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Shaun Howard of Lake Ariel, PA, has received the Filomena Peloro Scholarship. Shaun Howard attends Case Western Reserve University and is majoring in Computer Science.
- Shaun Howard of Lake Ariel, PA, has received the Filomena Peloro Scholarship. Shaun Howard attends Case Western Reserve University and is majoring in Computer Science.
"NIAF has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and grants across the county since its inception. NIAF's leadership is extremely proud of the high caliber of students and their outstanding achievements," said NIAF Chief Operating Officer John M. Viola.
NIAF celebrates its 38th anniversary this year. The scholarship program has grown four scholarships of $250 each to dozens of annual scholarships that range in value from $2,000 to $10,000 each in the humanities, medicine, business, engineering, music, Italian language and culture and other specialized fields.
Scholarship winners are selected based on academic merit and are academically outstanding, with an average GPA of 3.95. The average scholarship in the United States was more than $4,000.
In addition to NIAF's scholarship program, this year NIAF donated funds for the Cooperativa Sociale Nazareno, a faculty for disabled and mentally challenged individuals, ravaged by the recent Emilia Romagna earthquake in May 2012. NIAF also sent college students to Italy's Campania and Lazio regions to participate in the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program, an educational and cultural initiative.
Contributors to the NIAF scholarship program include corporations, individuals and organizations across the United States.
Apply online for a 2013-2014 scholarship at www.niaf.org/scholarships.
Application deadline is March 11, 2013.


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Precious One
Donna Teresi 6/18/2004 7:50:31 AMAbsolutely Beautiful!!! #139147
Joyce Baldassarre 6/18/2004 8:51:49 AMSUPERB SHOT!!!! HOW PRECIOUS!!!! #603690
Tammy Nuxoll 6/18/2004 8:57:01 AMI agree this is a wonder image!!! #603700
Samantha M. Andrew 6/18/2004 9:12:45 AMAdorable!!! #603731
Dale Ann Cubbage 6/18/2004 9:37:12 AMIt's still adorable, and I just noticed the bracelet! Just wonderful! #603780
Jessica Hughes 6/18/2004 6:41:08 PMLeslie, this is adorable! You've captured every tiny detail on this beautiful newborn.
Casey A. Hanson 6/18/2004 8:11:29 PMJust precious! Nicely done!! #604380
Teresa L. Bernard 6/18/2004 8:32:52 PMlove this one, great job! #604415
Peggy Wolff 6/19/2004 7:12:41 PMLeslie, Leslie, Leslie! You have out done your self my dear! This is sooooo beautiful! This is the prettiest baby picture I have seen in a long time. I just started looking at the photos posted in the past week and I tell ya, the talent here is getting better all the time. #605632
Kasia Elser 7/17/2004 7:51:58 AMGreat shot - congrats! #652915
Peggy Wolff 7/17/2004 8:03:23 AMCongrats Leslie, but this is NO surprise! I hope it goes far! #653007
Leslie A. Young 7/17/2004 1:07:02 PMThanks everyone, for the comments! I have been a finalist 9 times now, but haven't won yet. Thanks again for all the comments, and I hope this one goes far too! #653836
Nancy Grace Chen 7/17/2004 3:19:54 PMLove the b&W and soft pinks here. This could definitely be a winner. Congrats and good luck.
Nancy #654184
Leonard Pierce 7/17/2004 3:27:20 PMCongratulations Leslie!!! #654212
Cathy Barrows 7/17/2004 5:37:05 PMCongrats!...Good Luck!...sweet #654521
Bonnie LeVitre 7/18/2004 6:27:34 PMCongratulations love the picture #656599
Teresa L. Bernard 7/19/2004 2:18:31 AMCongratulations! #656990
Peggy Wolff 7/20/2004 8:44:33 PMLeslie, I wish you had an E-mail I could write you directly but you don't have a gallery. Every month there seems to be one photo that I am devastated did not make it into the winners circle. This month it is yours. This is an amazing photo and certainly deserved to be in the winners circle. It is an honor to be a finalist, but just to let you know in my heart this has the grand prize win. Keep up the great work! #661811
Leslie A. Young 7/21/2004 7:20:46 AMPeggy,
Thanks so much!!! That really made my day. I don't have a gallery, because I keep holding out thinking that I might win one, but at this point it's not looking that way. I really felt upset that this one didn't get in. I'm glad that there are others that see that too! It almost burns me out from trying anymore. I guess I just don't know what they are looking for??? I love this website and it would be an honor to win. Thanks for all your kind words Peggy!
Leslie #662594
Peggy Wolff 7/21/2004 7:41:25 AMLeslie, the judges on this site seem to favor more of a photo journalistic style of photography. That does not mean you need to change a thing. I think this has what it takes to win in a different contest. When I take photos for people, I try to take something that they will want a huge print for their wall and future generations will fight over who gets it. This fits that bill! Try not to be discouraged! #662629
Jessica Hughes 7/21/2004 7:46:13 AMTo me, this is a winner Leslie! I was shocked to find that this didn't win. I was expecting you to take first place! :) I love this photo!! #662638
Caitlin J. Zellner 2/23/2008 11:52:31 AMShe is SOOO CUTE! I added it as one of my favorites! Nicely done. :)
- Caitlin :) #5540209
Baby Hadden Pearl, 2 weeks old! This picture was taken outdoors against a white fence. I touched up the background in ps7, then I desatuated the picture and brought back a little color. Thanks for viewing!
Uploaded on 6/18/2004 7:27:04 AM
Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to Leslie A. Young. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.

subset: commoncrawl


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'Cat Lady' Taylor Swift Hosts 22nd Birthday Party
Though Taylor Swift turned 22 on Dec. 13, she only just got around to actually celebrating her special day. The country cutie hosted a birthday soiree at her Nashville home this weekend — where her friends called her a "cat lady!"
Swift laughed off the playful teasing. Her fondness for felines has been well-documented, from her obsession with her cute new kitten Meredith (whom she calls her "roommate") to the stickers on her computer in her office from the 'Ours' video. It's a nickname she may be a little too young for, but it's still well-earned! "She's awesome," Swift gushed about Meredith. "She's like one of those cats that gives cats a good name… She's really friendly and fun."
Us Weekly says that Swift "had a great time and was very happy. She was bouncing around from person to person and laughing about all the cat lady jokes!"
Swift had a star-studded guest list at her fete, including members of Hot Chelle Rae, Paramore and Parachute. That must have been one sweet birthday serenade!
Also sweet? The desserts! While Swift is a baking enthusiast, we don't know if they were homemade, but they sure sounded delicious. A source told Us Weekly that there were "lots of cookies. The gourmet kind." Hey, Taylor — we want an invite next year!


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I knew I'd be navigating a minefield in my Saturday column, which dealt with two combustible topics: race and politics.
I said that the Republican campaign, in the run-up to Tuesday's presidential vote, has resorted to a not-so-subtle nativist appeal that relies on racial animus and fears.
All that "It's time to take our country back" rhetoric you hear at GOP rallies makes me wonder just whose country they think this is. I know race-baiting when I hear it.
INTERACTIVE: Battleground states map
The response to the column on public comment boards tended toward the ugly — as anonymous forums often do.
But the hundreds of emails I received revealed a divided but thoughtful populace, harboring fears and resentments as real as my own.


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From ZineWiki
Revision as of 15:20, 25 May 2011 by InvisibleFriend (Talk | contribs)
Shadowland was a science fiction fanzine published by Bill Shell and edited by Sam Martinez.
Published in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A., Shadowland was released in the 1950s. It was a Fantasy Amateur Press Association publication, but also available to non-members. It was a hectographed zine of around 52 pages. At least six issues were released between 1952 and 1954.
Contributions included "The Art Gallery" by Terry Carr (Innuendo), fiction by William Clyde, and Don Womanski, and poetry by Bob Farnham (The Chigger Patch of Fandom), and by Orma McCormick (Starlanes).
Sam Martinez later edited the zines Dry Martini, Fifty Fifty and Mambo, and his fiction was published in the first issue of 1952's Fantastic.


text: Description A collaboration between legendary Belgian fabric producer Scabal and French designer Cinabre, this handmade bowtie displays Savile Row sophistication and flair. Each features red stripes (with bitty green and yellow stripes in between) over thick navy silk-cotton twill backed in Cinabre's signature crimson silk lining. A handwritten label can be customized with a name and a special date (like a wedding!). Self-tie with adjustable neck band. Cotton and silk. Dry clean. Handmade in France. 33"L Band: 1"W, bow: 2.75"W Style #25168501


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DOVER — Saint Mary Academy has been selected to be the 2012 Holiday Ornament by the City Lights Committee.
"This is the third year in which the City Lights Committee has created a holiday ornament," Pam Simpson, City Lights Committee Chair, said in a public statement "We always recognize a location that is iconic to Dover. Since Saint Mary Academy is celebrating 100 years in the city this year, they seemed like the perfect choice."
Last year, the Dover Public Library was featured and in 2010, City Hall was recognized. The artwork for the ornament has been created by local artist, Anthony Vito Fiandaca for all three years of the fundraiser.
The ornament will be on sale throughout the holiday season at the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, located at 550 Central Avenue, and at Nicole's Hallmark, located at 386 Central Avenue. The ornament is sold as a fundraiser for the City Lights Committee and will also be available at school events at Saint Mary Academy. Ornaments cost $8.
Dover City Lights is an entirely volunteer-based committee dedicated to illuminating downtown Dover during the holiday season. The funds generated by the ornament sales will go directly toward lighting the downtown area. The committee also displays American flags along Central Avenue during spring, summer and fall.
"Saint Mary Academy is honored to be featured on the City Lights ornament this year," Stephanie Bolduc, Saint Mary Academy Development Coordinator, said in a public statement. "We are proud to be working with such a great community organization."
Holiday lights in downtown Dover are scheduled to be turned on Sunday, November 25th, before the Saint Mary Academy Holiday Parade, and are scheduled to stay on through January.
For more information on Dover's City Lights, contact the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce at (603) 742-2218.
St. Mary Academy featured on Christmas ornament chosen by City Lights panel
DOVER — Saint Mary Academy has been selected to be the 2012 Holiday Ornament by the City Lights Committee.


