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Table of Contents
A Proposal For The Study of the Role of Hbx in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) chronically infects over 350 million people worldwide, and is a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the fifth leading form of cancer and a major public health concern. Despite years of study, the mechanisms of HBV oncogenesis are still unclear. Recent efforts have focused on the role of HBV X protein (HBx), which has been shown to have pleiotropic effects in its host cells, many of which are suspected to be critical both to HBV replication and to hepatocellular transformation. The aim of this proposed study is to assess the importance of the HBx-induced upregulation of cellular transcription factors to the process of cellular transformation. This study will use inhibitors of specific transcription factor (TF) activators as well as HBx deletion mutants to assess the importance of these TF activities to the process of cellular transformation. The results of this experiment will derive the patterns of TF expression in the presence of various HBx deletion mutants, and will serve to test the importance of the upregulation of certain TFs to the hepatocarcinogenic process by correlating these patterns with the incidence of host cell transformation. Though these results will require further future expansion, they will serve to provide valuable insight into the roles different transcription factor pathways play in the mechanisms of HBx-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, and are thus important focus of study.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for up to 85% of annual liver cancer cases, infecting 3.4 of every 100,000 people in the United States each year, with an estimated five year survival rate of 8% [1]. In certain areas of the world the incidence rate is significantly higher, with the disease presenting in 120 of every 100,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa each year [2]. A 2008 study documented that in the United States the rates of HCC are rising at a time when average overall rates of cancer have stabilized, with another report indicating that HCC is the fifth most prevalent form of cancer [1,2].
The main risk factor for HCC is infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), a small enveloped DNA virus which primarily infects hepatocytes. Chronic HBV infections are present in an estimated 350 million people worldwide, despite the availability of an effective HBV vaccine. Chronic infection characterized by presentation of HBV antigen (HBsAg) has been associated with a 2500-3700% increase in risk of HCC, and patients who are HBsAg- may still present low levels of HBV DNA in serum; a form of chronic infection termed occult HBV infection [3,4]. Occult HBV infections have been suggested to increase HCC risk, primarily in individuals co-infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV); however these results are debated [5].
The HBV genome has not been definitively found to possess viral oncogenes; however one proposed mechanism of HBV-induced HCC suggests that viral DNA insertion into the host genome results in activation of cellular oncogenes. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that HBV has been shown to contain an enhancer sequence which is active in integrated HBV DNA in vivo, and insertional activation of mevalonate kinase have been detected in HBV infected cells, demonstrating the potential for transformative effects of insertional activation via HBV [6,7]. Nonetheless, insertional activation alone does not account for the high incidence of HCC in HBV infected patients, and in recent years studies have focused on the properties of the HBV X protein (HBx). HBx was first noted during the nucleotide sequencing of HBV, at which time an open reading frame (ORF) in the viral genome with which no protein or function was formally associated was designated as the X region [8]. Since then, HBx has been identified as a 17kDa protein necessary for successful HBV replication, with its nuclear localization being essential to the viral replication process by means of uncertain mechanisms [9]. HBx has been shown to have pleiotropic effects, some of which are suspected to be directly related to hepatocarcinogenesis.
A study using transgenic mice expressing HBx found that the protein bound to p53, the ubiquitous tumor-suppressing transcription factor (TF), preventing its nuclear localization and thus its function, while another study found that the nuclear localization of p53 resulted in HBx degradation [10, 11]. Together these studies suggest that HBx alone is not responsible for the transformation of host cells, pointing toward a tenuous balance between HBx and p53 functionality, as the proteins are mutually inhibitory through different mechanisms [12]. This indicates that after mutations in p53 inhibit its nuclear localization (typically a later event in HCC progression), HBx production and stability both likely increase, further contributing to the disease process [11]. Additional studies of the interactions between HBx and p53 have suggested that HBx prevents the sequence specific DNA binding of p53, further contributing to the suppression of this tumor-suppressing protein [13].
Though the fact that HBx plays an indirect role in the transformative process has been demonstrated through experiments involving p53, uncertainty remains as to whether HBx possesses any direct oncogenic properties or simply works in concert with other oncogenic factors to promote tumor formation. A recent article published in Cancer Science by Tang et al. reviews this controversy, noting that HBx seemed to inconsistently induce tumor formation, most often requiring the presence of other carcinogens. Tang et al. go on to suggest that HBx may in some cases be critical to anchorage-independent growth, but that further studies using immortalized human hepatocytes may be necessary, as the process of tumorigenesis varies between tissues [14]. At present, the general consensus is that HBx alone cannot transform cells, but that it is integral to the transformation process.
A recent study using primary rat hepatocytes found that HBx induced changes in these cells which resulted in them passing into the G1 phase of the cell cycle but which prevented them from progressing to the S phase [15]. A separate study found that HBx deregulated the G1/S phase checkpoints by interacting with cyclin-cdk complexes, stabilizing cyclin E to promote faster progression through the stages of the cell cycle [16]. Yet another study suggests that HBx production results in an extended S phase, inducing chromosomal instability which may further lead to HCC tumorigenesis [17]. Though these proposed mechanisms of cell cycle regulation by HBx are diverse, and though some are suggested to be the result of the specific experimental conditions, it is nonetheless clear that HBx likely alters the regulation of cell cycle processes in a manner which may destabilize the genome or deregulate important checkpoints, and thus may be strongly related to cellular transformation [15].
HBx has also been shown to transactivate multiple gene products by means of multiple mechanisms, leading to suggestions that these additional changes in cellular activities may be responsible in part for the incidence of hepatocarcinogenesis. One proposed mechanism behind the plethora of processes induced by HBx is that this protein leads to an upregulation in cytosolic calcium levels in host cells, a mechanism supported by recent studies [18,19]. Calcium, serving as a common second messenger, likely activates numerous signaling pathways resulting in a number of observed upregulations in transcription factor (TF) activity in HBV-infected cells. HBx has been shown to directly or indirectly activate a number of pleiotropic TFs including AP-1, AP-2, NF-kB, and NF-AT [19,20,22]. These TFs have many intracellular roles, and as such their upregulation is likely important for enhancing viral replication and host cell survival, which is necessary for the survival of transformed cells. As such, it is likely (although uncertain) that the alteration of regulation of these and other cellular transcription factors plays a role in the transformation of human liver cells, promoting progression toward HCC. It is the role of these TFs in hepatocarcinogenesis which is the primary focus of these experiments.
Statement of Problem
Despite being the subject of intensive studies for over 20 years, the role that HBx plays in the transformation of human hepatocytes remains unclear, resulting in controversy over the protein's importance with regard to the onset of HCC. While HBx alone is not generally reported to be a significant transformer of primary hepatocytes, it has been linked to tumorigenesis when acting in concert with other carcinogens or cellular oncogenes. Furthermore, HBx is known to modulate cell cycle regulation and to transactivate many genes, altering the expression levels of the transcription factors AP-1, AP-2, NF-kB, NF-AT, and many other gene products.
In light of the myriad roles HBx is purported to play in HBV replication and HCC tumorigenesis, this proposed study endeavors to better understand which modifications to the cell cycle have an effect on the transformative process induced by the HBx protein. Specifically, this study seeks to address the question of whether modulation of TF activity by HBx is critical to the transformation of host cells. Though the likely existence of multiple HBx-associated oncogenic mechanisms may make these studies more difficult to perform, they nonetheless show promise for shedding light on HBV-associated oncogenic mechanisms.
General Methods
Cells and HBx plasmids
The cells used in these experiments will be from the L-O2 line described by Zhang et al [21]. These cells are human liver tissue samples which where immortalized with the hTERT gene, and are suggested by Zhang to be an ideal model for studying the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis. To this effect, these cells will be transfected with a stable HBx plasmid inserted into restriction endonuclease sites as described by Tanaka et al [20]. Additional cells will be transfected with the HBx deletion mutant plasmids also described by Tanaka et al. A control strain of cells will be transfected with an empty vector. RT-PCR will be used to ascertain the successful transfection of these cells.
HBV Expression Constructs
L-O2 cells will be transfected with either a replication-competent wild-type HBV construct or an HBx-deficient HBV construct, as previously described [23].
Calcium Chelation
Both control and HBx transfected L-O2 strains will be induced to produce HBx or its respective deletion mutants. BAPTA-AM, a calcium chelating agent, will then be co-incubated with the cells in order to arrest the calcium signaling within the cells. BAPTA-AM was selected as it has previously been used as a chelating agent for HBx studies of cell cycle proteins [15,19]. The cells will then be lysed and the levels of transcription factors and related regulatory proteins will be assessed by western immunoblotting.
Western Blot Analysis
Cells of interest will be and the protein amounts will be equalized by means of a BCA assay. The protein will then be run through an SDS gel and transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane. The membrane will next be probed with a primary antibody, followed by a secondary antibody linked to an Alexa Fluor molecule, allowing for the quantification of the resultant fluorescence. Primary antibodies will be specific to subunits of NF-kB, AP-1, AP-2, NF-AT, and p53 transcription factors, as well as to FAK and the Ras and Jab family proteins which have been associated with HBx-related transcription factor activities [20,22].
