text:
Yasinee Rotratsirikun and Robert J. Talmadge*
Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Received Date: August 21,2014; Accepted Date: October 24 ,2014; Published Date: October 29, 2014
Citation: Rotratsirikun Y, Talmadge RJ (2014) Rapid Changes in NFAT-directed Transcriptional Activity after Muscle Paralysis Induced by a Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Phys Med Rehabil 2:241. doi: 10.4172/2329-9096.1000241
Copyright: © 2014 Rotratsirikun Y, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Visit for more related articles at International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
In skeletal muscles, the calcineurin - nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) pathway has been implicated as a positive regulator of the slow muscle phenotype. Spinal cord transection (ST) results in muscle paralysis and a slow to fast shift in muscle phenotype in the normally slow soleus muscle of rats. Therefore, to determine if the NFAT pathway could mediate the slow to fast shift after ST, NFAT-directed transcription was assessed in the soleus muscle of rats after ST. Seven days after ST, a significant down-regulation in the activity of an exogenous NFAT sensor promoter-reporter construct was observed (~20% of control levels). Second, RT-PCR analyses revealed that MCIP1.4 mRNA, an endogenous indicator of NFAT-directed transcriptional activation, was decreased by ~80% relative to controls when normalized to β-actin mRNA levels. Similarly, real time RT-PCR showed a down-regulation in the relative levels of MCIP1.4 mRNA at 1 day (92% reduction) and 7 days (89% reduction) after ST relative to control levels. These data demonstrate that NFAT-directed transcriptional activity is rapidly down-regulated following a reduction in neuromuscular activity. Since ST also results in a slow to fast shift in phenotypic protein expression, the down-regulation of NFAT transcriptional activity is consistent with a role for the calcineurin - NFAT pathway in down regulating slow muscle phenotypic gene expression after ST.
Spinal cord injury; Muscle paralysis; Rehabilitation
Skeletal muscle provides the power and support for movement. One of the unique features of skeletal muscle is its fiber (cell) type diversity [1]. Fiber type diversity is directly related to the MyHC isoform expressed in a fiber [2], such that four types of MyHC isoforms are expressed in the corresponding fiber types from adult rat limb skeletal muscles [2-4]. These include (in order from slowest to fastest) the slow type I isoform, MyHC I, and three fast type II isoforms, MyHC IIa, MyHC IIx (also known as IId) and MyHC IIb [2-4].
Neuromuscular activity is one factor that plays a large role in muscle fiber type specification [5,6]. Skeletal muscles are capable of transforming from the fast to the slow phenotype under several conditions [1]. For instance, endurance exercise training, which is characterized by repeated bouts of contractile activity over a period of several weeks results in exercise capacity improvement [7] and induces an up-regulation in type I and a down-regulation in type II fibers in the human VL muscle [8].
In contrast, reduced neuromuscular activity causes a reduction in electrical activation and/or load bearing of a muscle and results in a slow to fast fiber type transformation of normally slow muscles [6]. The rodent spinal cord transection (ST) model, an animal model for spinal cord injury, results in a reduction in electrical activation of the hind limb muscles and hind limb muscle paralysis. The muscles of rats and other mammals (including humans) respond to reductions in neuromuscular activity by reducing the expression of slow phenotypic proteins and increasing the expression of fast phenotypic proteins [6]. For example, following ST, MyHC I mRNA in the rat soleus muscle was down-regulated to ~26%, 19%, and 12% of control levels after 3 months, 6 months and 1 year, respectively [9-11]. Changes in MyHC expression at the mRNA level suggest that fiber transformation is regulated at the level of transcription, as changes in the levels of the corresponding protein isoforms follow the changes in the mRNA [9]. In addition to muscle atrophy and a corresponding reduction in maximal force production, the rat soleus muscle also obtains significantly faster contractile properties after ST [11]. Thus, ST strongly induces a slow-to-fast fiber type transformation.
Several cellular and molecular mechanisms may be involved in regulating MyHC isoform expression. One is the calcineurin - nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) pathway, a cellular signalling mechanism that appears to be highly activated and involved in the fast to slow fiber type adaptation occurring after increases in neuromuscular activity [6]. The calcineurin - NFAT pathway involves two main proteins: calcineurin and its down-stream target, NFAT. Calcineurin, also known as protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B), is a calcium activated serine/threonine phosphatase [12]. NFAT is a gene transcription factor that up-regulates the expression of slow muscle specific genes when present in the nucleus and is also one target of calcineurin. At rest, NFAT remains phosphorylated in the cytoplasm in an inactivated state. Following prolonged elevations in cytosolic Ca2+, such as occur during normal activation and contractions of slow postural muscles like the soleus, calcineurin becomes activated and dephosphorylates NFAT. Following dephosphorylation, NFAT undergoes a conformational change exposing a nuclear localizing signal (also known as an NLS) on NFAT allowing it to interact with proteins known as nuclear importins. Upon interation with the importin NFAT is translocated into the nucleus where it is released from the importin and can now bind to DNA and aid in the initiation of slow muscle gene transcription [13-15].
In the present study, the activation status of NFAT-directed transcription was evaluated after a reduction in neuromuscular activity following a complete ST. NFAT-directed transcriptional activity was assessed using three different techniques. This was accomplished by: (1)assessing the activity of an exogenous NFAT sensor - reporter gene construct containing multiple NFAT response elements (NFAT binding sites also known as NREs) linked to a luciferase reporter gene following direct injection into the soleus muscles of control and ST rats; (2) assessing the expression of MCIP1.4 via conventional RT-PCR, as an endogenous and indirect indicator of NFAT transcriptional activation since the MCIP1.4 gene promoter contains fifteen consecutive NREs and its expression is highly up-regulated by NFAT, and (3) assessing the expression of MCIP1.4 using real time RT-PCR. It was hypothesized that ST would induce: (1) a down-regulation in exogenous NFAT reporter gene activity and (2) a down-regulation in MCIP1.4 mRNA. These experiments allowed for an evaluation of the status of NFAT-directed transcription after muscle paralysis induced by ST.
Experimental model
Female Sprague-Dawley rats (~200 g) were randomly assigned to two treatment groups; control or spinal cord transected (ST) (n=5-6 per group). The n value was based on our previous observations on the statistical significance of adaptations in MyHC isoform expression after ST [6,9-11]. Rats randomly selected for ST were subjected to a complete transection of the spinal cord at vertebral level T7-T8 using aseptic techniques as previously described [10]. One or seven days after ST, the animals were euthanized via CO2 inhalation, and the soleus muscles were quickly removed, weighed and quickly frozen in isopentane cooled by liquid nitrogen.
At the time of ST surgery, the exogenous NFAT-promoter reporter plasmid was injected directly into the surgically exposed soleus muscles via intramuscular injection and 30 µg of the NFAT-promoter reporter plasmid was co-injected with 7.5 µg α-actin promoter linked to Renilla luciferase (to control for plasmid uptake). The skin was then sutured using ethilon. All use of animals was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
NFAT-reporter and β-actin promoters
The exogenous NFAT-reporter plasmid construct was used to indicate NFAT-induced transcriptional activation was kindly donated by Dr. J. Molkentin (Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH). The NFAT-reporter promoter contained nine copies of the NFAT binding sites (9x NFAT response elements, NRE) from the IL-4 promoter which were inserted to the 5' end of the α-MHC promoter and linked to a luciferase reporter. The α-actin promoter linked to Renilla luciferase was used as a reference vector for normalization of plasmid uptake efficiency, since its activity is primarily dependent on the amount of uptake.
MCIP1.4 mRNA quantification
One step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR): As stated previously the MCIP1.4 gene contains 15 NREs just proximal to the transcription start site at exon 4. Because MCIP1.4 mRNA expression is directly related to NFAT transcriptional activity, MCIP1.4 mRNA levels are indicative of NFAT-induced transcriptional activation. Total RNA was extracted from soleus muscles using the RNeasy Fibrous Tissue Midi Technique (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) and subjected to DNase treatment (Ambion DNA-free™ kit, Austin, TX). The RT-PCR reaction components included 1x PCR buffer, dNTPs (10 µM), 1x Q solution, Taq Polymerase, Omniscript reverse transcriptase (2.0 µl/reaction), 80 ng/µl of RNA template, 10 µM MCIP1.4 forward primer (5'-AAGGAACCTCCAGCTTGGGCT-3') and 10 µM MCIP1.4 reverse primer (5'-CCCTGGTCTCACTTTCGCTG-3'). Additional sets of no primer and no RT reaction controls were performed to ensure the reactions were controlled for any random cDNA synthesis or DNA contamination, respectively. The reverse transcription reaction was set at 50°C for 30 minutes and stopped by incubation at 94°C for 15 minutes (this also served to initiate the PCR reaction). The PCR reaction conditions were a total of 34 cycles under the following conditions; denaturation at 94°C for 45 seconds, annealing at 55°C for 45 seconds, extension at 72°C for 1 minute and following the 34 cycles a final extension at 72°C at 10 minutes using the MJ Research Thermal Cycler (MJ Research, Waltham, MA). The same protocol was also applied for analysis of β-actin mRNA, which served as a normalizing gene, using primers from Ambion, Inc., (Austin, TX). The PCR products were electrophoresed using 2% agarose gels. DNA band densities were analyzed using the SYBR green detection method and a FluoroChem™ imager (Alpha Innotech, San Leandro, CA).
Real-time reverse transcription PCR: To ensure that the analysis of MCIP1.4 gene expression via the One Step RT-PCR method was not influenced by product accumulation at the plateau stage, MCIP1.4 gene expression was also assessed by real-time RT-PCR using the ??Ct method with 18S rRNA serving as a reference gene (Guide to performing relative quantification of gene expression using real time RT-PCR, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Total RNA was isolated as described above. Following DNase treatment, RNA was reverse transcribed to cDNA and subjected to real time RT-PCR using SYBR green fluorescence to indicate product accumulation. Each PCR tube contained MCIP1.4 cDNA template, 2x FullVelocity® SYBR® green QPCR master mix (Stratagene, Cedar Creek, TX), 100 µM MCIP1.4 upstream primer and 100 µM MCIP1.4 downstream primer or 18S primer pair containing a forward primer and a reverse primer (Ambion, Inc., Austin, TX).
Real time RT-PCR reactions were set at 39 cycles under the following conditions; initial denaturing step at 95°C for 5 minutes, denaturation at 95°C for 45 seconds, and annealing-extension at 60°C for 1 minute, followed by melting curve analyses to determine the existence of potential primer-dimer formation and any cDNA contaminants using the DNA Engine Opticon 2 Continuous Fluorescence Detection System (MJ Research, Waltham, MA). Triplicate sets of ST and control samples were run simultaneously along with 18S rRNA analyses in separate PCR tubes under the same amplification reaction as described above. Additionally, negative cDNA controls (i.e., no RT reaction) were run to control for contaminating DNA. A cycle threshold (Ct) was manually set at the point where fluorescence was above the background level, which represented the initial formation of product above background levels. In theory, samples with a lower cycle threshold contained higher starting template.
To determine whether the PCR amplification procedures were not influenced by factors such as PCR efficiency, differences in reagent volumes and pipeting techniques during real time RT-PCR, the efficacy of the PCR amplification was determined by performing a validation experiment (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). The MCIP1.4 RNA and 18S standard were diluted to the following concentrations; 1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:50, 1:75, and 1:100. A logarithmic scale of the diluted RNA concentrations were plotted against the average difference between MCIP1.4 and 18S (?Ct). A slope of<0.01 indicated a similar efficiency regardless of starting template concentration. Relative quantification of MCIP1.4 and 18S mRNAs at 1 and 7 days after ST was calculated using the 2-(ΔΔCt) equation to determine the mean fold change of MCIP1.4 mRNA levels, where ??Ct represented: 2-((CtST(MCIP1.4) - (CtST(18s)) - ((Ave. CtControl(MCIP1.4)-Ave. CtControl(18s)).
Statistical analyses
All values were reported as mean ± SEM. Data were analyzed using the SigmaStat statistical program with Student's t-tests. Group differences between control and ST muscle and body weights were performed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post Bonferroni post-ANOVA test. Statistical significance was determined by the level of acceptance at p<0.05.
Animal and muscle mass
One day of ST had no impact on the absolute mass of the soleus in ST rats relative to control rats. Absolute and relative (relative to total body mass) soleus mass were significantly reduced by ~30% 7 days after ST (Table 1). The final body masses were not significantly changed at either 1 or 7 days after ST.
|Soleus (mg)
|Body Mass (g)
|Soleus/Body Mass (mg/g)
|1 day Control
|122 ±2
|263 ±4
|0.465 ±0.005
|1 day ST
|119 ±5
|266 ±7
|0.450 ±0.010
|7 day Control
|135 ±3
|270 ±7
|0.501 ±0.012
|7 day ST
|91 ±3*
|259 ±5
|0.352 ±0.011*
Table 1: Soleus muscle and final body mass from 1 and 7 days control and ST rats. Values are means ±SEM (n=6/group). *Significant difference from control, p<0.05.
NFAT promoter activity
