State Information for ESXi Hosts – Section 1
Auto Deploy stores the information for the ESXi hosts to be provisioned in different locations. Information about the location of image profiles and host profiles is initially specified in the rules that map machines to image profiles and host profiles.
Auto Deploy Stores Information for Deployment as noted below in Table 1:
Source of State Information
|Image state||Executable software to run on an ESXi host.||Image profile, created with Image Builder PowerCLI.|
|Configuration state||Configurable settings that determine how the host is configured, for example, virtual switches and their settings, driver settings, boot parameters, and so on.||Host profile, created by using the host profile UI. Often comes from a template host.|
|Dynamic state||Runtime state that is generated by the running software, for example, generated private keys or runtime databases.||Stored in host memory and lost during reboot.|
|Virtual machine state||Virtual machines stored on a host and virtual machine autostart information (subsequent boots only).||vCenter Server must be available to supply virtual machine information to Auto Deploy.|
|User input||State that is based on user input, for example, an IP address that the user provides when the system starts up, cannot automatically be included in the host profile.||You can create a host profile that requires user input for certain values. When Auto Deploy applies a host profile that requires an answer to a host, the host comes up in maintenance mode. Use the host profiles interface to check the host profile compliance, and respond to the prompt to customize the host. The host customization information is stored with the host.|
- Rockin’ the CASB – What you need to know about Cloud Access Security Brokers …
- Cloud Tweaks Blog … What Do You Know About Cloud Security?
- Security Awareness @ ISC2 Security Congress 2015
- Secure the Power of the Cloud … (and get certified while doing it)
- Announcing Exchange Server 2016 Preview!
- VMware Scripting Overview – A quick look under the hood
- Checklist: Use AD FS to implement and manage single sign-on with Server 2012/R2
- Checklist: Setting up a Federation Server (ADFS) for use with Office 365 on Windows Server 2008/R2
- The (ISC)² CISSP Domain Refresh … Are you prepared?
- vSphere 6.0 is on the way !!! …. Are you ready???


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Manchester City forward Jess Park has become the latest player to sign a new contract to stay with the club.
Manchester City have confirmed the long awaited signing of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
Harry Kane rescued a point for England in Germany with a late penalty as Gareth Southgate’s men toiled in Munich.
England lost their opening Nations League game in Hungary with a poor 1-0 penalty defeat at the Puskas Arena.
Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag now knows full well the scale of the job he has at United after the Reds had to rely on a favour from Brighton to avoid the ignominy of the Europa Conference League next season.

domain: news


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Sri Lanka is not a vassal of any economic superpower and it should never become one, says Dr. Howard Nicholas, Associate Professor at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. MORE..
19 Jul 2019 (6:25 PM)
The Colombo Chief Magistrate has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to submit a report of evidence summary and the inquiry forms in the case filed against Rifkhan Bathiudeen for forging documents to alienate a land of 40 acres, on the 22nd of August. MORE..
19 Jul 2019 (2:41 PM)
The Department of Meteorology says that the highest rainfall within the past 24 hours ending from 8.30am today was 251.5 mm and it was recorded in Dunkeld estate in Nuwara-Eliya district. MORE..
19 Jul 2019 (2:45 PM)


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Have you tried to cook with arugula? And what is arugula? It is a pungent, peppery salad green also known as rocket; a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is very high in nutrition. Arugula is easy to grow in a Louisiana garden and flourishes during the winter months. That means I have a nice supply. I brought this Arugula and Penne Pasta Salad with homemade olive oil salad dressing to a pot luck dinner last week.
Several years ago, I had never heard of arugula. Our garden center had little arugula seedlings for transplanting. I like growing new vegetables in my garden and purchased some of the plants. They grew so well that I planted the greens from a seed packet the following year.
Now I plant the seeds every autumn and early spring. Arugula is a cool weather crop. These seeds were planted in October; they grew slowly all winter and this month (February) they shot up. This is called “bolting” when the plant starts to grow quickly and flower. The leaves becomes bitter. So the remedy to this is to cut the leaves frequently before the weather becomes too warm for the plants to grow.
Nutritional Value of Arugula
Arugula comes from the Mediterranean region and has been grown since Roman times where it was known as an aphrodisiac. There are apparently two kinds of Arugula: Diphotaxis tenuifolia, known as perennial wall rocket and a bitter plant and Eruca sativa, which is the popular a salad green. Arugula is also known as salad rocket, rucula, rocket, roquette, and rucolaand. It is often included in the salad mix called mesclun greens.
Arugula is in the brassicaceae family. It is a cruciferous vegetable and provides the same nutritional value as other brassicaceae family vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts. The sulfur-containing compounds contain antioxidants which have cancer prevention value and treatment of chronic diseases. Arugula is high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin A and folate and provides small amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese.
Arugula has a pungent and peppery taste. It has many uses and can be combined with other greens in a salad, served with pasta or sauteed and served with fish or chicken. It is a favorite in Italian cuisine used in pizza, pasta, pesto and soups.
Arugula and Penne Pasta Salad
I combined the arugula greens with mezze penne pasta and other condiments for a dish to bring to my job and a “Sunday, Funday” pot luck meal. I needed a quick and easy recipe which could be refrigerated overnight. Mezze penne pasta is a bite size form of penne pasta and works well for a salad.
Red onion has a milder and sweeter flavor than yellow onion and I like to add it to pasta salads. I had several jars of condiments available and decided to add these to the salad; this also made the salad preparation quicker and easier. Roasted red pepper strips, sweet banana peppers and olives added zip to this Italian salad along with the peppery arugula greens.
For the salad dressing, I made a simple olive oil salad dressing which is added at the last minute. I like to mix olive oil and canola oil for a milder flavor. With such flavorful salad ingredients, the salad dressing can somewhat bland. I added red wine vinegar and just a small amount of Dijon mustard, salt and white pepper.Pour the ingredients into a carafe and shake well before adding to the salad.
I love pasta salads and eat them on a regular basis. By adding a variety of vegetables and greens they become a healthy meal-in-one. This recipe is flexible–mix and match different types of pasta such as corkscrew, macaroni, shell and add chicken or tuna; vary the vegetable and condiment additions. I usually use the same olive oil dressing. And now I have a new ingredient for these salads–arugula from my garden!
Arugula and Penne Pasta Salad with Olive Oil Dressing by MayleesKitchen
Arugula and Penne Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz dry mezze penne pasta
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups loosely chopped arugula
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives with pimentos, drained
- 1/2 cup deli sliced roasted red pepper strips, drained
- 3 sweet banana wax peppers, seeded and sliced
Olive Oil Salad Dressing:
- 1/2 oilve oil
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Method and Steps:
- Bring 2 – 3 quarts of water to boil in large pot. Add salt.
- Add the mezze penne pasta to the boiling water. Boil for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from stove, drain pasta though colander. Let pasta cool to room temperature.
- Transfer pasta to large bowl. Add arugula, red onion, sliced green olives, roasted red peppers strips and banana wax peppers. Mix to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
- For the salad dressing, combine olive oil, canola oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt and white pepper in a carafe with a tight fitting lid. Shake well until combined.
- When ready to serve, mix olive oil salad dressing into salad or serve salad dressing on the side.
Enjoy the salad!
Eruca Sativa //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eruca_sativa
Arugula: Health Benefits, Facts Research by Megan Ware LDN LD Wed 13 January 2016 //www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282769.php © 2004-2016 All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of MediLexicon International Limited.

domain: food


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Our second stop when we visited Fiji was to Dravuni Island. The country of Fiji itself contains 330 islands with 110 of them permanently inhabited. There are even 500 smaller islets, so there are many islands to visit.
For many decades in the 1700s, European sailors would not step foot on any of the Fijian islands. As ships would get close to shore, natives with clubs studded with shark teeth would greet them. Most of the stories of headhunting and cannibalism were set in Fiji.
Now (well, hundreds of years ago it started), this is not the practice and everyone in Fiji will greet you sahing “Bula!” which is their “hello” greeting.
The population of Dravuni is small, only 125 people and is located 40 miles south of the main, large island of Fiji. And, Fiji is roughly 1,000 miles north of New Zealand.
Before leaving for our trip, we always research our destinations. We learned there is a small primary and kindergarten school on the island near the area where the cruise ship docks. In reading about the school, we learned that they welcome any donations of school supplies for the children. So, before we had left, Amanda had filled a bag full of notebooks, pencils, coloring books, and stencils — and the look on the headmaster’s face was one of the most priceless things about our stop in Dravuni.
We spent our whole day on the island from the cool morning shade at 10am to the warm sunshine in the afternoon.
This was our first trip into the South Pacific. We found the islands and water became more beautiful the further east we traveled from Australia. Click here to read about our adventures in New Caledonia. And, click here to visit our post about Vanuatu… oh, I cannot forget about our first stop in Fiji to Beachcomber Island, here.

domain: geography


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- 5 years ago
Playing tracks by
Oliver Tank, The Echelon Effect, British Sea Power, Jessica Curry, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and more.
Need to get something done? You need Workscapes. Half an hour of ambient and electronic music with a focus on minimal distraction. Sundays, 12:30 to 13:00 CET, on K103.se.

domain: artistic


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Benjamin "Ben" Feldman is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Michael Ginsberg on Mad Men, Ron LaFlamme on Silicon Valley and Jonah Simms on Superstore and Chris on Big Hero 6: The Series. He will voice of Tylor Tuskmon on Monsters At Work.
From 2009 to 2011, he was a regular on the television series Drop Dead Diva in the role of guardian angel Fred. Feldman left the series at the start of the fourth season, although he made occasional appearances. In April 2012, he joined the cast of AMC's Mad Men as a regular, playing the character Michael Ginsberg. Since 2014, Feldman has appeared as the recurring character Ron LaFlamme on HBO's Silicon Valley and, since 2015, he has appeared as main character Jonah in the NBC sitcom Superstore. In addition to acting, Feldman also has his own wine label, Angelica.