Inhibitors of Jab/Ras Family Proteins
Cells transfected with HBV expression constructs will be treated either macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) or S-trans, trans-farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS), which have been shown to inhibit the Jab and Ras family proteins, respectively [24,25].
Cyclosporin A Inhibition of NF-AT Activity
Cells transfected with HBV expression constructs will be treated with Cyclosporin A, which has been shown to disrupt the nuclear translocation of NF-AT as induced by HBx [26].
Assessment of Transformation
Cells will be grown in soft agar to assess whether or not they exhibit anchorage-independent growth. Transfected L-O2 cells may also be injected into nude mice, which will be killed after the tumors have been allowed to grow for at least 3 weeks [21]. Any tumors can then be removed and visualized in histological assays to confirm tumorigenesis.
Experimental Approach
The first experiments in this study will focus on the role of HBx-induced calcium signaling in the activation of the transcription factors in question. Cells will be induced to produce either HBx or their respective HBx deletion mutants, and a calcium chelating agent (BAPTA-AM) will be added to prevent the upregulation of cytosolic calcium. These cells will then be assayed by means of a Western blot to establish the levels of AP-1, AP-2, NF-AT, NF-kB, p53, and TF regulatory proteins present.
Next, the patterns of TF activity for HBx transfected cells and deletion mutants will be assessed by means of Western immunoblotting without any addition of calcium chelating agents. Cells transfected with replication-competent HBV expression vectors will also be assayed by the same means. These results can then be compared to BAPTA-AM+ TF expression patterns to understand the role of calcium signaling in HBx-induced TF regulation.
After initial TF expression patterns have been established, experiments involving the transformation of cells will be conducted, so as to determine the relationship between TF patterns and oncogenesis. L-O2 cells will be transfected with either the WT or HBx-deficient HBV expression constructs, and will be cultured for an appropriate time period. These cells will then be suspended in soft agar or injected into nude mice, so that after a period of several weeks these two sources may be examined for the presence of transformed tumor cells.
These same two strains of transfected cells will also be treated with MIF, FTS, or both of these compounds so as to inhibit the function of the Jab/Ras family proteins respectively. Since HBx has been found to regulate certain TFs through Jab/Ras-dependent pathways, inhibiting these proteins will inhibit that specific TF activity. These cells will first be analyzed by Western immunoblots to confirm the downregulation of AP-1and NF-kB (mediated by Jab and Ras proteins, respectively) as compared to cells not treated with these compounds. The cells will then be assayed for transformation in soft agar or nude mice, as previously described.
An experiment similar to that described above will also be performed using Cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive drug which is known to inhibit NF-AT activity as induced by HBx. Assessment of the tumor formation of Cyclosporin A-pretreated cells will be conducted as with the MIF/FTS treated cells. All three compounds will be used simultaneously on cells as well so as to observe the transformative capacity of HBx in the absence of its upregulation of these three major cellular TFs.
The final experiments will consist of transfecting cells with both the HBx-deficient HBV expression construct and one of the HBx deletion mutant plasmids simultaneously. After selecting for the successfully transfected cells and establishing their functionality through PCR, these viral constructs will be tested for successful viral replication based on a plaque assay. Western blots of all the aforementioned proteins will be performed for each strain of deletion mutant transfected HBV-expressing cell to confirm TF expression patterns in the context of deletion mutant whole virus replication. These cells will then be assessed for their transformative capacity by suspension in soft agar and by injection into nude mice. They will also be exposed to MIF/FTS/Cyclosporin A and assessed for cellular transformation. This will end the experimental procedures of this study.
The results of the experiments involving calcium chelation are expected to confirm that HBx-induced expression of AP-1 is not dependent on calcium signaling as has been previously described [22]. Additionally, these results will ideally demonstrate that the expression of FAK is dependent on calcium signaling, another previously demonstrated characteristic of HBx transfected cells [19]. The results will also establish whether or not calcium signaling is important to the expression levels of AP-2, NF-AT, NF-kB, p53, Jab, and Ras family proteins; results which have not been previously published. These data, when compared with data of BAPTA-AM- cell lysates, will serve as a baseline in the study of patterns of TF expression and will determine whether or not the calcium signaling induced by HBx needs to be taken into account when considering the TF activation in HBV infected cells.
Additionally, these preliminary data will suggest which areas of the HBx protein are critical to the upregulation of certain TF activities, as different HBx deletion mutants will not exhibit the same TF patterns, and thus the deleted amino acid sequences can be predicted to be integral to the activation pathways of the TFs which exhibited altered expression patterns. Cells transfected with replication-competent HBV constructs will serve to confirm that these observed patterns hold true in the context of whole virus replication, confirming that they are not an artifact of HBx transfection. As HBx is important both for viral and transformative activity, it is expected that L-O2 cells transfected with an HBx-deficient HBV construct will not be transformed at a significant rate, whereas those transfected with a WT-HBV construct will have higher rates of transformation relative to controls.
With the addition of FTS/MIF, it is expected that there will be a significant decrease in HBx-associated upregulation of AP-1 and NF-kB, as the mechanisms of HBx's interaction with these two TFs will be blocked by these inhibitors. Adding these compounds in concert with cyclosporin A will provide a broader view of the roles these three TFs (AP-1, NF-kB, NF-AT) play; the results will allow for the assessment of the transformative capacity of HBV in the absence of these TF upregulation mechanisms, and will thus provide insight into the role of these TF pathways in the production of transformed HCC cells. Adding all three compounds together may result in widespread TF downregulation, potentially resulting in deleterious effects for cells, however this will need to be experimentally assessed. Cells will be simultaneously treated with a minimum of two of these compounds to assess the roles of their respectively inhibited TFs in transformative processes.
The final experiments will serve to synthesize the results of the previous experiments in order to establish the validity of the previous findings in the context of HBV replication. By transfecting cells with both HBx deficient HBV expression vectors and HBx deletion mutant plasmids, it will be possible to induce cells to both produce normal HBV proteins and abnormal HBx proteins simultaneously (alternatively, new plasmids may be engineered which inherently contain deletions or point mutations in the HBx sequence). Western blots of the TFs and related proteins of interest in these cells will seek to confirm the previously derived TF expression patterns, much as the assessment of transformative capacity both in the presence and absence of FTS/MIF/cyclosporin A will confirm the validity of the previously determined transformative abilities of the differently pretreated HBx expressing cells.
In summary, these concluding experiments will endeavor to determine to what degree specific TF pathways play critical roles in the transformation process by selectively altering which pathways are active using inhibitory compounds and HBx deletion mutants. While it is wholly possible that these compounds/mutants will impair other aspects of viral function important to oncogenesis, these experiments will still serve as important indicators of foci for future studies of HBx induced changes in TF activity and the role those changes play in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Though not definitive, the results of these experiments will yield important knowledge regarding the mechanisms of HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. From these deletion mutant experiments, it will be possible to correlate HBx sequences to the upregulations of the TFs of interest in the context of both HBx expression and of whole HBV replication. These patterns of TF activity will be indicative of which factors may be important to the transformation process, allowing for future studies to examine more comprehensively the roles they in oncogenesis.
It may prove difficult to analyze the results of these experiments as oncogenic processes are generally multi-faceted, and thus even if one mechanism is downregulated others may remain active. Nonetheless, it is important to complete this study and to carefully analyze the data, seeking any statistically significant differences in transformative rates among the surveyed cell strains and pretreatment conditions; doing so will ultimately prove necessary to the establishment of future related areas of study.
Based on the outcomes of these experiments, the avenues for prospective future research are variable. For one, though studied by means of Western immunoblots, more investigation needs to be done regarding the role of the AP-2 TF complex in the transformative process. Additionally, luciferase reporter gene assays may be used to determine which TF-regulated genes are active in transformed as opposed to in non-transformed hepatocytes. To produce greater external validity, these experiments may also be repeated in primary rat hepatocytes; this will likely provide more applicable results regarding the role of HBx-induced TF activation in hepatocarcinogenesis.
While these experiments alone will not answer the complex question of how HBV induces HCC, they will shed light on one mechanism of HBx-induced oncogenesis, and as such these results will ideally serve as a stepping stone for more in-depth future studies, with the ultimate goal of producing drugs which can effectively combat these oncogenic mechanisms, saving countless lives.
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Reimers Furniture (RFM) Ray 4295 with Headrest
The Reimers Ray 4295 sports a fully articulating headrest for greater neck support. The enhanced lumbar and kidney cushioning areas support every region in your back to improve posture and reduce fatigue. The wide upper back offers additional support behind the shoulders. The multifunction mechanism and ratchet back provide ease of use and the ability to either work at your computer and to comfortably lean back while reading or on the phone. The price below includes the seat slider and 25a height and width adjustable arms.
*Pricing before options.
Fabrics represented in photo may not correspond to fabric colors currently available.


