
Paramount and everyone involved with "Ugly Sonic" likely figured that was the last they'd heard of the blunder, but Disney had other plans.
Ugly Sonic made a cameo in the recently released Chip n' Dale: Rescue Rangers, a direct-to-streaming flick based on Disney's Chip and Dale characters. In the film, Ugly Sonic is seen signing autographs at a convention and even talks about a new reality show he's been offered.
Speaking of Sonic, Sega's Sonic Origins is set to launch on June 23 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch and PC. The retro bundle includes Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic CD, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Pricing starts at $39.99 for the standard edition.
Found is a TechSpot feature where we share clever, funny or otherwise interesting stuff from around the web.


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Like many schools, historically Black colleges and universities have been forced to cancel traditional homecoming celebrations due to the ongoing pandemic. But that doesn't mean there won't be any celebrations.
Tonight, YouTube Originals and BET present HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me on the Yard—a two-hour virtual event hosted by HBCU alums 2 Chainz and La La Anthony. The stream will include appearances by current and former HBCU students who will reflect on their higher education experiences and the legacy of their respective alma maters. It will also include musical guests Saweetie, Chloe x Halle, NLE Choppa, Ari Lennox, Spillage Village, and Tye Tribbett, as well as performances by Divine 9 step teams, the Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South, and FAMU's Marching 100.
Jesse Collins Entertainment and Live Nation Urban are producing the virtual event, which will raise money for the United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
"We are so excited to be a part of this show. HBCUs are such an important part of our culture and the annual homecoming tradition just can't be stopped," executive producers Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon of Jesse Collins Entertainment said in a press release. "We are honored to partner with YouTube and Live Nation to bring all the excitement of an HBCU Homecoming weekend to a virtual world stage."
You can livestream HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me on the Yard now via YouTube above.


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As John Rowles sauntered down the aisle at Government House today exhibiting a confident smile and waving proudly, it was hard not to liken him to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
At age 71, the singer's slicked back hair, pearly white teeth and the reverberation of the lyrics to hit song Cheryl Moana Marie that follow him everywhere, unmistakably warrant him the King title for New Zealand pop music.
But King was not the title to be bestowed today, as Sir John Rowles joined a cohort of people receiving their Queen's Honours at Thursday mornings Investiture Ceremony.
Almost 60 years after his music career begun, the legendary Kiwi singer knelt in front of the Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and her partner Sir David Gascoigne to be knighted for his services to entertainment.
"It was actually a big surprise," Sir John told the Herald.
"I'm glad it happened now because I got the OBE in 1979 from Governor [Keith] Holyoake and Rob Muldoon.
"This sort of completes the whole trip – I can't get much after this. I feel absolutely fantastic," he said.
Looked upon with honour by his two sons, sisters and family, a brief summary of Rowles' career included his tours in the United States and the United Kingdom, and continued shows in New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii.
He was also part of a Royal Command Performance for The Queen in 1981.
He performed a farewell tour in 2011 before returning to the stage in 2014 for his 'I'm Back Again' Australian tour.
He later released his autobiography 'If I Only Had Time' in 2012 and his anthology album of the same name in 2013.
Looking back on the years of performing, Rowles said his mother would be very proud.
"She was so proud with the OBE when I got that, so I can imagine what she would be with the knighthood.
"She protected my OBE medal so much that she hid it away because she was afraid someone might steal it and then when I actually did sell the house nobody could find it.
"It was up on the top of the kitchen, way up the top by the pot plant," he laughed.
"I think I will hide this one as I would hate to lose it."
But being invested as a knight is not the end of Rowles' music career, with the pop star still performing, recording and writing music.
"I'm just going out performing when I want to go out. I have given up the touring night after night. I go out maybe once a fortnight or every three weeks and do really good shows where most of them are full.
"But I am just taking it easy as you only have so many years to live so you don't want to blow it," he said.
Sir John said the last song he wrote was 'This Show Is For You'.
"The other one is called 'The Lights Of Te Atatū' which is about Te Atatū and written by a friend of mine.
"I had an association with Te Atatū for many years. I bought my mother a house there in 1970 and lived there for so many years, so I said 'I am going to record that song', and I did. We are just putting the icing on the cake at the moment."
Despite a long and successful career, Rowles said he still hopes for another hit record.
"I have been trying for a long time but eventually it will come."
He said there were lots of people to credit for helping him get this far.
"The big management agency machine that no artist can really go anywhere internationally without that machine behind them.
"Lots of influences and people like The Platters, The Drifters, The Ink Spots, P.J. Proby, Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones – they were big influencers for me when I started.
"My two sons, Dane and Blake, my sister Georgina who drove me to my first talent quest back in Kawerau back in the late 50s, and Cheryl Moana Marie who is here with her husband.
"And Peter Gormley my manager, there is a whole list that could go from here to Invercargill."


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Marc McKibbin Gains IRATA Level 1 Qualification
Our Geotechnical Engineering Technician, Marc McKibbin, successfully gained his IRATA Level 1 Rope Access Technician qualification, after a gruelling 5-day course in Enniskillen, Fermanagh. The course teaches candidates safe systems of work and provides them with basic knowledge of how to manoeuvre while working on ropes, qualifying him to undertake rope access inspections under supervision.
Click here to find out more about the work Marc does with Geoman.


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A Renovated 1970s House in Pasig
Beyond the striking facade is a home that's in a constant state of improvement. Designed by architect Pierre Briones, the inspiring cul-de-sac property highlights a mix of Japanese, Scandinavian, and tropical elements.
by Cielo Anne Calzado
This Industrial Contemporary Home Stands Out in Alabang
In just 4 months, architect Alistair Sadie was able to build his dream home completed with sustainable features and natural materials
by Cielo Anne Calzado
Posh and Contemporary Details In A 156sqm Condo Home
With a stunning view as its focal point, this unit became more inviting with the combination of muted colors, different textures, and subtle pops of red
by Cielo Anne Calzado
An All-White 67sqm Bachelor Pad
Scandinavian pieces and industrial elements come together in this bright and welcoming home
by Cielo Anne Calzado
A Stunning 450sqm Modern Minimalist Home
See how a neutral palette and a play on textures create a big impact
by Bubbles Salvador
A 15sqm Studio Unit With Industrial and Country Chic Elements
Country chic meets industrial in the smallest condo we've ever seen
by Cielo Anne Calzado
A 1000sqm Home with Dreamy Contemporary Interiors
Standing on a 500sqm lot, this awe-inspiring property features sleek architectural details, calming pockets of peace, and an overall look thatâs beyond welcoming
by Cielo Anne Calzado
A Homey Minimalist Look for a 36sqm Studio Unit
To make the condo appealing to possible renters, interior designer Tala Singson worked with natural textures and an all-white-and-gray color scheme
by Cielo Anne Calzado
A 24sqm Rustic Industrial Studio Unit
Wood and metal complete the coffee shop-inspired look of this cozy city haven
by Cielo Anne Kessel Calzado
A Complete Makeover for a Family Home
In just 10 days, design consultant Grace Moslares and the makeover team were able to give this property a major overhaul
by Cielo Anne Calzado
How To Make Macrame Hanging Planters
Time to showcase your favorite indoor plants in a fun way!
by Jen Inumerable Suarez