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After the scary Stagefright incident, you'd think Android would be a safer platform by now. Well, it's currently a victim of its own popularity as a new security threat in the form of the HummingBad malware is taking over your Android phone in the interest of making lots of money for cyberhackers.
Security company Checkpoint said in a lengthy blogpost that it had been monitoring a group of cybercriminals in China since February 2016 who have been making US$300,000 a month from fraudulent ad revenue. It's estimated that at least 10 million Android phones around the world, most from China or India, have been infected.
What HummingBad does is install a rootkit on an Android phone that gives it access to the point it can install its apps without needing the phone owner's permission. HummingBad's repositiories, according to Checkpoint, are hosted by Chinese mobile ad company Yingmob. Apparently, the company has a division solely dedicated to creating and disseminating its malware to Android phones all over the world. Talk about scary.
HummingBad's apps display a collective 20 million advertisements a day and installs 50,000 fraudulent apps daily. Seeing how HummingBad's rootkit has access to your most sensitive data, it's best you download either Checkpoint's own mobile software Zone Alarm or other competing mobile scanners such as Avast, AVG or Lookout.
If the software detects HummingBad, it should be able to remove it but if you want to make sure its traces aren't left in your system, best to back up your data quickly and do a factory rest to try and clean whatever traces HummingBad has left. It's serious enough to consider as you really don't want a bunch of hackers having backdoor access to your phone in any case, given how it stores tons of important details.
In the meantime, stick to downloading apps from verified sources such as the Google Play store and resist downloading dodgy APKs from websites that just might be malware central. Better safe than 'my phone belongs to hackers now' sorry.


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An IG friend suggested that we try “Nativo Kitchen + Bar,” at 1395 Brickell Avenue, in Miami Beach.
While we get restaurant suggestions all the time, this place is a bit unusual in that it’s on the 25th floor of a hotel — the Conrad Miami. (Yes, a Hilton! Shoot me dead, right now!)
After walking into an extremely sterile lobby, and after taking a scratched up, ugly, steely elevator to an equally “cold” reception area, we walked around the corner to find a large, cavernous dining space which is currently headed by Chef Pablo Lamon. [In addition to some (mostly obstructed) views of Biscayne Bay, the restaurant is featuring his “Latin-tinged” fare.]
Hailing from Buenos Aires, Lamon has an interesting pedigree — having worked with the likes of Jean-Georges Vongerichten and “Top Chef” winner, Jeremy Ford.
Best known for his stint on Season 16 of “Top Chef,” Lamon was voted off the show for not impressing the judges. When asked about his loss, he noted that he wished he “hadn’t been that ambitious” and that he had “played it a bit safer.”
And “safe” is preciously how we would describe the food we sampled, including, for example, this “Beet Hummus — pickled radishes, cucumber, roti” ($13).
Typically made with beets, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic, this dish is packed with essential minerals — like manganese, potassium, copper and iron — and is also reportedly high in antioxidants.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, this dish offers an unusual flavor combination: a slight sweetness and (dirt-like) earthiness that some will find quite pleasurable.
But since it wasn’t the most amazing dish we’ve ever tried (nor among the worst), it ultimately ended up with just a “B-“ score.
But, we see promise in this young one. (So, don’t write him off, just yet.)
# # #
Follow Lucas on Instagram: @lucasaferrara


Cryptocurrency has snatched the spotlight away from all other important applications of blockchain technology.
The data science platform will deliver actionable insights leveraging Adobe Experience Cloud
The new platform brings convenience and flexibility to host, promote and view webinars on-demand to ultimately drive more business.
Mathan’s Customer360 solution offers enhanced customer data and advanced analytics capabilities for marketers and retailers
Sony leverages Clevertap platform to better segment, engage and track customers throughout the user lifecycle for its SonyLIV VoD app
Cloud platform helps businesses drive digital agility and deliver engaging customer experiences at a global scale
With new features around model management, migration and pattern analysis, Manthan's Customer360 delivers a unique combination of big data sophistication and advanced analytics prowess to data scientists and marketers


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Are you considering art school? Whether you’re a new high school
graduate or a practicing artist, art school offers advanced study and
practice in your field. However, there are big differences from one
program to another, and choosing the right school can be a challenge.
Look for these three features of the best
art schools when searching for your perfect
environment can make or break an art student’s academic career. A
talented, diverse student body and experienced, award-winning faculty
create a rich environment for aspiring artists to grow. Social
activities like clubs and critique groups are also important for
developing artistic talent.
One thing that the
best art schools have in common is up-to-date facilities and lots of
resources for students to use. Look for ample studio space stocked
with high-quality equipment and supplies.
The best art program
can be worthless if it doesn’t advance your goals. Narrow your search
to schools that excel in your field of interest and look for programs
that have a history of producing successful artists. Financial
opportunities like scholarships and grants are also important.
Are you looking for
an art school that has it all? School
of the Art Institute of Chicago offers an
interdisciplinary curriculum that provides graduate,
post-baccalaureate and undergraduate students with the freedom to
develop as artists and scholars. Visit their website to explore the
program, courses, and campus life.


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For over 15 years, Mental Health America of Wisconsin has provided leadership and expertise in the area of suicide prevention and education for the community on factors which increase the risk for suicide attempts and ideation. This work has included contracting with Department of Health Services to train over 50 healthcare organizations on the Zero Suicide model of care and quality improvement, building a statewide network of coalitions, and disseminating information regarding how suicide affects specific populations and regions of Wisconsin.
MHA extends its gratitude to the members of the Speaker’s Legislative Task Force on Suicide Prevention for their commitment to gather input from experts and community members throughout Wisconsin to draft recommendations and proposed legislation to address this issue. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in Wisconsin and the 2nd leading cause of death among ages 15-34. As such, suicide takes a tremendous toll on Wisconsin residents, not only from the tragic loss of life, but also from the broader effects of trauma which resonate throughout affected communities.
MHA finds great hope in several recommendations put forth into proposed legislation and released September 25, 2019. The focus on addressing the high rates of suicide attempts and death among children and young adults is an important safeguard to empower our future generations to enhance their social connections and learn of suicide prevention resources. The emphasis on educating firearm retailers and owners about safe storage options and responsible gun ownership begins to address the most lethal means by which individuals attempt to end their life. Providing funds to support local coalitions may enhance collaboration and strategy around the state prevention plan. The investment in DHS to coordinate suicide prevention activities and create additional staff positions could improve efforts currently underway while forging new connections among community providers and resources.
While the proposed recommendations provide reason for optimism, there remain several concerns regarding the specifics of several proposals, as well as the relatively small amount of funds allocated for such an important public health issue. In 2017, 918 Wisconsin residents died by suicide. Research shows that each suicide death affects 135 people, which means that over 123,000 people were affected by suicide in a single year. In comparison, the total funds allocated annually for statewide suicide prevention by the Task Force hardly exceeds one million dollars, an investment of less than ten dollars per person affected.
Several recommendations from the Task Force are particularly in need of increased investment or reconsideration. While peer-to-peer support within high schools is the intent of one proposal, the funds allocated are insufficient to cover the costs for individual schools to implement evidence-based peer support programs. The broad range of tasks under the newly-proposed suicide prevention program within DHS may duplicate current efforts underway by MHA and other stakeholders. Support for local coalitions should ensure that activities align with the current version of the Wisconsin Suicide Prevention Plan. Coordination of these efforts between state agencies and community partners is essential to make efficient use of our limited resources.
Other issues identified as priorities by MHA and other partners were not proposed as legislation, including improvement of data and surveillance around suicide death investigations, inclusion of individuals with lived experience as suicide attempt survivors or loss survivors in prevention activities or grant priorities, and the Extreme Risk Protection Order bill. While set out as a recommendation for further consideration, obtaining reliable data around suicide death and affected populations is crucial to allow for development of effective policy and prevention activities. Also related to quality improvement, individuals with lived experience have a unique perspective to share which can help to improve systems of care, educate communities, and to break down the stigma which forces too many to suffer with their pain in silence.
Finally, MHA, along with many others, spoke before the Task Force in support of Extreme Risk Protection Orders, which would allow family members and loved ones to petition a court to temporarily limit a person’s access to firearms if they present a danger to themselves or others. Similar laws are in place in 17 states and the District of Columbia with a list that continues to grow as bipartisan legislatures around the country have recognized the value in reducing access to the most lethal means of suicide attempt. Firearms account for nearly half of all suicide deaths in Wisconsin and are lethal in 90% of suicide attempts. MHA encourages the members of the Task Force and other legislators to continue to investigate all tools at their disposal to effectively reduce the likelihood of a person accessing a firearm during a time of crisis.
MHA is grateful for the efforts of our lawmakers and for the voices of those who provided public testimony. We continue to work to support statewide suicide prevention efforts and look forward to continuing to improve Wisconsin’s response to an issue affecting our collective wellbeing.


Exciting derby clash in B&I Cup
Reigning champions Munster A make the trip to Donnybrook for their clash with Leinster A in a huge B&I Cup quarter-final today (3.0).
Munster A won the competition with a brilliant 29-28 win over Jersey Reds in the final at Irish Independent Park last April.
Pete Malone's side have been in good form this term again and secured second place in Pool 1.
They won five of their six pool games with their only defeat coming against Bedford Blues in a very positive competition to date.
That 25-14 defeat came at Irish Independent Park on December 8 and put Munster A on the back foot in the pool.
But they composed themselves and secured a crucial win over Bedford in the return fixture at Goldington Road.
But their loss before Christmas means they must face a very impressive Leinster A side who topped Pool 2, which consisted Doncaster Knights and Pat Lam's Bristol.
Leinster A also won five of their six games and will be Munster's toughest test so far this season.
Leinster A won this competition two years in a row between 2013 and 2014 and will be determined to reclaim their crown.
Munster A won the B&I Cup in 2012 when they beat Cross Keys, 31-12 in the decider also in Cork.
But last season was a breakthrough campaign for this Munster A side, and their final comeback victory was a huge success for that team, and injuries to the senior squad will bring some uncertainty this week.
Munster A were 18-0 down at one stage against Jersey Reds and that type of experience could be vital in the bigger games this season.
This game will be another big ask.
Who is your sportstar of the year?
Vote in the Irish Independent Sport Star Awards and you could win the ultimate sports prize.
Prizes include, a trip to Old Trafford to watch Man United take on Liverpool in the Premier League, tickets to Ireland's home games in the Six Nations, All Ireland football and hurling final tickets and much more.