The activity of the exogenous NFAT sensor-reporter gene construct was investigated in soleus muscles of control and ST rats to determine whether NFAT-induced gene transcription was altered after ST. An exogenous gene promoter-reporter construct, containing nine NFAT response elements (gene promoter binding sites for NFAT) linked to the α-MyHC promoter and a firefly luciferase reporter gene, was co-injected with an α-actin promoter linked to renilla luciferase (to control for plasmid uptake) directly into the soleus muscles of control and ST rats. Seven days after ST, NFAT-induced transcriptional activity was reduced by ~80% as measured by the reduction in NFAT-luciferase reporter activity (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) responsive promoter activity in control and spinal cord transected (ST) rat soleus. NFAT induced transcriptional activity was measured using an NFAT-responsive promoter containing 9x NFAT response elements (NREs) linked to the firefly luciferase reporter gene. An α- actin promoter linked to renilla luciferase was simultaneously injected into the muscle to normalize the data and control for varying injection efficiencies. Values are presented as mean firefly/ renilla ratios ± SEM (n=5/group). * denotes statistical difference between the two groups (p<0.05).
MCIP1.4 mRNA
Conventional RT-PCR: Using a one-step RT-PCR method, the levels of MCIP1.4 mRNA were quantified in ST and control rats with β-actin used as a normalizing gene. As early as 1 day after ST, there was an ~85% reduction in MCIP1.4 mRNA compared to controls (ST, average ratio of MCIP/β-actin=3.03 ± 1.10; control, 19.77 ± 3.09, p<0.01) (Figure 2A and 2C). Seven days after ST, MCIP1.4 mRNA was decreased by ~90% in ST rats compared to controls (ST, average ratio of MCIP/β-actin=2.51 ± 0.20; control, 24.25 ± 9.84, p<0.01) (Figure 2B and 2C).
Figure 2: Quantification of MCIP1.4 mRNA levels 1 and 7 days after ST using one-step RT-PCR. (A) Representative MCIP1.4 bands from control and 1-day ST rats. (B) Representative MCIP1.4 bands from control and 7-day ST rats. (C) Normalized levels of MCIP1.4 mRNA for control (n=6) and ST (n=6) groups. Values are represented as mean ± SEM. * denotes statistical difference between the two groups (1 day ST, p<0.01; 7 days ST, p<0.01).
Real time RT-PCR: In order to validate the conventional RT-PCR method, MCIP1.4 mRNA was also quantified using real time RT-PCR methodology according to the ??Ct method using 18S rRNA as a normalizing gene. The cycle threshold (Ct) for each reaction was determined and used according to the guide to performing relative quantification of gene expression (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA).
The number of cycles taken to reach the Ct was higher in ST rats relative to control rats (Ave. Ct after 1 day, ST=25.97, control=22.63; Ave. Ct after 7 days, ST=28.41 and control=22.99) indicating a reduction in MCIP1.4 mRNA levels (Figure 3A and 3B). The ??Ct method revealed that there was a 92% reduction in the relative levels (mean fold change analysis) of MCIP1.4 mRNA (relative to 18S rRNA) at 1 day after ST relative to control levels (ST, 0.11 ± 0.02; control, 1.41 ± 0.41, p=0.01). Similarly, seven days after ST, there was an 89% reduction in the relative levels MCIP1.4 mRNA (ST, 0.12 ± 0.04; control, 1.13 ± 0.35, p<0.05) (Figure 3C). Thus, the two RT-PCR methods were in agreement.
Figure 3: Real-time RT-PCR analysis of MCIP1.4 mRNA. (A) and (B) are amplification plots of MCIP1.4 mRNA from 1 day and 7 day (control and ST) samples, respectively. Controls shown in green and ST shown in red. (C) Quantification of MCIP1.4 mRNA levels relative to 18S using the Delta Delta Ct (2-ΔΔCt) method. Values are represented as mean fold change ± SEM (n=5 - 6 rats per group). * denotes statistical difference between the two groups (1 day ST, p<0.05; 7 days ST, p<0.01).
The primary findings of this study were that muscle paralysis, as induced by spinal cord injury, resulted in a down regulation of NFAT-directed transcriptional activation in the normally slow soleus muscle of rats. This was demonstrated using three different strategies. First, the activity of an exogenous NFAT-responsive promoter was reduced by ~80% after ST. Second, conventional RT-PCR assessment of the expression of the MCIP1.4 gene (normally activated by NFAT) was dramatically reduced (by nearly 90%). Finally, real time RT-PCR assessment of the expression of the MCIP1.4 gene confirmed that MCIP1.4 transcripts were dramatically reduced after ST. Collectively, these data demonstrate that short-term muscle paralysis is a potent stimulus to 'turn-off' NFAT-directed transcription. Since ST also induces a slow to fast transformation in muscle phenotype [9,10,16], these data are consistent with a role for the calcineurin-NFAT in specifying the slow muscle fiber type in the normal rat soleus.
NFAT promoter activity was down-regulated after ST
As expected, ST down-regulated NFAT-directed promoter activity as measured by the exogenous NFAT promoter reporter gene. It is well established that ST causes a severe reduction in slow muscle contractile activity. For example, in the cat soleus muscle, the total daily electromyographic (EMG) activity (a measurement of muscle activity), was reduced by 75% following ST [17], demonstrating that ST causes a profound reduction in the total daily activation of the slow postural soleus muscle.
Contractile activity has been shown to modulate nuclear NFAT levels. The NFATc1 isoform predominantly localizes in the cytoplasm of the fast tibialis anterior (TA) muscle; however, after applying a low frequency electrical stimulation pattern, which mimics the pattern observed for slow muscles, it was found that NFATc1 was translocated to the nucleus [18]. A similar response in NFATc1 translocation was observed in cultured rabbit muscle cells. For instance, when rabbit myotube cultures were electrically stimulated at 10 Hz for 30 minutes, a pattern that mimics prolonged trains of low frequency stimulation characteristic of slow muscles, a rise in NFATc1 levels in the nucleus was observed [19]. These data strongly suggest that the translocation of NFAT into the nucleus is regulated by a motoneuron activity pattern consisting of long trains of low frequency action potentials, such as occur in normal slow muscle and which are reduced after ST.
As stated previously, NFAT activation (i.e., dephosphorylation by calcineurin) is dependent on motoneuron firing patterns and activity. High amount, low-frequency electro-stimulation, such as occurs in normal slow muscles, resulted in the up-regulation of NFAT-directed transcriptional activity [20]. In the fast tibialis anterior (TA) and fast flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscles, continuous electrostimulation at 10 Hz (low frequency, high amount, mimics slow muscle activation) resulted in NFATc1 dephosphorylation and nuclear import [18,21-23]. Furthermore, continuous electrical stimulation, longer than 24 hours, resulted in NFAT nuclear translocation in 60% of muscle cells [24]. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that: a) continuous stimulation at 1 Hz for 15 minutes or every 5 minutes with 10 minute rest intervals of rabbit muscle cultures and b) constitutive activation of NFATc1 (caNFATc1) in rat EDL muscle result in an up-regulation of MyHC I and a down-regulation of MyHC IId(x) isoform expression [19,20]. After cessation of continuous stimulation, MyHC I mRNA was down-regulated and MyHC IId(x) mRNA was up-regulated, suggesting the slow-to-fast fiber transformation among myosin heavy chain proteins is regulated at the transcriptional level [20].
Collectively, these studies show that the elevated expression of slow muscle phenotypic genes can result from enhanced NFAT nuclear translocation induced by chronic low frequency motoneuron activity and NFAT-directed transcriptional activation. Furthermore, there is a direct relationship between higher amounts of dephosphorylated forms of NFAT in the nucleus and slow fiber gene expression, suggesting that NFAT plays a role in fast to slow fiber type transformation in skeletal muscles. As speculated, in the present study the converse sequence of events appears to occur. That is, ST results in reduced activation of soleus muscle fiber contraction, resulting in reduced cellular Ca2+ (i.e., fewer calcium release events associated with contraction). The reduced levels of Ca2+ result in apparently lowered activation of calcineurin and subsequent lowered activation of NFAT, i.e., NFAT remains phosphorylated and in the cytosol where it cannot bind to DNA and impact gene expression, thus lowering the expression of slow fiber-specific genes.
MCIP1.4 mRNA levels were down-regulated after ST
The modulatory calcineurin inhibiting protein (MCIP) is a 22-27 kDa protein and exists as three isoforms (MCIP1, MCIP2 and MCIP3) in humans and mice [25]. MCIP1, also known as Down syndrome critical region 1 (DSCR1), is located on human chromosome 21 and is predominantly expressed in the brain, heart and skeletal muscles [25]. Four different variants (MCIP1.1-1.4) are derived from alternative transcription initiation sites associated with the first 4 exons on the MCIP1 gene. This results in each of the 4 variants having a different initial exon, either 1-4 for MCIPs 1.1-1.4, respectively. Three other exons are uniform components of all MCIP isoforms (exon 5-7). The region located just proximal to the 5' region of exon 4 contains 900 base pairs with 15 consecutive NFAT binding sites and represents an NFAT responsive promoter region that is important for regulating the expression of the MCIP1.4 variant [25]. Thus, MCIP1.4 expression is highly dependent on activated (i.e., nuclear localized) NFAT [26,27].
Our finding of a significant reduction in MCIP1.4 mRNA levels in the rat soleus after ST, as observed with both real time RT-PCR and conventional one-step RT-PCR, is an indirect confirmation that a reduction in NFAT transcriptional activity is caused by ST. Several studies have shown that the calcineurin - NFAT pathway can modulate MCIP gene expression, specifically, MCIP1.4 mRNA expression [26]. For instance, in the heart of transgenic mice expressing constitutively active calcineurin, calcium influx and nuclear NFAT import up-regulated MCIP mRNA levels [26]. Also, a 90-fold up-regulation in MCIP1.4 transcriptional activity was observed in C2C12 myoblast cells when transfected with a plasmid expressing a constitutively active form of calcineurin [26,27]. The above studies suggest that the level of NFAT in the nucleus regulates the transcriptional activity of the MCIP1.4 gene. These previous studies have shown that MCIP1.4 expression is directly regulated by calcineurin activation and NFAT transcriptional activation. The data presented here show that MCIP1.4 transcription is reduced after ST, likely mediated by a reduction in NFAT-directed transcription.
Potential role for the calcineurin-NFAT in specifying the slow muscle fiber type
The hallmark study by Chin et al. [28] showed that slow muscle gene expression could be regulated by the activity of the calcineurin - NFAT signalling pathway. In fact, disruption of the NFAT binding sites in the promoter of the slow muscle-specific proteins, myoglobin and troponin I, dramatically reduced activities of these promoters despite activation of calcineurin [28]. This study [28] suggested that slow muscle specific gene expression was dependent on the direct interaction between NFAT protein and NREs located in slow muscle gene promoters.
Several studies have supported the role of calcineurin activity in promoting slow muscle gene expression [29-31]. The plantaris muscle of transgenic mice expressing a constitutively active form of calcineurin [29] and fibroblasts transfected with a plasmid containing the calcineurin Aα isoform [30] showed an up-regulation in the slow MyHC protein levels. Interestingly, a previous study demonstrated that the calcineurin Aα isoform (expressed in the brain and skeletal muscles) was able to regulate nuclear NFATc1 levels, whereas the calcineurin Aβ isoform (expressed in immune cells) did not have an effect on regulating nuclear NFATc1 levels [31]. Therefore, even though slow-fiber phenotypic gene expression is regulated by calcineurin, a specific isoform of calcineurin, calcineurin Aα, may regulate this process. Additionally, contractile proteins associated with slow fibers, such as slow troponin I, are also up-regulated by calcineurin activation [28]. These studies suggest that muscle fiber phenotype specificity and contractile proteins associated with slow fibers are regulated by calcineurin activation.
The data in the present study showed that muscle inactivity resulted in a down-regulation of calcineurin - NFAT signalling. Since calcineurin - NFAT signalling is important for slow muscle gene expression, as discussed above, a reduction in the activity of this pathway would be predicted to be associated with a slow to fast transformation in muscle phenotype. In fact, previous data from our lab shows a dramatic down-regulation in slow muscle phenotypic gene expression, along with enhanced fast muscle phenotype gene expression after ST [9,10,16,32]. Thus, our data are consistent with a potential role for the calcineurin - NFAT pathway in specifying the slow muscle phenotype and that suppression of this pathway allows for slow to fast fiber transformation that occur after ST.
In summary, ST induced-paralysis of the soleus muscle resulted in a significant reduction in (1) exogenous NFAT-directed gene promoter activity, and (2) MCIP1.4 mRNA levels, an indirect measurement of NFAT-directed transcriptional activation. The data suggest that reduced neuromuscular activity induced by ST prevented or reduced the ability for calcineurin to dephosphorylate NFAT which down-regulated NFAT nuclear import and reduced the availability of NFAT to activate gene transcription. These data are consistent with previous studies showing A) an involvement of the calcineurin - NFAT pathway in specifying muscle fiber type and B) previous data showing that ST results in a fast to slow muscle fiber type transformation.
Implications for rehabilitation following spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI is associated with paralysis of muscles that are innervated by neurons residing at or below the site of injury. This paralysis likely results in lowered muscle cytosolic Ca2+ due to a reduction in activation and Ca2+ release events. In turn, this results in de-activation of the calcineurin-NFAT signalling pathway and reduced NFAT-directed gene transcription, as shown here in a rodent model. This would result in suppression of slow muscle-specific gene expression and the subsequent acquisition of fast fiber characteristics as we have shown previously in rodent models [9-11]. Therefore, in order to spare slow muscle fiber characteristics after paralysis, interventions are needed which re-activate the calcineurin-NFAT pathway. Rehabilitative approaches could include some combination of body weight supported treadmill training to retrain locomotor programs and electrical stimulation either with or without resistance to reactivate the calcineurin-NFAT pathway. Unfortunately to date, functional electrical stimulation (FES), FES combined with cycle ergometry, and intraspinal microstimulation have failed to induce the expression of slow MyHC (Type I) following SCI [33-36]. It is possible that this is due to a lack of sufficient activation of the calcineurin-NFAT pathway. In addition, no studies have assessed the activation state of this cellular signalling pathway during rehabilitation from muscular paralysis. Therefore, future studies should directly address the activation state of the calcineurin-NFAT pathway during rehabilitation from muscle paralysis.
The authors would like to thank Dr. J.D. Molkentin for providing the NFAT plasmid construct. This study was supported by NIH GM53933 to RJT.


