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In the Hyborian Kingdom, none were more revered or feared, than Red Sonja. With fiery, red hair and a fierce warrior prowess, she became a force not to be reckoned with. After an unfortunate event that involves the death of her family and her body being desecrated, she prays for a means to exact her revenge upon those who have wronged her. To her luck, her prayers are answered by a benevolent spirit of the woods, appearing only as a red humanoid-shaped mist, who gives her enhanced abilities and skills useful in the ways of combat. In exchange, she must follow a vow to never lie with a man until he has beaten her in a fair duel.
Nearby, in a temple ruled by white-clad priestesses, a ceremony begins. They make claim that the talisman, a glowing green orb responsible for the creation of all life, is growing massively unstable and must be hidden in complete darkness. It’s the only way to save the world and all who live on it. Unfortunately, things don’t go as they planned when Queen Gedren (Sandahl Bergman) with her black-clad army invades the temple and steals the talisman for herself.
Among the priestesses is Varna, Sonja’s sister (Janet Agren), who discovers that the talisman can only be touched by women. Men evaporate instantly when they come into contact with it. She barely escapes with her life but when an arrow pierces her back, her vitality starts to gradually plummet.
Her escape sends her flying right into the arms of a mighty warrior named Kalidor, played by none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger. The few perpetrators who followed were shown no mercy from him. He sliced through them clean – what a hero. Varna requested the presence of her sister before her oncoming passing, to which Kalidor obeyed and left to retrieve the mighty Red Sonja in much haste.
Training in an outdoor arena of sorts, complete with a rather odd-looking statue in a squatting position, is Red Sonja (starring Brigitte Nielsen). No longer dressed in torn rags, but an alluring golden-scaled dress and a matching headpiece. Compared to the comic book version, I’d say her dress is pretty modest in the movie – though still revealing. Her master, a wise old man, decides to reward Red Sonja for becoming the “Master of the Master”, as he put it. A room full of dazzling swords of all kinds are shown to her. One sword in particular calls her name in a soft voice – the same voice she knew to be the kindred spirit from the woods. She was clearly on the path she desired: the path of vengeance.
Kalidor, dressed in red and gold, arrives in style, upon horseback, and retrieves thee Red Sonja without delay. Before Varna passes away, she informs Sonja of the talisman and the destruction it would bring in 13 days time. Simply put: it’ll be the end of the world, if the talisman is not hidden in eternal darkness. Not if Sonja can do something about it…
The hulky, yet courteous ally offers his help to the distraught beauty, but she refuses claiming, “I don’t need any man’s help.” To which she rides off alone towards the massive storm in the city of Hablok. Proof of the talisman at work, and her only clue to the whereabouts of Queen Gedren. Although Kalidor may have been left behind, he’s seen lingering in the mere distance keeping an ever close-eye on her in secret.
When she arrives in the once-grand city of Hablok, she finds the kingdom in complete ruins. Only two bickering citizens remain. Specifically one actually, ranting uncontrollably to the other about how pathetic and insignificant he is. Of course, he just so happens to be the heir to the throne, Prince Tarn, starring Ernie Reyes Jr. Only a young boy in this film, but you can still recognize him from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, or The Rundown from his later years. Even then, he had the martial artist finesse of a champion.
The other individual is Falkon (Paul Laurence Smith), Prince Tarn’s servant and guardian. Thanks to Sonja’s fast acting, she was able to help them both out of a jam. Prince Tarn offers her a rank in his army as a cook, as thanks for her good deeds, but she refuses. Her only interest is the directions to Berkubane, the land of Perpetual Night, where Gedren resides, which she receives. However, before leaving, she advises Falkon to “beat some manners into him” – by means of spanking of course. He’s against doing such measures, and seems to be content with the Prince the way he is, oddly enough.
On Red Sonja continues her journey. First she has to pass through Lord Brydon’s domain, played by Pat Roach. In a short encounter, she leaves with the grand key necessary to open the gates, that she pulls from his dead body. Just as she refused Queen Gedren’s advances, she refused Brydon’s. The only difference is Queen Gedren lives with only a slash to the face while Brydon is pierced through the chest. The Queen actually wears a gold chain mask to cover the scar. I must say it gives her character a unique flair.
