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While it is one of the more inland hikes in Morro Bay State Park, the loop formed by connecting Chumash Trail, Crespi Trail, and Hutash Trail delivers ample coastal views as it leads to a lovely grove of coast live oaks. This lollipop loop covers 2.9 miles with 420 feet of elevation change. Hutash Trail can be trimmed from the circuit to lower the round trip distance to 2.55 miles and reduce the total elevation change to 280 feet.
Begin from a dirt turnout on Turri Road, half a mile inland from South Bay Drive and just across from the meandering waters of Los Osos Creek. Spot a sign for Chumash Trail and march up an embankment into Morro Bay State Park. The trail levels out as you make your way north across a grass field. After less than a hundred yards, you will come to an unmarked split. A shortcut path parts to the right that can be used to trim off part of Chumash Trail and the opening of Crespi Trail. Continue straight on Chumash Trail to stick with the main route.
To your left, you’ll find a perspective down Los Osos Creek toward South Bay Drive. In front of you rises Cerro Carrillo, with slopes punctuated by large boulders like Tiki Rock. The trail makes its way through brush and dips across a gully before returning to open grassland.
You will have hiked less than half a mile when you come to a marked junction where the loop begins. In order to face the bay views on the second half of the loop, do yourself a favor and turn right on Crespi Trail. Tackle the circuit in a counterclockwise direction and set out east toward the oak grove.
After just a tenth of a mile on Crespi Trail, you will come to a split with no trail signs. Bypass Trail branches off to the left and omits the oak grove. Bear right to remain on Crespi Trail. A short distance after that, proceed straight through a junction with the other end of the shortcut path that you passed near the start of Chumash Trail.
Admire Hollister Peak as you make your way east across rolling grassland. Below the ridges in front of the peak, you’ll spot an oak grove. After a couple gentle rises, the trail turns downhill. Cross the bottom of a valley and slip into the oak grove, a mile from the trailhead. Pass through pools of sunlight that penetrate the canopy of massive oaks. This tucked-away grove appears to receive few visitors and is a true highlight of the hike.
Relax in the shade of this tranquil retreat and then proceed across a dry creek bed. Follow the trail through a sharp bend to the left that leads to the exit of the oak grove.
Crespi Trail heads west now, gradually ascending a grassy slope above the trail you took into the grove. At the top of this slope, the trail crosses over a notch in the terrain. Reaching the other side, you will discover delightful views west toward Morro Bay. Morro Rock will be visible rising over the north side of the bay.
Slip through sagebrush as the trail turning downhill and weaves around a draw in the terrain. Come to an important unmarked junction, 1.43 miles from the start of the hike. Hutash Trail ascends to the right, rising to higher ground with the loop’s best bay views. Hutash Trail reconnects with Crespi Trail after gaining 152 feet and descending 192 feet over 0.54 miles, replacing an easier 0.19-mile long section of Crespi Trail.
Turn right up Hutash Trail and make your way farther up the slopes of a hill on Park Ridge. Cross a 437-foot high point and weave downhill again. Enjoy the broadest views out over the tidal estuary of Morro Bay and south toward the town of Los Osos, which is backed by the mountains of Montaña de Oro State Park.
Take the second half of Hutash Trail back down to Crespi Trail. Turn right and hike west to a 4-way intersection. You will be facing the back of Portola Hill (which provides its own views over Morro Bay). Look to your right to admire Tiki Rock on Cerro Cabrillo and then turn left to hike south down Chumash Trail.
Chumash Trail goes quickly downhill and crosses a dip with bay views on your right. Make your way across gentle grassland and pass through the initial junction with Crespi Trail. Close the loop and proceed straight on Chumash Trail to return to Turri Road and complete the 2.9-mile hike.
The basic directions for this hike are:
- Hike up Chumash Trail from Turri Road (0 miles)
- Turn right onto Crespi Trail (0.45 miles)
- Bear right to stay on Crespi Trail through a split with Bypass Trail (0.55 miles)
- Pass through an oak grove at the east end of the loop (1.05 miles)
- Bear right up Hutash Trail or continue straight on Crespi Trail (1.43 miles)
- Return to Crespi Trail and turn right (1.97 miles)
- Turn left down Chumash Trail (2.15 miles)
- Hike back to Turri Road, passing the other end of Crespi Road (2.9 miles)
Bikes are welcome on these trails in Morro Bay State Park, but dogs are not. For other nearby hikes, consider Black Hill, Cerro Cabrillo, Portola Point, Turtle Rock, or the Elfin Forest. No permit is required for this hike and parking at the trailhead is free, so get out and enjoy!
To get to the trailhead: From Highway 1 in Morro Bay, take exit 277, following signs for Los Osos and Baywood Park. Drive south on South Bay Boulevard for 2 miles to an intersection with Turri Road. Turn left, drive half a mile, and park in a dirt turnout on the left side of the road where Chumash Trail begins.
From Los Osos, drive north on South Bay Boulevard for 1.9 miles to Turri Road. Turn right and drive half a mile to the trailhead parking on the left.
From Highway 101 south of San Luis Obispo, take exit 200A onto Los Osos Valley Road and drive 6.8 miles west. Turn right onto Turri Road and drive 4.1 miles to the dirt turnout, which is on the right. Park and find the start of Chumash Trail.
Trailhead address: 1674 Turri Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Trailhead coordinates: 35.3315, -120.81645 (35° 19′ 53.39″N 120° 48′ 59.22″W)
This 2-mile loop explores a short hill just east of Morro Estuary in Morro Bay State Park.
This tough 2.5-mile hike summits the highest mountain in Morro Bay State Park, a 911-foot member of the Nine Sisters.
This easy 2.1-mile hike reaches a short rise between Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo in Morro Bay State Park.
This short 0.6-mile out and back hike ascends 175 feet to the summit of Black Hill, which presents 360-degree views over Morro Bay.
|Morro Rock via Morro Strand Trail
This level one to 3.5-mile round trip hike starts from Cloisters Park and crosses Morro Strand State Beach to reach Morro Rock.
|Elfin Forest Natural Reserve
This easy 1-mile loop on a boardwalk explores a pygmy forest on the edge of Morro Bay.
|More hikes in San Luis Obispo
Explore other trails around San Luis Obispo including Montaña de Oro State Park and the Morros.

domain: geography


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Brokerages Anticipate El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO) Will Post Earnings of $0.18 Per Share
Wall Street analysts expect El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOCO) to report earnings of $0.18 per share for the current quarter, according to Zacks Investment Research. Four analysts have made estimates for El Pollo Loco Holdings’ earnings, with the highest EPS estimate coming in at $0.19 and the lowest estimate coming in at $0.16. El Pollo Loco Holdings also reported earnings of $0.18 per share in the same quarter last year. The business is expected to report its next quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd.
On average, analysts expect that El Pollo Loco Holdings will report full year earnings of $0.66 per share for the current fiscal year, with EPS estimates ranging from $0.65 to $0.67. For the next fiscal year, analysts forecast that the company will report earnings of $0.70 per share, with EPS estimates ranging from $0.69 to $0.73. Zacks Investment Research’s EPS calculations are a mean average based on a survey of sell-side research analysts that follow El Pollo Loco Holdings.
El Pollo Loco Holdings (NASDAQ:LOCO) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The restaurant operator reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the Thomson Reuters’ consensus estimate of $0.20 by $0.01. El Pollo Loco Holdings had a return on equity of 9.56% and a net margin of 4.66%. The firm had revenue of $105.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $105.83 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.19 EPS. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.3% on a year-over-year basis.
Several analysts recently weighed in on LOCO shares. Zacks Investment Research cut El Pollo Loco Holdings from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday, June 24th. BidaskClub cut El Pollo Loco Holdings from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. TheStreet upgraded El Pollo Loco Holdings from a “d+” rating to a “c-” rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on El Pollo Loco Holdings from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Friday, June 9th. Finally, Jefferies Group LLC reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of El Pollo Loco Holdings in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $15.00.
COPYRIGHT VIOLATION WARNING: This article was originally reported by American Banking News and is the sole property of of American Banking News. If you are reading this article on another site, it was illegally stolen and reposted in violation of US and international copyright law. The original version of this article can be read at https://www.americanbankingnews.com/2017/08/16/brokerages-anticipate-el-pollo-loco-holdings-inc-loco-will-post-earnings-of-0-18-per-share.html.
A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Garner Asset Management Corp purchased a new position in El Pollo Loco Holdings during the second quarter worth $145,000. Arizona State Retirement System increased its stake in shares of El Pollo Loco Holdings by 0.9% in the first quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 11,200 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $134,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. Virtu KCG Holdings LLC bought a new stake in shares of El Pollo Loco Holdings during the second quarter valued at approximately $157,000. Princeton Alpha Management LP bought a new stake in shares of El Pollo Loco Holdings during the first quarter valued at approximately $138,000. Finally, Thrivent Financial For Lutherans raised its position in El Pollo Loco Holdings by 4.3% in the first quarter. Thrivent Financial For Lutherans now owns 12,150 shares of the restaurant operator’s stock valued at $145,000 after buying an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. 77.00% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Shares of El Pollo Loco Holdings (LOCO) traded up 0.879% on Wednesday, hitting $12.055. The stock had a trading volume of 59,242 shares. The company has a market cap of $465.94 million, a PE ratio of 26.207 and a beta of 0.31. The stock’s 50-day moving average price is $13.15 and its 200 day moving average price is $12.87. El Pollo Loco Holdings has a 52 week low of $10.08 and a 52 week high of $14.85.
El Pollo Loco Holdings Company Profile
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc specializes in fire-grilling citrus-marinated chicken and operates in the limited service restaurant (LSR) segment. The Company’s menu features its signature product, citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken, and a range of Mexican-inspired entrees that it creates from chicken.
For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com
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domain: news