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Tony Romo taking snaps. Joe Flacco hurling passes. Jordy Nelson and Keenan Allen catching them.
Terrell Suggs and Cam Wake harassing opposing quarterbacks. Ryan Clady trying to prevent such things.
Jamaal Charles running wild.
It sure would be nice to see these stars on the field and not on injured reserve, where they wound up in 2015.
As NFL teams head to training camp, nearly all of them have key players they desperately need to return to health. Here's a look at those most in need:
Baltimore Colts
No team had its season ruined more by injuries than the Ravens. Along with Flacco and Suggs, they lost half-dozen regulars, including playmakers...


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War Veteran Author's New Book Offers Insights on Prayer
- Allie Martin AgapePress
- 2004 21 May
A best-selling Christian author and former Marine says many of those serving in the Iraqi war are leaning on their faith in God to carry them through tough times.
Retired Lt. Colonel Oliver North is the host of "War Stories" on FOX News Channel. He has spent several months in Iraq throughout the war, filing reports focusing on those who carry out their duties as part of the ongoing U.S. military campaign there.
The veteran military expert also offers a detailed frontline account of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which he covered as a war correspondent for FOX, in his recent book, also titled "War Stories." That book includes full-color photo and comes with a DVD that contains stirring video highlights from North's frontline coverage of the war in Iraq.
The former Marine and frontline journalist says there are many bold Christians serving their country proudly in Iraq. He explains that the troops understand the complexities of freedom and democracy that they are defending first hand.
"They have been through the crucible of America's cultural war in the last decade. They were in elementary and high school when we were fighting over whether you could pray at a football game or have a rally around the flagpole or say the words 'under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance," North says.
"They're now in the heat of combat," the veteran soldier goes on, "and they may be able to take profanity to the level of a new art form. And yet, they are also young men who will, in a moment, sit down with their mates before a combat operation and pray."
North, who served as the honorary chairman for the recent National Day of Prayer, believes many Christians have a faulty understanding of prayer. In his new book, "True Freedom: the Liberating Power of Prayer" (Multnomah, 2004), North says if believers are to pray effectively they must first surrender everything to God.
"A lot of us think that we're so self-reliant," North says, "and I was once one of those myself. I was in better shape and tougher and smarter than anybody else around me. And yet, when you really pray and listen, you realize that there are vistas out there that you could never imagine."
In "True Freedom," North gives seven key points describing how prayer can help believers escape disconnectedness, anxiety, and sin, as well as find the freedom to hear God's voice and become what He intended them to be. The author says as Christians learn how to pray effectively, they realize "that God can free you from all the burdens of sin; He can lift the anxiety of what you're going to be doing tomorrow, and how you're going to get it done."
Oliver North is also the editor, along with Sara Horn, of the book "A Greater Freedom: Stories of Faith from Operation Iraqi Freedom."
© 2004 AgapePress. All rights reserved. Used with permission.


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First off I fed my first baby for 13 months, and while painful for first 5 weeks (because of 'sensitive' nipples and a baby with a minute mouth) was fine afterwards.
I now have a 5 week old. I expected the pain and was ready for it- and boy have I had it. Been to the LC and was told I was doing everything right, but for whatever reason that they couldn't figure out, he keeps sucking in air (I can hear the high pitch squeek noise) quite often. He does it more on one side than the other- which is weird. It means he goes on right, but feels like he slips off and grabs on again, but his mouth isn't as wide when he goes back on. Tried breaking him off every time he does it, but it means he gets frustrated, and doesn't end up drinking anything- any suggestions why he keeps coming off????? No, he doesn't have a tongue tie, and apparently I'm holding him right (LC and midwife said). have been told it's a mystery that they can't solve. Unfortunately it's very painful!!!
I have infections in my breasts that the dr doesn't know exactly what it is. They're extremely sensitive to the point of I really don't even want to wear clothes- the nipples feel like they're raw, but then I look at them and while they have cracks, there's nothing else there. The cracks are just not healing though, which is annoying. The whole breast feel hot, I can feel an infection or whatever through to my armpits sometimes. I was diagnosed with mastitis originally, took meds for it, cleared up, but came back with other symptoms like the extreme nipple sensitivity and shooting pains. I presumed it was thrush. I took diflucan 1-shot, and put on nipple antibacterial, while giving bub nilstat- didn't make any difference. Could it be something other than thrush??? I'm currently on flagyl as well, but I dont even know what for...
Please if anyone has any ideas or thoughts on any of this I'd be so grateful. Very close to giving up, which I so don't want to do!!!


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9:00 pm
Burt Wolf: Travels & Traditions "Christmas In Vienna, Austria" Christmas is observed in cities throughout the world, but the festivities in the Austrian city of Vienna are unique. Burt joins the celebration, explains the ancient history and meaning of Christmas, tours Vienna's famous Christmas markets, and discovers why we have Christmas trees. He takes us inside the magnificent castle of the Habsburg family and unravels the story of how they became the most powerful rulers in Europe by using their marriages instead of their military. D
9:30 pm
Jacques Pepin: More Fast Food My Way "Bread Flip" Jacques makes Tibetan flatbread, cooking it in a frying pan. He also makes risotto with broccoli stems and salmon burgers on baby arugula.G
10:00 pm
America's Test Kitchen from Cook's Illustrated "Gnocchi and Panzanella" Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make foolproof Gnocchi at Home. Next, gadget guru Lisa McManus reveals her top pick for rotary graters. Then, Chris discusses with science expert Guy Crosby the science of soil and its effect on the taste of tomatoes. D
10:30 pm
Coastal Cooking with John Shields "California Coastal" Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium as special guests Susan Feniger & Mary Sue Milliken and prepare their Minted Calamari Salad. John then makes a Big Sur Fennel and Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts and Gorgonzola Vinaigrette and Seared Scallops with Orange, Fennel and Polenta. D
11:00 pm
Joanne Weir's Cooking Confidence "Italian Love Affair" Inspired by dishes made in her classes in Italy, Joanne introduces her student Reggie to bagnacauda, rigatoni with chicken in a tomato cream sauce, and a vegetable ribbon salad. Recipes: Bagna Cauda, Rigatoni with Chicken, Tomatoes and Cream, and Vegetable Ribbon Salad. Student: Reggie Wooden, Student. D
11:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Andalucia, Gibraltar and Tangier" Exploring the quintessence of Spanish culture in Andalucia, Rick rolls down from whitewashed hill towns to the coast and takes in the windsurfing at Tarifa. He catches a bit of Britain on the Rock of Gibraltar and then sails to Africa for a Moroccan finale in Tangier.G


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Jaime Hernandez: The 1991-D Korean Commemorative Dollar was issued to commemorate the 38th Anniversary of the Korean War and to honor the men and woman that served the Korean War.
Obverse: The obverse shows a soldier holding a rifle running up a hill. Above him are two aircrafts. The obverse has the inscriptions, "Thirty Eight Anniversary Commemorative, Korea, In God We Trust, 1953 1951" and the word "Liberty."
Reverse: The reverse of the coin features a map of Korea divided by the North and the South. The South part of the map also has a yin and yang. The reverse design also features a large eagles head on overlooking the Korean map.
Pre-Issue Price: $23.00
Regular Issue Price: $26.00
© 1999-2018 Collectors Universe NASDAQ: CLCT


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Please note, for pick up we are using our 7-10 car hauler. So the driver will set up pick up location with you in advance-probably a big parking lot or a dealership.
Moving your home can be a confusing process, stressful and most likely will be consume lots of time. Our car carriers will help you figure out what type of move is suitable for you and guide you step-by-step through the process. Whether you require a little more information on how to find moving companies or how to pack your kitchen, our resources are a good area to start. We even have advice on relocating with kids and relocating seniors and how to make the move easier for them.
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Our Popular Destinations From Groveton, TX
Popular Auto Transport Routes Near Groveton, TX


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Although Target was packed with people, I have to say that our store (I don't know if it was this way everywhere) was very organized. We took our time shopping, but the checkout time had to be less than 5 minutes, and not really any worse than a normal day. They had people "directing traffic" by the checkout lanes though, which helped a lot.
Page created in 0.052 seconds with 19 queries.


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Founded in 1984, the Association of Bowdoin Friends is an informal group of individuals who share an interest in the programs and well-being of the College. Some Friends have direct ties to Bowdoin, either as individuals or through their families, although most are simply interested members of the community.
In June of 1998, the Steering Committee of the Association met with representatives of many campus departments and a sampling of students and crafted the following vision statement:
The Association of Bowdoin Friends strengthens the relationship between Bowdoin and the community affording members the opportunity to support and engage in the life of the College.
The Association of Bowdoin Friends sponsors a variety of programs including those focusing on exhibitions of the Museum of Art and the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, faculty and staff presentations, and student programs. Friends' receptions and dinners are often planned in conjunction with these and other special events on campus.
Bowdoin Friends are offered opportunities to become more involved in the life of the College by volunteering their time to support College activities through participation on the Friends' Steering Committee, or through participation in the Host Family Program. The Steering Committee meets monthly and serves as the planning and sponsoring group of the Association's activities. The Host Family Program is administered through the College's Student Affairs office. It matches local families and individuals with international students, other new students, and teaching fellows.
Friends are also invited each year by the Friends of the College Fund to make charitable contributions to support College programs.
Bowdoin Friends are kept informed of College affairs and events through receipt of the electronic bi-weekly Bowdoin Bulletin newsletter.