As Brydon’s soldiers move in on Red Sonja, Kalidor busts in to save the day! The two manage to escape to the gate, except Kalidor stays behind to deal with them himself. She smirks at his decision, then rides off.
She finds herself next in some woods, when she overhears odd commotion going on. Why, it’s Prince Tarn! Being tortured?! A ruffian has his hands and feet tied to a horse ready to pull him apart. Not on Sonja’s watch. She charges in, cuts the restraints, and fends off the bandits, but not without the help of Prince Tarn.
Falkon returns after all the action is done, claiming he went out hunting for food. Now one has become three, for Prince Tarn is eager to make the Queen pay for her crimes against his kingdom. So our group travels together, all the while scolding each other. There’s an epic skeleton bridge that they cross, and it’s pretty glorious. Could’ve used some metal music in the scenic shot, would’ve given it edge.
Sonja feels the need to “mother” the Prince a few times. She even boldly tells him, “You’ll never learn anything else til you learn gratitude and self-sacrifice – like Falkon; he’s a REAL man.” But later, a heart-to-heart talk smooths out their rough edges. She teaches him to be gentle when wielding a weapon. You learn that Prince Tarn is actually quite charming, and well on his way to becoming a wise, civilized king. Who knew? Supposedly, Falkon did.
Meanwhile, at Queen Gedren’s palace, the talisman is moved into a large room filled with multiple lit candles. It is said the talisman gains it’s power from sources of light, where as darkness destroys it. Through magic, the Queen’s wizard (dressed in green and orange decor) displays the trio proceeding towards them. At the Queen’s side is a beautiful young maiden, obviously her partner, and an unnaturally large pet spider – that purrs?
The sight of Red Sonja grasps her attention in a heartbeat. Without delay she orders that no harm better come to Red Sonja – not even a scratch on her body. This queen knows what she wants. She also knows how to “dress to impress”. Black may be her color, but the gold she adorns herself in, as well as her followers, surpass by far as her color of choice. In a way, seeing Red Sonja, reborn in golden apparel, appears as a treasure to Gedren; a prize worthy for her to behold.
On Queen Gedren’s orders, the talisman is used to conjure up a “little” storm in order to sway the party towards the “Icthyan Killing Machine” she has released. Inside a cave filled with water, the metallic beast is eventually blinded, leaving it screaming in agony. Kalidor appears again, clad this time in black and gold, to help Sonja settle the score.
Around a campfire later, it is revealed who Kalidor truly is. Turns out he’s a Lord of Hyrkania, vowed to ensure the talisman is properly taken care of. Sonja sighs, hoping he was lurking for a much different reason – he did. He pulls her in to kiss her, which she allows, but then backs away remembering her vow. He finds her vow ironic, but he’s up for the challenge. The two go at it hard, until they are both completely exhausted. The Prince even notices the amount of energy put into the match. “She doesn’t want to win,” he says.
The next day, they reach their final destination: Queen Gedren’s palace. Through their teamwork, the Prince was able to retrieve his kingdom’s stolen gold, and Sonja was able to rid the world of the talisman and Queen Gedren. Due to the Prince’s courage, he almost had trapped himself inside the palace to help the others escape.
Afterwards, Prince Tarn strongly encourages Red Sonja to visit his kingdom someday in the future when it’s rebuilt for he wants her at his court, maybe even make her his bride. But Sonja suggests that he’ll find a bride. Kalidor makes a comment to choose wisely, for he has made a rule “never to take a woman unless she can beat me in a fair fight.” A challenge Sonja is up to take. The royal pair rides off to their homeland, while the two warriors fight amongst themselves. The movie ends with them being lip-locked.
