Over the past two or three months, we've seen wild fluctuations in the economy, stock markets, and commodity markets. People have been spooked that austerity measures will hurt the worldwide economic recovery (which, I would argue, never really started), which, in turn, would drive down consumer spending and demand for pretty much everything.
As you can see, this chart (courtesy of GasBuddy.com) shows pretty wild fluctuations in the price of both oil and gasoline, with the most "violent" fluctuations occurring in the price of oil. That being said, at least the general direction of both prices is downward.
As of this morning, oil futures were trading at $75.70, and the national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline stood at $2.72, which is down one cent from where it was last month, and exactly where it was one week ago.
Currently, only Hawaii ($3.45), Alaska ($3.38), California ($3.09), and Washington, D.C. ($3.06) are reporting average gas prices above $3 per gallon. South Carolina currently has the lowest average price, at $2.40 per gallon.
Since we're currently at the peak of summer driving season, it's hard to envision a scenario where we could see gasoline prices spike higher from current levels. That being said, a rough hurricane season or a major impact from the offshore drilling moratorium could change things and are worth keeping an eye on.
Don't look now, but after spending the past two months fluctuating between $2.58 and $2.66 per gallon, the price of gasoline is now quickly approaching the psychologically important $3 mark.
According to GasBuddy.com, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has climbed to $2.72. The last time prices were this high was back in October 2008.
Today's price is roughly 3% higher than a month ago ($2.64) and a staggering 54.5% higher than a year ago ($1.76).
Currently, three states are reporting an average price above $3 per gallon – California ($3.02); Alaska ($3.34); and Hawaii ($3.43) – while three other states are reporting an average price below $2.50 per gallon – Colorado ($2.47); Utah ($2.49); and Wyoming ($2.49).
Much of the recent rise in the price of gasoline can be attributed to the run up in the price of oil, which, in the face of a strengthening dollar, has climbed from roughly $69 per barrel mid-December to today's price of nearly $83 per barrel.
As I stated in my recent post "3 Reasons Why Gasoline is Going to $5 a Gallon," I'm fully convinced gasoline prices are going to head much higher in the near future. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below!
One of the benefits of The Great Recession has been a respite from high gas prices. Unfortunately, I think this break will be over very soon and that record high gasoline prices are just around the corner.
Back in July of 2008, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline hit a record high of $4.12 per gallon. Within six months, the bottom had fallen out of the economy and the average price of gasoline had dropped to $1.60 per gallon.
Thanks to drastic coordinated measures by the world's central banks and governments, a total economic collapse was avoided, an economic rebound started to take hold, and gasoline prices climbed back to the $2.60 range.
While avoiding a total "end of the world as we know it" scenario was certainly something that had to be done, the money printing measures may have set us up to face much higher gasoline prices in the near-term future.
Below are the three main reasons why I believe not only will we break the record high prices set back in July 2008, but we can expect to start paying $5 or more for gasoline.
Due to falling reserves, a slightly weaker dollar, and belief in the economic recovery, the price of oil has climbed to over $78 per barrel, which is its highest price since December 1, when the price stood at just below $78.50.
In turn, there has been slight pressure on the price of gasoline, which is up two cents for the week and now stands at $2.61 per gallon. There is usually a little bit of a lag between when swings in the price of oil hit the price of gasoline, so there will likely be a slight jump in the price of gasoline over the coming weeks.
Over the past month, the price of gasoline has moved in a very narrow range between $2.58 and $2.64 per gallon.
While this is certainly welcome news to cash-strapped consumer, the jump in the price of gasoline over the past year certainly is not. The price of gasoline is now $1 – or 62% – higher than it was at this time last year.
Currently, only Alaska ($3.77) and Hawaii ($3.68) are reporting state-wide average gasoline prices above $3 per gallon, while 14 states are reporting an average price below $2.50 per gallon. Missouri has the lowest average gasoline price in the United States at $2.41 per gallon.
The national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has fallen three cents over the past week to $2.60, and now stands at a nearly two month low.
This recent decline in the price of gasoline is pretty much in-step with the decline of the price of oil, which has been brought about by larger than expected reserve reports as well as a stronger dollar.
Despite the recent decline in price, the national average gasoline price is still nearly 60% higher than it was at this time last year. Although, to put things in a little bit of perspective, the price of gasoline is still nearly 40% below the record high of $4.12 set back in July 2007.
Currently only two states – Alaska ($3.80) and Hawaii ($3.34) – are reporting average prices above $3 per gallon. There are now 18 states reporting an average price below $2.50 per gallon, with Oklahoma coming in with the lowest state-wide average price at $2.38 per gallon.
The price of oil has fallen below $70 for the first time since early October, thanks to increased U.S. petroleum reserves as well as a strengthening dollar. Since hitting its 2009 high of $82 per barrel on October 25, the price of oil has fallen nearly 15%.
Despite falling oil prices, the national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has remained relatively flat over the past month, falling just two cents from $2.65 to today's price of $2.63.
While the price of gasoline is still well below the record highs set back in July 2008, it is still up nearly 60% from a year ago when the national average stood at $1.65 per gallon.
Currently only Hawaii ($3.53) and Alaska ($3.22) are reporting a state-wide average gas price above $3 per gallon, while 14 states are reporting an average gas price below $2.50 per gallon. Oklahoma currently has the lowest average price at $2.43 per gallon.


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If you're a hands-on manager of a small independent rental outlet, you may question whether sophisticated products used by the larger operators are appropriate for your needs.
The truth is, whatever the size of your business it pays to know what's going on. And besides, there are many other advantages beyond those detailed above that our IT solutions will bring to your business.
Every journey gets recorded so transferring responsibility for a speeding fine or congestion charge couldn't be simpler.
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So if you want to take control, you really should get in touch.


Summary: The dramatic turn of events in Yemen with "Operation Decisive Storm" is more than a battle against the Houthis. It is about the Saudi comeback in regional politics in the Middle East.
The dramatic turn of events in Yemen with "Operation Decisive Storm" is more than a battle against a rebellion in one country in the Gulf. It is about the Saudi comeback in regional politics in the Middle East. Yemen is a political card in the hand of Saudi Arabia that can be used to bargain with Iran on regional issues, including Syria.
On March 29, the Arab League held a summit in Sharm al-Sheikh during which the establishment of a joint Arab military force was declared. In principle, all members of the League are supposed to be part of this voluntary elite force. The declared motivation behind the force is encouraging security cooperation across the Arab world. The underlying motivation is securing Arab regimes against internal and external threats, be they internal rebellions or extremist jihadism, as well as reconfiguring power relations in the Arab world to restore the position of Saudi Arabia as a regional leader.
Saudi policy towards Yemen had been ambiguous in the period leading up to the Houthi rebellion that started in September 2014. Channels of communication between Riyadh and the Houthis were open, albeit covert, but the declared Saudi position on the Houthis was that they were dangerous Iranian proxies. This was despite the Houthis not being Twelver Shiites and not having had a long-term, deep and ideological relationship with Iran as in the case of Hezbollah in Lebanon for example. Iran subsequently started courting the Houthis partly in response to Houthi reactions to the accusations made by Saudi Arabia, and partly in an attempt at increasing its own role in the Arab world. The Iranian-Houthi relationship therefore was a useful alliance for both that took advantage of the retreat in Saudi Arabia's regional role over the past few years.
The Kingdom also did not pay attention to the ambitions of ousted Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was allowed to stay in Yemen following the implementation of the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative that ended his presidency. Saleh's stay enabled him to lead his own political party and continue to influence the Yemeni military as well as court the Houthis on the basis of shared grievances against the government and president Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Saudi's contradictory approach towards the Houthis coupled with lack of attention to Saleh contributed to the escalation of tension in Yemen witnessed today as both saw in Saudi's political retreat an opportunity to widen their influence.
The Houthi rebellion and its rapid expansion southwards towards Aden was alarming for Saudi Arabia, signaling that Houthi and Iranian ambitions have increased. Far from seeing the Houthis as a tolerable presence in the north, Riyadh began to see them as a concrete threat to its own interests. It therefore stepped into action through mobilizing an international coalition to reclaim Yemen and by extension, its own influence in the Gulf. The backing of Sunni-majority countries like Pakistan as well as Western countries like the United States and France of the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis is giving Riyadh a significant morale boost.
Defeating the Houthis is something that Riyadh seems confident about, particularly with the participation of forces from the multinational coalition taking part in Operation Decisive Storm. Because the relationship between the Houthis and Iran is not deep, and because the military campaign led by Saudi Arabia is an all-out war against them, the Houthis have little chance of withstanding this assault. Iran's relationship with the Houthis is more pragmatic than ideological, which means that Tehran is likely to drop the Houthis once it sees that their position is weakened. Iran has more important battles to fight, at the top of them being the negotiations over the nuclear file and the situation in Syria. It can sacrifice Yemen for the sake of higher returns in the Levant.
Yemen here becomes one of several battlegrounds for the Saudi-Iranian rivalry. But Saudi's likely gain in Yemen is more than just about winning this one battle. If Saudi Arabia asserts its control over Yemen, it will have restored its influence in the Gulf in a more comprehensive way than before. It has already overcome the uprising in Bahrain and brokered the installing of a British naval base in the country that sends a strong signal to Iranian ambitions in the area. This also comes after Riyadh's quelling of Qatar's own political ambitions and after rallying other Gulf countries to its side in the campaign against the Muslim Brotherhood. Saudi's consolidation of its power in the Gulf is the springboard for wider influence in the Arab world. For a while Saudi Arabia was talking publicly about the desire to establish a Gulf Union, and later a joint Gulf security strategy. But now it has achieved an even higher aim through the Arab League's announcement of the establishment of a joint Arab military force at the recommendation of Riyadh.
All this means that when the dust settles in Yemen with the defeat of the Houthis, Saudi Arabia can rely on the support of Arab Sunni-majority countries to counter the spread of Iranian influence, particularly in Iraq and Syria. Although Iranian presence remains strong in the latter, the Assad regime is incurring more losses than before, and Saudi coordination with rebels on the ground as well as with other regional partners has played no small role in this scenario. The more clout Saudi Arabia can gather prior to the inevitable negotiations about Syria's future, the higher its chances of achieving a deal to end the conflict that panders to its interests. While Iran will not agree to a solution in Syria that does not retain its own goal of keeping Syria as a thoroughfare for Hezbollah weapons, it is likely to use the Yemen "sacrifice" to ask for a political compromise on Syria based on a power sharing deal between elements of the current regime and the opposition. Saudi Arabia in turn is likely to accept a degree of Iranian influence in the Levant in return for Saudi control in the Gulf.
The current race by Saudi Arabia and Iran that is manifesting itself in Yemen is therefore not about the Saudi-Iranian rivalry being played out so that one entity eliminates its opponent, but about each player aiming to tip the balance of regional influence in their favor. Although for a while Iran seemed to be gaining more in this game, mainly as a result of Saudi Arabia's retreat, the tides are now turning and Saudi Arabia is once again asserting itself as the power and security trendsetter in the Middle East.