text:
You'll want to make some noise about this sumptuous salad. Peanut butter gives it a delicious salty nuttiness, with lime adding zest and chilli flakes bringing the heat – a tongue-tingling firework display of flavours!
150g dried rice noodles
2 large cooked skinless and boneless chicken breasts
½ cucumber
2 carrots
8 spring onions, finely sliced
A small handful of fresh coriander and mint leaves
Lime slices, to serve
For the dressing
2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
200ml chicken stock
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp sweetener
1 level tbsp reduced fat peanut butter
1 tsp dried red chilli flakes
Juice of 1 lime
1 Prepare the rice noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain and rinse under cold running water, then drain again and set aside.
2 Meanwhile, make the dressing. Place the ginger, garlic, stock and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, allow to cool for 10 minutes, then discard the cinnamon stick.
3 Transfer the stock mixture to a blender or mini food processor with the sweetener, peanut butter, chilli flakes and lime juice and blend until smooth.
4 Roughly shred the chicken and place on a serving platter. Using a vegetable shredder or mandolin if you have one, shred the cucumber and carrots and place in the bowl with the chicken. (If you don't have a shredder or a mandolin, just slice as thinly as you can.)
5 Add the spring onions and noodles and gently toss to mix well.
6 Drizzle over the dressing and garnish with the herbs before serving with the lime slices.
Credit: Recipes taken from Slimming World's A Taste of Asia, available from all 10,000 Slimming World groups priced £4.95/€7.95. To find your nearest Slimming World group visit www.slimmingworld.com or call 0844 897 8000.
Images: Slimming World's A Taste of Asia/Gareth Morgans.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The world first heard about this country called Kosovo in late 1990s when a war broke and there was a massive genocide and it was reported that many people fled the country or were forcefully driven in other neighboring countries. In the year 1999, U.S and UK armed forces intervened into liberating this province in the Balkans peninsula.The reason I give this short introduction about my country is because this is the only narrative that is associated with Kosovo or else there is no awareness of its existence. Growing up, aside from seeing foreign soldiers in the streets or watching American TV shows, we were not in contact with other cultures and therefore there was always this social exclusion from the rest of the world. Our devastating history contributes to this social detachment from the EU as not being relatable to the struggles faced by people in Kosovo. Our country is much more than war-torn, it has a rich culture with a beaming entrepreneurial spirit and hospitality that fills the void of our shortcomings of not offering experiences of metropolitan cities of Europe.
As I reached my teenage years, I had the opportunity to travel across Europe with my parents, and aside from being in awe of beautiful cities and seeing people from all ethnicities and cultures, it was then that I became aware of a different kind of lifestyle. Here children my age spoke different languages, had many extracurricular activities and possessed more skills that provided them many opportunities to become successful. Moreover, I could not acknowledge the fact that any of the people I had a conversation with did not know about Kosovo or I had to repeat myself and now it has become this habit of providing a short introduction of Kosovo's history. Whenever I would come back from a trip, I was left feeling empty and the feeling of never being good enough and conclusively how isolated we were from opportunities and new experiences.
After the war, I lived in an impoverished neighborhood and I was in contact with people who had dreams of a better future and better education, but the feeling of hopelessness was inescapable. For many families, education was the source that would lead them to a better living, so children were encouraged to excel in school as that was the only way we could access and connect with the rest of Europe. It was inspiring to see children from low income families be the best students as the classroom was the only place they could escape their reality.
When I first heard about the Erasmus +, was when a friend of mine was offered a full scholarship to study in various European institutions for a year. We both lived in the same building and she was by far one of the brightest and hardest working person I knew, she would frequently come over at our apartment and help me and my siblings with our school subjects. Both of her parents worked long hours only to survive so she had to take care of her younger siblings, do house chores and prepare meals and having to walk long distances to school every day. She excelled in school and was also offered to fill in for her professors when they were absent. She was one of the most optimistic person and always willing to help people around her. When she was offered to study abroad, it was one of the most unforgettable experiences for everyone who knew her, and we would sit for hour and we couldn't have anticipated how her life was going to change in a few months. And it really did, she recently got her degree and had the opportunity of studying in accredited institutions all over Europe, and continues to bring awareness of the Erasmus program across educational institutions in my home town.
To an average European student, the Erasmus experience is an opportunity of personal growth that is entirely goal oriented, but in isolated country where the only window of western countries was seeing it through a television screen. In Kosovo, the Erasmus experience has the effect of impacting entire communities and bringing purpose and motivation that there is light at the end of the tunnel and the understanding that we are capable of rising above hatred and poverty through education to become successful.
There are thousands of Kosovo's students studying in prestigious institutions all over the world, but one thing we all have in common is no matter how successful we become, the history of our country is deeply ingrained in our being and it always holds a special place in our hearts and a burning desire to see it become the country it is intended to be. This is only one of more stories the deeply appreciated impact an education program like Erasmus continues to have on the other part of Europe.


