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Author: Lauren Willig
Published by: William Morrow Paperbacks on Mar. 2, 2021
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback, ARC
Source: William Morrow
Book Rating: 10/10
A group of young women from Smith College risk their lives in France at the height of World War I in this sweeping novel based on a true story—a skillful blend of Call the Midwife and The Alice Network—from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig.
A scholarship girl from Brooklyn, Kate Moran thought she found a place among Smith’s Mayflower descendants, only to have her illusions dashed the summer after graduation. When charismatic alumna Betsy Rutherford delivers a rousing speech at the Smith College Club in April of 1917, looking for volunteers to help French civilians decimated by the German war machine, Kate is too busy earning her living to even think of taking up the call. But when her former best friend Emmeline Van Alden reaches out and begs her to take the place of a girl who had to drop out, Kate reluctantly agrees to join the new Smith College Relief Unit.
Four months later, Kate and seventeen other Smithies, including two trailblazing female doctors, set sail for France. The volunteers are armed with money, supplies, and good intentions—all of which immediately go astray. The chateau that was to be their headquarters is a half-burnt ruin. The villagers they meet are in desperate straits: women and children huddling in damp cellars, their crops destroyed and their wells poisoned.
Despite constant shelling from the Germans, French bureaucracy, and the threat of being ousted by the British army, the Smith volunteers bring welcome aid—and hope—to the region. But can they survive their own differences? As they cope with the hardships and terrors of the war, Kate and her colleagues find themselves navigating old rivalries and new betrayals which threaten the very existence of the Unit.
With the Germans threatening to break through the lines, can the Smith Unit pull together and be truly a band of sisters?
Poignant, affecting, and incredibly immersive!
Band of Sisters is an absorbing, stirring tale set in German-Occupied France during WWI that follows seventeen young American women from Smith College as they embark on a mission that doesn’t quite go as smoothly as planned, to befriend and use their own unique skillsets to provide relief, food, medical care, and education to the villagers whose lives have been decimated by war.
The prose is seamless and vivid. The characters are courageous, driven, and resilient. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel into a sweeping saga of life, loss, secrets, insecurities, self-discovery, heartbreak, determination, survival, tragedy, and friendship.
Overall, Band of Sisters is a rich, evocative, beautifully written novel by Willig that grabs you from the very first page and is sure to be a big hit with book clubs and historical fiction fans everywhere. I absolutely devoured it, and it is hands down one of my favourite reads of the year!
This novel is available now.
Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or one of the following links.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

domain: library


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Port Credit is often the most popular destination for people during the summer months in Mississauga. Maybe it’s the lighthouse beckoning us like moths to a flame, or maybe it’s the basic human need to be near water. Or just maybe, it’s because of the plethora of bars and restaurants that litter the main street.
Certainly one alluring factor of Port Credit is that all of the bars are located along the same strip, meaning everyone can bounce from one to another and get a feeling for each. And perhaps that is what makes Port Credit so popular; the diversity of the bar scene. So today we want to look at the five hottest bars this Summer and point you in the right direction.

domain: travel


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European cities are beautiful at every time of year, but there’s something about winter in Europe which brings a touch of magic. Snowy strolls through the parks, cosying up by a pub fire and ice skating around some of the most iconic sights across Europe’s greatest cities. Forget searching for winter sun and see the Old Towns and cobbles in all their winter glory. Here are 10 reasons why our favourite continent is even cooler in the winter.
The chance of snow
When we think of Europe in winter, we think snow-capped castles and fairytale views - well, if it does snow, this is exactly what you can expect. Head to cities like Prague, Bruges, Edinburgh, Budapest, Tallinn and many many more to witness the true magic of medieval European cities topped with a layer of snow. The further north you head, the more likely you’ll experience it, otherwise in cities more central to Europe there are higher chances of snow around February and March.
One of the best things about winter in Europe are the amazing traditional Christmas markets. Alpine-style huts take over the main city squares, dressed in wintry lights and selling festive trinkets with the smell of German sausages and hog roast wafting throughout. Pretty much every big European city will have a Christmas Market for the weeks leading up to the end of December, some more famous than others. If it’s a festive market you want to see on your winter city break, do your research before you go to make sure you don’t miss it.
Check out the
Make the most of short queues for some of the biggest attractions in Europe. Winter tends to put people off travelling, but those who do make the journey (and they should) are rewarded with less tourists and a much more authentic trip. Whether it’s getting to walk straight into a city’s most famous museum, or being able to actually hear your guide on a walking tour, heading to Europe in winter just makes sense!
Ever heard of hygge? The Danish term refers to the feeling of cosiness and happiness - pretty much anything that might make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, whether that’s lighting candles in the evening, cosy socks or a relaxing night in. Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) might’ve been inspired by the Danes, but you’ll find it in cities all over Europe. Sit in a cafe with a good book and a cup of coffee, and soak in the feeling of hygge!
European pubs and bars
Nowhere else in the world has pubs like the ones in Europe, and winter is the perfect time to make use of them. With an old wooden bar, beers on tap and a crackling fire lit up for the winter, pubs are the cosiest places to relax and unwind. It’s not just England that has all the cosy pubs, find them in Scandinavia, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands… Pub crawling your way through Europe would be easy!
Hearty food and hot drinks
European food is usually hearty, comforting and packed with big flavours that’ll warm you up on any cold day. Stews, pies, soups, strudels… the list of heartwarming traditional dishes go on, and you’ll always find them coming out of pub kitchens. Sit back and get warm with a piping hot meal, or order a mulled wine (or gluhwein), eggnog, or an Irish coffee to warm you through.
It’s all a lot cheaper
Travelling off-peak means you’ll have more money in your pocket to splash out with while you’re away. Train and air fares are cheaper, hostels and hotels are cheaper, and any other prices which are bumped up for peak season are dropped again. Get the most out of your money and opt for a city break in Europe during the winter.
Warming up in natural baths
Soaking in a warm, bubbly bath is one of the little luxuries in life. In Europe, you can do this outside in one of a number of the continent’s steaming thermal spas. Step into the water to escape the winter chill and enjoy the warm water and hot steam in your face. The Blue Lagoon in Iceland, the thermal spas in Budapest, the Thermae Bath Spa in Bath… the natural jacuzzis are all over Europe and a seriously luxurious way to spend time during a winter city break.
Glide along Amsterdam’s canals, beneath the Christmas tree at London’s Somerset House or amongst the grandeur of the Grand Palais in Paris. Ice rinks pop up in capital cities all over Europe for the Christmas season, getting everyone in the festive spirit. Most of them are put up in iconic locations, creating an even more romantic setting in the new city you’ll be visiting.
Is there anything cooler than snowsports? Yep, snowsports in Europe. The continent is home to some of the best slopes in the world with the Alps running from France all the way through Italy and Switzerland to the middle of Austria. Jump on skis or a snowboard and experience some amazing levels of snow, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been doing it your whole life. With snowsports come insane apres ski vibes from unreal mountain parties to chill chalet evenings with red wine and cheese fondue. Bliss.

