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Q: Get the final URL of a redirected request with unconventional scheme My code (below) tries to get the final URL returned from a server that does a bit of redirecting. It works fine as long as the URLs have an http scheme. My problem arises when I want to return a URL with a different scheme. Ultimately I want, in some situations, to return a market:// url or other app launch schemes since this is for Android and I want to start Intents with them.
So this gets me as far as retrieving the final http url, but when the final url is market:// it throws the exception seen (java.lang.IllegalStateException: Scheme 'market' not registered), and then getURI doesn't provide that one, it'll provide whatever was before that.
    DefaultHttpClient client = new DefaultHttpClient();
    HttpContext httpContext = new BasicHttpContext();
    HttpGet httpGet = new HttpGet(mInitialUrl);

    try {
        client.execute(httpGet, httpContext);
    } catch (IllegalStateException e) {
        e.printStackTrace();
    }

    // Parse out the final uri.
    HttpHost currentHost = (HttpHost) httpContext.getAttribute(ExecutionContext.HTTP_TARGET_HOST);
    HttpUriRequest req = (HttpUriRequest) httpContext.getAttribute(ExecutionContext.HTTP_REQUEST);

    return (req.getURI().isAbsolute()) ? req.getURI().toString() : (currentHost.toURI() + req.getURI());

Now, I could just register market:// as a scheme, but I don't want to hard-code beforehand what the valid schemes are, I just want it to accept them and return them whatever they are.
Any ideas? Maybe I'm not even taking the right approach. (Changing the server behavior isn't an option in this case... I've got to just deal with the redirects.)
My hope is that someone can tell me how to get the HttpClient to ignore the scheme, or at least preserve the final URI it tries to access.

A: Using HttpURLConnection for the job works for me. The following of redirects stops without exception when the target resource is not a HTTP resource.
HttpURLConnection connection = (HttpURLConnection) new URL(mInitialUrl).openConnection();
connection.setInstanceFollowRedirects(true);
String location = connection.getHeaderField("location");

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BW's Daily Video: The First Appearance Of The Sonic Screwdriver
"Fury From The Deep" was the last appearance of Victoria and the first appearance of the iconic Sonic Screwdriver, which would go on to be the Doctor's signature tool. That is until John Nathan Turner thought the Doctor relied on it too much and it was destroyed, remaining so until the TV movie with Paul McGann. The serial is one of the lost episodes but thanks to fans recording the audio and animation by Cosgrove Hall, this moment has been recreated.
Check out more at the Official Doctor Who YouTube channel.
Kind of mundane for something so important to Who lore. It's also one of the rare times it was actually used AS a screwdriver. Here's a video with a little more history on the serial and the Sonic Screwdriver's origin.
Catch more Josh Snares on his YouTube channel.
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Posted by ShadowWing Tronix on September 24, 2020 in Animation Spotlight, Television Spotlight and tagged Doctor Who, Fury From The Deep, Second Doctor, Sonic Screwdriver.
About ShadowWing Tronix
A would be comic writer looking to organize his living space as well as his thoughts. So I have a blog for each goal. :)
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Granny's Pantry # 45 Strange Happenings
Sometimes--and in some places--strange things happen. Such is the case around the High Rock area where Granny and Granddaddy Cole lived. Here are some of those strange happenings--some sad...some just plain strange.
One strange event took place at the Cow Palace, a farm in Rowan County, NC, where Granny Cole (Freda Morgan) grew up. Inside of the house is a set of stairs in the hall leading to the upper bedrooms. Granny said that when she was young, she heard a strange moaning sound as she was using the stairs.
A theory was that her brothers were playing a trick with a string causing the sound, but they denied it. She never found out what made the sound. Could it be that the Morgan house was haunted? If so, wonder where that ghost lives now?
Did you know that Granny Cole also saw a UFO one night at her High Rock house? The details are lost, but I think she was outside in the side yard of her house when she saw it. Who is to say it didn't happen? [She is not the only one I know who has seen one.]
Granny Cole had a nephew who sometimes stayed at the Cow Palace after the house was empty. He had some hard times in his life and was a bit different. Granny and we all cared about him, but he also had a reputation for having a temper and being a bit difficult in some circumstances. Later in his life, he stayed at the empty home of a lady who lived down the road and around the corner from the Cow Palace. This nephew told a family member that if he were ever found dead, it was because he was killed by someone who had a grudge against him.
And sure enough, he died in a fire in the house where he was staying. The house was totally destroyed.
Of course the death was ruled accidental, but who knows?
[And in a side story, the father of the woman who once owned the house where the nephew died, was killed many years earlier in a house over on River Road that is no longer standing. He was killed on the porch and some said you could still see the blood stains. Legend has it he was killed by the Mafia... but all who would know are long dead.]
Just down the road from the Cow Palace is the site of another strange happening. There is a part of the road on which you will find a lot of graffiti, likely left by local folks or kids eager to try out the phenomena that has been told will occur if you drive north toward what appears to be a little hill on this part of the road.
According to http://www.theshadowlands.net/places/northcarolina.htm, on this part of the road, "you can stop and put your car in neutral and it will roll up the hill." There's more to this tale I had never heard before, and it is very sad, but if you are curious, look it up or go try it out for yourself.
On a country stretch of road in Davidson County, outside of Denton, NC (just a few miles from Granny's), there is a little parcel of ground fenced in and containing a handful of graves. If you look carefully, you will see what appears to be a cemetery that contains both members of a local family and also the graves of slaves--both clearly marked. What stories behind these long departed individuals? Who can tell their tales?
There are 2 sad stories of happenings to people from this area during or right after the Civil War.
There is an old farm site close to the Cow Palace where one happening is supposed to have occurred. The story goes that a young man from the area had just returned from the Civil War..having made it safely through all of the horrors. Some time after his return, he went to a nearby farm to a social event, maybe a wheat thrashing or a corn shucking.
According to the story, he ate so much that he died...could he have been so starved that he was overcome when there was plenty to eat?
There is another coming home story; this one was located at the site of the old Reid Plantation across the Yadkin River in Davidson County, near High Rock where Granny Cole lived.
The plantation house and buildings are no longer there. [They were moved for preservation to the Denton Farm Park.] But the house was situated on a hill overlooking the river.
According to legend, one of the Reid sons was coming home from the War and decided to swim the river to reach his home on the other side. War had not harmed him, but the river took his life, in sight of home. How very sad is that?
There are doubtless other strange tales which took place around High Rock...but there is one more that just was told to me...last week...and happened within the last year. This story came to me from the person who experienced it...and I believe him. He was at Granny's High Rock house getting ready for a group of people who were coming to shoot a movie on site there. The story teller was in the process of opening the double wooden front doors to be ready when the film crew arrived.
As he struggled to unbar the doors, which can be a bit tricky, he heard a knock on the outside aluminum door. "Just a minute," he called, as he worked with the bar, which can only be removed a certain way. He heard the knock again, very clearly. When he finally removed the bar and opened the door....there was no one standing there. No vehicles were parked in front of the house. Nothing. Thinking that some of the film crew had come early and left when they couldn't gain access to the house, he waited for their arrival at the expected time and asked them if anyone had come earlier.
No one had. It happened, I believe it. Can you explain it?
For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." (Isaiah 41:13)
Posted by JennyJohnson at 7:13 PM