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I'm With Her- Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O'Donovan
700 W. Main St
Boise, ID, 83702
Doors 7:00 PM / Show 8:00 PM
This event is all ages
I'm With Her
I’m With Her is Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan. An impromptu show in 2014 at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, CO, sparked the formation of I’m With Her and sent the trio touring the world together the next year. Along the way, I’m With Her formed a special, family-like chemistry, garnering acclaim for their unique blend of instrumental interplay combined with their indelible harmonies, as the New York Times describes, “... that could be sweetly ethereal, or as tightly in tandem as country sibling teams like the Everly Brothers, or as hearty as mountain gospel.”
Reserved: $27.50 & $37.50 | $5 increase day of show
Tickets are $27.50 & $37.50 | $5 increase day of show
To RSVP to the official Facebook event, click here.
Tickets are also available at the Egyptian Theatre Box Office or by calling 208-442-3232.


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Discover the best English-language bookshops in Berlin | Courtesy of Mundo Azul
Berlin is famous for its celebration of literature, and for native English speakers, there are a number of fantastic bookshops in the city where you can buy your next novel or literary tome. From the cosy and eclectic, to the chic and modern, this guide explores the best new and used English bookstores in Berlin.
As the number of Berlin residents who speak English as their first language continues to grow, so too do the numerous shops and facilities that cater to the community. Also ideal for the many English-speaking visitors to Berlin, the city offers a range of bookstores selling English-language literature. Culture Trip has pulled together the top new and used English-language bookshops to check out in Berlin.
Curious Fox | Courtesy of Curious Fox
Located in trendy Neukölln, Curious Fox quickly earned a loyal following when it opened in 2016. A few years on, and the new and used bookshop has become recognised for its selection of Irish and queer literature. “We try to cater for as large a range of interests, ages and taste in books as we can, and we stay in tune to what our customers are interested in,” says part-owner David Gordon. Curious Fox holds a popular poetry reading session called Isn’t Everything Poetry?, as well as quiz nights and a monthly book club.
Mundo Azul Children's bookshop | Courtesy of Mundo Azul
Mundo Azul specialises in alternative children’s literature, featuring international books from England, the US, South Korea, Germany, Latin America, Russia and a host of other regions. According to the store’s founder, Mariela Nagle, “Our focus is to give more visibility to small, independent publishers, and to let people discover wordless books, diversity within the visual language, and children’s books they have never seen before.” Mundo Azul regularly holds events for children such as book readings, workshops, theatrical performances and music. The beautiful store is colourfully decorated, and it’s a great place to take children on a day out in Berlin.
From Kafka to Kant, Saint George’s English Bookstore focuses on philosophy, theory, fiction and German history, and claims to have Berlin’s largest collection of new and used English books. Set in the heart of upmarket Prenzlauer Berg, Saint George’s is a welcome literary feature in the neighbourhood’s wide selection of shops. Since 2003, the store has been a labour of love for twin brothers Daniel and Paul and is usually buzzing with customers. They receive regular shipments from the UK, so if you can’t find what you’re after in the well-curated selection on display, they’ll happily order it in for you.
Boasting a selection of contemporary feminist authors, English translations of German literature, and a small selection of French books, Shakespeare and Sons is a truly chic bookshop. The addition of the Fine Bagel Bakery, which serves up a huge range of authentic water-boiled bagels – delicacies that can be hard to come by in Berlin – has made this store a must-visit when in the Friedrichshain neighbourhood of Berlin. Just be warned: the lines can get long on weekends. All the more reason to arrive early to get your hands on a freshly baked treat, a new book and a cup of Bonanza coffee.
The Berlin Book Nook | Courtesy of The Berlin Book Nook
Nestled in Kreuzkölln, the highly coveted neighbourhood on the border of Neukölln and Kreuzberg, The Berlin Book Nook is a tiny bookstore with a big heart. Renowned for giving great suggestions, it’s worth venturing here to pick the staff’s brains for recommendations. Packed floor-to-ceiling with used books, it’s impossible to leave here empty-handed, or at least without the intention of coming back. The owners have now also opened a sister shop in Wedding, if you’re located closer to the city’s north.
With checkerboard floors and bright red and blue shelves, this popular second-hand bookshop in Kreuzberg is one of a kind. Another Country’s system acts more like a library than a traditional bookshop, as customers pay for books and can then return them to receive their money back (minus a €1.50 charge). Owner Sophia Raphaeline has established Another Country as a quirky cultural hub in Berlin that hosts readings, social evenings, film nights and an array of other events. The shop’s welcoming atmosphere inspires visitors to browse the 20,000 or more used books or settle at one of the tables to do some reading.


text: I've been busy! At present concentrating on the "Love Heart" range. From fabric to buttons to sequins, these cute little heart hangings are the perfect compliment to any home. Whether hung from the wall, door handle or mirror they add that special touch - I can officially declare I "heart" them!!! Photos will be taken soon, still have to learn whether this blog spot allows you to post photos?

domain: hobby


- All thats missing is your hoilday
- Part of the Checkered State SS 18 collection
- Checkered with Yellow Spray Paint Effect on tops and bottoms
- Made from 83% Nylon, 17% Spandex, wearing comfortable.
- Using an advance technique, will not fade in water.
- Size: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL.


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The tiny aji charapitas peppers can be intense, but fresh ripe peaches soften that jolt for a jam that’s just right. Here’s how to make it.
Add other nutritious ingredients to the pulp and seeds then serve it in the pumpkin or squash itself. Here’s how to prepare it.
Chef and farmer Abra Berens provides hundreds of recipes to cook vegetables in unexpected ways as well as knowledge on growing and storage.