Learn how to create freaky paranormal movie scene with CRT photo effect using stock images.
In this surreal photo manipulation tutorial, you will learn how to color correct images to blend in with the scene, fog effects, glow effects and lighting effects.
Based on a rough sketch, we try to develop a dark, misty and ominous scene using multiple stock images and also implement essential blending , lighting and shading techniques.
Today, we try to mimic photographer's trendy double exposure effect in adobe photoshop using multiple images and some techniques like blending mode, clipping masks and adjustment layers.
In this photoshop tutorial, you will learn how to create a simple matte painting scene.
Learn how to create bright and beautiful swan photo manipulation along with depth of field effect.
In this photoshop tutorial, learn how to draw tornado from scratch without using any images.
In this tutorial, you will learn to create surreal concept of fly photo manipulation.


text:
begin
  require 'puppet/util/log'

  module Puppet
    module Parser
      module Functions
        newfunction(:osb_cluster_configured, :type => :rvalue) do |args|

          osb_exists = false

          if args[0].nil?
            return osb_exists
          else
            fullDomainPath = args[0].strip.downcase
          end
          log "osb_cluster_configured fullDomainPath is #{fullDomainPath}"

          if args[1].nil?
            return osb_exists
          else
            target = args[1].strip.downcase
          end
          log "osb_cluster_configured target is #{target}"

          prefix = 'ora_mdw_domain'

          # check the middleware home
          domain_count = lookup_wls_var(prefix + '_cnt')
          if domain_count == 'empty'
            return art_exists
          else
            n = 0
            while n < domain_count.to_i

              # lookup up domain
              domain = lookup_wls_var(prefix + '_' + n.to_s)
              log "osb_cluster_configured found domain is #{domain}"
              unless domain == 'empty'
                domain = domain.strip.downcase
                # do we found the right domain
                log "osb_cluster_configured compare domain #{domain} with #{fullDomainPath}"
                if domain == fullDomainPath
                  osb =  lookup_wls_var(prefix + '_' + n.to_s + '_osb')
                  log "osb_cluster_configured osb target is #{osb}"
                  unless osb == 'empty'
                    osb = osb.strip.downcase
                    if osb.include? target
                      log 'osb_cluster_configured return true'
                      return true
                    end
                  end
                end
              end
              n += 1
            end
          end

          return osb_exists
        end
      end
    end
  end

  def lookup_wls_var(name)
    if wls_var_exists(name)
      return lookupvar(name).to_s
    end
    'empty'
  end

  def wls_var_exists(name)
    if lookupvar(name) != :undefined
      if lookupvar(name).nil?
        return false
      end
      return true
    end
    false
  end

  def log(msg)
    Puppet::Util::Log.create(
      :level   => :info,
      :message => msg,
      :source  => 'osb_cluster_configured'
    )
  end