All in all, Red Sonja is pretty similar to the Conan movie series, but with a strong female lead instead. I, myself, am a huge fan of the original Conan movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, so I found this movie a delight. Even if you’re not a fan of Conan or Red Sonja, this movie will please audiences who enjoy action and adventure. The acting isn’t the best perhaps, but it’s quite comical and entertaining to watch. Out of five stars, I would give this film two and a half stars. |
Friday, August 29, 2008
The future of newspapers?
It is designed and packaged like a traditional newspaper, but delivered by email with a link to a PDF.
I received my first issue (39 pages) today. It's reminiscent of the short-lived sports daily The National from the early 1990s.
Unlike the newspapers delivered to my doorstep this morning, it was missing none of the "late" West Coast scores. It also had full stories and box scores on the previous nights Browns, University of Cincinnati and Miami (Ohio) football games.
Best of all, perhaps, it's free (at least for now anyway).
Click on the headline for today's issue. And note the story on Page 29 about the Tampa Bay Rays written by former Beacon Journal sports editor Bill Eichenberger.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Bloomberg runs Steve Jobs's obituary.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
BJ wins Society of Professional Journalist awards
The Beacon Journal won three first place awards in the Society of Professional Journalists competition for newspapers over 100,000.
They were for criminal justice reporting of the Jessie Marie Davis murder by the staff, Betty-Lin Fisher for a business profile “Smucker Family Preserves” and Bob Downing for environmental coverage of the Countywide Landfill fire.
Other winners:
• Second place, criminal justice reporting — Ed Meyer for Gondor, Resh Leave Jail.
• Second place, headline writing — Kim Drezdzon.
• Second place, human interest writing — John Higgins for Basketball Plus: A Winning Equation.
• Second place, sports profile — Marla Ridenour, Glimpses of Greg Oden.
• Second place, Web site — Ohio.com staff.
• Third place, best critic in Ohio — Rich Heldenfels.
The honorees will get awards at a ceremony at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in October.
Click on the headline to read the Beacon Journal story on Ohio.com. The story was published Monday on page B2
Monday, August 25, 2008
Abe Zaidan a blogger? Here's link proof
Retired veteran BJ political columnist Abe Zaidan now has his own blog called "Grumpy Abe."
You can find it at
Friday, August 22, 2008
Ex-BJ truck driver William Riffle Jr. dies at 43
William D. Riffle Jr., 43, passed away August 17, 2008.
He was born December 11, 1964 in Akron, Ohio and resided in Copley Township. He graduated from the Univ
He was preceded in death by father, William D. Riffle Sr.; grandmother, Hester Riffle; and grandmother, Irene Near. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; son, Brendan; and daughter, Brittany. Also survived by mother, Rebecca; sisters, Eileen Smith and Veronica Furman; the Rotili family; and additional family members. Private services for the family have taken place.
(COX, WADSWORTH 330-335-3311.)
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH,Friday, August 22, 2008, page B7, col. 4]
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Please send an email to a loyal blog viewer
Gil Beorn, a 1972 BJ mailroom retiree and one of our regular viewers, has a new email address and a new postal address:
Gilbert E Beorn
16225 N. Cave Creek Rd
Space 28
Phoenix, AZ 85032
[email protected]
Gil is an amazing man. He will be 99 years old in February but he lives for emails and always wants to make sure his records are current, his daughter Laura Modzel tells us.
There’s a reason for the new addresses. Gil’s wife, Opal Christina, died on April 5, 2008 at the age of 88. Tney were married for 67 years. Gil has since moved in with his son.
If you would like to recall a little more about Gil just type Beorn in the search box at the top of the blog to call up a couple of posts on Gil in February 2007.
And then, please, send him an email. We owe that to a loyal viewer.
'Voice of Doom' from Syracuse
Vin Crosbie of Syracuse, NY, has a blog called Digital Deliverance which reads like the Voice of Doom:
.
."
Crosbie will be writing more in the coming days at his site, but alas this sentence is the one that is most depressing:
" I’ll outline what the American daily industry might have done to avoid its demise."
Might have done, as if it is too late already.