domain: geography


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Eighteen suture abscesses that developed after penetrating keratoplasty in 15 patients were reviewed. The time from keratoplasty to the diagnosis of an abscess ranged from 1 to 53 months with a mean of 21.5 months. In 13 of the 18 cases, the patient was taking topical steroids at the time of diagnosis. All were culture-proven bacterial ulcers, except for one case that had a positive Gram's stain, but no growth on culture. The organisms cultured were Staphylococcus epidemidis (six eyes), Streptococcus pneumoniae (five eyes), Sta. aureus (four eyes), Str. viridans (two eyes), Klebsiella oxytoca (one eye), Serratia marcescens (one eye), Moraxella sp (one eye), and Escherichia coli (one eye). The offending suture was removed in all cases, and the eyes were treated with topical fortified antibiotics (cefazolin and tobramycin). After treatment, 67% (12 of 18 eyes) had clear grafts, 17% (three of 18 eyes) were scarred, and 16% (three of 19 eyes) had failed grafts. Intensive topical steroid therapy was used when a subsequent graft rejection developed. Retained sutures following corneal transplants can result in sight- threatening infections and should be considered for removal as soon as the wound is well healed.
ASJC Scopus subject areas

domain: biology


The Norwegian Armed Forces just awarded FN Herstal with a multi-year contract to supply up to 4,000 FN MINIMI 7.62 Mk3 Light Machine Guns. In association with this order is also a supply of spare parts over a 7-year period and maintenance and support equipment over a 20-year period. This gives you an idea of the lifespan of a product like machine guns. It will be interesting to see which country will be the first to adapt FN’s new Evolys?
FN Herstal @ TFB
Technical Data: FN MINIMI 7.62 MK3
- Operating principle: Gas operated, rotating bolt
- Weapon Length Extended: 1.026mm (40.39″)
- Collapsed: 950mm (37.40″)
- Barrel length: 422mm (16.61″)
- Feeding: Belt or pouch
- Weight: ± 8.8 kg (± 19.4 lb)
- Cyclic rate of fire: ± 800 rounds/min
Below you can find the Press Release in full:
The Norwegian Armed Forces trust the FN MINIMI® Light Machine Gun again
(Herstal, Belgium) – September, 2021 – FN Herstal, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of small calibre weapons and weapon systems, has recently been awarded by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence a multi-year contract for, firstly, the production and provision of up to 4,000 FN MINIMI® Mk3 (3rd generation) light machine guns in 7.62x51mm NATO calibre and associated initial spare parts over a 7-year period, and secondly, maintenance and support equipment over a 20-year period.
This decision concludes a program that was initiated by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence more than two years ago and included a series of technical evaluations and commercial negotiations in which FN Herstal competed against three American suppliers. Norway thus becomes the 37th country to select and standardise the FN MINIMI® 7.62 for its armed forces.
The Norwegian decision is yet more proof of the trust placed in FN Herstal by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence which, already in 2010, awarded a first sizeable contract for the supply of first-generation FN MINIMI® light machine guns, at that time in 5.56x45mm NATO calibre. It also marks a new major success for FN Herstal on several levels. Not only due to its size, but also because it confirms FN Herstal’s leadership as the partner of choice for European and NATO armed forces.
More information about the FN MINIMI light machine guns can be found on www.fnherstal.com.


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Bears Keeping a "Week One" MentalityLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) - Despite what the record says, coach Marc Trestman isn't buying into the idea that the Chicago Bears are 3-0 and leading the NFC North.
The way he sees it, Sunday's game at Detroit might as well be the season opener. Trestman says the Bears are "not 3-0." He says they're "0-0, and this is Game 1 of 13."
The Bears actually are in a good spot. They rallied to beat Cincinnati and Minnesota and hung on last week at Pittsburgh after a 21-point lead shrunk to four.
They're making clutch plays on offense. Their defense is as opportunistic as ever, even if the pass rush is looking like more of a rumor than a reality.
Yet, they also know how fleeting fast starts can be.
See other LocalSports news:FRANKLIN PARK HOSTS FUTURE WILDCAT TRACK MEET
SC SCORES 17 IN 3 INNINGS FOR WIN, PREP BASEBALL RECAP FROM THURSDAY
BLUE DEVILS ROLL TO WIN
KC TO OPEN REGION 24 PLAYOFFS TODAY AT HOME
PREP SOFTBALL RESULTS FROM THURSDAY

domain: news


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According to the National Sleep Foundation by 9 months of age 70 percent of babies will stay asleep all night. The Mayo Clinic explains that babies often cry because they miss their parents. They could also be uncomfortable due to the temperature in the room a soiled diaper or because they lost their pacifier.
How much crying is normal for a newborn?
It’s normal for a baby to cry for 2–3 hours a day for the first 6 weeks. During the first 3 months of life, they cry more than at any other time. New parents often are low on sleep and getting used to life with their little one.
When should I be concerned about my newborn crying?
Call your pediatrician right away if your crying baby: Has been inconsolable for more than 2 hours. Has a temperature of more than 100.4 F. Won’t eat or drink anything or is vomiting.
What happens if newborn cry too much?
“Assuming there are no medical issues, there is no harm in a baby’s excessive crying,” he says. “They may get a hoarse voice, but they will eventually get tired and stop crying. Your baby may also get a little gassy from swallowing air while crying, but that’s OK.
Can you let newborns cry it out?
Crying it out
If your baby doesn’t appear sick, you’ve tried everything, and he or she is still upset, it’s OK to let your baby cry. If you need to distract yourself for a few minutes, place your baby safely in the crib and make a cup of tea or call a friend.
What are the 3 types of baby cries?
The three types of baby’s cry are:
- Hunger cry: Newborns during their first 3 months of life need to be fed every couple of hours. …
- Colic: During the first month after birth, about 1 in 5 newborns may cry because of colic pain. …
- Sleep cry: If your baby is 6 months old, your child should be able to fall asleep on their own.
Why is my newborn crying so much?
Colic is the main cause of recurrent crying during the early months. All babies have some normal fussy crying every day. When this occurs over 3 hours per day, it’s called colic. When they are not crying, they are happy.
Should you pick up a baby every time it cries?
Yes its not good to pick up a baby every time he or she cries or as they wake up from nap.As long as they are well fed and not wet with pee or dirty with poop its ok for them to cry a little bit. Crying exercises babys lungs. And babies knows whenever the parents keep picking up they expect it to happen all the time.
What is the witching hour baby?
When your baby was first born, they slept almost constantly. Just a few weeks later, they might be screaming for hours at a time. This fussy period is often called the witching hour, even though it can last for up to 3 hours. Crying is normal for all babies.
How do I know if my baby has colic?
Features of colic may include the following:
- Intense crying that may seem more like screaming or an expression of pain.
- Crying for no apparent reason, unlike crying to express hunger or the need for a diaper change.
- Extreme fussiness even after crying has diminished.
Can I let my newborn cry for 5 minutes?
Although “crying it out” as a sleep training tactic is not recommended for newborns, if you’re about to start crying hysterically, it’s OK to put baby down in a safe space for a few minutes to give yourself a break.
What to Do When You Can’t get your baby to stop crying?
If the cause of crying is still a mystery, try: rocking baby in a chair or in your arms (rapid tiny movements generally are best for calming) swaddling your baby (ask your pediatrician or nurse how or check out our how-to) placing them in a windup swing.

domain: medical


INTRODUCING: Singer-Songwriter Matt Wills
Matt Wills has been penning his own material since the age of 13. The 19 year old Singer-Songwriter has been living in London for the past three years pursuing music; having grown up in Tenterden, Kent where he grew up listening to the likes of Bowie with his family.
Wills is a soulful chap with bonafide popstar looks to match. Currently writing his debut EP, he takes inspiration from a wide range of acts. "Growing up, hip hop was a big influence, the way they use beats. Jamie T, the way his songs were so simple chord wise but were so good." Having been in bands, he taught himself guitar so that he wouldn't have to rely on others to create music. Matt will be gigging in and around London so stay up-to-date via his twitter below:


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SHARES NEWS & ANALYSIS
- Tesco PLC (10)
- J Sainsbury PLC (2)
- Marks Spencer Group PLC (1)
- Melrose PLC (1)
- Mouchel Group PLC (1)
- Park Plaza Hotels Ltd (1)
- Polo Resources Ltd (1)
- Quindell Portfolio PLC (1)
- SSE PLC (1)
- Serco Group PLC (1)
08 May 2013RESULTS: J Sainsbury has delivered a solid enough full-year performance - but it was its plan to further diversify away from groceries by taking full...
17 April 2013RESULTS: Tesco has exited the US market, and eased back store expansion in the UK - but more than £2bn-worth of write-downs have hammered...
12 April 2013A summary of key company announcements expected in the coming week
News & Tips: Vodafone, Green Dragon Gas, Thorntons, Babcock International, Baobab Resources & more...
03 April 2013European stock markets slipped on Wednesday, as investors remained cautious ahead of key events later in the week, such as reserve bank meetings and US...
News & Tips: Ithaca Energy, JD Sports, Bunzl, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Pace, Sirius Minerals, AFC Energy & more
10 January 2013Markets are up marginally as investors digest yesterday's fresh high
05 December 2012Supermarket giant announces plans to pull out of the US as it faces serious headwinds across the business
03 October 2012RESULTS: Tesco reported dire first-half figures as investors wait to see signs of management's recovery strategy bearing fruit
03 October 2012Markets are off a little as traders wait for Spain's bailout call
18 June 2012Greek election rally lasts less than an hour
11 June 2012Spain's EU rescue package provides a temporary respite...


