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Thanksgiving Day has historically been one of the biggest days for Instagram, and for good reason: It includes all of the hallmarks of a meaningful photographic memory, from beautiful food to fall tabletop vignettes to happy times with loved ones. If you're on the social media network, chances are high you'll be posting this Thursday. We asked Williams-Sonoma social media manager Jenn Yee to offer her insights for your best Thanksgiving yet on Instagram. Here are some of her tips.
Tip #1: Use natural light.
"I take advantage of natural light as much as possible, preferably in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not as harsh," Jenn tells us. Instagram is all about natural light, so it goes without saying that you're much more likely to snap an Instagram-worthy picture if you take it before 4 p.m., or whenever the sun starts to go down. If you're in a dark place, make it easy on yourself: Simply take your sheet pan, casserole dish or plate outside and shoot it there. Avoid the high sun, as it means harsh light; go into the shade if you need to. If it's an overcast day where you live, you're in luck: It's optimal food-photoshoot lighting.
If your Thanksgiving dinner is a nighttime affair, take daytime photos of the cooking process instead (see below). If you must take a photo of your meal at nighttime, turn your phone camera's HDR setting on to offset the low light. You can also make minor adjustments in the Instagram app. "I like to keep the photo looking realistic and natural, but make a few edits to so the photo pops." Play around with the brightness, add a bit of contrast to reduce fuzziness, adjust saturation if colors are dull, and sharpen the photo to make it look even more crisp.
Tip #2: Show the world your kitchen prep.
"The finished shot is what everyone goes for, but don't forget that the process can be just as beautiful," Jenn says. While shots of plated Thanksgiving dishes are the most popular way to go, don't forget to step in the kitchen beforehand to to capture a few prep shots. If you're bringing food to a potluck or cooking with a crowd, take a moment to hit "click" on your phone camera to capture a shot of multi-colored carrots before they go in the oven, or an "after" shot of roasted vegetables. While building your pie, snap a shot with the filling before covering it with a top crust. Garnishes help add a focal point here, too: think a rosemary twig on diced potatoes, cinnamon sticks atop cranberries, or a clove of garlic and some thyme with roasted brussels sprouts.
Tip #3: Embrace holiday heirlooms.
Thanksgiving is a sentimental time to celebrate togetherness with family. Don't feel like you need to shy away from vintage plates, passed-down place card holders, heirloom servingware or your family's centerpieces—that's what makes your dinner unique and interesting. Says Jenn: "I used my mom's Pyrex plates from the '80s last Thanksgiving, and everyone chimed in via the comments to say, 'I have those plates, too!' It's nice to take something from the past and use it in a new way."
Tip #4: Pick a dish that tells a story.
Maybe your Minnesota-born mom makes glorified rice every year, or it's tradition for your uncle to arrive with a traditional relish tray. Or perhaps your family offers an Italian, Chinese, or Indian take on Thanksgiving. If that's the case, highlight what speaks to your heritage and what you eat every year; between equally delicious and beautiful buttery mashed potatoes and a sticky rice stuffing, people are going to be more interested in the unusual sticky rice stuffing.
Tip #5: Bring in a punch of color.
"This is especially important for Thanksgiving, because at the table there are a lot of brown foods: roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, that can appear one-note," Jenn points out. The trick here is to emphasize both colorful dishes or vividly-colored ingredients that went into the dish. For instance, if your turkey was flavored using a rosemary brine, garnish it with sprigs of the herb for contrast.
If you're going to for the mixed-plate shot, vary your plate with a range of colors and textures. "Add gravy on top of slices of turkey to give it more of a sheen, so it doesn't look dry," Jenn suggests. Sprinkle chives on top of mashed potatoes. Plate stuffing next to roasted sweet potatoes, which add a burst of orange, or cranberry relish, which adds a pop of garnet. A raw dish like a green salad adds freshness and a different texture to the plate.
Tip #6: Don't overlook the caption.
Instagram isn't just about the photo; the caption is just as important, especially on a day filled with such rich memories. Says Jenn: "Share your experience in that day. Yes, we want to know what you made but consider answering these: what makes the dish special? What's the secret ingredient/technique? I find people engage more with the photo when you tell a bit of the story behind it."
And last but not least, don't feel like you need to do any fancy food styling. Your Thanksgiving feast doesn't need to be perfect or fussy in any way—at the end of the day, it's more about capturing the spirit of togetherness in the moment.


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It starts with sleep deprivation - theirs and yours. Our study of over 1,000 parents and students has shown that 80% of teens lose between 2-4 hours of sleep each night, it's no wonder parents may struggle to manage the stress fall-out.
Exam time can put the whole household on edge. Parents worry about about how well their kids will do, how much or little they're studying and the impacts their performance may have on their future.
Thankfully, there are strategies that can help the entire household through this challenging time. We asked psychologist and cyber expert Jordan Foster from ySafe for her top tips for helping teens (and parents) turn exam stress into exam success.
1. Help them avoid study distractions
Our research shows that during exam periods 3 out of 5 students increase their screen time with up to 30% of their extra time spent on social media. 'Call it self-medicating with screens. Social media is a constant distraction to student's learning time, and this is particularly problematic during study periods. I recommend setting boundaries around screen time to help eliminate added distractions' says Jordan.
2. Ensure they're getting enough sleep
'Getting enough sleep is fundamental to performing well at school and especially during exams', notes Jordan. Our research shows that 9 out of 10 kids take their devices to bed with them during exam times. 'When teens spend most of their evening studying, they'll usually want to catch up on social media before bed and this can cut hours from their sleep time - resulting in them being excessively tired right before their exams. I recommend either banning devices in bedrooms during exam times or even cutting off the internet at bedtime'.
3. Know their exam timetable
'This is something easy parents can do to help relieve their child's stress', says Jordan. 'Knowing what exam they've got next so you can help make sure they get there on time and also offer to help them revise. It's an extra element of support. Parents can even add the exam timetable to their calendar'.
4. Install parental controls on their devices
Our research shows that 42% of teens report that their digital devices are a distraction during exam time. 'If ever there was a perfect time to install parental controls without argument, it's right now when they're studying for exams' says Jordan. 'Parental controls, such as Family Zone, enable parents to block apps and websites that serve as a distraction for students, so they can use their devices as intended - to study'.
5. Remain calm
'Or if you can't be calm, learn to fake it til you make it. If you stress out, they'll stress out even more - it really is that simple' says Jordan. 'So, it is very important to try your best to hold your stress inside and discuss with your partner or a fellow parent going through the same thing, if need be. It's also helpful to remind your Year 12s that even if they don't go as well as they hope there are still other pathways into their chosen course and that it doesn't matter if further studies are delayed a year or two'.
Exam time can be stressful for the entire family - parents very much included. Thankfully Family Zone and our team of Cyber Experts are here to help. Family Zone enables parents to set screen time routines to maximise sleep and remove distractions during study time. Now everybody can breathe a little easier, even during exams.
Topics: Parental Controls, Mobile Apps, Cyber Safety, parenting, exams
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subset: commoncrawl


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In a move that sounds like something out of a science fiction film – or one of those old sci-fi novels/comics that depicted plant life on planets like Venus – NASA has announced plans to try and grow plants on the moon. Yep, the American space agency will blast off for the barren and lifeless rock that orbits our fair planet in an experiment to see if plants can grow there. The experiment aims to find out if plant life can thrive in space, and if so it could pave the way for humans to thrive in space too.
To sow the seeds of greenery in the grey dust of the Moon, NASA is transporting seeds in sealed canisters that are set to head into the darkness above by 2015 and hopefully germinate. The seeds they've picked are 10 seeds of basil, 10 of turnip and 100 of Arabidopsis; a small flowering plant that is related to cabbage and mustard. The latter contains thale cress, and as any changes in the cress are easily observed it's the ideal plant to use for the study.
Once the Moon Express lander – a commercial spacecraft that is competing for Google's Lunar X-Prize – has landed a small reservoir of water will be released into the canisters containing the seeds. From there NASA will monitor the seeds germination process in an effort to see how it reacts in lunar gravity and the surrounding radioactive environment. There's enough air inside the canisters to last 5 days, so it's not a long term experiment. But it's not like NASA are planting them in soil, it's simply to see if humans will ever be able to grow plants if a colony is one day established there.
A spokesman for NASA alluded to a "canary in a coal mine" example. If the plants fail to germinate then, like the canary dropping dead from gas, humans would be unlikely to be able to survive there. While the initial experiment only aims to monitor the seeds for 5 to 10 days, comparing them to Earth-based control seedlings that will grow at the same time, future experiments hope to extend the length. If a plant can survive for 14 days on the moon it will demonstrate that plants can successfully grow in the moons radioactive environment.
A plant surviving for 60 days will show that meiosis – the sexual reproduction of a plant – will be able to naturally occur. If the plant manages to survive to 180 days it will show the effects of radiation on the dominant and recessive genetic traits of the plant, and from then on the experiment can carry on for longer and through multiple generations of plant species. The team will monitor progress via photos taken and beamed back to our blue marble.
It's not the first time that plants have been grown in space; research has been carried out on space shuttles and the International Space Station in the past. However, this will be the first time that a lunar experiment involving plants will be carried out.
Let's hope that the future is bright and we'll one day have turnip farmers on the moon!