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Inner Hebrides Sea Trip
Departing from Ballycastle we offer bespoke trips to the islands of the Inner Hebribes, Scotland, such as Colonsey, Gigha, Isla, Jura, Iona, and Staffa.
These trips are at least two days in duration and include breath taking scenery. They can be tailored to your needs and interests.
- Tour min time: 2 days
- Great for: Sight-seeing, family short break, adventurers, photographers, historians, video producers, team building
+44 (0) 7864 684857
call or text Tim to book or make enquiries

domain: travel


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In the past six months, many high-profile darknet markets have shut end the White House Market in October 2022, Cannazon in November and. Cannazon, a popular marketplace for marijuana and related products, willing be voluntarily shutting down. In the retirement message on the. On the next screen, WTN Market Main cannazon market MARKET. About. Cannazons Vision Cannazon is a cannabis only marketplace with the focus on a secure and easy. Cannahome Market, Onion Link. The Cannazon marketplace is only meant for cannabis. Legit darknet markets Biggest DarknetMarket 2022 2022-12-05. Revlon age defying powder discontinued Cannazon Market onion dark web darknet markets. Market for cannabis products only, By this it wants. Cannazon is a marketplace focusing on Cannabis products only. Tags: market. Latest News. 2022-08-30 DDOS Update via /d/Cannazon. Verified URLs.
In May, the cannazon market EU's drugs agency, the EMCDDA, reported that Cannazon a cannabis-only online market sold cannazon market tonnes of weed. Results 21 - 40 of 64 Cannazon dark web market place is for buying the weed or best quality marijuana online. Marketplace url: cannazon market darknet (Active) Download PGP Description: The Cannazon Market. Torrez Market Link is an online darknet. TheAfghani indica in its genetics makes for a well-balanced, albeit somewhat cerebral high. Cannabis cup winning genetics. By Cannazon Market. Information on Cannazon Market Cannazon Market Alternative Links Cannazon Market PGP Key Top Markets New Darknet Markets Cannabis Markets Non English. Cannazon is a cannabis only marketplace with the focus on a secure and easy shopping experience. By focusing only on cannabis products we want to distance.
Major European dark web markets saw a 30 percent increase in marijuana On the cannabis-only market Cannazon, which accounted for the. url=. Cannazon darknet markets is a cannabis only market with a focus on the European community. Support of Bitcoin multisig, Monero, 2-Factor Authentication using PGP. In the past six months, many high-profile darknet markets have shut end the White House Market in October 2022, Cannazon in November and. A popular dark net market for buying and selling drugs has been offline for three days, Valhalla Darknet Market 2022-01-05 Cannazon market darknet. Cannazon market is. Cannazonmarket Figure 1, Cannazon cannabis market. The availability of controlled substances is mediated through two broad. Darknet wall street market Wall Street Market Darknet Review Major Darknet Marketplace Wall Cannazon market darknet. Dec 16, 2022.
Cannazon is a darknet markets reddit marketplace focusing on Cannabis products only. Tags: market. Latest News. 2022-08-30 DDOS Update via /d/Cannazon. Verified URLs. Results 21 - 40 of 62 Support of Bitcoin multisig, Monero, 2-Factor Authentication. Darknet dream market link best darknet market reddit torrez darknet cannazon. 104 E. KERMITSIS ET AL. cannazon market RuTor cannazon market Cannazon cannazon market Active Vendor Shops cannazon market CharlieUK. Sein eher. Notes : Based on analysis of 19 major darknet markets ( Hydra Market, Whitehouse, Dark Market, Versus, Cannazon, Empire, Berlusconi Market. Cannazon marketplace. Cannazon Market link. Cannazon Market alternative links Cannazon Market mirror. Cannazon dark web market. Cannazon is a cannabis only market with a focus on the Western community. Support of Bitcoin multisig, Monero, 2-Factor Authentication using. Opening for.
Dark0De Darknet Arket
Another marketplace on the Dark web with a product arsenal consisting of Digital Goods, Drugs, Fraud, Guides and Tutorials, and Services. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. It is also often harder to market products or search for relevant listings on the disparate channels or groups that these messaging platforms provide, or advertise on the correct forums where the listings will get in front of the right audience. Also if you can tell us, are your staff members fixed to specific roles or do you help each other out? FTX is a cryptocurrency exchange that was founded in 2017 by cannazon market CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and CTO Gary Wang. Money Service Business (MSB) is a legal term used to describe any company that transmits or converts money, cashes checks, carries out foreign currency exchange, facilitates payments and remittance services, and other related services. They allege he is "the Dread Pirate Roberts," the Silk Road's mysterious founder, who drew his pseudonym from the feared, fictitious character in the film The Princess Bride. They may have used a stolen card to make the purchase. All attacks require initial access to the target's information system. According to Qrator, which is working with Yandex on combating the attack, Meris appears to be made up of Internet routers produced by MikroTik.
At the time, the dark web had fallen victim darknet markets onion address to a major DDoS. In Scratch, Manjula Martin has gathered interviews and essays from established and rising authors to confront the age-old question: how do creative people make money? The undercover operation has reportedly been underway for two months, but was only announced upon the arrest of the suspects.

domain: economics


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A woman died and five others wounded when a vehicle of the United States embassy hit with a car in Islamabad on Sunday, police said.
The accident took place near Faisal Chowk on Margalla Road when the US embassy vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, hit with the car coming from the other direction. The incident reportedly occurred due to one of the vehicles breaking the signal.
The dead woman was identified as Nazia Bibi. According to a police spokesperson, a minor girl who was injured in the accident is in critical condition. The injured and the dead were shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims).
Police said the US embassy vehicle was being driven by a Pakistani driver named Amjad Zaman; it wasn’t immediately clear if there were other people in the car. Margalla police arrested the driver and registered a first information report (FIR) of the incident.
Police also seized the US embassy vehicle involved in the accident.
“Action will be taken against the suspects as per the law,” the Islamabad police spokesperson said.