end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Student & Alumni Spotlights
Faculty Highlights
#WomenOfNYFA
International Diversity
NYFA.EDU
An Evening with Steve Tisch: Winner of the Oscar and Super Bowl
Recently, lyricist Robert Lopez became the 12th member of the exclusive E.G.O.T. Club – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Yet there is an even more exclusive club, one that I am officially labeling the O.S.B : Oscar, Super Bowl ring. The difference is this club only has one member –Steve Tisch. Tisch won an Oscar as producer of Forrest Gump and two Super Bowl rings as chairman of the New York Giants. After a screening of his heart-wrenching drama, American History X, Mr. Tisch spoke to our students at the New York Film Academy.
Steve Tisch got his start as an assistant to legendary producer Peter Guber, an experience he described as both his graduate school and PhD in the entertainment business. After a few years, Mr. Tisch started his own production company. His first major hit was 1984's Risky Business, the movie that made Tom Cruise a star. During the 1980's, Steve Tisch also produced several popular TV movies, including Burning Bed with Farah Fawcett. With only three major networks and limited competition from cable, TV Movies could draw an audience larger than most features. During some weeks, there'd be six new TV movies premiering, most of which would cover social topics that feature films wouldn't touch.
Mr. Tisch talked about how he's managed to keep producing successful material over the years. For him, the keys are the material and the relationship. In the case of Forrest Gump, he spent nine years getting the movie made. The largest issue was no writer seemed to be able to crack the book until Eric Roth stepped in. He was the one who understood that it needed more relationships, more love stories. The audience cares about Forrest Gump, largely because of his "love stories" with Jenny, his mother, Lieutenant Dan and the shrimp-loving Bubba. Six Academy Awards and several hundred million dollars later, it's safe to say they figured it out.
One of the students asked how the entertainment industry and sports industry were alike. Mr. Tisch explained that it's all about getting an audience, and giving the audience some real entertainment for their dollar. He also admitted that if he had to give either his S.B. Rings or Oscar back, he'd keep the Rings! In three plus hours, the Super Bowl had drama, tension, heart, excitement, heroes, villains, and (in the end) the thrill of victory. All without a screenplay.
Another student asked Steve Tisch, "What is your greatest mistake–the one you learned the most from?" Smiling and shaking his head, Mr. Tisch said to never give a movie star (who's also directing) final cut. He knew the movie wasn't working in post, but couldn't do a thing to fix it. Lesson learned.
On American History X, Mr. Tisch faced a bit of a battle, but with much better results. Using his clout from the ultimate feel good movie (Gump), he was able to get funding for what he called the ultimate "feel bad movie." When Edward Norton signed on as the reformed neo-Nazi, the movie got its green light. And that's when the trouble began.
The director – Tony Kaye, who had a terrific career in commercials – clashed constantly (and very publicly) with Edward Norton. Tony Kaye put out an ad in Variety demanding that his directing credit get changed to "Mickey Mouse, etc." In the end, the movie is 90% Tony Kaye's cut, 10% Mr. Norton's and holds up as a beautifully shot, devastating drama that netted Edward Norton a well deserved Oscar nomination.
Steve Tisch's big advice to the student body was to keep working on their material and finding the people who they want to work with… as well as the ones who will help them steer their way through Hollywood.
Interview with Director Robert Zemeckis
Randall Emmett Recounts His Journey to Mega-Producer Status
Homefront Director Speaks at NYFA
Director Doug Liman Speaks to NYFA Producing Students
Film Finance Expert John Hadity Speaks with NYFA Producing Students
Producer Adi Ezroni Talks 'Kelly & Cal'
Julie Pacino Brings 'Billy Bates' to Her Alma Mater
Iconic Actor Al Pacino Speaks at New York Film Academy
Literary Manager Mike Klein Joins Business of Screenwriting Class
Screening of 'Over Again' at NYFA Union Square Next Post:
MFA Screenwriters Pitch Scripts to the Pro's
About the Author: Eric Conner
Written by: Eric Conner
Filled Under: Guest Speakers
Tags: american history x, forrest gump, giants, Kevin Costner, new york film academy, nyfa, Oscar, producing, steve tisch, super bowl, the postman
New York Film Academy (NYFA) MFA Cinematography Alum Tian Liu Builds Impressive Portfolio
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Q&A with Oscar-winning 'First Man' editor Tom Cross
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New York Film Academy (NYFA) Photography Students Photograph Animals at East Valley Animal Shelter
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
The House by the River
My grandfather and his generation – nonfiction by Karoline Kan
My grandfather was already an old man when I came into the world, in a small county town near Tianjin. He was bald; he had to hold the radio very close to his ears when he listened to Peking Opera; he wore a pair of glasses when he read the newspaper and often stopped after reading a few lines, complaining that "the simplified characters lose both the meaning and the beauty of the language."
The only property my grandpa owned was a countryside house near a river. In the summer, soft wind blew into the house and the ladybugs lay on the brown wooden windowsill. Through the window you could see trees with blossoming flowers, dragon flies resting on wide grass leaves, and across a river the rice field was a waving green sea. Grandpa would narrow his eyes, point his fingers to the field and say to me, "look, that land used to be ours. A long time ago, before your mother was born, even before the PLA liberated this place."
"You're lying," I told him, standing on a chair to catch the ladybugs so I could put them on grandpa's white beard. "Then why aren't you rich anymore?"
Grandpa laughed. "Sometimes being poor is luckier than being rich. You're too young to understand."
He liked saying weird things like that. Things that, in my grandmother's words, "are not practical." He sang Peking Opera when he farmed, hung up ink paintings on the wall, and loved to sit in his bamboo chair listening to the radio. He wrote calligraphy couplets for our neighbors before each Spring Festival, and even helped the swallows to build their nests under his roof. People said those were the eccentric flaws of my grandfather, a young master from a landlord family in the old society.
Before the communists marched in, my great-grandfather had already lost everything to gambling debts, except for a few houses left to his sons in his will, including grandpa's. "Not too bad," grandpa recalled. "The people in the neighboring village who won our land were later beaten to death during the Land Reforms."
Every year, grandpa would paint the windows and door, check the roof, and plant vegetables and fruit in the yard. His life was tied to that house. He was born there; as a child he was given two silver coins each day to chase street peddlers for candy; later he got married there, and his children were born there too. He left briefly in the 1930s to learn business in another province, and he left his wife and children to join the army in the civil war in the 1940s. But the house was like a magnet, and no matter how far away he was, he would always come back.
Grandpa and his best friend Wang Yuchao sometimes sat in the house for tea and chatted about the old times. They told grandma how they met the famous Chinese Opera star Bai Yushuang in the 1930s. It was this story that reminded me how grandpa had his blossom days too, chasing pop stars. But in the times when finding enough food and clothes were the most important questions, grandpa's understanding of Peking Opera and traditional Chinese characters weren't of any help.
One day, four young men came into the house when only my grandma and two of her young kids were in. They told grandma, "Give us the pans and everything made of iron. Good news, from now on, you don't have to cook at home, we will work together, eat together, the children will study together and play together. We will take the iron to make steel." My grandma secretly hid a pan in the haystack, and cried to her husband when he came back. She said, "I heard the children will also be shared in the People's Commune."
It turned out the children weren't confiscated, but soon the People's Commune collapsed. Half of grandpa's possessions had already been confiscated and redistributed, and even the bark of the trees in the yard were boiled and eaten by hungry villagers Grandpa had to take down the ink painting on his wall, and put up Chairman Mao's portrait in its place. But that was fine by him. He loved Chairman Mao.
In the spring, the swallows returned to their nests under the roof, the radio was broadcasting China's diplomatic triumphs, and my grandparents pasted the walls with newspapers for fresh insulation. Deng Xiaoping's titles changed quicker than the time it took for the old newspapers to wear out.
"The one I put up a month before said Deng was People's Enemy," grandpa said. "But then he became 'the true leader'. I had to cover the old one, or it could be taken as mind crime, but by the time I finished he was the 'people's enemy' again, and I had to do it all over."
I laughed, but grandpa didn't.
During the 1976 earthquake, our county in Tianjin suffered as huge a tragedy as in Tangshan. Half of the people in the village died. But grandpa's old house wasn't damaged and nobody in my family got hurt. People said the old house was blessed, but grandpa thought there was a more material explanation. "Our ancestors didn't hesitate to pay more money to get better quality things," he said.
After Mao died, new things came. Outside the window, a national road was built between the river and the rice field. Grandpa's children got married and moved out of the house, and twelve grandchildren were born in the following two decades. Relatives from Taiwan started to visit the mainland. But Grandpa got quieter and quieter, especially when someone his age passed away. Whenever there was a funeral, I wished the sound of the ceremony would be less loud. Each time the funeral music started, it was like an alarm. After one such alarm, illness took away Wang Yuchao, my grandpa's best and last friend.
Our family grew big, like a tree. Grandpa was like the root of the tree that went deep underneath his waterside house. He refused his children's suggestion that he move into the city. He couldn't bear to go longer than a month without listening to Peking Opera. He started to practice Falungong, every morning and every night. He read the teachings carefully, but he never attended meetings, especially after 1999 when it was declared illegal. He was probably concerned about his role as one of the few Communist Party members in the village.
Inside the house, arguments began. Grandpa had seven children, with seven different political attitudes. My lawyer uncle argued that the importance of relationships in China hurt transparency; my teacher uncle complained it was unfair he had no chance of promotion without CCP membership; my farmer uncle kept asking what was wrong with socialism; and my PLA officer uncle tried protect the honor of the army and the Party.
After a few cups of baijiu, the fights got loud and fierce. I remember during the Spring Festival of 2001, after one such argument, my cousin who was studying in a PLA school said, "I think grandpa should quit Falungong. Didn't you see how those people burnt themselves on Tiananmen Square?"
"I know what I'm doing," grandpa replied.
I understood my cousin – in those years political investigations on university campuses were strict. He was afraid. But I sympathized with grandpa too. He believed in both sides, but one side wanted to end the other. It must have been hard.
The women of the family calmed everyone down. "Drink and eat," they said, "no more politics. It's a family gathering, don't talk to each other like enemies." A family group photo in front of the house would always be the best thing to cheer us up.
I knew grandpa couldn't have too many days left. It feels so helpless when you know someone is leaving but you can't stop it. Before the Spring Festival of 2009, I bought a pocket watch for him, with Chairman Mao's portrait inside the watchcase. I was planning to argue with him about Mao's mistakes before I handed it over, but as soon as I saw his face, I couldn't be so cruel as to tear apart an old man's illusions. Instead I just said, "Grandpa, this watch has the Great Leader's portrait inside." And Grandpa was happy.
That January, grandpa passed away. He was buried in the field outside his waterside house, the field his father had lost gambling, not far from the graves of his old friends. We burned his Falungong books and his Communist membership card along with him. Grandpa and his generation's story is over. The story of the house is over as well. Although his bamboo chair is still there, nobody listens to Peking Opera on the old radio anymore.
Karoline Kan was born near Tianjin in 1989, and is a journalist at Radio France Internationale in Beijing
This story was read out at Scotch & Stories night at the Beijing Bookworm on May 27th 2015, accompanied by a delicious Bunnahabhain Islay
Read Karoline's previous story about her father and China's first exams after the Cultural Revolution, which also appears in our anthology While We're Here
Karoline Kan	, Mon 22 June 2015	in