Click on the headline to go to Crosbie's blog.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
PD follows with buyout, hikes price to 75 cents
The Cleveland Plain Dealer extended a voluntary buyout offer to most of its 370 non-union office employees Tuesday as part of the daily's effort to reduce expenses in the wake of a newspaper-industry advertising slump. It comes a day after the newspaper raised its newsstand price from 50 cents to 75 cents
Workers offered the buyout, about a third of the paper's 1,200 employees, received a letter from Terry Egger, president and publisher. It went to newsroom managers, as well as employees in advertising, circulation and other departments.." They have until Oct. 2 to decide.
The Plain Dealer offered a buyout to all employees in 2006, and 64 newsroom employees left with severance packages. The Beacon Journal laid off 40 newsroom employees — 25 percent of the staff — in 2006.
The Plain Dealer is owned by Advance Publications Inc. and has a daily circulation of about 345,000. The Beacon Journal, which has an average weekday circulation of about 134,000 and 173,000 on Sunday, is owned by Sound Publishing Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Canada's Black Press Ltd.
Read the Associated Press story in Editor & Publisher
Read the PD website story by Frank Bentayou and John Funk on Cleveland.com
No news is NOT good news
Beacon Journal editor Bruce Winges got it right. “The Beacon Journal is no exception” to the rough times in the newspaper industry.
It took only 77 words to provide the news.
In the huge economic scheme with Summit County unemployment above the state level it is not a big deal--unless, of course, you are one of the 20 who will experience it. The news was offered in a Backgrounder on the second business page–a little difficult to find on Ohio.com where a search for ‘Winges’ asks if you mean “twinges” which usually means a sharp, sudden pain.
Here’s the story:
Beacon Journal
offering buyouts
The Akron Beacon Journal announced Tuesday that it is offering early retirement and buyout packages to all newsroom employees.
''We are offering these packages because of the economic downturn the newspaper industry is facing. The Beacon Journal is no exception,'' editor and vice president Bruce Winges said. ''We believe that these packages are a generous alternative to layoffs.''
The early-retirement package is available to employees 55 years and older. The buyout is available to all newsroom employees.
And here’s the talk:
There is not much news, but lots of talk going the rounds. An earlier post (August 11) noted that Phil White, advertising customer service manager, was let go. White is 55 years old and began working at the Beacon Journal on June 23, 1975.
Also heard was Jan Wyatt, who has been at the Beacon Journal for 30 years, left because she found another job. Jerri Combs, who was secretary to the comtroller for 25 years, got severance pay of two weeks for every year of service.
And how about these “have you heard” comments:
“Tony Barone who works in newsprint told me this is the first time in history of Beacon that they have ordered a less amount of paper to use.”
“Circulation will be delivering the Plain Dealer in all our delivery areas except up in the Northern part.”
“ I heard just the opposite that they will be delivering PD to the northern part.”
Which may prove that no news is not good news
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
BJ to buy out 20 and trim section fronts
The axe is falling again at the Akron Beacon Journal. Editor Bruce Winges was the bearer of bad news at a 3:30 p.m. staff meeting today in the JSK room.
Buyouts are being offered to cut the staff by 17 per cent (around 20) and the paper will be confined to three sections; one for all news, one for sports and one for entertainment and other content. This would eliminate the Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday section fronts.
The goal is to get rid of 8 reporters, 8 copy editor/page designers, 2 artists and 2 photographers. Management will decide which to accept.
Those 55 or older would be offered a lump sum payment of their pension entitlement plus $25,000. Younger staffers would get two weeks pay for every year of service plus an extra two weeks pay.
The Newspaper Guild is currently in negotiations.
Adding to the poor image: Nothing could be found in breaking news on Ohio.com, but Akron News Now was jumping all over the story.
Also, see our earlier post about the new design plans for the Beacon Journal.
Fake News show viewers know news better
Pew Survey:
Viewers of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert Score High on News Knowledge.
That’s the report from Editor & Publisher in a story by Greg Michell. There are, of course, many more significant statistics in the report (see the graphic here) so you should click on the headline to see the Pew story.