The long-awaited release of Blizzard Entertainment's newest intellectual property has been given a date.
After its announcement at BlizzCon 2014, Blizzard Entertainment's new first person shooter Overwatch has finally been given a definite release date: May 24th, 2016. Blizzard simultaneously announced that the game will also enter its open beta testing phase on May 3rd, available to those that pre-order any edition of the game. Editions available for pre-order include: the base edition, which includes the core game and 21 unlocked characters, the Origins Edition, which includes five "Origin" skins and digital bonuses usable in Blizzard's other titles, and finally the Collector's Edition, which includes everything in the Origins Edition plus a visual sourcebook, a copy of the game's soundtrack, and a 12.8-inch tall statue of the character Soldier: 76.
No details on a possible official Overwatch world championship or similar tournament system were included in the release date announcement, though some esports organizations already have Overwatch teams, formed during the closed beta phase. Such organizations include G2.Kinguin, Cloud 9, and EnVyUs – proving that there is a significant amount of initial mainstream interest in Overwatch esports. When the game finally releases on May 24th, this interest will likely go up quite a bit.
Overwatch will be available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, with all three versions releasing simultaneously on May 24th. Blizzard has stated in the past that cross-platform play will not be available for the game due to concerns regarding a perceived advantage for PC players, presumably due to the availability of mice and keyboards as input devices on that version – unlike the console versions which will make use of their respective gamepads. However, Overwatch is notable for being the first Blizzard title with this much console support, in contrast to their older IPs which were developed mainly for the PC – with some games later ported to consoles with modified gameplay and/or interfaces. This kind of accessibility will help the game's fledgling competitive scene thrive across different communities.
Stay tuned to OverwatchBetting.com for any news and developments on the budding Overwatch betting industry!


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Indonesian forest to disappear in 15 years
by Antara News
Committee Chairman for National Green Archipelgo, Ary Sudarsono said Indonesian forests were expected to disappear in 15 years to come if the government did not make serious efforts to preserve them. "With a destruction level of 2.8 million hectares annually, the Indonesian forests will become extinct in the next 15 years," he said in a press statement made available to ANTARA News here on Sunday.
He said that during the 2000-2005 period, of the 120.3 million hectares of forests in Indonesia, 59.2 million hectares were damaged. "If the country's forests are all damaged, natural disasters such as floods, landslides and drought will take place everywhere," he added.
Sudarsono said that damages to forests could cause the extinction of 27,000 plant species in Indonesia, which account for 10 percent of the world`s plant species, 1,539 bird species (17 percent of the world`s), 515 species of mammals (12 percent) and 270 amphibious species (16 percent). Therefore, Sudarsono said, his committee would launch an environmental preservation campaign in any sports, arts and cultural events.
On Friday, Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar launched an environmental recovery program for an area at Merapi Mountain which was severely damaged by volcanic material mining. The Merapi Conservation Program was held in mountainside Kemiren village in Srumbung subdistrict in Magelang district.
The Magelang district administration has distributed 20,000 fruit seedlings to villagers who are told to plant them on a total land of 50 hectares in six villages. Magelang district head Singgih Sanyoto said non-environmental friendly sand minings have seriously damaged reserved forests and farm lands in the mountainside.
Illegal logging has also been attributed to forest damage. Illegal logging activities, for example, are rampant in the protected forest of Peleng Island, Banggai Kepulauan (Bangkep) district, Central Sulawesi.
"Almost every week, we can see logs cut illegally from the protected forest are piling up along Salakan-Palam roads," a local resident said.
Indonesia loses Rp30 trillion (about US$2,8 billion) annually in revenues and taxes due to illegal logging activities. While, around 2.8 million hectares of the country`s forest areas disappear every year.


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The Wrong Family: A Thriller (Paperback)
By Tarryn Fisher
An Instant Bestseller -The New York Times-USA Today-The Globe and Mail-The Toronto Star
A MOST-ANTICIPATED BOOK FROM BUSTLE - E - USA TODAY - REFINERY29 - POPSUGAR - BOOKRIOT - HUFFINGTON POST - CRIMEREADS - GOODREADS - THE TEMPEST
From the author of the instant New York Times bestseller The Wives comes another twisted psychological thriller guaranteed to turn your world upside down.
Have you ever been wrong about someone?
Juno was wrong about Winnie Crouch.
Before moving in with the Crouch family, Juno thought Winnie and her husband, Nigel, had the perfect marriage, the perfect son--the perfect life. Only now that she's living in their beautiful house, she sees the cracks in the crumbling facade are too deep to ignore.
Still, she isn't one to judge. After her grim diagnosis, the retired therapist simply wants a place to live out the rest of her days in peace. But that peace is shattered the day Juno overhears a chilling conversation between Winnie and Nigel...
She shouldn't get involved.
She really shouldn't.
But this could be her chance to make a few things right.
Because if you thought Juno didn't have a secret of her own, then you were wrong about her, too.
From the wickedly dark mind of bestselling author Tarryn Fisher, The Wrong Family is a taut new thriller that's riddled with twists in all the right places.
"The Wrong Family is your new obsession. It's full of twists you'll never see coming and you'll be breathless until the end. Trust me: you've never read anything like this." -#1 New York Times bestselling author, Colleen Hoover
Publication Date: December 29th, 2020
Thrillers - Domestic
Thrillers - Psychological
Thrillers - Suspense