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The enhanced expression of the matrix metalloproteinase 9 in nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma
BMC Cancer volume 7, Article number: 229 (2007)
Nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is an aggressive disease and has a poor prognosis. Nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is refractory to conventional chemotherapy and has strong tendency of widespread relapse or dissemination into distant sites.
We immunohistochemically studied nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma to elucidate the unique characteristics of nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma, such as its higher metastatic tendency and its vast necrosis which leads to destruction of the involved tissues. The expression of P-glycoprotein and MMP-9 was evaluated in the 20 patients with nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma and 25 with nasal non-NK/T-cell lymphoma and the relationship between expression of these proteins and clinical results were analyzed in this report.
Overall 5-year survival rates for patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma, and nasal non-NK/T cell lymphoma were 51%, and 84%. Distant involvement free 5-year survival rates for patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma, and nasal non-NK/T cell lymphoma were 53%, and 79%.
Overall positivity for P-glycoprotein was observed in 10 of 19 patients with NTL and in 13 of 23 patients with non-NTL. When the overall survival rate was compared between patients with P-glycoprotein positive and negative, there was no difference between them.
Sixteen of the 19 patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma expressed MMP-9. In contrast, only 8 of the 22 patients with nasal non-NK/T cell lymphoma expressed MMP-9. Distant involvement free 5-year survival rates for patients with MMP-9 negative, and MMP-9 positive were 92%, and 61%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.027).
Positive immunoreactivity for P-glycoprotein was not an independent prognostic factor in nasal NK/T-cell lymphomas, which stresses the importance of exploring other mechanisms of drug resistance. The strong expression of MMP-9 is uniquely characteristic of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma and may contribute to its strong tendency to disseminatate and the extensive necrosis which is always seen. However, our results are based on univariate comparisons, and as such, should be viewed with some caution.
Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (nasal NK/T cell lymphoma) is characterized by progressive, unrelenting ulceration, and necrosis of the nasal cavity and midline facial tissues. This subtype of lymphoma, categorized as angiocentric lymphoma in the Revised European-American Lymphoma (REAL) classification , has been renamed extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type in the new WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms . This type of lymphoma is rare in the United States and Europe but common in Asia [3–6]. The prognosis of Asian population as well as Central American population is not so poor as European population . Phenotypically, this lymphoma is characterized by expression of NK cell marker CD56, lack of expression of surface CD3, infrequent expression of T-lineage markers other than CD2, absence of T-cell receptor rearrangement, and strong association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) [6, 8].
Nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is an aggressive disease and has a poor prognosis. One of reasons for the poor prognosis of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is that NK/T-cell lymphomas are refractory to conventional chemotherapy [9–11]. Doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy regimens generally appear less efficacious, either as an initial treatment or as a salvage treatment for relapsed lesions in the management of NK/T-cell lymphoma patients . The ineffectiveness of chemotherapy for such lymphoma types can be partly explained by the presence of the multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenotype, which confers cellular resistance to a variety of unrelated anticancer agents [10–12]. Despite accumulating experimental evidence that high levels of P-glycoproteins are commonly expressed in malignant tumor cells of various types of NK-neoplasms [12, 13], convincing data is very limited, largely due to the rarity of these types of lymphomas .
Another reason for the poor prognosis of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is its strong tendency of widespread relapse or dissemination into distant sites. Essential steps in the process of tumor invasion and metastasis include the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane (BM). The invasion of the BM by tumor cells is thought to be one of the critical steps in metastasis, which includes sequential multistep processes . Many proteolytic enzymes degrade components of the ECM and BM [16, 17]. Among these, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are attractive candidates as enzymes required for tumor metastasis. The MMPs contain a zinc ion at their active sites and can degrade native collagens and other ECM components [18, 19]. The MMP family includes four types of collagenase (MMP-1, -8, -13, and -18), three types of stromelysin (MMP-3, -10, and -11), and the 72- and 92-kDa type IV gelatinases or collagenases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). As type IV collagen is one of the integral components of BM, the uncontrolled expression of two type IV collagenases, MMP-9, is believed to play a critical role in the invasion of BM by tumor cells . The release of MMP-9 has been associated with metastasis in a variety of model systems [21–24]. MMP-9 can be also responsible for chemoresistance of NK/T-cell lymphoma. Higher expression of MMP-9 could result in tissue necrosis due to more angiodestruction. Poor drug delivery owing to tissue necrosis might be an important contributory factor .
In the current study, we performed an immunohistochemical study of the expression of P-glycoprotein and MMP-9 in nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma and other types of nasal lymphomas (non-NK/T cell lymphoma) to elucidate the unique characteristics of nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma, such as its resistance of chemotherapy and strong metastatic tendency.
A total of 45 patients with nasal lymphoma were treated in our institution between January 1980 and December 2005. The patient population consisted of 20 patients (10 men, 10 women) with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma, and 25 patients (12 men, 13 women) with nasal non-NK/T cell lymphoma (Table 1). Cases with nasal non-NK/T cell lymphoma consisted of 18 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, one with B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma, 3 with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified, one with follicular lymphoma, adult T-cell Lymphoma, and anaplastic large cell, T-cell lymphoma according to the WHO classification system. Patients were usually followed every 2 months for the first 2 years and every 3 to 5 months subsequently. Physical and endoscopical examination were performed at every visit and CT were usually performed every 6 months. The median follow-up period of surviving patients was 94 months.
Treatment of the primary tumor
The radiation portal encompassed only clinically involved areas with a generous margin in most patients and prophylactic irradiation to the neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes was not usually performed. The median dose received was 40 Gy (range 9–74 Gy). The radiation doses were heterogeneous because the radiation was interrupted in 2 patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma due to deterioration of general condition and becuase in 1990 the standard radiation dose was increased from 40 Gy to 50 Gy for patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma.
From 1980 to 1986, radiation therapy alone was the primary treatment, although adjuvant chemotherapy was given to some patients. Since 1987, a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy has been the standard treatment. The main chemotherapy combinations before 1985 did not include adriamycin, e.g. COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone) or VEMP (vincristine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and prednisolone). These were administered after radiotherapy. Most patients from 1985 on received CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone), VEPA (same drugs as CHOP, but doses and treatment schedule were different), or MACOP-P (methotrexate, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone, and pepleomycin) had been used before and after radiotherapy since 1989.
All but 3 surviving patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years and the follow-up periods of the other 3 patients were, 1, 1, and 4 months. The median follow-up of surviving patients was 94 months. Survival rates of the patients were measured using the Kaplan-Meier method. The overall survival was calculated from the date when the treatment started to the time of death or last follow-up. The distant involvement free survival was calculated from the date when the treatment started to the time of diagnosis of distant metastasis or last follow-up. Statistical significance was compared by the log rank test.
All of the biopsies were taken at the initial time of the diagnosis. Immunohistochemical staining was carried out with methods previously described . All of the biopsies were taken at the initial time of the diagnosis. We used biopsy samples of 43 patients and samples of 3 patients were not evaluable because they were too tiny. Immunohistochemical staining was carried out using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method.
Immunohistochemical detection was performed using the following monoclonal antibodies: antihuman MMP-9 (56-2A4, Daiichi Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan)(1: 200 dilution), and MDR/P-glycoprotein antibody (C-494, Dako; 1:100 dilution). Normal mouse serum was substituted for primary antibodies as a negative control.
The specificity and selectivity of antibody of MMP-9 was proved by Fujimoto et al. and this manufacturer . For MMP-9, tumors that contained at least focally moderate to strong immunoreactivity were considered positive.
To detect P-glycoprotein, we selected mouse anti-human C-494 antibody, which recognizes an internal epitope located on the C-terminal domain of the P-glycoprotein molecule, and which is encoded by two closely related genes, MDR1 and MDR3. Tumors were considered positive for P-glycoprotein expression if the neoplastic cells exhibited membrane staining greater than 10%, according to a cutoff value that has been recommended in the majority of immunohistochemical studies for B-cell lymphomas .
In situ hybridization
RNA-DNA in situ hybridization was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections using the biotinylated synthetic DNA probe as previously described with modifications . Briefly, the biotinylated probe was an oligonucleotide DNA complimentary to EBER1 sequence that was chemically labeled with 6 biotin molecules (5'-CCCTAGCAAAACCTCTAGGGCAGC-(TAG)5-BBB-(TAG)2-BBB-3'). The hybridization signal was detected by using ABC-peroxidase. The sections were then counterstained with hematoxylin, dehydrated, mounted with permount, and investigated under a light microscope.
Clinically, nasal NK/T cell lymphoma had unique features characterized by destruction of the nasal cavity and midline facial tissues caused by progressive and unrelenting ulceration and necrosis of the involved tissues, as demonstrated in Fig. 1. This destructive feature of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is very characteristic, and distinct from the other types of malignant lymphoma, which form tumors or cause swelling of the involved lymph nodes. A characteristic feature is invasion of vascular walls and, usually occlusion of lumina by lymphoid cells. The vascular occlusion is usually associated with prominent ischemic necrosis of both tumor cells and normal tissue.
Most patients (70%) with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma had B symptoms, such as fever or unexplained loss of 10% or more of their body weight in the six months before diagnosis. In contrast, only less than10% of patients with nasal non-NK/T cell lymphoma had B symptoms (Table 1). EBER1 transcripts were detected in 18 of 20 patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma (Table 1), indicating strong association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Overall 5-year survival rates for patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma, and nasal non-NK/T cell lymphoma were 51%, and 84% (p = 0.58), respectively (Fig. 2a). The clinical courses were quite aggressive and nasal NK/T cell lymphoma patients have a higher incidence of widespread extranodal involvement, even though their stage was only I or II. Distant involvementfree 5-year survival rates for patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma, and nasal non-NK/T cell lymphoma were 53%, and 79% (p = 0.18), respectively (Fig. 2b). The difference is not statistically significant, however, this is most likely because of the small sample size.
Within malignant cells, patterns of P-glycoprotein immunoreactivity generally were of membrane staining, but cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was occasionally observed in some tumor cells (Fig. 3a). When a staining distribution cutoff value of greater than 10% was used to classify positive immunoreactivity, overall positivity for P-glycoprotein was observed in 10 of 19 patients with NTL and in 13 of 23 patients with non-NTL (Table 2). When the overall survival rate was compared between patients with P-glycoprotein positive and negative, there was no difference between them (p = 0.88) (Fig. 4). The similar result was obtained, when this analysis was also done separately for T and B cell lymphomas. The 5-year survival rate for P-glycoprotein positive and negative in T cell lymphomas was 68% and 67%. The 5-year survival rate for P-glycoprotein positive and negative in B cell lymphomas was 85% and 71%.
To identify the localization of the MMP-9 gene product, immunohistochemical staining was performed on biopsy sections of patients with NK/T cell lymphoma and non-NK/T cell lymphoma (Fig. 3b, Table 3). Sixteen of the 19 patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma expressed MMP-9. In contrast, only 8 of the 22 patients with nasal non-NK/T cell lymphoma expressed MMP-9. Immunohistochemically, the MMP-9 gene product was localized in lymphoma cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. All cells that were positive for MMP-9 were intensely stained, indicating that they expressed high levels of MMP-9. Cells which expressed MMP-9 existed at the invasive edge of tumor cell nests and the peripheral regions of the necrotic zone in nasal NK/T cell lymphomas. Distant involvement free 5-year survival rates were compared between patients with MMP-9 positive and negative (Fig. 5). Distant involvement free 5-year survival rates for patients with MMP-9 negative, and MMP-9 positive were 92%, and 61%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.027). The similar result was obtained, when this analysis was also done separately for T and B cell lymphomas. Distant involvement free 5-year survival rates for patients with MMP-9 negative, and MMP-9 positive in T cell lymphomas were 89%, and 57%, respectively. Distant involvement free 5-year survival rates for patients with MMP-9 negative, and MMP-9 positive in B cell lymphomas were 100%, and 62%, respectively.
The overall outcome of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is poor, even if diagnosed in the early stage [9, 29, 30]. One of the reasons for the poor prognosis of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is its resistance to chemotherapy. Cheung et al. reported that of 61 patients who were administered chemotherapy, 31 showed disease progression while receiving chemotherapy, of whom 17 progressed locoregionally. They concluded that the addition of anthracycline-containing chemotherapy to radiotherapy does not appear to confer any survival benefit in stage I patients . The reasons for the resistance to chemotherapy are not clear. The overexpression of MDR1 phenotype is considered one of the major determinants for the ineffectiveness of chemotherapy in nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma patients [10, 11]. However, there was no significant difference in overall positivity for P-glycoprotein between NTL and non-NTL in our study (Table 2). Positive immunoreactivity for P-glycoprotein was not found to be an important prognostic factor for patients' survival (Fig. 4). Kim et al. reported similar results obtained by using the same antibody, mouse anti-human C-494 antibody on paraffin-embedded sections . These results indicate that the frequent expression of MDR (P-glycoprotein-positive) phenotype may account for a certain proportion , but not all, of the failure of chemotherapy . Necrosis is also a constant microscopical feature in nasal NK/T cell lymphoma, usually with a zonal pattern of distribution that suggests a vascular pathogenesis. Poor drug delivery owing to tissue necrosis resulting from angiodestruction by nasal NK/T cell lymphoma cells might be an important contributory factor .
Another reason for the poor prognosis of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is its strong tendency to widespread relapse or to disseminate into distant sites. Common sites of distant involvement during progression of the disease were systemic lymph nodes, lung, liver, spleen, skin, and gastrointestinal tracts . We found that most patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma expressed high levels of MMP-9. Release of MMP-9 enables tumor cells to invade through basement membranes of blood vessels and lymphatics, thereby initiating metastatic spread [16, 33]. Thus, the strong expression of MMP-9 in nasal NK/T cell lymphoma may explain its strong tendency to metastasize.
We also reported the expression of MMP9 in 158 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas . Almost all of the patients with nasal NK/T cell lymphoma and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma expressed MMP9. In this study, 15 of 17 (88%) patients of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma expressed MMP9. Five of 8 (63%) of peripheral T-cell lymphomas, unspecified expressed MMP9 and 4 of 4 (100%) of peripheral T-cell lymphomas, unspecified expressed MMP9. In contrast, only a small fraction of the patients with exranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type and follicular lymphomas expressed MMP9. About 50% of the diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) expressed MMP9. Overall survival rates of patients who expressed MMP9 were significantly lower than those who did not.
Inhibition of the function of MMPs is being pursued for anticancer therapy. TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloprotease) were first compounds to be considered for clinical development. However, the lack of effective methods of systemic gene delivery has limited the clinical utility of this approach, whereas the development of synthetic inhibitors of MMPs has been actively pursued and widely tested in clinical trials .
Progress in the treatment for nasal NK/T lymphomas has been slow due to the rarity of the diseases, geographic variation, relative chemoresistance, and lack of randomized trials. There is no consensus about optimal therapy and recommendations are based on anecdotal reports, small series, and phase II trials. There is general agreement that results with CHOP alone are so poor in adults with most peripheral T/NK cell lymphomas . So, the combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy was used . We previously reported 65 patients with mature T/NK-cell lymphomas treated with radiotherapy between 1983 and 2002 to analyze the influence of radiotherapy doses and chemotherapy doses and clinical parameters on in-field disease control in order to assess the optimal radiation doses for treatment of mature T/NK-cell lymphomas . There were no significant differences in radiosensitivity among subtypes of mature T/NK-cell lymphomas, at least between nasal NK/T cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphomas, unspecified. Radiation doses of 50 Gy or more may be required to obtain in-field control of mature T/NK-cell lymphomas .
In conclusion, positive immunoreactivity for P-glycoprotein was not an independent prognostic factor in nasal NK/T-cell lymphomas. Although the role of strong MMP-9 expression in the spread of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma has yet to be definitely established, our findings demonstrated that MMP-9 may be related to a strong tendency to metastasize and the locally destructive nature of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma. However, our results are based on univariate comparisons, and as such, should be viewed with some caution.
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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2407/7/229/prepub
The author(s) declare that they have no competing interests.
KS and MS carried out immunohistochemical examinations and drafted the manuscript. MH and TH (Tetsuo HiMi) treated patients and statistical analyses. MO, HA, and TH (Takashi Hasegawa) performed the histological diagnosis and in situ hybridization. All authors read and approved the final abstract.
An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-8-45.
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Sakata, Ki., Someya, M., Omatsu, M. et al. The enhanced expression of the matrix metalloproteinase 9 in nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma. BMC Cancer 7, 229 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-7-229