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When my son was little we went to a little girl's birthday party. She received lots of lovely gifts but her mum said that the gift she played with and treasured the most was the peg doll I had made for her birthday card. Children love receiving and making peg dolls.
Author Archives: readysteadyglue
A quick frog!
We have been going to a children's festival for the last 6 years which has animal tribes. This year we were team frog again so bought my son some dark green jogging bottoms and zip up hoodie from H&M and ordered this flat cap which I then made some felt eyes to sew on toContinue reading "A quick frog!"
One of my favourite book series.
I don't even remember how we found this series but we did and it is the only book my son has ever read on his way to school!! The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger.There are 6 books in the series.They are funny because Dwight's friends are trying to work out if theContinue reading "One of my favourite book series."
Hobbycraft started their first Paper Craft Design Team 2019 this year.I saw the post for it and thought just go for it Emma.Well I did and I got chosen to be one of four members!!!The last projects have been my favourites as for children.I am on Hobbycraft's Instagram page this Wednesday .If you want to have a look at them and the 'how to' they will be on their blog.
My First Blog Post!!!!!
Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken. — Oscar Wilde. This is the first post on my new blog. I'm just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.


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The Reliance Peach is a deciduous fruit tree and the most winter-hardy peach variety available. This fruit tree is vigorous and highly productive, and produces a hardy, yellow-fleshed freestone peach of medium size. The Reliance Peach requires 850 chill hours and is a self-pollinator. With small pink single flowers blooming in the spring it makes a lovely addition to your landscape with fresh fruit ripening in late June or early July .
- Includes one Reliance Peach fruit tree in a 3.74 gal. pot and detailed planting instructions.
- Ripens in late June or early July. The Reliance Peach is a self-pollinator.
- Best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8.
- Due to improved root stock all peach trees are mostly self-pollinating; however, cross-pollination will ensure production and produce larger amounts of fruit.
- Grows to 10-15 in. tall.
- 3.74 gal. size pot has actual size of 14.165 liters


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2012 Allina Health community benefit and engagement report
This 24-page report highlights the partnerships and investments Allina Health has made to connect with our communities to fulfill our mission.
At Allina Health, we believe health care is more than just treating people when they are sick. We are committed to improving community health and helping people to live healthier lives.
As a trusted and compassionate partner, Allina Health ensures community benefit and engagement is an integral part of our culture and strategic plan. We invest in these efforts, not because we have to, but because we believe in them.
To learn about local efforts, contact your region's community engagement lead.
In 2012, Allina Health contributed more than $200 million to improving the health of those we serve in Minnesota, western Wisconsin and beyond.
"We do this by connecting with patients, families, neighbors, schools and other organizations to creatively address public health and wellness challenges," says Ellie Zuehlke, director of community benefit and engagement.
In 2012, Allina Health community contributions included community benefit costs (as defined by CHA and VHA guidelines) and valued community contributions.
Community benefit costs: The total cost community benefit was $200.2 million. That sum involves these investments (dollars in thousands):
Valued community contributions: The total value of community contributions made in 2012 was $478.1 million. That sum involves the following (dollars in thousands):