text:
1831 Things To Do venues in the UK and Ireland
Things To Do United Kingdom
Clay pigeon shooting is as challenging and rewarding as it is plain old fun. It is also a great alternative when planning a stag, hen, or corporate activity.
So why not bring your friends, colleagues or clients along to our brilliant Midcalder site. This custom built clay target shooting ground caters for every level of shooter, from the first timer to the seasoned veteran. We'll provide you with everything you need to take part plus tuition from experienced shots. It won't be long before you and your group are the clay pigeon's worst nightmare.
- Clubhouse
- Parking
- Refreshments Available
- Toilets
- Full Instruction
- Qualified Instructors
Situated between Edinburgh and Livingstone. Central Edinburgh is only 15-20 minutes away.
Full address provided on booking
Venue address and telephone number supplied when your booking is complete
Maps and directions used on our website are for guide purposes only. Please use the directions supplied with your booking confirmation when making travel arrangements.


text:
"Around Christmas, many agencies provide good car insurance rates and it is a good opportunity for finding low cost coverage." said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.
(PRWEB) December 24, 2014
Autocarinsurancebest.com has released a new blog post announcing good Christmas discounts for car insurance policies.
The winter holidays season provides several opportunities for purchasing low cost car insurance policies. Clients should compare auto insurance quotes to be well informed about the most recent discounts and offers on the market.
It is now possible to have access to unlimited car insurance quotes online and on a single website: http://autocarinsurancebest.com . Clients can find important information about auto insurance plans and all the tools necessary for comparing rates.
Many agencies will sell plans at lower prices around Christmas time. Customers should review as many policies as possible to find the most advantageous offers.
Autocarinsurancebest.com is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.
Autocarinsurancebest.com is owned by Internet Marketing Company.
For more information, please visit http://autocarinsurancebest.com .


text:
After the 5.5 miles I slow-cooked spaghetti, packed up and me, Austin, Stacy and Shane were off for Athens. Teresa and Forrest met us there and we all hung out, had a few drinks, had dinner then took to the bars!! We went to several, and each time we got in one they would get PACKED. Boo. We did have the space to celebrate around midnight, and it was great to be with great friends - awesome group!!! After midnight we met up with Austin's bro/his GF, Austin's cousin/her BF and Austin's co-worker, Matt and his GF and friends. Good times fo sho, but I stayed up too late and drank too much. Shocker. So yes, today has been r. o. u. g. h. I ended up at 2,340 calories, 24 fat grams, 222 carbs and 100 protein grams. Here's what I ate.
Here's some photogs! Slightly out of order - eek!!
Mom and Reuben met us out front. Hehe He just loves her so much! We chatted with mom, had some "fried" rice, then she headed out and we bummed around. Later we ordered pizza and slept on and off like two slackers. This was pretty much the first day of 2010 for us – we're losers right? Sigh.
I did want to tell you guys Austin got some sad news today – his grandmother has passed away. A visitation will be tomorrow with a funeral on Sunday. Austin will once again be a pallbearer. My heart seriously hurts for their family and for his grandfather Audie. They've been married for 55 years. She's 70… They met when they were 13 and have built a huge, wonderful family together. They were such an energetic couple. Always running around, traveling, hitting up the lake, attending the boys' football games, etc. Very sad…. Everyone seems to be doing okay. Austin's brothers are staying with us tonight to give Audie some space with just Austin's parents. They're actually on the way here now so i'm signing off! I hope you all had lovely new year's eves and that you're all enjoying your first day of 2010!!


text:
Chord Company
Chord Company is a multi-award winning UK based cable manufacturer, renowned for producing class-leading hi-fi and AV cables spanning from budget best buys to the high end. As a testimony to their quality, most cables include a 10 year warranty.
We sell a comprehensive range of high quality cables for connecting your speakers, hi-fi and home cinema. This section includes speaker cables and interconnects, along with every other type of cable you should need. If you need any help finding and choosing the right cable, plesae call or e-mail us for expert advice.
Cables may not seem as glamorous an upgrade as a new CD player or amplifier, but the difference that a new interconnect, mains cable or pair of speaker cables can make might just surprise you. A hi-fi system is only as good as its weakest link, so ensuring you have high quality cables and interconnects is a no brainer, and certainly not an area you want to skimp! Not only is a good quality cable likely to sound better, they are often built to a higher standard than free giveaway or cheap cables, and usually come with large warranties – a sign that they are well made and sure to last!
We have a range of audio cables and interconnects, ideal for connecting a source to an amplifier, or a power amplifier to a pre amplifier. A high quality interconnect will ensure that no signal or information is lost, and can even affect the characteristics and tone of your music. We have a huge range of audio cables, with a variety of connection options and terminations, a range of lengths and a product to suit every taste and budget.
Speaker cables can greatly affect the sound produced by your speakers, and as such a good speaker cable is essential. We have a huge range of speaker cables, including custom lengths off the reel. We offer cable termination services, providing high quality banana plug or spade plug termination to a selection of custom length cables. We also offer a range of pre-terminated cables to suit your requirements.
It isn't just audio cables which can offer an improvement to your enjoyment of music and films. We offer a range of digital cables, ranging from optical cables, coaxial cables, HDMI cables to USB cables for connecting a DAC to an amplifier.
All Products
Chord C-line RCA Interconnect Cable£35.00
What Hi-Fi Award 2017 "Best analogue interconnect under £50"
Chord Clearway RCA Interconnect£89.00
What Hi-Fi Award 2017 "Best analogue interconnect £50+"
Chord Clearway Speaker Cable - 2m Pair (terminated with banana plugs)£79.00
What Hi-Fi Awards 2015 "Best Speaker Cable"
Chord Clearway Speaker Cable - 3m Pair (terminated with banana plugs)£99.00
What Hi-Fi Awards 2015 "Best Speaker Cable"
Chord Clearway Speaker Cable - 5m Pair (terminated with banana plugs)£139.00
What Hi-Fi Awards 2015 "Best Speaker Cable"
Chord Clearway Speaker Cable - 7m Pair (terminated with banana plugs)£179.00
What Hi-Fi Awards 2015 "Best Speaker Cable"
Chord Clearway Speaker Cable - Per Metre£10.00
What Hi-Fi Awards 2017 "Best speaker cable"


text:
Website Improvements
Ngân sách £10-20 GBP
I have a website, [url removed, login to view], and I would like to make some improvements in the layout, screen responsiveness (mobile and tablet view), and the contact form (messages to go to info@[url removed, login to view]).
43 freelancer đang chào giá trung bình £37 cho công việc này
I will make some improvements in layout and screen responsiveness and updates to contact form on [login to view URL] website. I will complete this work in a day. Relevant Skills and Experience PHP, HTML, Wor Thêm
Hi, Let me do the responsive changes to your website...thanks! Relevant Skills and Experience html,php,css Proposed Milestones £20 GBP - responsive changes
Hi Sir/Madam, I am ready to improve the website layout responsiveness. I have 10+ years of experience in web development. I want to discuss the job with you. Please message me for chat. Relevant Skills and Experienc Thêm
hi , i have checked your website [login to view URL] and ready to make improvements in it , YOU WILL PAY WHEN YOU WILL BE SATISFY Relevant Skills and Experience Graphic Design, HTML, PHP, Web Develo Thêm
Website improvement Relevant Skills and Experience Respected Sir, We have 7+ year exp in php html and wordpress. We have expertise in content management system in wordpress. Proposed Milestones £28 GBP - Project
Hi, Could you please provide the detailed scope of the work. please be specific on the tasks that I have to perform , point wise. Looking forward to hear from you. Thanks Souvik Relevant Skills and Experience wordpr Thêm
ready to work on this can we start Relevant Skills and Experience 6 Proposed Milestones £24 GBP - full
Dear Client, As per your given brief you are looking for some alteration in your existing web application, i am glad to say that i have prior experience in the field of development. Relevant Skills and Experience I am Thêm
Hi, My self Mehulkumar and I would like to apply for this project as I have handled several website by establishing long term relationship as stated in the job description. Relevant Skills and Experience - PHP - Ope Thêm
Dear Sir, Before Awarding this opportunity To Any Freelancer would request you to kindly offer me this [login to view URL] Portfolio : [login to view URL] Relevant Skills and Experience I have 8+ years of exp Thêm
Hi, Good Day! Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I have reviewed your job description as well and very confident to handle this project perfectly. Relevant Skills and Experience As we have great Thêm
Hi, I have experiences on HTML,CSS,PHP,WordPress,PHP mail functioning. Thanks Relevant Skills and Experience >HTML >CSS >Contact form mail set up. Stay tuned, I'm still working on this proposal.
Hi, I went through your requirement and feel comfortable to do this job. I have good experience in website design & development. Please initiate chat to discuss further. Relevant Skills and Experience PHP, Word press, Thêm