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General anesthetics produce important changes in neural function, but the relation between the many individual changes produced by anesthetics in neural components and the responsiveness of the whole organism is uncertain. An analysis of genetically altered animals that have modified responses to volatile anesthetics may help to allay this uncertainty.
The authors evaluated the effect of halothane on synaptic transmission at the larval neuromuscular junction in wild-type (Ore-R) and halothane-resistant (har) mutants of Drosophila melanogaster. The body wall muscles, which are innervated by glutamatergic nerves, were voltage clamped at -60 mV using the patch-clamp technique in the whole cell configuration. Nerve-evoked excitatory junctional currents and miniature excitatory junctional currents were recorded. The effects of halothane on the amplitude of these currents were compared in Ore-R and two bar mutants derived from the Ore-R strain. The time course and frequency of miniature excitatory junctional currents also were analyzed in the presence of halothane.
In Ore-R, halothane (1.8%; 1.01 mM) significantly reduced the amplitude of nerve-evoked excitatory junctional currents (61.9+/-17% of control, mean +/- SD; n = 7), but not that of miniature excitatory junctional currents. Conversely, in two har mutants, halothane had no effect on the amplitude of either nerve-evoked excitatory junctional currents or miniature excitatory junctional currents. In Ore-R, the frequency of miniature excitatory junctional currents was decreased significantly in the presence of halothane (0.9-2.7%; 0.52-1.46 mM), whereas halothane did not change the frequency in two har mutants. The miniature excitatory junctional current decay time constant, thought to reflect the kinetic properties of junctional glutamate receptor channels, was not changed by halothane in either the Ore-R strain or the har mutants.
Halothane depresses synaptic transmission at the wild-type Drosophila neuromuscular junction, most likely by affecting presynaptic properties. The absence of an effect by halothane in the har mutants provides evidence that the depression of presynaptic function at the glutamate-mediated synapses is an important contributor to the way halothane alters the responsiveness of the whole animal.
Key words: Drosophila melanogaster; excitatory junctional currents; glutamate; neuromuscular junction; patch clamp; volatile anesthetics.
ALTHOUGH chemical synapses in the central nervous system are thought to be particularly important candidates for the main sites of anesthetic action, [1,2]little is known about the relation between the many individual changes produced by anesthetics in neural components and the responsiveness of the whole organism. An analysis of genetically altered animals that are resistant or sensitive to inhalation anesthetics ultimately may allow us to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which general anesthetics alter behavioral states. Recently, Drosophila melanogaster mutants that showed an abnormal response to the inhalation anesthetic halothane were isolated. [3]Some of these mutants show unusual motor behavior in the absence of halothane, suggesting that some components of the nervous system of har mutants have morphologic or physiologic (or both) alterations that cause the altered response to anesthetics. However, despite the findings of previous genetic, behavioral, and pharmacologic studies, [4,5]it remains unknown whether synaptic transmission in these mutants is affected differentially by inhalation anesthetics such as halothane.
In this study, we evaluated the effect of halothane on glutamate-mediated synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of wild-type Drosophila larvae and those of har mutants. We found that halothane inhibits synaptic transmission by affecting presynaptic properties and that the har mutants are resistant to this effect of halothane.
Fly Stocks
The Oregon-R (Ore-R) strain of D. melanogaster was used as a wild type throughout this investigation. Stocks of two strains of mutant flies (har 38, har 85), derived from Ore-R, were the gifts of Dr. Howard A. Nash. [3]These mutants have similarly altered patterns of sensitivity to different anesthetics, show similarly abnormal behaviors in the absence of halothane, map to the same genetic locus, and fail to complement one another fully. [4]Thus, they are likely to be independent alleles of a gene that contributes to the structure or function (or both) of the fly's nervous system.
First instar larvae were collected shortly after hatching and dissected using a pair of sharp needles under [Ca2+]-free Drosophila saline (composed of 140 mM NaCl, 2 mM KCl, 6 mM MgCl2, and 5 mM HEPES-NaOH, adjusted to pH 7.1 with NaOH) as described previously. [6,7]Briefly, the body wall of the first instar larvae was cut along the dorsal midline to keep the central nervous system intact. After the removal of the gut, gonads, fat bodies, and trachea, the internal surface of the body wall was exposed. To hold the specimen flat on a rectangular cover glass surface (60 x 20 mm), two dental floss fibers that were approximately 10 mm were used. These fibers were placed in parallel approximately 1 mm apart and were taped onto a cover glass. The dissected animal was inserted under the dental floss fibers with the internal side facing upward and spread open. A Plexiglas frame, (Dow Corning, Midland, MI 2 mm thick, was pasted on the cover glass with vacuum grease) to form a 1-ml chamber that was filled with recording solutions (to be described).
The specimen was treated with collagenase (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO; 1 mg/ml in low [Ca2+] saline) for 3-5 min at room temperature to facilitate gigaseal formation. The ionic content of low [Ca2+] saline was 149 mM NaCl, 2 mM KCl, 5 mM HEPES-NaOH, and 0.1 mM CaCl2, pH 7.1. After the enzyme treatment, the preparation was washed several times with [Ca (2+)]-free Drosophila saline and the chamber was filled again with recording solution.
Electrophysiologic Experiments
The properties of glutamate-mediated synaptic transmission of Drosophila larvae have been characterized extensively electrophysiologically [6-9]and morphologically. [10]Experiments were performed at identified NMJs on muscles 6 or 7 in abdominal segments (A2-A4) using the standard whole cell patch-clamp technique. [11]Muscle cells were voltage clamped at -60 mV by using an Axopatch 1D amplifier (Axon Instruments, Foster City, CA) in the whole cell configuration. Nerve-evoked excitatory junctional currents (EJCs) and miniature excitatory junctional currents (MEJCs) were recorded as follows (Figure 1). To record nerve-evoked EJCs, the central nervous system was stimulated electrically. A stimulating microelectrode was placed near the midline of the central nervous system, and positive pulses (2 [micro sign]A, 2 ms in duration, 0.1 Hz), which were adjusted in the amplitude to evoke maximal stable EJCs, were delivered every 10 s. After filling with 4 M K-acetate, the microelectrode had a resistance of approximately 10 M Omega. With this arrangement, as verified by the short latency with which synaptic currents appeared after the onset of stimulus, the motoneurons innervating the clamped muscle cell were excited directly by the stimulating pulse. Recording patch electrodes were made from soft, glass capillaries (Drummond Scientific Co., Broomall, PA), which had a resistance of approximately 5 M Omega after being filled with the internal solution (composed 158 mM KCl, 5 mM EGTA, 10 mM HEPES-NaOH, and 2 mM adenosine triphosphate, pH, 7.1). Stocks of adenosine triphosphate stored at -20 [degree sign]C were dissolved in the internal solution shortly before use.
In all experiments, Drosophila saline containing 0.5 mM [Ca2+] was used as the recording solution. This [Ca2+] concentration was relatively less than those of previous reports [8,9]to compensate for the early developmental stage of the muscle examined. As we described previously, [6]increasing [Ca2+] concentrations (> 1 mM) frequently caused contraction of the muscles and their detachment from the body wall in first instar larval muscles, but 0.5 mM [Ca2+] prevented this and still allowed evoked EJCs and MEJCs to be recorded. In MEJCs recordings, 1 [micro sign]M tetrodotoxin was included in the recording solution to prevent motor nerve firing. All experiments were performed at room temperature (18-24 [degree sign]C).
Application and Measurement of Halothane
Halothane (Takeda Chemical Industry, Osaka, Japan) was applied by the perfusion system (approximately 2 ml/min) with Drosophila saline containing 0.5 mM [Ca2+]. To make a solution of a desired concentration of the volatile anesthetic, halothane delivered from a calibrated commercial vaporizer (Fluotec 3; Fraser Harlake, Orchard Park, NY) was bubbled into the perfusate for at least 15 min before switching from control recording solutions. Halothane-containing solutions were perfused through a 1.5-mm Teflon (Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, Chicago, IL) tube using a gravity-feed and vacuum system. Solutions in the recording chamber were sampled, and anesthetic concentrations of halothane were determined at a later date using gas liquid chromatography. Standard halothane concentrations of 0.9, 1.8, and 2.7% used in our experiments corresponded to concentrations of 0.52 +/- 0.08 mM, 1.01 +/- 0.12 mM, and 1.46 +/- 0.15 mM, respectively (mean +/- SD, from three measurements). In many cases, successful recordings from one muscle cell were completed within 1 h; therefore, we considered that the loss of halothane was negligible. This reagent contained 0.01% thymol as a preservative. We evaluated the effect of relevant concentrations of thymol (0.15 [micro sign]M) on synaptic currents at the Drosophila NMJ, but the thymol itself at the concentrations used in our study had no significant effect on these currents.
Data Analysis
All currents recorded were filtered at 5 kHz, digitized at sampling rates of 10 kHz, and analyzed using pCLAMP 6.02 software (Axon Instruments), as described previously. [7]At the same time, real-time current recordings were made using a paper recorder (Nihon-Kohden, Tokyo, Japan). Kinetic analysis of MEJCs was performed on averaged traces (usually 10-20 traces). The rise time of synaptic currents was measured at 10-90% of the peak amplitude, and the decay phase was well-fitted with a single exponential curve [6]: y = Ae-t/[Greek small letter tau] for single exponential decay, where A is the peak amplitude of MEJCs and [Greek small letter tau] is the time constant of decay. Measurements are given as the mean +/- SD, with an n value that is equal to the number of cells studied. Differences among multiple groups were tested by one-way analysis of variance, as indicated. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.
The Effect of Halothane on Nerve-evoked Excitatory Junctional Currents
The results are based on recordings from muscles 6 or 7 at abdominal segments of the first instar larvae; a representative example is shown in Figure 2A. Halothane produced a marked and consistent depression of nerve-evoked EJC amplitude at a concentration of 1.8% in wild-type (Ore-R) larvae (61.9 +/- 17% of control, mean +/- SD; n = 7, P < 0.01; Figure 2B). The time course of the effects of halothane on EJCs amplitude was relatively slow: 5-10 min were necessary to reach steady state levels of depression, and recovery required approximately 5 min. This effect of halothane on nerve-evoked EJCs in Ore-R was observed in a dose-dependent manner (Figure 2C). However, we could not measure the amplitude of evoked EJCs at higher concentrations of halothane (> 2.7%) because muscles contracted frequently and detached from the body wall. Therefore, we could not determine the concentration for 50% depression of nerve-evoked EJCs amplitudes in Ore-R. Conversely, halothane (0.9-2.7%) had no significant effect on the amplitude of EJCs in bar 38 and 85 mutants.
The Effect of Halothane on Miniature Excitatory Junctional Currents
Amplitude. Infrequently occurring MEJCs, caused by quantal release of glutamate, were recorded in 0.5 mM [Ca2+] saline containing 1 [micro sign]M tetrodotoxin (Figure 3A). As shown in Table 1, the amplitude of MEJCs in the Ore-R strain is unaffected by halothane (1.8%). Furthermore, the bar mutations have no significant effect on the amplitude of MEJCs in the absence or presence of anesthetic.
Rise Time and Decay Time Constants
Miniature EJCs have a fast rising phase and a slower decay phase, shown in Figure 3B. The rise time in control saline was 0.55 +/- 0.15 ms (n = 15) in Ore-R, 0.59 +/- 0.14 (n = 16) in har 38, and 0.52 +/- 0.16 (n = 14) in har 85. There was no significant difference among these values. The rise time was not affected in the presence of halothane (1.8%). We also evaluated the effect of halothane on the decay phase of MEJCs. Figure 3C shows averaged traces of MEJCs recorded from both Ore-R and har 38. The results are summarized in Table 1. At a concentration of 1.8%, halothane did not significantly affect the decay time constant of either Ore-R or mutant larvae.
Ten minutes after bath application of halothane, the frequency of MEJCs was decreased reversibly in Ore-R (Figure 4A). As shown in Figure 4B, the addition of halothane (0.9-2.7%) in the bath solution significantly decreased the frequency of MEJCs in Ore-R (10.2 +/- 4 events/min in control, 2.6 +/- 2.1 events/min in 2.7% of halothane; n = 8, P < 0.01 vs. control). Conversely, halothane did not change the frequency of MEJCs in two har mutants.
The primary fnding of this study is that, in wild-type (Ore-R) larvae of D. melanogaster, halothane significantly reduces the amplitude of nerve-evoked EJCs but not that of MEJCs. These data strongly suggest that the primary anesthetic action is on presynaptic neurotransmitter release mechanisms. This conclusion is supported by our findings that the frequency of MEJCs of wild-type larvae is decreased by the presence of halothane, but the rise-time and decay-time constant of MEJCs are unaffected by the drug. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration in this model organism of a specific effect of a general anesthetic on synaptic transmission.
Although clinically relevant concentrations of anesthetics alter the performance of so many cellular systems, [1]it has been nearly impossible to determine whether a particular anesthetic action makes an important contribution to the clinical state. However, we have found that two mutant strains of D. melanogaster are insensitive to the presynaptic effects of halothane on neuromuscular transmission. Specifically, the two effects of halothane seen in Ore-R, reduction of the amplitude of nerve-evoked EJCs and reduction of the frequency of MEJCs, are not evident in mutant larvae, even at concentrations well above those that produce effects in Ore-R. Adults of these mutant strains have altered behavioral responses to halothane, [3]which is why they were selected. At least we can conclude that the altered sensitivity of presynaptic glutamate release to halothane contributes to the altered effects of halothane on behavior. If so, our results provide evidence of the biologic significance of presynaptic neurotransmitter release as an anesthetic mechanism.
The mechanism by which halothane presynaptically depresses the amplitude of nerve-evoked EJCs in Ore-R remains to be elucidated. In general, multiple steps are involved in neurotransmitter release after action potentials arrive in the presynaptic terminal. [12]The plasma membrane depolarizes as a result of activation of voltage-gated Na+channels, which elicit [Ca2+] entry through voltage-gated [Ca2+]. This [Ca (2+)] entry is coupled to the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Each of these steps can be modulated by cellular regulatory mechanisms, such as phosphorylation, and by specific drugs. One possible mechanism by which halothane reduces nerve-evoked glutamate release is the inhibition of presynaptic Na+or [Ca2+] channels, or both. Unfortunately, we could not determine the effect of the [[Ca2+]] concentration on evoked EJCs in the presence of halothane, because muscles easily detached and contracted from the body wall in higher [Ca2+] concentrations.
Miniature EJCs recorded in our experiments most resulted from a spontaneous quantal release of neurotransmitter from synaptic vesicles, rather than from spontaneous firing of motor nerves. In all MEJCs recordings, 1 [micro sign]M tetrodotoxin, which has been shown to block Na+inward currents in Drosophila neurons, [13]was included in the recording solution. Although many invertebrate muscles receive glutamate-mediated and [Greek small letter gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated dual innervation, there is no indication of GABA-mediated inhibitory innervation at the Drosophila NMJ. First, argiotoxin (12 [micro sign]M), a spider toxin that blocks Drosophila glutamate receptor channels, completely blocked MEJCs and evoked EJCs, as described previously. [6]Second, EJCs could be evoked by puff-applied L-glutamate using a pressure injection system. Third, our preliminary experiments have shown that the bath application of picrotoxin (for 20 min, 50 [micro sign]M), a GABA-chloride channel blocker, had no significant effect on nerve-evoked EJCs recordings of Ore-R in the presence of halothane. Therefore, we concluded that the effects of halothane on GABA-mediated inhibitory innervation were negligible in our experiments.
There is no reason to believe that the presynaptic depression of neurotransmitter release is the only important action of general anesthetics. Many electrophysiologic and biochemical studies have shown anesthetic actions at postsynaptic sites, especially ligand-gated ion channels such as glutamate, [14,15]GABAA, [16,17]and glycine receptors. [18]These results clearly show that anesthetics can exert a specific action on these ion channel properties. However, our results showed that halothane had no significant effect on the time course of MEJCs; the decay time constant of MEJCs, thought to reflect kinetic properties of junctional glutamate receptor channels, was unaffected by halothane. These results suggest that the concentrations in which halothane have presynaptic effects are less than those for postsynaptic effects.
Campbell and Nash [19]reported that, although har mutants show reduced responses to halothane in one assay, they are hypersensitive to the drug in another. It is difficult to interpret such complex results because behavioral assays report the integrated activity of hundreds of neurons. In contrast, we studied the effect of halothane on one type of synapse: glutamate-mediated synaptic transmission at the NMJ. Therefore, we believe that our results provide an insight into a specific effect of halothane on synaptic transmission.
Of course, much work needs to be performed before our conclusion is solidified. It has been reported that NMJs of flight and jump muscles in adult flies continue to function in the presence of high concentrations of halothane. [20]Detailed physiologic studies of various NMJs in adult flies need to be evaluated to identify quantitative differences and similarities between larvae and adults. In addition, genetic studies must confirm that the effect on halothane sensitivity in larvae of the mutant strains results from the same mutation that induces an altered anesthetic response in the adult. In this context, it would also be of value to determine whether the har 38 and har 85 mutations alter behavioral responses of Drosophila larvae to halothane. As has been noted, [21]gene knockout technology should produce mutant mice that lack various putative anesthetic targets. It will then be of interest to compare the relative influence of postsynaptic effects on the behavioral response to anesthetics with the presynaptic effects highlighted by our study in Drosophila.
In conclusion, halothane inhibits synaptic transmission at the larval Drosophila NMJ, most likely by affecting presynaptic properties, and har mutants resist this effect of halothane. The absence of the effect of halothane in the har mutations provides evidence that depression of presynaptic function at glutamate-mediated synapses is an important contributor to the way halothane alters the responsiveness of the whole animal.
The authors thank Dr. Howard A. Nash for his critical reading and comments about our manuscript.