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Man injured in Manchester bar beating says 'It was me against the city'By MARK HAYWARD
New Hampshire Union Leader
March 12. 2013 10:04PM
MANCHESTER - The man beaten by off-duty Manchester police at a downtown bar said he settled the case for $200,000 over fears a judge would throw it out before it got to trial.
In an extended telephone interview with the New Hampshire Union Leader, Christopher Micklovich said most of the settlement was devoted to paying off medical bills, although he would not provide a dollar figure for his bills.
"I think I was afraid that if it went to court, the judge would have gotten it and would have thrown it out," Micklovich said.
Micklovich suffers nerve damage on one side of his face, he said. He sees double out of his left eye. And he suffers from post-traumatic stress.
He works in the manufacturing field but hasn't been able to find a work in his software-technology field because Manchester employers don't want to hire someone who has sued the city, he said. He said he started dating a woman, but she broke it off after her mother found his name in an on-line search.
On Tuesday, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported that the city paid Micklovich $200,000 last May to settle a federal lawsuit filed after his March 3, 2010, beating by four police officers outside the Strange Brew Tavern.
One of the four, veteran supervisor Lt. Ernie Goodno, retired shortly after the matter.
The president of the union that represents the remaining three police officers - Jonathan Duchesne, Matthew Jajuga and Michael Buckley - said it's unfortunate the city settled. Steven Maloney noted the New Hampshire attorney general cleared the three of any crimes in the matter, and an independent arbitrator found in their favor when they challenged a department suspension.
They actually won back pay and their personnel records were stripped of any mention of the matter, Maloney said.
"Our officers were actually looking forward to defending themselves in civilian court," said Steven Maloney. "They had just walked in (to Strange Brew). The last thing they wanted to do was arrest someone in the parking lot."
Time to move on
Mayor Ted Gatsas, who on Monday said he was unaware of the settlement, said Tuesday that it was approved in non-public session last May by the Human Resources and Insurance Committee.
"I think we need to move on; this was close to a year ago. Nobody likes paying out money, but sometimes you don't have a choice," Gatsas said.
Alderman at-large Joe Kelly Levasseur, a committee member, said he recalls only approving settlement parameters. He said committee members were never told the case was being settled.
"I think the city got a good deal," Levasseur said. "With a jury, if everything went their way, it (a judgment) would have been ridiculously high."
Micklovich said he would have liked to have seen Police Chief David Mara ask Duchesne, Jajuga and Buckley to resign. "It was an insult they got to stay on," he said.
Micklovich said he'd also like to sit down with Mara, whom he does not blame, and speak to him.
"Leave him in charge, let him address the issue of culture (in the department). Police don't suck; it's the culture (in the department)," Micklovich said.
Mara's administrative assistant directed questions about Micklovich to Gatsas and the city solicitor. Gatsas said he would not stand in the way of a meeting between Micklovich and Mara. The mayor said he assumes that Mara has changed some policies at the police department in light of the Strange Brew incident, but he referred a reporter to Mara for specifics.
Attorney general's report
In the attorney general's report, investigators said only one witness, a taxi driver, claimed Micklovich was kicked and punched while on the ground. The attorney general also said most witnesses disputed Micklovich's version of events.
Delaney wrote that Micklovich had consumed several drinks and was asked to leave after making an offensive ethnic slur to another patron. He made an aggressive step toward Strange Brew owner Mitch Sawaya.
But Micklovich disputed those events. Many who gave statements - police, bouncers and a corrections officer at the tavern - lied and collaborated on their stories, he said.
"It was me against the city," he said.
Raised in city
Micklovich said he was raised in Manchester, the oldest of four children, and attended Catholic schools for 12 years. His father was a civilian defense employee with a security clearance; his mother is a registered nurse who volunteers for missions in South America.
He had just returned from teaching English to children in the Dominican Republic when he went to the Strange Brew with three friends, two who are African-American, he said. He disputes making a slur, and said he remembers Sawaya escorting him to the door, then shoving him outside.
Sawaya shouted at him to leave, but Micklovich insisted his friends be brought outside, he said. The four officers walked outside, Sawaya turned his back and went inside, Micklovich said.
Micklovich said he remembers being shoved on the ground. When he regained consciousness, he heard laughter from police because his bladder had released, he said. Twice an officer slammed his head into a cruiser and told him to stop spitting blood on the car, Micklovich said.
Micklovich refused to go to the hospital to be treated and cleaned up, preferring that his bloody face be captured in a mug shot, he said.
Conflicting account
But Maloney said Micklovich was not punched repeatedly, and his injuries were the result of being forced to the pavement.
"His actions were what caused his injuries. If he had left the bar like he was told. If he hadn't lunged at the owner, none of this would have happened," Maloney said.
Micklovich said his lawyers convinced him not to press a suit against Strange Brew and Sawaya. A telephone call to Sawaya Tuesday evening was not returned.
"I hope to God," Micklovich said, "he never has to look at his son who went through what I went through. My dad could not look at me without crying."
Crime, law and justice Human Interest Manchester Top Section Stories


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42 U.S. Code § 13614 - General availability of units
If an owner of a covered section 8 housing project in which disabled families who are near-elderly families are given a preference for occupancy pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of section 13613 of this title determines (in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary) that there are an insufficient number of such families to fill all the units in the project for which the preference is applicable, the owner shall make such units generally available for occupancy by families who have applied, and are eligible, for occupancy in the housing, without regard to the preferences established pursuant to this subchapter.
Covered section 8 housing, referred to in text, is defined in section 13619 of this title.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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natty_dread wrote:London is a dirty city full of whores and cutthroats.
WTF? London by no means a dirty city and is not full of whores and cutthroats, no idea on why you think it is and if that is your impression on the city, why the hell are you doing a map of it.
Sorry you feel that way about my home city.


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Live updates
Hospital trials Natal Hypnotherapy
A London hospital is trialling the use of hypnotherapy as a form of pain relief during labour.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital says ante-natal workshops can help reduce people's fear of childbirth.
And it's rumoured the Duchess of Cambridge has also been using hypnosis to combat morning sickness. Liz Wickham reports.
For more about the method, visit the Natal Hypnotherapy website here


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Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit
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We are excited to announce the launch of the new year of the Inner Machine, The Official Goo Goo Dolls Fan Club.
Inner Machine is an exclusive online community of Goo Goo Dolls fans from around the world.
As a member, you will receive the following benefits:
• The opportunity to purchase pre-sale tickets to shows and events before the general public*
• Enter to win meet and greet lotteries and other Goo Goo Dolls related items and events available only to Inner Machine members.
• Access to the Member's only forum
The Deluxe Edition of the membership package includes all of the standard membership and:
• Digital download of the Goo Goo Dolls' live EP The Warner Sound Sessions
• Inner Machine T-shirt
• Inner Machine Tote Bag
Join the Inner Machine Now
Already a member? Renew Now


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See the Possible: Wind turbines powering cell towers – WKYC
March 29, 2013 by Jeff
Filed under Green Energy News
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CLEVELAND — The same type of wind turbine that was on Progressive Field could be placed on cell phone towers to power your phone calls.
It's an idea and business plan that has won a statewide competition and will be competing in the regional portion of the Clean Energy Challenge on April 4.
Amplified Wind Solutions will be competing for $100,000 and the ability to move on the national finals.
If it works, it could someday insure that you don't lose the use of your cell phone in a major disaster.
WKYC Anchor Kris Pickel shows us how one college student is seeing the possible.
It's a concept developed by Niki Zmij, an MBA student at Cleveland State University. It's revolutionary because it uses green technology that would allow cell towers to be built in areas too remote to be hooked up to a power grid.
It would keep cell towers powered during disasters like Hurricane Sandy.
There is a push now for within telecommunications for something called 'cell site hardening' to protect against failure in natural disasters.
It's a winning idea that took home the top prize of $10,000 in the Ohio Clean Energy Challenge.
Rebecca Bagley, the President CEO of NorTech said, "It's really exciting to see the level of expertise and talent in these students and afford them an opportunity really to go from an idea to a structured business plan."
The challenge now? Work with cell phone providers to move concept to reality.
Niki Zmij, the CEO of Amplified Wind Solutions, said "Our hope is to work with one of them, be able to put a prototype on 1 or 2 of their towers. Be able to collect some real data."
"I love Cleveland, so I would love to keep as much as we can in the Cleveland area and use the resources we do have here."