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As Egypt marked the 42nd anniversary of the October 6, 1973, war yesterday, we delved into the archives of Egyptian and Arab press during this turbulent time.
In the period before the war, media outlets employed the language and rhetoric of pan-Arabism, and were united in their rejection of the United States and its overt support of Israel. There was a strong focus on the words of then-President Anwar al-Sadat and Egyptian internal affairs.
In his speech before parliament and the Socialist Union on September 28, 1973, to mark the third anniversary of the death of President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Sadat promised the release of all detainees, including youth, journalists and students who had been implicated in politically-motivated cases.
The weekly Jordanian Al-Sahafy (The Journalist) newspaper described Sadat's decision to release political prisoners as "wise," referring to a decision by the late Jordanian King Hussein to also release prisoners. The newspaper hailed these moves as "an attempt to support the internal fronts of both countries and [as] unifying efforts to serve common Arab causes."
The Jerusalem-based Al-Shaab newspaper described the speech as an "important political speech" that had been long awaited. Al-Anbaa, also based in Jerusalem, focused on Sadat's internal politics in its October 30 issue, including highlighting his meetings with students at Ain Shams and Al-Azhar universities, as well as with Arab politicians and thinkers.
Al-Ahram's main headline on October 29 read, "A Nation's will," a quote from Sadat, who said, "Liberating the occupied lands is the first and main task ahead of us, because it is the will of our people and our nation, and God's will for truth, justice and peace". He reiterated that the occupied lands are "not the subject of discussion or bargaining with the US or anyone else." The state-owned newspaper covered the speech on four pages, praising Nasser and referring to Sadat's promises to "continue the struggle that Nasser started."
The Lebanese Al-Anwar newspaper highlighted part of Sadat's speech, in which he said the US was "looking at the Middle East through a Zionist lens."
The Jordanian Al-Ray (The Opinion) newspaper on the same day emphasized Sadat's promises to end the political dispute with Jordan "for effective Arab cooperation."
Egyptian and Arab media strongly rejected the Israeli occupation of Palestine, focusing on the liberation of Palestinian land and calling on Gulf nations to use the "weapon of oil" to pressure the US and Israel.
Newspapers focused on an attack by Palestinian fighters on a train carrying Soviet Jewish immigrants from Austria to Palestine. Al-Ahram described it in its September 28 edition as, "a successful hit on the movement of Soviet Jews to Israel." Al-Ahram also celebrated a decision by the Austrian government to close centers for Jewish immigrants.
The Palestinian Al-Shaab newspaper explained that Austria had "stopped the flow of Israeli immigration," prompting "violent reactions" inside Israel. Jordanian newspaper Al-Sabah (The Morning) reported in its September 30 issue that Israel "lost its temper" following the attack.
On September 30, Al-Ray quoted the then-Prime Minister of Jordan, Zaid al-Refaay, saying that the possibility of a peaceful resolution with Israel was impossible, as Jordan would not give Israel any concessions.
The Palestinian Al-Etehad newspaper referred to an international movement for peaceful resolution in the Middle East, while Arab countries "insist on the full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied lands and granting the rights of the Palestinian people."
Al-Sabah referred, in its September 30 issue, to a plan by Israel to impose economic control over the occupied Arab territories, especially the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with 800 million Liras allocated to establishing industrial complexes in four years.
Al-Shaab newspaper's September 27 headline read, "The region is awaiting dangerous events," referring to an alleged plot by Israel to target all progressive Arab entities that "reject submission," especially Palestinian movements.
A major theme that was strongly covered in the Arab press related to the role of Gulf states in the war, especially if Saudi Arabia utilized oil as a "weapon" to pressure the US and Israel.
In its main headline on September 26, Al-Sabah said Arab states should launch "a complete economic war against America" by withdrawing funds from US banks and halting oil exports.
On September 27, Al-Sabah said the Saudi King would never accept a plan for reconciliation without the approval of other Arab "confrontation states," particularly Egypt, Syria and Palestine.
The Kuwaiti Al-Ray Al-Am (The Public Opinion) newspaper reported on September 29 that the Kuwait Endowments Authority would purchase all land for sale in Jerusalem in order to "stop the flow of Arab lands to the Jews."
In its September 25 issue, the same newspaper referred to reports published by the Guardian and the Economist on Arabian oil and the possibility of using it as a weapon against the US and Israel. "The energy crisis shifted the balance of power from the consumer to the producer," the newspaper asserted, referring to the West's increasing reliance on oil.
Al-Ray Al-Am maintained Saudi Arabia was the only nation that could use oil in this way, speculating as to how they might do so.
On October 7, the interest of Arab media in Egyptian affairs deepened, as news broke of Egyptian forces crossing the Suez Canal.
"The War Broke Out," wrote the Jordanian Al-Ray newspaper. As well as referring to the "liberation" of the eastern bank of the Suez Canal, the newspaper also mentioned that Syrian forces had advanced on some of the occupied lands and managed to liberate them.
In a sub heading, the newspaper referred to the Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan "confessing" to huge losses among his troops.
On the side of the front page, Al-Ray's official editorial section, "our opinion," asserted that "ongoing military operations are just one of the results of the June 1967 offensive. We hope that international consciousness might do something to bring mindfulness to the Israeli military."
Al-Sabah led with the headline, "Egypt liberated the Suez Canal," as the "fire of war between Arabs and Israel is ignited again."
"Power: This is what Israel wanted from its unjust offensive. But now it is about our faith, after we exhausted all efforts to convince the world of our just cause. Maybe this is the solution in the end, which is better. Our love for peace ends when the limits of dignity, sovereignty and the right to life [are transgressed]," the newspaper read.
In the days following the outbreak of war, the front pages of many newspapers across the region were reserved for official statements from the Egyptian and Syrian armies.
Many predicted a huge win. A cartoon in Al-Sabah showed two fists, Egypt and Syria, with an Israeli soldier stuck in the middle with the caption, "Awaiting the knockout."
This article has been published in coordination with 7iber.


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04 September
Rialto Open Air – Flash Art «Man on the Roof»
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09 September
Rialto Open Air – Flash Art «The Chairs»
The film is a cinematographic version of the theatrical play The Chairs by Eugene Ionesco. The Chairs is about an old couple that ends up in the loneliness of an isolated island for the rest ...
11 September
Rialto Open Air – Flash Art « Kariotakis. In the shadow of the (last) hours»
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12/09/2020 - 13/09/2020
12 September
"André Rieu's Summer Special - Magical Maastricht: Together in Music"
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13 September
Ocean Lava Cyprus is part of the Ocean Lava International Triathlon Series which includes 18 races around the world ranging from Paphos to Lanzarote and Azores. The race is considered to be one of the ...
14 September
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16 September
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24 September
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25/09/2020 - 26/09/2020
25 September
«MIRRORS» with Marios Frangoulis
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01/10/2020 - 04/10/2020
01 October
The Eastern Mediterranean's largest boat show returns and is anticipated to exceed all expectations. The annual gathering of industry professionals and prospective buyers will offer to thousands of visitors the opportunity to view a wide ...
31 October
OlympusMan O3 is aνone of its kind triathlon race in Cyprus and one of those events that every hardcore triathlete must have in their "bucket list"! The course runs point-to-point, from the coast of Paphos, through ...
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4th Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon
The 4th Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon will take place on Sunday, 15h of November 2020, on the coastal front of Phinikoudon. Races: Marathon 42 Κm Half-Marathon 21Κm 10 Km 5 Km 5 Km – Corporate McDonald's™ Kids Race 1km RΜHC® Fun Race ...