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All Boaters Need to be Whale Wise
By now you have probably seen the news and social media coverage of the pleasure boat that hit a gray whale near Whidbey Island on Sunday morning.
Capt. Thomas Bliss, director of the Northwest Maritime Academy at Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard, drew our attention to the story early this week, and it's a painful reminder for boaters: We all need to become whale wise and be on the lookout when cruising through Puget Sound this time of year.
Video taken by a passenger aboard the whale watching vessel, the San Juan Clipper, shows a power boat speeding through an area being viewed by some 200 spectators on the idling whale watching boat. Another whale watching boat is seen in the background, keeping a respectful distance while observing the 45-foot behemoths feeding on April 23.
A cluster of boats bobbing around an area with lots of people onboard observing the water is a signal to slow down and look around, reminds Bliss.
"When we see whale watching boats, that usually means whales are in the area," he said. "Boaters need to be aware of safe zones and regulations around whales."
See the video at: King 5 News – Boat Hits Whale
Apparently, the whale was in a group of three grays known individually as 49 (also called "Patch"), 22 and 383. They are among the 10 or 11 gray whales that have been spotted for many years in Puget Sound on their annual migration from Mexican breeding waters to Alaskan feeding waters.
Follow These Guidelines & Local Laws in the Presence of Marine Wildlife:
- Stay 200 yards away from endangered orcas – Federal Regulations for endangered killer whales require that boaters stay 200 yards away and disengage the transmission of the vessel.
- Stay a respectful distance from gray whales – Do not disturb or put these mammals in danger from boat props, noise, stress and disruption of their natural behavior.
- Keep path of the whales clear
- Do not feed whales
- U.S. regulations apply to all vessels (with some exceptions) in inland waters of Washington, including: aircraft, canoes, fishing vessels, kayaks, personal watercraft, rafts, recreational vessels, tour boats, whale watching boats, vessels engaged in whale watching activities, and other small craft including power boats and sailboats.
According to the King 5 News report, the gray whale that was recently struck may have been the well-known "Patch," first photographed in Puget Sound in the 1990's. Spectators on the San Juan Clipper were shocked to see the boat zipping through an area of idling whale watchers, then horrified when it hit one of the whales. They watched as the impact jolted the power boat out of the water.
"We were watching the whales, and then this guy comes blowing through really fast," said Lisa Shannon who was aboard San Juan Clipper. "We were all commenting, 'What's that guy doing?'"
Just then, the back of a whale emerges from the water, and video shows the speeding boat being knocked into the air.
"It looked like he was headed straight for the whale, and he was, and he hit it, and we were just shocked," Shannon said. "He hit the whale at full speed. It seemed like he sped up to get through the boats like they were in his way."
Be Whale Wise and Help Protect Precious Marine Wildlife
A naturalist aboard the whale watching charter took pictures of the vessel operator. They were sent to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with the video. Wildlife agents were able to track down the boater. WDFW says they have taken a statement from the driver and he was cooperating with their investigation of the incident.
Gray whales are baleen whales that migrate between feeding and breeding waters each year. They reach nearly 50 feet in length, weigh around 40 tons and live between 55 and 70 years. The gray whale has a dark slate-gray color and is covered by characteristic gray-white patterns, scars left by parasites that drop off in cold feeding waters. They have two blowholes on top of their head, a feature that can create a distinctive V-shaped blow that reaches 10 feet into the air.
The annual gray whale migration extends from the Baja Peninsula to the Bering Sea. The grays make a detour from their off-shore route to feed on ghost shrimp in Puget Sound in March and April. They are now feeding off the Snohomish Delta near Everett in shallow water, about 10 feet deep, according to whale watching websites.
Keep a Respectful Distance from Gray Whales Feeding in Puget Sound
The area around Everett, Camano Island and Whidbey Island is popular with grays due to the robust shrimp population for building up fat stores for the remainder of their journey to Alaska.
So boaters, be whale wise and give whales space. Of course seeing killer whales, grays and other marine wildlife in their natural environment is a thrilling experience. But remember that our presence has an effect on their habitat and livelihood.
When we get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise, we may be disrupting these activities and causing the animals unnecessary stress. In some cases, we may be threatening their lives.
Set an example for others, become whale wise and help protect our spectacular marine resources.
In 2012 Washington State updated its vessel regulations protecting killer whales to correspond with federal regulations. See WDFW.wa.gov/conservation for details. For more information go to: Bewhalewise.org.
(Photos courtesy of King 5 News and Google Images)