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Dept. Anesthesiology, UCLA Medical Center, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, California 0095–1778, U.S.A.
Radioligand binding and patch-clamp techniques were used to study the actions of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the general anaesthetics propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol), pentobarbitone and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one on rat α1 and β3 GABAA receptor subunits, expressed either alone or in combination.
Membranes from HEK293 cells after transfection with α1 cDNA did not bind significant levels of [35S]-tert-butyl bicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]-TBPS) (<0.03 pmol mg−1 protein). GABA (100 μm) applied to whole-cells transfected with α1 cDNA and clamped at −60 mV, also failed to activate discernible currents.
The membranes of cells expressing β3 cDNAs bound [35S]-TBPS (∼1 pmol mg−1 protein). However, the binding was not influenced by GABA (10 nm–100 μm). Neither GABA (100 μm) nor picrotoxin (10 μm) affected currents recorded from cells expressing β3 cDNA, suggesting that β3 subunits do not form functional GABAA receptors or spontaneously active ion channels.
GABA (10 nm–100 μm) modulated [35S]-TBPS binding to the membranes of cells transfected with both α1 and β3 cDNAs. GABA (0.1 μm–1 mm) also dose-dependently activated inward currents with an EC50 of 9 μm recorded from cells transfected with α1 and β3 cDNAs, clamped at −60 mV.
Propofol (10 nm–100 μm), pentobarbitone (10 nm–100 μm) and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (1 nm–30 μm) modulated [35S]-TBPS binding to the membranes of cells expressing either α1β3 or β3 receptors. Propofol (100 μm), pentobarbitone (1 mm) and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (10 μm) also activated currents recorded from cells expressing α1β3 receptors.
Propofol (1 μm–1 mm) and pentobarbitone (1 mm) both activated currents recorded from cells expressing β3 homomers. In contrast, application of 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (10 μm) failed to activate detectable currents.
Propofol (100 μm)-activated currents recorded from cells expressing either α1β3 or β3 receptors reversed at the C1− equilibrium potential and were inhibited to 34±13% and 39±10% of control, respectively, by picrotoxin (10 μm). 5α-Pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (100 nm) enhanced propofol (100 μm)-evoked currents mediated by α1β3 receptors to 1101±299% of control. In contrast, even at high concentration 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (10 μm) caused only a modest facilitation (to 128±12% of control) of propofol (100 μm)-evoked currents mediated by β3 homomers.
Propofol (3–100 μm) activated α1β3 and β3 receptors in a concentration-dependent manner. For both receptor combinations, higher concentrations of propofol (300 μm and 1 mm) caused a decline in current amplitude. This inhibition of receptor function reversed rapidly during washout resulting in a ‘surge’ current on cessation of propofol (300 μm and 1 mm) application. Surge currents were also evident following pentobarbitone (1 mm) application to cells expressing either receptor combination. By contrast, this phenomenon was not apparent following applications of 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (10 μm) to cells expressing α1β3 receptors.
These observations demonstrate that rat β3 subunits form homomeric receptors that are not spontaneously active, are insensitive to GABA and can be activated by some general anaesthetics. Taken together, these data also suggest similar sites on GABAA receptors for propofol and barbiturates, and a separate site for the anaesthetic steroids.
At clinically relevant concentrations most intravenous general anaesthetics (IVGAs) including propofol, etomidate, propanidid and the anaesthetic barbiturates and steriods modulate GABAA receptors (Franks & Lieb, 1994; Hales & Olsen, 1994). GABAA receptor modulation by propofol and pentobarbitone has three components: (1) at low concentrations both agents potentiate γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-evoked responses; (2) at higher concentrations, in the absence of GABA, they directly activate GABAA receptors; (3) at even higher con-centrations propofol and pentobarbitone inhibit receptor function (Peters et al., 1989; Robertson, 1989; Hara et al., 1993; 1994; Orser et al., 1994; Adodra & Hales, 1995). Anxiolytic and anticonvulsant benzodiazepines do not directly activate GABAA receptors but, like IVGAs, the benzodiazepines potentiate GABA-evoked respones (Hales & Olsen, 1994).
GABAA receptor modulation can be investigated by use of radioligand binding and electrophysiological assays. However, comparisons between binding and electrophysiological data are complicated by the markedly different time courses of the two experimental approaches. IVGAs enhance [3H]-muscimol binding to membranes containing GABAA receptors and this corresponds to their ability to enhance GABA-activated currents recorded from cells expressing receptors (Hales & Olsen, 1994; Peters et al., 1988; Turner et al., 1989). Additionally, the IVGAs also modulate the binding of the convulsant ligand [35S]-TBPS to GABAA receptors (Concas et al., 1994; Hawkinson et al., 1994; Slany et al., 1995). This action may in part correspond to the ability of these agents to activate receptors directly and evoke Cl− currents in the absence of GABA.
By transiently transfecting immortalized human embryonic kidney cells with α1 and β3 cDNAs, either alone or in combination, we have investigated the ability of GABA, propofol, pentobarbitone and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one to activate recombinant GABAA receptors. Previous studies suggest that only certain homomeric GABA receptors form functional ion channels. These include the ρ (Shimada et al., 1992) and β subunits (Sigel et al., 1989; Sanna et al., 1995; Krishek et al., 1996; Cestari et al., 1996). Most homomeric β receptors show spontaneous channel openings that are enhanced by some IVGAs (Sanna et al., 1995; Krishek et al., 1996; Cestari et al., 1996). Whether these compounds directly activate homomeric β receptors or potentiate spontaneous channel activity remains undetermined. In addition, spontaneously active β homomers of some species are insensitive to GABA (Krishek et al., 1996; Cestari et al., 1996). It is unclear whether this lack of sensitivity is due to the absence of GABA recognition or to the receptor being already active. We investigated whether rat β3 subunits form homomeric receptors that bind [3H]-muscimol and/or [35S]-TBPS, and whether GABA and the IVGAs can modulate the binding of these compounds and/or activate Cl− currents directly.
Human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells were maintained in growth medium comprised of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% calf serum, 50 iu ml−1 penicillin, and 50 μg ml−1 streptomycin. Cultures were incubated in an atmosphere of 5% CO2, 95% air, at 37°C and a relative humidity of 100%. Cells were harvested once each week by resuspending in a Ca2±-, Mg2±-, and bicarbonate-free phosphate buffered saline containing trypsin (500 μg ml−1) and EDTA (200 μg ml−1). After washing by centrifugation and resuspension in fresh growth medium, cells were seeded at 25–50% confluency. Transfections were performed 24 h after subculturing.
Cells were transfected with plasmids (pCDM8) containing cDNAs for rat α1 and β3 GABAA receptor subunits, either alone or in combination, by the calcium phosphate precipitation method. Complete open reading frames, encoding the rat GABAA receptor α1 (Khrestchatisky et al., 1989) and β3 (Lolait et al., 1989) subunits were subcloned into the pCDM8 vector (Invitrogen, San Diego, CA). Plasmid(s) containing cDNA for the GABAA receptor subunits (10 μg) were added to a solution contained double distilled H2O, CaCl2 (2.5 M) and HEPES buffer at a volumetric ration of 9:1:10. HEPES buffer contained (in mM): NaCl 280, Na2HPO4 1.5, HEPES 50 (pH 7.10). The solution formed a light precipitate (10 min, 22°C) and was then added to cultures (0.1 ml solution to 1 ml of growth medium). Cells were incubated (5% CO2, 95% air, at 37°C) for 24 h, washed and incubated for a further 48–72h before experimentation.
[35S]-TBPS binding experiments
Transfected cells were washed twice with phosphate-buffered saline and harvested by scraping into an ice-cold TEN solution comprised of (in mM): Tris-HCl 10, EDTA 1, NaCl 100 (pH 7.5). The cells were collected by centrifugation (5000 g, 10 min), hand-homogenized in TEN, and a crude membrane fraction was obtained by centrifugation (30,000 g, 30 min). The membrane pellet was washed twice with TEN and re-suspended in TEN at a protein concentration of ∼3 mg ml−1. Membranes were used for binding studies either immediately after preparation, or after storage at −20°C. A single freeze-thaw cycle had little effect on [35S]-TBPS binding activity. The [35S]-TBPS binding activity of membranes (50–100 ng protein) was assayed by incubation for 90 min at 25°C in 200 μl of a solution containing 5 nM [35S]-TBPS, 20 mM Tris-HCl, 1 M NaCl (pH 7.5). Non-specific binding was determined in the presence of 100 μM picrotoxinin, and was equal to the binding of mock-transfected cell membranes (<0.03 pmol mg−1 protein). Following incubation, 5 ml of ice-cold buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl, 1 M NaCl; pH 7.5) was added, and the membranes filtered through Whatman GF/C filters. The filters were washed twice with 5 ml of the same buffer before scintillation counting. Binding data are expressed as the mean±s.d.
The patch-clamp technique was used to record whole-cell currents from HEK293 cells voltage-clamped at −60 mV (unless otherwise stated). The recording chamber was perfused (5 ml min−1) with an extracellular solution consisting of (in mM): NaCl 140, KC1 4.7, MgCl2 1.2, CaCl2 2.5, glucose 11 and HEPES 10 (pH 7.4). The electrode solution contained (in mM): KC1 140, MgCl2 2.0, EGTA 11 and HEPES 10 (pH 7.4). In several experiments examining β3 homomers Mg-ATP (3 mM) was included in the electrode solution in an attempt to minimize current run-down. Membrane currents were monitored by an Axopatch-200A (Axon Instruments Inc.) patch-clamp amplifier. Currents were low-pass filtered at a cutoff frequency of 2 KHz (Bessel characteristics), digitized with a digital audio processor (Sony PCM-501ES) and recorded onto VCR tapes for subsequent analysis. Currents were simultaneously recorded (Gould 2200) onto chart paper.
In experiments examining activation of GABAA receptors, GABA and anaesthetics were applied locally by pressure ejection (General Valve Picospritzer II) at a pressure of 70 kPa, from glass micropipettes positioned approximately 50 μm from the cell under investigation. To minimize GABAA receptor desensitization cells were continuously superfused with recording solution. In dose-response experiments randomized doses of GABA or propofol were applied via different pipettes with similar resistances (2.7±0.2MΩ) positioned, with the aid of an eye piece graticule, in the same location (Adodra & Hales, 1995). During concentration-response experiments agonists were applied for 1 s in order to achieve equilibrium concentrations. It is possible that dilution may occur at some receptor sites, therefore concentrations represent maximum estimates of true agonist concentrations. A period of at least 4 min wash was allowed between each application to prevent desensitization. All other drugs were bath applied, as were the anaesthetics in experiments investigating their GABA-potentiating effects. For modulation experiments, in which antagonists or anaesthetics were bath applied, GABA (100 μM) was applied briefly at a duration (5–30 ms) that activated <10% of the maximum GABA (100 μM)-evoked current amplitude.
The [35S]-TBPS used in binding experiments had a specific activity of 115 Ci mmol−1 (DuPont-New England Nuclear Boston, MA). The anaesthetically active compounds used were 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol, from Aldrich, Milwaukee, WI), pentobarbitone and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (both from Sigma, St. Louis, MO). The inactive progesterone metabolite 5α-pregnan-3β-ol-20-one (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) was used as a control in binding experiments. The GABAA receptor inhibitors, bicuculline methiodide and picrotoxin (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) were used to characterize GABA- and anaesthetic-activated currents. Picrotoxinin was used in binding assays. Stock solutions of propofol, the steroids, picrotoxin and picrotoxinin, in ethanol, were diluted to achieve an ethanol concentration of <0.1%. This concentration has no significant effect on recombinant GABAA receptors lacking γ2L subunits (Wafford et al., 1991). Tissue culture reagents were purchased from GIBCO-BRL (Gaithersburg, MD) and all other reagents were from Sigma (St. Louis, MO).
Modulation of [35S]-TBPS binding to HEK293 membranes by general anaesthetics
Membranes that had been prepared from HEK293 cells following mock-transfection, transfection with the pCDM8 vector, or transfection with the αl cDNA alone, did not bind significant levels of [35S]-TBPS (<0.03 pmol mg−1 protein). In contrast, cells that had been transfected with the β3 subunit, either alone or in combination with the αl subunit, bound [35S]-TBPS at ∼1 pmol mg−1 protein. The binding of [35S]-TBPS to α1β3 receptors was modulated by GABA (Figure 1A). Low concentrations of GABA (10 nM-1 μM) enhanced binding, whereas higher concentrations (10–100 μM) had an inhibitory effect. In contrast, the TBPS binding site of β3 receptors was insensitive to GABA. A lack of high-affinity GABA-binding sites on β3 receptors was confirmed by their inability to bind [3H]-muscimol (1–500 nM; results not shown). In common with GABA, propofol, pentobarbitone and the anaesthetic steroid 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one modulated [35S]-TBPS binding to α1β3 receptors (Figure 1). However, unlike GABA, the anaesthetics also displaced the ligand from membranes containing only β3 subunits. 5α-Pregnan-3β-ol-20-one (0.1–10 μM), a stereoisomer of 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one which lacks anaesthetic activity, did not significantly affect ligand binding to either α1β3 or β3 receptors (results not shown).
Activation of recombination GABAA receptors by GABA
Local application of GABA (100 μm) to HEK293 cells expressing α1β3 GABAA receptors activated inward whole-cell currents recorded by the patch-clamp technique with a holding potential of - 60 mV (n = 54). In order to establish the current-voltage relationship of the GABA-elicited currents of the α1β3 receptor, cells were held at potentials from −60 to 60 mV. With intracellular and extracellular Cl− concentrations of 144 mM and 152 mM, respectively, the GABA-elicited currents reversed at 0.5 ±2.8 mV (n = 4), close to the theoretical Cl− equilibrium potential under these recording conditions (Figure 2a, b). Currents were larger at positive potentials compared to their amplitudes at corresponding negative potentials indicative of outward rectification. The outward rectification seen in the present study constrasts with the linear current-voltage relationship observed by Valeyev et al. (1993) under similar ionic conditions.
The amplitude of GABA-activated currents, recorded from cells clamped at −60mV, increased with increasing concentrations of GABA (0.1 μM-1 mM) applied for a duration of 1 s (Figure 2c). By fitting the concentration-response data with a curve described by the logistic equation (Adodra & Hales, 1995) the Hill coefficient and EC50 were calculated to be 0.84 and 9.1 μm, respectively. This concentration-response relationship is similar to that from a previous study of the actions of GABA on recombinant α1β3 receptors (Valeyev et al., 1993). GABA (100 μm) application to control HEK293 cells (n = 10) and cells transfected with al (n = 6) or β3 (n = 13) subunit cDNAs alone failed to activate discernible currents (Table 1).
Table 1. Activation of α1β3 and β3 receptors by GABA and the general anaesthetics
A summary of the compounds tested that do or do not activate α1β3 and β3 receptors including mean current amplitudes. GABA (100 μM), 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (10 μM), propofol (100 μM) and pentobarbitone (1 μM) were pressure-applied to individual cells. Values represent the number of cells which responded out of the total number tested.
Mean amplitude (pA)
Mean amplitude (pA)
741 ± 158 (n = 54)
117 ± 40.4 (n=16)
514±125 (n = 36)
275 ± 48 (n=54)
120 ± 61 (n = 4)
Pharmacological properties α1β3 GABAA receptors
GABAA receptors can be identified on the basis of their sensitivity to the selective inhibitors bicuculline and picrotoxin. GABA (100 μM)-evoked currents recorded from HEK293 cells expressing α1β3 GABAA receptors were inhibited to 16 ±9% (n= 5) of their control amplitude by bath applied bicuculline methiodide (10 μM) (Figure 3A), the inhibition was reversed on washout of the antagonist. GABA-evoked currents were also reversibly inhibited to 28 ±6% (n= 5) of control by super-fusion of picrotoxin (10 μM) (Figure 3b).
Many compounds with central depressant activity including propofol (Hales & Lambert, 1991), the anaesthetic barbiturate pentobarbitone (Schulz & Macdonald, 1981) and the anaesthetic steroid 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-one (Majewska et al., 1986) substantially enhance GABA-evoked responses recorded from neurones. Currents activated by brief GABA application to HEK293 cells expressing α1β3 receptors were potentiated by bath applied propofol and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (Figure 3c,d). The mean potentiations of GABA-induced currents by propofol (3 μM) and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (100 nM) were 549 ±157% (n = 7) and 206 ±45% (n=5) of control, respectively.
Activation of α1β3 and β3 receptors by the anaesthetics
In addition to enhancing GABA-activated currents, many general anaesthetics also directly activate GABAA receptors (Schulz & Macdonald, 1981; Hales & Lambert, 1991; Jones et al., 1995). The ability of propofol, pentobarbitone and 5a-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one to activate α1β3 GABAA receptors was investigated by locally applying these agents in the absence of GABA. Pressure application of propofol (100 μM) elicited inward currents recorded from cells voltage-clamped at −60mV (n = 49). By contrast, untransfected cells did not respond to the anaesthetic (n = 5). The reversal potential of the propofol-elicited currents (4 mV, Figure 4a,b) was similar to that of GABA-activated currents (Figure 2a,b).