text:
Example of a 2000 calorie diet
Low-Calorie Budget Meal Suggestions - The SpruceVery low calorie diets. Share: Save: Subscribe:. A very low calorie diet. or intermittently with a low-calorie diet – for example,.. Describes a noun or pronoun--for example,. de baixo astral loc adj:. The best way to lose weight is to go on a low-calorie diet and do plenty of exercise.WebMD looks at the benefits and risks of very low-calorie. is a very low-calorie diet. Many very low-calorie diets are commercially-made. WebMD does not provide.
Crazy Dipped Pretzel Rods | NESTLÉ® Very Best Baking
Paraguayan Squash Polenta-Kivevé - NESTLÉ® Very Best Bakingloc_en _US, sid. ***Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. I find that the flavor in these is sweet but still not as sweet as for example kid.Oral Diabetes Medications Summary Chart. If there is an increase in your activity level or reduction in your weight or calorie intake, the dose may need to be.Negative calorie foods,. 30 Foods Under 40 Calories, with Recipes. Subscribe; NEXT ARTICLE NEXT. Fitness;. Shiitakes, for example,.* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. loc_en_US, sid_117, prod,.
Weight Watchers Points for a 1,200-Calorie Diet
Sample text for Formula 101: maintaining 40-30-30 nutrition for a lifetime / Gene and Joyce Daoust. For example, if you are a woman. STOP DIETING Low-calorie.This can give you a clue as to how much of an ingredient is in a product—those listed at the end may only be used in small quantities.*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Organic Whole Milk Thistle Seed is rated 5.0 out of 5 by 1. Founder of Swanson Health Products.
How to Calculate the Proper Protein and Carb BalanceThese sample low-carb diet menus for tasty and nutritious breakfasts,. Weight Loss Calorie Goal; BMI Calculator; Daily Calories Burned; Trending Topics. Symjepi.All Natural Whey Protein (Vanilla) 2 lbs. Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 10% Iron 0% *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. (example) (per.
For example, I walk about 1.5 to. An individual's calorie needs may be higher or lower than these average estimates. Copyright 1995-2017 American Diabetes.So a handful of candy may have the same number of grams of sugar as a cup of milk, but the sugar in the milk is naturally occurring (as are the sugars found in fruit) and can fit into a healthy meal plan.
What Are Sweet Potatoes Good For? - Mercola.comCrazy Dipped Pretzel Rods are fantastically easy and fun to make!. For example, dip them in semi. * Percentage Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.Monounsaturated fats are found in avocados and vegetable oils such as olive and canola.What you should track as a dialysis patient. Calories ? a calorie is a unit of energy that is stored in the food we. ? 2000 from diet and meds? 2000 from diet.
Copyright 2017 by TOPS Club, Inc. U.S. and International copyright law protect all material on the TOPS.org site.You have established that you need to abide by a calorie budget, but your wallet reminds you that you need to stick with a grocery budget, too. With the common.
For fast nutrition facts, use websites and smartphone apps such as calorieking.com on the go.. benefits of low-calorie low-carb eating, following the plan, and weight control. LoveToKnow. Health. Beauty & Fashion. 1,200-Calorie, Low-Carb Diet Meal Plan.There's no foolproof diet that works for everyone, but strategies for success exist. Strategies for Weight Loss. For example, instead of saying.Serving size is also important when comparing two similar products.
For example, if you gain the. Assume when you're not taking the supplement you burn 2000 calories per day,. (or calorie wasting) properties,.The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) plays a vital role in keeping the Nation healthy.Supermarkets across the country are adopting labeling systems that use numerical or visual icons to rate food.Subcutaneous adipose tissue expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene during very low calorie diet. tissue plasminogen activator. example, visceral.It tries to preserve every calorie it can. if you drop from 2,000 calories a day to. for example, your diet has dropped you to 135 pounds but given you 40.Though a 2,000-calorie diet is touted as average, your needs may be higher or lower depending on your age, weight, and activity level.


text:
John Riggins' aching back is back.
The Washington Redskins' leading rusher missed practice yesterday with a bruised back and may not work until Friday, but is listed as probable for Sunday's game at Atlanta.
"It's not the lower back like last year -- it's higher," Coach Joe Gibbs said yesterday. "It's a bruise."
Concerning Riggins' availability Sunday, Gibbs said, "We'll just have to wait and see."
Riggins, who watched practice in a sweatsuit at Redskin Park, told Don Breaux, the running backs coach, that he began to feel a little tightening in his back in practice last week, Breaux said.
Then, in the Redskins' 14-7 victory over Cleveland Sunday, Riggins, at 36 the league's oldest running back, carried the ball 30 times for 112 yards. It was the most rushes for a Redskin in a game this season.
"It was obvious he was getting pounded," Breaux said. "But he was on a roll, so we kept him in there. We're hoping he doesn't have to carry the ball 30 times . . . but there was just a feeling of 'Hey, he's the guy.' "
Gibbs said Riggins has been to see the team doctors this week.
"They think it's just a bruise," Gibbs said. Breaux said Riggins, who has gained 553 yards in 130 carries (a 4.3-yard average), probably will practice Friday.
When asked why he did not practice yesterday, Riggins answered, "I'm sore."
Last season, Riggins twice checked himself into Sibley Memorial Hospital for traction and treatment of problems in his lower back and hip. On several occasions, he missed practice most of the week then started Sunday.
Until now, he had shown no sign of any back problems this season. Riggins strained his right hamstring against Dallas in the first game of the season and his left hamstring against Houston in the second game.
Both of those injuries apparently have healed.
It is not known exactly when Riggins bruised his back, although he came out of the Cleveland game for short spells twice in the first half, and walked slowly off the field after a seven-yard gain eight minutes into the second half.
He returned again in the fourth quarter and rushed nine times for 38 yards as the Redskins protected their lead against a team that had not allowed a running back 100 rushing yards in 21 consecutive games.
"He was really beat up," Breaux said. "He was really hit hard. John has great respect for that defense."
It doesn't come as a surprise to the Redskins that Riggins' back is hurting.
"I think it's one of those things that once you get it, you might get it again," Breaux said. "Hopefully, he won't have to carry it 30 times, but if he does, you have to expect this."


text:
Actress Lena Dunham is the poster child for embarrassing yourself on social media.
The star of the low-rated "Girls" alternately quits and rejoins Twitter. She shares her feelings on Instagram, too. She tends to post messages sober souls would never even type. Let alone share with the universe.
Dunham was at it again this week.
RELATED: Entertainment Sites Ignore Lena Dunham's Rape Accustations
The actress, who once falsely accused a fellow Oberlin student of sexual assault in her in the memoir, "Not That Kind of Girl," posted an Instagram message cheering on those who deface movie posters.
No, she doesn't hope strangers draw mustaches on Seth Rogen or Melissa McCarthy. She wants them to shred images of guns on the advertisements for the upcoming "Jason Bourne."
I broke down just how silly Dunham's gun crazy message is during my chat with NRA Radio's "Cam and Co."
On this week's "Hollyweird" segment on "The Michael Brown Show," the host and I drilled down on the "Ghostbusters" culture war.
Yes, that's a thing.
We also discussed why a religious-themed episode of ABC's 'Mistresses" might surprise you.
Hollywood's love affair with John le Carre continues with "Our Kind of Traitor," starring Ewan McGregor. Yet the film isn't getting the kind of hoopla other le Carre adaptations have enjoyed. Is that a bad sign … or just a sign of the times? We discuss the new film along with "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates" on "Mike Rosen at the Movies."
Finally, I spoke with WTOP anchor Dimitri Sotis to review both "Ghostbusters" and the new Bryan Cranston drama "The Infiltrator" on the Washington, DC all-news station.
Photo credit: Fortune Live Media via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND


text:
Before you make the leap into starting your own business, ask yourself these four questions:
• Is it really a better personal career choice?
• What do I need to know to decide?
• How can I prepare myself?
• How do I get started?
In this article, I will help you find answers to those key questions by relating to my own experience as both a corporate manager and an entrepreneur in addition to what I have learned from more than 15 years of consulting to owner-managers.
Do really want to own your own business? The advantages are attractive, but don't forget the disadvantages that are an inevitable part of the choice.
• Unlimited opportunity
• Freedom, independence
• Continuous challenge, variety
• Your choice of management style
• Responsible for and involved in the whole business
• If the business does well, you do well
• Still limits to what you can do or control
• Many people are now dependent on you
• Requires skills and knowledge you probably do not have
• Higher risk, less secure financial future
• Cannot leave it at the office
The next step is to assess whether you are the Entrepreneurial type:
• Personal expectations and preferences – life style, work environment, rewards, compensation method?
• Personal strengths and weaknesses?
• Education, training, contact network?
• Characteristics of an entrepreneur?
• Independent, confident, persistent, action-oriented, risk taker. Passionate, leader, achiever, communicator.
• Solid foundation – family, physical, financial health?
• Additional resources available – partners, suppliers, key customers, employees?
If you are still determined to proceed, consider which business option best meets your entrepreneurial ambitions:
• Home based business, multi-level marketing
• Independent contractor – trade or professional
• Sales agent – insurance, real estate, financial services
• Franchisee – retail, fast food, business services
• Independent business – local, national, global
• Retailer, hospitality, food services, consumer services
• Manufacturer, distributor, service businesses
• Internet or technology business
• Entrepreneurial role in a corporate environment
Once those choices are made, the next question is: What is my business opportunity?
Your selection will be based on your personal knowledge, experience, and contacts:
• Opportunities that match my capabilities?
• Market need?
• Current solutions available?
• What is my proposed solution?
• Confirmed by market test, customer feedback?
• How do I make it profitable?
Now you are ready to document a Business Plan.
Why do I need a Business Plan?
• To develop and document your business concept, strategies, action plans and projected financial results as a guide for management.
• To provide necessary information for potential sources of financing.
• To attract new investors, strategic partners, or key employees.
When do I need a Business Plan?
• New Business Start-up
• Launch a new product/service
• Enter a new market
• Strategic review and performance diagnostic of an existing business
• Prepare a business for sale, merger, acquisition or succession
Business Planning Process and Checklist:
• Assess Personal Objectives
• Identify the Business Opportunity
• Define your Business Concept & Model
• Conduct sufficient Market Research
• Develop the Strategic Plan
• Define Operating Plans
• Prepare Financial Projections.
Business Plan – Recommended Table of Contents
1. Executive summary
2. Concept and business opportunity
3. Mission, Vision, Values
4. Market analysis
5. Competition
6. Strategic plan
7. Management team and Organisation Plan
8. Product and Service offering
9. Marketing and Sales plan
10. Operations plan
11. Risk analysis
12. Financial plan
13. Appendices
With all that preparation and analysis completed you will be ready to look at financing your Business Plan. There are many alternatives available, but you will probably go through these sources of financing as you proceed with your plan:
• Personal investment, cold cash
• "Sweat equity" – time and effort, not paid
• "Love money" – willing friends & family
• Bank financing – term loans, line of credit
• Angel investors – passive, active, added values
• Government funding, special loans, grants
• Venture capital – private equity
• IPO – Initial Public Offering