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On-Premise, Hosted, and Cloud Applications
When software is installed at the company's site, it generally is referred to as "on-premise." But some companies prefer to outsource the care and feeding of the application to a third party. This, however, does not necessarily mean that the software is delivered as a service. Often, the software is simply delivered to a different destination and licensed just as it would be if it were running on-premise. This generally is referred to as a hosted environment, and services also may be purchased to perform that care and feeding, in addition to the hosting fees.
In a hosted environment, the company that licenses the software may in fact be responsible for running the application itself, and then outsource the technical infrastructure and maintenance. Or, it may decide to outsource much of the work involved in running the application. This generally is referred to as application-managed services (AMS).
If the software is not located at your physical site but you can access it virtually, this operating environment is referred to as cloud. A cloud can be private—nobody can access it except your company. Or, a cloud can be public—you access it through the Internet and you may, indeed, share the software with other companies, even though your data is secure. This is more likely to be a SaaS environment. In a SaaS or on-demand model the software itself is neither licensed nor owned by the company using it. The software is delivered as a service and typically is paid for through a subscription for the service provided.
Multi-Tenant and Multi-Instance
SaaS purists will insist that in order to be true SaaS, the solution also must be multi-tenant. This means there is only one instance of the software itself, and the data belonging to each subscriber is segregated and secured. However, everyone runs a common set of code and configuration settings tailored and personalized for its business processes. But in fact, the software can be delivered as a service in a single tenant or multi-instance, rather than a multi-tenant environment.
The solution provider benefits most directly from being able to offer a multi-tenant solution, because this allows it to scale delivery with less cost. Obviously, delivering bug fixes and product innovations to a single instance of software supporting many customers is far easier and more efficient for the vendor.
But, in fact, some vendors choose not to deliver their SaaS solutions as multi-tenant, for one of two reasons: Either their solution is not constructed to support this; or they feel they can deliver a more customized solution through multiple instances. And in fact some companies purchasing ERP solutions prefer to not run in a multi-tenant environment, for the same (latter) reason. While it is not impossible to deliver customized solutions through a multi-tenant SaaS solution (Plex Online SaaS ERP does this, for example), it does add a level of complexity for the solution provider.
To the nontechnical ERP users, the most important aspect is that they are able to connect to the application and its data from any computer with a browser. This may be accomplished with any of these deployment and license options. If in fact this is possible, often times the end user does not know or care which of these deployment options actually are being used to deliver the application, and they are even less likely to care how it is paid for.
But for those responsible for the purchase and deployment decisions, it is important to understand all of the potentially confusing options. MFTechnologies: Management