Cells transfected with the α1 cDNA alone failed to respond to propofol (n = 6). However, propofol (100 μM) elicited inward currents in cells expressing homomeric β3 GABAA receptors voltage-clamped at −60 mV (n = 124). The current-voltage relationship for propofol-activated currents mediated by the β3 receptor was similar to that of α1β3 receptors; currents exhibited outward rectification and reversed at 3.5±2.2 mV (n = 4) (Figure 4c,d).
The amplitude of currents, seen in response to propofol's activation of α1β3 and β3 receptors, increased with increasing concentrations of propofol (3–100 μM) applied for 1 s (Figure 5). Currents activated by propofol concentrations greater than 100 μM tended to have a reduced amplitude and were associated with a surge current seen during propofol washout. This phenomenon has been observed in previous studies on cessation of application of high concentrations of propofol to embryonic hippocampal neurones (Orser et al., 1994) and immortalized hypothalamic neurones (Adodra & Hales, 1995). It has been suggested that the decline in current amplitude caused by high propofol concentrations is due to hindrance of GABAA receptor function and that the current surge represents reversal of the inhibition (Adodra & Hales, 1995). Due to the reduced peak current activated by high propofol concentrations no attempt was made to fit the data points. However, from the graphs of the peak current amplitude obtained in the presence of propofol at each concentration, the EC50 values for propofol's activation of α1β3 and β3 receptors are estimated to be approximately 40 μM in both cases. This estimate represents a lower limit and is included for comparison of the two concentration-response relationships.
Propofol-evoked currents recorded from β3 expressing cells often showed substantial run-down not seen in recordings from cells expressing α1β3 receptors. The current amplitude declined by 50% within 5 min after the initial propofol application. The rate of run-down declined after this period of time, the current after 10 min was approximately 30% of the initial response. Inclusion of ATP (3 mM) in the intracellular solution had no discernible effect on the rate of current decline. All experiments were conducted 10 min after the first propofol application. In order to overcome run-down when investigating the concentration-response relationship for propofol's activation of β3 receptors, each application was bracketed by applications of 100 μM propofol. Current amplitudes were normalized to the mean amplitudes achieved by bracketing the propofol (100 μM) applications.
Bath applied pentobarbitone (100 μM) potentiated GABA-evoked currents recorded from HEK293 cells expressing α1β3 receptors. At a higher concentration, pentobarbitone (1 mM) also activated currents when applied locally to cells expressing either α1β3 (n = 4) or β3 (n = 7) receptors (Table 1). Surge currents similar to those seen following propofol applications were also apparent on cessation of pentobarbitone application to cells expressing either receptor type (data not shown). Unlike propofol and pentobarbitone, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (10 μM) did not activate discernible currents in HEK293 cells expressing β3 receptors (n=11; Table 1), even in those cells that had previously responded to propofol (n = 7). By contrast, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (10 μM) activated α1β3 receptors (Table 1). No reduction in the peak amplitude of currents occurred with high concentrations of the steroid and termination of its application was not associated with a surge current (data not shown). Therefore, unlike propofol and pentobarbitone, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one neither activates homomeric β3 receptors nor inhibits α1β3 GABAA receptor activity at high concentrations.
Pharmacology of propofol-activated receptors
Superfusion of picrotoxin (10 μM) reversibly inhibited currents evoked by locally applied propofol (100 μM) to 34±13% (n = 4) of control in cells expressing α1β3 receptors (Figure 6A).
Similar to its action on GABA-activated currents recorded from cells containing α1β3 receptors (Figure 3d), 5α-pregnan-3a-ol-20-one (100 rat) enhanced currents activated by brief propofol (100 /at) application to 1101 ±299% (n = 9) of control (Figure 6b). Picrotoxin (10 μM) also inhibited propofol (100 μM)-evoked currents recorded from cells expressing homomeric β3 receptors to 39 ± 10% (n = 7) of control (Figure 6c). By contrast to its action on α1β3 receptors (Figures 3d and 6b), 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one, even at a high concentration (10 μM), caused only a modest enhancement (128 ±12% of control, n = 7) of propofol-activated currents when applied to cells expressing β3 homomers (Figure 6d).
Interestingly, application of picrotoxin (10 μM) did not cause a change in base-line current in the absence of propofol. Picrotoxin does alter base-line currents in recordings from cells expressing β1 homomers (Sanna et al., 1995., Krishek et al., 1996; Cestari et al., 1996). This phenomenon is caused by the blockade of spontaneous channel openings. No spontaneous currents were observed in recordings from α1β3 or β3 expressing cells.
There are conflicting data regarding the subunit requirements for the formation of functional recombinant GABAA receptors in cell lines (Angelotti & Macdonald, 1993; Im et al., 1995) and Xenopus oocytes (Blair et al., 1988; Sigel et al., 1990). In general, studies performed soon after the initial cloning of GA-BAA receptor subunits suggested that α and β polypeptides, either alone or in combination, form GABA-activated receptors. However, more recent findings suggest that only certain homomeric receptors, in particular those formed by β subunits, are functional (Sanna et al., 1995; Krishek et al., 1996; Cestari et al., 1996). In the present study we investigated whether α1 and β3 subunits form functional receptors when transiently expressed either alone or in combination in HEK293 cells. We examined whether the homomeric and/or heteromeric receptor combinations bind [35S]-TBPS or are activated by GABA and the anaesthetic compounds propofol, pentobarbitone and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one.
[35S]-TBPS bound to the membranes of HEK293 cells containing either the α1β3 combination or β3 homomers, suggesting that these subunits form receptors. By contrast, the lack of [35S]-TBPS binding to the membranes of cells trans-fected with α1 cDNA suggests that this subunit alone does not form receptors. In agreement with this, cells transfected with al cDNAs do not respond to GABA application. Recent immunofluoresence studies examining the cellular distribution of α1 subunits demonstrate that when expressed alone in HEK293 cells, the subunit remains associated with internal membranes. By contrast, when the α1 and β2 subunits are expressed together both can be found in the plasma membrane where they form functional GABAA receptors (Connolly et al., 1996). Differential targeting of α1 and β1 subunits also occurs in epithelial cells in which, when expressed alone, these sub-units are localized in the basolateral and apical membranes, respectively (Perez-Velazquez & Angelides, 1993). However, when expressed together both subunits appear in the apical membrane.
It is well established that α1β3 receptors form functional GABA-activated channels (Lolait et al., 1989; Ymer et al., 1989; Valeyev et al., 1993) and this is confirmed by our observations. These receptors also have binding sites for the anaesthetically active compounds propofol, pentobarbitone and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one. The IVGAs modulate [35S]-TBPS binding to cell membranes containing α1β3 receptors and potentiate whole-cell GABA-evoked currents mediated by these receptors. At higher concentrations all three IVGAs also activate α1β3 receptors.
The β3 subunit, unlike the β2 subunit is able to access the plasma membranes of HEK293 cells even when expressed alone. This is evident from our observations of [35S]-TBPS binding to β3 homomers and from a previous study (Slany et al., 1995). However, [35S]-TBPS binding to membranes containing β3 homomers is insensitive to GABA. In addition, GABA fails to activate Cl− currents recorded from cells expressing β3 receptors. These data suggest that β3 homomers are insensitive to GABA. Such an observation could lead to the assumption that β3 homomers are not functional. However, our data and those of Slany et al. (1995) show that propofol, pentobarbitone and anaesthetic steroids displace [35S]-TBPS binding from membranes containing β3 receptors. Furthermore, propofol and pentobarbitone also activate whole-cell currents when applied to cells expressing β3 homomers. These observations demonstrate that in HEK293 cells the β3 subunit alone forms functional receptors that do not respond to GABA, but are activated by some IVGAs. It is possible that HEK293 cells could modify the properties of recombinant GABAA receptors by contributing a protein from their own genome. Perhaps the most obvious candidate would be a GABAA receptor subunit. Indeed, detectable levels of β3 subunit mRNA are present in untransfected HEK293 cells (Kirkness & Fraser, 1993). It is unlikely that this subunit contributes to the properties of recombinant receptors in these cells because, prior to transfection, they do not respond to propofol or pentobarbitone, and cells transfected with α1 subunits neither respond to GABA nor do they bind either [3H]-muscimol or [35S]-TBPS. The possibility that there is an unidentified protein interacting with the recombinant receptors cannot be ruled out. However, it is unlikely that such an HEK293 cell-specific factor would be necessary for the formation of recombinant homomeric β subunits since these have also been observed in studies in which Xenopus oocytes were utilized (Sigel et al., 1989; Sanna et al., 1995; Krishek et al., 1996; Cestari et al., 1996). Additionally, actinomycin D has been used to abolish transcription in oocytes before the injection of β1 cRNA and this did not prevent the expression of functional homomeric receptors (Krishek et al., 1996).
Currents evoked by propofol and pentobarbitone recorded from HEK293 cells expressing β3 subunits were consistently smaller than were α1β3 -mediated currents activated by the IVGAs or GABA (Table 1). There are a number of possible explanations for this observation. Homomeric β3 receptors may be less efficiently expressed than receptors comprised of α1 and β3 subunits. Alternatively, channels formed by β3 subunits alone may less effectively flux Cl− than those formed by α1 and β3 subunits together. This could occur either as a result of differences in the single channel open probabilities (i.e. more frequent or longer openings with α1β3 than β3), or because of a difference in the conductance of these channels (i.e. larger conductance for α1β3 than β3). A comparison of recordings of single channels formed by homomeric β3 receptors and α1β3 receptors will be required to resolve this issue. However, it is interesting to note that β1 subunits form channels that have similar conductances to those formed when α1 and β1 subunits are expressed together (Blair et al., 1988; Krishek et al., 1996). This suggests that smaller currents are seen with homomeric β3 receptors in the present study because of less efficient expression, or due to a lower probability of channels opening when the a subunit is absent.
A comparison of our characterization of rat β3 homomeric receptors and previous studies of the properties of β subunits from various species, suggests that there are interesting similarities and important anomalies between the different β subtypes, that may in part be species-specific. Human and bovine β1 subunits expressed in oocytes form homomeric receptors that can be activated by GABA (Sanna et al., 1995; Krishek et al., 1996). By contrast, rodent β1 and murine β2 and β3 homomers cannot be activated by GABA (Sigel et al., 1989; Krishek et al., 1996; Cestari et al., 1996). Homomeric receptors comprised of rat and human β1 and murine β1 and β3 subunits show spontaneous picrotoxin-sensitive channel openings that are not apparent in recordings from oocytes expressing bovine β1 subunits. In addition, spontaneously active rodent β1 and murine β3 receptors cannot be further activated by GABA, while human β1 homomers can. It is not surprising perhaps that already active rodent β1 and murine β3 receptors cannot be further activated by GABA, and it remains undetermined whether this is caused by a lack of the GABA recognition site. However, rat β3 subunits form GABA-insensitive ion channels that are not spontaneously active and do not bind [3H]-mus-cimol, clearly demonstrating that these homomeric receptors do not have a site for GABA-mediated activation.
Propofol and pentobarbitone elicit currents in oocytes expressing murine and human β1, or murine β3 subunits. This could either be due to potentiation of spontaneous channel openings or direct receptor activation by these IVGAs (Krishek et al., 1996; Cestari et al., 1996). Pentobarbitone potentiates GABA-activated currents recorded from cells expressing bovine β1 subunits, suggesting that a potentiating site is present on these homomers (Krishek et al., 1996). Therefore, whether spontaneously active β homomers possess an anaesthetic activation site remains unresolved. However, both propofol and pentobarbitone directly activate quiescent rat β3 homomeric receptors. Thus, sites for activation by these agents are clearly present on this β3 subunit and are distinct from the GABA activation site.
From the binding and the electrophysiological data the modulation of GABAA receptors by propofol and pentobarbitone appears similar. These compounds cause displacement of [35S]-TBPS binding from α1β3 and β3 receptors. They also activate both GABAA receptor combinations and, at higher concentrations, cause surge currents during wash off. The surge currents, seen on cessation of application of pentobarbitone (Peters et al., 1989; Robertson, 1989) and propofol (Orser et al., 1994; Adodra & Hales, 1995), have been observed in recordings from other preparations and are thought to be caused by a rapid reversal of receptor block by high concentrations of IVGAs. By contrast to pentobarbitone and propofol, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one causes dissimilar modulation of [35S]-TBPS binding to α1β3 and β3 receptors. At low concentrations 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one enhances [35S]-TBPS binding to α1β3 receptors, while at higher concentrations it displaces [35S]-TBPS binding. Only the latter action of 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one is evident in experiments with membranes containing β3 homomers. Even at high concentrations the steroid did not activate discernible currents when applied to HEK293 cells expressing β3 receptors. The disparity between the binding data and the electro-physiology suggests that displacement of [35S]-TBPS binding by anaesthetic steroids may not be a reliable measure of their ability to activate GABAA receptors. Enhancement of [35S]-TBPS binding to α1β3 receptors by 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one correlates with the ability of this steroid to activate this GABAA receptor combination. However, the relationship between the modulation of GABAA receptor binding and the electrophysiological actions of the IVGAs is complicated. Correlations between these two experimental approaches should be made with caution, particularly in view of their markedly different time courses. It is likely that with higher agonist concentrations [35S]-TBPS binding will be influenced by receptor desensitization and also, in the cases of propofol and pentobarbitone, by receptor block.
One interpretation of our data, and the results of previous studies (Amin & Weiss, 1993; Sanna et al., 1995; Krishek et al., 1996; Cestari et al., 1996), is that propofol and pentobarbitone can bind to and activate any combination of GABAA subunits that form receptors in the plasma membrane. At present it is not known whether the binding site is only on the β subunit, or common to many (perhaps all) subunits. The types of subunit may well be unimportant with the exception of their ability to form functional receptors.
A number of previous binding and electrophysiological studies support the notion that anaesthetic steriods act through a different site on the GABAA receptor from that of the anaesthetic barbiturates and propofol (Peters et al., 1998; Turner et al., 1989; Hales & Lambert, 1991; Belelli et al., 1996). [3H]-muscimol binding, maximally enhanced by the barbiturate secobarbitone, can be enhanced further by the addition of the anaesthetic steroid 5β-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (Peters et al., 1988). In addition, the anaesthetic steroids dramatically enhance currents activated by high concentrations of anaesthetic barbiturates, suggesting that these agents act at different sites on the GABAA receptor complex (Peters et al., 1988; Hales & Lambert, 1991; Belelli et al., 1996). By contrast, propofol causes only a small enhancement of currents activated by pentobarbitone suggesting that these agents may compete for a similar site of action (Hales & Lambert, 1991).
Like propofol and pentobarbitone, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one binds to the β3 subunit leading to the displacement of [35S]-TBPS. However, the steroid cannot activate the receptor and has a greatly reduced capacity to potentiate currents activated by propofol. The anaesthetic steriod alphaxalone is also unable to active human β1 homomers directly, but does potentiate GABA-activated currents recorded from the same oocytes (Sanna et al., 1995). These observations suggest that some β subunits may possess the steriod potentiation site, but lack their site of direct receptor activation.
In summary, our data and the results of previous studies on β subunits suggest that there are some properties common to all subunits of this class that have so far been examined. They form homomeric receptors that are inserted into cell surface membranes. These receptors can be activated by propofol and pentobarbitone, but not by the anaesthetic steroids. There are also surprising differences between the properties of these receptors even when comparing β subunits of the same subtype between species. For example, murine β3 subunits show spontaneous activity, while those of the rat do not. Also, rodent β1 subunits cannot be activated by GABA, while human and bovine β1 homomers can. By examining the differences between the sequences of these subunits it may be possible to identify the determinants of these important receptor properties.
This work was supported by National Institute of Health grants to T.G.H. (GM48456) and E.F.K (NS34702).