Here’s Mitchell's report:%
Could this happen: From the fake LA Times
L.A. Times axes last employee
Alleged newspaper will be written by a computer software program. CEO Zell orders downtown headquarters converted into a 'gentleman's club' to maximize the property's value.
That’s the headline on a fake story on the fake web site called:
Click on the headline to check it out.
Monday, August 18, 2008
A new model for news by AP
Finally someone is trying to fix the problem rather than just complain about it.
The Associated Press commissioned a study and thinks it has come up with a new model for news. Remember the pyramid form of writing with the five Ws and an H: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY AND WHO? It needs work ---difficult study.
We all have read the alarming studies that show people don’t read anymore and that young adults experience news fatigue from being inundated by facts and updates and have trouble accessing in-depth stories.
The AP is in the business and needs to work on the problem. The surprise is that none of the gloom-and-doom media watchers have even commented on the AP report,.
Consumers come to the news from a variety of perspectives and platforms and news providers can create links and pathways to different points. Editors must find ways to connect a story’s entry point for users –providing them with more information than they could find by searching or scrolling.
A key finding in the 71-page report is.
.
Incidentally, the CNN presentation of Jim Kavanagh’s story on Shaken Baby Syndrome is a good example of using the new model to provide readers with information on an important subject.
Click on the headline to read the full report. Hopefully others will stumble on it.
A Memorable Project from Jim Kavanagh
We occasionally post a Memorable Story we discover from the past or the present.
Today we salute a work that goes beyond Memorable Story and must fit into a category we might call a Memorable Project..
The story is about the this little baby boy who became the 2008 Baby of the Year in Summit County when he was born at 12:33 a.m. on January 1 and died 12
Former Beacon Journal copy desk chief Jim Kavanagh, now at CNN, spent three months reporting and writing it. He originally proposed telling the story over two days with a main and a sidebar each day. The CNN editors were not ready to commit to that so it ended up a single, 1,600-word story.
But what a story: It stood as the main story on the main page for four hours , an extraordinarily long time for CNN”s site, because it was drawing such heavy traffic. Between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., the story received 1,388,000 page views; 360,000 of those were people who read it because someone had emailed it to them.
“This was by far the biggest project of my career,” Jim writes. “I spent about three months reporting and writing it. It's a tough read, but I thought it was a story worth telling. I hope you think so too.”
The story is well displayed on the CNN site with links to the autopsy report, police investigator
Jim, incidentally is one of the people honored on the Blog Wall of Honor on our website which contains the names of 16 who left the Beacon Journal during the big layoff announced on August 22, 2006 when one-forth of the staff was cut. The list honors 16 former employees with 291 years of experience who were not laid off but volunteered to leave--sometimes in the hope of saving the job of a friend.
Click on the headline to see the Memorable Project.
McClatchy online revenue stands out, according to a report in Adverisitng Age. . Tribune.
At Lee -- which publishes a number of Midwestern titles including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch -- online ad revenue declined 9.1% during the quarter.
.
Click on the headline to go to the Advertising Age story.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The land of tons of daylight
By John Olesky
BJ 1969-96
I saw the light on my sixth cruise in 40 months with Paula. Plenty of it. During our July 15-28 Baltic Sea vacation sunrise was as early as 4 a.m. and sunset was as late as 11 p.m. Up to 19 hours of daylight in Scandinavia.
Holland America’s MS Rotterdam took us to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland
I got to test my 5-month-old right knee replacement on cobblestone streets, hills and church steps. We walked as long as five hours on some days. The knee worked fine. Thanks, Dr. Raymond Acus III of Falls Orthopedic Surgeons.
I loved the Old Town section of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, where the Town Wall and fortresses were built in the 15th through 17th centuries – and cobblestone streets. Old Town even survived World War II.