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Grace of Monaco (DVD) – Movie Review
Grace Kelly: for some it is the name of the legendary Hollywood starlet, for many more it is the name of the Princess of Monaco. Her life has been the prime example of the American Dream and has been considered a real-life fairytale. Of course, the truth behind the façade of a perfect life is generally completely different. Even Kelly must have gone through troubled times. She left behind what she knew to search for a new life in Monaco and had to adapt to the customs and culture of the strange land.
In Grace of Monaco, we follow Grace Kelly (Nicole Kidman) long after she has said farewell to the big screen. She is living in Monaco, together with her husband Prince Rainier III (Tim Roth). The two of them have two children: Caroline & Albert II. On the outside the couple looks very much in love, the reality however is quite different.
Grace can't really adapt to the Monégasque lifestyle. She doesn't know the customs and has a poor grip on the French language. Rainier is occupied with regal affairs, which leaves her in a strange land without the affection of her husband. It becomes even worse when the president of France, Charles de Gaulle (André Penvern), needs Monaco to help him pay the bill for his war in Algiers. Rainier doesn't want to sacrifice his country for the expenses done by France but is threatened by the economic power (and the large army) of France.
Plot wise, the movie mostly focuses on the role Grace Kelly played during these difficult times for Monaco. The actors do a splendid job putting down the characters. Kidman does a great job playing Grace, she adapts Kelly's composure and at times really seems to become the late Princess. Roth, who came to the limelight thanks to roles in Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, portrays an excellent Rainier, who is still struggling with his power. The chemistry between the two also helps to sell the love story in the movie.
The story has a lot of potential. An imminent crisis for the country combined with the relationship troubles of Rainier and Grace should be more as enough to have a compelling movie. Unfortunately, director Olivier Dahan (who also made the excellent La Vie en Rose) choses to tease us with interesting plot elements, but forgets to actually follow up on them in a meaningful way. Instead, he opts for a very superficial take on this part of history.
Accompanying the scenes is mostly classical music. For a movie about royals, this is hardly a surprising choice, but it isn't a bad one either. With Maria Callas (Paz Vega) being one of the court guests, it is a given that we are treated to at least one performance of the opera star.
So, why doesn't this film get a higher score? Well, for one the camera work is subpar at best. A lot of overly dramatic close-ups of eyes that seem to last forever are something that happens regularly in this movie. Together with the shine of gold covering just about any scene it adds something surreal to the movie. Perhaps it is the directors way of demonstrating that the movie really isn't a biography, but just fairy tale that just so happens to be based upon real life people.
That brings me to the last part of critique. It really isn't a biography of the life of Grace Kelly. We've been spoiled lately with awesome bios such as Ali, Ray, Walk the Line, …, but Grace of Monaco never even touches the quality level of these movies. It is partly because the Grace in this movie is a perfect being, unable to make mistakes or errors and nothing she does is wrong. Because of this, you feel like the movie is going through the motions, without actually respecting its subject matter. The movie isn't historical correct at all. Sure, poetic freedom must be allowed, but you'd expect a bit more reality from a movie that is based on true events.
Grace of Monaco is an empty movie which is elevated to a decent level by its actors. The story stays superficial and never delves into the personal motivations, but it will still keep you entertained for the duration of the movie. It's a shame, because the subject of Grace Kelly is truly interesting.
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Scene Title | Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum |
Synopsis | Monica says goodbye to a friend and to the Blocks in one fell swoop. |
Date | October 19, 2011 |
It's a gray, dingy sort of morning. There's a threat of rain in the low-hanging clouds that block out the little sun that makes its way through crowded brick housing. Everything is damp and chilly, the moisture left behind on sidewalks, trees, and leaves making everything seem a bit darker. Starker.
Daphne sits on the stoop of her apartment, a large mug of coffee held in one of her gloved hand. A gray knit cap is pulled down under her locks, which hides her bright hair, but her fair face seems to stand out in sharp relief against everything else.
Stepping out of her apartment, Monica seems to have found herself an actual black jacket. It isn't a hoodie, but it'll do. It's warm, and that's important this time of year. She glances over to Daphne's and smiles when she sees the speedster there. It's a little dim, that smile, but warm nonetheless.
"Hey, Flash," she says as she makes her way over. She's favoring her ankle, even with it wrapped up for support. "I've got something for you." Out of a pocket, she pulls a new bag of what promises to be ~artisanal~ coffee grounds. "I'm told it's way better than anything else in here." When she reaches the step, she holds it out toward Daphne, but she doesn't sit. Any other morning, she might, not today, though.
"Sadly, I am not as fast as light, but I'll take the compliment," Daphne says with a smirk. She reaches for the bag. "Oh, my God. Thank you. All I've had for the last week is Cafe Vienna in a tin." She smells the coffee, and beams. "Thank you."
She looks back up at Monica, her eyes narrowing. "So this is goodbye, then? You pulling a Houdini? You're sure you can move fast enough on that ankle?" Monica's anklet is of course now on the other, less swollen ankle. "You might want to give it another day or two." Or maybe she just wants another friend around for another day or two. It could be worry or selfishness. It's hard to say.
"Least I can do. You've been the nicest neighbor I've ever had." Monica can't seem to bring her smile up any brighter, but the thanks is genuine all the same. Her expression falls altogether at the narrowed eyes. "I was thinking more of a see you later," she says, trying to keep her tone light. The worry — or selfishness — gets a gentler look from Monica. "I've done worse on worse," she notes. "I've got people out there who can do something about all this," she says, waving her hand up the street, "I can help more out there than in here." There's a small pause before she cracks a small, crooked smile. "Plus, parkour ninjas are not meant to be caged. Birds gotta fly, all that."
The smile at the first words Monica says fades a little at the caged talk. Daphne makes a face, the metaphor one that stings a little. "Yeah. I get it. I'd go too if I hadn't already been burnt a few times, so to speak. Hopefully you'll have better luck. I've kinda spent a couple of my nine lives in the past year. Don't think I should press my luck." She stands, taking the two steps that bring her to Monica's ground level standing. "Be safe, yeah?" she says, holding out a hand for a hand shake. Monica's earned her respect, as well as her envy.
"I understand. I probably shouldn't press my luck, either." And yet. "Can't seem to help myself, though." Monica looks at Daphne's hand, pausing a moment before she takes it for a shake. "Safe as I can manage," she says, and she pulls Daphne in for a quick hug. "Okay, I better go before their ops really pick up for the day. My floral hoodie is in there, still," she says with a glance back to her house. She's barely left a mark on it, except a little handywork over the past few weeks. "It'll fit you. And it's cute." Her goodbyes might need work. Monica steps away from the house without further ado. Because further ado might have her staying behind.
The hug seems to come as a surprise. Daphne's hands come up quick enough to give Monica a tight squeeze. "Thanks. It's cute," she says. Because either of them really care about clothing. As Monica begins to move away, tough, she calls after, "Nolite te bastardes carborundorum."
Look, she's read a thing or two in her time. Especially when she didn't have the ability to walk.
She waves once, and moves back up the stoop to go back into the house. Apparently she was there just to say goodbye.
At the call, Monica turns back only long enough to give Daphne a salute, and then she's off. On her normal morning run, as she's been establishing since she got here. Trying her best to hold off any alarm until the last moment.
She knows that there is a spot near the perimeter that's less looked at than other spots around Eltingville, an inviting little hideaway that might just be too good to be true. At least, Monica thinks so. But it's tempting enough to sell to the watchers and it's near there, tucked against a brick building away from the street, that she lets herself zone out and follow the medical personel's method to slip her gps tracker off her ankle. And once it pops, she leaves it there and moves back into the neighborhood, slipping between shades and alleys and bits of cover she's been scouting out.
The blocks are beginning to come to life, little by little. If Monica expected FRONTLINE suited guards and robots to come charging at her the second she slipped her anklet, she'll be let down in the best way possible. No doubt the data of that anklet is getting stored but a few minutes of stillness — even in a strange location — isn't enough to get the robots moving. If it were a person behind the data analysis, watching the Eltingville equivalent of a Marauder's Map, alarms might be raised. Klaxons might be sounded. But for now, there's just the ordinary noises of the ghetto coming to life.
It is the absolute best let down Monica has ever experienced. But, regardless of the lack of quick response, she is putting as much careful distance between it and her as she can. In as little time. She knows where she's going, where the transport vehicles are housed when not in use. She picks her way there under windows of (hopefully) still sleeping people, moving from residential toward military. It isn't the most logically safe route out, but she's already been toe-to-toe with the robots once, she's in no hurry to try it again.
Suddenly rounding the corner is one of the uniformed guards. He's still buttoning his coat, apparently leaving his own apartment and on the way to work. His blue eyed gaze alights on Monica, tipping his head. Appraisingly. A moment later he smiles.
"Morning. You lost?" he asks, since there isn't too much call for one of the "civilians" to be in this corner of the blocks. "Not too many people wander this way on purpose." It's said a bit wryly. Out comes a box of cigarettes, one tapped out, before it's brought to his mouth. Next comes a lighter, the flick of his thumb bringing the fire to life as he lights the cigarette, his eyes watching her.
Seeing the guard come into view, Monica stops short and pivots her empty ankle behind her. When he looks at her, she smiles, too, and lets out a soft laugh that she hope doesn't sound too nervous. "I am. I was out for a run, but I haven't learned my way around yet. I'm new." Some of that is true.
She glances to the cigarettes, then back up at him. "You must have upset your boss to get stuck with these hours," she comments, tone lighthearted. Her smile tips a little crooked, "Can I bum one of those off you?" The cigarettes, she means.
The guard raises a brow. "Better than the shift before, I guess," he says, but he taps out a cigarette, waiting for her to take one, the lighter at the ready. "Where you trying to get back to? I can point you on your way. Not that hard to figure out where you are, once you know the lay of the land."
His name on his uniform identifies him as L. Jakovic. "How long you been here?" he asks. He seems friendly enough — at least for small talk — though it's a distant sort of friendly. He's not falling too hard for a pretty face. He also is old enough to be her father.
"Good point," Monica says, and she steps closer to take one of those cigarettes. "It's back on, um, Holly," she says. "It's only been a week or so," she adds before she puts the cigarette in her mouth and leans in. For him to light it, of course. She does note that a pretty face isn't cutting it, but then, that never has worked great for Monica. So, instead, she waits for an opening to present itself, when he might be more off guard than on. Or at least not looking right at her.
He flicks the wheel of the lighter and holds it, one hand cupping to keep the slight breeze from blowing it out. That done, he slips both lighter and cigarette pack back into his pocket. "Holly," he repeats, and looks out past her, as if he could see each of the streets laid out between where they stand and the far wall on the other side of the blocks. "You're going to want to go down this way a block or so, then turn left…" he begins, giving fairly detailed directions. "Stay safe. I know you probably think in a guarded city like this, you'd be safe, but there are people in here that are dangerous," he says once he's done. He takes a puff of his cigarette and begins to walk once again, heading in the direction of one of the main checkpoints.
With the cigarette lit, Monica holds it between two fingers, rather than smoke it. Maybe she's being polite, since he is giving her directions and everything. She nods to them, listenting with her brow furrowed. She looks back to him when he finishes, and she smiles again, gently. "Thank you. I hadn't thought about that. I'll keep an eye out." There's a moment, her fingers twitch, ready to move. But then he turns to walk away, off to work and not dragging her off anywhere. So she relaxes and snuffs out the cigarette before tucking it into her pocket. She she moves, taking a more roundabout path, but mostly in the same direction as she was before. Toward the motor pool.
This street is a little busier — the guards coming and going to get their vehicles from the parking lot that serves as the motorpool. It's close to one of the gates, restricted to military or law enforcement vehicles as opposed to the general visitation gate. The parking lot was once a pay-for lot, equipped with a booth and an electronic arm barring entrance and exit on each side. Now it's a guard who sits in the booth, checking off badges and vehicle numbers — much like his counterpart at the gate itself, just around the corner.
Monica checks out the gate and the booths, but it isn't where she's aiming. She strolls through until she gets eyes on transports sitting idle. She hunts for a tucked away spot to observe, to see which one of the vehicles is being prepped, if any. Any guards in the area are noted, especially those who seem to belong to the motorpool, and she waits for a lane to open for her to slip through toward the parking lot. The cigarette finds its way to her fingers and she ends up twirling it between them. A calming movement.
The only way in or out of the parking lot seems to be those metal beams the guard operates, but the trucks and cars are simply surrounded by an old, rusty, chain-link fence atop a smaller foundation of concrete blocks, the entire fence only about 10 feet high. It's easily scaleable, and toward the back end, there's a spot that's out of the booth guard's gaze — even if he were to turn around and watch the vehicles in the lot. But his eyes are forward, watching a monitor, most likely. There are CCTV cameras that can be picked out on buildings and street lamps, most of them angled at the booth or the gate around the corner.
Doing her best not to look straight at any cameras, Monica notes positions and angles and looks back to the fence. And once she has her spot picked out, she walks casually in that direction. As casually as she can manage when her instincts are pushing on her. But no, she keeps herself steady and finds that blind spot. Once there, she tucks the cigarette away, takes in a breath and starts up fence. She does her best to touch it as little as possible, trying not to alert anyone with too much metallic shaking as she makes her way up. And when she's over, she jumps, lands in a crouch and skitters away behind the nearest truck to make sure no one is coming her way.
Once again, it's a long and tense moment followed by — nothing. The only sound within comes from one vehicle, a transport van, that's been so recently driven that it's knocking and pinging, as the metals and oils within cool down from the drive. After a moment or two, a couple of uniformed men enter, but it's the small row of motorcycles they go, each moving to a bike and chatting while they put on helmets and gloves, before they climb on the motorcycles to head out to their respective stations.
Finally, after several minutes, two men walk in by the kiosk, giving the booth guard a greeting, and head toward the still-warm transport van. "I hate the fucking Bronx," the taller, younger man says to his partner. "It's going to take an hour and a half just to get there."
"They pay you the same either way," says the gruffer, more stoic older man. "Besides, you just play your headphones while I drive anyway. What the fuck do you have to whien about?"
Waiting is not Monica's best thing, it comes with twitches and ticks, but she stays put and keeps watch. A tense watch, since every time they seem to miss her, she's more nervous that they will. Her eyes flick from van to men to motorcycles, tapping her fingers quietly against her leg. The Bronx, though, that gets her attention. She watches the pair move, glances around for others, then dashes from truck to truck to get over to the van as fast as she can. She tries to stay low, but she also doesn't want to miss her opportunity. She stops as close to the van as she can get, waiting for a clear moment to make her move to it.
"True. And the longer it takes to get there, the longer it is without having one of them in the back," says the younger officer as he moves to the van, waiting for the other to unlock it with the remote.
"Call up the address on the Tom Tom and be useful, will ya?" says the other, as he opens the door to the driver side and starts up the van. He lets it run a couple of minutes to warm it back up while he finishes drinking the coffee he carries in a styrofoam cup.
The conversation has Monica rolling her eyes, but that injustice shall have to go unanswered. Because they're getting themselves into a decent position. While they look up addresses and drink coffee, she runs low from her cover to the back of the van, sliding under in a smooth movement that will hopefully pass as a small animal running by if someone were to catch it in the mirrors. Once under there, she works her legs up into the underside of the van, wedging herself in as good as she can. She does similar with her arms, too, once she's settled, working herself into position. One of them will be back here after all.
"Got it," says the younger of the two, reaching out to slam his door and put on his seat belt.
The older man turns at the sound of something sliding along concrete, but when he looks, there's nothing there. He climbs into the driver's seat, adjusts the mirror and puts the styrofoam cup in the cup holder before slamming the door and starting the engine. A moment later, they're at the kiosk with the guard their checking their credentials and writing down the information in the log book.
"Stay safe. Looks like it might rain," he says amiably. And as if he were an atmokinetic, raindrops start hitting the windshield. It'll be a muddy ride below for Monica, who can't feel that rain just yet.
A moment later, they go through the same protocol at the gate before they're waved through and head northward, unaware of their stowaway.
Several minutes later, back in Eltingville, a cat-like robot appears near where the anklet was abandoned by Monica. A klaxon begins to sound. But Monica is far too far away to feel the repercussions of her escape.