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Home > Articles by country > Discover the prestigious Champagne region
Discover the prestigious Champagne region
Posted at 16:00h in Articles by country, France, Paris by Alice Colin 0 Comments
In the heart of a small French province on the outskirts of Paris, a golden wine flows, having inherited the same name: champagne! Boasting a chalky soil, the Champagne vineyards produce a sparkling wine famous worldwide, while its hillsides, cellars and Grandes Maisons (champagne houses) are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Welcome to Champagne!
Picturesque villages, endless vineyards, historic castles … It is in the heart of this magnificent setting that the Grandes Maisons de champagne carefully follow ancestral techniques to produce the precious beverage.
Epernay, capital of champagne
Emblem of Champagne, the beautiful city of Epernay is today the economic driving force of the region with its many Grandes Maisons including Nicolas Ruinart, one of the oldest founded in 1729, and Moët & Chandon that owns the largest vineyard in Champagne.
Its Avenue de Champagne is one of the most prestigious in the world with its 110 kilometers of cellars and its eclectic architecture dating back to the 19th century.
Reims, city of kings in Champagne.
Also known as the "city of the sacres", Reims is another town producing Champagne, famous for its Maison Taittinger.
Reims has a rich cultural and historical heritage, including its famous Cathedral where the kings of France used to be sacred for more than 10 centuries, from Louis the Pious in 816 to Charles X in 1825.
Hautvillers and its iconic Abbey
Located 5km from Epernay and surrounded by vineyards, the beautiful village of Hautvillers enjoys an exceptional geographical location and a dual climate effect. Hautvillers is an important champagne hub because its Abbey is the place where the gilded elixir was invented in 1681 by a Benedictine monk named Dom Pérignon. Today the Maison Dom Pérignon remains a true institution with its luxurious champagne whose special production techniques have been followed for centuries.
Want to visit the beautiful region of Champagne? Learn the secrets of the assemblage and the art of sabrage? Our professional guides have prepared for you some exciting tailor-made itineraries during which you will combine discovery and tasting in the biggest Grandes Maisons.
A DAY IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
Visit Reims, explore Epernay with visit of Moët & Chandon and Taittinger houses and tastings (from Paris)
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5 cities to discover during Christmas
During the winter holidays, some cities transform. Markets, decorations, events...Here are 4 cities that are worth a visit during chirstmas...
Berlin, Capital of Cultural Liberation
Berlin, capital of Germany, has a history spanning nearly 800 years during which she has always wanted to remain a political and economic power despite many tumults....
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Modern and dynamic capital, Berlin has a rich cultural diversity thanks to its different communities. The Jews are one of them and contributed significantly to the economic, scientific, and artisti...
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The city of Cusco has an impressive and rich culture, joined together with uniquely beautiful surroundings that seem to come straight out of your wildest imagination. In addition to countless traces of indigenous architecture, the city presents a wide variety of colonial buildings, churches filled with religious artwork and an incredible amount of outdoor activities to get you back in touch with nature. This city isn't called the "Rome of the Americas" for nothing.
Machu Picchu is the most visited attraction in the entire country of Peru. This magical sacred city, build on top of a mountain about 50 miles from Cusco, is the largest and most beautiful trace left behind by the ancient Inca civilization. Declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, Machu Picchu is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
When you visit Machu Picchu, don't forget to bring along good sunblock and comfortable walking shoes, since touring the ruins typically requires a good amount of outdoor physical activity. Once there, the more adventurous visitors can try to climb the rugged Wayna Picchu Mountain, where you'll experience incredible panoramic views of the ruins.
The city's downtown area brings together many of the main buildings and ruins from colonial and pre-Colombian times, the main reason why the city has been declared a World Heritage Site. In the heart of Cusco, right next to the "Plaza de Armas" (Weapons Square), you'll find two impressive colonial churches of incalculable beauty and value: "La Catedral" and "El Templo de la Compania de Jesus". The first, with baroque and plateresque details, offers extraordinary artisanal quality in its paintings and decor. The second, considered one of the most sophisticated examples of baroque architecture in the Americas, preserves important colonial ties.
As you explore downtown Cusco, don't forget to visit Hatun Rumiyuq Street, one of the most famous in the city, which begins at Plaza de Armas and ends in the picturesque artisanal neighborhood of San Blas. You can also stop by the "Convento e Iglesia de la Merced" and the "Convento de Santo Domingo" (also called "Qoricancha"), two convents showcasing impressive religious artwork.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region in the city's surroundings and one of the area's main attractions. Originally, this fertile valley formed part of the Incan Empire and housed important cities. Today, it holds diverse populations along with influential archaeological sites and ruins.
Some of the towns you can visit in this valley include Chinchero, Pisac and Maras. In terms of the ruins sites, the most well-known are Ollantaytambo and Choquequirao. The second site receives few visitors and is difficult to reach, but it offers amazing views and beautiful sights. It's recommended that only expert hikers visit these ruins, located on mountain peaks.
This is one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. Due to its convenient location just outside Cusco, Sacsayhuaman offers visitors amazing panoramic views of the city. These ruins contain enormous tiered terraces and gigantic stone walls, suggesting that the site was once an indigenous fortress.
About 15 miles outside of Cusco, you can visit an Inca cemetery along with one of the region's largest water systems. This site, which is believed to have once belonged directly to emperors, holds a carefully designed canal system and agricultural area.
If you enjoy hiking, outdoor walks and camping, the Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience that you can try out during your vacation in Cusco. This road starts in Cusco and leads all the way to Machu Picchu, passing through amazing landscapes and some of the region's incredible towns. Normally, the complete trip on foot takes three to four days, but it's not necessary to walk the entire way since transportation is available. If you don't consider yourself an avid hiker, you can opt to take a shorter route followed by a bus ride to the next stop, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding areas without over-exerting yourself.
With so much surrounding natural beauty and an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet above sea level, Cusco offers an unbeatable and challenging opportunity for adventurous visitors who love the great outdoors, ecotourism and adventure sports. Even though at this altitude just walking along the charming cobblestone streets of downtown Cusco can be enough to get the heart pumping, the more adventurous can try rafting on the nearby rivers, hiking the trail to Machu Picchu, camping, rappelling, rock climbing and even skydiving. Whatever your favorite outdoor sport is, Cusco offers the ideal setting and great services for experiencing it on your next vacation to the beautiful country of Peru.
The museums in Cusco bring together the fascinating history of the city, its gorgeous surroundings and its different historic eras. Some of these museums specialize in pre-Colombian history, while others feature exhibits on religious artwork. Some, like the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, display a variety of modern artwork. In all of these venues, you'll find an oasis of peace and knowledge in the midst of an adventurous vacation in Cusco. Some of the more important museums include the Museo Historico Regional, featuring numerous regional pieces from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and the Museo del Sitio de Qoricancha, with three intact Incan mummies along with traditional ceramics and textiles.


In Westford, as in many New England towns, voters participate directly in the major decisions that affect how the Town runs itself and how it spends its money.
If you are a registered voter in Westford you can, and should, participate in town meeting. Renters as well as property owners, if registered to vote, may attend and vote at Town Meeting. You must attend in person, however; no absentee voting is allowed. If you are not a registered voter you are welcome to attend town meeting as an observer.


New foreign-language information system inaugurated.
IDF reserve soldiers took part in a surprise drill in northern Israel, April 29, 2013, as part of tightening readiness along the Syrian and Lebanese borders.
The IAF attacks on missiles and other weapons caches in Damascus have led yesterday to a particularly tense day up north, perhaps the most tense since the Second Lebanon War. The Air Force ordered the closure of Israel's northern airspace until Thursday. This despite unofficial military evaluations that there will be no serious retaliation on the part of Syria or Hezbollah, who are both too busy fighting the Sunni rebels to care for a second, deadly front against Israel.
Israel's concern is primarily Hezbollah, the more volatile member of the northern, unholy alliance, and the intended recipient of those demolished Fateh-110 long-range missiles. So the level of readiness was increased for the entire north, which included an IDF request that residents of the Western Galilee to avoid fireworks and loud music.
Talk about nervous trigger fingers.
The Northern Command, which had been planning a major exercise of civilian defense response to a Syrian rocket attack—decided to shelve it for the time being. As it is, folks started to form lines to get their gas masks and the rest of the official defense kit.
According to Maariv, the Golan Heights residents have been less nervous after the two successive IAF attacks on Syria. Possibly because the Syrian border has been the quietest for the past 40 years. But things in the Middle east have a tendency to change rapidly, especially with news of Al Qaeda and other fanatics moving south as part of their encounters with the Syrian army.
Meanwhile, the Home Front Command's Information Center has announced the inauguration of a new call-routing system enabling speakers of foreign languages to talk to a representative of the Home Front Command and a translator on the phone. Should the IDF be unable to provide a translation to a particular language in real time, the operators will record the caller's phone number and call back with a translator on the line.
According to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, 18 percent of Israelis speak Arabic as their mother tongue, 15 percent Russian, followed by Amharic, English, French, German, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish and Yiddish.


Welcome to Social Sciences projects!
We are glad you have come to visit us!
This page provides you with information about free-,open- social sciences projects. If you enjoy science, especially social ones and/or want to contribute to it but don't know how... don't worry, we are here to help you. Please, read the information about projects below, decide which one seems more interesting to you, find the information how to participate in!
Feel free to ask us any question you want. You can do it on About Us.
Welcome to YourMorals.org, where you can learn about your own morality, ethics, and/or values, while also contributing to scientific research. We are a group of professors and graduate students in social psychology at the University of Virginia, The University of California (Irvine), and the University of Southern California.