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Escherichia coli MG1655 acid-inducible genes were identified by whole-genome expression profiling. Cultures were grown to the mid-logarithmic phase on acidified glucose minimal medium, conditions that induce glutamate-dependent acid resistance (AR), while the other AR systems are either repressed or not induced. A total of 28 genes were induced in at least two of three experiments in which the gene expression profiles of cells grown in acid (pH 5.5 or 4.5) were compared to those of cells grown at pH 7.4. As expected, the genes encoding glutamate decarboxylase, gadA and gadB, were significantly induced. Interestingly, two acid-inducible genes code for small basic proteins with pIs of >10.5, and six code for small acidic proteins with pIs ranging from 5.7 to 4.0; the roles of these small basic and acidic proteins in acid resistance are unknown. The acid-induced genes represented only five functional grouping categories, including eight genes involved in metabolism, nine associated with cell envelope structures or modifications, two encoding chaperones, six regulatory genes, and six unknown genes. It is unlikely that all of these genes are involved in the glutamate-dependent AR. However, nine acid-inducible genes are clustered in the gadA region, including hdeA, which encodes a putative periplasmic chaperone, and four putative regulatory genes. One of these putative regulators, yhiE, was shown to significantly increase acid resistance when overexpressed in cells that had not been preinduced by growth at pH 5.5, and mutation of yhiE decreased acid resistance; yhiE could therefore encode an activator of AR genes. Thus, the acid-inducible genes clustered in the gadA region appear to be involved in glutatmate-dependent acid resistance, although their specific roles remain to be elucidated.
Enteric bacteria survive exposure to acidic environments, such as those encountered in the mammalian stomach, by inducing genes that provide for acid resistance and pH homeostasis (4, 14, 18). Escherichia coli has three distinct systems for acid resistance (AR): a glucose-catabolite-repressed system and two amino acid decarboxylase-dependent systems (9). These systems overlap in ways that protect both growing and nongrowing cells from acid across a broad range of environmental conditions. The mechanism of the glucose-repressed AR is not known. The amino acid decarboxylase-dependent AR systems are thought to consume protons that leak into the cell during acid stress by decarboxylation of arginine or glutamate (16), which are transported into the cell in exchange for their respective decarboxylated products (24).
The more effective E. coli AR system is dependent on glutamate and is comprised of at least three genes: gadA and gadB, encoding glutamate decarboxylase; and gadC, encoding a γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) antiporter. There are several open questions regarding the mechanism of glutamate-dependent AR. For example, it appears that the decarboxylase-dependent systems would create a futile proton cycle, since transport of glutamic acid brings a proton into the cell that is consumed by its decarboxylation. This suggests that there should be a mechanism for endogenous glutamate generation. For this reason alone, it is clear that additional genes must participate in the glutamate-dependent AR, but these genes remain to be identified (9).
Functional genomics provides a comprehensive approach for identification of additional genes involved in AR. Proteome studies revealed 13 (19) or 18 (6) E. coli proteins induced by acid, including GadA. Whole genome expression profiling of E. coli cells growing on minimal glucose medium revealed that gadA, gadB, hdeA, and hdeB were induced relative to growth on rich medium (25). The hdeA gene is thought to encode a periplasmic chaperone involved in AR (15). Other gene expression profiling experiments revealed 7 acid-inducible genes as being HN-S dependent (20), and 26 genes were induced by acetate, which increases acid survival (2). Although these array experiments identified a number of acid-induced genes, they were not designed explicitly for this purpose.
In the present study, we grew E. coli MG1655 to the mid-logarithmic phase on acidified glucose minimal medium, conditions known to induce the glutamate-dependent AR and repress the glucose-repressed AR, but which fail to induce the arginine-dependent AR. The gene expression profiles of cells grown at pH 5.5 and 4.5 were compared to those of cells grown at pH 7.4: 28 genes showing statistically significant up-regulation were identified, a number of which are clustered on the genome with gadA. Several of these genes were inactivated by allelic replacement and tested for their ability to survive acid challenge. One of them, yhiE, was found to significantly affect AR.
Strains and culture conditions.The wild-type E. coli strain MG1655 (CGSC 7740) was obtained from the E. coli Genetic Stock Culture Collection at Yale University. All cultures used for genomic expression profiling were grown in the minimal medium developed for E. coli proteome studies (21). Glucose (0.2%) was the sole source of carbon and energy. Morpholinepropanesulfonic acid (MOPS) was used as the buffer for pH 7.4 media, and morpholineethanesulfonic acid (MES) was used to buffer the pH 4.5 and 5.5 media. Cultures were grown aerobically with agitation at 300 rpm at 37°C in 50 ml of medium in 250-ml fleakers (Corning, Acton, Mass.). Cultures were inoculated to an initial A600 of less than 0.001 to ensure that the cells experienced at least 10 generations in the medium prior to reaching steady state (mid-logarithmic growth phase). Cell growth was monitored spectrophotometrically (DU530 spectrophotometer; Beckman Instruments, Fullerton, Calif.) at 600 nm by removing 100-μl samples without interrupting culture agitation; no more than 5% of the culture was removed prior to harvesting of cells for RNA isolation. Since both the rate of growth and total yield of biomass were affected by alterations in the medium pH, the shape of the growth curve was used to determine the midpoint in logarithmic growth for cell harvest.
RNA isolation.For RNA isolation, cells were harvested from the mid-logarithmic phase of growth by removing 5.0 ml of culture and rapidly (less than 2 s) pipetting them into 5.0 ml of ice-cold RNAlater (Ambion, Austin, Tex.). Cells were pelleted from this mixture by centrifugation (8,730 × g for 20 min). RNA was isolated and purified with an RNeasy Mini kit (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.). After purification, genomic DNA was removed by treatment with RNase-free DNase I (Ambion), with subsequent RNA repurification with an RNeasy column. RNA samples were quantified spectrophotometrically at 260 nm (Beckman DU530 spectrophotometer).
Labeled target synthesis.Labeled targets for hybridization were generated as described previously (25), but with slight modifications. The initial preincubation (90°C for 2 min and then 42°C for 20 min in an MJ Research MiniCycler) was performed in 0.2-ml PCR tubes (1 μg of RNA template, dATP, dTTP, and dGTP at a final concentration of 0.33 mM each), and C-terminal primers (Sigma Genosys Biotechnologies, Inc., The Woodlands, Tex.) in a final volume of 23 μl with RNase-free dH2O). After preincubation, 20 μCi of [α-33P]dCTP (2,000 to 3,000 Ci/mol; Perkin-Elmer Life Sciences, Inc., Boston, Mass.), 200 U of Superscript II RNase H− reverse transcriptase (Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, Calif.), 10 mM dithiothreitol (Invitrogen Corp.), and 10 U of RNase inhibitor (Invitrogen Corp.) were added, bringing the final volume to 30 μl. The cDNA reaction mixture was incubated for 2 h at 42°C. The labeled cDNA was denatured from the RNA template for 30 min at 65°C with 29 mM EDTA and 0.43 N NaOH. The denaturing reaction was neutralized with 160 mM Tris (pH 7.4) and 0.28 N HCl. Quantification of radiolabel incorporation was determined by comparing scintillation counts of 1 μl of labeled cDNA (in 5.0 ml of scintillation fluid) prior to and subsequent to removal of unincorporated nucleotide by gel filtration through a Sephadex G-50 column (Sigma-Aldrich Corp., St. Louis, Mo.). Labeling efficiencies of 70 to 90% incorporation were routinely obtained.
Hybridization of arrays and image analysis.The DNA arrays (Panorama E. coli gene arrays; Sigma Genosys Biotechnologies, Inc.), array prehybridization, hybridization, and array washes were performed as described by Tao et al. (25), with the following modifications. Prior to prehybridization, arrays were rinsed in 50 ml of 2× SSPE (1× SSPE is 0.18 M NaCl, 10 mM NaH2PO4, and 1 mM EDTA [pH 7.7]) and then prehybridized with 5.0 ml of hybridization solution (65°C for 1 to 4 h) and hybridized with 3.0 ml of hybridization solution plus 400 to 600 μl of labeled cDNA probe (65°C for 16 to 18 h). The arrays were washed as per the manufacturer's instructions and then wrapped in Saran Wrap plastic film (Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich.) and exposed to a Kodak storage phosphor screen GP (Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y.) for 24 h. Longer exposure times were occasionally necessary to increase spot intensity and contrast. Exposed phosphor screens were scanned at a pixel density of 100 μm (10,000 dots per cm2) with a STORM 820 PhosphorImager (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale, Calif.). The array membranes were consecutively hybridized, stripped, and rehybridized (which was repeated up to eight times). Arrays were stripped of hybridized probe by gently boiling the inverted array in a Kenmore microwave oven (Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, Ill.) for 20 min at power setting 3 in 200 ml of stripping solution (10 mM Tris [pH 7.5], 1 mM EDTA, 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate). Phosphorimaging of a membrane array results in a TIFF image file that must be further processed for data analysis. The image analysis software (ArrayVision version 5.1; Imaging Research, Inc., St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada) makes use of a template that is customized to accommodate the three grid layers (3 by 1, 16 by 24, and 4 by 4) of the E. coli Panorama arrays and for the spot intensity measurements to be easily associated with the correct gene identifiers. The spot labeling protocol was edited to name each spot by its unique array coordinate. The raw spot intensities were represented in a row-column format and exported into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for further analysis. This customized ArrayVision template file and the data analysis tools described below are available on our web site (12).