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Protea Coin Series
THE PROTEA SERIES
The South African Mint produces a series of "Protea" coin (first introduced in 1986) in two different sizes, one ounce and tenth ounce to commemorate South Africa's rich history. The obverse has an image of the King Protea (Protea Cynaroides) or King sugar Bush, the national flower of South Africa.
The Protea Coin range is available in single coins (1 Oz Gold, 1/10 Oz Gold and Silver Proof), Prestige Sets, Proof Sets, and Special Launches. On occasion the South African Mint releases special products, often to commemorate a special event or award. Each reverse bears a different attractive design based on the theme for that year.
Year, Theme
1986, Centenary of the Great Gold Rush
1oz** 1/10 oz** R1 Silver
1986, Year of the Disabled
1988, 500th Anniversary of Bartholomew Dias' circumnavigation of the Cape of Good Hope
1988, 300th Anniversary of the landing of the Huguenots
1988, 150th Anniversary of the Great Trek
1989, No coins were issued
1991, A tribute to 100 Years of Nursing in South Africa
1992, 100th Anniversary of Minting in South Africa
1993, 200th Anniversary of Banking in South Africa
1994, 100th Anniversary of Nature Conservation in South Africa
1995, 100th Anniversary of Railway Links over International Borders
1996, The New Constitution
1997, The South African Woman
1998, Year of the Child
1999, The Mining Industry in South Africa.
This year the focus shifted to the economic industries, such as our rich mining industry.
2000, The Wine Industry in South Africa.
The Wine Industry is one of South Africa's oldest industries, is honored on this 22-carat coin series.
2001, The Tourism Industry in South Africa
1994, Conservation (PTA ZOO)
1995, Railway Industry
1996, New Constitution
1997, Women of Africa
1999, Mining Industry
2000, Wine Industry
2001, Tourism Industry
2002, S.A.Soccer / World Summit JHB.
Soccer, which is one of South Africa's most popular sports, was selected as the theme for the 2002 Protea coin series. The coin was created to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Bafana Bafana (the South African's national team), as well as in recognition of their qualification for the 2002 Soccer World Cup in Korea.
2003, Cricket World Cup
2004, 10 Year Anniversary of Democracy
The Democracy Coin was launched by SA Mint to celebrate 10 years of democracy in South Africa.
2005, Albert Luthuli
2006, Desmond Tutu
2007, Nelson Mandela/FW de Klerk
2008, Mahatma Gandhi
2009, National Anthem of South Africa
The 2009 Protea Series features a distinctively historical issue. The South African National Anthem pulls together two anthems, one official(Die stem or referred to as The Call of South Africa) and the unofficial Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika.
The official anthem, Die Stem (The Call of South Africa) which was originally written CJ Langenhoven as a poem by CJ Langenhoven in 1918 and set to music by a Reverend ML de Villiers in 1921. Die Stem became the accepted national anthem in 1957.
The unofficial anthem, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, was written and composed in 1897 by Enoch Mankayi Sontonga, a teacher at a mission station. It was originally written in isiXhosa as a hymn. Seven additional stanzas were later added by the poet Samuel Mqhayi and the song quickly became popular. In 1912, at the first meeting of the South African Native National Congress (forerunner of the African National Congress), it was sung after the closing prayer. Its seen as a twist of fate that both men(CJ Langenhoven and Enogh Sontonga) were born in 1873 and both became teachers.
The ANC adopted it as its official closing anthem in 1925 and the song became a symbol of independence and resistance during the apartheid struggle. The national anthem of Zambia and Tanzania is Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika. In 1994, the two anthems were combined into one, this was also the same year as the first South African democratic election.
All three coins depict the two writers of the new anthem, CJ Langenhoven, and Enoch Sontonga, interwoven and merged by musical notes of the first verse of each of the united anthems.
(1 oz, 24 Carat Gold)
(1/10 oz, 24 Carat Gold)
(Sterling Silver)
3.110 gram
15.00 gram
Metal Content
Au 999.9
Ag 925 Cu 75
Reverse Die-Sinkers
A Minnie & MJ Scheepers
Obverse Die-Sinker
AL Sutherland
Obverse Artist
2010, Nadine Gordimer(Nobel Prize for Literature)
This Protea Series depicts Nadine Gordimer for her work as South African writer, political
activist and Nobel laureate. Nadine Gordimer was born in Springs (small mining town just
outside Johannesburg) on 20th November 1923. Nadine's early interest in racial and economic inequality in South Africa grew and was molded by her own experience and parents influence.
She began writing stories at the age of nine and her first stories were published at age fifteen, in 1937. Her first adult fiction was published when she was sixteen and she received her first major award in 1961. Literary recognition for her accomplishments pinnacled with the Nobel Prize for
Literature in 1991, which in the words of Alfred Nobel was noted saying that "through her magnificent epic writing has been of very great benefit to humanity".
Nadine Gordimer's writing dealt directly with moral and racial issues. She was actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement. She happened to be also one of the first people that Mr. Nelson Mandela wanted to see shortly after his release from prison in 1990. Today she is also actively involved in the HIV/AIDS.
This Protea Prestige Set portrays two current relief portraits of Nadine Gordimer on the R25 (1 oz), with one of her quotes "Art defies defeat by its very existence". The R5 (1/10th oz) depicts an image of Nadine Gordimer as she looks like today, together with another quote "Truth
isn't always beauty, but the hunger for it is". On the sterling silver R1, Nadine Gordimer is again depicted with another quote, "Responsibility is what waits outside creativity".
N van Niekerk
C Moses
MJ Scheepers
Reverse Artist
2011, John Maxwell Coetzee(Nobel Laureate in Literature)
The 2011 Protea Coin Series depicts the 2003 Nobel Laureate in Literature, Prof. JM Coetzee. He is one of two South African writers to have won this admired prize. Members of the Swedish Academy said he was a writer that would continue to be discussed and analyzed for a long time. Coetzee's novels are generally categorized as postcolonial, addressing the issues resulting from colonialism and the apartheid system. His novels are characterized by well-crafted composition and analytical brilliance but also ruthless criticisms due to his intellectual honesty.
Coetzee has gained many awards throughout his career including the Booker Prize, twice – the first person to have achieved this feat. At 71 years of age, his critical and intellectual honesty continues to drive him as he now fights for the rights of animals. The R5 Protea coin features a portrait of Prof. John Maxwell Coetzee. Linking the theme of this series, a quote from one of his books to depicted on the coin.
This Certificate of Authenticity guarantees the quality and authenticity of the coins made by the South African Mint Company. Each coin and coin set issued by the South African Mint Company has a Certificate of Authenticity. The certificate describes the coin's specifications, the year, the limited edition as well as a short description of the product. To prevent the duplication of a South African Mint product, the certificates are re-designed each year to include the coin design and each certificate is individually numbered according to the limited edition of the coin or set. As another security measure, the South African Mint's logo, which is printed in transparent ink and only visible under ultra-violet light, features as part of the layout.
*Proof version **Singles and sets


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8.6.2012 Music Videos
Video: Jaden Smith – 'Pumped Up Kicks (Like Me)'
Jaden Smith rolls out his rap remix to Foster the People's hit "Pumped Up Kicks." Will and Jada's 14-year-old son skates and chills with his friends at L.A.'s Skatelab Park in the black-and-white clip. The self-proclaimed "king of the Misfits" sports cheetah-print pants while dancing and watching the pros, including Theotis Beasley, Chris Cole, and Alex Miller, perform tricks.
The actor-turned-rapper is readying his own mixtape, which he's titled cooltape, for release in September.
[Noisey]
Tracklisting: Hit-Boy – 'HITstory'
Hit-Boy makes the transition from producer to rapper with his first album, HITstory. The "Ni**as in Paris" hitmaker, who …
Video: Talib Kweli f/ Curren$y & Kendrick Lamar – 'Push Thru'
Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, and Curren$y put on for their cities in the video for "Push Thru." Talib reps …


Our Denver Cat Tree is the perfect cat tree for multiple cats. It boasts plenty of space for them to lay. Including 5 platforms, 3 top perches, two houses and a side pouch, this cat tree has everything a cat and its owner would want.


text:
Remembering Dr. Graham
There is a great deal of evidence now that diet affects cancer risk. That connection wasn't obvious, though, in the 1950s, when Buffalo-born researcher L. Saxon Graham began breaking new ground in cancer epidemiology. Over the next half-century, Graham contributed some of the most important research on diet and cancer.
Lectureship
The Saxon Graham Lectureship honors the life and legacy of a man known as one of the fathers of U.S. chronic disease epidemiology.
SUPPORT THIS FUND
Visiting Professorship and Lecture
In the spring of 2011, the School of Public Health and Health Professions hosted its inaugural Glen E. Gresham Visiting Professor in Rehabilitation Science, a position endowed by the late Albert C. Rekate, a veteran UB medical school faculty member, and his wife, Linda.
Gresham Lecturers
Richard V. Lee Lectureship
Award and Lectureship
The J. Warren Perry Award and Distinguished Lectureship is the School of Public Health and Health Professions' lecture series honoring the late J. Warren Perry, PhD, founding dean of the School of Health Related Professions.
Perry Lecturers
Lecturer biographies and video presentations.
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Danise Wilson
Danise has been elected chair of SUNY Erie Community College's Board of Trustees through 2022.
Catherine Callahan
Catherine recently published a co-first author article in the Journal of National Cancer Institute titled "Serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of renal cell carcinoma."
Summer Davis
Summer was selected by the Alpha Eta Society (the national honor society for allied health professionals) to receive the Exceptional Professional Service Award.
Tyler Farnell
Tyler is an injury prevention specialist through ProActive Works at four quarries owned by Tilcon.
Marcelo Araujo
Marcelo recently published a report in The Journal of the American Dental Association titled "Estimating COVID-19 prevalence and infection control practices among US dentists."
Dana Grady
Dana, an occupational therapist at St. Peter's Hospital, recently implemented a new post-cardiac surgery program called "Keep Your Move in the Tube, developed by Baylor University.
Jane created a comprehensive feeding program in collaboration with GI, nutritionists, behavior therapists and occupational therapists that specialize in feeding.


The Fusion Arena will be the largest 'new-construction, purpose-built' esports arena in the Western hemisphere.
The Philadelphia Fusion of the Overwatch League has announced that it will take up residence in the first purpose-built esports arena in the Western hemisphere, a $50 million "next-generation esports and entertainment venue" that will give the team a home amidst those of the Phillies, the Flyers, the 76ers, and the Eagles.
The 60,000 square foot Fusion Arena will seat up to 3500 spectators, and along with Overwatch League action will also host "a variety of live entertainment programming and experiences." Externally, the arena "draws inspiration from the hardware powering esports' meteoric rise around the globe," with 2000 square feet of "interactive media surface"—which I assume is the esports equivalent of a Jumbotron—hanging 30 feet above the entry area. Inside will be two balcony bars, suites and loge box seating, and a dedicated training facility, broadcast studio, and team offices.
"Fusion Arena will set the gold standard for competitive gaming and debut on one of the country's most exciting platforms of sports and entertainment amid Philadelphia's professional sports teams," Blake Cordish of Xfinity Live! developer The Cordish Companies said in a statement. "Today's announcement marks an exciting moment for the Comcast Spectacor-Cordish partnership as the next phase of Xfinity Live! continues to unfold."
Fusion owner Comcast Spectacor didn't say when the doors are scheduled to open, but the Overwatch League announced earlier this month that full home-and-away play, meaning that teams will actually play in their home cities rather than sharing the Blizzard Arena, will begin in 2020.


Through small classes and individual attention, Fay's challenging and supportive learning environment provides thorough preparation for secondary school. Our educational program establishes a solid foundation in reading, writing, critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and problem solving.
Headmaster: Robert J. Gustavson, Jr.


Even with regular and thorough cleaning at home, sometimes tooth discolouration and/or gum inflammation are unavoidable.
A professional cleaning at the dental hygienist can prevent this. All persistent plaque and discolouration is removed — especially from the tooth pockets and spaces between the teeth. These are the areas which are unreachable for a normal toothbrush — where food deposits and bacteria accumulate and result in gum inflammation and tooth cavities.
The instruments used are Ultrasonic Cleaners; Powder Spray Cleaners; Emory Paper Strips; Brushes and Dental Floss.
A thorough polishing to leave the teeth surfaces smooth prevents plaque and discolourations from reattaching to the teeth.
Thus a professional tooth cleaning reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum imflammation and gives the teeth their natural white colour back again.