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For Immediate Release
Contact: Kimberly Zenarolla
13th Annual National Memorial for the Pre-Born in the US Senate on January 22, 2007At a time when new Congressional leadership is pushing embryonic stem cell legislation and pro-abortion policies, hundreds of pro-life advocates will meet in the US Senate auditorium on the anniversary of Roe V Wade. The National Memorial for the Pre-Born and their Mothers and Fathers is a clergy conference which will be held on Monday morning, January 22, 2007, from 8:45 to 10:30 AM in the Dirksen Auditorium of the US Senate.
The event is co-sponsored by the National Pro-life Religious Council and the National Clergy Council and will serve as a kick off and incentive for hundreds of pro-lifers who will join the thousands of people participating in the annual March For Life.
The National Memorial for the Pre-Born and their Mothers and Fathers will include memorials, addresses and honors for those who have distinguished themselves by advocating for innocent victims of violence which include the victims of abortion, euthanasia and scientific experimentation that ends human life.
Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas and Senator Bob Casey from Pennsylvania have both been invited and are expected to address the assembly.
The National Memorial for the Pre-Born and their Mothers and Fathers is sponsored by the National Pro-Life Religious Council, the National Clergy Council, Faith and Action, Priests for Life and Catholics United for Life. Evangelical, Catholic, Protestant and even Jewish clergy have participated and have been inspiring witnesses to the sanctity of human life.
The Executive CommitteeThe National Memorial for the Pre-Born and the Mothers and Fathers109 2nd St NEWashington, DC 20002


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42 U.S. Code § 247b–1 - Screenings, referrals, and education regarding lead poisoning
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(a) Authority for grants
(1) In general
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may make grants to States and political subdivisions of States for the initiation and expansion of community programs designed—
(A) to provide, for infants and children—
(2) Authority regarding certain entities
With respect to a geographic area with a need for activities authorized in paragraph (1), in any case in which neither the State nor the political subdivision in which such area is located has applied for a grant under paragraph (1), the Secretary may make a grant under such paragraph to any grantee under section 254b, 254b, or 256a of this title [1] for carrying out such activities in the area.
(3) Provision of all services and activities through each grantee
In making grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that each of the activities described in such paragraph is provided through each grantee under such paragraph. The Secretary may authorize such a grantee to provide the services and activities directly, or through arrangements with other providers.
(b) Status as medicaid provider
(1) In general
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may not make a grant under subsection (a) of this section unless, in the case of any service described in such subsection that is made available pursuant to the State plan approved under title XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.] for the State involved—
(A) the applicant for the grant will provide the service directly, and the applicant has entered into a participation agreement under the State plan and is qualified to receive payments under such plan; or
(2) Waiver regarding certain secondary agreements
(A) In the case of a provider making an agreement pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) regarding the provision of services, the requirement established in such paragraph regarding a participation agreement shall be waived by the Secretary if the provider does not, in providing health care services, impose a charge or accept reimbursement available from any third-party payor, including reimbursement under any insurance policy or under any Federal or State health benefits plan.
(c) Priority in making grants
In making grants under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applications for programs that will serve areas with a high incidence of elevated blood lead levels in infants and children.
(d) Grant application
No grant may be made under subsection (a) of this section, unless an application therefor has been submitted to, and approved by, the Secretary. Such an application shall be in such form and shall be submitted in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe and shall include each of the following:
(2) Assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the program to be provided under the grant applied for will include educational programs designed to—
(A) communicate to parents, educators, and local health officials the significance and prevalence of lead poisoning in infants and children (including the sources of lead exposure, the importance of screening young children for lead, and the preventive steps that parents can take in reducing the risk of lead poisoning) which the program is designed to detect and prevent; and
(B) communicate to health professionals and paraprofessionals updated knowledge concerning lead poisoning and research (including the health consequences, if any, of low-level lead burden; the prevalence of lead poisoning among all socioeconomic groupings; the benefits of expanded lead screening; and the therapeutic and other interventions available to prevent and combat lead poisoning in affected children and families).
(3) Assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the applicant will report on a quarterly basis the number of infants and children screened for elevated blood lead levels, the number of infants and children who were found to have elevated blood lead levels, the number and type of medical referrals made for such infants and children, the outcome of such referrals, and other information to measure program effectiveness.
(4) Assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the applicant will make such reports respecting the program involved as the Secretary may require.
(5) Assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the applicant will coordinate the activities carried out pursuant to subsection (a) of this section with related activities and services carried out in the State by grantees under title V or XIX of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 701 et seq., 1396 et seq.].
(6) Assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that Federal funds made available under such a grant for any period will be so used as to supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the level of State, local, and other non-Federal funds that would, in the absence of such Federal funds, be made available for the program for which the grant is to be made and will in no event supplant such State, local, and other non-Federal funds.
(7) Assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the applicant will ensure complete and consistent reporting of all blood lead test results from laboratories and health care providers to State and local health departments in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for standardized reporting as described in subsection (m) of this section.
(e) Relationship to services and activities under other programs
(1) In general
A recipient of a grant under subsection (a) of this section may not make payments from the grant for any service or activity to the extent that payment has been made, or can reasonably be expected to be made, with respect to such service or activity—
(A) under any State compensation program, under an insurance policy, or under any Federal or State health benefits program; or
(2) Applicability to certain secondary agreements for provision of services
Paragraph (1) shall not apply in the case of a provider through which a grantee under subsection (a) of this section provides services under such subsection if the Secretary has provided a waiver under subsection (b)(2) of this section regarding the provider.
(f) Method and amount of payment
The Secretary shall determine the amount of a grant made under subsection (a) of this section. Payments under such grants may be made in advance on the basis of estimates or by way of reimbursement, with necessary adjustments on account of underpayments or overpayments, and in such installments and on such terms and conditions as the Secretary finds necessary to carry out the purposes of such grants. Not more than 10 percent of any grant may be obligated for administrative costs.
(g) Supplies, equipment, and employee detail
The Secretary, at the request of a recipient of a grant under subsection (a) of this section, may reduce the amount of such grant by—
(2) the amount of the pay, allowances, and travel expenses of any officer or employee of the Government when detailed to the grant recipient and the amount of any other costs incurred in connection with the detail of such officer or employee;
when the furnishing of such supplies or equipment or the detail of such an officer or employee is for the convenience of and at the request of such grant recipient and for the purpose of carrying out a program with respect to which the grant under subsection (a) of this section is made. The amount by which any such grant is so reduced shall be available for payment by the Secretary of the costs incurred in furnishing the supplies or equipment, or in detailing the personnel, on which the reduction of such grant is based, and such amount shall be deemed as part of the grant and shall be deemed to have been paid to the grant recipient.
(h) Records
Each recipient of a grant under subsection (a) of this section shall keep such records as the Secretary shall prescribe, including records which fully disclose the amount and disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such grant, the total cost of the undertaking in connection with which such grant was made, and the amount of that portion of the cost of the undertaking supplied by other sources, and such other records as will facilitate an effective audit.
(i) Audit and examination of records
The Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipient of a grant under subsection (a) of this section, that are pertinent to such grant.
(j) Annual report
(1) In general
Not later than May 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report on the effectiveness during the preceding fiscal year of programs carried out with grants under subsection (a) of this section and of any programs that are carried out by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (l)(2) of this section.
(2) Certain requirements
Each report under paragraph (1) shall include, in addition to any other information that the Secretary may require, the following information:
(B) Demographic information on the population of infants and children screened, including the age and racial or ethnic status of such population.
(D) A description of the severity of the extent of the blood lead levels of the infants and children screened, expressed in categories of severity.
(F) The number of grantees that have established systems to ensure mandatory reporting of all blood lead tests from laboratories and health care providers to State and local health departments.
(k) Indian tribes
For purposes of this section, the term "political subdivision" includes Indian tribes.
(l) Funding
(1) Authorization of appropriations
For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1993, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1994 through 2005.
(2) Allocation for other programs
Of the amounts appropriated under paragraph (1) for any fiscal year, the Secretary may reserve not more than 20 percent for carrying out programs regarding the activities described in subsection (a) of this section in addition to the program of grants established in such subsection.
(m) Guidelines for standardized reporting
The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall develop national guidelines for the uniform reporting of all blood lead test results to State and local health departments.
[1] See References in Text notes below.
Source(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 317A, as added Pub. L. 100–572, § 3,Oct. 31, 1988, 102 Stat. 2887; amended Pub. L. 102–531, title III, § 303(a),Oct. 27, 1992, 106 Stat. 3484; Pub. L. 103–183, title VII, § 705(a),Dec. 14, 1993, 107 Stat. 2241; Pub. L. 105–392, title IV, § 404,Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3588; Pub. L. 106–310, div. A, title XXV, §§ 2501(a), (b), 2504,Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1161, 1164; Pub. L. 107–251, title VI, § 601(a),Oct. 26, 2002, 116 Stat. 1664; Pub. L. 108–163, § 2(m)(1),Dec. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 2023.)
References in Text
The reference to section 254b of this title the first place appearing, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was in the original a reference to section 329, meaning section 329 of act July 1, 1944, which was omitted in the general amendment of subpart I (§ 254b et seq.) of part D of this subchapter by Pub. L. 104–299, § 2,Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3626.
Section 256a of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was repealed by Pub. L. 104–299, § 4(a)(3),Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3645.
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1) and (d)(5), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, as amended. Titles V and XIX of the Act are classified generally to subchapters V (§ 701 et seq.) and XIX (§ 1396 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of this title and Tables.
Prior Provisions
A prior section 247b–1,Pub. L. 95–626, title IV, § 401,Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3590; S. Res. 30, Mar. 7, 1979; Pub. L. 96–88, title V, § 509(b),Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695; H. Res. 549, Mar. 25, 1980, related to demonstration and evaluation of optimal methods for organizing and delivering comprehensive preventive health services to defined populations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–35, title IX, § 902(a), (h),Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 559, 561, eff. Oct. 1, 1981.
2003—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108–163substituted "254b" for "254c, 254b(h)" before ", or".
2002—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–251substituted "254b(h)" for "256".
2000—Subsec. (d)(7), (8). Pub. L. 106–310, § 2501(a)(1), added par. (7) and redesignated former par. (7) as (8).
Subsec. (j)(2)(F), (G). Pub. L. 106–310, § 2501(a)(2), added subpar. (F), redesignated former subpar. (F) as (G), and substituted "(F)" for "(E)".
Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 106–310, § 2504, substituted "1994 through 2005" for "1994 through 2002".
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 106–310, § 2501(b), added subsec. (m).
1998—Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 105–392substituted "2002" for "1998".
1993—Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 103–183substituted "through 1998" for "through 1997".
1992—Pub. L. 102–531amended section generally, substituting present provisions for provisions relating to grants to States for lead poisoning prevention, grant applications, conditions for approval, method and amount of payment, reduction of amount, recordkeeping and audits, inclusion of Indian tribes as grant recipients, and authorization of appropriations.
Effective Date of 2003 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–163deemed to have taken effect immediately after the enactment of Pub. L. 107–251, see section 3 ofPub. L. 108–163, set out as a note under section 233 of this title.
Development and Implementation of Effective Data Management by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Pub. L. 106–310, div. A, title XXV, § 2501(c),Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1161, provided that:
"(1) In general.—The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall—
"(A) assist with the improvement of data linkages between State and local health departments and between State health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
"(B) assist States with the development of flexible, comprehensive State-based data management systems for the surveillance of children with lead poisoning that have the capacity to contribute to a national data set;
"(C) assist with the improvement of the ability of State-based data management systems and federally-funded means-tested public benefit programs (including the special supplemental food program for women, infants and children (WIC) under section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786) and the early head start program under section 645A of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840a (h)) to respond to ad hoc inquiries and generate progress reports regarding the lead blood level screening of children enrolled in those programs;
"(D) assist States with the establishment of a capacity for assessing how many children enrolled in the Medicaid, WIC, early head start, and other federally-funded means-tested public benefit programs are being screened for lead poisoning at age-appropriate intervals;
"(E) use data obtained as result of activities under this section to formulate or revise existing lead blood screening and case management policies; and
"(F) establish performance measures for evaluating State and local implementation of the requirements and improvements described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
"(2) Authorization of appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection such sums as may be necessary for each [sic] the fiscal years 2001 through 2005.
"(3) Effective date.—This subsection takes effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2000]."
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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2018 International Conference on Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Management and Mechanical Engineering (ICE2CSM2E-2018) will be held in Pune, India during January 21st, 2018. ICE2CSM2E-2018 is sponsored by International Institute of Technology and Research.
The ICE2CSM2E conference is an international forum for the presentation of technological advances and research results in the fields of Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Management and Mechanical Engineering. The conference will bring together leading researchers, engineers and scientists in the domain of interest from around the world. We warmly welcome previous and prospected authors submit your new research papers to ICE2CSM2E-2018, and share the valuable experiences with the scientist and scholars around the world.
All full paper submissions will also be peer reviewed and evaluated based on originality, technical and/or research content/depth, correctness, relevance to conference, contributions, and readability. The full paper submissions will be chosen based on technical merit, interest, applicability, and how well they fit a coherent and balanced technical program.
Submitted conference papers will be reviewed by technical committees of the Conference.
|Submission Deadline
|January 5th, 2018
|January 9th, 2018
|Conference Date
|January 21st, 2018
1. Email : firstname.lastname@example.com (.pdf and .doc)