Data processing.Raw data from each experimental replicate were analyzed in Excel workbooks containing manually executed macros written in Visual Basic (12). The first step in the analysis associates the array coordinate for each spot with a unique spot number, the gene name, and related gene annotation. On the membrane arrays, there are two spots for each gene, and these were treated as separate determinations. The raw data were normalized by expressing spot intensities as a percentage of the sum of all of the gene-specific spot intensities. The second step in the analysis applies Student's t test to determine the probability that the average of the experimental replicates (e.g., pH 5.5) is significantly different from the average of the control replicates (e.g., pH 7.4). The P values (derived from Student's t test) for the normalized and natural log-transformed data were calculated. The third step calculates relative gene expression between conditions by introducing a threshold value, chosen to be representative of the limit of detection of expressed genes, and then calculating the ratio of the experimental to control expression levels such that genes that are more highly expressed under the experimental condition are given a positive value, and genes that are more highly expressed under the control condition are given a negative value. Statistical significance was established by consideration of two metrics: the P value, which takes into consideration the uncertainty of the replicate measurements for both conditions; and the standard deviation of the mean of the log (base 10) ratios, which indicates the significance of the ratio. In the experiments reported here, we considered only those genes that were significantly up-regulated by a value greater than 3 standard deviations of the mean of the log ratios for all genes (99.9% confidence) and those that had a P value > 0.05 (95% probability that the ratio is significant).
Web site and public access to analysis tools.A web site has been created for users to download these analysis tools and array protocols (http://www.ou.edu/microarray ). The web site describes the step-by-step implementation of the analysis tools (12).
Characterization of acid-induced genes.PCR was performed with Stratagene Taq2000 (La Jolla, Calif.) under standard conditions. Gene knockouts were constructed by allelic replacement. The one-step method developed by Datsenko and Wanner (12a) was used with slight modifications for optimization in E. coli MG1655: a higher concentration of the Kanr insert PCR product (≥1 μg) was employed during electroporation, and an increased concentration of kanamycin (40 μg/ml) was used during mutant screening. PCR-amplified genes were cloned by using the Stratagene PCR-Script Amp cloning kit, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Clones were selected by growth on Luria broth (LB) containing ampicillin (75 μg/ml) and verified by restriction analysis.
Acid tolerance assay.The method used for assay of acid survival was similar to that designed by Castanie-Cornet et al. (9), except that glutamate was omitted. Strains for testing were pregrown at 37°C with shaking at 250 rpm to the stationary phase (24 h) in MOPS minimal medium (pH 7.4) and then were inoculated (optical density at 600 nm [OD600] = 0.001) into MES minimal medium (pH 5.5) for activation of the AR genes. These cultures were grown exponentially to an OD600 of 0.4 and then acid challenged at pH 2.75 for 2 h. Cultures were acidified by dilution (1:10) of the overnight culture (pH 5.5) into the same medium at pH 2.5 to give a final pH of 2.75. Acid challenge was stopped by dilution and plating on LB. Cell viability was determined by triplicate plate counts.
Experimental design and reproducibility.An experiment designed to favor induction of the glutamate-dependent AR system must take into consideration the mode of regulation of all three AR systems. The first AR system is catabolite repressed by glucose and induced in complex medium; the second arginine-dependent AR system is regulated by CysB and induced only in the stationary phase; and the third glutamate-dependent AR system is independently regulated by extracellular pH, HN-S, and RpoS (8, 9, 13). Thus, growth on glucose represses the first AR system, and the second AR system is not induced in mid-log-phase cells. Therefore, to favor induction of the glutamate-dependent AR system, we grew E. coli MG1655 on glucose-MOPS or MES minimal medium and compared the gene expression profiles of log-phase cells grown at pH 7.4 to cells grown at pH 4.5 and 5.5 (Fig. 1).
RNA samples from pH 7.4 and 5.5 cultures were labeled and hybridized in duplicate (technical replication) to matched membrane pairs of DNA arrays (Fig. 2), and the experiment was repeated (biological replication). Correlation coefficients for the technical replicates from the first experiment were 0.977 for the pH 7.4 replicates and 0.968 for the pH 5.5 replicates. The correlation coefficients for the technical replicates from the second experiment were 0.967 for the pH 7.4 replicates and 0.926 for the pH 5.5 replicates. Although the correlation coefficients of these two experiments were not significantly different, we noted that it was not possible to directly compare the two data sets, because the membranes were printed from different sets of PCR products (information provided by the manufacturer). In a third experiment, cells were grown at pH 4.5; the technical replicates had a correlation coefficient of 0.918. The expression ratios of the pH 4.5 experiment were calculated by comparison to the second pH 7.4 experiment, which was run on the same membranes.
Acid-induced genes.Genes with statistically significant differential expression had to meet two criteria: a log expression ratio of ≥3 standard deviations of the mean of the log ratios (99.9% significance) and a P value of ≤0.05 (95% probability that the ratio is significant). This statistical approach revealed genes with a reasonable probability of induction (or repression) by acid, when compared to the control at pH 7.4 (12). In the first experiment, 49 genes were expressed at significantly higher levels at pH 5.5, and 34 genes were expressed at significantly higher levels at pH 7.4 (Fig. 2). In the second experiment, 24 genes were expressed at significantly higher levels at pH 5.5, and 10 were expressed at significantly higher levels at pH 7.4 (data not shown). In the third experiment, 35 genes were expressed at significantly higher levels at pH 4.5, and 23 were expressed at significantly higher levels at pH 7.4 (data not shown). Interestingly, only one gene, fliC, was expressed at significantly higher levels at pH 7.4 in all three experiments. Since we were primarily interested in genes induced by acid, we did not give any further consideration to genes repressed by acid.
The 28 genes that were induced by acid in at least two of the three experiments were considered in detail (Table 1). There were 21 genes with significant induction in both pH 5.5 experiments, 22 genes were significantly induced at pH 4.5 and in the first pH 5.5 experiment, and 16 genes were significantly induced at pH 4.5 and in the second pH 5.5 experiment. In sum, 15 genes were significantly induced in all three experiments. Three other genes, ybaT, yhiF, and yhiW, were added to Table 1 because they were induced in at least one of the experiments and appeared to be located in operons with other significantly induced genes. The annotations for the 31 genes listed in Table 1 were updated by BLAST and Domain Structure (ProDom) analysis by using the Colibri, EcoGene, NCBI, and SwissProt databases (as of 15 February 2002); the genes were assigned to functional groups accordingly.
The 31 acid-induced genes listed in Table 1 fit into only five categories when grouped by function. Interestingly, 9 of the 31 acid-induced genes code for small proteins of 110 amino acids or less. Of these genes, asr and yeaQ code for small basic proteins with pIs of 11.1 and 10.5, respectively. With the exception of yiaG, which codes for a putative transcription factor with a pI of 8.1, the remainder of these genes, hdeB, hdeA, yahO, yccJ, ydiZ, and yebV, code for small acid proteins with pIs ranging from 5.7 to 4.0.
Nine acid-induced genes are associated with cell envelope structures or modifications: cfa encodes cyclopropane fatty acyl phospholipid synthase; yfbE and yfbF, which apparently form an operon, as well as yeaQ, are putatively involved in glycosyl transferase reactions that modify lipopolysaccharide; ompC encodes an outer membrane protein, slp encodes a stationary-phase-inducible outer membrane lipoprotein of unknown function (22); hdeD encodes an integral membrane protein of unknown function; osmY encodes a periplasmic protein that is induced by membrane perturbations and osmotic and other stresses (5), and hdeB encodes a putative periplasmic protein.
Two of the acid-induced genes encode chaperones. One of these is cbpA, which encodes a DnaJ paralog that appears to be involved in folding of cytoplasmic proteins (26). Acid induction of hdeA is consistent with its role as a periplasmic chaperone that suppresses the aggregation of acid-denatured proteins (15).
Eight acid-induced metabolism genes were identified. Two of them, gadA and gadB, encode isoforms of glutamate decarboxylase, which plays a primary role in glutamate-dependent AR (9). The glutamate/γ-aminobutyrate transporter, encoded by gadC, the third known component of glutamate-dependent AR, was not induced (data not shown). Other acid-inducible metabolism genes included wrbA, which encodes a flavodoxin protein (wrbA apparently forms an operon with yccJ, an acid-inducible unknown gene); ygfQ, which encodes a putative xanthine permease; ycaC, which encodes a putative isochorismatase; yjfC, which encodes a putative bifunctional glutathionylspermidine synthetase/amidase; ybaS, which encodes a putative glutaminase; and ybaT, which encodes a putative amino acid/amine transporter and is predicted to form an operon (see Fig. 4) with ybaS (regulon DB).
The remaining six acid-inducible genes encode putative regulatory proteins. A general stress response is indicated by induction of dps, which encodes a general DNA binding protein that functions to protect DNA during stress (1). Another acid-inducible gene is yiaG, which encodes a putative transcription factor. The remaining four regulatory proteins are all located in the hdeA-gadA region. Two are luxR family members, yhiF and yhiE, and two, yhiX and yhiW, are putative transcription factor genes of the araC family.