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Comic Transcript
MARTIN: Well. That was disappointing.
JOHNNY: Clones. They replaced us with evil clones.
JACK: Could be worse, man.
ALAN: I suppose it's possible. Maybe if they used actual clones and patented our DNA before they fired us.
MARTIN: Actually, that would be the coolest way to get fired EVER.
JOHNNY: Agreed.
PAUL: Absolutely.
ALAN: … yeah, I know.


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As a UK UNICEF ambassador, Robbie visited Haiti earlier this year following the devastating earthquake that hit the country.
As you know, Soccer Aid is all about raising money for UNICEF and the phenomenal work they do around the world helping children.
Watch Robbie's two-part film below to find out how your donation is helping to make a change.
You can still help to make this change by donating to Soccer Aid right now, it's not too late.
Click here to pledge your money now.
Soccer Aid Appeal From Haiti - Part 1
Soccer Aid Appeal From Haiti - Part 2
More Soccer Aid appeal videos…
Ewan McGregor visits a 'Wawa Wasi' childcare centre in Ventanilla, a shanty town in Peru, to find out how money raised by Soccer Aid is helping UNICEF help children.
Cat Deeley visits Madagascar to find out why money raised by Soccer Aid is needed to help UNICEF vaccinate children against diseases like polio.
James Nesbitt visits Guinea to find out how money raised by Soccer Aid is helping UNICEF help children affected by malaria.
Soccer Aid players including Michael Sheen, David Seaman and Mike Myers appeal for donations to help UNICEF help young Kenyan children like Marvin, who must search for scrap metal on rubbish dumps to make enough money to survive.
Donate to Soccer Aid now by clicking here.