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ONE NIGHT PERFORMANCE — Adoption Roulette by Elizabeth Fuller and Joel Vig
Theater for the New City
155 1ST AVENUE, NYC 10003
Fourteen years ago, an incident happened which nearly shut down all Russian adoptions by American citizens. An ordinary Connecticut couple headed to Moscow to follow their dream of adopting a little girl. They soon found themselves trapped in a story which has all the elements of a Hitchcock thriller. This 90 minute true story moves from the streets of Moscow into the hinterlands of Siberia. The woman who lived through this has finally broken her silence and reveals the details of what happened.
As Mark Teitelbaum, producer of The Crazy Ones, has said, "This story is riveting from beginning to end.” A One Night Only reading of this work in progress is being performed by Elizabeth Fuller, Sachi Parker, and Joel Vig at the celebrated Theater for the New City at 155 1st Avenue in New York City at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 8th, 2018.
Elizabeth Fuller is the author of many best-selling books including—Me and Jezebel—the true story of Bette Davis moving in with Ms. Fuller in the 1980's. This book was transformed into a successful Off-Broadway play with productions around the country and around the world (15 countries) and is currently under option for a feature film. Sachi Parker, the only child of legendary show business icon Shirley MacLaine, is a celebrated actress in theatre and film. Joel Vig originated six roles in the original Broadway cast of Hairspray and created the starring role in the cult hit Ruthless! Vig has written theatre pieces for actors including Patricia Neal, Joan Copeland, Tammy Grimes, Jean Stapleton, and others for The Theatre Guild.
This play was chosen by Crystal Field, artistic director for Theater for the New City, for its powerful truth and unflinchingly timely importance. The Theatre Guild, producer of over 250 major Broadway plays, has chosen this new work to highlight The Theatre Guild Centennial in 2019. Philip Langner, President of The Theatre Guild, has called this play "as powerful as Judgment at Nuremberg and The Pawnbroker, two of the films he produced.
Bios with photographs of Elizabeth, Sachi & Joel, along with a short history of the Theater for the New City are also present on the RESERVATIONS Site. Please click sample Place Reservations ↴