Acid tolerance of knockout mutants.To determine whether some of the acid-inducible genes are directly involved in AR, we made knockout mutations and tested them for survival in an acid shock test. We focused on the genes in the hdeA-gadA region that were significantly induced by acid. Since several of these genes had no obvious role in amino acid decarboxylation and could be involved in endogenous glutamate formation, we tested survival at pH 2.75 for 2 h in the absence of glutamate. Of the seven genes tested, only mutation of yhiE resulted in significantly decreased AR; there was a 25-fold decrease in survival relative to that of the wild type (Fig. 3). This decrease in survival of the yhiE mutant during acid challenge is similar to that of a gadA gadB double mutant (9). Mutation of hdeA, which would be expected to have a polar effect on hdeB transcription (if they form an operon), had no effect on AR. Likewise, mutations of slp or ybaS, which could have a polar effect on yhiF and ybaT, respectively, did not affect AR. Nor was AR affected by mutations of hdeD, yhiM, or even asr, the most significantly induced of all the genes.
Acid tolerance conferred by overexpression.Genes that negatively affect acid tolerance when mutated might confer improved acid tolerance when overexpressed. To test this possibility, we cloned several of the acid-inducible genes from the hdeA-gadA region, grew the wild-type strain overexpressing these genes at pH 7.4 (conditions that do not cause induction of AR), and measured survival in the acid shock test. Under these conditions, only overexpression of yhiE significantly improved AR; there was a 50-fold increase in survival relative to the parent-vector control (Fig. 3). Interestingly, while overexpression of asr had no effect on AR when grown at pH 7.4, the strain carrying the asr plasmid was unable to grow at pH 5.5 (data not shown).
The DNA array experiments presented here revealed 28 genes that were significantly induced during the logarithmic phase in acidified growth medium, conditions that favor induction of the glutamate-dependent AR. It is unlikely that all 28 of these acid-induced genes are involved in the glutamate-dependent AR, but the clustering of 9 of them in the gadA region suggests there are several genes in this system (Fig. 4). The gadA gene encodes one of two glutamate decarboxylase enzymes that are critically important for glutamate-dependent AR (9). The gadA region also contains the hdeA gene, which is necessary for AR in Shigella flexneri (29). HdeA is a periplasmic chaperone that is presumably important for suppressing aggregation of periplasmic proteins in acid conditions (15). Our experiments extend these results by demonstrating for the first time that hdeA is induced by acid in E. coli. However, unlike the situation in S. flexneri, our results show that mutation of the E. coli hdeA gene does not affect AR. Apparently this periplasmic chaperone is not essential for AR in E. coli, or there is a redundant function in the absence of HdeA. None of the other seven acid-inducible genes in the gadA region have been previously implicated as being involved in AR. Our results demonstrate that yhiE, encoding a putative transcription factor of the luxR family, is important for AR; mutation of this gene decreases AR, whereas overexpression of yhiE from a high-copy-number plasmid increases AR in cells grown under neutral conditions (Fig. 3). No other mutations of genes in the gadA region affected AR, nor were all genes in the gadA region acid inducible. Nonetheless, the results indicate that this region is important for AR.
The fact that four of the nine acid-inducible genes in the gadA region encode transcription factors suggests that the AR genes are subject to complex regulation. We previously identified a conserved 20-bp sequence element upstream of gadA, gadB, and hdeA (25). This 20-bp sequence was recently shown to function in pH control of transcription (8). We and others have suggested that this 20-bp sequence might be the target of binding by the transcription factor YhiX (8, 25). In fact, overexpression of YhiX causes elevated expression of gadA, gadB, and hdeD, suggesting that YhiX is an activator of these genes (20, 23). Future work planned in this laboratory will shed light on regulation by YhiX. However, it is important not to ignore other regulatory genes in the gadA region during studies of acid regulation (e.g., yhiW, yhiF, and yhiE). yhiF is thought to encode a regulator of dctA, a gene involved in dicarboxylate transport (7). The effects of the yhiE mutation and its overexpression, described above, suggest that YhiE acts as a positive transcription factor for AR genes; the identities of these genes await further investigation.
Additional factors are involved in regulation of the acid-inducible genes in the gadA region. The mnemonic "hde" stands for "HN-S dependent," and the hdeA, hdeB, and hdeD genes were originally identified as being regulated by HN-S (30). Recently, whole-genome expression profiling provided a comprehensive list of HN-S-dependent genes (20); interestingly, nine of the acid-inducible genes in the gadA region are on that list (the exception is yhiD). Thus, our results further support the hypothesis that HN-S plays a central role in regulating glutamate-dependent AR. Negative control of gadA and gadB by cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein and positive control by the stationary-phase sigma factor, RpoS, points to further complexity in the regulation of acid-inducible genes (8).
There are three genes in the gadA region that encode proteins associated with the cell envelope. slp encodes a stationary-phase-inducible outer membrane lipoprotein of unknown function (22). hdeD encodes an integral membrane protein of unknown function. hdeB encodes a putative periplasmic protein. A fourth cell envelope-associated protein, HdeA, is the only one whose function is known. Its role as a chaperone implies that the cell must combat the deleterious effects of acid on periplasmic proteins. The results further imply that modification of the cell envelope is important for AR. However, mutation of slp, hdeA, and hdeD had no effect on AR. Perhaps the individual mutation of these genes had no effect on AR because of the presence of other acid-induced cell envelope genes with redundant functions.
In contrast to the clustering of acid-induced genes in the gadA region, the remainder are scattered throughout the genome. Of the six small acidic or basic proteins located outside of the gadA region, five of them are unknown genes. Acid induction of small acidic or basic proteins was not previously reported (6), although there is evidence that several of these genes do in fact encode protein products (28). Perhaps these highly charged proteins serve as proton sinks for cytoplasmic pH homeostasis. Alternatively, these proteins could be acting as acid chaperones, as does HdeA. However, the fact that overexpression of asr prevented growth at pH 5.5 indicates that production of these proteins must be strictly controlled.
Outside of the gadA region there are six acid-induced genes that are associated with cell envelope modifications that can lead to improved stress resistance. cfa encodes cyclopropane fatty acyl phospholipid synthase, which is involved in a modification of the phospholipid profile that makes cells more resistant to acid (10). yeaQ, yfbE, and yfbF are putatively involved in glycosyl transferase reactions that modify lipopolysaccharide to make cells more resistant to antibiotics and other stresses (17). ompC encodes an outer membrane protein. Finally, osmY encodes a periplasmic protein that is induced by membrane perturbations and osmotic and other stresses (5). Acid induction of these cell envelope genes further emphasizes the importance of the outer membrane, periplasm, and cytoplasmic membrane in AR.
Another acid-inducible gene outside of the gadA region is cbpA. CbpA was first identified as a curved-DNA binding protein (3), but cbpA was also shown to be a paralog of dnaJ, which encodes a molecular chaperone (26). CbpA appears to be induced in the stationary phase, and dnaJ cbpA double mutants have a severe growth phenotype (27). The involvement of CbpA in AR was not reported previously, but acid induction of cbpA implies that refolding of cytoplasmic proteins is important for AR.
Since Dps is a DNA binding protein that plays a role in protecting DNA during stress (1), induction of dps by acid indicates a general stress response. Mutation of dps is known to decrease acid tolerance of E. coli O157:H7 (11). Thus, protection of DNA may be an important aspect of AR.
It has been suspected for some time that there are additional genes involved in glutamate-dependent AR (9). In particular, since the decarboxylase-dependent systems could create a futile proton cycle by consuming the proton that is transported into the cell together with glutamic acid, there should be a mechanism for endogenous glutamate generation. Thus, there are three acid-inducible metabolism genes that could play a role in AR. ybaS encodes a putative glutaminase, ybaT encodes a putative amino acid/amine transporter, and yjfC encodes a putative bifunctional glutathionylspermidine synthetase/amidase. The acid induction of a gene involved in formation of glutamate and ammonia from glutamine and another involved in ammonia transport points to a possible mechanism for endogenous formation of glutamate in conjunction with the glutamate-dependent AR. However, mutation of ybaS does not affect acid shock survival in the absence of glutamate. Still, this result does not rule out endogenous formation of glutamate as being involved in AR, although ybaS is clearly not essential for AR. The remaining acid-inducible metabolism genes, wrbA, ygfQ, and ycaC, have no obvious role in acid resistance and therefore pose interesting questions.
It is disappointing that gadA was the only gene identified by expression profiling whose product was also identified in two-dimensional gels as being induced by acid (6, 19). On the other hand, gene expression profiling demonstrated that the glutamate-dependent AR genes were induced by 100 mM acetate in the mid-logarithmic phase on minimal glucose medium (2). Acetate induced 13 of the 26 genes induced in our experiments (cfa, dps, gadA, gadB, hdeA, hdeB, hdeD, ompC, osmY, slp, yccJ, yeaQ, and yhiX), including 5 genes in the gadA region. Of the 13 genes induced by both acid and acetate, 4 encode small basic or acidic proteins, and 7 are in the cell envelope functional group. Acetate also induced several genes involved in the oxidative stress response, but this did not occur in cells grown on acid. Comparison of these results further supports the importance of genes encoding small basic or acidic proteins and genes in the cell envelope and chaperone functional groups. Further characterization of the gadA region will be important for understanding the complex mechanisms of acid tolerance.
We thank Simon Sims for helpful discussions.
This work was supported by a grant from the NIH (RO1-AI48945-01).
- Received 22 April 2002.
- Accepted 14 September 2002.
- Copyright © 2002 American Society for Microbiology