By placing the right person in the job from the start, you eliminate costly hiring mistakes, and improve effectiveness in the workplace.
Every job requires a specific behavioural style for it to be completed successfully, the person whose behavioural style and talent matches the profile of the position will do that job the best. They'll be the perfect 'fit' for the job.
Personnel Placements are affiliated with a wide range of Psychometric and Personality Evaluation Companies.
Written in plain and easily understood language, DISC reports focus on accurately describing the individual's behaviour, as well as capturing the general "spirit" of a person's profile. This profile covers area's such as the candidates communication style, how they make decisions, their motivation, and managing style. It covers how the candidate builds relationships, and how they cope with pressure. This provides an guideline for the candidate in Sales, Technical, Service and Management capacities. These reports also provide interview questions for further probing.
The 15FQ+ questionnaire provides a comprehensive assessment of personality by fully implementing the well-established Big Five Personality Factors, which can be calculated from the 16 primary scales. This personality assessment gives an extensive report which gives a full personality analysis covering work ethic, interpersonal and client relationship skills and personal motivators and drivers. The report covers the individual's strengths, areas for development, Belbin team type, subordinate style, leadership style and communication style.
The OPP measures nine core traits that are of particular relevant in occupational assessment. The OPP provides a detailed assessment of interpersonal style, thinking style and patterns of coping with stress. This personality assessment predicts role characteristics, preferred career themes, management and selling styles. It also provides some areas to probe in interviews.
Developed as a modern alternative to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, this test assesses personality within the framework of Jung's type theory of personality. By providing a readily accepted and non-threatening framework for addressing work, interpersonal, management and teamwork issues, it is ideal for individual assessment and development, career counselling, team- building and organisation development. The JTI assesses a person's psychological type using the categories first proposed by C. G. Jung.
A comprehensive and accurate measure of mental ability, the GRT1 is designed to assess applicants for graduate, managerial and professional roles, and other jobs that require an above average level of reasoning ability. Research in the area of intelligence testing has repeatedly demonstrated that three aptitude domains most consistently correlate with general reasoning ability: verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning ability (Heim, 1970). Consequently the GRT1 is specifically developed to assess these domains of ability.
Verbal Reasoning: This test measures verbal fluency, vocabulary and the ability to reason using words.
Numerical Reasoning: This test measures the ability to use and understand numerical concepts, to reason using numbers and perceive logical relationships between them.
Abstract Reasoning: This test measures the ability to understand abstract logical relationships and reasoning new information outside the range of previous experience. This is the purest form of mental ability and is least affected by previous education and achievement.
The Industrial Proficiency Test (IPT) is a robust measure of cognitive ability specifically designed for warehousing, factory and process orientated jobs. This assessment is ideally suited to individuals with a basic level of education and includes measures of Numerical and Symbolic reasoning, Written Instructions and Checking. Various options are available for test administration, including computer-based or paper and pencil testing.
Following Instructions: Measures proficiency in following written, tabular and diagrammatic instructions and people's ability to understand and follow work processes, checklists and timetables.
Checking Test: Measures attention to detail using words, as well as numeric and graphical images such as barcodes.
Symbolic Reasoning: Measures the ability to make sense of visual information as well as learning potential.


The men in the office used respectfully but freely the library, and on occasion invaded the house itself, the old library and even the dining-room with their drawing-boards. The architect of the mid-twentieth century is hereby invited to inspect its history, its sinew and its enduring bone. The original Richardson stations on the Boston and Albany have either been demolished or converted to new uses such as restaurants. A radical reworking of urban homebuilding, the design signified a shift towards more modern, open layouts. Inspired but not devoted to European architecture, these and many other projects saw him establishing his signature style, filled with heavy masonry walls, hipped roofs, curved arches, and sculptural forms. He was well-recognized by his peers; of ten buildings named by American architects as the best in 1885, fully half were his: besides Trinity Church, there were , Sever Hall at Harvard University, the in Albany as a collaboration , and in North Easton, Massachusetts. Richardson's mastery of traditional composition, mortar, polychromy, and ornament was largely forgotten.
The exhibition originated at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford and travelled to several venues across the United States 1947—52. Two examples are at the Houghton Library: and. By the time Richardson had completed his education at Harvard and at the École des Beaux-Arts, this mixed architectural diet had played havoc with the American taste. Reminiscent of a courtyard and temple that Morse illustrated from , Japan, the hip roof on wide, bracketed eaves nearly hides the rough stonework below in shadow. Richardson and His Times 1936. With no work Richardson fell into a state of poverty looking for more work. The Givin Library was built in 1889 in the Richardsonian style.
S - Surrounded by diverse fellowship. On his last day, he signed an informal will directing the three assistants still remaining to carry on the business, which was soon formalized as. Among the few stations still extant, these influences are perhaps best illustrated in his Old Colony station Easton, Massachusetts, 1881—1884. Perhaps he used the gambrel to signify the humility appropriate to the profession of his client, but in doing so he sanctioned its use for wealthier patrons and by other architects. He was also a founding member of the in Great Britain and an early president of the. Three American Architects: Richardson, Sullivan, and Wright, 1865-1915.
Richardson: The Architect, His Peers, and Their Era Editor Illustrated by Henry Hobson Richardson Contributors William H. Richardson set the style for monumental structures such as state capitals, court houses, university halls, state hospitals, and large commercial buildings in New England and the Midwest; he also left his mark on libraries, schools, trains stations, and suburban residences. Richardson while was ann innovator in terms of the façade. Henry Hobson Richardson and His Works. His father agreed to send him abroad to study.
Four years later Hitchcock's book, The Architecture of H. It also appeared in simple farmhouses, country churches, small town banks, and village halls. In 1872 he won what may have been the most important commission of his career —Trinity Church in Boston's Copley Square. Carved dragons decorate the beams above the windows. His Architecture: Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries 1958 is an exhaustive study of more than 150 years of architecture that was widely used as a textbook in architectural history courses from the 1960s to the 1980s, and is still a useful reference today. Medieval builders might have rejoiced in its rigorous honesty, its forthright functional rigour, and modern church builders will find it no less interesting.
The open interior, with murals and stained glass windows, is also a showstopper. His reconciliation of these disparities resulted in his finest works: Trinity Church, Boston; the Marshall Field Wholesale Store, Chicago; the Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail, Pittsburgh; Sever Hall, Cambridge. Both are beautiful buildings that despite being designed to impress are still wonderfully elegant. He was buried in ,. More subtle than his churches, municipal buildings and libraries, they were an original response to this relatively new building type.
The interior of the church is one of the leading examples of the aesthetic in the United States. His heritage was the romantic generation that had contemptuously renounced the austerity of the classical revival and, in the search for stylistic stimulation, had borrowed indiscriminately from the rich bazaar of historic and exotic styles, the Gothic, Italianate, Norman, Byzantine. It is well worth a read for anyone who has the opportunity to see any of his buildings which are still standing. Additionally, a railroad station in Orchard Park, New York near Buffalo was built in 1911 as a replica of Richardson's Auburndale station in Auburndale, Massachusetts. Three American Architects: Richardson, Sullivan, and Wright, 1865-1915.
Living Architecture: A Biography of H. This is a study of his architecture and of the setting in which he worked. He arranged for a second viewing, with a different selection of works, after his arrival to Smith College. He was only the second U. Good: A book that has been read but is in good condition.