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Firefighters in San Gabriel, San Marino and South Pasadena raised $17,000 for a scholarship fund for Arcadia Firefighter Mike Herdman's daughter through a two-hour impromptu collection drive Monday.
"That will be something that will be able to benefit her when she goes to college and it'll be something to help her remember her father and the type of career he was in," said Capt. Kevin Murphy, of the San Gabriel Fire Department. "He was in a career where you have a lot of brothers looking out for you."
The $17,000 will generate even more in interest by the time Herdman's daughter, who is 6-years-old, goes to college, Murphy said.
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, the San Gabriel, San Marino and South Pasadena Firefighters' associations set up fire trucks with signs asking for donations at Fair Oaks Avenue and Monterey Road in South Pasadena; Huntington Drive and San Marino Avenue in San Marino; and Del Mar Avenue and Las Tunas Drive in San Gabriel. The firefighters asked people passing by to give anything they could.
Donors in San Gabriel ranged from a boy on a bicycle giving his last nickel to an Arcadia resident who wrote out a check for $500, Murphy said. The San Gabriel Fire Department collected more than $8,600 at their location.
"It's touching, people gave what they could give," Murphy said.
In South Pasadena, Capt. Eric Zanteson said they saw children with change cans and adults parting with $50 bills.
"This was all kind of a last-minute blitz to get an initial fund," Zanteson said. "The donations have been pretty significant, I've been pretty impressed."
Murphy organized the one-off collection drive after following Herdman's story through the news. Though he did not know the fallen Arcadia firefighter, Murphy said several men in the associations worked with Herdman in the past.
"The fire department is kind of a brotherhood," he said. "When something happens to one of us, it happens to everybody."
Herdman was found dead June 27 after going missing during a four-day hiking trip with another Arcadia firefighter in the Sespe Wilderness area of Los Padres National Forest. Search and rescue teams searched for him for 11 days before a helicopter pilot spotted him partially covered by brush. The Ventura County Medical Examiner ruled that Herdman died instantly in an accidental fall from a nearby cliff.
A memorial for Herdman will take place at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 9 at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center, 188 Campus Drive, in Arcadia.
Though the fire associations' only planned to do the collection drive Monday, anyone who still wants to donate to the scholarship fund can do so at the San Marino, San Gabriel and South Pasadena fire departments, according to Murphy.
Separately, donations to benefit the Herdman family are being accepted online through the Fire Family Foundation at www.firefamilyfoundation.org/How-to-Donate. Donations should be earmarked "Mike Herdman."


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Good afternoon from Clearwater. It feels good to actually have some stone-cold information to pass along as pitchers and catchers held their first workout today.
In no particular order. . .
1) Cole Hamels drew a glowing review from pitching coach Rich Dubee today for the work he put in over the offseason. Hamels says he never stopped throwing during the break, going as far as to take his glove and ball along on vacation, where he found a tennis court where he could throw against a wall. They were just games of long-toss and catch, but according to both Hamels and Dubee, it has made all the difference in the world. Last year, Hamels said he didn't do any of it, and when he reported to spring training, his velocity was barely cracking 80 miles per hour.
"You watch him long toss right now, he's far beyond where he's ever been in spring training," Dubee said. "And he deserves a lot of credit for that. Because he was faced with a challenge. You need to start throwing. You need to get yourself ready. You need to be able to come to spring training where some work can be done. Being the perfectionist that he is, he took it to heart, and he did the work that he had to do. So he's in a much better position right now. He could have gone home and sulked again and said, oh, what do they know. He didn't do that. He went home and did what he had to do."
Because his arm is strong, Dubee says Hamels will be able to work a lot more on his curveball during spring training, something he did not get to do last year. Hamels has experimented with a cutter over the offseason, even talking to Steve Carlton and John Wetteland about developing the pitch, but neither he nor Dubee are expecting it to be a significant part of his repetoire at this point. The curve ball is still his third pitch, while the cutter remains in the experimental/developmental phase.
2) Jamie Moyer threw off a mound and did some light cutting drills today, surprising the Phillies, who did not expect him to be able to do either so soon after January arthroscopic knee surgery. Dubee said there was a "real good shot" that Moyer was ready for Opening Day, although he did not label him his No. 5 starter. Asked whether Moyer had the job, or whether there would be an open competition (the chief rival would be young righty Kyle Kendrick), Dubee said the team has not even discussed the situation.
3) Asked about any first impressions from the first workout, Charlie Manuel singled out new righty reliever Jose Contreras, who threw off the mound today. Manuel said he was impressed with the splitter Contreras was throwing, and added that he thought the big, veteran Cuban could step into the role that righthander Chan Ho Park filled last year, as a high-leverage/multiple innings type pitcher. Fellow veteran -- and fellow Cuban free agent signee -- Danys Baez who can pitch in multiple inning situations and on back-to-back days, much like righthander Chad Durbin.
4) Dubee said the timelines given by Brad Lidge and J.C. Romero to the media -- Lidge said he was two weeks behind and could start throwing off a mound in a week; Romero said he would be able to pitch full-strength in games by mid-March -- jibed with his understanding of their respective situations.
5) Hamels will throw off the mound tomorrow.
6) A quote from Dubee on righthander Scott Mathieson, who could compete for a spot in the bullpen after having overcome two elbow surgeries in the last two years:
"Last year he pitched with big-time velocity. but again, he's on a learning curve where, I don't want to say he has to make up for lost time, but he sitll needs innings and needs experience. He needs to get out there pitch on a regular basis. You can't make up for experience. You need to get on a mound and pitch, and that's what Scottie needs to do. Knock on wood, he's been healthy. Tremendous work ehtic. He's had to ligament replacements. He's in a much better position now because he understands his body a little better, understands his delivery a little better and hopefully continues to stay healhty and pitch for us."
7) Placido Polanco arrived in Clearwater today. He and second baseman Chase Utley took turns fielding ground balls from Sam Perlozzo on the half field behind the stadium.
Manuel admitted that Pedro Feliz had one of the best arms in the major leagues at third base, but said he thought Polanco was an all-around upgrade:
"Polanco plays a little bit shallow," Manuel said. "Polanco has quick feet at third base. To me, third base is kind of a step and a dive -- it's a reaction kind of place. I think that Polly can definitely do that. I think that Polly does throw good and he's accurate, and all around with the bat and everything I think he is a better player than Feliz. Feliz did a tremendous job for us defensively, but I don't see how we are going to get hurt there because I think Polly is going to be more than adequate. He was before."