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I've started the game! Basic as any other Pokemon game. You choose between 3 pokemon; a grass, water, or fire type. In this game, you must choose between Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander. Of course, I chose Squirtle!
I am on a quest……a quest to fill a Pokedex, and to see the world! HAHAH!!! Off we go!
(Look for another Quest to catch 'em all soon!)


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The St Thomas of India Unity Lecture will be held at 4pm on the 10th October 2017 in the Martin Hall of Edinburgh University.
Professor Daniel Jeyaraj, Professor of World Christianity and Director of the Andrew Walls Centre for the Study of African and Asian Christianity, Liverpool Hope University will speak on the theme 'Christian Presence and Witness in Contemporary India: Challenges and Opportunities.'
Prof Jeyaraj spent the early part of 2017 travelling in India and so this lecture will be an updated version of the one he gave to the Friends of the Church in India last year in London.
Details can be found on: http://www.fost.org.uk


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Laptop Bag & Backpack Model 708 Black
A true fusion of fashion and functionality, this black laptop backpack by Pearl Bags will be an excellent pick for your accessory collection. It has multiple zip compartments that will help you to carry laptop, charger, and other accessories in a safe and convenient manner. Made from 1680 denier material, it has padded shoulders straps and a haul loop for easy carrying.
Material : Polyester
Color : Black
Dimension (LxHxW) cm : 43.18 x 20.32 x 30.48
Disclaimer : Product colour may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings
Warranty: All Pearl Bags Products Are Warranted To Be Free Of Defects In Materials And Workmanship For A Period Of One Year From Date Of Original Retail Purchase.
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Monday, December 14, 2009
Linking our US data network with OneGeology-Europe
Dr. Kristine Asch from the German geological survey (Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources or BGR) is in Tucson this week working with Steve Richard and the rest of the AZGS Geoinformatics Section on developing common standards between the US Geoscience Information Network (GIN) and the European Union's OneGeology-Europe data system.
She is the author of the 1:5 million scale International Geological Map of Europe and Adjacent Areas, which was published by BGR in November 2005, and is leader of OneGeology's Work Package 3: 1:1 million pan-European geological data specification, identification and sourcing.
Kristine also chairs the Commission for the Management and Application of Geoscience Information (CGI) of the International Union of Geological Sciences which has been responsible for the development of the Geoscience Markup Language, GeoSciML. We are using GeoSciML in GIN.
at 7:23 PM
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ExperienceSince 1996, Del has concentrated exclusively in alternate dispute resolution primarily arbitration and administrative hearing officer services for cities, counties, public and private agencies, businesses, individuals and federal, state and local agencies. Among the agencies served are the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, San Bernardino, Santa Ana, Encinitas, as well as the County of San Diego, the National Conflict Resolution Center, the South Bay Expressway and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. Federal agencies include:
- FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)
- National Association of Securities Dealers
- New York Stock Exchange
- National Futures Association
- U. S. Postal Service
- Equal Opportunity Employment Commission
- and many others


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Scrap Car Brighstone, PO41, Scrap your car for free
Scrap Car Brighstone will collect your car for free in Brighstone (PO41), Isle Of Wight. Old scrap cars, if on the road will still need to be taxed, even if you are not using the vehicle, this is the law. Don't give a company money to tow away your car. We can take away your scrap car for free!
Brighstone - Breaking News
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We are proud of our portfolio of happy clients in and around Brighstone as we have traded there for many years. We can be with you in 30 minutes if needed, maybe quicker just call to find out. We are proud of our reputation of a prompt and reliable service we will always be with you at the agreed time slot. We will collect your scrap vehicle at a time to suit you, everyone has commitments and we know this that is why our service is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
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The scrappage scheme may seem like a superb idea. However, you might be surprised to learn that this discount is not available on every car. You can't just go and buy any vehicle you want This can prove to be very frustrating as you have to choose a car that is currently in the scrappage scheme.
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2015 Canadian Western Agribition
Our team recently had the opportunity to participate in the 2015 Canadian Western Agribition. We had so much fun at our booth located in the Sasktel Everyday Living marketplace. It was great to see faces from near and far come together for this event!
**News Release from Canadian Western Agribition**
On Saturday, November 28th, the 45th edition of Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) came to an end, and the organizers announced outstanding results!
Overall attendance for the 2015 show was the highest it has been in five years with 130,200 visitors in attendance over the six-day event.
The Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo opened with a bang courtesy of The Mosaic Company and numbers stayed strong all wee resulting in a CWA record of 23,560 fans over 5 nights.
The anchor of the event, beef cattle, saw an 8 percent increase in entries as well as a 10 percent increase in sale averages with a cattle semen package selling for $41,000.
The show's reputation as an international destination also marked increased interest. CWA saw a 25% increase in active international buyers. The show was visited by over 800 international guests from 70 different countries.
"From the minute the gates opened, you could feel the buzz on the grounds. All aspects of the show seemed to be hitting the mark. From the Food Pavilion to the barns, everyone was having a great time," notes Stewart Stone, CWA President.
Trade show entries reached new heights exceeding 430 exhibitors; a new show record.
"The show continues to exceed expectations on many levels. $37M in economic activity for a volunteer-led event is something to celebrate," says Stone.


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Posts Tagged 'christian slater'
My Own Worst Enemy "Finale"
Posted December 15, 2008on:
- In: My Own Worst Enemy | TV | TV Shows
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Well, last night's My Own Worst Enemy will be the last episode of the series that you'll ever get to see. NBC axed the show without giving it a chance for a full season. 😡 I don't know about you, but this last episode doesn't bring closure to me. Yeah sure, Henry and Edward could co-exist without them hating each other. They understand each other better and can "pretend" to be each other more convincingly. However, there are still stories to be told, mysteries to be unrevealed. James, Boss of Janus, still has a lot of secrets that I'm intriqued to know. Sigh, I guess I have to just make up my own fan-fiction to make myself satisfied with this show. Anyways, I don't know how long NBC will keep its NBC.com/my_own_worst_enemy page, even hulu announced that they can only "post up to 5 trailing episodes of the current season for a limited time." Now my last hope for this series is that NBC will make the DVD of the only season of this show, and hopefully we can get to see another 1 or 2 episodes that are not aired. Fingers crossed.
Posted November 25, 2008on:
- In: My Own Worst Enemy | TV | TV Shows
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Continuing last week's story, Edward found out that his parents were killed by Janus, so naturally, he became disloyal toward the company he'd served for many years. He agreed to steal Falcon (something to do with missile) and hand it over to KGB as an exchange for the help. He doubled back the security testing that was held by Janus and steal Falcon instead. However, just before the exchange, Henry woke up, and things became messed up because Janus sent Raymond to hunt the traitor down. Raymond managed to kill the KGB agent, but Henry managed to escape unscratched and his identity hidden.
In this episode we learn about Edward's parents. His father was a CIA agent, and Edward was actually a great kid. Due to seeing his parents died in "accident," he decided to be a spy to find out who killed his parents. The fact that was given by KGB agent made Edward wanted to betray his country just to find out the truth, but Henry talked him out of it and Edward returned the Falcon. He also managed to saved themselves from being revealed as the traitor who had a deal with KGB.
Posted November 18, 2008on:
- In: Chuck | My Own Worst Enemy | TV | TV Shows
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In Chuck, his on-again girlfriend Jill turned out not to be innocent afterall. I can't say I'm surprised though, I've suspected it actually that she had bigger role than to be Chuck's ex girlfriend. My favorite moment of this episode: the conversation between Sarah and Chuck on the vent system (which got Jill the wrong idea) 😆
On My Own Worst Enemy, Henry was suspecting if his wife Angie was another spy. Turned out she wasn't, but she did have something that she'd kept secret from Henry: she met her ex. On the other hand, Edward continued his relationship with Dr. Skinner, and in the end of the episode he found what he'd been looking for: his past, the truth about his parents. We'll have to wait until next week to find out what it is.
Darn it, I think My Own Worst Enemy's story is getting better and better but it still got cancelled. NBC executives, are you blind? Do you even watch the show? I bet they "watch" the show by watching the ratings. Lame.
In or Out?
Posted October 22, 2008on:
- In: Burn Notice | Chuck | Crusoe | Eureka | Game Shows | My Own Worst Enemy | Psych | TV | TV Shows | Wipeout
- 4 Comments
There's an article on MSN TV about shows that might get a closed curtain this Fall and other new shows that get green light for 2nd season, like Fringe, The Mentalist, Entrourage, True Blood, Burn Notice and Psych (yay!). There are also some shows that are still on question mark, including My Own Worst Enemy, but I really hope that this one will last for at least 1 full season. Today Christian Slater came to Ellen show to promote his show, and he said that he's just filmed 7th episode.
On the article, the author also lists 10 shows that he thinks might be cancelled: Til Death, The Adventures of Old Christine, Privileged, Lipstic Jungle, Terminator: Sarah Connor, Gary Unmarried, The Unit, The Ex List, Knight Rider, and Pushing Daisies. I don't watch any of them; I only watch Knight Rider and Terminator once or twice, but I just can't fit those 2 shows on my schedule to watch it regularly.
Anyways, there's also a forum there for people to discuss their thougts on which shows to go, and some people are unhappy their favorite shows are about to be cancelled. I feel for them because I was (and still am a little) pissed at ABC for canceling The Mole.
I can't be a judge on which shows to go, but I know which shows that I want to see next season, and some of them are: Burn Notice, Psych, and Eureka. The three shows are on their mid-season break and will return early next year. For reality shows and game shows, I'd love to see 2nd season of I Survive Japanese Game Show as long as they have fresh new ideas. Wipeout is always refreshing, and its 2nd season is on the making. For Crusoe and My Own Worst Enemy, I'd like to see the full 1 season to decide whether or not I wanna watch the 2nd season. However, I doubt that Crusoe will have 2nd season, afterall, I think it's a miniseries based on books. Of course, the writers can always write new materials, but if it's not good, it's better to leave it as it is.
Update: this website provides the update of shows and their status, whether they're cancelled, still in production (at least until next season) or likely renewed. According to the lastest update, Chuck, Prison Break, and Ugly Betty have high chances to be renewed.
That's all that I can think of at the moment, I'll add more once I think of something else. What do you think? Which shows should stay or go? Comment away 🙂
Henry vs. Edward
Posted October 20, 2008on:
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So in this 2nd episode we know that the switch between Henry and Edward is broken and the organization cannot fix it, at least for now. So Henry must carry on Edward's duties and vice versa. It's a little tough on Henry though doing Edward's job, he had to interogate someone. During Edward's job, he had to be accompanied by Raymond, because Henry wasn't capable in doing Edward's job. Funny thing though, Henry's job, especially his domestic duties with his wife, it was Edward who got to do the job, and this made Henry unhappy.
Anyway, in this episode Henry found out that the memory that he had over 19 years was fake. None of his old school friends was real, even his 8th birthday video was a fake. So he went to his college buddy, a doctor, to get a CT Scan of his brain, and he found out that there was a chip implanted on his brain. Terrified of Edward finding out about this, he even made a password (which only Henry knew) with the doctor. But in the end, Edward found out about this because the insurance company called his wife, and the next thing Henry knew, his doctor friend had died. Whether or not Edward killed him, we'll find out next week.