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Experiment and Animal Models of AAA
By Karel Houdek
Submitted: October 31st 2017Reviewed: May 21st 2018Published: November 5th 2018
Home > Books > Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - From Basic Research to Clinical Practice
Introduction: The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms has been increasing throughout the world. The etiology and pathophysiology of this disease are very complicated and complex and include biomechanical aspects as well as biological processes. The effect of these mechanisms is the degradation of the aortic wall, which leads to its dilation and rupture. The possibilities for studying such complex pathophysiology in humans are very limited. That is why we use various mathematical models and a number of different animal models of aneurysm. Methods: A summary of the basic characteristics, findings and examples of using the most widely used animal models of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Information has been obtained from our own experience with laboratory animals and from studies published and available on the Pubmed Internet database. The following search terms were used: aneurysm, aorta, animal model and experiment. Conclusion: Animal models of aortic aneurysms are a usable and useful tool in the study of AAA etiopathogenesis. They also serve as a means to find novel therapeutic pathways. Each model, like any animal species, is different and has its own limitations, advantages and disadvantages, which we should always consider during their use and while interpreting the results.
Karel Houdek*
University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
*Address all correspondence to: houdekkarel7@gmail.com
Abdominal Aortic AneurysmFrom Basic Research to Clinical PracticeEdited by Igor Koncar
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - From Basic Research to Clinical Practice
Edited by Igor Koncar
Infrarenal aortic aneurysm is a disease, which puts patients at risk primarily due to its long, asymptomatic course, often resulting in abrupt pain caused by rupture as the first sign of the disease [1]. Aneurysmal rupture often has a fatal outcome. Infrarenal aortic aneurysm is not a single group of diseases. The etiology is different in patients with congenital connective tissue disorders in Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome [2], different in infectious aneurysms with bacterial agents clearly confirmed by culture [3] and different in aneurysms classified as degenerative [4], which represent the most common ones. These are diseases with etiology that has not been completely elucidated. The pathophysiology of aneurysmal development is a very complex process with complicated interrelated and interconnected physical and biological mechanisms that lead to the degradation of the molecular and cellular structure of the vessel wall [4]. It is exactly this complicated and not yet fully elucidated etiopathogenesis that makes aneurysms the subject of continued interest across scientific disciplines. One of the options to study the individual processes at different levels are animal models and experimental animal research. Animal models, unlike aneurysm samples obtained from surgery or autopsy, are used to study the individual mechanisms from the early stages of aneurysmal development. Studies in humans are conducted to examine the changes at an advanced stage.
Experimental work with animals requires strict adherence to the rules, careful planning and a lot of effort. The advantage is the possibility to see the individual processes and mechanisms in the context of the whole body, including all interactions.
1.2. Materials and methods
This chapter gives a summary of basic characteristics of most commonly used animal models of aortic aneurysms. By giving few examples of each model, it also points out the advantages and disadvantages and their practical application. The authors gain the information from published studies that are available on the Pubmed Internet database. For searching in the database, the words experiment, aneurysm, aorta, animal and model were used. Only those papers were read and accepted, if the full text was written in English. Another source of knowledge presented in this chapter is a long-time experience and practice with laboratory animals of different species in various models and studies on the authors' place of work. Due to the nature of this chapter and many variables, no statistical analysis is presented.
2. Experimental work and models of AAA
2.1. General conditions for working with laboratory animals
The current issues of experimental work with animals are subject to European and global conventions on the protection of animal rights, which may be further regulated and specified by national legislations. Several fundamental rules apply in this field. In general, there have been attempts to reduce the total number of animals used for experimental purposes. The interests of researchers may be in conflict with those of animal rights defenders and a reasonable compromise should be sought. The conditions in which the animals are kept, how they are treated during transportation and throughout the experiments, including the killing and subsequent handling of the remains, have been constantly improved. The basic principles and rules of working with experimental animals, which are valid still today, were defined by William Russell and Rex Burch in the mid-twentieth century in the book "The Principles of Human Experimental Technique" [5]. They can be summarized in three points or rules known as "3R"—Replacement, Reduction, Refinement [6].
Replacement: an effort to find other, alternative methods of conducting research without the use of laboratory animals. When considering the initiation of research, we should first ask and answer the question of whether it is possible to obtain the result without using laboratory animals. The current level of knowledge allows the use of a variety of mathematical or computer models. Cell or tissue cultures alone can often be used to verify hypotheses. If this is not possible, we should always try to use animals from lower evolutionary groups. If work with animals is a part of teaching programs, it can often be replaced by video recordings.
Reduction: an effort to reduce the total number of laboratory animals used. This rule is closely related to the previous one. The already mentioned use of nonanimal models and cell and tissue cultures should include the careful planning of experimental work so that we do not duplicate experiments that have already been carried out unnecessarily or do not verify hypotheses that have already been adequately verified. The total number of laboratory animals used can be reduced by appropriate selection of the animal species, choice of appropriate sex and age. Careful consultation with the statistician (appropriately chosen model, number of animals in each group, length and ways of monitoring) should be an integral part of the planning.
Refinement: includes measures to improve the living conditions and the environment of laboratory animals. Working with laboratory animals requires the possession of authorizations that can be obtained based on professional education and experience. The Federation of European laboratories animal science associations (FELASA) determines four categories of authorization (A-D) according to the level of education and length of practice. Correct or wrong animal handling can significantly affect the results of the experiment. Any handling of animals, including transportation and environmental changes, is stressful for animals. In addition to stress, transportation also poses the risk of the transmission of infections not only to the animal but also to the transporter, and it is therefore necessary to choose suitable transport boxes (air conditioning, protection). Acclimatization to the new environment is always necessary between transportation and the beginning of the experiment. The acclimatization time varies according to the type of animal chosen and also serves to normalize changes caused by stress during transportation (weight loss, change in heart rate). The environment in which the animal is kept (box size, number of animals in the box, temperature, humidity, observation of circadian rhythm, appropriate feeding) and how the animal is treated is very important. Smaller laboratory animals are less expensive, and handling them is not so physically demanding and does not require much space. On the other hand, greater size of the animals, such as a rabbit or a pig, may be an advantage when handling organs and tissues. Any painful handling, investigations, and procedures should be performed under anesthesia, and suitable analgesia should be provided, including in the postoperative period. The method of anesthesia should be selected according to the type of animal chosen and plays an important role in the successful completion of the experiment and achievement of the necessary results. The anesthesiologist should be sufficiently experienced and knowledgeable about the specific differences of the chosen animal species.
Strict adherence to the established rules and standardized conditions is an inherent part of any experimental work so that the results of the work are reproducible, repeatable and the statistical analysis is valid.
At present, multiple animal species are used in animal experiments. The same is true for experimental works related to aneurysms. Wild-type (WT) animals, whose genome is not modified, can be used for each animal species. Interindividual differences, for example, in enzymatic activity are a certain disadvantage when studying such populations [7]. This is one of the reasons why genetically modified strains of animals are often used in studies in which a population of similar or virtually identical animals is being studied [7]. Another advantage of using modified strains is a specific modification that allows for the monitoring of, for example, the involvement of a particular enzyme and its activity in the studied process. Especially in mice, a large variety of different genetically modified strains are available. With a properly chosen animal, we are able to model very specific situations. A properly chosen animal type and methodology can significantly influence the results of the work in both positive and negative terms, as documented below in the text. When choosing an animal model, it is necessary to answer the question of whether it will be possible to compare the model with the real situation in human medicine and to what extent the conditions studied will be similar (enzymatic equipment etc.) or different from the reality.
2.2. Animal models of AAA
Animal aneurysm models help clarify the complex etiopathogenesis, can be used to develop new treatment methods or to improve endovascular and surgical procedures. The first animal aneurysm models were published in the 1960s, and many other methods and models have been developed since then and have been variously upgraded and improved [8, 9, 10, 11]. In principle, the methods of inducing an aneurysm in animals can be divided into those using different chemicals and those using physical laws and their various combinations. Papers that are presenting research with different models of aneurysm and different animal species are summarized in Table 1.
PPE Mice Pyo et al. [12], Moore et al. [13], Bigatel et al. [14], Curci et al. [15], Boyle et al. [16]
Bhamidipati et al. [17] Periadventitial apply
Zhou et al. [18], Johnston et al. [19], Parodi et al. [20] Genetically manipulated
Rat Holmes et al. [21], Anidjar et al. [22], Carsten et al. [23], Dobrin [24], Azuma et al. [25], Yamaguchi et al. [26]
Dog Strindberg et al. [27], Economou et al. [28]
Yucatan miniature swine Marinov et al. [29]
Rabbit Nie et al. [30], Bi et al. [31], Kobayashi et al. [32]
CaCl2 Rabbit Gertz et al. [9], Freestone et al. [33]
Mice Chiou et al. [11], Watanabe et al. [34]
Basalyga et al. [35] Genetically manipulated
Rat Gacchina et al. [36]
Angiotensin II Apolipoprotein E deficient mice Daugherty et al. [10], Wang et al. [37], Saraff et al. [38], Inoue et al. [39], Rateri et al. [40], Briones et al. [41]
Zebrafish Folkesson et al. [42]
Stenosing cuff Rat Mata et al. [43]
Patch Minipig Lin et al. [44]
Tissue transplantation Rat/Hartley guinea pig Allaire et al. [45], Schneider et al. [46]
Combined Rat Tanaka et al. [47], Morimoto et al. [48] PPE + CaCl2
Pig Moláček et al. [49] PPE/stenosis/patch
Houdek et al. [50] PPE + stenosis
Turnbull et al. [51] PPE + balloon dilatation
Animals and models of experimental aneurysm used in presented studies.
2.2.1. Elastase model