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This one gives me more control if his head, because when he gets ready to run with joy, or investigate something way under a juniper bush, he can pull like a tractor sled at a rodeo! What really helps is that he always wears a little sweater or shirt ... Read More
Minimalist halter is just what this dog mom needed. Double leash loops on top. Back clips give them even more power to pull than with a collar, it's like a sled dog and you're the sled!
My dog weighs 8 lbs. The size fits my 35lb frenchie perfectly. My * is roughly 45 pounds and the size of a pointer or settler. He is very muscular at the chest and is ow to the ground, like most frenchies, his body type is unique to say the least, lol... Read More
No more tugging on her neck. It is lightweight enough that i leave it on her and she even sleeps in it.
The d rings the leash was attached to wouldslide to his side. Another strap was frayed. My puppy is a 15lb non puller so that should not have happened.
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A new study published in the Scientific Reports journal suggests that between the years 2000 through 2100, environmental shifts will contribute to novel global ocean surface temperatures. Researchers (Katie E. Lotterhos, Áki J. Láruson & Li-Qing Jiang) believe that the occurrence of novel marine climates and the disappearance of preexisting marine climates are causally linked anthropogenic climate change. Carbon introduced from human activities are likely to be a proximate causes of extreme changes in sea surface temperature.
Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)
To predict how climates will change due to greenhouse gas fluctuations, researchers implemented Representative Concentrations Pathway (RCP). The RCP establishes pathway trajectories of climate change for the near future (until the year 2100). Each pathway has a unique concentration of greenhouse gases and therefore, a unique set of possible consequences associated with it. The worst-case scenarios are pathways which have the highest estimated future greenhouse gas emissions.
RCP 4.5 & RCP 8.5
Lotterhos and her colleagues used pathways RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. RCP 4.5 is a future in which human beings curb their greenhouse gas emissions and moderate our warming trajectories. RCP 8.5, sometimes considered the ‘business as usual scenario’, is a future pathway in which humans do not limit their emissions statistics, while greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise throughout the 21st century. For this reason, RCP 8.5 has the highest global mean temperature increases of all pathway scenarios. The sea water near and along the ocean’s surface regularly interacts with atmospheric gases. Airborne gases may pierce depths hundreds of feet down below the ocean’s surface as gases like carbon dioxide are absorbed by the water. The buildup of atmospheric greenhouse gases inevitably increases the amount of carbon dioxide stored in sea water, which may to warmer aquatic environments and enhanced ocean acidification in the future.
Researchers used the RCP models to quantify ocean surface climates. Ocean climates are defined by temperature, pH acidity and carbonate chemistry. The temperature and chemistry models the years between 1800, and project out to the year 2100. Of the climates that were analyzed, no novel extremes of global ocean surface temperature were judged to have occurred until the year 2000. In the RCP 4.5 scenario, 35.6 percent of sea surface climates may be lost by 2100. On the other hand, the RCP 8.5 scenario is projected to lose 95 percent of surface level climates.
Lotterhos and colleagues concluded that aquatic lifeforms may survive climatological changes by “dispersing” themselves. ‘Dispersal’ is the process by which organisms relocate. Organisms that do not disperse into a suitable area or adapt in some other way will face population declines. As carbon dioxide increases, the number of suitable climates for these organisms decreases. The loss of these climate zones effectively contributes to the loss of marine biodiversity.