Data loss can occur for a number of reasons. Be it because a file was accidentally deleted, the file system or OS has become damaged, or due to a storage failure at the software or hardware level, data goes missing when you least expect it. Today we highlight five data recovery methods to keep in mind for when the unexpected happens.
If Windows fails to load, take the hard drive out of the problematic machine. Now, either mount it as a slave in another working machine or place it into an external drive enclosure. The goal is for the drive to appear as another drive letter in Windows Explorer, allowing you to view the contents of the drive and pick out the data you need.
Similarly, if you want to bypass Windows on the problematic machine and get access to the data itself, you can use a Live CD/USB. This will give you the ability to save the data to the network or an external USB drive. A Linux-based bootable operating system like DEFT or Ubuntu would be two examples of such Live CD/USBs.
A hex editor (such as HxD Hex Editor) will give you access to the data in 'raw' – hexadecimal – format. This is useful for when you are working with a hard drive where the partition is damaged and the file metadata is missing. If you know the structure of the file type you need to recover you can use the SOF (Start-Of-File) marker, or header, and EOF (End-Of-File) marker, or footer, to carve out data manually and save it into the correct file format.
Note: This method will not work if the hard drive is encrypted.
In the example below, I searched the hexadecimal data for FF D8 right the way through to FF D9 (the header and footer of a JPEG file) and exported that data to a file. Once I gave it a .jpg extension, I was able to open it and see a photo.
If you wanted to look at a file carver that's readily available, try PhotoRec or Scalpel, both open source. These are useful to help you practise and understand the underlying concept of data carving.
One of the easiest and fastest ways of recovering deleted data from a Windows operating system is to use a data recovery tool. An application like Recuva allows you to recover missing data from multiple file systems within minutes. PhotoRec, mentioned earlier, is a bit more labour intensive but very powerful and can recover over 400 file types from FAT, NTFS, ext and HFS+ file systems.
For situations where the partition is damaged, try TestDisk. TestDisk's primary goal was to help recover lost partitions and make disks bootable again, but is also used for recovering deleted files from FAT, exFAT, NTFS and ext2 partitions.
Despite the obvious benefits of knowing how to recover data, being proactive – rather than reactive – in these scenarios, is often considered a more sensible approach.
If budget permits, nothing beats having a real-time backup solution in place that can restore data quickly and avoid the headache of needing to recover data in the first place. Such a solution will allow you to restore files to their original state on the original computer or to another computer on the network with a click of a button.