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Saha, K. and Moyano, D. F. and Rotello, V. M.. (2014) Protein coronas suppress the hemolytic activity of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanoparticles. Materials Horizons, 1 (1). pp. 102-105.
Full text not available from this repository.
Official URL: http://apps.webofknowledge.com/InboundService.do?p...
The role of nanoparticle surface hydrophobicity on hemolytic properties is established in the absence and presence of plasma proteins. Significantly, the formation of a plasma protein corona on the NP surface protects red blood cells from both hydrophilic and hydrophobic NP-mediated hemolysis.
Item Type: | Article |
Additional Information: | ISI Document Delivery No.: AZ2NXTimes Cited: 4Cited Reference Count: 38Saha, Krishnendu Moyano, Daniel F. Rotello, Vincent M.National Institute of Health EB014277; NSF CMMI-1025020, DMR-0820506This research was supported in part by a grant from the National Institute of Health (grants EB014277). NSF support is acknowledged for NSEC Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing (CMMI-1025020, BY) and MRSEC facilities (DMR-0820506).Royal soc chemistryCambridge |
Uncontrolled Keywords: | size |
Collections: | Nanomanufacturing Research Collection > Nanomanufacturing Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers > Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing |
Depositing User: | Robert Stevens |
Date Deposited: | 12 Nov 2015 18:38 |
Last Modified: | 12 Nov 2015 18:38 |
URI: | http://eprints.internano.org/id/eprint/2338 |
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RANGOON — The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) released 11 suspected militia members on Monday in Namtu Township, Shan State, local sources reported.
The TNLA had detained the 11 Mong Kat village residents since Nov. 21, following a clash between the TNLA and soldiers of the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) near Mong Kat. The TNLA suspected the 11 were actually militia members for the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the political wing of the SSA-S, so it took them prisoner.
"Yesterday we released the 11 RCSS militia members," said TNLA Spokesman Col. Tar Phone Kyaw. "The SNLD said they were civilians, but we caught them last month at the Mongbaw battlefield when we raided the RCSS camps. So now we have turned them over to the local Shan leaders."
The release of 11 Mong Kat villagers came a day after the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) publicly condemned the TNLA's actions.
The SNLD demanded that the TNLA release 35 detainees, including 11 from Namtu and 24 others from Kyaukme Township. Some of the Kyaukme prisoners are members of the SNLD political party.
The SNLD has worked on improving relations between ethnic groups, such as the Shan and Palaung (Ta'ang). The party recently criticized the Shan State parliament after it voted to label the Northern Alliance ethnic armed groups—of which the TNLA is a member—as "terrorist organizations."
However, the TNLA still has not released the 24 detainees from Pan Kwan village, Kyaukme Township.
Col. Tar Phone Kyaw said there was an ongoing investigation regarding the remaining 24 civilians who were taken on Dec. 10.
"We have a new military recruitment policy for our party," he said. "We only recruit soldiers from amongst our Ta'ang people. We do not recruit from the Shan. We are still checking on the ground to figure out what is the situation of the arrested people in Kyaukme. If they are Shan, we will release them."
"They took 24 people in total from the village. Most of them were youth, and one was a sixth grade student," said Sai Tun Win, an ethnic Shan lawmaker from Kyaukme.
Another 138 people fled from their homes in Pan Kwan village and took refuge at a Buddhist monastery in Kyaukme town because they were afraid of the TNLA soldiers.
"Pan Kwan village is not an ethnic Shan village; it is a Palaung village," said Col. Tar Phone Kyaw. "Our Ta'ang people are required to join the TNLA military service. This is our policy."


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Using Robots For Inspection, Maintenance, And Repairs
Industrial robots are becoming an increasingly popular choice in a variety of industries for different applications. Going by responses to a McKinsey & Company survey, up to 88% of businesses worldwide intend to adopt robotic automation into their infrastructure.
Modern robotic units are highly programmable and versatile, and they come in a wide range of models ideal for plant floor activities, from quality control to product assembling and warehousing.
However, apart from the manufacturing process, there are other applications for robots: in the maintenance department.
Several global organizations are already developing more and more uses for robots for inspection, maintenance, and repairs. Let's look at some reasons why robotic units are more popular now, then discuss a few examples of companies that are using robotics technology to maintain their equipment.
Why use robots?
Keeping systems and equipment continuously running in peak condition requires a strategic mix of planning and scheduling as well as adequate allocation of resources. But even after doing all that is required, industrial equipment will eventually break down and require prompt attention. As expected, all this makes maintenance and repair both time-consuming, costly, and sometimes dangerous.
Furthermore, whether the task at hand is an inspection, maintenance, or repair job, using a robot offers several advantages, including:
- Better safety. Robots can enter hazardous environments and perform tasks that would be extremely dangerous for humans. These tasks can be completed with little or no damage to the robot.
- Improved accuracy. Robots guarantee a certain degree of quality and precision that human labor would be unable to maintain consistently for long periods. They can deliver these results with minimal mistakes, if any.
- Longer hours. For repetitive maintenance tasks, they offer the possibility of scheduling the job to run for long hours without the need for breaks.
- Flexibility. Robotic systems can be repurposed, re-tooled, and reprogrammed for other uses.
Industrial applications
Here are a few examples of companies using this technology.
Shell's Sensabot
To help make oil exploration safer, Shell designed a robot called Sensabot for use in hazardous locations. Shell refers to Sensabot as a "bionic inspector." It can monitor equipment, carry out inspections, and perform maintenance tasks.
Sensabot is equipped with video cameras, vibration sensors, laser scanners, environmental sensors, and other hardware that can withstand extreme temperatures and potentially explosive and toxic environments. Before the arrival of Sensabot, Shell would shut down hazardous locations for oil and gas workers to complete inspections or maintenance work. But this robot gives them the chance to respond faster and more effectively to maintenance issues and emergencies.
ExRobotics ExR-1
Netherlands-based robotics technology developer ExRobotics B.V. announced back in 2017 that it was collaborating with Yokogawa Electric Corp., Tokyo, to sell and deploy ExRobotics' inspection robots worldwide. Known as the ExR-1, the robot is designed for inspecting equipment and facilities in chemical processing plants and other potentially explosive environments like in oil and gas production and processing facilities.
The robots are equipped with a range of sensors and cameras, and they use a wireless network to communicate with a human operator located in a safe control room. They are often used to ensure the regular inspection of unmanned facilities in remote locations with harsh environments.
Rolls Royce's engine maintenance robots
In 2018., luxury automobile and aero-engine company Rolls Royce introduced different types of engine maintenance robots in collaboration with the University of Nottingham. The robots permit inspection maintenance and repairs without having to disassemble engines. For example, they introduced:
- Remote boreblending robots. This is a robotic boreblending machine that can be remotely controlled by specialist engineers. The idea is that non-expert local teams will first of all install the machine in an aircraft engine then hand control over to an expert back in Rolls-Royce's Aircraft Availability Centre. The expert can then carry out maintenance tasks like repairing damaged compressor blades by using lasers to grind parts. This way, specialist teams don't have to travel down to complete the repairs.
- FLARE. This refers to a pair of snake-like robots that are flexible enough to travel through an automobile engine, like an endoscope, before collaborating to carry out patch repairs to damaged thermal barrier coatings.
In conclusion
Although there's still a long way to go before robotic units will play a leading part in industrial equipment maintenance, the capabilities of this technology are promising and the potential benefits undeniable.
Bryan Christiansen is the founder and CEO of Limble CMMS. Limble is a modern, easy to use mobile CMMS software that takes the stress and chaos out of maintenance by helping managers organize, automate, and streamline their maintenance operations.
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Celebrate Slidesgo's big 5! Five years of great presentations, faster
Let's partyKawaii Interface for Marketing
Kawaii Interface for Marketing Presentation
Free Google Slides theme and PowerPoint template
Do you know the kawaii concept? It emerged in Japan in the 1960s, and it is a design style that evokes tenderness. We have been inspired by it to create this template that simulates a computer interface, with a grid background and a nice pastel orange color, which will add energy and joy to your marketing presentations. You will also be struck by the typography of the titles, similar to the one used in fairy tales, which creates an original contrast with the sans serif typography of the texts.
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- 16:9 widescreen format suitable for all types of screens
- Includes information about fonts, colors, and credits of the free resources used
Combines with:
This template can be combined with this other one to create the perfect presentation:


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Course planning
Students have the freedom to design their own program in Biology. Upon completion of the five core Biology courses, you can choose 300- and 400-level courses based on your interests. The following course guidance documents can be used guide you to key courses in four major Biology disciplines: Ecology and Evolution, Cell and Molecular Biology, Organismal Biology, and Physiology. In selecting courses, you may want to combine courses from two or more disciplines.
You may also select courses to complete one of three concentrations in Biology: Marine Biology, Forest Biology and Neurobiology. Concentrations are indicated on your transcript.
A current list of courses is available in the UVic Academic Calendar. You can also take courses through the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Course outlines are also available.
Got a career path in mind? Check out our suggested courses for careers.