domain: chemistry


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Add some shine to your projects with our new hot foil plates! These add a fun foiled (so shiny!) design to your craft projects! These plates can be used with most hot foil machines, and leave a shiny impression but no cut lines on your cards.
Coordinating set ideas: Use the original Winter Big Scripty Words Lawn Cuts from Lawn Fawn to cut around your foiled sentiment.
Approximate sizes are in inches:
oh joy: 3.5 x 0.875
noel: 3.625 x 0.875
let it snow: 3.625 x 0.625
Lawn Cuts hot foil plates are high-quality steel, made in the USA, and are compatible with most hot foil machines!


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Why did Victor Hugo wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame?
Victor Hugo wrote “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” to help preserve the cathedral. On watch over Paris. … Just shy of a couple centuries ago, Notre Dame was in such a state of disrepair and so deeply unpopular with Parisians that Victor Hugo felt compelled to write a book in its defense.
What influenced Victor Hugo to write The Hunchback of Notre Dame?
Notre Dame is the geographical and moral center of Hugo’s fictional Paris. The cathedral inspired Hugo to write the novel and encouraged his life long passion for Gothic art and architecture.
What is the significance of the cathedral in the story of The Hunchback of Notre Dame?
The cathedral provides safety for Esmeralda. This is underlined through the architecture of Notre Dame, as the towers, spikes and arches almost make the cathedral appear like a fortress, a visual representation of Esmeralda’s safety within the cathedral.
Was The Hunchback of Notre Dame a real story?
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
It is based on the Victor Hugo novel of the same name, published in 1831, and until recently was believed to be completely fictional.
What makes The Hunchback of Notre Dame unique?
Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame considers what it means to be a monster. The novel makes Quasimodo’s defining characteristic his physical monstrosity, and his entire identity is constructed around being perceived as a monster. He is described by one of the women of Paris as a “wicked” ugly man.
Why was Esmeralda hanged?
Esmeralda proclaims her innocence, but when she is threatened with having her foot crushed in a vice, she confesses. The court sentences her to death for murder and witchcraft (the court has seen Djali’s spelling trick), and she is locked away in a cell.
Why did Notre Dame burn?
A definitive cause of the blaze has not yet been established, although it has been ruled as accidental, and possibly linked to restoration work taking place in the spire at the time.