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Vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) are considered phylogenetic relics with cephalopod features of both octopods and squids. They lack feeding tentacles, but in addition to their eight arms, they have two retractile filaments, the exact functions of which have puzzled scientists for years. We present the results of investigations on the feeding ecology and behaviour of Vampyroteuthis, which include extensive in situ, deep-sea video recordings from MBARI's remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), laboratory feeding experiments, diet studies and morphological examinations of the retractile filaments, the arm suckers and cirri. Vampire squid were found to feed on detrital matter of various sizes, from small particles to larger marine aggregates. Ingested items included the remains of gelatinous zooplankton, discarded larvacean houses, crustacean remains, diatoms and faecal pellets. Both ROV observations and laboratory experiments led to the conclusion that vampire squid use their retractile filaments for the capture of food, supporting the hypothesis that the filaments are homologous to cephalopod arms. Vampyroteuthis' feeding behaviour is unlike any other cephalopod, and reveals a unique adaptation that allows these animals to spend most of their life at depths where oxygen concentrations are very low, but where predators are few and typical cephalopod food is scarce.
1. Introduction
Squid and octopuses are abundant cephalopod molluscs that inhabit the marine environment from coastal areas to the abyss. They have evolved a wide variety of strategies to pursue living prey like fish, crustaceans and other cephalopods [1]. Benthic octopuses use their extensive repertoire of camouflage patterns to sneak up on or ambush prey [2]. Cirrate octopods are believed to trap copepods by engulfment, using the web of thin tissue between their arms [3,4]. Squid have, in addition to their four arm pairs, a pair of highly extensible and contractile tentacles that allows them to grab prey in front of them [5]. Due to their speed and agility, some squid are able to catch fast-swimming prey like sardines and hake, while others are sit-and-wait predators who deploy their long tentacles to lure and ambush prey [6].
The 'vampire squid' Vampyroteuthis infernalis, the sole species in the Order Vampyromorpha, is a phylogenetic relic with features of both octopods and squid [7]; they have eight arms but lack feeding tentacles. They do have two long, extensible, retractile filaments [7,8], which are presumably a modified arm-pair [9] and are thought to have a sensory function in the detection of food items and/or potential predators [4,10]. The eight arms, which are joined by an extensive web, bear a longitudinal, distal row of up to 21 suckers and multiple finger-like projections called cirri [11]. Morphological phylogenetic reconstructions show the Vampyromorpha to be a sistergroup of the Octopoda, together forming the Octopodiformes [12].
Vampyroteuthis infernalis occurs circumglobally in temperate and tropical oceans, typically in waters with low levels of dissolved oxygen [13–16]. In waters over the Monterey Submarine Canyon, off Central California, we have found Vampyroteuthis throughout the depth range between 600 and 900 m and at oxygen concentrations centred around 0.4 ml l−1. Mesopelagic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) with concentrations less than 0.5 ml l−1 (22 μMO2) occur commonly beneath areas of upwelling and high surface productivity; particularly where circulation is sluggish and source waters are relatively old [17]. In these upwelling areas, phytoplankton productivity is typically high and carbon availability often exceeds metazoan capability to consume it [18]. This results in high bacterial growth at depth as a result of the decomposition of organic carbon in sinking particulate matter, yielding very low oxygen concentrations [19]. While species from many taxa (including copepods, euphausiids, cnidarians, ctenophores, fish and squid) live entirely or part of the time (during diel or ontogenetic vertical migrations) within the most pronounced OMZs [20,21], many organisms are stressed or die under hypoxic conditions [22], and overall abundance and species diversity are reduced. OMZs have dramatic effects on the spatial distribution patterns of animals in the water column, and zones of enhanced biological and biogeochemical activity exist at the OMZ's upper and lower boundaries [23,24]. Metazoan species that permanently inhabit OMZs have specific adaptations to hypoxia [25].
Adaptations of Vampyroteuthis that enable a life in the OMZ include: suppression of aerobic metabolism, resulting in the lowest mass-specific metabolic rate measured for any cephalopod [26]; a respiratory protein (haemocyanin) with a relatively high affinity for oxygen [16] and neutral buoyancy that reduces energy expenditure for swimming. Vampire squid are dark and cryptically coloured, which reduces their visibility to predators [4], and they possess several bioluminescent displays, which are believed to be incorporated into anti-predation behaviour and perhaps to prey capture [15].
The variety of feeding strategies employed by deep-living squids appears to increase with greater depth as decreasing light, temperature and oxygen change the morphological and metabolic requirements for catching prey and avoiding predators [12,27]. While many of the physiological and morphological adaptations that allow the vampire squid to live in the OMZ are relatively well known, published information on the feeding habits of Vampyroteuthis is still very sketchy. Stomach contents reported from a few trawl-caught specimens include diatoms, copepods, a prawn, and cnidarian fragments [7,10]. In order to better understand how vampire squid are able to thrive under conditions that are highly adverse to most other cephalopods, we investigated their feeding behaviour and ecology.
2. Material and methods
(a) In situ observations and collection of individuals
Between 1992 and 2012, 170 specimens of Vampyroteuthis were observed and recorded during remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives in Monterey Bay [28]. These observations comprise a total of approximately 24 h of video footage all of which was annotated, reviewed and analysed for this study. Individual observations ranged from a glimpse of an animal in the distance to continuous recordings of more than 2 h duration. During analysis, we noted the specimen's posture when first encountered (the 'undisturbed' position), the position of the arms tips (forward or tucked in), the presence or the absence of extended filaments, the position of the filaments, the association of particles or other items with the filaments, and the presence of food in the mouth or mouth area. Individual video frames were digitized to further document-specific postures or behaviours of interest. Sample specimens collected by the ROVs confirmed that our observations included mature males, mated females, young individuals (juveniles with two anterior fins) and juveniles (with four fins) [9]. Specimens collected in Monterey Bay ranged in size from 22 to 150 mm mantle length (ML) and were found at depths between 600 and 800 m. Three individuals were observed during ROV dives in the Gulf of California (GoC) in February 2012 and two of these were collected (ML 135 mm and 210 mm). Three additional specimens were observed during a transit to Hawaii in March 2001; two in the region of the California Current and one in the eastern Central Pacific gyre.
(b) Histology and scanning electron microscopy
For histological sectioning, the distal 5 cm of two arms (with suckers and cirri) of a mature male, and retractile filaments (divided into five sections from proximal to distal) from several specimens of both genders, were dehydrated in a graded series of ethanol, embedded in paraffin and sectioned with a microtome. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Additionally, to test for the presence of mucus secretion, sections of the arm tips were stained with mucicarmine stain, using tartrazine as the counter stain.
Several filaments were prepared for viewing under SEM. We used both standard critical point drying and hexamethyldizilazane (HMDS) for chemical critical point drying (see the electronic supplementary material).
(c) Analysis of digestive system contents
Vampire squid have a crop, an enlarged oesophagus anterior to the stomach and caecum complex, apparently for food storage. For direct evidence of food identity, we used a stereomicroscope to examine: (i) the contents of six faecal droppings from five ROV-collected animals, all of which were produced shortly after the specimens were collected and therefore contained naturally ingested food items; (ii) five food boli that were each regurgitated by separate individuals immediately after capture by ROV; (iii) items from the crops of two ROV-collected animals (one from the GoC) that were examined shortly after capture and anaesthetizing with MgCl2 or ethanol; (iv) the crop contents of 43 trawl-captured specimens. Thirty-six trawled specimens were collected between 1964 and 1971 by R/V Velero IV off southern California and northern Baja California; four were collected in 1967 in Mexican waters off northern and central Baja California by R/V Velero IV. These 40 specimens are accessioned in the collections of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Another three specimens were collected off the California coast in 2011 by cruises of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography as part of the California Current Ecosystem Long-Term Ecological Research (CCE-LTER) programme.
DNA samples were extracted from a selected piece of tissue from one regurgitated food bolus using the DNeasy Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. LCO1428 and HCO2198 primers [29] were used to amplify an approximately 500-base-pair section of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) with the following PCR parameters: 38 cycles of 94°C for 1 min, 48°C for 1 min, 72°C for 1 min. The products were sequenced using BigDye Terminator v. 3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit on an ABI 3100 sequencer (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). Using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) against the NCBI database, the forward sequence data showed highest sequence identity (97%, E-value 0) to Gonatopsis borealis (GenBank accession no. AF144725.1). We analysed sequences using a BLAST search against the NCBI database and determined they were from the squid family Gonatidae, most probably G. borealis (coverage = 100%, E = 0, maximum identity = 97%).
(d) Laboratory feeding experiments
Five animals collected by ROV were maintained initially in large Sealtite plastic bags and transferred from the ship to MBARI's dark, cold room (5.5°C) ashore. Plastic bags are used to prevent skin abrasion resulting from contact with aquarium walls, which leads to infections and reduced survival rates. Small specimens were maintained throughout their captivity in plastic bags, but large specimens were transferred within a day or two to circular kreisel tanks [15,30]. Animals were kept this way for periods up to 35 days. In the laboratory, vampire squid were provided regularly with fresh dead plankton, mostly copepods. When the animals were examined or fed, only red-light illumination was used. Experiments in the laboratory were performed with all five animals. Two small specimens were transferred to an aquarium about 2 h prior to experimentation. The larger animals remained in their residential kreisels. A high-resolution video camera was placed in front of the tank to record behaviour. During recording, white light was used for illumination. Experiments consisted of the careful addition of food items (individual copepods or homogenized plankton collected by midwater trawl between 600 and 800 m) into the container with the subject. Food items were dispensed above the retractile filament and allowed to settle slowly.