Perhaps the most important changes that can be observed in the aneurysm wall in humans are degeneration of extracellular matrix—degradation of elastin in the presence of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, 3 and 9 (MMPs) and the inflammatory infiltration. The first attempts to develop an experimental aneurysm used proteolytic enzymes to cause the degradation of elastin fibers. Wills et al. [8] used porcine aortic tissue to demonstrate the effect of exogenous elastase in the development of degenerative changes of the extracellular matrix. He confirmed the results and observations attained by Anidjar et al. [21]. Anidjar repeatedly demonstrated the possibility of establishing an aortic aneurysm model in rats by applying porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). Anidjar's model represents the basis for a various PPE model modifications. In this model, a segment of infrarenal aorta is perfused with a PPE solution through a directly inserted tube or needle. The authors and models can differ in the concentration of PPE, method of perfusion (pump, single or repeated applications, or application with increased pressure), duration of perfusion and the laboratory animal [24, 25, 26, 28, 52]. Anidjar perfused a 1 cm long segment of aorta of rat with a porcine elastase solution. Other proteases (papain, trypsin, and collagenase) can lead to the development of an aneurysm as well. Carsten et al. [23] studied several batches of elastase and confirmed the need for inflammatory infiltration with activated macrophages to achieve the necessary extracellular matrix degradation and aneurysmal development in rats. PPE model was widely used to study the pathophysiology and possible treatment options of AAA. For this purpose, genetically modified mice were used [12] and many anti-inflammatory acting drugs and agents were studied (TIMPs, doxycycline, indomethacin) [13, 14, 15, 16, 21]. Periadventitial application of elastase in mice may cause similar changes and lead to development of AAA as well [17]. Nie et al. [30] induced an aortic aneurysm using PPE in the New Zealand White Rabbit within 14 day. Despite mild differences in the method of perfusion, similar conclusions were made by Bi et al. [31] and Kobayashi et al. [32]. Both used higher pressure for the perfusion. In elastase-induced models small animals are commonly used. In large animals, such as different species of pigs or in dogs, the results are not so unambiguous. Marinov et al. [29] observed elastin fiber destruction, inflammatory infiltration, a change in wall thickness and changes in smooth muscle cells, and even calcium depositions after aortic perfusion with PPE in Yucatan miniature swine, but he did not observe the development of aneurysmal dilation after 3 weeks. Strindberg et al. [27] wanted to use the elastase-induced aneurysm model in a dog for control and development of stent grafts. He compared the changes while using different elastase concentrations, different perfusion times, and the combined use of elastase with collagenase and/or an inflated intraluminal balloon catheter. By extending the perfusion time to 2 h and using elastase alone or in combination with collagenase, aortic dilation of 65.6 ± 20.8% was present, which was not enough for his need. Degradation of elastin fibers, a reduced number of smooth muscle cells and an intimal thickening were present during the examination of the aorta samples. Many modifications of the elastase-induced aneurysm model employ differently genetically modified and specified animal clones [18, 19, 20].
2.2.2. Calcium chloride model (CaCl2)
Inflammatory infiltration is another significant contributor to the development of aneurysms. This reaction can also be induced by an external insult to the adventitia. The use of calcium chloride to induce an aneurysm was first described in the carotid arteries of rabbits [9] more or less as a secondary observation. However, the histological structure of these aneurysms somewhat differs from findings in human aneurysms. In both cases, we can see changes in the media with wall thickening and inflammatory reaction, but in carotid artery aneurysms in rabbits, the wall thickening is more pronounced with marked intimal hyperplasia and marked calcification of elastin fibers in the media. For the abdominal aorta, this methodology and experience was described by Freestone et al. [33]. He studied the effects of different concentrations of calcium chloride and sodium chloride solutions applied to the surface of the infrarenal aorta for 15 min. He also examined the possibility of influencing the effect of calcium chloride by added sodium thioglycolate and a high-cholesterol diet. Histological changes (intimal hyperplasia, media injury, calcification of the media) increased with the increasing calcium chloride concentrations. The leading symptom was infiltration of the media and adventitia by macrophages and increased activity of MMP2 and 9. Aneurysms developed at a concentration of 0.25 mol/L. High cholesterol and/or thioglycolate levels did not significantly affect the development of aneurysms. The effect of sodium chloride has not been demonstrated as well. Chiou et al. [11] provided a similar comparable study but he used mice as a laboratory animal. Calcification of the vascular wall is a common denominator of a number of vascular diseases. We can find calcification in the aortic and aneurysm walls. Basalyga et al. [35] used the application of calcium salts at various concentrations in unmodified and genetically engineered mice to verify the association of elastin degradation caused by the action of MMP and the resulting calcification. Watanabe et al. [34] used genetically engineered mouse clones with calcium chloride-induced aneurysm for studying the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and inflammation in the pathogenesis of AAA. Other study confirmed a protective effect of PLA2 inhibitor. Using the calcium chloride-induced aneurysm model in mice, Gacchina et al. [36] referred the role of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) for the AAA growth.
2.2.3. Angiotensin II model
Like previous aneurysm models, another model that uses the effect of angiotensin II has several common characteristics with human aneurysms. It is an association with hyperlipidemia, wall remodeling, inflammation and thrombosis and also a higher incidence in males [53]. The model is more animal-specific and uses apolipoprotein E deficient mice (ApoE −/−). Daugherty et al. [54] examined the effect of Angiotensin II on the development of atherosclerosis in relation to hyperlipidemia. He administered angiotensin II to ApoE −/− clones of mice for 1 month using a minipump. In addition to the development of atherosclerotic changes, both by the action of higher blood pressure and independent of elevated blood pressure on the basis of activation of the monocyte-macrophage system and oxidative stress, Daugherty observed development of aneurysm as a secondary effect. This phenomenon was not dependent on blood pressure or lipid levels or their distribution in the blood. The mice thus treated were found to have a number of macrophages and lymphocytes, that is, inflammatory infiltration in the external elastic lamina and adventitial hypertrophy. In contrast to human aneurysm, the effects of angiotensin II result in dilation and development of aneurysm in the suprarenal segment [10]. This is explained by a higher proportion of fat cells in the adventitia region in the suprarenal segment of the aorta. Dissection and rupture have been reported to occur more frequently [38, 39]. In animals, rupture of the media occurs with thrombus formation and further stimulation and activation of macrophages with elastin disintegration and matrix remodeling. The described changes and the rate of aortic dilation are not the same in identical animals even under the same experimental conditions [10, 37]. Based on these differences, four subtypes of angiotensin II-induced aneurysm models can be distinguished. This heterogeneity can also be observed when comparing samples from different levels of aneurysm in one animal [40]. In this model, further growth of the aneurysm occurs for several weeks after the last angiotensin infusion [39]. Another animal that was used as an angiotensin-induced aneurysm model was the zebrafish. This is primarily due to similar vasculogenesis with humans [42]. This model was used primarily to investigate the effects of smoking tobacco.
2.2.4. Combined and other newer models
Very often, experimental aneurysm models combining the effects of calcium chloride and pancreatic porcine elastase are used. These models are often associated with rats. As an example, we can mention the Tanaka group [47], who achieved aneurysmatic dilation in almost 93% of animals by using the combined approach, but only in 25% and 0% of animals when using PPE alone or CaCl2 alone, respectively. Even histological changes copied this trend: less elastin, more pronounced infiltration by inflammatory cells, and higher activity of cytokines and MMPs 2 and 9 were recorded in the group combining the effects of PPE and calcium chloride. Morimoto et al. [48] used this combined model in rats to study the effects of free oxygen radicals. Molacek et al. [49] compared different AAA animal models in pigs. He compared the PPE model, stenosing cuff model, Dacron patch model and their combinations. He observed best results in combination of PPE model with hemodynamical changes caused by a stenosing cuff placed around the subrenal aorta (p < 0.0156) and the same group used this knowledge to influence the growth of experimentally created aneurysm in rats and pigs with atorvastatin [50]. They observed no thrombus, lipid deposition, media necrosis, intramural hematoma, dissection, or rupture in this combined model. Figures 1–3 show the combination of placed stenosing cuff and PPE infusion and the aortic dilatation after 4 weeks in pig. Figures 4 and 5 are images from ultrasound, showing dilatation of porcine infrarenal aorta after 2 weeks. Another models that combine the use of PPE, CaCl2 or Angiotensin II in mice, rats, rabbits or pigs were used to explain the effects of various statins and other drugs [41, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60].
Porcine infrarenal aorta with stenosing cuff day 0. Black arrow—stenosing cuff; yellow arrow—infrarenal aorta; blue arrow—aortic bifurcation; red arrow—inferior caval vein.
Infusion of clamped infrarenal aorta with porcine pancreatic elastase day 0.
Dilatation of porcine infrarenal aorta. Combined model—stenosing cuff + PPE. Day 28. Black arrow—stenosing cuff; yellow arrow—dilated infrarenal aorta; blue arrow—aortic bifurcation; red arrow—inferior caval vein.
Ultrasound image of dilated porcine infrarenal aorta. Translumbal approach. Transverse view. Day 14. Combined model—stenosing cuff + PPE. Yellow arrow—dilated infrarenal aorta; red arrow—inferior caval vein.
Ultrasound image of dilated porcine infrarenal aorta. Translumbal approach. Longitudinal view. Day 14. Combined model—stenosing cuff + PPE. Black arrow—stenosing cuff; yellow arrow—dilated infrarenal aorta; blue arrow—aortic bifurcation; red arrow—inferior caval vein.
The possibilities of using stem cells to influence the growth and rupture of aneurysms have been increasingly studied in recent years. This topic is studied by many authors and no consensus has been achieved as to the optimal experimental model or laboratory animal. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in studies to treat a number of cardiovascular diseases, such as critical limb ischemia, cerebral ischemia or myocardial infarction. It is believed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could help to inhibit degenerative changes in the AAA wall and promote its regeneration. Turnbull et al. [51] attempted to demonstrate the uptake and the presence of stem cells in the aortic wall after insult. She used an experimental pig model, where she combined physical (balloon dilation) and chemical (the effect of PPE and collagenase) methods, and administered stem cells to the pigs. Her methods have led to the development of aneurysms with characteristics close to human ones, such as expression of MMP2 and 9. By proving the presence of stem cells in the affected aortic wall, she verified her hypothesis and provided the basis for further research. Regeneration of the damaged aortic wall largely depends on the capabilities and presence of VSMC. Schneider et al. [46] was able to improve the regeneration of the aortic wall and thereby influence the progression of aortic dilation in the negative sense using mesenchymal stem cells with a wide differentiation capacity. The effect of MSC was greater than that of VSMC alone. In his work, he induced aneurysms in rats by implanting an aortic graft from guinea pigs. Before the implantation, the xenografts were perfused with a solution containing VSMC or MSC or with a cell-free solution in a control group. The development of aneurysms occurred 14 days after. Grafts colonized by MSC showed significantly less dilation after 1 and 4 weeks compared to those colonized by VSMC and to the controls, where further dilation occurred (p = 0.006). The presence of MSC led to a reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration, a decrease in activity of MMPs, increased TIMP-1 activity, and triggered regeneration of the damaged aortic wall.