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As part of the network's TCA Press Tour presentation, President of Entertainment at Showtime, David Nevins, took some time to talk about their popular, long-running drama series Dexter, what he thought of the creative choices for this season, and the relationship between Dexter (Michael C. Hall) and his adopted sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter). Nevins also talked about the status of future seasons of Nurse Jackie and The Borgias, his hopes for their latest comedy, House of Lies, and where this season's most critically acclaimed new drama, Homeland, will be headed in Season 2. Check out what he had to say after the jump:
Question: Dexter had its highest ratings this season, but how did you feel about it creatively?
DAVID NEVINS: I thought they had interesting storylines. I thought that the theme of Dexter (Michael C. Hall) trying to figure out what he wants to pass on to his son and his questioning issues of spirituality made for interesting stuff. I think there's a very clear trajectory now, where they're going over the course of the next two seasons. I think it's going to help to write with that end-game in mind. I've been pushing to shake up the formula a bit, and I think there's gonna be fundamentally different dynamics now that Deb (Jennifer Carpenter), in addition to confronting her feelings for Dexter, has also just been given a huge reveal at the end of the season. That's gonna ricochet through, and change the feel. I think it's time to shake up what Dexter goes through, so that he's not quite such a lone wolf.
When you got the scripts for the rough-cut episodes of this last season of Dexter and saw that there was a subplot where a therapist was encouraging Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) to date her adopted brother, did you think, "Wow, this is a bold direction for the series," or "Wait a minute, even adopted siblings can't date"?
NEVINS: I don't know that she was encouraging them to date. She was encouraging Deb to confront it, and that's a story that will continue next season.
Were you aware of viewers getting an icky feeling about that?
NEVINS: Yeah, I'm aware that there's a certain taboo, despite the fact that they're not genetically related, absolutely. But, it's something that I think has been building for a number of years. If you go back and you look at the last couple seasons, it's an idea that has informed how they've done the show, for a long time. I definitely dispute that she was encouraging them to date, but she did want Debra to start to deal with it and confront it, and that led to the big reveal at the end of the season.
With the past history between Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter, did you have to have any discussions with the actors, before developing a romantic storyline between them?
NEVINS: It makes for an interesting ripple in the show. I think the audiences will figure that in, as they go. We do have conversations. When you have actors like Michael and Jennifer, who have been heart-and-soul characters for so long, they know what's going on, and there are conversations that go back and forth. Michael and Jennifer have a very good relationship, so it's quite comfortable. That has been a conversation and will continue to be a conversation.
What made this the best time to introduce a series like House of Lies?
NEVINS: House of Lies is all about excess and confronting the contradictions of it and the hypocrisies of it. I think it is actually an incredibly timely show. I'm excited. As you see where it's going over time, I think it's a deceptively deep show that will speak to those issues. You may not like how it speaks to it, but it's going to confront it head-on. We're not really about taking the sanctimonious obvious route to confront those issues of income disparity, but I think it's got very interesting things to say with how businesses run and, ultimately, it's a comedy about everything that's messed up in American capitalism. That's the subject of the show.
What exactly is your commitment to The Borgias?
NEVINS: I've seen all but the last two episodes of Season 2, and it's a bigger show. It's got more action. It's going in more directions. It all comes together. I'm very excited about it. I'm not totally surprised that it's resonated, as it's also a show about excess and the cost of excess. I think it's very interesting. So, I certainly anticipate more seasons, after Season 2. I was a little surprised that it was bigger than The Tudors, and that was a very pleasant surprise. It seemed to satisfy the people who liked The Tudors, while also being a little bit bigger and a little bit more male. I wasn't counting on it going up, but it keeps going, and I would anticipate multiple seasons.
Will the next season of Nurse Jackie likely be the last season of the show?
NEVINS: No, I don't think that's fair to say. I've seen most of the season of Jackie. They started in the Fall. I was really pushing that she start facing some of the consequences of her action, and she does, in a big way. I think it's a really interesting season. She is absolutely not in the same place that she's been, for the past two seasons, and it ends up feeling like a different show. Well, it's absolutely the same show, but the feel of the episodes is slightly tweaked, and I think it puts Jackie in a really interesting place. We'll see what happens this season, and then make decisions, but I believe there's life.
How many new series do you plan on launching for the year?
NEVINS: As for 2012, we're just at the very beginning of House of Lies. I think that show has real hit potential. I'm very curious to see how it starts to resonate, as we get into the back half of the season. I think there's real deceptive depth to that situation and those characters, and that's a big piece of it. And then, Homeland will likely come back in the Fall. The other show that's going to be a big priority for me this summer is Episodes, which we only had seven episodes of this last year. We're going to make a major marketing push this year. I think that show has real potential. I was in London for the table read. It's going to be nine episodes this year, and we read all nine scripts over the course of one day, which sounds like it could be a nightmare, but it was really one of the most memorable days I've had because it was just really, really funny. We've got top comedy writers, writing at the top of their game. The show is much more ensemble. It's got many more things cooking in it. I didn't expect it to get embraced so quickly, first with the Emmys and now with the Golden Globes. I think audiences are just beginning to understand what it is. So, that will be a big push in the summer, and then the fall will be Homeland and Dexter.
Season 1 of Homeland is going to be a tough act to follow. What can you say about Season 2, and whether it will pick up right where it left off or whether it might go forward in time a bit?
NEVINS: Well, I wouldn't necessarily assume that Season 2 begins the day after Season 1 ended. I do know some things about it. It's been an interesting show in that I read a lot of, "Well, last week was good. Where are they going to go now? How are they going to top it?" And, I like that. I think it's justified skepticism. With Season 1, I think they pulled it off. Most people seemed to really like the finale. I think there is a general attitude of, "Well, Season 1 worked. What the hell are they going to do in Season 2?" And, I think the writers have some very clever answers for that. I have to say that it is very fun to work on that kind of show, where people are wanting to know what's going on, and you're just trying to stay one step ahead.
Have you seen any full scripts, or have you been made aware of the overall direction?
NEVINS: No. I can't even say I know the overall. Alex [Gansa] and Howard [Gordon] and I talk all the time, and there are a lot of what-ifs. I'm sure they know more than I know, but to get it right, you've got to take your time. One thing that I know will be central next year is that Brody (Damian Lewis) and Carrie (Claire Danes) have only just begun. There's an enormous amount that's unresolved. One way or the other, that will be a central issue in Season 2. I'll leave it at that.