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In a metro area of nearly 6 million people there were just 45 new single family home sales in Toronto for the month of September. In Greater Vancouver new home sales were down 72% in Q3 of this year, the lowest since 2012. Demand for new housing is incredibly weak across Canadian Real Estate markets prompting developers to cancel projects.
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Cannabis has been gaining attention as a possible treatment alternative for various health conditions. Surprisingly, one of the demographics that might profit the most from cannabis are elderly people. As the baby boomer generation advances in years, the potential advantages of cannabis for seniors become more noticeable. As more studies are conducted, it is evident that cannabis may be a beneficial asset in helping senior individuals live a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle.
Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Seniors
There are a number of potential benefits of cannabis for senior citizens.
- Reduce Inflammation and Chronic Pain
- Improve Sleep Quality
- Reduce Anxiety and Depression
- Help with Nausea and Vomiting
- Reduce Muscle Spasm
- Help with Appetite Stimulation
How to Choose the Right Cannabis Product for Seniors
When selecting the suitable cannabis product for senior citizens, there are several essential details to bear in mind.
- Different Types of Cannabis Products – Cannabis is obtainable in a range of forms, such as flower, oil, tinctures, edibles, and topicals. Each form of cannabis has its own pros and cons, thus it is essential to decide which form would be most suitable for the elderly person’s individual necessities.
- Potency – Keep an eye on product labels. Some products are higher in potency than others. For seniors starting out, it is best to start with a low potency cannabis product.
- Cost – Certain cannabis products are more costly than others. Pick one that is within your budget.
- User-Friendly – Some cannabis products are easier to consume than others. It just comes down to individual preference. Seniors may prefer to avoid smoking cannabis and instead ingest it through an edible.
Tips for Safe and Responsible Use of Cannabis
After selecting the right cannabis product, it is essential to understand how to handle it securely and responsibly.
- Start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose as needed.
- Keep track of the effects of cannabis and note any changes in mood or behaviour.
- Stop using cannabis if you notice any changes in mood or behaviour.
- Refrain from operating a motor vehicle or any other type of machinery.
- Keep cannabis away from children and pets.
- Stay hydrated. Cannabis use can lead to dry mouth and other side effects. Drinking lots of water can help avoid side effects.
Examining the Potential Side Effects of Cannabis Use
Although cannabis use can have potential benefits, it is crucial to be aware of the associated negative effects. Generally, the effects are minor and short-lived, yet it is still important to bear them in mind. The most ordinary negative effects of cannabis use include a dry mouth, feeling faint, tiredness, and an increased heartbeat.
Over the past few years, cannabis has become more and more accepted, and older people may be able to benefit from its possible positive effects. It may aid in diminishing inflammation and chronic pain, aiding sleep, moderating tension and sadness, and helping to alleviate signs of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Nonetheless, it is essential to be mindful of the right product, use it carefully and moderately, and understand the likelihood of adverse reactions. As further studies are conducted, the advantages of cannabis for senior citizens will become more evident. Visit Budcargo.net online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.


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After Motorcycle Accidents, An Attorney Can Help
Motorcycles carry inherent risk. Less protected than drivers and passengers of other types of vehicles on the road, victims of motorcycle accidents often navigate longer recovery times, steeper medical bills, and more extensive property damage. After a motorcycle accident, an attorney can help victims answer important questions and navigate recovering their life after the accident.
What are motorcycle accident statistics?
Data from the city of New York allows us to see motorcycle accident statistics. To date in the year 2020, 668 motorcycle accidents have occurred and been reported by the city. This reflects a slight decline from the previous three years during the same time frame. From January to October in 2019, 934 accidents involved a motorcycle. 2018 and 2017 reflect similar numbers. The slight decline could be due to the changes in behavior due to the coronavirus outbreak. But even with this slight decline, over 600 motorcyclists were involved in accidents, which is far too many for any year.
Though accidents with cars and trucks far out number the accidents with motorcycles, the number of deaths per crash far outpaces the other types of crashes. This year in New York City, 89 people were killed in motorcycle accidents, making 4% of all motorcycle accidents resulting in a fatality. For comparison, the sedan accidents that account for the majority of car crashes in New York City are only 0.18% likely to be deadly.
Injuries reflect even more startling numbers. 38% of sedan accidents this year resulted in injuries. This number pales in comparison to the 77% of motorcycle accidents this year that resulted in injuries.
Can you survive a motorcycle accident?
The circumstances of all accidents vary widely and no blanket statement can answer questions about every case. However, statistically you are less likely to survive a motorcycle accident than other types of accidents on the road. In general, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you are three times more likely to be killed and twice as likely to be injured.
Of course, many people survive motorcycle accidents. For those who survive the accident, a long road of physical and financial recover lies before them.
What to do after a motorcycle accident
Motorcycle accidents can be an incredibly scary event for all involved. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, follow the below steps to begin the process of healing and recovery.
Treat any injuries on the scene
Sometimes our adrenaline in a stressful event can encourage us to ignore symptoms of serious injury. Brain and spinal injuries can grow exponentially in seriousness if victims wait to receive treatment or leave the scene without proper examination. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, make sure medical professionals are on the scene and allow them to examine you thoroughly before you move on to any other step.
Exchange insurance information
Once all parties have been cleared by the medical professionals on the scene, numbers and insurance information should be exchanged. Regardless of severity of the accident, all motorists begin a relationship to, ideally, help everyone recover physically and financially as quickly as possible. Insurance information will be key as you move toward resolving the fall out of the accident.
If you are well and able, begin taking photos and writing down relevant details you remember. Having this information from the day of the accident will assist in guiding the rest of the processes toward justice. Often as days pass after the accident, the details blurr and differing narratives can form. With documentation of all damage and any recollections, the reality you witnessed at the scene will serve as the basis for the resolution.
Call the police
Part of this information gathering includes a police report. Even if the accident caused little injury or damage, an official police report is an essential document to ensure that a third-party report of the incident exists just in case there is any future confusion or conflict in the recovery process.
Create your insurance claim
To receive any compensation for your injuries or damages, you must file a claim through insurance. If you own the motorcycle involved, file a claim with your motorcycle insurance carrier. If another party owns the motorcycle involved, check in often to be sure they file a claim as well. It is through the insurance that compensation will be awarded.
Continue to gather documentation
In the days, weeks, and months after the motorcycle accident, continue to document any effects of the accident. The obvious, medical and repair costs, only scratch the surface of possible expenses due to the accident. Paystubs showing missing work, transportation costs to and from doctors’ offices, receipts showing payment to household help needed because of injury, or proof of purchase or rental for recovery medical equipment like crutches and braces should be collected and organized. These documents can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact a motorcycle accident attorney
The above steps could overwhelm anyone. The process of recovering after a motorcycle accident is complicated because, hopefully, you are not involved in motorcycle accidents frequently. Motorcycle accident attorneys deal with these complicated steps day in a day out. They know the process of recovering financially from a motorcycle accident and know the ins and outs of insurance claims and payments. If any questions arise as you move toward recovery, contact a motorcycle accident attorney for a free consultation and helpful guidance.
The attorneys at Deliso and Associates are experienced in motorcycle accidents and can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. Call 718-238-3100 or message us today for a free consultation. We have Arabic and Spanish speakers on staff and will advocate for you.
By Allison Theresa
Read more about Staying Safe for Motorcyclists and Drivers
Click here for a free consultation with professional motorcycle accident attorneys.

domain: law


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Ascent of Barn Bluff on 2020-03-08
|Date:||Sunday, March 8, 2020|
|Ascent Type:||Successful Summit Attained|
| Elevation:||1000 ft / 304 m|
Ascent Trip ReportGlorious weather highlighted the day. Muddy trail! Lots of bald eagles visible in the area along the mighty Mississippi.
This page has been served 14 times since 2005-01-15.


Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, today issued the following statement on the resignation of David Petraeus as director of the Central Intelligence Agency:
“I very much regret the resignation of David Petraeus as director of the CIA. This is an enormous loss for our nation’s intelligence community and for our country.
“Director Petraeus is an individual who has devoted nearly 40 years of service to his country, rising through the ranks to become a distinguished four-star general and commander of American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“At CIA, Director Petraeus gave the agency leadership, stature, prestige and credibility both at home and abroad. On a personal level, I found his command of intelligence issues second to none. He was especially cooperative with Congress as we executed our oversight responsibility, and he was responsible for improving American relationships with intelligence agencies in countries around the world.
“I wish President Obama had not accepted this resignation, but I understand and respect the decision. David Petraeus is one of America’s best and brightest, and all Americans should be grateful for his service. Deputy Director Michael Morell will serve as acting director, so I am confident the agency is in very good hands until the president selects a replacement.”