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Saucy e mails threaten Obama's pick for Iraq diplomatic role
A racy e-mail exchange between the President's pick for the position of US Ambassador to Iraq and a reporter covering Baghdad has been made public, threatening to undermine the appointment.
Brett McGurk and Gina Chon are married now. They probably never dreamt that intimate e-mails they exchanged while they were courting would ever be made public. But they are not just any couple: Mr McGurk was working for the US National Security Council in Baghdad in 2008 when he began seeing — and e-mailing — Ms Chon, who was working there as a foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and whose job included covering his actions as a White House official in Iraq.
"I had a very good day with the Iraqis — the


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A flatweave rug has no pile and is an excellent choice if you need a large rug to cover a high-traffic area. Flatweaves usually don't cost as much as high-pile rugs. A well-constructed flatweave rug is within most people's budgets. The price ultimately depends on the size of your rug and the material you choose.
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Flatweaves Work in Any Room in Your House
These non-shedding rugs are perfect for high-traffic areas that normally spell disaster for shag or high pile rugs. Place flatweave rugs in family rooms, dens, hallways or other areas where people and pets congregate. Use flatweaves in spaces where you need an attractive but durable rug. Save your expensive Persian rugs for less-trafficked rooms.
If your living room or bedroom has a specific color scheme, or if you're remodeling, using a heavy Persian or shag rug can be problematic. A lightweight flatweave is easy to move from room to room, and you have a wide selection of designs, colors, and materials at your disposal.
Many Popular Brands and Designers Offer Flatweave Rugs
Calvin Klein offers several neutral-color wool flatweaves, and Kathy Ireland features geometric and floral pattern flatweave rugs made from acrylic and viscose. Safavieh has hundreds of flatweave designs, like this Dhurrie. Dhurries are traditional flatwoven rugs used to cover floors in India. Most traditional Dhurries are made from wool or cotton.
Kilim rugs originated in the fourth or fifth century and were also popular in the Ottoman Empire and nearby regions, including North Africa, China, Iran, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. These rugs are sometimes grouped in with Oriental rugs but are actually in a class of their own. These no-pile rugs use the same basic interweaving technique as any flatweave rug but expand on it with a technique called slitweaving. A slit is a block left between two color blocks. The weft is returned around the last warp into one color, and the weft of the next color is returned around adjacent warp.
The rug weavers cover the warp by packing the weft tightly. Kilims often have diagonal patterns, as vertical slits may weaken the rug's structure. The bold, colorful patterns of a Kilim are usually geometric, although there are some bold floral designs as well.
A beating comb, optional shuttle, loom and scissors or knife are used for hand-woven Kilims. Wool is the most popular material for these rugs, although silk and cotton are often interwoven with the wool.


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But for those who are not blessed with naturally full thick, brows, microblading has become the new go-to beauty treatment. But what is microblading? And is it really the best way to enhance your brows? If you're a beauty therapist, here's why you should offer microblading to your clients.
What Is Microblading?
Put simply, microblading is semi-permanent make up for the eyebrows. The technique involves using a finely tipped pen, made up of a bundle of needles, that deposits pigment into the skin. The process is similar to getting a tattoo, however the needles only reach the superficial layers of the skin making results semi-permanent rather than permanent.
Microblading fills in any gaps, adds colour and defines the shape of the brows with fine hair like strokes. The natural results are what makes microblading so popular – it's almost unnoticeable that you have gone through treatment!
The treatment is perfect for those with sparse brows, those who have lost their brows all together or anyone unhappy with their brow shapes. What's more, the treatment is popular with both men and women, making microblading a great service to offer to clients.
Microblading Vs Other Eyebrow Enhancing Treatments
When it comes to eyebrows, clients might currently fill in their eyebrows with makeup products but be unhappy with these results. With microblading, they will be able to achieve the results they want of full, defined brows but skip the hassle of filling them in daily.
Whilst eyebrow tinting can be great to add colour to fine or transparent brows, it doesn't add length or fill in gaps. However, with microblading, you can achieve all three results. This makes microblading a better alternative for people with sparse brows.
New treatments to the market such as microfeathering and eyebrow extensions are an effective way to fill in sparse brows. However, they do not have lasting results. Brow extensions require frequent refills while microfeathering requires more maintenance. However, microblading provides longer, lasting results. The effects of microblading can last anywhere from 12 months to 3 years, making them are more manageable treatment for clients.
Are There Risks To Microblading?
Like any beauty treatment out there, microblading can come with its own set of risks. For example, if a therapist cuts too deep, then a client may be left with scarring. However, this is unlikely if a trained professional is performing the treatment.
Likewise, clients could suffer an infection following their treatment. They may also be unhappy with their results. Therefore, as a beauty therapist taking out microblading insurance will help to protect you in the event something goes wrong. From public liability to treatment risk insurance, having the right policy in place will help you protect you and your business should a client make a compensation claim against you.


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CARLO ANCELOTTI is favorite to interchange Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss, in line with Solar Bets.
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In the meantime, former Invicibles Thierry Henry (20/1) and Dennis Bergkamp (25/1) may return to the membership to interchange the person who guided them to glory.
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music @ petechen.com
I've been playing and discovering all about music ever since I can remember. Like some tortured kids my generation, I started out on violin with the Suzuki method somewhere around 3 - the "mother tongue" theory has it that if you learn music the same way you acquire language, it is vital to establish music language in early childhood development. My observation is that Suzuki works to the extent that a child can be raised bilingual (or "trilingual" in this case) but that too many parents and teachers emphasize the idea of using it to develop early prodigies over musically conversant children. It's as if by raising your child to speak Spanish, you're hoping that s/he will become another Pablo Neruda by age 16. The more likely scenario is s/he'll be willing to read Neruda by 16.
Speaking of by 16, so violin has been my primary instrument all my life but by 7, I was taking piano lessons, 8 basic guitar, 10 trumpet and saxophone, and from there on I figured out how to play most western instruments competently. A funny story has it that when I was 16, I was messing around with a bass fiddle at school and word got back to a previous orchestra instructor who called and "hired" me on short notice to fill in on a gig. I had to quickly familiarize myself with reading only bass clef.
I went to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music to study Music Education and Violin. Well, actually I was one of those double degree kids in the College majoring in Biochemistry at the same time - well it took 5 years. Music Ed was a very natural fit and I had very fine teachers to work with and developed a lot of skills both as a musican and as an educator. Aside from student teaching, I taught after-school music programs, had my own students, still played tenor sax in ensembles as a secondary instrument, started and coached a water polo club, served on student government, and all this before my evenings of research in the chemistry lab. A typical schedule involved getting up at 6 AM to student teach at public schools until about 2:30, return to campus for ensemble rehearsal or violin practice, an hour or so at the gym, dinner @ 7, and to the lab until midnight.
While at Oberlin, someone introduced me to fiddle jazz - particulary the work of Stephane Grappelli. Actually, it was someone that I did my summer research with. I found an exciting new avenue for my fiddle playing and began to find and learn the works of Grapelli and many others including, Jean-Luc Ponty, Svend Asmussen, Jerry Goodman, Stuff Smith, Eddie South, Vassar Clements, Joe Venuti, Zbigniew Seigert, Michal Urbaniak, and Mark O'Connor. I also got one of the early Zeta Midi violins - a Ponty "Jazz" model - and began playing experimental styles and techniques with effects and electronics used primarily with electric guitars and keyboards. Somewhere out there, Andy Cohen has a recording of his senior recital with my solo electric/electronic violin playing one of his suites.
Following college, I took a long break from active involvement in music. I had a choice of becoming a music teacher in Telluride, CO or working in pharmaceuticals back in California. [Actually, it wasn't my choice, but the Telluride hiring committee took too long to decide and by the time they called, it was too late.] In 2000, I started getting sought out for playing weddings again and began actively looking for both classical and modern jam opportunities. I was "discovered" at a "Django jam" and asked to join Coyote Blue in 2002 - a swingy/bluegrassy outfit and found my way into the fiddling/jamming/camping comunity that pervades California. Since then, I've played with a number of other folks, sometimes one-off gigs for rock bands, sometimes sitting in with a gypsy jazz group lacking a fiddle. Amoritmo is another more latin and swing based quartet that has been forming with Bruce Maurier on bass, Michael Schwartz on guitar, and Robert Morrisey on drums. We play tunes from traditional Hot Club jazz to Brazilian choros and sambas, to old and new jazz standards.