Experimental studies have an irreplaceable role in a research of etiopathogenesis and possible treatment options of AAA. Experimental works with animals and aneurysm models, in contrast to human aneurysms, allow us to monitor the development of aneurysms over time and take samples for analysis at any time during the development. Exploitation of experimental animal models provides, beyond the research of etiopathogenesis, a wide range of possibilities for studying therapeutic interventions, influencing growth or preventing aneurysmal development and rupture. Pharmacotherapy used in experimental models is strongly influencing the initial changes and triggers, and in some models, even a pretreatment is used. To better understand the etiopathogenesis of infrarenal aortic aneurysm, especially how to prevent the growth and rupture, comprehensive studies are needed. Triggers and initial steps leading to the development of aneurysms in animals under experimental conditions are known. Studies with animal AAA models have promising results, but if they are repeated in humans, the results are inferior. The models are representing "acute" aneurysms. Aneurysms in humans are growing slowly usually with degenerative changes. Degenerative aneurysms usually develop in humans over many years. For animal models, this time is significantly shorter, ranging from days to weeks. There are differences not only between animal AAA model and AAA in human, but also various changes in the results, if a different animal species or different AAA model is used. Table 2 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Not all animal aneurysm models are capable of achieving sustained growth and dilation, and ruptures of already existing aneurysms cannot be observed in all models. Specifically, no ruptures were observed in models with calcium chloride alone. The presence of thrombus in the aneurysm is common in the human aorta, but thrombus formation does not occur in most animal models. Common for majority of animal AAA models is the degradation of extracellular matrix and elastin fibers, increased MMP activity and inflammatory infiltration of aortic wall.
PPE Possible in majority of animal species Surgery
Good results in small animals AAA development within 2–4 weeks
Less effective in big animals
CaCl2 Possible in majority of animal species Surgery
Common in combined models No rupture has been observed
Widely used with knockout mice AAA development within 2–4 weeks
Angiotensin II Shorter time for development Apolipoprotein E deficient mice
Common rupture Dilatation of suprarenal aorta
Stenosing cuff/patch Shorter time for development Difficult in small animals
Tissue transplantation Common thrombus Difficult surgery
Advantages and disadvantages of different models of experimental aneurysm.
The angiotensin II model is, to a certain extent, very specific not only due to the choice of animal (apolipoprotein deficient mouse clone), but in contrast to other models, the aortic dilation occurs predilectively, in the suprarenal region, and more than other models encounters dissection and rupture, and the development of dilation may be less predictable.
The use of PPE alone to induce aneurysm model is effective in small animals (mouse, rat), can be used in large animals (rabbit, pig, dog) as well, but in large animals, this model is less effective. With respect to the proven and dominant changes in the wall of such aneurysms (inflammatory infiltration, degradation of elastin fibers, increased MMP activity), which are more or less consistent with the changes that can be observed in human aneurysms, such model can be considered to be appropriate. It has been used extensively to study possible prophylactic and therapeutic methods and to explore the individual pathogenetic mechanisms of aneurysmal development. PPE can also be used to study isolated aortic tissue.
Small animal—mice is commonly used for the calcium chloride-induced aneurysm model as well. Changes and characteristics are comparable to human. It is most often used in the infrarenal region; the aneurysmatic wall contains calcifications with inflammatory cellular infiltration. Oxidative stress, degradation of elastin fibers and changes in SMC play role in this model. In addition, the mechanisms involved in the induction of aneurysms in this model appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of aneurysm in humans, for example, sPLA2 and plasminogen. Unlike human aneurysms, no rupture, intraluminal thrombus or atherosclerotic changes other than calcification have been observed in this model. Studies have confirmed that this model can be used in both WT animals as well as in genetically modified animals. This aneurysm model is perhaps more often used in combination with other techniques of aneurysm modeling in different animal species.
Most of the models described herein were used in more than one animal species. The advantage of larger laboratory animals, such as pigs or rabbits, is their size and hence the size of the aorta, which improves tissue handling. On the other hand, the size itself may also be a disadvantage in terms of spatial capacity and handling of the animal itself. The pig has an anatomy and physiology generally similar to humans, which is undoubtedly important for interpreting the results and possible use in human medicine. If we select a mouse as a laboratory animal, we have the option of choosing wild species or a variety of genetically modified strains. Lower financial burden is certainly a great advantage of small laboratory animals. In any case, adequate methods of application and administration of pharmaceutical doses should be observed for the selected laboratory animal and aneurysm model. We have mentioned contrast between animal models and the real human aneurysm.
Examples were included for all the abovementioned animal models of AAA, where the possibilities of positive pharmacological effects on aneurysm growth and potential rupture were studied. The effects of drugs should be first verified in laboratory animals or in tissue culture and afterwards in a clinical trial.
Animal models of AAA are still essential in searching for novel treatment options. Successful aneurysm induction depends on the choice of the right laboratory animal in each method. In general, small laboratory animals are preferred in experimental studies. Small animals are cheaper, handling with them is easier and they require less space. This enables to design trials with more individuals. There are different genetically modified mouse clone available on the market and that makes mouse a widely used laboratory animal. Regarding current experiences, no universal animal AAA model can be recommended. The aim of the study, advantages and disadvantages of each model should be taken into consideration when preparing the design of a new study. The most commonly observed features of various animal models and human aneurysms are the presence of cellular inflammatory infiltration in the aortic wall, degradation of the elastin fiber network, increased activity of MMP2 and 9, and a lower number of smooth muscle cells, but many differences and contrasts are observed as well. Because of these contrasts, each observation and result of animal study have to be confirmed in clinical study before they can be implanted into daily medical practice. Unfortunately, ideal model similar to human's AAA remains undeveloped.
Financial support: AZV Grant No. 15-32727, Czech Republic.
Charles University Research Fund (Progress Q39), Czech Republic.
None of the authors are aware of facts that will represent conflict of interest.
FELASA
the Federation of European laboratories animal science associations
wild-type
matrix metalloproteinase
porcine pancreatic elastase
metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor
smooth muscle cell
PLA2
mesenchymal stem cell
2.Experimental work and models of AAA
3.Discussion
4.Conclusion
Karel Houdek (November 5th 2018). Experiment and Animal Models of AAA, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - From Basic Research to Clinical Practice, Igor Koncar, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.78988. Available from:
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Bondi Hipsters take the P*ss out of Miranda Kerr's GQ Photoshoot. {Nudity, Video}
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for more: Bondi Hipsters: It's the Life Organic for me (super funny)
Gender-Flipping!
Two Australian men have done a brilliant parody of a Miranda Kerr GQ photoshoot.
Christiaan Van Vuuren and Nick Boshier play two characters called the Bondi Hipsters, Adrian Archer and Dom Nader. Dom features in the photo shoot, shot by Adrian which matches outfit for outfit, shot for shot with that of Miranda's.
Why does it always look so silly to see a man posing in the same way we ask women to?
Christiaan and Nick have been making weekly YouTube episodes of the Bondi Hipsters every week this year—and interest is beginning to heat up in one they're offering. They've definitely got an eye for detail.
When elephant journal asked them about this fashion shoot, here's what they responded—in character of course, as Adrian Archer and Dom Nader:
"We thought it would be interesting to re-shoot Miranda Kerr's recent UK GQ shoot, using a man as the subject. We also wanted to re-quote some of the things that she said in her GQ interview – but coming from the perspective of a male… As you can see, the shoot comes off very differently… It's an interesting case for either the over-sexualisation of the female body in the high fashion world, or perhaps the under-sexualisation of the male body in the high fashion world?! Depending on how you look at it… But either way, as soon as you put a man in there, and have a man talking about same sex curiosity and masturbation on public transport it's an entirely different thing that we aren't used to seeing in the media… What can I say, sorry for turning the whole fashion industry on it's head?"
~ Adrian Archer, Creative Director
"I've been in a few baked beans commercials and stuff like that, but this is the first proper fashion shoot I've ever done… I felt a bit uncomfortable answering those questions—I mean. Why do people care about where I wank?"
~ Dom Nader
From the original GQ article:
"I appreciate both men and women. I love the female body and truly appreciate the female form. I really enjoy sketching women, especially their backs. I definitely need a man in the bedroom, however – a nice strong chest to lie on. Still, I want to explore. Never say never."
"The older I get, the more confident I am about asking for things I enjoy. One thing I've noticed is now that I'm having less sex, my body isn't as toned. The more sex I have, the more defined my arms and stomach get. I always ask for a critique on my performance. I always want to better myself in every way."
"Let's put it this way, I've had an orgasm in the air before. Alone. And together," the card carrying member of the mile-high club said when asked about her sexual antics in the sky.
"I'm dating. I'm loving it. Two happy parents are better than two unhappy parents. This is my time to explore and have some fun. I'm not looking to fall in love again quickly."
It's a big step forward for the Bondi Hipsters—two eco-concious, party animal hipsters from Bondi (Sydney, Australia), who are desperate to get their fashion brand off the ground.
Adrian is a rich boy from the Eastern Suburbs, who has been raised in private schools and spoon fed his whole life. His best friend Dom is a well-travelled young lad from the suburbs of Melbourne who has to work three jobs just to cover his rent. Together they are hoping to take the Australian fashion scene by storm.
These photos might just have done that:
And Dom mimicking the quotes that Miranda had in her article:
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Photo Credits: Model: Dom Nader, Creative Director: Adrian Archer, Photographer: Pat Stevenson from HOBOGESTAPO, Bondi Hipsters on Facebook, Bondi Hipsters on Youtube
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Kara-Leah Grant is an internationally renowned retreat leader, yoga teacher and writer. She pours her love into growing a world-wide tribe of courageous, committed, and empow… Read full bio
Arts,Classic Queue,Funny,Popular Lately,Right Livelihood bondi brothers,fashion,Funny,gender-flipping,miranda kerr,photoshoot Kara-Leah Grant