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Today I have used my most favourite stamp set Lovely As A Tree, this stamp set is awesome. Today I have used it as a Wedding Card and a Congratulations Card. I use it every year for my Christmas Cards by adding a bit of sparkle and a different sentiment. With my card today I have used the stamp resist technique, heat embossed and sponged the entire card and finally adding the sentiment. With my second card I masked a circle for the moon using Eclipse Masking Tape, and then when I removed the mask just added a little bit of Wisteria Wonder. I used the same 3 colours for both cards and they look so different.
Cardstock: Night of Navy
Stamp Sets: Lovely As A Tree, Special Celebrations
Ink Pads: Versamark, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Island Indigo
Embossing Powder: White, Silver

domain: hobby


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In other news, I'm taking this class online. It's a MOOC, which is a ridiculous acronym. Its own acronym seems to be PBR. Or, PBR in the Arts, which makes total sense.
Week One focused on autoethnography -- putting the artist/researcher's cultural context front and center. A nice coherence with the introductions that Jack and I are engaged in. Cultural context is so rich it's hard to unpack, but it's so central and important... Jack sends me his intro, and of course I've asked him mostly about his artistic identity and practice, and now I find that the questions I have for him are about his non-artistic cultural context: race, class, identity, etc. As if I need to know those things to know the person, or the artist. Perhaps I do.
And one of our first assignments was to keep an autoethongraphic journal; which is delightful for me, and a means (my only means, currently) of working on the project that I'm developing through / in tandem with this class. I am really enjoying writing longhand, especially because I can do it while waiting for other things, riding transit, or outdoors. And the page is formally less rigid than the screen. All this to say that it doesn't necessarily look good for lots of blog entries, despite me seeming to be on a roll recently.
Here's a page from my journal. Coincidentally (or not), the same I chose to excerpt for part of an assignment... after quite a bit of editing for clarity, context and generally less verbal diarrhea.
journal, on desk with some work stuff in the background. fun work stuff: facial expressions for stick figures.

domain: artistic


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The Emery Go-Round is a shuttle service that meets the "last mile" challenge that prevents many commuters from using public transit. Unlike other commuter shuttles, it serves the greater Emeryville community as well. And the buses are full.
With urban populations growing, an interesting phenomenon is spreading in cities across the U.S. - the rise of the (often congested) reverse commute. It brings with it new challenges, like how to provide transit riders with last mile connections.

domain: sociology


Passionate dance and live music meet in Malashock Dance’s ‘High Strung’ in San Diego
For over three decades, Malashock Dance has been a moving force in the San Diego arts community. In fact, founder John Malashock — who grew up in La Jolla — was the winner of the Bravo Icon Award in 2017, in recognition of his long years of high-level achievement in the performing arts. The year before, he won the Fieldstone Leadership Network Grant, which allowed him to take a well-earned sabbatical in France. And he spent last month having “a pretty wonderful time” at the Lyric Opera in Kansas City, re-creating — for the 15th time — his choreography for “The Pearl Fishers,” a popular Zandra Rhodes-designed production that originated at San Diego Opera in 2004.
Art of Elan, now in its 12th year, was founded by two members of San Diego Symphony, violinist Kate Hatmaker and flutist Demarre McGill, now principal flutist with the Dallas Symphony. Their aim was to be presenters and curators, bringing classical music — especially contemporary classical music — into the community, attracting more diverse audiences with shorter programs in unusual venues, and commissioning new works from innovative composers.
Last month, Art of Elan was part of the inaugural celebration at The Conrad, La Jolla’s long-awaited new music and arts center. “We had a sold-out concert in their cabaret space,” said Hatmaker, AofE’s artistic director. “It was great, and the acoustics were, too.”
This month, with Malashock Dance, they’re presenting an exciting program of dance and live music at the Lyceum Theatre in downtown San Diego, featuring their current Ensemble-in-Residence, Chicago-based Kontras Quartet, onstage with Malashock’s dancers. Fun Fact: the quartet’s co-founder, cellist Jean Hatmaker, is Kate Hatmaker’s sister.
“Their residency with Art of Elan is a natural continuation of our lifetime of making music together,” Hatmaker said. “For years, I was resistant to partnering with Kontras because of conflict of interest. Then last year, we commissioned a work from Branford Marsalis , and they played with him at the Music Box, and everyone said: That quartet is terrific! We love their energy! Why don’t you bring them back again!”
AofE and Malashock have some history together, too. In 2014, they collaborated on “Lifeblood Harmony” at La Jolla Playhouse, and in 2017, they did “Minor Fall/Major Lift” at the Lyceum.
“High Strung” will include “Intimate Letters,” a darkly emotional string quartet by Leos Janacek inspired by his long-lasting, unconsummated love of a younger woman; and the exuberant “American Quartet” by Antonin Dvorak, written during a delightful summer vacation in Iowa, far away from his hectic life in Manhattan as director of the National Conservatory of Music. The program’s opener will be a contemporary piece, “After Dust,” which combines an excerpt from a 14-movement string quartet by Mary Ellen Childs, who likes to integrate music, dance and theater, with “Tenebrae” by Osvaldo Golijov, an Argentina-born Grammy-winner born who infuses his work with the Latin and Jewish melodies of his youth.
A particularly interesting feature of “High Strung” is what Malashock calls a “choreographic experiment.” He’ll be using the same choreography in the Janacek and Dvorak pieces to show how different the same moves can seem when set to vastly different music.
“There are so many moving parts in this production,” Hatmaker said. “We’re trying to build community through music, and collaborations like this broaden our ability to do that.”
Malashock added: “Dance and music work so well together because they’re not about thinking, they’re about experiencing. We have a gorgeous group of dancers and a remarkable group of musicians, and I think ‘High Strung’ will be a very rich experience for our audiences.”
• IF YOU GO: “High Strung” will be performed 8 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2019 (pre-show young professionals happy hour, 6:30 p.m. plus $15); 8 p.m. Saturday, June 1 (pre-show VIP reception 6:30 p.m. plus $25) and 7 p.m. Sunday, June 2 at Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown San Diego. Tickets: $15-$45. (619) 544-1000. lyceumevents.org
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Restaurants op locatie: 1
Roomservice beschikbaar in Executive kamers, Suites en Kamers vanaf
6:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Superior dining awaits you at The Boardroom Restaurant. Enjoy gourmet entrees with a casual Northwest flair. Breakfast served weekdays from 6:00 am to 9:00am Breakfast is served on weekends from 6:30 am to 9:30 am Dinner served from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lounge is open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Menuaanbod: Ontbijt, Diner
Openingsuren: 6:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Hotel Bars & Lounges
The Boardroom Bar and Grill is a full service bar with top shelf spirits and local beers on tap. The Boardroom also features delicious appetizers. The full restaurant menu is also available in the bar.
Locatie: Adjacent to the Lobby
Openingsuren: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

domain: food


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I’m a ‘townie’, through and through, born in the ‘Core’ of Dublin 8. I know concrete, decorative railings and the privet hedges that serve to border our tiny plots of living space in a built up society of mortgage holding, tenancy and homelessness. I know the still, stale air of narrow laneways and boarded up shops and houses; and grey rooftops, covering, cocooning, or confining the moving masses who everyday, battle the traffic, the hustle and the raw humanity of modern city life.
And for what? To earn enough shekels to keep a hold of the concrete box, and the decorative railing and the privet hedges…?
I don’t know the rural way. I don’t know the life of the small farmer. Or at least, I didn’t.
So what do you do with 30 acres on the side of a hill in north Kerry?
Pilgrim Hill is an astounding feature debut from writer, director, Gerard Barrett. Breaking some rules, as the fellah says himself, the film soars to the level of connecting with every person in the audience, no matter what your background. It is dark, sometimes bleak, but that is life, my friends, and anyone, everyone, will empathise with the character of Jimmy Walsh, portrayed with a truthful, still eloquence by Joe Mullins.
I’m always disappointed by the ones who call themselves ‘filmmakers’ yet, abandon projects simply because the money doesn’t materialize, or the funding is refused. Good stories go untold because of their lack of commitment to the art. And it is an art. So how inspiring is this young filmmaker to the rest of us?
Gerard made the film on a shoestring budget, a loan of €4,500 from his credit union. He chose a cinematographer whom he believed could understand how to shoot his vision, Ian D Murphy, and with a red camera, a crew of four, a cast of five, and a loan of a farm, he made Pilgrim Hill in seven days. He decided not to go through the production company and state funding route. There would be too many rules to follow, and he knew he would break them. So he made his film, his way, and it works beautifully.
Pilgrim Hill is a labour of love. Filmmaking that grasps at the soul of humanity and understanding of a very common dilemma; the entrapment of man by blood and land. And Gerard Barrett is a man to watch. A recent recipient of the IFTA Rising Star Award, his next feature project will have an urban setting and will be centred around, as he says himself, his observations that not all parents should be parents. Now there is a film that we all need to see…