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In an ongoing attempt to reduce the growing use of cigarettes in Malaysia, the price of a typical pack of 20 is now more than RM21 (US$5). Still way below the US$15 in the USA or US$10 in Singapore but way up from about RM3.20 in 1996. In a survey carried out by the Ministry … Continue reading
Tagged with brands …
Malaysia Airlines to consider not serving alcohol?
The National Union of Flight Attendants (Nufam) represents all cabin crew at Malaysia Airlines. As we all know they've had a tough few years as the carrier let go of more than 6,000 staff. So they need to get their teeth into a worthy cause. Recently the Muslim MP Ghapur Salleh who is the MP … Continue reading
Are you wasting good money on bad advertising?
I wrote a blog post recently about print ads and how I was convinced that print advertising was in decline. You can read the post here. I also shared the post on the Advertising Copywriting group on Linkedin and it generated a lot of comment, most of it ridiculing my stand. You can see the … Continue reading
5 reasons why advertising doesn't work
I recently wrote an article on the state of advertising which you can read here. The post went viral and I have been criticised a lot, especially on Linkedin and you can read the comments here. I still don't think advertising is effective. Here are 5 more reasons why advertising doesn't work 1) I'm not … Continue reading
Customer loyalty builds brands
One of my favourite branding blogs is truly deeply from Australia and I recommend it to anyone even if you are not based in Australia. This morning the author David Ansett Tweeted a link to a post from last year called customer loyalty, the holy grail for brands. It's a short, thought provoking post. It … Continue reading
Should you pay those who influence others?
This article asks a really pertinent question related to branding today – Should influencers be paid? The answer is an unequivocal yes however you need to be able to deliver on the promises you make otherwise such a tactic will come back and bite you. Should influencers be paid? (via http://www.adigaskell.org) As content marketing has … Continue reading
Brands, it is no longer about you
Whilst researching a chapter for my new book (you can get an idea of how the book will go by reading this article here) I came across a fascinating company called Undercurrent. One of the key players in the firm is a guy called Aaron Dignan. You can follow him on Twitter here. I was … Continue reading
Great tips for using email to build your brand
More and more firms are using effective email campaigns in association with their social media initiatives to build brands. This is because an email campaign allows you to know who is opening your emails, which links they're clicking on and how many of your them are forwarding your emails to their friends. The right product … Continue reading
The only brand worth having is a profitable brand (even if it means losing customers)
Looking through the 'archives' of some of our early branding blog posts, I came across a reference to an article in Fortune Small Business. The article talked about three companies that had for years pursued a traditional sales and market growth approach that saw them investing more in acquisition than retention whilst paying little attention … Continue reading
Branding, corporate or political, is an organisational issue
One of the problems faced by brands and branding are the attempts to simplify it. Fortuitously this approach has yet to gain traction with the aviation industry! The business of building brands takes time. And as the business of brands and branding has evolved and the waters have become increasingly muddied, the only constant has … Continue reading