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5lorette
5lorette » Movie » The Gravy Train (1974)
The Gravy Train (1974) HD online
Category: Movie / Action / Comedy / Crime / Drama
Original Title: The Gravy Train
Director: Jack Starrett
Writers: Bill Kerby,Terrence Malick
Video type: Movie
Two rural West Virginia brothers leave home, rob an armored car and become fugitives.
Stacy Keach - Calvin Dion
Frederic Forrest - Russell (Rut) Dion
Margot Kidder - Margie
Barry Primus - Tony
Richard Romanus - Carlo
Denny Miller - Rex
Clay Tanner - Bather
Robert Phillips - Gino
Owen Orr - Cannery Foreman
Jack Starrett - Gentleman Rancher (as Claude Ennis Starrett Jr.)
Francesca Bellini - Receptionist
Al Hansen - Police Captain
Joe Tornatore - Sergeant
Mary L. Honaker - Mother
Don Edwards - Driver
Jack Starrett replaced original director Terrence Malick.
The title was changed from "The Gravy Train" to "The Dion Brothers" after audiences at sneak previews and other early screenings indicated that they thought the original name sounded like a movie about dog food (Gravy Train being the name of a well-known American pet food).
Martin Scorsese was attached to direct but pulled out to do Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974).
Movie / Action / Comedy / Crime / Drama1974 Stacy Keach Frederic Forrest Margot Kidder Jack Starrett
Reviews: [13]
Ballazan
Unfortunately this original mix of action and laughs is kept from cinema fans as it sits rotting in the Columbia vaults for all eternity. A shame since this may be Jack Starrett's strongest film and features a witty script by a young Terrence Malick and fully realized performances by its two leads Stacey Keach and Frederic Forrest who turn to a life of crime so they can get the money to open a seafood restaurant. Many standout scenes include interrogation by bathtub and electric razor, and an intense shootout in an abandoned building as it's being torn down by a wrecking ball!
Urllet
I managed to record THE DION BROTHERS, off broadcast TV, (with the commercials), back in the early 80s. I've loaned it to many friends, all of whom agree it's one of the best B "bandit" movies ever made. One day, while walking to my NYC apartment, I saw Stacy Keach shooting a scene for his TV series, Mickey Spilane. We had a moment to chat, and I told him how much I enjoyed THE DION BROS, and considered it a pure classic. He thanked me, and said it was one of the best, and most memorable film experiences of his career. He was very friendly, and sincere, and I was grateful for the few moments he took to chat with a fan. This is one classic that needs to be on DVD.
Shistus
Considering this film was released 8 years before I was born, I don't feel too bad for over-looking it for such a long time. Back in January of 98 though, I attended the Second Annual Quentin Tarantino film fest held in Austin,Texas. The particular theme of films this night was "Neglected 70's Crime Films" and boy was her right. "The Gravy Train(or The Dion Brothers, as it appeared this print)" was an absolute gem. Wonderful performances, quirky characters, smart plot, hilarious comedy, and just an all around great time. Rarely do you see a Crime film that is so entertaining and fresh. Margot Kidder in one of her earliest film appearances is extremely sexy as well. I hope some cable network gets a hold of this film and allows many more to see it. In the meantime, go to an indie video store and hope they have it.
JoJolar
Another one that slipped by the radar of most anyone. This little B produced gem is so full of new ideas in an old genre and so absolutely refreshing and inventive, that a dreadful feeling about the lack of cojones in today's cinema slowly overtakes your body. The final set piece is so innovative in its setting and style that it prefigures everyone from Tarantino to John Woo. Oh, and if you think "dying lines" are all cliche, wait for the dying line of FF. A piece of dialogue that could have torn you with laughter will take your heart. A true pleasure. Seek it and see it. You won't be sorry.
Gnng
These immortal lines begin The Jack Starret directed masterpiece,'The Dion Brothers'. The plot centers around two blue collar West Virginian brothers (Stacy Keach and Frederic Forrest) who commit robberies in hopes of using the money to open a seafood restaurant!!? What follows is quite an adventure, and many comedic events ensue. The action scenes are all top notch and consist of some nicely realized shootouts. The latter of which is absolutely amazing and occurs in an abandoned building being demolished by a wrecking ball! The film was written by now famous director Terrence Malick and features an early appearance by Margot Kidder. All in all, an excellent hidden gem of the 70s and easily one of the finest action/comedy hybrids every made. Hopefully it gets a decent widescreen DVD release soon.
I try to describe this movie to people or ask them if they've seen it and I always sound like a wombat. I just remember laughing myself wet the last time I saw it, sometime around 1985. I remember Stacey Keach or Frederick Forrest threatening some guy with a live lobster, and I remember the guy in the bathtub more annoyed than scared when they were dipping the plugged-in razor in the water. "I don't even know those guys!!" he wails as they leave. No, they don't make them like this anymore, and it's shameful. I truly think Tarantino might have been inspired by this movie when he and Clooney played the Gecko brothers in "From Dusk Til Dawn', only these brothers were A lot more fun. Pitiful, too, if it is locked away in some vault. It's the kind of movie that would turn up on FLIX at 4AM on a work night. And that's not a BAD thing...
Jogas
Man! I saw this flick when it first came out in '74. Was watching "Apocalypse Now" the other day and recognized Frederic Forrest (Chef). Then I remembered that he was in some movie with Stacy Keach and Richard Romanus where he portrayed Keach's younger and, shall we say, "less worldly" brother. One part that sticks out was when he met Richard Romanus' character--it was funny in that it was the first time Forrest's character had met a Hispanic person who wasn't Mexican. The movie is definitely "must see" material. Hopefully it will be out on DVD soon
Blackbrand
This interesting lost film (written by Terence Malick) stars Stacy Keach and Frederic Forrest as two wacky, Southern brothers on a quest to open a seafood restaurant. Margot Kidder was never prettier and Forrest should have been nominated. Originally titled The Dion Brothers, this light-hearted flick with a violent ending is a pure joy!
Where is this film? I've been searching for it for 30 years. Keach was still great back then and I'm surprised it doesn't have more of a cult following (maybe it does). These guys are a crack-up with more ambition than brains, but totally lovable dudes!. A 7 out of 10. If you can dig it up somewhere, you'll have fun.
Rageseeker
I used to catch this quirky product of the 1970s late at night on KTRK, Houston's ABC affiliate. I could never let this little gem go by without trying to catch a little of it and usually couldn't let go of it once I started.
Stacy Keach is the more "sophisticated" of the two Dion brothers, simply because he has chosen to sample the world outside their West Virginia coal mining community. He quits his factory job and returns to lure his bumpkin brother (played wonderfully by Waxahachie, Texas native Fredric Forrest) into a scheme to establish a seafood restaurant. The trouble is, the restaurant is to be financed via an armored car robbery with a gang that includes Denny Miller and Richard Romanus. Romanus double crosses the group and the Dion brothers take out after him. Yeah, Margot Kidder shows up but so does stuntman, director, writer & actor Hal Needham in an uncredited role as a guy in a bathtub.
I happened to catch about the last 45 minutes of the movie,late night about 8 years ago. What a wild and funny 45 minutes.I was absolutely knocked out by chase-shoot-out at the end that takes place at night ,inside an old hotel that's being torn down with a wrecking ball....Incredible. I vaguely remember Stacy Keach ,stealing a cop car, faking being a cop and strong arming some winos....Wino to Keach"Hey,why Ya hasslin us?...Keach"It's my job".You're correct. They don't make them like that anymore.Great movie. The golden70's...Hopefully it will see the light of day as a DVD along with other lost treasures...Hickey and Boggs being one such.
Keath
I've tried to remember the name of this movie for years and years. Finally, read something today, 03/09/2005, that mentioned Stacy Keach's name, and it reminded me that I had seen a movie that he was in in 1974 at the Atlanta Film Festival, so, I did a Google search for Keach's movies and found The Gravy Train. We were supposed to see Duddy Kravitz at the film festival, but for some reason they were unable to show it, and instead substituted The Gravy Train. We were terribly disappointed that we weren't going to be able to see the much hyped Duddy Kravitz, and had heard nothing of The Gravy Train, and have heard nothing of it since.
However, I recall we were pleasantly surprised at how good the movie was, and as I recall, it was quite humorous. Would love to find it on tape.
Snowseeker
why won't IFC ,Sundance,TV Land or Bravo rescue the Hundreds of Classic movies that sit in vaults in Hollywood while we are forced to watch mediocre films for rookie hollwood film school wannabe's...Matt & Ben , and Vince & Jon...are Not takin any risks...nor are they pushing anything but their own type of one dimensional portraits stuck in the Material World of INSTANT GRATIFICATION....They want it ALL NOW! when will be over this drought of creativity? Am I the only one who senses that we are in the age of cookie cuter movie-making, by people who have arrived and risen to star status overnight, and they don't dare lose any money & power by working with quality scripts that call for real acting ability.
Flas
This was the best film I have seen in a long while.
From the moment I start to play online this film it was very compelling from the off.
Kirk Douglas was just amazing throughout the film and is one of my favourite actors.
The initial plot is pretty cool and the film starts quickly, without a long build up before anything interesting happens.
As the film started to get into the middle this is when I thought "bingo I'm onto a great film here I must watch this again", as I was enjoying it so much.
As the film get towards the end and the main characters start to play their parts you can see why this film is so highly rated for free on the internet.
The end sequence is one of the best ends to a movie we have ever seen, and well worth waiting for.
As the final few scenes take place, all of the plot begins to make sense properly.
With a good few laughs rolled into the bargain helped make us enjoy playing this film.
We would definitely recommend for free that you watch this film online, and then hopefully you will also think "Bingo I have found a great film here in The Gravy Train"
Urutoraman Reo The Leo Brothers vs the Monster Brothers (1974–1975) online HD
Tailgate Fan: College Edition Baylor vs. West Virginia (2013– ) online HD
In Long Forgotten Fields (2009) online HD
Starlight Theatre The Gravy Train (1950–1951) online HD
Fireside Theatre Three Missions West (1949–1955) online HD
The Adventures of the West Brothers (2013) online HD
Volunteering in West Virginia Day to Serve (2016– ) online HD
Hearts United (1915) online HD
Mrs. America 2011: Greenbrier, West Virginia (2011) online HD
Rome Braves Baseball VS West Virginia June 4, 2017 (2017– ) online HD
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English summary from the Board of Governors' press conference on September 6.
The following is an English summary of the main questions and answers after the formal introduction by the Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Press Conference on September 6, 2007.
Question: What is your reaction to the decision by Straumur-Burðarás Bank to switch its capital into euros? Do you have an opinion on the matter?
Davíd Oddsson, Chairman of the Board of Governors: I might have an opinion but the Board of Governors has not adopted a standpoint. I see no need to do so. It's not a major issue. That's all there is to say about the matter.
Question: What about the Minister of Commerce's claims about substantial pressure from the business community to adopt the euro.
Chairman of the Board of Governors: He may feel some pressure, but we don't here.
Question: Calls have been made from various quarters on the need for the Central Bank to change the policy rate. How do you intend to respond? Do you take these comments into account?
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Of course we listen to such comments. The IMF argued that even under current conditions there could be grounds for raising the policy rate. That is a valid argument but we underline that there are counterarguments and on balance the Board of Governors decided it was prudent to leave the rate unchanged. The policy rate is high in real terms and the monetary stance is tight – we hope it is adequate, but also say that if the current outlook worsens, a response will be forthcoming. A policy rate hike cannot be ruled out, just as if conditions change in the other direction, we do not rule out lowering it earlier than previously expected. The July forecasts do not imply that the policy rate will come down sooner, but it is our duty to take account of medium-range developments when we make our next decisions.
Question: What will be the impact of fishing quota cuts and the government's measures to mitigate their effect?
Chairman of the Board of Governors: When the July forecast was prepared we used a specific assumption for the cutback in the cod quota. This was not because the Bank considered this to be the correct level for the cutback, but because we needed an assumption for our calculations. The cutback that was eventually decided was rather more than we had assumed, but the economic impact is highly uncertain and will not be clear until well into the next year, so it could not be included in the Board of Governors' current policy rate decision. The mitigating measures are also uncertain although some have been announced. However, in the present climate we point out the need to design such measures or any others carefully when the fiscal budget is drawn up.
Question: Do you fear that such measures could increase pressures in the economy?
Chairman of the Board of Governors: We don't take that for granted, but given the tight labour market and strong pressures in much of the economy, we advise the government to proceed cautiously in its fiscal budget and expenditure plans. We also realise that the cod quota cutback will have a sizeable localised impact, plus a psychological effect in certain areas and sectors. We do not play that down.
Question: Given the tight labour market, is it realistic to cut the policy interest rate in March, as you expected previously?
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Actually we present the question in different terms and say it is unrealistic to expect the policy rate to be cut until the first half of next year. We said that in July and still do. We also reiterate our qualification that a deterioration in the outlook could lead to a policy rate hike or the reduction would begin later, but a different development could lead to a different conclusion.
Question: Have US sub-prime market developments affected your decisions?
Chairman of the Board of Governors: To some extent. They have an impact here and on the global economic climate and credit terms, and on financial institutions worldwide and in Iceland too. A downturn in market conditions would tend to ease pressures in Iceland and therefore reinforce the Central Bank's stance. Such events affect Iceland and we have to take them into account like everything else. We do not have information about Icelandic banks being in the same position as other institutions vis-à-vis this particular risk. Nonetheless, shifts in global markets have an impact on their performance and finances.
Question: An American economist and opponent of small currencies visited Iceland recently. Do you think the time has come to launch a serious debate to examine the euro as a currency for Iceland?
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Many in-depth reports have already been made. The Central Bank produced such a report in 1997 which still seems to be perfectly valid. Other reports were made in 1998, so the debate has been addressed in full seriousness. But my personal view is that calling in experts who quote countries that have messed up their finances and then latch themselves on to, say, the dollar, then sitting starry-eyed to hear them claim this is some kind of solution for Iceland – to tell the truth it makes me laugh. This isn't a conclusion reached by the Board of Governors. I'm just saying what I think. I find it hilarious.
Question: So you don't think this is the right time to resume this debate and examine it afresh?
Chairman of the Board of Governors: An on-going, normal dialogue is natural. But the idea of adopting another currency without participating in full in the union behind it is ridiculous. Anyone with any sense knows that. Importing people to talk nonsense on the subject and staring starry-eyed at them while they do, that's hilarious.
Question: There have been reports in recent weeks of other central banks lending to banks. Has the Central Bank of Iceland examined whether to take measures in connection with the current market turbulence?
Chairman of the Board of Governors: This has happened abroad because liquidity has temporarily dried up in financial markets. Not necessarily because assets are lost, but because of unease and lack of confidence. Banks are not lending to each other because they are not sure of prompt repayments by borrowers, and so forth. Under such conditions, central banks in Europe and the US have eased their rules and pumped liquidity into the system. They have been moving closer towards our arrangements, i.e. we impose no ceiling on facilities but banks can borrow as they require from the Central Bank if they have adequate collateral. Elsewhere, there are quantitative ceilings on credit facilities. These problems have not arisen in Iceland. Earlier this year the Central Bank extended its definition of eligible collateral for its facilities. This was not a response to the problems that have now emerged abroad, but solely to keep the financial markets and payment system smoothly oiled. This is a function of central banks. You could say the central banks should oil the engine, not fill the tank. In 1929 the central banks did the opposite and magnified the depression. Demands for intervention have not arisen in Iceland, they have been unnecessary because the money market and payment systems seem to be functioning well and fulfilling their purpose. But we do monitor developments very carefully in close contact with the banks, and consider that the situation is in order.
Governor Eiríkur Gudnason: As Governor Oddsson says, we keep a close watch on shortcomings and whether we need to respond. We see no reason to change anything now.
Chairman of the Board of Governors: As you know we provide very large facilities every week. The amount of collateral loans can reach 200 b.kr. This arrangement works very well in our market, so the króna market is functioning properly.
Question: The IMF recently said that the Icelandic króna was overvalued by 15-20%. Does the Central Bank share that opinion and what exchange rate scenario does it foresee?
Chairman of the Board of Governors: We have not heard an exact figure of this kind. However, it has repeatedly been stated in Monetary Bulletin and Central Bank material that the króna probably is and has been rather strong. So it is likely to weaken in the long run.
Governor Ingimundur Fridriksson: The Fund's calculations were made in the spring when the króna was stronger than at present. That should be borne in mind when looking at the calculated relative overvaluation. The IMF report also emphasised as I recall the great uncertainty surrounding these calculations. It is difficult to state a specific figure for a correct exchange rate.