domain: library


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House agrees to extend payroll tax cutsWashington, DC (WDAY TV) - House Republican leaders have agreed to a 2 month extension of Social Security payroll tax cuts and federal unemployment benefits. After several debates President Obama campaigned for a resolution and said today that enough is enough.
House Republican leaders have agreed to a 2 month extension of Social Security payroll tax cuts and federal unemployment benefits. After several debates President Obama campaigned for a resolution and said today that enough is enough.
With the 2 month extension passed you can expect to see your normal tax deductions on your pay check come January 1st. If the extension was not passed, you could have seen around $20 a week less in your check.Senator John Hoeven voted for the extension. He says payroll taxes weren't the only thing being affected by the disagreement.
Senator John Hoeven – (R) North Dakota: It is also the Doc Fix, unemployment benefits, making sure they continue and a piece of legislation that I wrote, my staff and I wrote and submitted and that’s on the key stone pipeline.
Hoeven says one of the main things this country needs is to focus on creating jobs. He believes North Dakota is doing its part in this movement.
Senator Hoeven: “Job number one for our country right now, for our country is getting the economy going, getting a person back to work. That is the job number one. We are doing it here in North Dakota; we need to do it as a country.”
While Hoeven voted yes to the extension, Congressman Rick Berg voted against it. He says a two month plan doesn't do any good and we need to think long term at a goal that lasts the entire year.
Senator Rick Berg – (R) North Dakota: “We need to quit kicking the can down the road a month, two months and say here is what are going to do for the next year so people can plan on that.:
Although they disagreed on the extension both Hoeven and Berg hope congress will be able to form a plan that ensures you will continue receiving the same amount on your paycheck.
Hoeven says it is important that we work together and get the legislation done for the Keystone XL pipeline project, and extend both the temporary payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance.

domain: economics


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The recent sensitisation workshop embarked upon by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the South-east stakeholders on safe and responsible use of veterinary medicines, pesticides and animal feeds is both essential and quite commendable. This is because of the important role of livestock to
national food security.
In her keynote addres, at the workshop held at Fildema Hotel, Enugu, the Director General of NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, said the sensitisation workshop became necessary as availability of safe and wholesome food is an important component of NAFDAC’s mandate and one of the priority issues of public health concern. She noted the dangers associated with feeding poultry animals with substandard feeds and treating them with substandard drugs affects human lives adversely,
hence the need for the sensitisation workshop, warning stakeholders to abide by NAFDAC regulations. The Director-General, represented by the Director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products at NAFDAC, Dr. Buka Ali Usman, said
the agency is showing increasing concern on the methods and products of modern Agriculture to promote healthy living among human beings.
According to her, “In livestock production, it is a known fact that what animals are fed with have significant implication on the health of the public. Animals that are carelessly fed with unwholesome feed will not only suffer malnutrition, poor health and poor production, but will also pass the residue to man.
“In view of this, the agency has taken steps to ensure that inputs used in livestock production such as animal feeds, feed concentrates, feed additives and premixes are safe and efficacious for their intended use.
The quality must meet standard specifications and the presentations in terms of labeling must be adequate, so that the products are handled safely”.
The NAFDAC boss said even though the agency has worked on effective regulation of drugs and vaccines, most of the registered drugs and vaccines available in the markets are of good quality, but the danger is that most farmers are unmindful of the withdrawal periods as stipulated on the drugs and vaccines.
She said the awareness and sensitisation workshop would afford all stakeholders involved in the poultry and livestock farming to give quality products, enhance growth of the industry and the Nigerian
economy and improve food security.
Statistics from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) indicate that agriculture, forestry, fishing and livestock account for 18- 20% of Nigeria’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) with livestock alone
accounting for 4.5 – 5%. In the same vein, the Nigerian agricultural sector has continued to play a pivotal role in the rapid economic transformation of the nation with the impressive performance accounting for 41% of the country’s GDP, 80% of the non-oil foreign exchange earnings and over 60% of active labour force in the country.
Livestock have the characteristics of a capital investment yielding an interest in the form of milk, eggs and other valuable products. Apart from serving as a source of food for humans, animal agriculture is also
important in providing non-food materials such as hides, skin, wool and feathers which are in turn used as raw materials for manufacturing other valuable products, e.g. hides and skin for leather goods.
Manures from livestock are also used to fertilise the ground, making plants to grow healthy and strong. The restoration of these past achievements requires collective and sincere commitment of all stakeholders.
Blueprint, however, regrets that despite its invaluable contribution to the nation’s GDP, livestock production is faced with a number of constraints, which on the long run results in low productivity and
reduced profitability. Prominent among these constraints are diseases occasioned by substandard animal feeds. Animal diseases constitute a major obstacle to Nigeria’s economic development as well as posing
health risk to our human population. Problems associated with reduced livestock productivity and profitability include inadequate consumption of animal protein, poverty, unemployment, low contribution to the nation’s GDP, among others.
This situation has in no small measure prevented the effective utilisation of the huge potentials of the livestock sector.
It is in the light of the importance of livestock to the nation’s economy and citizens’ well-being that we commend NAFDAC’s gesture towards ensuring animal safety. We, however, advise the federal government to go a step further in ensuring the availability and affordability of genuine animal feeds and treatment. Scarcity and high cost of genuine feeds and drugs is primarily responsible for the recourse to the substandard feeds which could result in serious health complications for animals and humans.

domain: agronomy


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For womxn, South Africa’s national anthem sounds like a lie, particularly the part where we sing, “In South Africa our land.” This is not about land ownership, although that is an equally pressing social matter that needs unpacking. This is about the fact that womxn cannot go anywhere without the threat of death hanging over their heads like a poorly installed chandelier.
This week, survivors of sexual assault took to social media to name and shame their abusers. It is said that at least 9,000 names have been shared. 9,000.
Some were assaulted in the homes of people whom they trust, others were violated in public settings, and one in particular was raped and murdered in a government facility, namely the Post Office. Regarding the latter location, Luyanda Botha raped and murdered Uyinene Mrwetyana in a South African post office. He proceeded to mutilate her body and bury it to avoid the consequences of his actions, only to eventually confess to his crime. When describing the situation, he commented that Uyinene “gave him a hard time” because she fought back and didn’t die quickly enough. He smirked in court. It has since come out that the tactic he used to get Uyinene alone is one that he’s tried before, albeit unsuccessfully.
The survivors’ accounts of how they were violated are jarring. They have sparked criminal cases, in some instances, and protests across the country. For this, one can only be hopeful that there is justice for survivors. However, this is South Africa, this is not our land, particularly where womxn are concerned.
Men are a danger to society. Men are a danger to themselves. I am more likely to be sent to my grave by a man before I face the natural causes cited in autopsy reports. That is South Africa, not quite, our land.

domain: sociology


Board of Regents Meeting
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
- 3–3:45 p.m.: Education Policies Committee, Room 205
- 4-4:45 p.m.: Student Affairs Committee, Room 201
Thursday, February 13, 2020
- 10:15–11 a.m.: Faculty Affairs Committee, Room 205
- 11:15-11:45 a.m.: Finance and Investment Committee, Room 201
- 1:30 p.m.: Regular Board Meeting, Room 201
Board of Regents: Agenda, Documents and Protocol
Agenda and documents for the Board of Regents' next meeting will be linked in the box at right.
Documents from all Regents meetings dating back to 2001 are also available in the documents section of this site.
If you would like to address the Board of Regents, please fill out and return the Request to Address the Board of Regents [PDF] form.
The following items will be prohibited at all meetings of the Board of Regents:
- Sticks and poles
- Any noise making devices
- Backpacks are allowed but subject to search as needed
According to EMU Board Policy 9.4, no person shall possess or use any firearm or other dangerous weapon, concealed or otherwise, on property owned, leased or controlled by the University or otherwise in the course of University business. Further, no person shall possess or use explosive materials, incendiary devices or other dangerous objects or substances on property owned, leased or controlled by the University or otherwise in the course of University business.
We ask that you respect the spirit of this forum and allow all speakers the opportunity to speak and conduct official business. Behavior that disrupts the event or prevents speakers from being heard, or from being able to continue, is prohibited. Failure to comply may result in criminal and/or student conduct code sanctions.
The room capacity for 201 Welch Hall, as dictated by the building code, is 135 individuals. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating. For any guests beyond the capacity limit, a viewing room with a live video/audio feed of the Board of Regents proceedings will take place in 205 Welch Hall immediately across from the meeting in 201 Welch Hall.


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Arkansas OKs religious-freedom law as Indiana backtracks
A spokesman for the state's governor, Asa Hutchinson, said the governor plans to sign it tomorrow.
News you need to know for Tuesday, March 31, 2015
For best results, please place quotation marks around terms with more than one word, e.g. "Rahm Emanuel"
Fallout from the state's new 'religious freedom' law gives Illinois a big opportunity. But will Rauner take it?
Garcia and others insist that half of the city's TIF spending goes to the "central business district." But the facts say it just ain't so.
If Alinea's fourth year in a row at the top isn't enough, Next—overseen by Alinea chef Grant Achatz's business partner Nick Kokonas and chef Dave Beran—made this year's ranking, too.
The Cubs won't be able to finish everything on their punch list ahead of this weekend's home opener. Today they gave a preview of what's on track and what's pushed back.
The continent is well beyond where most international property investors will go. So why is it a key piece of the Chicago investor's strategy for his new company, Capri Investment Group?
The people who bought this one made an offer with a catch: Cancel the open house and we'll pay $16,000 more than the asking price. See a few other strategies to show sellers you're serious.
Arkansas lawmakers have given final approval to a religious-freedom bill that has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who say it opens the door to state-sanctioned discrimination against gays and...
Warning that Chicagoans are at risk of unaffordable heating bills, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan wants Peoples Gas to back down from a pledge to replace all of the city's aging underground...
Any fiscal and economic-development scenario that the next mayor of Chicago chooses must include a way to secure the economic future of the city's women workers.
Mike Sheerin is opening a fast-casual dumpling spot called Packed with his business partner Aaron DiMaria.
The mayoral hopeful makes it clear he's going to continue to talk about how Rahm Emanuel's policies, in his view, have helped only the well-off, not the middle class or working people.
How to help aging loved ones make the best healthcare, financial and living choices.