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Posts for tag: gum disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is mainly caused by bacterial plaque built up on tooth surfaces due to ineffective oral hygiene. For most cases, treatment that includes plaque and calculus (tartar or calcified plaque) removal and renewed daily hygiene is highly effective in stopping the disease and restoring health to affected gum tissues.
However, you might have additional health factors that may make it more difficult to bring the disease under control. If your case is extreme, even the most in-depth treatment may only buy time before some or all of your teeth are eventually lost.
Genetics. Because of your genetic makeup, you could have a low resistance to gum disease and are more susceptible to it than other people. Additionally, if you have thin gum tissues, also an inherited trait, you could be more prone to receding gums as a result of gum disease.
Certain bacteria. Our mouths are home to millions of bacteria derived from hundreds of strains, of which only a few are responsible for gum disease. It's possible your body's immune system may find it difficult to control a particular disease-causing strain, regardless of your diligence in oral care.
Stress. Chronic stress, brought on by difficult life situations or experiences, can have a harmful effect on your body's immune system and cause you to be more susceptible to gum disease. Studies have shown that as stress levels increase the breakdown of gum tissues (along with their detachment from teeth) may also increase.
Disease advancement. Gum disease can be an aggressive infection that can gain a foothold well before diagnosis. It's possible, then, that by the time we begin intervention the disease has already caused a great deal of damage. While we may be able to repair much of it, it's possible some teeth may not be salvageable.
While you can't change genetic makeup or bacterial sensitivity, you can slow the disease progression and extend the life of your teeth with consistent daily hygiene, regular cleanings and checkups, and watching for bleeding, swollen gums and other signs of disease. Although these additional risk factors may make it difficult to save your teeth in the long-run, you may be able to gain enough time to prepare emotionally and financially for dental implants or a similar restoration.
If you would like more information on the treatment of gum disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Periodontal (Gum) Treatment & Expectations."
Are bleeding gums something you should be concerned about? Dear Doctor magazine recently posed that question to Dr. Travis Stork, an emergency room physician and host of the syndicated TV show The Doctors. He answered with two questions of his own: "If you started bleeding from your eyeball, would you seek medical attention?" Needless to say, most everyone would. "So," he asked, "why is it that when we bleed all the time when we floss that we think it's no big deal?" As it turns out, that's an excellent question — and one that's often misunderstood.
First of all, let's clarify what we mean by "bleeding all the time." As many as 90 percent of people occasionally experience bleeding gums when they clean their teeth — particularly if they don't do it often, or are just starting a flossing routine. But if your gums bleed regularly when you brush or floss, it almost certainly means there's a problem. Many think bleeding gums is a sign they are brushing too hard; this is possible, but unlikely. It's much more probable that irritated and bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal (gum) disease.
How common is this malady? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of all Americans over age 30 have mild, moderate or severe gum disease — and that number increases to 70.1 percent for those over 65! Periodontal disease can occur when a bacteria-rich biofilm in the mouth (also called plaque) is allowed to build up on tooth and gum surfaces. Plaque causes the gums to become inflamed, as the immune system responds to the bacteria. Eventually, this can cause gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, forming bacteria-filled "pockets" under the gum surface. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious infection, and even tooth loss.
What should you do if your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing? The first step is to come in for a thorough examination. In combination with a regular oral exam (and possibly x-rays or other diagnostic tests), a simple (and painless) instrument called a periodontal probe can be used to determine how far any periodontal disease may have progressed. Armed with this information, we can determine the most effective way to fight the battle against gum disease.
Above all, don't wait too long to come in for an exam! As Dr. Stork notes, bleeding gums are "a sign that things aren't quite right." Â If you would like more information about bleeding gums, please contact us or schedule an appointment. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine article "Bleeding Gums." You can read the entire interview with Dr. Travis Stork in Dear Doctor magazine.
Your gums' primary role is to protect your teeth and keep them firmly in place. But periodontal (gum) disease can damage your gums to such an extent you could ultimately lose your teeth.
Gum disease is a progressive infection caused by bacterial plaque built up on tooth surfaces from poor oral hygiene. The initial infection triggers inflammation, a defensive response of the body characterized by swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums. An initial form of the disease known as gingivitis occurs in most people after just a few days without brushing or flossing.
Resuming hygienic activities to remove daily plaque, along with regular dental cleanings, may be enough to stop gingivitis and restore healthy gums. If the disease is allowed to advance, however, the infected gum tissues will begin to detach from the teeth, turning the slight normal gaps between teeth and gums into wider voids known as periodontal pockets that fill with bacteria leading to infection. Your hygiene efforts will not be enough to cope with this advanced form of periodontal disease.
At this point professional techniques are required to adequately remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits), depending on the depth and location of the periodontal pockets. The most basic of these is scaling using specialized hand instruments or ultrasonic equipment to remove plaque and calculus in pockets at or just below the gum line. If plaque and calculus have extended to the roots we may then need to employ root planing, in which we "shave" offending material from root surfaces. In some cases this may require accessing the area surgically beneath the gum tissue.
As plaque removal progresses, inflammation will begin to subside and the gum tissues heal. If, however, swelling, bleeding or pus formation persists, this may indicate bacterial levels remain too high. To decrease these levels we may need to administer antibiotics, or through mouthrinses containing chlorhexidine.
Once under control, it's crucial from then on for you to maintain a strict daily regimen of brushing and flossing to keep plaque from building up on tooth surfaces. You'll also need to visit us regularly (two or more times a year) for professional cleaning and checkups. Keeping a close eye will help prevent a reoccurrence of this serious disease and prolong the life of your teeth.
If you would like more information on treating periodontal (gum) disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Treating Difficult Areas of Periodontal Disease."
For a healthy pregnancy, it helps to have healthy teeth and gums. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) encourages its members to advise expectant moms to see their dentist. But maintaining oral health can be more challenging when you're expecting. For one thing, hormonal changes make you more susceptible to periodontal (gum) disease, which has been linked to "systemic" (general body) health problems including preterm labor and low birth weight.
Periodontal (gum) disease results from the buildup of bacterial plaque on tooth surfaces in the absence of good oral hygiene. It typically starts as gingivitis — inflammation and redness around the gum margins and bleeding when brushing and flossing. If the infection progresses, it can attack the structures supporting the teeth (gums, ligaments, and bone) and may eventually result in tooth loss. And if the infection enters the bloodstream, it can pose health risks elsewhere in the body. Studies suggest that oral bacteria and their byproducts are able to cross the placenta and trigger an inflammatory response in the mother, which may in turn induce early labor.
TLC for Your Oral Environment
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing or using another interdental cleaner at least once daily is your first-line defense again bacteria buildup. Professional cleanings are also important to remove hardened plaque (calculus) that brushing and flossing may miss. And regular checkups can catch problems early to avoid or minimize adverse effects. Periodontal disease and tooth decay aren't always painful or the pain may subside, so you won't always know there's a problem.
Dental emergencies such as cavities, root canals and tooth fractures should be treated promptly to address pain and infection, thereby reducing stress to the developing fetus. Of course, if you know you need a cavity filled or a root canal prior to becoming pregnant, that's the optimal time to get treated!
If you would like more information about dental care during pregnancy, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about the subject by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Pregnancy and Oral Health."
Today, many people are taking positive steps to reduce the risks posed by major health problems like cancer, cardiopulmonary diseases, hypertension, and diabetes. But there's one disease that makes the top-ten list of worldwide health conditions, and yet isn't thought about as much as many of the others. That malady is severe periodontal (gum) disease — and according to a new study, it's the sixth-most prevalent health condition in the world.
The study, released by the International and American Associations for Dental Research, reveals that some 743 million people around the world — about 11 percent of the global population — suffer from severe periodontal disease; that percentage hasn't changed significantly since 1990. The study also shows that while an individual's chance of developing this condition rises gradually with age, there is a steep increase in people between 30 and 40 years old, with a peak at age 38.
If severe periodontal disease is such a major concern, why isn't it "on the radar"? A 2010 report from the U.S. Surgeon General, titled "Oral Health: The Silent Epidemic," gives some clues. For one thing, diseases related to oral health don't always produce dramatic symptoms: Even tooth loss, for example, is sometimes (wrongly) regarded as an inevitable consequence of aging, when it's more often the result of disease or injury. For another, these conditions disproportionately affect people whose voices aren't always heard: children, the elderly, and the disadvantaged.
Severe periodontal disease is clearly a challenge to the public health. But what can you do as an individual? Plenty! The good news about periodontal disease is that it is largely preventable, and very treatable. Prevention is chiefly a matter of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Have you flossed lately? Is your brushing technique up to snuff? Do you avoid sugary snacks and beverages (especially between meals), and visit your dentist for regular checkups? If so, you've taken some major steps toward preventing periodontal disease. But despite their best efforts, it is difficult for some people to control periodontal disease without extra assistance. That's where a periodontist can help.
Periodontists are concerned with treating problems of the gums. We use a number of methods to combat periodontal disease — including removing plaque bacteria, restoring healthy tissue, and educating people about how to maintain better oral hygiene at home. Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist if warning signs are noticed, but you don't need a referral to come in for an exam. If you notice the symptoms of periodontal disease — redness or inflammation of the gums, a bad taste or odor in your mouth, or any amount of bleeding when you brush — then it may be time to have your gums checked.
If you would like more information about periodontal disease, call our office for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine article "Warning Signs of Periodontal (Gum) Disease."