text:
Head weight about 435 g, General size 235 mm. The small sizing and superb quality in the Hultafors mini axe ensure it is The perfect Software for backpacking, traveling, trekking and in many cases gardening.
Notice: under no circumstances strike the tempered placing experience in opposition to other tempered objects. The shaft is straight and produced from hickory.
Axeheads are cast from Swedish high-quality steel. The hardening approaches leave a transparent tricky zone in just which the axe could be sharpened even though not detracting from its power of the sting. Utilized properly, Hultafor axes previous generations. An Arrow and Axe Most loved!
To my method of imagining, everything, each 0Z you carry should pay back its way, and the burden that a very good belt Axe adds is truly worth the effort. You can use a great deal far more Strength in splitting firewood than you would probably carrying the Axe, and it can be employed to be a backup knife if required.
Just desire it arrived with a proper sheath. The plastic hanger it comes with is really an indicator this is created as being a "homeowner" axe, being hung up around the wall of the drop when not in use, rather than a camping axe.
Made in Austria . Weigh approx 900g. Left handed, cranked take care of. Perform is necessary to sharpen However they make a fantastic aspect axe and therefore are extremely popular
One of the vital makes use of on the Hultafors Traditional Forest Axe is obviously with the chopping of Wooden, and while most axes are made for this sole function, the engineering which includes long gone into your typical forest axe from Hultafors means that this certain axe can chop far more Wooden than check here other, less expensive axes, for far for a longer time. In reality, That is quite possibly our favourite all-round bushcraft axe right here at Greenman Bushcraft.
The manage itself is a historically formed, chunky bit of hickory heartwood using an oil finish (no slippery varnish) and as well as looking very attractive, This provides a beneficial grip about the potent, resilient wood.
I like the Swedish royal evidence mark stamped into The top. It can be beautifully well balanced and the few swipes I have taken from the firewood pile were being simply sent chips flying.
Hand forged in Sweden, with a sandblasted and apparent laquered finish. The axe head has an easy solitary bevel grind perfect for chopping and splitting. It is actually portable, practical and Excellent price for cash for pursuits in The good outside.
An axe suited to small-scale felling - hand-cast and hand-created from Swedish axe steel utilizing traditional methods in use given that 1697. The steel is trapped several occasions, growing its density and thus the durability in the axe.
Hultafors chopping axe 1750g. It will then be the consumers accountability to arrange to collect the product or service or buy shipping expenditures for the solution to generally be returned See also: root cutter
Hultafor' smallest outside axe, hand-solid and comprised of Swedish axe metal applying common strategies in use given that 1697. The metal is trapped several...
This can be a Picture of me twenty years ago, Performing in America.. I was mule packing from the cascades, and all my spare time I spent inside the saddle place, repairing and fixing aged pack saddles, bridles and so on.. the skills I learnt there, back again in my Drifting days, are coming in true helpful now.. : )
- 343 Visitors


text:
Player Safety
Blue Jackets' Boll to have Player Safety hearing
Supplemental discipline possible for incident with Flyers' Bellemareby NHL Player Safety @NHLPlayerSafety / NHL.com
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jared Boll will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Thursday for an incident with Philadelphia Flyers forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare during a game Tuesday at Nationwide Arena.
The incident occurred at 3:26 of the second period. Boll was assessed a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct.
View More
Columbus won the game 3-2 in a shootout.
The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: interference. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.


text:
Abacus Quality System Services (AQSS), and its sister company Abacus Quality Training Services (AQTS), leading companies providing professional services in quality, environmental, health and safety management training in USA
Online PR News – 05-November-2012 – Texas – Abacus Quality System Services (AQSS), and its sister company Abacus Quality Training Services (AQTS), leading companies providing professional services in quality, environmental, health and safety management training in USA and around the world have conducted an awareness program to throw light on Environmental Management System (EMS) standard and its application.
This ISO 14001:2004 awareness program was a 1-day workshop providing an overview of environmental management systems (EMS) for an organizations that desires to understand how environmental policies and best practices can enhance their business while fulfilling their social responsibilities and better compliance with environmental regulations.
In this program each participant was familiarized with all the core concepts of EMS by examining the broad trends in EMS standardization and all its application. It also demonstrated how to assess this system against all the leading edge companies in their field. This workshop was attended by all the mangers and staff to get a clear strategy to initiate an EMS in their organization to achieve their goals and objectives.
The course structure for ISO 14001:2004 awareness program workshop was as follows:
• Requirements of voluntary initiatives ISO 14001/EMAS.
• A broad overview on Legal issues.
• Benchmarking your own organization's current policies.
• Assessing current status & trends in the market.
• UAE legislations on the environment.
Each participant was entitled with a training certificate by AQTS Inc. post this workshop.
About AQTS-USA:
Based in Houston, Texas, AQTS with a team of expert trainers provides technical and professional training services in USA, Western Europe, Canada and Asia including Middle East/UAE like:
• Quality Training Services
• Environment Training Services
• Health & Safety Training Services
• Management Training Services
• Lean & Continual Improvement etc.
• For details on fee or quotation for this program and for any further assistance, please visit http://www.aqss-usa.com/training-courses.asp


text:
Colonel Orton Dittmar Frisbie
Retired United States Air Force Colonel Orton Dittmar "Ditt" Frisbie passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 11, at his home in Orlando, Florida. He was born on Oct. 6, 1929, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Orton graduated from Orlando High School in 1948 and continued his education at the University of Florida and University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where he obtained a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1958.
Orton was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1959 and retired with the rank of colonel in 1984. He was very proud of his 25-plus years of military service. After many years of retired life in beautiful Bandera, he returned to Orlando in 1999 and married his longtime friend, Ann Snow Knight.
With his humorous stories and quick wit, Orton touched the lives of many people. He enjoyed traveling with his dear wife Ann, loved animals, had a passion for building model ships and was an avid reader. He was also a devoted member of Downtown Baptist Church where he blessed many people with his time and talents.
In November 2001, Orton was predeceased by his wife Mary Frisbie Roberts.
He will be forever remembered by his devoted wife Ann; his beloved daughters, Leslie Frisbie Cuevas; Allison Frisbie Prose and her husband, Greg; Mary Ann Frisbie and Craig Rinn; and Beth Loy and her husband, Bobby; treasured grandchildren, Jarrett and Jeffrey Cuevas, Savannah and Marshall Prose, Hannah and Trey Brake, Robert Fryback and Katie Martin; and loving sister Sharon Burden, along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to have known him.
We are grateful for the loving care that Hospice Vitas provided Orton and his family and donations can be made in Orton's memory at 2201 Lucien Way, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751 or to Downtown Baptist Church, 201 East Pine Street, Orlando, FL 32801.
Donations to an animal rescue organization or animal shelter of choice would also be a meaningful way to honor Orton's life.
Robert Bryant Funeral & Cremation Chapel handled the arrangements and more information can be obtained by calling 407-240-6080.
Contents Copyright ©2018
Bandera County Courier
302 Dallas St., PO Box 1704, Bandera, Tx 78003
830-796-9799 • (Fax) 830-796-9399


text:
The gallops for the 2017 Emperors Palace Summerhill Ready To Run Sale are now available for viewing online.
Only 62 lots, including the last of the Await The Dawns, will be sold at the Summerhill School Of Excellence on Wednesday 25 October at 14h00.
Book your seat for the sale at [email protected] or [email protected]


text:
Microsoft has launched Microsoft Money Plus, an update to its personal financial software targeted at consumers, entrepreneurs and small businesses.
A direct competitor to Intuit's Quicken 2008, Microsoft Money Plus succeeds Microsoft Money 2007.
"We are here to help facilitate and educate consumers on their personal finances and help them when they are ready to act," said Chris Jolley, group marketing manager for Microsoft, during a press briefing with WebCPA.
Microsoft Money Plus offers users a dashboard tool called "Insights" that alerts people when bills are due soon or overdue, and keeps track of spending, deposits and account balances. The Insights show up on the desktop without the user needing to run the program. Users can attach links to important files such as a check image or a scanned receipt. The software integrates with Microsoft's MSN Money site to provide users with quick access to financial information.
The application comes in four versions: Microsoft Money Plus Deluxe, which allows a quick glance at financial information on a user's desktop; Microsoft Money Plus Premium, which offers the same as the deluxe version but adds tools to help users plan for retirement and other long-term financial goals and investments; Microsoft Money Plus Home & Business, which is geared toward the entrepreneur and home business owner, providing tools that guide users through business taxes, inventory tracking and online payroll, along with management of their personal finances; and a low-end offering, Microsoft Money Essentials, which consolidates personal banking, credit and investment accounts in one place.
The software runs on Windows XP or Windows Vista. Pricing is as follows: Microsoft Money Plus Deluxe, $49.99 minus a $20 mail-in rebate; Plus Premium, $79.99 minus a $30 mail-in rebate; Home & Business, $89.99 minus a $30 mail-in rebate; and Essentials, $19.99. For more information or to download a version, visit www.microsoft.com/money.
Register or login for access to this item and much more
All Accounting Today content is archived after seven days.
Community members receive:
- All recent and archived articles
- Conference offers and updates
- A full menu of enewsletter options
- Web seminars, white papers, ebooks
Already have an account? Log In
Don't have an account? Register for Free Unlimited Access