domain: law


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Traditional Chinese Medicine and Vascular DiseaseView this Special Issue
Research Article | Open Access
Su-Hong Lu, Jian-Hua Guan, Yan-Li Huang, Yu-Wei Pan, Wei Yang, Hai Lan, Si Huang, Jing Hu, Guo-Ping Zhao, "Experimental Study of Antiatherosclerosis Effects with Hederagenin in Rats", Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2015, Article ID 456354, 10 pages, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/456354
Experimental Study of Antiatherosclerosis Effects with Hederagenin in Rats
The research tries to establish Wistar rat’s model of atherosclerosis for evaluating the antiatherosclerotic effect of hederagenin and exploring its antiatherosclerosis-related mechanisms. The statistical data have shown that hederagenin exhibits multiple pharmacological activities in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, antiplatelet aggregation, liver protection, and anti-inflammation, indicating that hederagenin may exert a protective effect on vascular walls by improving lipid metabolism disorders and lipid deposition. The results show that hederagenin can correct the imbalance of endothelial function by inhibiting the release of large amounts of iNOS and increasing eNOS contents and inhibits the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce the release of IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and other inflammatory factors. The experimental results indicated that hederagenin can inhibit or ameliorate the pathological changes associated with AS, displaying an excellent preventive function against AS.
Atherosclerosis (AS) is an inflammatory disease caused by the lesion-like deposition of lipids (primarily cholesterol and cholesterol ester), carbohydrates, and blood components on the vasculature intima or under the intima of the artery and its branches, in addition to the deposition of connective tissues and calcium. AS is accompanied by the migration of medial smooth muscle cells into the intima and the proliferation of these cells, causing intimal thickening and the formation of AS lesions or fibrous fatty plaque lesions. An inflammatory response is always present in AS. Deaths from cardiac and cerebrovascular accidents caused by AS account for the highest disease mortality in humans. Therefore, AS is referred to as the “number one killer” in western countries, and it is one of the most severe cardiovascular diseases that threaten human health. Hence, strategies for achieving early diagnosis and effective interventions for this disease are urgently required. Many studies have been conducted on the prevention and treatment of AS, both domestically and abroad. Most of these studies have investigated the pathogenesis of AS and attempted to delay the progression of the pathological changes associated with AS through drug interventions. Currently, hyperlipidemia is considered the primary factor involved in the occurrence and development of AS. Good control of blood lipids can significantly slow the progression of AS lesions and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with AS-related cardiovascular diseases. There have been drug studies on the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis conducted to date. Statins can contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis, but the liver damage they cause after long-term administration is drawing increasing attention [1–3]. Natural herbs present the characteristics of having many available varieties and low toxic side effects. Identifying single active components of natural herbs that can prevent and treat atherosclerosis is a trend in modern pharmaceutical research and development. Hederagenin, with a molecular formula of C30H48O4, is a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin that is relatively enriched in Hedera nepalensisvar sinensis of the Araliaceae Hedera L. genus, Akebia trifoliata of the Lardizabalaceae, and Clematis armandii Franch and Holboellia fargesii Reaub of the Ranunculaceae. Studies have shown that hederagenin exhibits multiple pharmacological activities in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, antilipid peroxidation, antiplatelet aggregation, liver protection, antidepression, anti-inflammation, and diuresis [4–12], indicating that hederagenin may exert a protective effect on vascular walls by improving lipid metabolism disorders and lipid deposition. However, there are currently few reports regarding whether hederagenin can protect arteries from AS lesions through its lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory functions. Therefore, the present study established a Wistar rat atherosclerosis model in which hederagenin was administered as a preventive intervention to evaluate its preventive function against atherosclerosis and to explore the underlying mechanism, providing an experimental basis for clinical drug administration.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Preparation of Drugs
Consider the following: hederagenin (purity 95%), Nanjing Spring and Autumn Biological Engineering Co., Ltd, batch number: 20131020; vitamin D3, specifications: 1 mL: 7.5 mg, Shanghai General Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., batch number: 121123; atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor), specifications: 20 mg 7 tablets, Pfizer, batch number: H54107; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), Shanghai Bohu Biological Technology Co., batch number: 20130513.
2.2. Animals and High-Fat Diet
Male, Specific Pathogen-Free- (SPF-) level Wistar rats with weights of 160–200 g, aged 5~6 weeks (provided by the Experimental Animal Center of Southern Medical University, license number: SCKK2011-0015, animal certificate number: 44002100002027), were used in this study. The animals were fed in animal experimental center of Jinan University SPF animal housing management and given free access to water and food; the feeding room temperature was set at 23°C–25°C, and the relative humidity was approximately 7%. After one week of feeding adaptation, the experiments were initiated. The high-fat diet was composed of 3% cholesterol, 0.5% sodium cholate, 0.2% propylthiouracil, 5% sugar, 10% lard, and 81.3% basic fodder, which were mixed well and irradiated with cobalt-60 (radiation dose 25.0 kGy) before feeding.
2.3. Experimental Design
After one week of adaptive feeding with basic rat fodder, 40 quarantined Wistar rats were selected and weighed. The rats were randomly divided into four groups according to a random number table. These groups included a normal group, model group, atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) group and hederagenin group, with 10 rats in each group. With the exception of the normal group, the rats in all other groups were administered vitamin D3 at 600,000 IU/kg/d via intraperitoneal injection, and they were also fed continuously with the high-fat diet. Furthermore, an additional 100,000 IU/kg of vitamin D3 was administered to these rats via intraperitoneal injection in the 3rd, 6th, and 9th weeks of the experiments. The rats in the normal group were administered saline through intraperitoneal injection and were fed with normal fodder.
2.3.2. Grouping and Drug Administration
Doses and Methods. The rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs for each intervention. The rats in the hederagenin group were administered hederagenin at 20 mg/kg/d via gavage. The rats in the atorvastatin calcium group were administered atorvastatin calcium tablets at 5 mg/kg/d via gavage. All drugs were prepared as suspension solutions with 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na). The rats in the normal control group and the model group were administered an equal amount of 0.5% CMC-Na via gavage continuously for 12 weeks.
2.4. Determination of Indicators
At the end of 12 weeks, arteries were collected from the rats to perform HE staining and observe pathological changes under a light microscope and electron microscope. A Zeiss-Axioskop 20 microscope was used to observe the histological changes in HE-stained sections, and an Axiocan HRc camera was employed to obtain micrographs. Leica Qwin Image Processing and Analysis Software was used to analyze AS lesions and the cross-sectional area of the artery lumen and to calculate the relative area of atherosclerosis lesions (the ratio of the lesion area versus the lumen cross-sectional area), which is represented as a percentage (%). Blood lipids, liver lipids, blood rheology, inflammatory factors, and the gene expression and protein expression of eNOS, iNOS, IKKβ, p-IKKβ, and NF-κBp65 in artery tissue were examined.
2.5. Statistical Analysis of the Data
The experimental data were analyzed using Social Sciences (SPSS, USA) 16.0 statistical software. Measured data were represented as the mean ± standard deviation (SD), and comparisons of the means between two groups were carried out with one-way ANOVA. When the variance was homogeneous, the SNK test and Tukey test were applied, whereas when the variance was not homogeneous, the T2 test was used and probability value () less than 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant.
3.1. Observation of Pathological Changes in the Rat Aorta through Light and Electron Microscopy
3.1.1. Light Microscopy Observations of Rat Aorta HE Staining (200x)
Normal Control Group. Aorta morphology was normal; endothelial cells were intact; the intima was smooth; there was no local damage or thickening; the internal elastic lamina was continuous without breaks; the tunica media edge was clear; smooth muscle cells were arranged in an orderly fashion; no inflammatory cell infiltration was observed; and there was no excrescence in the lumen. Model group: significant intimal hyperplasia could be observed in the aorta, which appeared as continuous intimal damage, and a large number of foam cells, cholesterol crystals, intermittent calcification, and unstructured necrotic substances could be observed in the lumen, forming the fibrous cap of AS plaques. The tunica media was thickened, and a large number of smooth muscle cells aggregated and passed through the internal elastic lamina to gather at the tunica intima. Lipitor group: slight intimal thickening of rat aorta, protruding into the lumen, and a thickened tunica media were observed; smooth muscle cells were arranged in a relatively orderly fashion; calcification appeared between the intima and the tunica media; no unstructured necrotic substances were present; and there was a small amount of cholesterol crystal deposition. Hederagenin group: the aorta intima was relatively integral without thickening; only a small amount of damaged intima had detached; the tunica media exhibited intermittent calcification without unstructured necrotic substances; and there was a small amount of cholesterol crystal deposition (Figure 1).
3.1.2. Relative Area of Rat Aorta AS Lesions
The Experimental Results Demonstrated the Following (Figure 2). ① The relative area of model group rat aortic lesions was increased significantly compared with the normal control group, and the difference was statistically significant (). ② Compared with the model group, the relative lesion area in the Lipitor group and in the hederagenin group was decreased significantly, and these differences were statistically significant ().
3.1.3. Electron Microscopy Observations of the Rat Aorta (12500x)
Normal Control Group. Rat aorta endothelial cells presented a normal morphology; adjacent endothelial cells were closely connected; nuclei were integral; the internal elastic lamina was continuous, with a uniform thickness; no obvious lipid vacuoles or collagen fiber proliferation was observed. Model group: the rat aorta endothelial cells had detached completely; the cytoplasm was not dense; there was a large amount of disorganized lipid deposition. Many collagen fibers could be observed in the intercellular space. Endothelial cell necrosis was observed, where the endothelial cells disappeared and were replaced with cell debris and a large amount of a fiber-like substance. The continuity of the internal elastic lamina was severely damaged, with focal dissolution. There were large amounts of foam cell infiltration, and the number of collagen fibers was increased significantly. Lipitor group: endothelial cells were relatively integral with oval-shaped nuclei; the internal elastic lamina was not uniform, showing thinning with occasional breaks, and thickness was not uniform, with some areas showing a complete loss; the gap between the endothelial cells and the internal elastic lamina increased; collagen fiber deposition and a small number of lipid vacuoles could be observed under the endothelium. Hederagenin group: endothelial cell morphology was relatively normal; local endothelial cell damage could be detected, accompanied by a small amount of smooth muscle cell proliferation; a small number of collagen fibers could be observed in the intercellular space; no endothelial cell necrosis was observed; the structure of the internal elastic lamina was mostly integral; a small amount of collagen fiber deposition could be observed under the endothelium (Figure 3).