All are welcome. All are worthy.
This week we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and I was reminded of an experience I had in August of 2015. I had the honor of being a part of an Immersion class with my Doctoral Program at Wesley Theological Seminary. We lived in Birmingham, AL and toured the state studying the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the civil rights leaders, and the formation of the civil rights movement. I worked with Dr. Anthony Hunt and about a dozen other class mates. I was humbled to get to be part of this learning experience and was the youngest in the group and only Caucasian person.
During this trip we went to the church where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. served and preached. The group was having a good day and we were all taking pictures and having conversations. Some could not wait to stand behind the pulpit where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood and preached, with a large part of the group consisting of preachers it was a great honor. Someone would step up and a friend would take the picture and so on and so forth. I stood at the side of the church looking at the stain glass. As we began to wrap things up we took a group photo in front of the pulpit.
Dr. Hunt reminded us we had another place we needed to go to visit and to finish up what we were doing and head out. And then he looked at me and he asked, "Kristen, have you taken your picture behind the pulpit? Here give me your phone and I'll take it for you." I hesitated and dropped my head, I told him I was not worthy to stand there. His answer to me was, "O yes you are. That is what part of this was all about, that all are welcome, all are worthy and I believe Dr. King would say you are worthy. And your children, they need to know you have been here and what you have seen." And so I looked up and approached the pulpit and stood, stood where so many had gone before me so that others might be able to come after them. May we appreciate those that have gone before us and prepare for those that are yet to come for the glory of God's kingdom.


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Wallpapers with a pink hortensia. Hortensia is the common name for Hydrangea. There are more than 75 species of this plant. From some species you can change the color from blue to pink or pink to blue by changing the amaount of Aluminum ions in the soil, and higher or lower the pH.
Photo with pink blue hortensia flowers.
Watch this video if you want to know how to color your hydrangea.
If you want to download a flower wallpaper, just click on the picture and you will be redirected to the download page. There you can right click on the wallpaper and save it to your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.


Drexel is now the Exclusive Canadian Distributor of Züm Bikes – the balance bikes that teach youngsters how to balance without pedals or training wheels! Promoting more physical activity for children, the Züm Balance Bikes get moving with foot to floor motion. Your child will be able to get started moving with his or her own power. Watch as he or she develops coordination and learns to balance their bike.
Superior construction and designed for long lasting fun and activity, the Züm Balance Bike is now available in Canada. Our first announced launch is with Walmart.ca and more retailers will follow. Summer 2016 is shaping up to be a busy, active and fun time in Canada with the Züm Balance Bike appearing on family wishlists across the nation.
When the time comes to graduate to a larger, traditional geared bicycle, the child that learned to ride a Züm Balance Bike will find it VERY easy.


Ok, I'm trying out Maria's ABC's post. Check her out - she's totally cute! However, I, on the other hand, still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing, but here goes!
Age: Um, really? Ok, 39 (choke).
Bed size: King - after baby #3, I decided it was a must!
Chore you hate: Putting away laundry - it'll sit on the couch or in a basket for days sometimes.
Drink of choice: Dr. Pepper is my fave, but I regularly drink lemon water now.
Gold or silver: Both, depends on the item.
Height: 5 feet - even. Yes, I know, I'm short.
Instrument(s) you play: Flute & clarinet in school, but I still pull out the flute once in a while.
Job: I work for an insurance adjuster - bookkeeper, secretary, office manager. You decide.
Kids: Buzz 14, Tink 8, Lightning 6 - check them out here!
Living arrangements: Husband, 3 kids, 1 dog and some fish in a 4-bed, 2.5 bath house.
Mom's name: Grandma - I don't have a nickname for her yet.
Overnight hospital stay other than birth: One night with Tink for dehydration when she was about 2yrs old. Otherwise, nothing else for me.
Pet Peeve: My kids leaving garbage all over the house; lights on when no one is in the room; when my stuff is moved on my desk and not put back where it goes.
Quote from a movie: My husband says I don't watch movies that are good enough to quote, but what does he know?!
Time you wake up: 6:15 because apparently, Buzz needs to get to high school. Yuck!
Vegetable you hate: ONIONS!!!!! Can you tell I hate them?!
What makes you run late: Trying to do too much before it's time to leave.
Xrays you've had: Aside from dental xrays, broken pinky, sprained ankle, neck and back after car accidents (they weren't my fault).
Yummy food you make: Not much, but most recently chicken soup!
Zoo favorite: Tigers, monkeys, peacocks - I can't decide!
Hope you enjoyed finding out a little more about me. Let's hear about you!
And here's a pic of Tink and me at a baby shower this weekend. Just 'cause I know you gotta have some pics!
And ohhhh Peacock, why didnt I think of that one!? So pretty.
I was nodding my head in agreement about the laundy, I am the same (with it sitting on the couch for days!) :( Ugh its aweful... I just put two couch loads away this afternoon - took me 2 1/2 hours! UGH!!
I found you through UBP and came across this post while browsing the site. I love filling out lists so will probably use this with a link-back to you. I'm an AF wife as well!