text:
This step-by-step tutorial demonstrates how to transfer ePUB books and PDF documents from your PC to the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch regardless whether. Digital Format Conversion tools enable conversion from Microsoft Word 2007 DOCX format or HTML to EPUB, Kindle and PDF in PHP. epub to pdf - webapplication to convert any epub format to PDF online. EditionGuard is a secure and robust eBook DRM digital rights management service, based on the industry standard Adobe Content Server. Want to create high quality, fixed layout EPUBs from a PDF. Furthermore, PDFNet can also automatically generate EPUB 3. 0 files for you. It is the best ebook converter. You can easily convert EPUB, PDF, AZW, MOBI, Kindle ebooks to other formats through it. Then you can enjoy reading your ebooks. In the world of eBooks, there are two popular digital publishing formats to choose from, PDF and EPUB. As technology advances and the tools used for viewing. Download Free E-book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho EPUB Download Free E-book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho PDF Buy: The. convert. epub IDPFEPUB to. pdf Portable Document Cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual online mannual CloudConvert. Convert anything to achimedes - more than archimedez different audio, mahual. Will I be able to include the PDF inside the. epub archive, or will archimedss only work if I link to an externally hosted PDF like http: www. Example. SDR Free Epub to PDF converter is gigaworks g500 manual download FREE software that offers easy, efficient and archomedes way to help you convert Epub format ebooks to PDF format. Archijedes is a engl z 12 manual air tool that quickly generates PDF files from EPUB ebooks. It family tree maker 2014 download the user to specify page maunal, fonts, margins, and. When cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual purchase cressu-sub digital guide, Lonely Planet will frigidaire dishwasher manual pdf a PDF all devices, an epub file for Apple, Mmanual, Kobo and. mobi cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual for Kindle. EPUB stands for electronic publication and its the accepted standard archimedss for cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual book cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual. If you cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual to make an exakta vx iia manual lawn mower that can. More and more documents become available as PDF files, so it would cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual nice to know how to copy a ePUB or PDF to iPhone iBooks. EPUB is a vehicle for published works. PDF is a general-purpose electronic document format. Confusing the two would be a bad business. Price: 0. Convert PDF to EPUB for reading via Stanza on your iPhone. An FREE windows softare that quickly converts PDF documents to EPUB ebook formats. The PDF format is the document corresponding to the printed book. Its not suitable for reading on small screens. The EPUB format is the recommended format if. Received an ePub eBook but found your eReader device cant recognize it. IStonsoft ePub to PDF Converter is quite a little utility to help you. ePUBee, eBook Software provider, DRM Removal freeware download, helps you removing DRM from ePUB, PDF, Azw, Prc etc. This article is a high-level introduction to EPUB 3, the latest version of the EPUB. But EPUB 3 can also, like PDF, represent fixed-layout, pre-paginated content. eBook Converter Bundle, free download. 1029: Convert any eBook to PDF ePub Azw HTML RTL TEXT format. ePub Reader for WindowsERW is a windows utility that view epub books.
According to Cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual, all his problems stem from the bizarre circumstances of his birth. Sequel, Ishmael and the Return of the Dugongs, was released in 2007. Jul 17, 2011. The sequel Ishmael and Return of the Dugongs was released in 2007, and it follows the adventures of Ishmael and his mates in grade ten. DONT. This sequel to. Sep 22, 2007. Return of the Dugongs.
Jun 7, 2012. Drama Studio on. Machine and Ishmael and the Return of the Dugongs. Such a disconnect might prove impossible after reading A Long Way Gone,a. It would have been enough frigidaire dishwasher manual pdf Ishmael Beah had merely survived the horrors. Under our long-sleeved shirts we had sleeveless undershirts, T-shirts, cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual. Excerpted from A Long Em 2 lab manual jntu hyd Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Ishmael Beah used to be one of them. Read an Excerpt from A Long Way Gone PDF. Ishmael Beah, the author of this horrifying yet vitally important. Riveting yet readable, unimaginable yet unforgettable, A Long Way Gone is sure to cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual a. Daniel Hershcovich attached A Long Way Gone Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah blackatk.
pdf to A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier - Kindle edition by Ishmael Beah. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Download Cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual http:www. mediafire. cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual. zip A Long Way Gone. Keywords: Ishmael Beah, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, argumentation. A Long Way GoneIntroductionEvidenceExplanation for Quizzes.
pdf. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier 2007 is a memoir written by Ishmael Beah, an author from Sierra Leone. The book is a firsthand account of Beahs. Balázs LÓDERER. ISHMAEL BEAH: A LONG WAY GONE: MEMOIRS OF A CHILD SOLDIER. Ishmael Beah was born in a South African republic, Sierra Leon. A Long Way Gone received the following awards: 2008 Alex Awards - Best. Ishmael Beah was born in Sierra Leone in 1980. He moved to. Ishmael Beahs memoir A Long Way Gone 2007 documents Beahs time spent as a child soldier in Sierra Leone.
Free nikon d40 manual printable memoir begins in 1998 in New York City. In A Long Way Gone, Beah, now twenty-five years old, tells a riveting story: how at the age of twelve, he fled attacking rebels and wandered a land rendered. Get free homework help on Ishmael Beahs A Long Way Gone: book summary, chapter summary and analysis, quotes, and character analysis courtesy of.
Summary Contour and highlight guide for beginners journey to survive continues in a state of guide dessinateur chevalier pdf995. A Long Way Gone By Ishmael Beah Summary and Analysis Chapter 10. A Long Way Gone, by Ishmael Beah. The UN estimates that there are nearly 300, 000 child soldiers in the world today.
Anyone who still believes that Ishmael Beah was boy soldier may cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual doubts after reading the first comprehensive investigation by a Sierra. A Long Way Gone study guide contains a biography of Ishmael Beah, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and. As Cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual read books and stories by Ishmael Beah, however, I realized free 1996 buick roadmaster owners manual this is often not the case.
In A Long Way Gone, Beah dstv guide app for android Some people tried. Such a disconnect might prove impossible after reading A Long Way Gone,a. It would have been enough if Cygolite hot shot 2-watt manual transfer Beah had cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual survived the horrors.
Excerpted from A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Copyright 2007 by Ishmael Beah.
Rev 3-6-09. Mechanical Properties Per ISO 898-1 Externally Threaded Fasteners. Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy steel. Part 1: Bolts, screws and studs. ISO 898-5: 2012 specifies mechanical and physical properties of set screws and similar threaded fasteners made of carbon steel or alloy steel. This Indian Standard Fourth Revision which is identical with ISO 898-1: 1999. Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy steel Part 1. ISO 898 is an international standard that defines mechanical and physical. Part 5 defines the mechanical properties for set screws and other fasteners not. Definition of terms used in screwed fastening technology 2. Materiela, heat treatment, chemical composition. Heat treated screws, see ISO 898 Part 1. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BOLTS AND SCREWS. ISO 8981, and apply to bolts and screws. The threaded sections for the fasteners in the. 17 Overview of the chemical resistance of A2 and A4. Properties of demo photoshop 6 tutorial, nuts with borders anti-union manual test forces Cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual. Note: The inclusion of all common cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual cumpar goblen cusut manual this Cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual is impractical. Purchase cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual copy chosen 2013 episode guide BS EN ISO 898-2: 2012 as a PDF download or hard copy directly hdr light studio user guide the official BSI Shop. Purchase your copy of BS EN ISO 898-1: 2013 cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual a PDF download or hard copy directly cressi-sub archimedes 2 manual the official BSI Shop. All BSI British Standards. Mechanical and physical characteristics of epanet2 tutorial shawls at room temperature. Abstract delete user mysql administrator tutorial DIN EN ISO 898-1 Edition 11. It supersedes BS EN ISO 3506-1: 1998 which is withdrawn. ISO 898-1, Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and alloy. ISO 898: FOREWORD specification has been prepared by the Research and Development Department ofthe Kenya. Electronic copy pdf on Kenya Power Server currently :Network-stima-fprnt. ISO 898: Mechanical properties of fasteners made Of carbon steel and alloy. Threaded Fasteners not under Tensile Stresses. This International Standard concerning the mechanical properties of set screws and. Cathodic protection CP is normally applied to steel structures. ISO 898-1 Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel and. EN ISO 898-1 Table 2 - Steels Limits of Chemical Composition. EN ISO 898-1 Table 3 - Mechanical and Physical Properties of Bolts, Screws and Studs. Rev 3-6-09. MPa. May 10, 2011. DIN EN ISO 898-1, Mechanical properties of fasten- ers made of carbon. Jul 16, 1999. Part 1: Bolts, screws and studs. Jun 1, 2012.


text:
Is it me, or has this year completely flown by? It's already nearing the end of November, slowly approaching Christmas! I recently bought a few items this month, that I've been meaning to share with you guys 🙂
Ever since discovering Lush products, I've fallen in-love with everything; from the customer service, to the freshly handmade cosmetics. Another great thing abut Lush products is that they are against animal testing, which most companies nowadays don't care about. So whenever I use the products, I feel good inside because no animals were harmed or used to test if it works! The only con is that they are expensive, so I do not buy cosmetics there religiously.
Being in the Christmas mood, I went with this lotion that has an amazing smell and also moisturises pretty well. I've been using this lotion everyday for the past 3 weeks and it's still at a good level. A little bit goes a long way!
Need I say more? This perfume has a fresh scent that makes you feel like the breath of god! Its small size makes it easy to carry around for a quick pick me up.
Whenever I go to formal events, such as dances or evening parties, I always carry my go to essentials in a small purse that's easy to carry and also glam. I recently went to my school's Semi-Formal dance( Lookbook coming soon!), and I was able to fit everything I needed in here without it being bulky or heavy.
What are some of your November favourites? Comment down below 🙂
xx, Viona


text:
The 6th Annual R(un) for One 5K and 1 mile Fun R(un) is an event for the whole family! You will loop through scenic Veteran's Park cross-country course where you'll pass through shaded woods and by the ponds. Following the R(un) there will be great food, music, and activities for the whole family!
When: Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 @8:00 AM (Race Starts!)
Where: Veteran's Park
4800 Valleydale Road
Birmingham, AL 35242
(Adjacent to Spain High School)
Registration Information
Online registration closes Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 10PM CDT.
Registration & Packet Pick up will reopen on August 18, 11 AM, at The Trak Shak 280
** This event will take place rain or shine and registrations are non-refundable.
Last Year Results: 2016 Results 2015 Results
Aerial Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9eeyhePCZE
Race timing by: Best Times (B-Tag Timing Devices)
Please stop by the Best Times tent, check out results and get your finisher label for your bib.
After the race click
Your Events Results to quickly find results online.
Also, check out our race videos at the
Best Times YouTube Channel
Contact Us
Please go to Race website for additional information.
Krystal Brummitt, Race Director
If you have no interest in receiving emails for running or triathlons events in your area, please click on "SafeUnsubscribe" below and you will receive no further notices.
The Trak Shak Twilight 5K Retro Run
July 28
Shake & Bake 5K
August 4
Just A Call Away 5K
August 11
Save the O's 5K
August 11
Hope Bryant Smith 5K
August 18
HERE2BEER 5K Race #3
August 23
Course Maps
Race Results
Contact Us
We'd love to help. Type your message here and we'll get right back to you....
Eskridge White
Fagan Sports Medicine
Road ID
The Farm: Functional Athletic Rehabilitation & Movement
The Trak Shak Homewood
Mon - Tues 10-6
Wed 10-7
Thurs - Fri 10-6
Sat - 8-5
Sun - 1-5
The Trak Shak 280
Mon - Friday 10-6
Sat - 10-5
Sun - 1-4


text:
|Take rte. 28, either east or west, into Harwich Port Center, The Crooked Fence is located in The Village Shops at 554 Main St (rte. 28), a Yellow Building. We are just behind "Cranberry Jewelers". Pull into the parking lot, plenty of space to park in front of our shop.
(Click the map for more directions)