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The End Of Net Neutrality is The Start Of Fascism
President Trump Calling His Accusers "Liars" Confirms Women's Fears of Not Being Believed
Charlie Rose Show Pulled from Air after 8 Women Accuse Him of Sexual Harassment
Mainstream Media Hosts React to Ousting of Roger Ailes from Fox News
The Bill Press Show - June 8, 2015
Democracy Now! 2013-12-20
Democracy Now! 2013-12-20 Friday
The Military Industrial Pundits Conflicts of Interest Exposed for TV Guests Who Urged Syrian War
Justice for Trayvon
Daily Feminist Cheat Sheet
Has the GOP Been Watching Too Much Downton Abbey?
'Please Stop Exploiting People'
4 Steps For Creating the Obama Revolution


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The same unfamiliar car keeps parking in front of your house or you get a weird feeling about the couple who just knocked on your door trying to sell a cleaning product. At what point should your suspicions rise to the level of action? And what specific action should you take?
The answer isn't always black and white, but if you know when to report suspicious activity – and what specifically to relay to law enforcement – you can help keep your neighborhood safe.
The Definition of Suspicious Activity
Suspicious activity is anything going on that feels uncomfortable or out of place, according to the National Sheriffs' Association. It can include any of the following.
- A stranger hanging out in the street.
- Windows of a house that are broken or open when the weather dictates otherwise.
- Someone looking in car windows.
- The sound of gunshots, screaming, or fighting.
- A lot of cars coming and going from a house.
- Strange odors coming from a house.
- Activity near gas, electrical, or sewer systems without any kind of identification related to a related company.
How to Make the Next Move
Once you've determined there is suspicious activity or you see a crime in progress, it's time to act and call 911. Make the call as soon as you see the peculiar goings-on so law enforcement can act if needed and so the information is still fresh in your mind. Stay composed and explain what you saw, heard, or smelled, and the precise location. Stay on the phone with the dispatcher and be available to answer all their questions.
Other than reporting suspicious activity or a crime you're witnessing, you should only call 911 for medical emergencies, fire, vehicle accidents, or when someone's life is in danger.
It's All in the Details
One of the best ways you can help law enforcement follow your lead is by providing as much detailed information as possible. If there is a stranger lurking in your neighbor's front yard, describe the person. Approximately how old, how tall, hair color, clothing, tattoos, facial hair, race.
Describe exactly what they're doing and make note of what time it is. How long has the suspicious activity been taking place? Are the homeowners typically away at work at this time each day?
If there is a vehicle in the neighborhood that you're leery of, take note of the make and model, color, license plate, bumper stickers, and take careful notes of where the vehicle is and do the same for the driver, if there is one.
Always check with your local law enforcement jurisdiction about different ways to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Some agencies have a web page set up for you to report, others have a number you can text. Some even have apps that allow you to relay your information so law enforcement can track it down.
Whatever you do, always remember that once you report the suspicious activity, your job is over. Keep yourself and your neighborhood safe by letting law enforcement do its job.


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How to Plan Your Dream Wedding on a Shoestring Budget
Your wedding day is one for a beautiful memory, not money-related stress. Yes, the dream is real. Your true love...
Starting up your own small business is a powerful step towards taking control over your life and your finances. Small business is big! According to the SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration), 28 million small businesses in America account for 54% of all U.S. sales. There are many things that need to be considered when starting a new business, including some risk and quite a bit of preparation. You need to be steadfast towards your goals, and be prepared. Success or failure of your small business is dependent on knowing how and when to act, and what steps to take next.
Here are a few tips to consider when starting your business:
To start a business, you should make sure that you're doing something you really enjoy. To build a successful enterprise, you need to be dedicated to the work, because you'll be devoting most of your time and energy into it.
It will probably take a bit of time before your business can make a profit. Unless you have saved considerably before starting your business, you'll need a steady source of income. It means a lot of hard work, but it gives you time to build inventory and clients slowly before taking the plunge as a full-time business owner.
When you're starting a business, you'll need a support system. This can be anyone: friends, neighbors, or family … someone who you can use as a sounding board for ideas, and who will listen to your successes and frustrations. You may also want to find a mentor or role model; someone who understands the ups and downs of starting a small business, as well as your particular industry.
You shouldn't wait long to start lining up clientele. Your business can't survive without them. Network and make contacts; email, or call potential clients and let them know the services you offer. Market and advertise your services right away by spreading the word through social media and local outlets prior to the official launch of your business. Make sure to keep the right balance though – make sure you have the resources to serve the client list you are building.
Starting with a business plan is essential. It'll guide you through each step of creating and managing your business, and may also help attract investors and partners. They can be as simple or detailed as you want, and there's a variety of resources available to help you get started. Here are a few templates from the SBA.
When starting a new business, you'll have to do quite a bit of research. Your goal is to become an expert in your industry, products, and services. Seek out people familiar with your type of business and gather information. Research federal, state, and local requirements for business ownership. Some helpful resources include the IRS, Secretary of State, and the local Chamber of Commerce.
Save money where you can. Look for potential lenders or investors. This is where your business plan will be essential. It shows investors and lenders you are professional, serious, and dedicated to making your new business a success. You should also create a financial fallback plan.
You won't be an expert in starting a business overnight. Seeking help from professionals is important, especially when it comes to legal and tax responsibilities. It's not always possible to be an expert in every aspect of your new business. If you're not well-versed in accounting or bookkeeping, hire people who are. If you need a contract and you're not a lawyer, then hire one. Otherwise, you may end up wasting time and money on costly mistakes.
Ready to take the next step? Open your business or organizational account at Marine FCU. Click here to find out more.


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And just for thought...
This Drunken Revelation
In my drunken state, I know nothing.
I am absolutely at a loss to my own mind.
I wander to early parts of my life
but nothing of importance, only circumstances I couldn't control.
I relish these intoxicated words, the freedom my slurs inspire.
They make so much sense
and yet it is all still so pointless.
I am not interested to speak of my factual life.
Leave a Reply.
At the end of the day, I'm just a girl who has been in love with writing her entire life. I am full of quirks, anxieties, fears, joys, laughter. And all I have wanted to do was give the world a smile.
February 2020


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Prayer and Canon Law
St. Raymond of Penyafort (1175-1275) helped organize the Church's legal code and aided Christian captives. He inspired St. Thomas Aquinas to write the Summa Contra Gentiles for the conversion of non-Catholics. At least 10,000 Muslims reportedly converted as a result of St. Raymond's evangelistic efforts.
In honor of the feast of St. Raymond of Peñafort, patron saint of the School of Canon Law, Santa Croce's students and professors were welcomed at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), where they were met by the Congregation's Under-Secretary, Rev. Matteo Visioli, who gave a brief tour of the Congregation's office and spoke about the important work of the dicastery for the good of the Church.
The feast day of each of the four faculties at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross is an important occasion. Classes are suspended for the day as students and professors mark the occasion with a special celebration of the Holy Mass, a keynote lecture and, occasionally, another activity tied to the specific interests of students. In the past few years, the School of Canon Law has visited the Apostolic Tribunal of the Roman Rota, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the "Redemptoris Mater" chapel in the Apostolic Palace, in honor of the occasion.
The Heart of Santa Croce is
Christ in Our Students
|Fr. John Wauck
"I see in my students the future of the Church...bishops, professors, even martyrs and saints of the 21st century."
"For me, what is most exciting about teaching at Santa Croce is seeing in the faces and behind the faces of my students the souls whose lives they will touch. Souls whom I will probably never meet in India, Africa, Latin America, Europe, North America -- and that's the future of the Church I see in my students."
"I am deeply aware when I am teaching my class that I am talking to and with people who will be professors, perhaps bishops, perhaps even martyrs and saints of the 21st century."
Father John Wauck, Professor of Literature
The University was conceived in the heart of a saint (St. Josemaria), and co-founded by St. John Paul II and Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, the University's first Chancellor. It is an internationally prestigious university for ecclesiastical sciences. It is located in Rome, Italy. The University has students and supporters from all over the world.
The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Foundation assists the University in its financial needs and grants scholarships to students from poor dioceses wishing to attend the University.
The Foundation accepts gifts from donors within the United States in order to support the University in training students to impact the world.