text:
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Lincoln National CEO Glass’ compensation up 72% last year
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Lincoln National Corp. President and CEO Dennis Glass received a 72 percent pay raise in 2011, according to an SEC filing.
Glass earned $12.7 million last year, compared to $7.38 million in 2010 and $6.99 million in 2009.
He received an annual base salary of $1.07 million, lower than the $1.99 million he earned in 2010. But Glass’ compensation from non-equity incentive plans increased to $4.18 million from $1.25 million. He also saw his stock awards jump from $3.5 million to $4.29 million and received a stock award ($1.95 million) for the first time in three years.
Glass has led Radnor, Pa.-based Lincoln National (NYSE:LNC) since late 2007, shortly after joining the company from merger partner Jefferson Pilot Corp. in North Carolina. Since that time he has guided the company through significant economic turmoil and several losing quarters back to profitability. The company earned $290 million in 2011 and $813 million in 2010 after losing $520 million in 2009.
He has turned over much of the senior management team since taking the reins.
Lincoln National, which markets itself as Lincoln Financial Group, provides insurance and retirement products. It saw its stock fall from $28.85 in the beginning of January 2011 to $19.28 at the end of the year. It closed at $24.15 on Friday.
The second highest-paid Lincoln National executive was the company’s president of insurance solutions and annuities, Mark E. Konen, who earned $4.38 million last year. Robert W. Dineen, president of Lincoln Financial Network, earned $3.75 million, followed by Lincoln Financial Distributors President Wilford H. Fuller ($3.31 million) and Chief Financial Officer Randal J. Freitag ($2.66 million).
Jeff Blumenthal covers banking, insurance and law.
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By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Tuesday, November 25 U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R from Alabama) said that Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s departure highlights the floundering status of the U.S.’s ISIS strategy.
Sen. Sessions, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, outlined what his priorities for a new Defense Secretary will be. The Armed Services Committee will have a lead role in the confirmation hearings of President Barack Obama’s next appointee as Defense Secretary.
Sen. Sessions said, “I have great respect for Secretary Hagel personally. His combat experiences gave him insight into war that others lack and a special loyalty to those in harm’s way. His abrupt departure highlights the floundering status of our ISIS strategy. Now, the central question the nation, Congress and the American people face is: what is our policy concerning ISIS and terrorism? A second related question is: who will the President look to in order to help him make that decision?”
Sen. Sessions said, “It seems clear that a small but growing group in the White House, close to the President and his agenda, have had too much influence. They base decisions, unacceptably, on politics. We know this because President Obama’s previous Secretaries of Defense—Sec. Robert Gates and Sec. Leon Panetta—have documented this fact shockingly in their books. When national security and the lives of our soldiers on the battlefield hang in the balance, politics cannot rule the day.”
Sessions said that President Obama has zero personal experience with military policy and that his colossal errors that have placed the nation at risk. The conservative Alabama Senator said that the complete withdrawal of our forces from Iraq in 2011, against the advice of military leaders and common sense was one of those errors.
Sen. Sessions said, “The President must nominate a Secretary of Defense with strength, ability, experience, and integrity. One in whom the military, Congress, and the American people can place full trust. Congress must insist on it. As it stands now, we continue to stumble along with no clear strategy. Much of this is the direct consequence of the President’s indecision. It cannot continue. Too much is at stake.”
Sessions suggested that Obama select from among the large number of highly qualified leaders with great experience in Iraq and Afghanistan and the region and warned that the President has given too much power, control, and influence to his, ‘Circle of insiders in the White House”, who have, “Too often shut out or rejected sound military and defense advice from leaders of wisdom and experience.”
The likely Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman is Senator John McCain (R from Arizona). Sen. McCain said, “I thank Chuck Hagel for his service, and I know that he was very, very frustrated.” Sen. McCain told KFYI radio in Phoenix, Arizona, “Already White House people are leaking ‘well he wasn’t up to the job,’ well believe me he was up to the job it was the job he was given where he really was never really brought into that real tight circle inside the White House that makes all the decisions which has put us into the incredible debacle that we’re in today throughout the world.” McCain who opposed Hagel’s confirmation as Defense Secretary said, “We have had our disagreements, but Chuck Hagel is an honorable man.”
Senator Sessions is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sessions is also a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee.


Birbirinden güzel, heyecanlı, inanılmaz filmler.
Kiera Knightley, Mark Ruffalo and Catherine Keener star in this soul-stirring music industry drama about an undiscovered young singer and a washed-up producer.
2015 | 1 dalda aday: Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
2015 | 1 dalda aday: British Actress of the Year
2015 | 1 dalda aday: Best Director - Film


text: Café Cup has made its home in Huntington Beach, California. Following in the footsteps of its sister restaurant "The Coffee Cup Café" of Long Beach, Cafe Cup serves healthy and hearty meals that include fabulous egg creations, with a variety of flavors developed to appeal to all palettes. The menu includes breakfast and lunch selections made with fresh ingredients. Customers will even find freshly made cinnamon rolls. They proudly serve Lavazza coffee- including lattes, cappuccinos, expresso, caramel lattes, mochas and chai tea. Join them for a scrumptious breakfast or mouthwatering lunch-served all day!


WindEnergy Hamburg: Beckhoff Trade Show TV
At WindEnergy Hamburg Beckhoff demonstrated how condition monitoring can be seamlessly integrated into the overall control of a wind farm. In this way, PC-based control allows the implementation of new plants as well as retrofit concepts. End users can integrate the end-to-end measurement chain directly into the system control.
More about this video
TF8310 | TwinCAT 3 Wind Framework
The TwinCAT 3 Wind Framework is based on the modular architecture of TwinCAT 3 and provides control technology and industry expertise for wind turbines in the form of encapsulated modules and an application template. These TwinCAT Modules provide higher-level system services.
The EtherCAT Terminal system provides a comprehensive range of products for all signals in the world of automation.
More than 85,000 wind turbines worldwide up to a size of 13 MW have already been automated with Beckhoff technology.


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Elevate Your Everyday Snacks With These Flavorful Additions
Snacking is a delicious part of the day when you can take a break and enjoy the comfort of good food. Transform your favorite noshes into something even more amazing with just a few flavorful recipe upgrades. Keep reading and find out how to keep your palette on its toes.
Brown Sugar Popcorn With Wasabi Green Peas
Popcorn is a fan favorite for moviegoers and binge-watchers alike. Next time you make a bowl, sprinkle with brown sugar and add wasabi green peas for some heat. It's everything you want in a snack: sweet, spicy, and salty. The hints of green from the peas also make this snack really pretty for entertaining.
Fruit & Honey Salsa With Homemade Chips
Turn classic chips and salsa into a sweet and spicy adventure. Dice up mango, strawberries, and red onion and throw into a mixing bowl. Then add Smucker’s® Fruit & Honey™ Strawberry Jalapeño Fruit Spread and stir until evenly combined. The spread is sweet and spicy and really gives it that classic salsa texture you love. Cut up lime wedges and some cilantro and serve with homemade tortilla chips.
Mini Cheesy Crostini With Honey
This recipe is as simple as it gets. Slice a fresh baguette and top with lots of your favorite cheese. You can go creamy with ricotta or give it a nice bite with grated parmesan. Then add a touch of red pepper flakes before putting it in the oven to broil. Finish off with a drizzle of honey and you have a deliciously perfect snack.
5-Spice Nut Mix
Store-purchased nut mix can be great when you're in a hurry, but kick things up a notch by tossing in a traditional Asian 5-spice mix and a drizzle of honey. Then bake it off until warm and crunchy. Before enjoying, add ingredients like toasted coconut and puffed rice cereal for even more texture and flavor.
Transforming basic breadstick dough into churros is a sweet way to amp up snack time. Bake the dough according to instructions and once the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them with milk and toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Serve alongside vanilla yogurt with honey or your favorite jam.


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Nokia Expands its Android Lineup
HMD Global — the new custodian of the Nokia brand for phones — today announced three new Android-based Nokia phones.
- Nokia 6: Already released in China, this 5.5-inch-screen, metal-bodied phone will released globally for 229 euros. Its display is full HD. It has stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos sound. It will come in Matte Black, Silver, Tempered Blue and Copper for €229, plus a glossy "Arte Black" special edition for €299.
- Nokia 5: This solid aluminum phone has a 5.2-inch HD screen and a fingerprint reader in the home button. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chip. It will come in four colors: Matte Black, Silver, Tempered Blue and Copper. It will retail for €189.
- Nokia 3: An affordable phone with a solid metal body, it has a 5-inch screen and 8 megapixel cameras on both the front and back. It will retail for €139.
Hands On with the Nokia 3, 5, and 6
Nokia is back in the phone game, now with proper Android smartphones. Their strategy is affordable, mass-market phones with premium design and construction.
Nokia's Comeback Gets Its Start In China
HMD Global this week announced the Nokia 6, the first smartphone to fall under the company's plan to resurrect the Nokia brand. HMD Global is a Finland-based business with the sole license to design smartphones using the Nokia brand.
Nokia Brings Back the 3310
Nokia today introduced a new version of the old Nokia 3310 phone. It includes a color screen, Snake, and the original Nokia ringtone.
Nokia Releases Android Launcher, Debuts Tablet
Nokia today announced wide availability of the Z Launcher for Android devices. Nokia first debuted the Z Launcher earlier this year, but as a limited alpha.


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Save $3.00 by purchasing the bundled set of this fun Valentine's Day game! Students will stay actively engaged as they practice rhythm.
Students are grouped in up to five teams for a race to mail a rhythm valentine fastest.
Games included in this set:
Mail Me a Valentine: Ta Ti-TiMail Me a Valentine: Ta, Ti-Ti, RestMail Me a Valentine: Half NoteMail Me a Valentine: Tika-TikaMail Me a Valentine: Ti-TikaMail Me a Valentine: Tika-TiMail Me a Valentine: Ti Ta Ti (Syncopation)
All games include:
1. Directions for play
2. Key of rhythms used
3. Mailbox for each team (5 total)
4. Eight rhythm valentine cards for each team (5 total)--comes both colored and black and white
Use these games with any system for reading rhythm. Print out the materials on card stock for long-term use.
The rhythm printables used in these games can also be used to piece together known songs or compose new songs. Perfect for fun and assessment!
Your feedback is important! Please rate this product. Like me on Facebook for updates and Flash Freebies!