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Long-lived sharks challenge ageing theory
By Brittney G. Borowiec ⋅ November 9, 2016 ⋅ Post a comment
Filed Under Arctic, deep sea, Physiology, Sharks
Costantini, D., S. Smith, S.S. Killen, J. Nielsen, and J.F. Steffensen. (2017). The Greenland shark: a new challenge for the oxidative stress theory of ageing? Comparative Biochemistry & Physiology A. 203: 227-232. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.09.026
Why do we get old?
The Greenland shark has recently be recognized as the longest-lived vertebrate on Earth [Flickr].
Ageing and longevity has intrigued scientists for decades. As research powerhouses like the United States, European Union, and Japan contend with ageing populations, there's more interest than ever before in understanding the mechanisms and causes of ageing.
Modern biological theories of ageing fall under two major schools of thought. Both theories have strong support in the research community, and are not necessarily mutually exclusive (both of them could be true) (see this paper for a more detailed overview of both theories).
Theory 1: Ageing as part of the biological program
One theory argues that ageing is a programmed event, and follows a biological timetable similar to that of childhood growth and development. Ageing is a result of time-related changes in hormone patterns, gene expression, and immune system function. This theory would suggest that there is an intrinsic maximum lifespan in all organisms, and that this lifespan would be very difficult, if not impossible, to extend.
Theory 2: Ageing as a consequence of damage
Click for a great video overview of free radical injury from osmosis.org
The second theory argues that ageing is the result of accumulated damage or errors in normal cellular processes. The general idea is a body is like a car – it works perfectly when it's first driven off the lot, but slowly falls apart as wear and tear build up. In a living system, faulty interactions between proteins or damage to cellular components accumulate until the body breaks down. Under this theory, if cellular damage can be prevented or reversed, maximum lifespan can be extended, perhaps indefinitely.
How long-lived animals can stay young
A popular experimental design to test to damage theory of ageing (theory 2) is to compare the physiology of animals with different maximum lifespans. For example, we'd expect that long-lived animals would be better than short-lived animals at preventing and/or repairing damage to their cells. Oxidative damage (or oxidative stress) in particular has been associated with ageing for decades (Harman 1956).
Oxidative damage is caused by unstable free radicals (also called reactive oxygen species) interacting with proteins and DNA. This interaction can lead to the deactivation or break down of these important biological molecules. Free radicals are produced in small amounts as a natural by-product of cellular metabolism. Free radical levels can increase during exposure to some environmental stressors like heavy metals, heat, and UV light.
Overview of free radicals (also known as Reactive Oxygen Species, or ROS) and oxidative damage in a cell [Oceanbites, 2015]
With the recent discovery of a Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) as the longest living vertebrate (click here for the original study, lifespan of 392 ± 120 years), these sleepy deep-sea sharks have emerged as a potential new model for ageing biology. Little is known about these elusive animals – they are about the size of a great white shark, and inhabit cold, deep waters off the coasts of Canada, Greenland, Iceland (where is it a traditional delicacy), and Scandinavia. This study was the first time anyone tried to relate the lifespan of the Greenland shark to the damage theory of ageing by investigating whether these exceptionally long-lived sharks had exceptional resistance to oxidative damage.
Greenland sharks aren't oxidant-resistant
Summer view of Tasiilaq, a settlement near Ammassalik Fjord [Wikimedia Commons].
The research team collected red blood cells and skeletal muscle of juvenile sharks caught in Ammassalik Fjord, southeastern Greenland. They measured protein carbonyls (an indicator of oxidative damage) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that protects against oxidative damage by harmlessly reacting with free radicals. After correcting for differences in body mass, the researchers compared these data to previously published values from a range of amphibians, birds, fish, and mammals.
While protein carbonyls were relatively low in the red blood cells of Greenland sharks (below the 25th percentile), protein carbonyls levels in their muscle were in the middle of a range of all animals tested. Similarly, glutathione peroxidase activity was high (above the 75th percentile) in Greenland shark muscle, but average in red blood cells. Overall, there was no clear pattern of oxidative stress status and lifespan in the range of animals included in the study.
Comparative studies are difficult
Greenland shark, viewed at ~800 m below sea level [NOAA Photo library]
Investigations like this emphasize how difficult comparative studies can be. For example, the data set used in this study included both juvenile and adult animals. Since juveniles tend to have lower glutathione peroxidase activity than older animals, it makes it difficult to say whether the data collected from the Greenland sharks was representative of their species
Another caveat is that the data set included animals with a variety of lifestyles. The ecology of an animal also influences its oxidative stress system, and this can be independent of its longevity. For example, Greenland sharks live in cold Arctic water and naturally experience very different levels of oxidative stress than tropical fishes and air-breathing mammals and birds.
What do we know about ageing?
While the Greenland shark does not appear to rely on a strong defense against oxidative damage to live for centuries (some Greenland sharks alive today were around when Galieo discovered Jupiter in 1610), other species seem to owe their longevity, at least in part, to preventing cellular damage. Perhaps the Greenland shark has its own quirks and secrets that we have yet to fully appreciate. Clearly, more work needs to be done both on the Greenland shark and on the biology of ageing in general to better understand why we get old.
Brittney G. Borowiec
Brittney is a PhD candidate at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, Canada, and joined Oceanbites in September 2015. Her research focuses on the physiological mechanisms and evolution of the respiratory and metabolic responses of Fundulus killifish to intermittent (diurnal) patterns of hypoxia.