3.2. Comparison of Rat Serum Lipid Levels, Blood Rheology, and Liver Function in Each Group
3.2.1. Comparison of Rat Serum Lipid Levels in Each Group
Figures 4(a) and 4(b) Showed the Following. ① Compared with the normal control group, the model group animals exhibited increased TC, TG, and LDL-C levels and decreased HDL-C levels, and these differences were statistically significant ( or 0.01). ② Compared with the model group, the Lipitor group and the hederagenin group showed significantly reduced TC, TG, and LDL-C levels and significantly increased HDL-C levels, and these differences were statistically significant ().
3.2.2. Comparison of Rat Liver Function in Each Group
The Experimental Results Demonstrated the Following (Figure 5). ① Compared with the normal control group, the rats in the model group exhibited significantly increased ALT and AST contents, and these differences were statistically significant (). ② Compared with the model group, the hederagenin group showed significantly decreased ALT and AST contents, and these differences were statistically significant (). ③ Compared with the model group, the Lipitor group exhibited significantly increased ALT and AST contents, though these differences were not statistically significant ().
3.2.3. Comparison of Rat Hemorheological Parameters in Each Group
The Experimental Results Demonstrated the Following (Table 1). ① Compared with the normal control group, rat hemorheological parameters were significantly increased in the model group, and these differences were statistically significant (). ② Compared with the model group, rat hemorheological parameters in the Lipitor and hederagenin groups were decreased, and these differences were statistically significant (). ③ Compared with the Lipitor group, the hederagenin group exhibited an improved high shear whole-blood viscosity index, and this difference was statistically significant ().
3.3. Comparison of Rat Aortic Endothelial Function in Each Group
3.3.1. Comparison of Rat Serum NO and ET-1 Contents in Each Group
Figures 6(a) and 6(b) Showed the Following. ① Compared with the normal control group, the contents of NO significantly increased while ET-1 significantly decreased in the model group and these differences were statistically significant (). ② Compared with the model group, the contents of NO significantly decreased while ET-1 significantly increased in the Lipitor and hederagenin groups and these differences were statistically significant (). ③ Compared with the Lipitor group, the hederagenin group exhibited significantly increased ET-1 contents, and these differences were statistically significant ().
3.3.2. Comparison of Rat Aortic iNOS and eNOS Protein Expression Levels
Figures 7(a) and 7(b) Showed the Following. ① Compared with the normal control group, the contents of iNOS significantly increased while eNOS significantly decreased in the model group, and these differences were statistically significant (). ② Compared with the model group, the contents of iNOS significantly decreased while eNOS significantly increased in the Lipitor and hederagenin groups, and these differences were statistically significant (). ③ Compared with the Lipitor group, the hederagenin group exhibited significantly increased eNOS contents, and these differences were statistically significant ().
3.4. Comparison of the IKKβ/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Relevant Inflammatory Factors in the Rat Aorta in Each Group
3.4.1. Contents of the Inflammatory Cytokines IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in the Rat Aorta
The Experimental Results Demonstrated the Following (Figure 8). ① Compared with the normal control group, the contents of IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α significantly increased in the model group, and these differences were statistically significant (). ② Compared with the model group, the contents of IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α significantly decreased in the Lipitor and hederagenin groups, and these differences were statistically significant ().
3.4.2. Relative Expression Levels of IKKβ and NF-κB mRNA in Rat Aortic Tissue in Each Group
The Experimental Results Demonstrated the Following (Figure 9). ① Compared with the normal control group, the model group animals exhibited increased gene expression levels of IKKβ and NF-κB, and these differences were statistically significant (). ② Compared with the model group, the Lipitor group and the hederagenin group showed significantly reduced gene expression levels of IKKβ and NF-κB, and these differences were statistically significant ().
3.4.3. The Expression of Cytoplasmic IKKβ, p-IKKβ, and Nuclear NF-κBp65 Proteins in the Rat Aorta
Figures 10(a) and 10(b) Showed the Following. ① Compared with the normal control group, the model group animals exhibited increased protein content of IKKβ, p-IKKβ, and NF-κB, and these differences were statistically significant (). ② Compared with the model group, the Lipitor group and the hederagenin group showed significantly reduced protein content of IKKβ, p-IKKβ, and NF-κB, and these differences were statistically significant ().
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a complicated pathological process resulting from interactions between various pathways and factors. The theory of AS pathogenesis primarily involves thrombosis theory, lipid filtration theory, endothelial dysfunction theory, oxidation stress theory, and inflammatory response theory. These theories correspondingly explain different aspects of the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. An increasing number of studies have shown that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, and the inflammatory response is present throughout the process of the pathogenesis and progression of AS. During the early stage of atherosclerosis, when unstable plaques break, there are continuous activation and amplification of inflammation. Therefore, the early identification of unstable AS plaques, detecting sensitive and specific serological markers of these plaques and associated inflammation targets, in addition to reducing and blocking atherosclerosis and other vascular events through early anti-inflammation treatment, represent current research hot spots that will continue to direct future research.
Hyperlipidemia and hemorheological abnormalities usually occur at the same time and promote each other’s occurrence. Epidemiological studies have shown that, as an initiation factor of atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, accompanied by hemorheological abnormalities, is generally a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Studies have demonstrated that an increase of serum cholesterol levels is positively correlated with the occurrence of AS and can lead to abnormal plasma lipoproteins, thereby inducing artery wall lesions. Lipoproteins are the major form of lipids that exists in human plasma. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is considered the major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Drug intervention experiments confirmed that lowering LDL levels can significantly reduce the risk of the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases for hypercholesterolemia patients and can also benefit patients with a normal level of LDL . Studies have shown that one risk factor that causes AS is an overly low level of high density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL can carry out reverse transport of cholesterol to the liver for processing to lower body cholesterol levels, and HDL therefore exhibits an anti-AS function [20, 21]. Studies have shown that every stage of atherosclerosis is accompanied by endothelial dysfunction, and the occurrence of many coronary events is closely related to coronary artery endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is an early event in the occurrence of atherosclerosis, and all of the risk factors that cause atherosclerosis can also cause coronary artery endothelial dysfunction. Damage to the endothelium not only is the initiating step in the occurrence of AS but also serves as a clinical sign of AS disease, which plays an independent role in predicting the prognosis of AS [22–29].
AS is an inflammatory disease, and the inflammatory response is observed throughout the process of the occurrence and progression of AS [30, 31]. Studies have shown that the IKK/IκB/NF-κB signaling pathway plays a key role in the occurrence of AS. Throughout the course of AS, NF-κB is involved in multiple signaling pathways in the inflammatory process. The body’s inflammatory response is not separable from the participation of various molecules , including IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and a prerequisite for the activation of these molecules is activation of NF-κB. In other words, a prerequisite for the inflammatory response is the activation of NF-κB, and the inflammatory response is a prerequisite for AS occurrence [33–36]. As an important cytokine in the progression of AS, IL-6 was recently found to be positively correlated with atherosclerosis. The development of AS lesions is a slow and complicated process related to the inflammatory response. IL-6 represents the origin of the inflammatory response cascade, playing an extremely significant mediating function [37, 38]. IFN-γ is a cytokine that was recently found to be positively correlated with atherosclerosis. IFN-γ acts on multiple types of cells in AS plaques, regulating the expression of cytokines and cytokine receptors in these cells as well as the proliferation and apoptosis of the cells to promote the formation of AS plaques. Studies have shown that IFN-γ is a pro-AS cytokine. Macrophages and smooth muscle cells, which are found in AS plaques, show lipid accumulation and express the IFN-γ receptor [39–42]. Therefore, NF-κB activation leads to overexpression of inflammation-related factors, resulting in the inflammatory response . Meanwhile, the increased production and release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines further activate NF-κB, resulting in continuous amplification of the initial inflammation signal and even loss of control of the inflammation response, eventually leading to AS.
Thus, in the present study, we explored and evaluated the antiatherosclerosis function of hederagenin by establishing a Wistar rat AS model, and we analyzed the antiatherosclerosis mechanism of hederagenin from the perspective of lipid metabolism disorders, liver function, blood rheology, endothelial function, and inflammation signaling pathways. Studies have shown that, in AS rat models induced by a high-lipid diet plus VD3, hederagenin can effectively reduce serum lipid, ALT, and AST levels, in addition to improving liver function, relieving high blood coagulation, and slowing blood flow and stasis by improving blood rheology. Hederagenin can correct the imbalance of endothelial function by inhibiting the release of large amounts of iNOS and increasing eNOS contents. Hederagenin also inhibits the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce the release of IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and other inflammatory factors.
In conclusion, the experimental results showed that hederagenin can inhibit or ameliorate the pathological changes associated with AS, displaying an excellent preventive function against AS. The mechanism of hederagenin action may be related to the regulation of lipid metabolism disorders, protection of liver function, improvement of blood rheology, regulation of endothelial dysfunction, and inhibition of the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the amplification cascade of the inflammatory response, to reduce the release of IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and other inflammatory factors. Further study is needed to find out whether there are some other signal transduction pathways involved in the course.
Conflict of Interests
All of the authors of this paper declare that they have no direct financial relation with the commercial identities mentioned in this paper. And all of the authors declare that they have no competing interests.
The present work was supported by a grant (no. 81173189) from Natural Science Foundation of China.
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Copyright © 2015 Su-Hong Lu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