3. Results
(a) Morphology of the arms, suckers, cirri and the retractile filament
The arms of Vampyroteuthis are lined on their oral surface with a single median row of suckers (figures 1 and 4), running distally from midway between the beak and the end of the large web. Alternating with the suckers, on either side of the oral surface, are relatively large fleshy projections, the cirri (figures 1 and 4). Two rows of cirri on each arm extend proximally past the first suckers [7] (figures 1 and 4). There may be up to 10 pairs of primary cirri along the base of the arm before the first sucker, beyond which they alternate with the suckers [14] (figures 1 and 4). The paired, long retractile filaments emerge from pockets between the first and second arms and may be projected for up to eight times the individual's total body length, usually one at a time (figure 1). When not extended, the filament is coiled within the pocket (figure 1). At the base of the filament is a short, broad and relatively rigid peduncle, from which the flexible primary filament extends. The retractile filament is widest at its base and narrows distally, becoming very thin towards the end.
The typical octopus sucker consists of a cup-like acetabulum, and a disc-like infundibulum that forms a wide lip to the cup; the two are separated by a strong sphincter muscle. On the inner sucker surfaces, there is a cuticular lining [31]. In Vampyroteuthis, the sphincter muscle, a distinct infundibulum and the cuticular lining are absent. At the base of the vampire squid's acetabulum and in the skin covering the sucker stalk, there are secretory cells that stain brightly for mucin secretion (figure 2). The secretory cells occur in three states: (i) goblet cell containing secretory granules (this is the same type of cell involved in mucus secretion); (ii) goblet cell in which the secretory granules are disappearing and mucous is forming; (iii) goblet cell in which mucous has been released, i.e. an empty cell. The type of secretory cells (goblet cells containing secretory granules) found on cirri is similar to those found at the base of the suckers' acetabulum and in the skin covering the sucker stalk. The rim of each sucker has a complex of radiating folds and hillocks, on the apices of which are pores, each with a bundle of cilia [32].
The primary filament is a uniform structure with large vacuolated cells forming a solid outer layer that covers the complete length of the filament (figure 3). In SEM pictures, the vacuolated cells are collapsed. Underneath the vacuolated cells, lies an epithelial layer of simple cuboidal cells, interspersed with large spherical, apparently sensory, cells. The latter have axon-like extensions that extend into the axial nerve, but lack obvious organelles commonly found in some sensory cells. Underneath the sensory cells is a thin muscle layer, followed by connective tissue (figure 3). In the centre of the filament is a relatively large axial nerve (figure 3), which runs to the ventral magnocellular lobe of the brain [8]. The other side of the filament, opposite the sensory side, is characterized by the presence of a distinctive thick muscle band (figure 3), probably involved in retraction of the filament.
Fine, flexible but stiff 'hairs' cover the exterior of the primary filament (figure 3) and were most abundant on the second half. These hairs are positioned on the junctions between the exterior vacuolated cells. The hairs are visible with SEM and on fresh tissue with a dissecting microscope, but are lost after histological sample preparation (figure 3). In SEM pictures, the hairs on the retractile filament do not stand up, contrary to their position under the light microscope (figure 3). These are artefacts of sample preparation.
Longitudinal histological sectioning reveals the asymmetric nature of the filament (figure 3). From outside to inside (aboral to oral), one side has the layer of vacuolated cells with the flexible but stiff hairs that lie on top of the vacuolated cells.
(b) Ingested and digested items
(i) Vampyroteuthis captured by ROV
In the crop of one recently captured specimen, we found three items that had apparently been ingested separately. Each was enclosed in a sticky mucus mass within which small (10–20 µm) red cells were incorporated. One item consisted of a long crustacean antenna that had several larvacean faecal pellets stuck to it. Another item was a 'sinker', the discarded mucus filtration house of a giant larvacean of the genus Bathocordaeus [28]. The sinker had larvacean faecal pellets and crustacean setae stuck to it. A third item was a bundle of crustacean setae, moults and a crustacean eye. The latter consisted of triangular units, the crystalline cones from crustacean eyes, which were also found in large numbers in droppings. The second specimen had typical marine snow contents in its crop, consisting of crustacean moults, diatoms, crustacean parts, copepods, eggs and faecal pellets.
Similarly, a regurgitated food bolus contained several food items that were held together by mucus, in which red cells were incorporated. It had several small pieces of flesh, identified by mt DNA COI sequence to be of the deep-sea squid Gonatopsis borealis (a species that occurs in the Monterey Submarine Canyon), in addition to diatoms, a radiolarian, a piece of a sinker, and larvacean faecal pellets.
Another animal was observed in situ to have food in its mouth just before collection by the ROV. This food item was collected along with the specimen and it turned out to be the inner filter of a small oikopleurid larvacean. In the shipboard laboratory, this animal regurgitated its crop contents consisting of a marine aggregate (figure 4). The regurgitations of two other specimens contained a sinker, gelatinous tissue from a salp or medusa, microscopic crustacean parts, faecal pellets from copepods, larvaceans and moults, all enclosed in sticky mucus with red cells.
The collected droppings of eight different animals were similar in appearance and in composition. They were red (because of the presence of the red cells also found in the ingested food and in the regurgitation) and contained intertwined fibres, crustacean antennae, setae and legs. Within this knot of different elongate structures, various other items were found, including radiolarians, metal-like flakes, a single fish scale, sand grains, diatoms, a Doliolum gonozooid, thousands of crystalline cones from crustacean eyes, crustacean moults, and what appeared to be copepod eggs.
The red cells present in the mucus of ingested food boli were also found in the mucus that was released by living animals, and are apparently produced by the cephalopod. These cells often gave the secreted mucus a reddish appearance. Such mucus was found floating in the tanks where the specimens were kept alive, and it was present in containers after dissection of specimens. The cells were also found in faeces and are apparently not digested.
(ii) Vampyroteuthis collected by trawl
Of the 43 specimens collected by trawl, 36 had food in their crops. Ingested food was typically divided into: (i) marine aggregates, including sinkers and parts of other gelatinous organisms (salps, ctenophores and medusae), held together by sticky mucus and including complete organisms such as crustaceans (copepods, ostracods and amphipods), chaetognaths, foraminifera, radiolarians, diatoms and ciliates but also numerous faunal bits such as eggs, fish scales and fish bones, crustacean moults, eyes, antennae, setae, legs, urosomes and microscopic fragments of animals, dominantly crustaceans; (ii) one large fragment of a gelatinous organism (probably salp or medusa); (iii) complete crustaceans (ostracods, copepods and amphipods) inside an opaque jelly-like substance (only found in formalin-preserved material and potentially a preservation artefact); and (iv) complete or parts of crustaceans (ostracods, copepods and amphipods) without association with aggregates or jelly. In 19 animals, faecal pellets varying in size from 0.05 to 0.85 mm, and shape (spherical, cylindrical and ovoid) were present in the ingested food bolus, all consistent with the ingestion of marine aggregates and detrital matter.
(c) Behavioural observations
(i) In situ
Typically, Vampyroteuthis was initially found in a horizontal position, and 55 individuals (approx. 33%) had a filament extended, including 2- and 4-fin juveniles. Only once was an individual observed with both filaments out. Extended filaments can reach within a broad arc forward, below and above the animal's head (figure 4). Vampire squid were also repeatedly observed with their filament drawn between the distal parts of their arms (figure 1). Thirteen individuals had the distal half of all eight arms tucked inward towards their mouth. One of these animals was collected and its crop contained food suggesting, as do our laboratory observations, that this posture is taken when food is being ingested.
In six individuals, particles or aggregates of particles were observed in the mouth (figure 4). In another animal, a mucus trail containing particles was observed stretching from an arm to the mouth (figure 4). Thirteen animals observed in situ had particulate material associated with the filament. In one specimen, we saw an apparent food item at the tip of the arms. On three occasions, we detected the presence of a large aggregate on the retractile filaments. We repeatedly observed smaller particles on the filaments during close-up recordings of the filament in situ.
(ii) Laboratory
The first indication that the retractile filament has a direct function in food collection came from an early observation made in the laboratory. Bits of homogenized plankton, previously added to the bag in which a specimen was kept, became stuck to a filament after contact in the bottom of the bag. The animal retrieved the filament and the food particles were removed when the filament was drawn across the oral surface of the arms. The individual particles that had been on the bottom of the bag became a food bolus within the oral web of the animal.
In recent more controlled experiments, homogenized plankton was squirted from a pipette, or individual copepods were released above the filament of a specimen in a kreisel. Food particles became attached on contact with the filament, and the animal immediately began retrieving the filament while passing it within its web, between the arms. The food was wiped off the filament, wrapped in mucus forming a food bolus, then was apparently transported along the web. When next we could see the mouth, the food was visible as a bolus between the chitin jaws. Filament retrieval and the removal of attached food particles were observed in four different specimens; in three of these, the behaviour was induced repeatedly.