Obviously, when you visit St. Petersburg you go to Russia’s Hermitage, where we spent three hours looking at some of the three million works of art. And marveled at the Church on the Spilled Blood, built on the spot where Czar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. The building has perhaps more mosaic pieces inside and out than any church in the world. A football field away near the Griboedov Canal we observed five wedding parties. Russian newlyweds go to various famous, popular sites for their wedding photos. Instead of “cheese,” the photographer and the guests yelled “Vodka!” before the pictures were taken.
We were fascinated by the Vasa, a 226-foot long, 62-foot high wooden Swedish warship that capsized and sank 10 minutes into its 1628 maiden voyage. It remained under the Baltic Sea for 333 years before being brought up. The Baltic’s brackish water kept the Vasa 95% intact. A Stockholm museum was built to house it.
Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral, with its 56 steep steps, gave my knee another successful test. It is a 1852 replacement for a 1727 church.
Oslo’s 80-acre Vigeland Park, with 212 bronze and granite sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland, beginning in 1924, was astounding. We also entered Oslo’s City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded.
Also amazing was the astronomical clock in St. Mary’s Church in Rostock, Germany. It was built in 1472 and will keep track of the minute, hour, day, month and year till 2017.
Paula visited the 1,200-seat Arhus Theater in Arhus, Denmark, without me while I upchucked and spent the entire day in our cabin.
We prefer to explore on our own and stumbled upon the World Lifeguard Championships off the beaches of Warnemunde, Germany. The Australians seemed to be dominating the events, which included jumping into a motorized rubber rescue boat, racing out to buoys and bringing the “victim” back to the sand.
Since we were in Germany, the land of beermakers, Paula and I hoisted pilsners and emptied our cups. A fitting toast to another marvelous vacation, I’d say.
To see the photos, click on the headline.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Where can you go for a rest?
Frances Burke Murphey (Dec 24, 1922 - Nov 9, 1998) has been gone for almost a decade, but she keeps popping up occasionally.
The latest is a mention in the Dyer Streets column of the BJ's Bob Dyer. Bob got a note from Meleine (That's her real name and not just one of our typos) Dailey of Wadsworth who said she saw the flashing sign on Interstate 77 North which said the rest stop was closed and wondered if it was permanent or temporary.
Dyer reported that "The Ohio Department of Transportation did close the northbound rest stop--the one with a plaque memorializing legendary Beacon Journal columnist Fran Murphey--on Aug, 1."
It will reopen Sept. 1 with new waterlines.
We know very little here, but would bet that the outhouse at Murpheydale is probably no longer available.
Thanks to Bob and what's her name, however, we have an excuse for printing this photo. Fran loved to write about outhouses so this would bring a chuckle from her.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
A mini-skirt design for Beacon Journal?
There has been talk about it for some time but the word is that you can expect a tabloid-sized Beacon Journal landing on your porch within a month or so.
Line drawers met this week to talk about design, but details are being held close to the chest.
Supposedly there will be three tabloid sections: one for all the news (national, state and local), one for sports and one for entertainment et..al.
Roy Peter Clarke, a senior of Poynter Institute, was talking about it a couple of years ago.
“If I were an editor or publisher of a broadsheet newspaper in any corner of the United States, I'd be paying close attention to a powerful trend affecting the future of newspapers around the world: big papers are converting to smaller formats.
“Size matters. But one size does not fit all. Yet the trend is smaller, smaller, smaller. Watch them shrink from the 54-inch to the 50-inch web; from broadsheet to what in Europe they call "compact" sizes: from the "super tab," known as the Berliner, down to the traditional tabloid.
“In countries like England and the Netherlands, converts are popping up like reformed sinners at a tent revival. In places like Poland and South Africa, wild and wooly tabs are testing boundaries and building readership with a reckless democratic energy.
“And while the word "tabloid" often connotes sensationalism, celebrity and sexuality, some of the world's most traditional and historical news journals have exchanged the formal gown for the mini-skirt.”