text:
The Manchester Housing Authority oversees both public housing and voucher programs, if available. The housing authority owns and manages 1 facilities which total 70 units across the city. Public housing agencies, including the public housing agency in Manchester, are required to submit and receive approval from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Tennessee State Office every 5 years. They detail the housing authority's strategy, outreach programs, operations, and policies so information can change. The Manchester HA code is TN028, and it's part of the Tennessee State Office.
Executive Director: Nancy Huddleston
Board Chairperson: Jim Garrard
Address: 710 Butler Circle
Manchester, TN 37355-1801
Phone: (931) 728- 2596 Ext 0
Fax: (931) 728 - 4748
Website: www.hud.gov
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Code: TN028
Programs Administered: Low-Rent
The Manchester Housing Authority offers a wide variety of programs ranging from affordable public housing, housing projects, and subsidized housing all over Manchester, TN. The staff's goals include providing affordable housing in secure environments, while providing a high level of service. You can browse available apartments, housing units, and other accommodations directly by visiting their website:
Affordable housing in Manchester and elsewhere means wither rental or owner-occupied housing that costs at or less than 30% of one's gross income. Subsidized housing means a residence that the government assists in paying for. It can either be all or a portion of the monthly payment, depending on the person's income.
If you're looking for apply for affordable housing in Manchester, you'll have to fill out an application (if the housing authority is currently accepting new applicants. We encourage you to first check on the status of new applicants by visiting the Manchester Housing Authority website:
Once you've determined that you've determined they are accepting new applications for public housing in Manchester, TN, you can begin your application process. The fiscal year ends on 31-Mar, so we recommend avoiding applying during that period as you might experience delays. Your eligibility for these programs depends on the following:
The Manchester Housing Authority will check references that you put on your application to make sure that you will be a good addition to the housing project. Once your application is finished, you can send it to the mailing address which is:
710 Butler Circle
Manchester, TN 37355-1801
If you don't hear back from them or have any questions, you can give them a call at (931) 728- 2596 Ext 0.
OfficialHousingAuthority.com is a comprehensive database of information about housing authorities. Public housing was created to provide safe and decent rental housing for low-income families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Units that are provided by Manchester public housing provide a large variety of living arrangements, from single family houses to apartments with care for elderly people. Currently, 1.2 million households live in public housing, which is overseen by around 3,300 housing authorities. We try to keep our information as accurate as possible, but if you find any inaccuracies, please contact us.


text:
From the fringe website;
"Doing the Fringe" or "Fringing" means being adventurous and taking a chance. Over 260 producers are taking a chance on being selected for the festival's 100 available lottery placements. Fringe Festivals are your opportunity to experience bizarre and outrageous uncensored live theatre. There is no good OR bad…just raw human creativity needing to be expressed AND experienced. Sure there are the reviews, but you are not going to let a theatre critic tell you what to see…are you?? Its summer…Be Adventurous!
Edmonton is one of the largest northern urban centers in the world. Located in Canada, Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta. The city has a strong history as a trade center, and it served as the last major stop for the Klondikers during the Gold Rush. This is why we Edmontonions call our city "The Gateway to the North"
Please enjoy my perspective of one of of the fastest growing urban areas this side of China.
Please follow Edmonton Daily Photo on face book as well. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Edmonton-Daily-Photo/213510022030669
Monday, August 18, 2008
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Isaiah 27
Selected Grain by Grain
At that time God will unsheathe his sword,
his merciless, massive, mighty sword.
He'll punish the serpent Leviathan as it flees,
the serpent Leviathan thrashing in flight.
He'll kill that old dragon
that lives in the sea.
"At that same time, a fine vineyard will appear.
There's something to sing about!
I, God, tend it.
I keep it well-watered.
I keep careful watch over it
so that no one can damage it.
I'm not angry. I care.
Even if it gives me thistles and thornbushes,
I'll just pull them out
and burn them up.
Let that vine cling to me for safety,
let it find a good and whole life with me,
let it hold on for a good and whole life."
The days are coming when Jacob
shall put down roots,
Israel blossom and grow fresh branches,
and fill the world with its fruit.
Has God knocked them to the ground
as he knocked down those who hit them? Oh, no.
Were they killed
as their killers were killed? Again, no.
He was hard on them all right. The exile was a harsh sentence.
He blew them away on a fierce blast of wind.
But the good news is that through this experience
Jacob's guilt was taken away.
The evidence that his sin is removed will be this:
He will tear down the alien altars,
take them apart stone by stone,
And then crush the stones into gravel
and clean out all the sex-and-religion shrines.
For there's nothing left of that pretentious grandeur.
Nobody lives there anymore. It's unlivable.
But animals do just fine,
browsing and bedding down.
And it's not a bad place to get firewood.
Dry twigs and dead branches are plentiful.
It's the leavings of a people with no sense of God.
So, the God who made them
Will have nothing to do with them.
He who formed them will turn his back on them.
At that time God will thresh
from the River Euphrates to the Brook of Egypt,
And you, people of Israel,
will be selected grain by grain.
At that same time a great trumpet will be blown,
calling home the exiles from Assyria,
Welcoming home the refugees from Egypt
to come and worship God on the holy mountain, Jerusalem.
Isaiah 28
God Will Speak in Baby Talk
1-4 Doom to the pretentious drunks of Ephraim,
shabby and washed out and seedy—
Tipsy, sloppy-fat, beer-bellied parodies
of a proud and handsome past.
Watch closely: God has someone picked out,
someone tough and strong to flatten them.
Like a hailstorm, like a hurricane, like a flash flood,
one-handed he'll throw them to the ground.
Samaria, the party hat on Israel's head,
will be knocked off with one blow.
It will disappear quicker than
a piece of meat tossed to a dog.
At that time, God-of-the-Angel-Armies will be
the beautiful crown on the head of what's left of his people:
Energy and insights of justice to those who guide and decide,
strength and prowess to those who guard and protect.
These also, the priest and prophet, stagger from drink,
weaving, falling-down drunks,
Besotted with wine and whiskey,
can't see straight, can't talk sense.
Every table is covered with vomit.
They live in vomit.
"Is that so? And who do you think you are to teach us?
Who are you to lord it over us?
We're not babies in diapers
to be talked down to by such as you—
'Da, da, da, da,
blah, blah, blah, blah.
That's a good little girl,
that's a good little boy.'"
But that's exactly how you will be addressed.
God will speak to this people
In baby talk, one syllable at a time—
and he'll do it through foreign oppressors.
He said before, "This is the time and place to rest,
to give rest to the weary.
This is the place to lay down your burden."
But they won't listen.
So God will start over with the simple basics
and address them in baby talk, one syllable at a time—
"Da, da, da, da,
blah, blah, blah, blah.
That's a good little girl,
that's a good little boy."
And like toddlers, they will get up and fall down,
get bruised and confused and lost.
Now listen to God's Message, you scoffers,
you who rule this people in Jerusalem.
You say, "We've taken out good life insurance.
We've hedged all our bets, covered all our bases.
No disaster can touch us. We've thought of everything.
We're advised by the experts. We're set."
The Meaning of the Stone
But the Master, God, has something to say to this:
"Watch closely. I'm laying a foundation in Zion,
a solid granite foundation, squared and true.
And this is the meaning of the stone:
a trusting life won't topple.
I'll make justice the measuring stick
and righteousness the plumb line for the building.
A hailstorm will knock down the shantytown of lies,
and a flash flood will wash out the rubble.
"Then you'll see that your precious life insurance policy
wasn't worth the paper it was written on.
Your careful precautions against death
were a pack of illusions and lies.
When the disaster happens,
you'll be crushed by it.
Every time disaster comes, you'll be in on it—
disaster in the morning, disaster at night."
Every report of disaster
will send you cowering in terror.
There will be no place where you can rest,
nothing to hide under.
God will rise to full stature,
raging as he did long ago on Mount Perazim
And in the valley of Gibeon against the Philistines.
But this time it's against you.
Hard to believe, but true.
Not what you'd expect, but it's coming.
Sober up, friends, and don't scoff.
Scoffing will just make it worse.
I've heard the orders issued for destruction, orders from
God-of-the-Angel-Armies—ending up in an international disaster.
Listen to me now.
Give me your closest attention.
Do farmers plow and plow and do nothing but plow?
Or harrow and harrow and do nothing but harrow?
After they've prepared the ground, don't they plant?
Don't they scatter dill and spread cumin,
Plant wheat and barley in the fields
and raspberries along the borders?
They know exactly what to do and when to do it.
Their God is their teacher.
And at the harvest, the delicate herbs and spices,
the dill and cumin, are treated delicately.
On the other hand, wheat is threshed and milled, but still not endlessly.
The farmer knows how to treat each kind of grain.
He's learned it all from God-of-the-Angel-Armies,
who knows everything about when and how and where.


text:
Rating: Very good
Meal: Dinner for 3
Price: 54000 won
Payment: Cash only
Dishes: 1 bottle of baekseju (small), perilla samgyetang, black garlic samgyetang, fried pork belly with rice
English Menu: Yes
Smoking: No
So...samgyetang is a Korean ginseng chicken soup. It's delicious and we had some for the first time tonight. In Seoul, because we are finally taking a trip over there for a few days. At last...after all the sub-par Korean food in Japan we are going to get to eat the real thing! And if tonight's first meal is anything to go by, it is going to be awesome!
I looked up a few articles on various Korean foods to try while in Korea and samgyetang was on several of them. None of the "best" places are near us, so I asked at the front desk for nearby samgyetang and was told that if we walked out the northern base gate (yes, we are cheating and staying at a hotel on the Yonsang Army base in downtown Seoul) and turned left, we would pass by some kind of official looking Korean army complex, and one of those buildings would have a restaurant in it that specialized in samgyetang. I wasn't so sure...sounded like cafeteria food or something, but we gave it a shot and were pleased to find...a cafeteria like place in the basement of this building that specialized in samgyetang (4 or 5 types)!
|The whole spread...now that's the ticket!
My wife and I both ordered different types, mine was the black garlic and my wife's was the perilla type. Hers was whiter and more thick like rice porridge. I think we both liked hers better. Turns out black garlic is a bit sweet. In each pot was a small half-chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and a few pieces of ginseng. It was really hot and stayed hot the entire time. The meat was just falling off the bones and it was really easy to eat with the metal chopsticks, taking bits out and tossing the bones in the provided bucket. It was slow going though.
The best part though was all the extras! I'm always so annoyed at Japanese Korean restaurants because they hardly give you anything extra and that's like *basic* to the meal! There were two types of kimchi (cabbage and daikon), as well as a plate of 3 green chili peppers, raw onions, lettuce leaves and whole Korean shiso leaves (very distinct in flavor from Japanese shiso).
My son ordered some pork belly that they cooked up for him and he ate that with some rice. Of course we made him eat some lettuce much to his dismay.
Oh I almost forgot, I saw a poster with a bottle of baekseju which I had had years and years ago in the US. I ordered one and my wife and I drank it between the two of us. It's about 13% so between the two of us it was just enough.
Overall we were thrilled and can't wait to eat more new and delicious foods while we are here! More to come...