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The Monoceros Loop in Hydrogen Alpha
All Images
Copyright Steve Cannistra
click here
for a 75% view.
click here
or on image for a full-sized view.
Size: Approximately 9 x 7 degrees.
Distance: 5500 light years (Rosette Nebula)
RA: 6h 31m
Dec: 4 degrees 57' 00"
The Monoceros Loop is a faint supernova remnant that contains the Rosette Nebula (bottom) as well as the Cone Nebula (top, left of center). The nebulosity within this region is very faint but easily captured in this wide field view. This is a composite photograph consisting of a wide field shot taken with a 50mm Canon lens, combined with two high resolution views of the
Nebulae regions, respectively (Sky 90), all taken with the SXV-H9 CCD camera in Ha light.
Photographic Details:
Date: March 29, 2004 for wide field view (please see above links for details regarding the Rosette and Cone images).
Lens (widefield view): Canon 50mm f/1.8 FD lens, stopped down to f5.6. Adapter for connecting lens to SXV-H9 was "homemade," using a FD lens-C mount and asking a local machine shop to create a C to T adapter. Please see
Doc G's site
for details. It's important to maintain a CCD chip to lens distance of 42mm for Canon FD series lenses in order to achieve infinity focus. I believe that similar adapters may be commercially available through
Adirondack Video.
Autoguider: STV with e-finder.
Camera: SXV-H9.
Filter: Astronomik Ha.
Exposures: 40 x 2' for a total of 80' exposure.
Conditions: Temperature 34 degrees F; average transparency; above average seeing; calm.
No dark or bias frames used. Auto-aligned in MaximDL; Sigma combine using RC Sigma Reject MaximDL.
Levels and curves adjustments in Photoshop CS. Composite constructed in Registar.
Please note
: Graphics on this website may not be reproduced without author permission.
Back to Hydrogen Alpha


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Blog » Home Remodeling » Now Offering: Sunroom Additions
We are excited to announce that Choice Home Remodeling recently partnered with Living Space Sunrooms and we are now offering sunroom additions. We are very excited about this new venture!
Living Space Sunrooms was established in 1999 because the founder was frustrated with the patio kits available on the market and wanted to provide a real-room addition. Since then, Living Space Sunrooms has been setting new standards in the sunroom industry. Their mission is to create the finest living space possible using the most modern and eco-sensitive materials and manufacturing processes available.
The sunrooms are engineered to endure the hottest summers and the coldest winters, which is great for the four-season climate we have here in Pennsylvania. They are also custom designed to blend seamlessly with the architecture of your existing home.
There are four different brands available: Transitions, Elements, Optimized & K2 Sunrooms. Our salesman, Nate, would be more than happy to meet with you, listen to your needs/wants, and help chose the brand that is right for you and your home. Please look over our "Sunroom Additions" page and contact us at 717-354-2003 for more information.
Bring the outdoors indoors!
Client Reviews


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2019 San Diego Padres Preview: Part Two
"Can he pitch?"
This question that was asked by some when the Padres announced their largest-ever free agent signing of third baseman Manny Machado to a 10-year/$300 million contract.
While intended as a joke, this question reminds us that there is always truth in humor, and it points to one of the Padres' most glaring needs as they head into 2019.
This is the second of a three-part series that previews San Diego's upcoming season (part one can be read here).
Inexperienced Starting Pitching That's Way Too Left-Handed:
As of right now, Joey Lucchesi is the Padre ace. He owns all of 26 major league starts, and 130 innings—an average of five innings per start. Next is Eric Lauer (6-7, 4.34 ERA). Both are talented, but at this stage of their careers, they are hardly the kinds of pitchers you would want to anchor your starting rotation.
Robbie Erlin could earn a spot, but last year, he was far better as a middle/long reliever (2.05 ERA, 0.79 WHIP in 27 games) than as a starter (6.23 ERA, 1.456 WHIP in 12 starts).
After a strong major league debut against Philadelphia, Jason Nix often looked overmatched (2-5, 7.02 ERA, 1.54 WHIP in nine starts).
Logan Allen and Cal Quantrill finished last season at Triple-A, and they could both compete for a slot, as might Chris Paddack—who might even be the opening day starter—and reliever Matt Strahm.
Bryan Mitchell (5.42 ERA, 1.75 WHIP including 43 walks in 73 innings) and Luis Perdomo (7.05 ERA, .328 BAA) were also terrible, and have not impressed this spring.
It is also concerning that manager Andy Green lacks a competent right-handed starter with some big league experience and success.
Unless A.J. Preller signs Dallas Keuchel or Gio Gonzalez, or trades for someone like Trevor Bauer or Marcus Stroman, the 2019 Padres will struggle to reach .500, let alone contend for a playoff spot.
Money Wrongly Allocated?
When Preller signed Eric Hosmer to play first base 13 months ago, it was (then) San Diego's largest free agent signing. Fans had some buyer's remorse, especially when he hit just .253 (his lowest BA since 2012), struck out a career-high 142 times, and batted a paltry .179/.240/.287 against lefties—lifetime, he is .253/.300/.369.
Hopefully, Hosmer will bounce back—and he does have a propensity for doing so in his career. Plus, he is a good clubhouse presence.
But if the baseball world was shocked by Hosmer's signing, it was bowled over when Preller outdid himself be penning Manny Machado to a ten-year deal.
We all know the pro's for signing Machado: he is 26, he fills the Padres' biggest black hole at third base, and he is a once-in-a-generation ballplayer.
That said, here are the con's: he was accused of dirty and lackadaisical play in last year's playoffs with the Dodgers, and his "Johnny Hustle" comment did not win him any fans. Though he has addressed this comment, Machado has to show that he is better than what viewers saw last October.
Padres management is hoping that personalities like Hosmer and Ian Kinsler will rub off on Machado, but time will tell.
Lastly, there is Wil Myers. While he is owed just $5.5 million this year, his salary will skyrocket to $22.5 million from 2020-22, followed by $20 million in '23, or a $1 million team buyout. At this point, he simply has not lived up to his 2016 season (28 homers and 28 steals), and last year, he only played in 83 games.
Why does all of this matter? The Padres are a smaller market team that the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, and others. So when they do splurge on big contracts, they have less margin for error than those other teams. Great wisdom is needed here. Hopefully, Machado's signing will change the trend of bad contracts (Cameron Maybin, James Shields, Jedd Gyorko, Matt Kemp, etc.), but we won't know for certain until at least mid-season.
Who's Manning Center Field?
Coming into 2019, the Padres had six outfielders vying for three starting spots. Before spring training, it was announced that Myers was going to patrol left field (more on this in a moment).
Hunter Renfroe or Franmil Reyes will also play the corner outfield slots.
That leaves Manuel Margot, Franchy Cordero and now, apparently, Myers vying for playing time in center field (Jankowski figured to get some playing time there, but he is sidelined until the summer).
After a promising rookie season (.313 OBP, 17 steals, 13 home runs at age 22), Margot regressed badly last year (.292 OBP, 11 steals in 21 attempts). Since he profiles as a leadoff hitter, he must improve on those stats, or risk becoming the next Thomas Howard.
Cordero, 24 is another possibility, but right now, he has four things going against him: he has not yet learned how to unleash his raw potential, he missed valuable development time when he injured himself last May (and missed the rest of the season), he strikes out way too much, and he is not the defender that Margot is.
But now, there is talk that Myers could be making a return to center field, though how much he will play the position is not certain. If that sounds familiar, it should: he was the starting center fielder in the ill-fated 2015 season, and his play there was one reason why he got bumped to first base the next season.
So the three candidates to start in center are Margot, who can field but hasn't yet shown that he can hit; Cordero, who has big talent but also some big concerns; and Myers, who really is better positioned as a corner outfielder.
Here's the bottom line: unless Margot drastically improves offensively, Cordero figures things out, and/or Jankowski recovers quicker than expected, San Diego will not have a center field controversy; they will have a center field problem.
Rookie Blues for Urias, Tatis?
Padres fans are rightly thrilled about their future middle infield. Next to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis, Jr., 20, is the "next big thing" in baseball.
Luis Urias, 21, has an unusually good batting eye and has drawn comparisons to the Astros All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve.
But while there is reason for optimism, even the best young ballplayers can get off to rough starts in the big leagues. And let us not forget that both Tatis and Urias still have hurdles to overcome: for one, both have a propensity to start slowly when they get promoted to a new level.
Also, Tatis' highest level of professional experience is 88 games at Double-A, and he has to cut down on his strikeouts. Padres management will not want to rush him, and given his youth, this is the wisest course of action.
Urias started his last season at Triple-A very slowly, and he showed that he still has room for growth when he batted just .208 at the big league level (though to be fair, this was a small sample size).
So while "Padreland" is rightly excited about the Tatis-Urias double-play combination, they are still quite young, and they have a lot of room for growth.
While much of the Preller-produced "hot lava" talent should start to bear fruit in 2019, there are still reasons for concern—especially with the starting pitching and center field. The experts should be listened to when they say that 2020 is far more realistic than 2019 for the Padres to become serious contenders.
Next time, we will take a look at how many games we should reasonably expect the Padres to win in 2019, and why.
A native of Escondido, Greg is a free-lance writer who currently resides in Western Canada. He remains an avid Padres fan.