The European edition of The Wall Street Journal is now a tab
Here are a couple of points made in the Poynter article:
+ Catching the tab spirit should not require you to make a compact with the devil. Catching the tab spirit does not require the broadsheet to shed the monk's robes and don the harlot's frock. Serious tabloids, including Newsday and The Christian Science Monitor, exist everywhere, sometimes dancing the waltz so that no one can see them jitterbug
+ Broadsheets need to catch the Tabloid Spirit. Newspapers that converts soon discover that everything changes: news judgment, content, design, photography, advertising, marketing, story-telling forms, writing and audience. Without lowering their standards, news organizations need to study and adapt some of the best effects of tabloids: portability, tight writing, great headlines, connection with youth culture, devotion to sports, a lively editorial voice.
Hopefully, it will not include one bad trend predicted by another media watcher:
“One additional category that I predict will arise in the next few years: the newspaper that moves to a heavily templated design - that is, pre-formatted pages, including covers, plug-and-play with strictly placed briefs, pre-measured stories, pre-sized photos, whether local or wire, and possibly very strict pre-formatted advertising holes to accommodate it..
McClatchy announces salary freeze
The McClatchy Co. announced on Thursday a one-year salary freeze starting Sept. 1. The across-thme-board freeze includes all 30 newspapers in the chain and the corporate office in Sacramento.
If employees are scheduled to receive a merit or salary review between Sept. 1 and Aug. 31, 2009, the review will occur one year later than scheduled.
Publishers of the newspapers sent out memos to all employees
The memo at one of the newspapers explained:
"This means that if you are scheduled to receive a merit or salary review between Sept. 1, 2008 and Aug. 31, 2009, your salary review will occur one year later than scheduled. For example, if your next salary review date is March 1, 2009, the salary review will be postponed until March 1, 2010. However, you will receive regularly scheduled performance reviews during this period."
Thursday.Sacramento Bee publisher Cheryl Dell in his memo to all employees said
“While we have taken many steps to reorganize and streamline operations to respond to changing business models and these economic challenges, we need to do more to control expenses.”
Ed Fletcher, chairman of the employee union, said employees are learning to do more with less, but are opposed to doing more for less.
“Sadly we’ve seen a steady stream of good employees making the often-difficult decision to leave the company over the last 12 months,” Fletcher said, in an e-mail. “Between layoffs, buyouts and attrition, the newsroom alone is down 29 people since Aug. 27, 2007.”
The salary freeze will only further that migration, he said.
“Losing pace with inflation will cause even the most die-hard journalist to question whether, for the sake of their future and family, it’s time to move on,” he said.
He said the guild is looking forward to meeting with management to offer ideas on how to trim costs without “destroying employee moral, driving more employees away, or causing a financial hardship for employees.
“One place to start is to eliminate management bonuses.”
Management at the Lexingcton (Ky) Herald-Leader earlier announcecd another voluntary separation package with no specific target number.
A memo there said:
“The Herald-Leader continues.”
Click on the headline to read the story in the Sacramento Bee
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Here's an update from Marvin Katz
After 40 years of successive careers in journalism, public relations, and freelance writing and PR consulting, I retired in 1998. Three years later, my wife Joyce and I moved from Rockville, Md., where we'd lived for 24 years, to a mountainside home five miles due north of downtown Hendersonville, N.C., and 22 miles from Asheville. Life is reasonably good, with modern medical technology staying a step or two ahead of our needs. I stepped down earlier this year after six years on the board of our homeowners association, five of them as president. But there's enough other stuff going on that I wonder how I ever found time to work for pay. We have two daughters. Lisa is a Kent State grad like me who did her J-School internship at the BJ and is now director of news services for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Susie is a family-practice physician in Portland, Ore., and the mother of our two grandchildren.
--Marv
Visitor from South Carolina
Harold McElroy also lives in Pauleys Island, about a block from Dick. Sid Sprague, who began the BJ retirees migration from Akron to Pauleys, moved to Colorado after his wife died. The Spragues were best friends with a couple in Pauleys. The couple's husband died, and eventually the widow and Sid got together, and later moved near her family in Colorado. Sid moved from Cuyahoga Falls to Pauleys Island.