domain: biology


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Book recommendations, with a focus on history and cities, by Aaron Gordon. To receive future editions, sign up here:
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#5 — Book Time #5: Best of 2023.
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domain: library


Father, 39, who lived in USA for 30yrs, deported to Mexico
India summon Dinesh Karthik for final Test
'It was special': Roy registers record as England beat Australia
Haryana: 15-year-old girl raped, murdered, body found near canal
Arsenal team against Bournemouth was their WORST EVER - Jamie Redknapp
Chelsea v Barcelona Drawn Together In Champions League
12 December 2017, 05:58 | Sylvia Adams
Chelsea have been drawn with Barcelona in the Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi says that his club will relish the task of taking on Real Madrid in the last-16 stage of the Champions League.
"Then when it will be the moment to play against Barcelona we will start to think of the game against Barcelona".
Former PSG defender Maxwell, now an ambassador for the Ligue 1 club, said on UEFA's website: "It's a good draw, with two good games to play". It's impossible. It's impossible because you have to prepare with the players for a game every three days.
"It's a hard draw for us, but we knew that nothing was going to be easy because there were excellent teams in the draw", Valverde told Barca TV. "We have to go game by game". "Our fans will like it after we were knocked out by Barcelona last season".
"It is a good tie, the factor of playing the first leg away can always help you a little", said Barca director Guillermo Amor. It's a attractive challenge for the club.
The Italian expects Huddersfield to try and hit his team on the break, saying: "We must pay great attention to the counter-attack because they have fast players. I think we're ready for that".
Among the other Premier League clubs, United, City and Liverpool will all be favourites to reach the quarterfinal stage after avoiding Madrid and Bayern, but Spurs must overcome a Juve side who - despite a relatively disappointing campaign so far - have reached two of the last three finals. They're a strong team.
Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea all progressed from the group stage, making England the first country to have so many sides through to the knockout phase.
You can now pre-order apps from Apple's app store
Apple exercises a firm and strict hold on anything and everything that gets into its App Store, and for good reason. Interestingly, this feature has been made available for all iterations listed on App Store.
IATA: With passenger growth will come higher airline profits
Latin America: Airlines in Latin America are forecast to generate a $900 million net profit in 2018, up from $700 million in 2017. This will push up the average load factor to a record 81.4 per cent, helping to drive a 3 per cent improvement in yields.
UCF targeting Kevin Sumlin as next head coach
Frost was then drafted by the Jets and played five seasons in the National Football League with New York, Cleveland and Tampa Bay. This was also seen when the team's Twitter page sent out a congratulatory message following Nebraska's announcement.


text:
Boykin: Failure to Stop 'Stealth Jihad' is 'Almost Criminal'
Yesterday, Bryan Fischer once again welcomed Jerry Boykin as a guest on his radio program where the two bonded over their mutual dislike and distrust of all things Muslim. Fischer kicked things off by asking Boykin whether he believed that our leaders really understand the threat that Islam poses to this nation, prompting Boykin to declare not only does the political leadership not get it but that the lack of interest in the threat "is almost criminal," citing federal law that holds those who know of a threat and don't act or report it can be held criminally liable.
Boykin went on to complain that everyone is too focused on terrorism and bombings while ignoring the fact that the "stealth jihad that is being executed by the Muslim Brotherhood today is far more dangerous than taking down the Twin Towers; it, in the long term, will have an absolutely devastating impact on our society and our culture and our legal system":
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Anti-Gay Pundit: Homosexuality 'A Factor' In Amtrak Crash
5/14/15 @ 12:35pm
Flashback: Duggars Call LGBT People A Threat To Child Safety; Duggar Resigns From FRC
5/21/15 @ 6:20pm
Chuck Norris: 'Obama Has Literally Helped Build The Environment For The Apocalypse'
5/18/15 @ 11:05am
Takeover! Jade Helm 15 And Eight Other Obama Plots That Keep The Right Up at Night
5/14/15 @ 3:30pm
Fringe Pastor: Obama Will Declare Himself President For Life, Take All Guns
5/14/15 @ 5:20pm


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Top 10 Most Wanted Spiderman 4 Villains1nyjetsfan
The Top Ten
It is not called Spiderman 4... It is being remade..
Lizard is apparently going to be the villain in the next Spiderman film - "Amazing Spider-Man" Due for release in 2012
I'm so excited
Even if Spider-Man 4 was cancelled, a good actor for the serial killer Kletus Cassidy should be enough to rivalize Heath's Joker.
And seriously, Carnage has to be in one. In a really dark one.
Already had a movie though - Catception
He is really a cool villain. HE really deserves this place in the top tens!
Well for amazing spiderman 3, Mysterio, Shocker, and Vulture - therealtop10s
Best cool kick ever
Bring him back for gods sake! - booklover1
I have waited long enough I want to see vulture!
I like the hobgoblin but the green goblin is the best but he was the best in the 2002 spider-man film.
Maybe he can be in the amazing spider man well it should have all the villains
I think the green goblin should be number 1 he hurt peter parker the most in the comics
Same reason as chameleon, by the same person who wrote about chameleon
Really, this spiderman saga, unlike 1-3, isn't in order, chameleon is the first villain spiderman ever fought! Not lizard!
Related ListsTop Ten Male Spiderman Villains Top 10 Greatest Spiderman Villains Spiderman Villains that Should Be in the Homecoming Sequel Top Ten Spiderman Villains Who Should Get Their Own Movie Top 10 Most Fatal Spiderman Enemies
8 years, 12 days old

domain: entertainment


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Movies & TV
paula’s put on
Paula’s Put On: Celebrity Hair Stylist Ray D Shares His Hair Extension Tips
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Paula’s Put On: #HashtagLunchbag Puts A Social Media Twist On Ending Hunger
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#HashtagLunchbag was born on Christmas Day 2012 in a LA apartment when founders Ajay Relan, Will 'JDubb' Smith and JD McElroy decided to…
Paula’s Put On: Lorrayne Mathias Shares Her One-Of-A-Kind Fashion
Brazilian designer Lorrayne Mathias sits down with Paula Miranda for the latest episode of Paula's Put On. Mathias, the designer behind Rack 75,…
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domain: celebrity


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Only six artists remain on this 13th season of “Face Off” and this week it is time to see what the remaining artists are made of.
When the artists enter the lab they find all manner of nautical artifacts. For centuries treasure hunters have sailed the high seas but feared getting to close to the edge of the earth or they would be devoured by monsters.
The artists must create a sea monster that was inspired by illustrations from a 16th century map. And since they are creating sea creatures, the creations will be tested in their natural environment…underwater. The makeups must be waterproof. The judges will see the creatures both on the land and in the water.
This week’s match ups are:
Derek and Mel
Matt and Walter
Jordan and Damien
During season two, Matt was the champion on the sea monster challenge.
Mentor Michael Westmore visits the lab to offer some advice for the artists. After talking with Westmore, Derek makes some changes to his sculpture and is much happier with the result.
Mel has a concept of what she wants to do but it isn’t coming out in the clay.
When Mel comes into the lab on day two, she does not like her sculpt; she tears it apart and starts over.
Jordan is getting more excited the more work he gets done on his sea creature.
Matt is working to emphasize the profile of his sea creature.
Damien is getting very ambitious with his sea creature and has a lot of pieces to apply.
Mel chose a seahorse for her inspiration and is creating a mane for her creature.
It’s application day and only four hours to apply the pieces with only one hour in last looks. The artists have a lot of extra work to waterproof their prosthetic pieces.
Mel is running way behind, her model is giving her a hand with the waterproofing.
Derek has some repair work to do on his model when the chest piece does not fit properly.
In his meeting with Mel, Michael Westmore told her not to start with black paint, she forgot what he told her and laid down the black paint first and then tried to add gold, it begins to turn green. She has a plan to recover the paint job during last looks.
Damien said that he has two hours of painting to do and only an hour to do it.
While in the tank pieces from Damien’s creature come off.
After the reveal, closer looks, and dive into the tank;
In Mel against Derek, Derek wins
In Walter against Matt, Matt wins
In Jordan against Damien, Jordan wins
The judges spoke with some of the artists…
Glenn said that Matt’s creature was phenomenal; adding that the head shape was gorgeous and had great balance. Ve loved the chest piece and Neville said that the side view was perfect. The judges noted that Matt’s creature was one of the finest they had seen and was fantastic underwater.
Ve said that Mel’s creature looked bizarre to her and not a success for her. Neville felt that the creature did not feel terrestrial or mythical. Glenn noted that Mel made some disastrous paint decisions.
Neville said that Jordan’s creature was so well crafted and conceived. Glenn noted that the creature had a killer profile; adding that the makeup worked well underwater. Calling the creature gorgeous, Ve said that it gave her goosebumps; adding that the creature could walk on to a movie set right now.
Glenn said that Damien’s paint job fought the sculpture and noted that it lost some of its components in the water. Calling the paint job the most problematic, Ve questioned Damien’s use of turquoise. Neville called the creature confusing.
Saying that it was a killer makeup, Glenn named Jordan as the winner of the challenge. This was Jordan’s first win.