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While DJBooth features numerous R&B singles on a weekly basis, very few capture a pure jazz sound (think Raheem’s Woman). Determined to bring that sound to the forefront, however, is newcomer Jaiden. Dubbing himself “The Cure,” Jaiden has slowly built up his songwriting resume by penning jams for Jeannie Ortega, Case, and Carl Thomas among others. On Paradise, a could-be breakout song, he asks the ladies if they would like to step out of reality and come with him to paradise. Inquiring with rather suave vocals, a jazzy brass beat from producer KeyKat should help the ladies make up their mind. Sometimes, when you’re tired of the mainstream R&B and all the voice-boxes, it can be very refreshing to know there is new blood on the horizon.
Written by Burmy on 02/27/08
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First DJ Booth Appearance:
"Whatever You Like (Cure Mix)" (2008)
Total DJ Booth Features:
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Building a Sukkah in Hepzibah
Local people building a Sukkah for the Jewish holiday Sukkot in the Hepzibah neighborhood of Netanya, a seaside town north of Tel Aviv. This neighborhood is populated entirely by Ethiopian Jews. Just a few years ago the neighborhood was a mess, gang violence, drugs, kids dropping out of school. Now it’s been cleaned up, by the residents themselves with partnerships from the local city hall and local NGOs.


Our grannies knew something we didn’t – until now. Sitting down and click-clacking two needles together with a string of colourful yarn between them is totally chillax. These days, knitting has become a fashion trend, a social activity, some even call it the new yoga.
Why knitting is hot again? We find out from Adeline Loo, founder of It Takes Balls.
“I started ITB on my own and my sister Carol has joined me last year. She helps me to handle the marketing and social media platforms as I am terrible with stuff like that. It helps that she has a fashion background and knows how to take good photos.
My personal beliefs lie very strongly with the same ethos that Wool and the Gang is built upon – to change the way Fashion is made. We really hope to bring more awareness of the maker movement to South East Asia where fast fashion reigns supreme. Of course, I have been advised to tone down on this message – people now tend to be put off when you rub the words ‘socially responsible”, “ethical” and “sustainable” in their faces too often. So instead of picketing and shouting my message at people, I use craft to silently communicate this. It’s an age-old thing known as craftivism where we use the crafts to get a message (whether political or otherwise) to people. Safer too, especially in Singapore where picketing will get me thrown in jail.
So ITB concentrates more on educating and first getting the public to be willing to DIY, hoping that conversation can then be created which will allow people to naturally begin questioning, as well as appreciating, the true cost of fashion. In this, we use the approach of first debunking the belief that knitting is for grannies or uncool – and people see that it can be fashionable and trendy and that they can wear something they are equally proud of as their luxury label items. My free and unlimited classes also attract them as we practically guarantee they can finish their projects as we guide them step by step. A lot of people don’t take up a new skill / craft / hobby as they fear they’ll not complete it without further help.
Aside from this, I strongly believe the mental and physical benefits of knitting is something I would love Singaporeans to discover, having personally benefitted from it. Singaporeans live in a fast-paced society – whilst I get it that job security and earning capability is very highly regarded here, I think that the tangible benefits of making and creating is something people should not give up on, and would actually help towards a better quality of life. Like how some turn to Yoga or meditation, knitting is the same – a moving meditation like tai chi.
Many people are also surprised as they imagine a feminist like myself would be knitting – and it is unfortunate this view exists – the problem is that when our feminist pioneers gave up the ‘unproductive’ crafts to join the workforce to be able to be valued equally as men, they forgot about the benefits the crafts provided. A very unfortunate loss. I read somewhere before (and use this very often as my response) that the new feminist now is one who chooses to take back the knit (or cook or bake etc or another traditionally feminized craft). This reclamation shows the contemporary woman can reconnect with the female dominated art forms, to legitimize the importance of undervalued craft and show that the new woman has the privilege to express themselves through craft. Again, I suppose I should not harp too much on this angle as it’s probably not wise for the business aspect.”
Fancy joining Adeline’s close-knit crafters squad? Click here to ‘get the ball rolling’ with free lessons.


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There’s nothing more frustrating than being a design enthusiast who lives in a tiny apartment or home. So many great ideas and so much design inspiration, but not enough space! However, even the tiniest of homes can be styled up and reinvented. You can easily design a comfy, chic home with an…
While living in a smaller space can surely feel confining and restricting, it certainly isn’t a reason to feel discouraged. Smaller spaces can have a lot of personality and there are actually a lot of handy tricks that can help you maximize your home and make the most out of what you have available. So, instead of despairing and coming to terms with the fact that you’re facing a lifelong imprisonment, you better take matters into your own hands. If you‘re still wondering how to actually…
Here's your Day 4 official announcement! The video presentations from the third day of the 2017 Tiny House Summit are about to expire and we've just posted new presentations from Jake & Kiva, Hari Berzins, Andrew Bennett, Henderson County Pubic School Students & Teachers, Andrew Odom (interview), Angela Alcorn, Derin Williams, Tessa Baker, and Michael & Michelle Choto Nielsen…
We have to approve every new member of the network to protect from spammers, who have discovered us... We apologize for any delay this causes. To help in this process, please tell us why you are joining.
I am thinking about building a tiny house in the next year (I would start now but I will be relocating from VA to AZ). My Gram also has 19 acres and she is open to tiny houses, but she needs help discovering if its possible. I'm here for information.
What is your connection to the tiny house world?
I travel quite a bit and have lived in my Kia sportage while doing on a few occasions. I am looking to help advocate to make tiny living more common.
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Hello and welcome, to another rendition of Fiber Terms Demystified! Our focus will be on some fiber preparation verbs.
Skirt - Many times your fiber friend may talk about skirting a fleece. They aren't talking about putting a skirt on a sheep. They're talking about taking away the unwanted pieces of a fleece. These pieces have dung, urine, and vm. By doing this the fleece will be easier to clean and cleaner during the next various parts of the fiber processing.
Pick - Picking is done after the fleece has been skirted and cleaned. A bench picker is used to quickly open the locks. Bench pickers are used for when you have a lot of fleece to be picked open. Otherwise, flickers are used.
Flick - This is essentially the same thing as picking, but a different tool is used. The tool used here are either hand carders or special brushes known as flickers. Different tools have different uses and verbs.
Card - After your locks are picked or flicked they are run through a drum carder. This aligns the fleece's fibers in one direction. Doing this also removes all the fibers too short to spin. It is easier to spin wool that is all in one direction. Some people go straight to hand cards. It has the same effect, but for a large project a drum carder is better suited.
Comb - Combing is primarily for longer stapled fibers. Two combs are used to pull the long fibers from the short fibers while aligning them.
Diz - Dizzing is done after all of the fibers have been carded or combed. This pulls the fibers from the carder or hackle/comb in a uniform diameter. This creates a hand pulled roving, and is sometimes one of the most difficult. It takes a steady hand and lots of practice to create an even hand pulled roving.
I hope you learned something today, my fiber and non-fiber friends.
May your week be something fantastic!


ÑOTE: The Dead Boys were an American punk rock band from Cleveland, Ohio. The band was among the first wave of early punk bands, and was known as one of the rowdiest and most violent punk groups of the era. The Dead Boys were initially active from 1976 to 1979, briefly reuniting in 1986, and then later again in 2004 and 2005 without their frontman Stiv Bators. (from Wikipedia)
Sound Quality: 9/10
1. Sonic Reducer
2. All This And More
3. Caught With The Meat In Your Mouth
4. I Won't Look Back
5. Not Anymore
6. What Love Is
7. Flame Thrower Love
8. Son Of Sam
9. Down in Flames
10. Search and Destroy (The Stooges cover)
Buy the Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/dead-boys/id996936
ONLY FOR SHARE, NOT FOR SALE !
Support the artist by buying their records and attending their shows.