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Morning Brew
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Bullseye with Jesse Thorn
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BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University women's hockey team resumes Western Collegiate Hockey Association play this weekend by traveling to St. Cloud State University for a WCHA series, Friday-Saturday. After facing University of Minnesota Duluth Nov. 6, the Beavers (3-7-1, 1-5-0 WCHA) will have a short week to prepare for the Huskies (2-8-0, 1-5-0 WCHA). Puck drop for game one is scheduled for 6:07 p.m., Nov. 10 followed by a 3:07 p.m. start, Nov. 11.
The Beavers and Huskies will clash for the 81st and 82nd meetings in the two program's history. Bemidji State owns the series record at 37-34-9 but split its last series against the Huskies. BSU and SCSU last met in St. Cloud, Minn., Feb. 10-11, 2017 falling in game one 5-2 but rebounding with a 3-1 win in game two. Senior Alexis Joyce has totaled the most points among active skaters against the Huskies and in 12 games has eight points (1g-7a). Junior Emily Bergland follows with five points in eight games including four goals. Head coach Jim Scanlan is 8-3-1 against St. Cloud State and 58-55-8 in his four-year career.
The Huskies prepare to host the Beavers tied for fifth in the WCHA with three points (1-5-0) and looking to rebound after dropping its series at Minnesota Duluth. The Huskies fell in game one, 3-2, after the Bulldogs scored 2:40 into overtime. The Bulldogs then came out in game two to win 4-2. The Huskies were led by senior forward Alyssa Erickson who tallied a goal and assist in the series.
The Huskies have struggled to score so far this season ranking last in the league by averaging 1.20 goals per game. Their defense has had a tough time as well allowing 3.10 goals per game, sixth in the WCHA. St. Cloud State is also struggling on its power play, scoring on just one power play this season (1-21, .048), last in the conference. However, the Huskies penalty kill has been dominant and lead the league by killing 24-of-27 chances (.889).
St. Cloud State is led on offense by freshman forward Laura Kluge who has tallied six points (2g-4a) in 10 games. However, junior forward Julia Tylke is close behind after scoring five goals (5g-0a) in eight games. Abby Thiessen and Kayla Friesen follow with three points each. The Huskies have split time in net between sophomore Janine Alder and freshman Emma Polusny. Each netminder has seen time in five games and each with a 1-4-0 record. Alder has the better numbers posting a 2.57 goals against average and .924 save percentage while Polusny has a 3.25 GAA and .897 save percentage.
The Bemidji State University women's hockey team resumes Western Collegiate Hockey Association action this weekend by traveling to St. Cloud State University to take on the Huskies at the Herb Brooks Hockey Center.
The Beavers have a short week of practice after facing University of Minnesota Duluth Monday, Nov. 6 in part of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Face-off Classic benefiting Matt Olson and his family.
Bemidji State defeated the Bulldogs 3-2 in the game after a dominating performance by the Beavers' second line of Emma Terres, Clair DeGeorge and Paige Beebe as well as freshman goaltender Kerigan Dowhy.
The second line of Terres, DeGeorge and Beebe scored all three goals in the game and recorded seven of the team's eight points including three points (1g-2a) from Terres and two points (1g-1a) from DeGeorge and Beebe each.
The Beavers out-shot the Bulldogs 34-25 in the game and freshman goaltender Kerigan Dowhy made 23 saves to earn her first career win in her first career start.
Terres tied for fifth in the league in scoring with three points despite only playing one game over the weekend. She is now tied with DeGeorge for the team lead in points (8) throughout the team's first 11 games.
She now has 34 career points (13g-24a), second most among active skaters at Bemidji State.
Terres and DeGeorge are tied for 20th in league scoring while DeGeorge's assist tally (6) is tied for ninth. DeGeorge is tied for eight in scoring among freshmen in the WCHA.
The Beavers are tied for fourth in the league by scoring 2.00 goals per game and fifth in scoring defense by allowing 2.73 goals per game.
Bemidji State's power play is ranked fifth in the conference by converting on five-of-34 chances (.147) and fourth in penalty kill at 23-of-27 (.852).
After the non-conference game with UMD, the Beavers resume WCHA action at St. Cloud State.
The weekend will feature the series' 81st and 82nd all-time meeting between the two teams with Bemidji State holding the series record at 37-34-9.
Head coach Jim Scanlan is 8-3-1 against the Huskies during his four-year career at BSU.
Senior Alexis Joyce has totaled the most points among active skaters against the Huskies and in 12 games has eight points (1g-7a). Junior Emily Bergland follows with five points in eight games including four goals.
No goaltender on the Bemidji State roster has seen action against the Huskies.
The series is scheduled to begin Friday, Nov. 10 with puck drop at 6:07 p.m. for game one and at 3:07 p.m. for game two, Saturday.


Meticulously preserved in time, this 1950s home was built and occupied by the great grandparents of the family that currently resides here. This addition and interior renovation project challenged us to respect its special history while addressing the needs of a modern family.
The conversations about their ideal home for the present and future led to a 1,200 square foot expansion towards the back of the existing house. The final product incorporated a little bit of city living into the suburban setting through a family loft that overlooks a large new kitchen perfect for hosting family and social gatherings. The walk-out basement was outfitted to become a future bedroom with a full bath, and the Master Bedroom transformed into a 'Master Suite' with its own full bath and walk-in closet.
While the family had modern taste, we were mindful of preserving some of the aesthetics and functional qualities that would blend seamlessly with the new addition. The overall design was a marriage between the old and the new that adapted to the needs of this particular client and perhaps the future generations to come.
Read what this family has to say about us and their new home here.
This two-story Colonial was purchased by a couple with a small son that needed a home to accommodate their young family. The house had the traditional center hallway and stairs which created a division between the dining area, kitchen, and family room. On the inside, the aesthetics and functionality of spaces were outdated. Via Laulima was asked to complete a full interior renovation that addressed the family's immediate and future needs.
During the design process, we developed a scheme that enlarged the kitchen towards the front of the house which allowed for an eat-in dining table, wet bar, and additional seating around a new kitchen peninsula. The formal dining room was relocated to take advantage of a large fireplace in the existing living room, and the ceiling was vaulted in the family room to create a brighter and more welcoming space as it overlooked the backyard and pool. All of the bathrooms were completely renovated and another was reconfigured to create a master bedroom ensuite.
The color palette and interior finishes of the kitchen drew inspiration from the couple, who both served in the Navy.
Read what this client has to say about us here.
This newly purchased ranch style home came with unique architectural features and finishes from the 1980s. Via Laulima was asked to complete a full interior renovation and 750 square foot addition that stylistically complemented the traditional feel of the property. The updated home now includes modern amenities with classic details and finishes, along with two new bedrooms, an office, a guest bath, breakfast nook, and mudroom.
The process for this project allowed us to demonstrate several areas of our abilities from design to construction administration. By understanding the client's long-term needs, and the budgetary concerns behind financing and timeline, we arrived at a solution that maximized their return for investment while providing opportunities for a few custom designed and built pieces.
The homeowners were a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Their trust and ability to fully embrace the process alongside us resulted in a home that they will enjoy well into their retirement.
The challenge with older homes is finding a way to integrate the functions of modern living into a dwelling that was built for a different time. The floor plan of this colonial style residence was characteristic of its period with small, compartmentalized rooms that hindered the family's way of living.
After a series of discussions and design explorations, the solution was a two-story addition located at the rear of the home that included an expansion to the existing basement. The first floor of the addition provides a new expansive kitchen and family room that is now connected to a formal dining space where the living room was previously situated. This overall space presents the feel of a great room and supports the client's ability to host and entertain large gatherings. On the second floor of the addition, a new master suite was created while the existing master bedroom was converted to a guest room. All of the bathrooms were fully renovated to maintain a cohesive aesthetic throughout the entire home.
The considerations for this project revolved around the family's daily operations and desired functionalities. From the flow and sequencing of circulation to the details of custom cabinetry, this residence is equipped with spaces for the entire family to enjoy for many years to come.


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Ask Seek and Knock will hold retreat at Our Lady of Corpus
The Catholic outreach program Ask Seek and Knock will hold a retreat in the Diocese of Corpus Christi at Our Lady of Corpus Retreat Center on Nov. 14-16. Among the topics to be discussed are domestic violence, sexual assault and suicide.
"This outreach program came about from my family's tragic loss of my older sister from domestic violence," said Tiffany Mack from Willis, Texas in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, founder of Ask Seek and Knock. "Now, because of the loss of my sister our family is raising her three children that were left behind from her murder back on March 27, 2009."
Ask Seek and Knock has worked in Mack's home parish of Sacred Heart in Conroe, Texas to offer a Mass for victims of abuse in the month of October, because that is Respect Life Month and that it also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Sacred Heart has offered this Mass for the past four years.
"And now with the help and grace of the Holy Spirit, Ask Seek and Knock is ready to offer it first retreat," Mack said.
Other session at the retreat include:
Healing In The Marriage and Family;
By HIS Stripes You Are Healed;
Stations of the Cross;
Rosary and Devine Mercy Rosary;
Reconciliation;
Healing Mass; and
Where you (You or a family go from here) Bringing it all together through our Father's Eye.
"Now, with each topic we would talk on a saint that has experience this type of event in their life. With this retreat we hope to bring healing to the mind, body, to their spirit and to their families peace," Mack said.