domain: artistic


Police on Monday said cases would be filed against MQM activists under terrorism clauses. Police claimed to have arrested at least 15 MQM workers involved in acts of violence. Police and Rangers also uprooted the MQM hunger strikers camp outside the Karachi Press Club. Meantime, commercial establishments situated in the neighbourhood abandoned business activities.
The law enforcers reached the scene of violence quite late to subdue the miscreants with tear gas shelling and gunfire in air. Much before the law enforcers took control of the situation, the MQM workers had already burnt motorbikes and a police van, injuring cameraman of Samaa TV channel, policeman and citizens, besides attacking the Neo TV and ARY channels.
Violence led to immediate closure of shops at Zainab Market and surrounding areas. It also led to cause worst traffic jams on main I.I. Chundrigar Raod, adjacent thoroughfares, Shahrae Faisal, Abddullah Haroon Road, Sarwar Shaheed Road and nearby areas.
Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah and DG Rangers, Bilal Akbar visited the media houses with a resolve to hunt down the attackers for carrying out assaults on TV channels. “Cases will be filed against the attackers and law will be followed,” Murad told media persons.
DSP Saddar Anwar Asif said that attack on the media houses came minutes after MQM’s self-exiled chief Altaf Hussain made a highly provocative telephonic address to the workers at party’s hunger strike camp. CCTV footage released by some local media channels show that some masked men wielding wooden sticks barging into the TV office and ransacking the whole interior of the office and harassing its employees. The footage also shows a man trying to snatch gun from a security guard at the main entrance of the office.
The party had been staging a hunger strike for the last six days against what it terms injustices, extrajudicial killings and arrests of its workers and political victimisation. However, the party’s camp was removed by the law enforcers after an attack on media house.
The DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar said that paramilitary troops will take strict action against those taking law into their hands. The DG Rangers urged traders to keep their businesses open and vowed protection to them. A police party was pelted with stones by miscreants leaving SHO Saddar Peer Shabbir Hyder critically injured. He was rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPCM) for treatment.
IG Sindh A.D Khawaja also directed the DIG south to restore law and order situation on the spot, and take strict action against miscreants. He also issued directions to intensify police patrol across the city, besides providing improved security to all media houses. The deceased was identified as Ayyub. The body of victim was moved to JPMC for post-mortem. While Qamar Zaman, Noman son of Naeem, Aslam son of Ghulam Ali, Saad son of Asghar, and Sultan son of Jalil were among the injured.


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The dollar is holding up decently so far in European trading
The greenback was mildly softer early on but is now keeping steadier as we navigate through some light push and pull in European morning trade today.
- S&P 500 Holds Losses Despite Pullback in Short-Term Consumer Inflation Expectations
- Gold Price Forecast: Gold Threatens Larger Break, 1854 Support in Sight
- Markets Week Ahead: Dow Jones, US Dollar, Gold, Euro, Fed, CPI, China
- S&P 500 Outlook: Equities Drop Ahead of Peloton, Disney and Alibaba Earnings
- USD/JPY Forecast – Setting Up for the Next Leg Higher?


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I tend to gravitate towards downer books (and films and music). I like sad. Sad and romantic? Better still. Even so, I’m not sure I would have picked up Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why if it wasn’t this month’s selection over at readergirlz. At first look, the premise seems just too sad, even for me. The story is so sad, that I got suspicious. It made me think that the book was just calling out for attention or controversy. I was wrong, and I’m glad I gave it a chance.
Clay Jensen comes home from school to find a package on his doorstep. Inside the package is a bunch of cassette tapes recorded by his former classmate (and crush), Hannah Baker. Hannah committed suicide a few weeks before, and on the tapes she explains thirteen reasons for choosing to end her life. (Not exactly light reading). The novel follows Clay from the time he receives the tapes, all through the night and into the next day, as he travels around town, bearing witness to Hannah’s most difficult experiences.
This story will grab you and refuse to let go until you’re finished. In that way, it sort of mirrors Clay’s own experience with “the Hannah Tapes.” He starts listening and can’t stop until he’s worked his way through all of them. Asher really succeeds in getting you inside Hannah’s head, and that is absolutely critical to the power of his story. I suppose there’s an element of voyeurism to the tension in this book. You want to understand what would lead someone with her whole future ahead to kill herself. You’re basically listening in on a dead girl’s secrets. That’s creepy, but it’s compelling creepy. Hannah’s voice is completely honest and real, and in the beginning, not all that likeable. She’s so angry and seemingly vindictive. It’s a bit uncomfortable feeling that you don’t much like this girl, knowing her fate, but as the story progresses and Hannah’s pain and depression just seep out of every word on the tapes, you start to feel such a connection to this character. This is a deep book, and it doesn’t offer simple messages about teen suicide, which I think is just the way it should be. The ending will really make you think.
I can’t wait for the live chat with Jay Asher on July 24th at the readergirlz forum. This book – and topic – should certainly make for an interesting and important discussion.


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How do birds mate? Which organs do the male bird use to mate? Do female birds have organs? Birds mate by joining at their cloaca so that the sperm of the male bird can go from his cloaca to the female's. Confused? Here's a quick overview on how birds reproduce, have sex or mate with some amateur...
Dodo was discovered in Mauritius in 1598 and was last seen around 1681. Tragically it became extinct within 100 years of its discovery. It is a symbol of the destructive power of man over nature.
Margarita is the largest, most popular, and most species-rich of Venezuela's Caribbean Islands. Plan your birding trip with information on some of the best places to bird in the island.
The American Robin is not only a nice addition to my yard, I find myself looking forward to seeing them each Spring.
Spring is always the most exciting time for birders, and fresh from finding a pair of Garganey, I received news of arguably an even rarer species- a male Pied Flycatcher.
While puffins are not yet on the endangered species list, their numbers are rapidly falling. Conservationists are working to find solutions.
Oklahoma has the skies and the high point on Mount Scott, so why travel all the way to Hawk Mountain in PA or Hawk Ridge in Duluth, MN when you can see plenty of hawks here?
Information on all 4 types of puffin, including where to see them and at what time of year puffins come ashore to breed.
Have you seen a Blue Jay lately? The species was abundant in Ohio but may be changing habitats. Interbreeding with other species, they coincidentally remind us of the Hunger Games' Mockingjay.
The rare scarlet ibis and the white egret in flight are two of the most beautiful views of nature you can find in Florida.

domain: hobby


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Adopted - Not Available
|Tabby (Brown / Chocolate)
|Spayed Neutered House Trained Declawed Special Needs Shots Current
|Children Dogs Cats
|Biff wants to be everyone’s friend. He loves to play and wrestle with other kitties and even small dogs. He has a lot of energy and definitely needs a friend to spend his time with. He can play a bit rough bc he didn’t grow up having friends as a small kitten and doesn’t know his own strength. He needs a playmate that’s little bigger than him to keep him check and entertained. He’s a super sweet guy that just wants to follow you around the house and play play play. He’s very affectionate and loves being pet and attention. He’s also so handsome.
✓ - we have knowledge of this trait
X - should be interpreted as 'not applicable' since we do not have direct knowledge either way

domain: pet


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Radio Memories returns to play for you at Legion 50 in Kitchener. Legion is a bright, open space with a great stage! Come enjoy the music and dance! We will be featuring the new Radio Memories Jukebox, so you can pick songs you want to hear!
Cover: $7 for members, $10 non-members
Check out our Facebook event page and let us know if you will be attending!