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Architect CARBONDALE's Venetian vision wins Prix Versailles for Dolce & Gabbana
Luxury architect Eric Carlson creates 'Best Interior in the World' for Dolce & Gabbana's Venice store
Eric Carlson of luxury architects CARBONDALE has won the coveted Prix Versailles award for 'Best Interior in the World', in Paris this month. The prestigious world architecture awards reward projects that combine culture and commercial architecture in various forms, and this year awarded the Special Prize Interior to Carlson for his firm's reimagining of Dolce & Gabbana's Venice Palazzo.
The fashion brand's Venice store is situated over two levels in the painstakingly restored historical Palazzo Torres, a former bank from 1880, originally designed by architect and sculpture Giuseppe Torres in a neo-Venetian renaissance style. Now the restored façade is combined with a modern building, with the interior reflecting the dual reality of history and modernity, with a well-travelled clientele in mind.
"Venice is not a shopping destination like Paris or Milan – it's a cultural destination where visitors from all over the world come to discover the city's urbanism, historical architecture, the art biennale, etc – so my vision was to create a cultural destination for Dolce & Gabbana in Venice, a store that generates curiosity and introduces people to the brand," Carlson exclusively told Tempus last December. >>
Related: Luxury architect CARBONDALE on transforming Dolce & Gabbana stores into designer destinations
"Following the historical spatial model of traditional Italian palazzos with their characteristically different spaces, I composed the store into a series of 14 distinctive rooms," he said. "Each space is separated by highly polished red-gum wood door passages to create an elusive transition and inspire a sense of discovery for the visitors."
The 800 square meter store is segmented in the palazzo style, and areas – from the stunning azure jewellery room to the deep red women's clothing – each styled in contrast. The store also incorporates Venetian craftsmanship, with door handles, clothing hooks, display stands and mirrors all made of hand-blown Murano glass by the Seguso family, and Damascus fabric from the historic Venetian weavers Bevilacqua and Rubelli.
"Dolce & Gabbana as a brand is not about balance, it's about contrast," said Carlson. "I decided to create a striking contrast between a decidedly contemporary design and the street–facing 1880 Neo-Venetian Renaissance style architecture, which was methodically restored to its original extravagance."


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LIVING BY FAITH - Learning to be a good teacher
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 [1] by Carina Stoves Special to the Bethlehem Press [2] in Opinion [3]
Oki! When I moved to Montana, I thought that I knew how to be a great teacher. I knew what the textbooks said, and I did really well in my classes at Lehigh Carbon Community College and Bloomsburg University, but boy have I learned a lot in the past few months.
Yes, I know the facts and theories, however I didn't know how to put them into practice. In fact, I am still working on it; teaching is quite a difficult job. I think the books leave out the part about students bringing in their own personalities, attitudes and experiences to your classroom and how one deals with all that.
I expect that all jobs are rough the first year. In fact, I have a book that was required at Bloomsburg, although we never read it; that is, a guide for the first year teacher. If a book was written in order to help a new teacher, it only goes to show how difficult it can be. One of the first things the book suggests is that new teachers should not take on any new responsibilities. I wonder, does moving out on one's own count as a new responsibility?
Every day, I learn something new. For instance, in the beginning of the year, I thought the most important thing I could do every day was to greet the children by name as they stood up to follow me to the lunch room for breakfast. I also thought that serving them breakfast was taking time away from the education, and simply a hassle.
"Why can't it be more like the schools I am from, the students that need breakfast go down and eat, the rest do morning work," I found myself thinking. But now, I see where I was wrong, so very wrong.
My morning routine has changed. The most important thing I can do is to help serve them breakfast quickly so they can finish eating in the time we are given. Now, when I enter the gym to gather them up, I get their attention, and within a few seconds have them standing up and going for breakfast. As I offer them breakfast, I take the time to greet them.
"Good morning, (name of student). How are you? Would you like oatmeal today? It is nice to see you today!" Maybe even adding on, "We missed you yesterday." The conversation carries on as I place the food in front of them.
Why did my mindset change? Sure, I've always heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that there are kids 'somewhere out there' who don't have food at home but have you ever looked into the eyes of a hungry child? Have you ever learned that a child you know is without food at home? How easy is it to concentrate when you are hungry? I have looked into the eyes of a child, one who was so hungry she couldn't possibly learn the math I was trying to teach. I am proud to say that the school district I work for gives many of its students bags of food for the weekend, so they can eat when there is no school.
Recently, we had about a week off school due to snow and wind, but the school doors were opened for a free lunch for any child, infant to 18 years old, who could get there. Twice, school staff even delivered food to homes if the parents asked and the staffers could get there. Mind you, the roads were horrid, yet the school attempted to feed as many students as it could.
I often think of the commercial that used to puzzle me as a child. I think it was to fundraise for children who were poor. In the commercial, the older sister (maybe in fifth grade) has her little brother (maybe in first grade) sitting on the bathroom sink, putting makeup on him to hide the chicken pox. She instructs him to keep them hidden until after lunch, so that he will have food to eat. I have seen my students come in with stomachaches, headaches, earaches, and they tell me they are ill, after breakfast, normally close to lunchtime. I wonder how many are coming in just to get food.
In the movie "The King and I," Anna, the teacher, is struck by the differences in the cultures the moment she arrives in Siam and looks through the spyglass and sees the "half naked" men coming to escort her and her English son. I didn't need a huge sign telling me that things would be different when I moved to Montana. Oh, I knew the culture was going to be different when I signed the contract. At the first district wide in-service, we all sang an Honor Song, a prayer in Blackfoot. And during that day, Blackfoot words were interspersed in the meetings, but I didn't see the other major differences for a while. In fact, I am still learning as the days go on.
For instance, in one of the first school in-services, we were all given a gift. It was a small paper bag with items inside of it. I will not go into what was in it, as that is not as important as the bags themselves. On the outside of the bags were hand-drawn decorations from the culture. My bag had six small dots on one side of the bag and a triangle with an empty circle on the other. I admit, I am not sure, yet, what the triangle means. The circles, however, are often present on the flaps of the lodges, what you would call a tipi.
There is a legend about six brothers who didn't have parents, friends or a home. In fact, they were neglected by the tribe and bullied by the other children. They ended up going up to the Sky People, and became stars in the sky. They are still seen in the Pleiades. The legend is called "The Six Lost Boys" or "The Lost Children." I have learned that the six dots or the circles on the lodges represent caring for children.
Nii tak ko to mat tsi no. I will see you again.


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