Filament retrieval when food was not attached was induced in situ and in the laboratory by simply touching it. This led to a rapid withdrawal of the filament, directly towards the pocket with the filament becoming more tightly helical as it contracted. This response is much quicker than filament retrieval when food is transferred to the oral web cavity by passage between the arms, which took up to 5 min.
Mucus secretion from the arm tips of Vampyroteuthis associated with bioluminescence has been previously reported [15]. The mucus source here is most probably the secretory tissue in the arm suckers (figure 2). We unsuccessfully attempted to elicit a sucking response by touching the surface of the suckers. Both our laboratory and in situ observations indicate that food items attached to the filament are subsequently bound into an aggregate by mucus, presumably from the arm suckers. The cirri are thought to transport a bolus to the mouth, owing to the similar function of cirri observed in the cirrate Grimpoteuthis sp. [4]
4. Discussion
Most modern cephalopods are predatory carnivores. The results of our diet studies of Vampyroteuthis off central and southern California and in Mexican waters suggest a radically different feeding strategy. Typical prey of cephalopods which co-occur with Vampyroteuthis in the OMZ of the Monterey Submarine Canyon include bathylagid fishes, mysid shrimps, gonatid squids and a variety of cnidarians (MBARI, archived video data). The tissues of these animals were never found in large enough quantities in stomach contents to suggest active predation by the vampire squid. The food items that we found in digestive tracts, in droppings and regurgitations and that we saw being consumed during in situ observations were not representative of captured live prey. Instead, Vampyroteuthis' food consisted of agglomerated copepod parts, faecal pellets, diatoms, radiolarians and fish scales; often embedded in a mucus matrix. The most likely source of this eclectic mix is marine snow aggregates, including the feeding structures of larvaceans.
Aggregated marine snow particles and 'sinkers' (discarded mucus filters of the giant larvacean Bathochordaeus) are very common within the depth range occupied by Vampyroteuthis in Monterey Bay [28,33]. When we observed Vampyroteuthis in situ with food in and around its mouth, the food clump typically appeared as an amorphous mass of small particles wrapped in mucus. Food material in the crops was similar, and was in some cases clearly identifiable as sinkers. The nutritional value of these large particles is surprisingly high, with an average organic carbon content of 5.4 mg [28]. The sources of this carbon are the diatoms, crustaceans, faecal pellets and gelata that become trapped in the feeding filters while the larvaceans consume smaller suspended particles [34,35]. Various crustacean zooplankters feed on aggregates [35] and by feeding on aggregates, vampire squid also ingest the copepods, ostracods and amphipods that inhabit the aggregates, which may explain the source of complete crustaceans in the digestive systems. Utilization of marine aggregates is consistent with the low stable isotope signature measured in Vampyroteuthis' beaks [36], and also with the relatively weak musculature associated with Vampyroteuthis' beak and radula [10].
At depth, individual Vampyroteuthis were frequently encountered motionless except for gentle fin undulations, with one of their retractile filaments extended. Occasionally, small particles or larger aggregates were visible on the filaments, on the arms or in the mouth. During laboratory feeding experiments, we repeatedly observed particle-laden filaments being drawn between the arms in a behaviour that removed the particles and deposited them near the mouth in a mucus matrix. Both lines of evidence strongly suggest that one of the functions of the retractile filament is food collection. The short, stiff hairs on the filament probably function to secure particles, while the abundant sensory cells may signal the presence of food to the brain. The food is transferred to the arms, wrapped in mucus secreted from glands in the non-grasping suckers, and the cirri move the resulting mass along the arms to the buccal area for ingestion. The large crop allows for relatively large volumes of dilute food to be taken in. The use of the filament in food collection allows not only the capture of larger aggregates, but also the capture of very small particles, which are wiped off by the arms and wrapped in mucus for transport to the mouth.
Previous authors have suggested that the retractile filaments allow the detection of living prey and predators. In aquarium experiments, Hunt [4] presented live Artemia nauplii to Vampyroteuthis with extended filaments. When the nauplii contacted the filament, the vampire squid swam around the location where the nauplii touched the filament and enveloped them within its webbed arms. These observations suggest a tactile sensory function for the filaments that is in keeping with our histological results showing abundant sensory like cells, but seemingly contradicts our observations that vampire squid feed mostly on detrital matter. The filament, however, is likely a multi-functional organ that is deployed to detect and capture detrital matter but at the same time may detect the presence of predators and perhaps small living prey. Detected food items that are too big to attach to the filament may be captured by engulfment with the web.
Although the feeding strategy of vampire squid is unlike any other cephalopod, aspects of it may be found in other related and unrelated organisms in the same environment. Meso- and bathypelagic cydippid ctenophores deploy long sticky filamentous tentacles for the acquisition of food [37] and coronate scyphozoans of the genus Atolla have a hypertrophied tentacle with a suggested role in feeding [38]. Vampyroteuthis' feeding strategy resembles that of munnopsid isopods which share the deep water column of Monterey Canyon. Munnopsids collect marine snow particles and aggregates with hair-like projections on their extremely long legs and antenna, then remove the food by drawing the appendages through their mouth parts [39]. Like Vampyroteuthis, the pelagic, cirrate octopus Stauroteuthis has questionable grasping capacity in its suckers. They are known to have a photophore at the base of each sucker, perhaps to lure copepods into a mucus web in between the eight arms [40]. The mucus in Stauroteuthis is produced by the enlarged posterior salivary glands [3], which are reduced in Vampyroteuthis.
A large percentage of marine snow particles, aggregates and sinkers are infused with bioluminescent organisms (e.g. radiolarians, small copepods, dinoflagellates, bacteria in faecal pellets) [41] and are capable of glowing during their descent to mesopelagic depths. So while Stauroteuthis may attract copepods with its own bioluminescence, vampire squid may benefit from the bacterial light that marine aggregates emit. First, Vampyroteuthis has large, highly developed eyes that are acutely sensitive to very dim light [42], and thus they can probably see the larger particles and aggregates as they transit the water column. Second, as many crustaceans are attracted to bioluminescent food sources [43], their presence enriches the aggregates on which they feed [35], thereby enriching the food of the vampire squid.
Vampyroteuthis has the lowest metabolic rate recorded for any cephalopod, comparable to that of a scyphomedusa of the same size [26,44], but this characteristic alone is insufficient for survival in the OMZ [20]. Permanent residents of the OMZ have a variety of respiratory and morphological adaptations [25]. For Vampyroteuthis, these include the typical respiratory protein, haemocyanin, but with a hightened affinity for oxygen [16]. Like many other cephalopods, vampire squid are virtually neutrally buoyant, which is valuable for a sedentary species in the OMZ because it reduces the physiological costs of locomotion. Reduced musculature and relatively limited locomotory capabilities are further adaptations that allow Vampyroteuthis to succeed in the OMZ. Seibel et al. [45] estimate that only short duration burst swimming is available or necessary for predator avoidance, because cryptic coloration and bioluminescent countermeasures [15] probably contribute more to survival.
The primitive configuration of coleoid cephalopods is with 10 equal arms. Modern decapods with 10 unequal arms can be logically traced back to the earlier form. Octopods, with eight arms, have apparently lost one pair [46]. The broader filaments in hatchlings of Vampyroteuthis are more arm-like than in older individuals, which supports the interpretation that the filaments are the second pair of arms [47]. The central nerve of the filaments runs to the unusually large ventral magnocellular lobe, which is also found in Mastigoteuthis and Joubiniteuthis, squid with huge numbers of small suckers on their tentacles and/or arms. The size of their magnocellular lobes is probably related to the large amount of sensory information that is sent from the suckers to the brain in these squid. Although the function of this lobe is poorly known, it appears that the vampire squid's brain is receiving a great deal of information from the filaments (R. E. Young 2012, personal communication). We have shown that one of the functions of the filaments is food acquisition and handling, analogous to the arms and feeding tentacles of squid. Although the asymmetrical nature of the filaments, with muscle cells on the one side and sensory cells on the other, could be related to the coiling of the filament, the asymmetry corresponds with the morphology of arms and tentacles. Our findings of both function and form further support the hypothesis that the retractile filaments in Vampyroteuthis are actually modified arms.
Based on extensive in situ observations over 20 years, laboratory studies of live specimens and analyses of preserved material, it appears that Vampyroteuthis off central and southern California and on both sides of the Baja California peninsula is primarily a detritivore, that takes advantage of the OMZ in these regions. Predation pressure is probably less than in the surrounding mesopelagic layers because of the respiratory constraints imposed by diminished oxygen levels [48]. A significant component of Vampyroteuthis' diet, large, nutrient-rich detrital aggregates, are very abundant within this depth range [28,33]. These factors allow the vampire squid to assume a relatively passive lifestyle, under a reduced selective pressure to invest in muscular tissue, resulting in extremely low metabolic rates. The combination of its unique locomotory, physiological and feeding adaptations allows Vampyroteuthis to permanently inhabit and be very successful in the centre of the OMZ, an otherwise hostile environment where predators are few and a particular type of food is abundant.
Richard E. Young's valuable feedback during the preparation of this manuscript is greatly appreciated. We thank the ROV pilots of the Doc Ricketts, Ventana and Tiburon, and the crews of the R/V Point lobos and the R/V Western Flyer. We also thank Steve Haddock, Sarah Tanner, Todd Walsh, Kurt Buck, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Deniz Haydar, Amanda Netburn, Tony Koslow, Eric Hochberg, Kristine Walz, Shannon Johnson, Stephanie Bush, Rob Sherlock, Kim Reisenbichler, Meghan Powers and Karen Osborn. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research and the Schure-Beijerinck-Popping funds enabled this research financially.
- Received June 13, 2012.
- Accepted August 17, 2012.
- This journal is © 2012 The Royal Society