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Catch Up on ITV2.
ITV2 is a British TV channel with 176 programs to watch online. That's more than 2,241 hours of playtime! Recent popular programs include The Ellen Degeneres Show, Dinner Date, I'm A Celebrity... Extra Camp, Celebrity Juice and Ready, Set, Style.
Recommendations by our editors


VFF confirms its new contract with Park Hang-seo
The contract with the South Korean coach is paid much attention and VFF’s standing vice president indicates that both parties have made agreements with coach Park.
“Today we are glad to announce that the new terms of the contract have been agreed after a long period of negotiation and discussion. The signing ceremony is expected to take place in a few days time.”
Park Hang-seo will sign new contract with VFF and Vietnam Football
The negotiations were held with some tension for a long time, which made many fans worried that it would be less possible to keep the park. However, the South Korean strategist always claims his love and dedication to Vietnam football.
Accordingly, the signing ceremony will be held on November 7, during the training camp of the Vietnam national team ahead of the UAE and Thailand matches. The contract is a motivation for players to do better.
Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan also shared that it is a great honor of Vietnam to organize AFF AWARDS NIGHT 2019 and the annual conference of the Asian Football Federation (AFC). This marks the development and reputation of Vietnam on the continent, especially with their achievements in the region.
VNF ( thethao247 )


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A couple trade their tent and camper for a log cabin home after years of getting to know their land.
Story by Debra Grahl
Looking for Lakeside Property
Coincidentally, or perhaps not, for this couple it’s a four-and-a-half hour drive to arrive at their four-and-a-half acres of paradise.Mike and Marta had been looking for lakeside property in the southern states, from Texas to the South Carolina coast, over a period of 10 years, using much of their vacation time to explore and camp in search of their little slice of heaven. Criteria for the couple’s property search included enough ground to “feel like country” while being in close proximity to a city.
They found it in 2002 when they went to check out Old Hickory Lake in Middle Tennessee, a place they learned about in a real estate magazine. The lake is large with lots of winding shoreline, and not much appealed to them until they came upon a splendid stretch of lake shore where a development sign was posted on land that had been partially cleared, but not yet developed.
“We said to ourselves that this was just too good to be true, happening upon such an idyllic location,” recalls Marta. The property was a mere 25 miles from downtown Nashville.
The “Traders Cove” sign listed a phone number. The couple called, and Bob Rager, owner of Greenland Development, came to meet them within an hour. A deal was struck before the end of the day.
Just What They Wanted
“We could not believe our good fortune,” the couple recalled. “Bob had owned the property for many years and had been planning to build a home on the lake for himself one day, but had never gotten around to it. We were in the right place at the right time. Even though Bob had gone through the logistics of subdividing the acreage into four parcels, so far we are the only ones who have built here.”
Like Bob, they also took some time getting around to building a home on the land. For nearly eight years the couple camped out on the property, spending long weekends and summer vacations with their kids, enjoying the great outdoors and unwinding from their busy professional careers.
“Old Hickory Lake,” says Mike, “is part of the Cumberland River chain of lakes. We love boating and fishing and simply enjoying time on the lake. With our property being pretty much located in the center of the lake, we can cruise in either direction for an hour and a half, plenty of distance for us. A really gutsy person could travel the locks all the way to New Orleans!”
The couple knows quite a few neighbors who routinely boat to Nashville for the Tennessee Titans football games. With retirement and the promise of more free time nearing, they decided to build their lakeside house.
Choosing a Company
“We thought we wanted to do a log house,” recalled Mike, “so we looked at five different log home companies via the web. As we ‘interviewed’ the different companies, we felt a good connection with a representative at Honest Abe Log Home’s Murfreesboro office.”
“She was very responsive, providing information to us quickly,” added Marta, “helping us to envision what our home could look like. We also had the opportunity to attend a seminar hosted by Honest Abe where we were able to see exactly how their log crafting was done.”
Honest Abe Log Homes uses Eastern white pine to construct their log walls. White pine is proven to be a fast growing, sustainable natural resource. The couple opted for the company’s Genesis log style, a big 6×12 log that delivers the old-timer Appalachian log home feeling but with no interior chinking. The exterior surface of the log is rough textured and has a groove at one edge that can be finished with or without chinking. The interior surface is smooth. Dovetail corners complement the Appalachian look and ensure a tight fit. The logs are locked together with a large single tongue and groove, and a foam gasket and wood-binding sealer are applied between each course before fastening.
Architect Mike Magee, the couple’s son-in-law, designed the home. Specializing in commercial architecture, this sprawling residential compound was an exciting project for him to take on. He had camped on the property with the family many times.
“It was great to work with my in-laws in a professional capacity,” said Magee. “We strove to make their vision a reality, and I think they’re pretty happy with it. I wanted them to get the most out of their home, so they directed me with ideas, and I would come back with solutions and more ideas; it was very collaborative. Through 3-D computer modeling, I allowed them to visualize their design throughout the process, making them more confident in their decisions, while verifying the design’s viability. Also, the fact that they are my in-laws provided the added incentive not to screw anything up!”
There was a significant amount of interaction between Magee, the homeowners, and Honest Abe Log Homes at the onset of the project.
Magee said, “We worked together to develop the drawings into the perfect log home for the family. Honest Abe was very accommodating to the design requirements, and they delivered a great product.”
Honest Abe also engineered the project. Magee provided some detailed drawings for the lower patio and stairways, and Honest Abe included the engineering for those elements in their package.
A Great Builder is Vital
“The Honest Abe log-raising team from Moss was exceptional in their craftsmanship,” said the homeowners, “as was our general contractor, James Wallace, owner of Wallace Custom Builders, based in Gallatin.”
Even though the couple had an impressive background in building homes, doing it long distance was challenging. Wallace handled the project efficiently and professionally.
“We became good friends with James during the building process,” says the couple, “and continue to be to this day.”
Mike Magee added, “I was really impressed with James as a builder. The project had a lot of moving parts and a pretty demanding client, and he made it work. There was quite a bit of interaction between James and myself, whether it was verbal or through the drawings. Occasionally, an issue would arise in the field, and we would manage to devise a successful solution quickly, and move forward. I visited the site periodically and met with James each time.”
Wallace had never built a “new” log home before; this was his first. Over the past 10 years, however, he had worked on the restoration of several historical log homes in the area and is currently working on the restoration of another.
Wallace feels that the construction of this house, although it is unique, was not much different than the construction of any other home.
He said, “The homeowners had an idea of exactly what they wanted and with the help of their talented son-in-law, Mike Magee, and Honest Abe, they were able to design and produce color renditions of the home every step of the way. The final design was one of the largest log homes that Honest Abe has ever constructed. The staff and team of framers were extremely professional, organized and cooperative. With my college degree being in architecture, I am accustomed to working with several designers, engineers, owners, and a variety of subcontractors at one time.”
Wallace says that the building process is all about timing, coordination, and communication. ”With this home,” he said, “everyone contributed their own unique ideas to make this project a one-of-a-kind jewel in a picturesque setting.”
The design process began in July 2009 and the house was ready for occupancy by October 2010, an impressive timeline for a 5,000-square-foot log home. “As unfortunate as the housing crisis has been the past few years, we actually benefited by it,” said the owners. The couple had the full attention of the subcontractors, who were eager to work and showed up right on schedule when James Wallace was ready for their part in the construction process.
Wallace said, “I treat every project as a priority but the economy definitely played a part in the number of subcontractors that were available at the time. Everyone worked diligently to complete this home on schedule and the readiness of the subcontractors definitely helped.”
Structures on the property include the four-bedroom home, with attached three-bedroom guest quarters, an open-air poolside pavilion with a cooking station, a large storage building and a fish pavilion. Marta loves to fish and insists on cleaning her own catch. Mike happily grills or fries them in his pool side kitchen.
The home features expansive decks and patios, testimony to the couples’ love of outdoor living. The siting of the home was very important to the homeowners. Architect Mike Magee says, “Unobscured views of the lake from all of the major areas in the main house were essential to my in-laws.” Magee
“We love to entertain,” said Mike. “We built this place largely to ensure that our kids, now adults with their own families, will continue to come here to spend time with us.”
The spacious interior of the home is appointed with furnishings and finishes that echo the surrounding woods and lake views. Caramel-colored leather sofas, chenille upholstered chairs and area rugs in tones of brown, rust, gold and moss green are set upon blue-gray slate tiles.
The soaring great room walls are unadorned for the most part, visually interrupted only by the large upper and lower windows and beautiful honey colored knotty pine logs. A massive fireplace reaching to a height of 30 feet, is the focal point of the room. It took Wallace’s masonry crew a full week to expertly lay the Missouri Blue Ridge variegated stone block.
“We were blessed with an incredibly talented team of craftsmen,” exclaimed the homeowners, “including Custom Trim, the finish carpenters from Gallatin.”
In spite of the inviting warmth and comfort offered by the great room, the family spends the majority of their time on the outside screened porch. The couple explained, “It all goes back to us being campers, we just love spending our time outdoors, and we can be comfortable on the screened porch from March to November; we use the fireplace when it gets chilly.”
Mike Magee elaborated, “The ‘elegant camping’ concept is carried throughout this property, from the fish-cleaning building to the outdoor shower. Upon first glance it may seem a stretch to make the connection between this home and camping. However, the spirit of camping and gathering and fun are what drove the design, augmented by convenience and technology. This home isn’t an ordinary home; it’s more like an experience. It’s designed to celebrate the lake property and the outdoors, while providing all of the creature comforts. The home has different layers, blurring the separation between indoor and outdoor, while utilizing natural materials to reinforce the concept of ‘elegant camping.’”
Mike and Marta have settled comfortably into their lakeside home and have fallen in love with the city of Nashville. Many of the neighbors they have come to know are country singers who also make their home on Old Hickory Lake. Feeling quite at ease with their pristine natural surroundings, the many years spent roaming around the southern states certainly paid off for this pair of fancy campers.
A Process of Collaboration
Regarding working with an architect on the design of a custom log home, Honest Abe’s Josh Beasley explained, “There is typically a marriage between the architect’s work and our design department to achieve the final product. We work as closely to an architect’s specifications as possible. In this case, they provided us with a “look” from 3-D models. We took that look, applied our log home package contents to it, made it work structurally, and achieved working plans from there. That’s probably a simplification, but it’s the general process.”
Log Producer: Honest Abe Log Homes, Moss, Tennessee
General Contractor: Wallace Custom Builders, LLC, Gallatin, Tennessee
Architect: Michael Magee Architecture, Columbus, Ohio
Main House Square Footage: 3,250 I Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4 Guest Quarters Square Footage: 1,180 I Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 1
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER WADE; STYLING BY DEBRA GRAHL
The Fosters made an major addition to their home a few years ago, including a guest wing. Enjoy this drone video of the property after the additions were completed.