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May 31, 2005
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Donate your car to the Muskoka Conservancy to help raise funds for us. Muskoka Conservancy is now working with Donate a Car Canada to accept vehicle donations. If you've got an old or unused vehicle, donate it to us to receive a tax receipt!
Donate a Car Canada accepts Vehicle Donations for Muskoka Conservancy. Free towing is provided in most areas across Canada, or you can drop off your vehicle to maximize your donation. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to Muskoka Conservancy through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age and location). Donate a Car Canada will look after all the details to make it easy for Muskoka Conservancy to benefit. After your vehicle donation is complete, our charity will send you a tax receipt and will put your gift to good use. Please click here to donate a vehicle.


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MEF Announces Finalists for 2017 Awards to be Unveiled at MEF17
40 Prestigious Awards Recognize Service, Application, Technology, and Professional Excellence
Orlando, FL, 24 October 2017 – MEF, the driving force enabling agile, assured, and orchestrated services, today announced Finalists for the MEF 2017 Awards, which recognize service, application, technology, and professional excellence and innovation. MEF's Awards program is the largest in the world focused on emerging dynamic network services powered by LSO (Lifecycle Service Orchestration), NFV, SDN, and Carrier Ethernet.
Award Winners will be revealed on Tuesday, 14 November at the MEF17 (www.MEF17.com) global networking event, to be held 13-16 November in Orlando, Florida at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Finalists and Winners will be celebrated during the MEF17 Awards Party, 7pm – 10pm on 14 November. Register here for MEF17 and the party.
"We are delighted to congratulate 35 companies for being chosen as 2017 Awards Finalists," said Nan Chen, President of MEF. "We appreciate the diligent efforts of the many companies who made submissions this year. MEF looks forward to recognizing the standout leaders who are transforming the services and networking landscape with cutting-edge innovations."
The judging panel for the MEF Awards was comprised of 13 global and regional senior analysts from ATLANTIC-ACM, Battle Green Research, Frost & Sullivan, Global Data, IHS Markit, Metanoia, Ovum, and Vertical Systems, in addition to independent judges.
Service Provider Awards Finalists recognize leadership in the delivery of global, regional, retail, and wholesale Carrier Ethernet and dynamic services, as well as excellence in network and service innovation, SD-WAN managed services, LSO strategy, and marketing.
- C&W Networks
- CenturyLink
- Claro Brasil
- Colt
- Level 3 Communications
- Liquid Telecom
- Marcatel
- Orange
- PCCW Global
- SK Telecom
- Sparkle
- Spectrum Enterprise
- Tata Communications
- Telia Company
- Ufinet
- Verizon
Enterprise Application Awards Finalists recognize the most innovative use of services to meet application requirements of specific industry verticals, including finance, health, education, government, sports/entertainment, media, and other categories.
- CenturyLink
- Colt
- Comcast Business
- GDS Services
- Level 3 Communications
- Sparkle
- Tata Communications
- Verizon
- Vertical Telecoms (Vertel)
Third Network Technology Solutions Awards recognize leadership in service orchestration, service assurance, service virtualization, service analytics, SD-WAN, CE 2.0, and multi-vendor technology solutions based on combinations of LSO, NFV, SDN, and CE 2.0 technologies.
- Accedian
- ADVA Optical Networking
- Amdocs
- Ciena
- DAHO Networks
- Lumina Networks
- Nokia/Nuage
- NoviFlow
- Parasoft
- Silver Peak
- Versa Networks
- VeloCloud
The Proof of Concept Award recognizes the MEF17 Proof of Concept Showcase demonstration that best showcases the ability to deliver agile, assured, and orchestrated services over automated, virtualized, and interconnected networks. Twenty-five companies in 11 participant groups have been selected to participate in this year's PoC Showcase. The PoC Winner will be announced during the MEF17 evening reception on Wednesday, 15 November.
The Professional Awards recognize individuals who exhibited professional excellence and advanced the work of MEF and the development of Third Network solutions. The three Awards in these categories include Industry Executive of the Year, MEF Distinguished Fellow and the MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional (MEF-CECP) of the Year. Professional Award Winners also will be announced at MEF17.
About MEF17
MEF17 brings together the key industry players who are enabling agile, assured, and orchestrated services optimized for the digital economy and hyper-connected world. The event is on pace to be bigger and better than last year's popular MEF16 event, with a target of 1,000+ attendees from 275+ companies, 275+ service & technology executives, 110+ expert speakers, 110+ sponsors & event partners, 11 Proof of Concept demonstrations, and more.
MEF's global networking events have developed a reputation for uniquely empowering industry stakeholders with high-quality program content, extraordinary peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and live demonstrations of cutting-edge services and technologies.
MEF17's program builds upon popular elements of last year's event while introducing several new activities. Elements include: world-class Plenaries, Sessions, and MEF Workshops; the 4th Proof of Concept Showcase; a vibrant Networking Hall; the 5th LSO Hackathon; an enhanced Global Media Hub; and the new MEF Awards Party and Professional Certification Training & Exams.
For more sponsorship information, please visit the MEF17 Sponsorships and Benefits page or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
For more event information, visit MEF17.com.
About MEF
An industry association of 210+ member companies, MEF is enabling service providers to create a global ecosystem of networks that deliver agile, assured, and orchestrated services for the digital economy and hyper-connected world. These services provide an on-demand, cloud-centric experience with user and application-directed control over network resources and service capabilities. They are delivered over automated, virtualized, and interconnected networks powered by LSO, SDN, and NFV. MEF produces LSO frameworks, open LSO APIs, software-driven reference implementations, service specifications, and certification programs. MEF's work will enable automated delivery of standardized wavelength, Carrier Ethernet, IP, SD-WAN, and Layer 4-7 services across multiple provider networks. For more information: https://mef.net/.
Media Contact:
Ashley Schulte
Witz Communications for MEF


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The Ascended Masters who work with us provide, often short and loving, inspirational messages that are published once a week on the Returning to the Oneness' Weekly Events and Inspirational Message emailed weekly to those who subscribe. It is our highest intention that the messages provide inspiration and good vibes to all who read them.
The messages are mostly channeled through current (or former) teachers/channels of the Returning to the Oneness center. What 'channeled' means to us and what we gathered by their in-Spirit-ed information is that the messages are a joint creation between higher aspects of RTTO teachers and the Ascended Masters. To receive the Weekly Events publication delivered to your electronic mailbox, please click here to subscribe. It's free and so are some of our classes and meditations. Read about our Anchoring Light Meditation.
The messages are archived annually as you can see from Navigation bar drop down menu. One activity that you can do with the messages that can be fun and uplifting is to ask your guidance to guide you to a message that is relevant to you.


text: TV Bristol Palin Lands BIO Reality Show 10:39 AM PDT 5/9/2011 by THR staff FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Ida Mae Astute/ABC The ten half-hour episodes track her move from Alaska to L.A. with her son to work at a small charity and live with the Massey brothers. Bristol Palin is headed back to the small screen. BIO has ordered ten half-hour episodes of an untitled show starring Sarah Palin's 20-year-old daughter as she moves from Alaska to Los Angeles with her son, Tripp, 2, to work at a small charity in need, David McKillop, Executive Vice President of Programming for A&E and the BIO Channel, announced Monday. She'll be in the company of some familiar faces: For the show, she will be living with her good friends Chris Massey, 21, and his brother Kyle, 19. Bristol became pals with Kyle when the two competed on ABC's Dancing With the Stars last year. "Bristol is the kind of personality BIO is drawn to," McKillop said in a statement. "Her personal life has been playing out in the media for several years but this will be the first time she's opening up her real life, with her son and her friends the Massey Brothers." ANALYSIS: Is Bristol Palin the Jimmy Carter of Our New Times? The project is being produced by Associated Television International for BIO. David McKenzie and Jim Romanovich serve as executive producers for Associated Television International. David McKillop, Tom Moody and Andy Berg serve as the executive producers for BIO. The show is set to air at the end of this year. Bristol already has plenty of material to work with. She recently fueled cosmetic surgery rumors by attending a Candie's Foundation 2011 benefit gala looking thinner and appearing to have an angular jaw line and pronounced chin (she hasn't commented on numerous reports). Bristol's new show also will be a platform for her to raise awareness about the struggles of being a single mother (the boy's father is tabloid fodder Levi Johnston, who is currently penning a tell-all on the Palin family). "Well, Tripp was born into a one-parent home...a single-parent home... and it's difficult for him," she recently told CBS News. "You know, I don't have a college education yet. I don't have a steady job. And it's difficult for all teen moms, no matter what they're background is," she added. She told Us Magazine her son is doing well. "He's talking and running around," she said. "Right now he's taking skating lessons, so that's something fun that we get to go to. I love everything about him!" FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME THR staff email@example.com @thr