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Last week FCPLEASE asked what subjects you wished someone would write a book about, and what topics you could do without. Here’s what you said:
I'd love a book written about the shared characteristics, traits and experiences of only children. -- N. McDermott
I wish travel books were written by someone who had lived like a local for a short time. Anyone can travel like a tourist; I like to experience a place as a local would. -- D. Noblet
I've never seen a book on how to start and run a successful modeling agency. -- C. Richardson
It would be fun to see a book about the life and adventures of a book. I have thought about how many hands a book passes through in its life and how many places it goes. -- P. Riedinger
A history of the Middle East, never taught in Fairfax County Public Schools. -- P. Hartmann
Honeymoon With My Brother was excellent. I would read more of that type of story. It’s about a fellow who gets left at the altar by his fiancé. Then the two brothers travel the world for two years. I enjoyed it immensely. -- L. McLeod
I find that there is very little that I am interested in that has not been written about; I just need to make the effort to find it. -- J. Dickert
I think I got this from FCPLEASE; I also think it answers the survey. According to Toni Morrison, "If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." -- J. Bauza
Being from New Orleans, I’d like to see a book in the style of James Michener tracing a group of families through the trials and tribulations from the city's founding until now. What I don’t want are any more mysteries involving the FBI profiling lab where they develop the complete life story and description based on a few clues. -- A. Labas
I remember subject areas in nonfiction that I just couldn't find books about, including biographies of notable persons. -- M. Leber
A book for prospective newcomers coming to the area. The book should include information about what services are provided by your local area. Things you need to know about moving from another state. -- D.V. Bibbs
Fairfax has such a rich history and the road/area names are associated with interesting historical references. The history of names of streets/places/areas would be interesting. -- Kelseygo
Other ideas? Leave a comment.
January 18, 10:30 a.m. -- Dr. Janette Muir explores separating truth from “spin” in the news. For ages 15 and older at the Sherwood Regional Library.
January 18, 7 p.m. -- Professor Wallace Hutcheon, author of Robert Fulton: Pioneer of Undersea Warfare, discusses subs and steamboats with adults at the Patrick Henry Library.
January 19, 7 p.m. -- An Inova cardiologist discusses heart health tips, heart disease and exercise with adults at the Reston Regional Library. Sign up by calling 703-204-3366.
Find free activities for kids in our online calendar.
“A library is thought in cold storage.” -- Herbert Samuel
© 2006 Fairfax County Public Library


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The Autocar Great British Women in the Car Industry event recognised the sector’s top 100 most promising rising stars.
Thirteen female employees from Ford were recognised in the Autocar Top 100 rising stars of the automotive industry.
The Manufacturing category was won by Ford’s diesel manufacturing strategy manager, Leah Bruce, and there was strong representation of Ford women in the Marketing and Product Development categories,too. Congratulations also to Leah Cotton, an Apprentice Technician with Skillnet, who works for Sandicliffe Motor Group, who made the Rising Stars Top 100.
Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said: “I’m delighted to see so many of our female employees being recognised at this special event. Women are underrepresented in the automotive sector and it’s fantastic that events like this highlight the successful women in our industry, and raise awareness of the rewarding career opportunities that exist.”
A networking lunch, supported by Ford’s 2016 Category winners; Lisa Brankin, director Ford of Britain Marketing, Julia Woodhouse, purchase director for Global Chassis, and Josephine Payne, manufacturing production area manager, provided attendees with the chance to share experiences and discuss career development.
The winners were announced at a major car industry event at Twickenham Stadium. The Awards aim to encourage more women into the automotive industry.
Check out the emerging trends in tiles from techtile buyer Sophie Chellar in her guest blog on the kb network #tilesavvy
Editorial competitions are an effective way to help raise the profile of new products in key media both in print and online.
It can help target sometimes hard to reach audiences through the media channels that they consumer and enjoy.
We recently placed a product giveaway on page three of Bella magazine with entry via its website to win one of ten Thomas Kent Dove Grey Mantel Clocks.
This simple ‘click to win’ mechanic generated a whopping 192,924 online entries for the ten clocks on offer – a new record.
Marlowes brought on Magnite to put it firmly on the map of shopping centres in and around Hemel Hempstead. The centre was keen to show that it offered more than just a great shopping experience – It was central to its community.
Magnite created an overarching banner campaign #MoretoMarlowes.
Within this remit Magnite connected to influencers including bloggers and consumers, retailers and local media. Tactical campaigns linked to topical events including Summer of Sport, Back to School, Shopping Centre of the Future and the Charity of the Year.
Coverage appeared consistently in local press, online and on social media and excited consumers with a dual result of encouraging footfall to the shopping centre and creating a high engagement with followers online, reaching into the thousands.Strong online and print presence meant that there was a constant buzz around Marlowes Shopping Centre with local media and consumers. The shopping centre raised awareness of its activities and achieved its aim of increasing its strong links to the local community.
We had a great day at The Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Birmingham with Skillnet welcoming pupils from St Mary’s Academy and apprentices from the Henry Ford Academy to the busy Ford UK stand.
Pupils and apprentices were given a guided tour of the stand and presentations on the benefits of the Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme (FMAP) before taking a look around the rest of the show.
We had a great day at the Henry Ford Academy with Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service at the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), and our client Skillnet.
The visit was party of our ongoing stakeholder engagement programme. Sue was given a tour of Ford’s fantastic training centre and took part in demos of some typical automotive tasks.
Magnite PR has been appointed by design-led tile specialist techtile London, as it steps up its commercial and consumer markets profile.
Magnite’s brief is to build techtile’s presence across interior design and architect sectors, while showcasing its new creative studio.
James Arkell, who founded techtile in 2011, said: “Gone are the days when hotels had avocado bathroom suites, offices had beige carpet tiles and the ‘latest thing’ was a plain white floor or wall tile.
“Tiles have the potential to lift a room, transform a space and deliver the wow factor that designers and architects are always searching for. Magnite will help us to get that message across.”
In Autumn 2016, techtile moved into a new studio in a converted dairy barn in the Bedfordshire countryside.
“Our exciting new studio now gives us the space and the natural light to showcase the very latest innovations in ceramics that we have sourced from around the world and to show off their awesome potential,” added James.
Great coverage from our Consumer Team for the announcement of Billy’s Wish as The Marlowes Charity of the Year in this week’s Hemel Gazette.
Front page flash beneath the banner and a half page story on page four.
Here’s to a successful fundraising year ahead.
We were thrilled when our client Thomas Kent Clocks graced the walls of the Celebrity Big Brother house in the Land of Nod. Their fabulous clocks looked stunning throughout the house and led to a lot of online interest.
In fact we were so impressed ourselves that we got a clock of our own for the office wall.
We love helping Skillnet spread the word about the benefits of apprenticeships.
Take a look at why Skillnet’s programme for Ford is in the running for a National Apprenticeship Service Award.
Go behind the scenes at the Henry Ford Academy and discover what being an Apprentice Technician for Ford is all about.