Dick has lived in Pauleys Island for nine years. He's a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and fishes a lot, in the ocean and on a nearby river.
Others at the 1 p.m. second Wednesday monthly lunch were Pat Dougherty, retired engraver; retired printers Al Hunsicker, Gene McClellan, Carl Nelson and Cal Deshong; and retired Newsroom employees Dave Boerner, Tom Moore and John Olesky.
'Pro bono' does not mean working for free
A note from Kevin Allman to Poynter Online:.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Reminder: BJ Retirees lunch is tomorrow.
Over 6,300 newspaper jobs lost
“How severe have the recent cutbacks in newspaper staffing and operations been?” Potts asks. “Pretty severe. Over the past few days, I've built a database of the cuts over the past year at the nation's 100 largest newspapers (measured by circulation), and here's what I found:
*.
Click on the headline to see his PDF file. The Beacon Journal is 86 (by circulation) on the list.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Bob Lewis having shoulder surgery -- again
So I called Bob in Wadsworth but left a message when no one answered.
Later, Paula and I were driving to Hudson High School for a German brass band concert (lots of polkas and oom-pa-pas) when Bob called back on my cellphone. Only Bob wasn't in Wadsworth, he was in California. Bob's wife told him that a guy named John wanted to talk to him about a Florida vacation.
"I knew it was you," Bob said.
"Where are you?," said I. "In California," Bob answered.
Bob is in California getting his rotator cuff repaired, his second shoulder operation. Bob said that he overdid the physical therapy after the first shoulder operation, so he returned to his favorite doctor to fix the latest problem.
I wanted to talk to him about renting his 2-bedroom home on Siesta Key, off Sarasota, which he still owns at 7007 Point of Rocks Road, maybe a block from the late BJ printer Bill Gorrell's rental complex. Several years ago, I ran into Bob and Mike Jewell walking on the beach at Siesta Key. Bob's place wasn't rented for about 10 days in February that year so they both went down to stay in it. We were staying in Sea Castle, whose parking lot is across the street from Gorrell's former rentals.
My late wife Monia and I had dinner with Bob and Mike the next evening.
Alas, Sea Castle has been razed to make way for a 6-story condominium. Gorrell's place also is or will be leveled for the same reason. And the two complexes behind Gorrell's former place, which Bill managed for the doctors who owned them.
Good luck on your second shoulder surgery, Bob!
Phil White is among half dozen who lost jobs
A half dozen business types lost their jobs at the Beacon Jiournal last Monday --including Phil White, advertising customer service manager. White is 55 years old and began working at the Beacon Journal on June 23, 1975,
Two other ad coordinators with less service and a top finance department employee also are gone.
There are no specific details on what type of severance, pension or health benefits might be available. Home telephone numbers already have been removed from the employee list.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Here's Cal in busy downtown Akron in 1949
Yes. That's now-retired printer Calvin Deshong at night on crowded Main Street in downtown Akron in 1949. You can see a reflection of the Richman Bros. sign in the background. Cal, who dug up the photo for us, says it was taken by a sidewalk photographer.
The Canadian Rx solution to the donut hole
Uroxatral is cheaper for me from Aetna as long as I have NOT reached the donut hole. When I’m in the donut hole I can get Uroxatral from Canada (same pills, exactly, as you get from Aetna or your local American pharmacist) for $113.99 for 90 when it costs me $223.24 from Aetna when I’m in the donut hole. For Alfuzosin, which is the generic for Uroxatral, it costs me $77 for 100.
Celebrex is cheaper for me from Aetna as long as I have NOT reached the donut hole. When I’m in the donut hole I can get Celebrex from Canada (again, pills are identical to the ones you get from Aetna or your local pharmacist) for $137.78 for 100 when it costs me $301.41 for 90 from Aetna when I’m in the donut hole. For Celecoxib, the generic for Celebrex, it costs me $104.45 for 100.
There also is a $10 shipping charge from the Canadian pharmacy to factor in.
If I hit the donut hole Oct. 1, the 90 days of using the Canadian pharmacy will save me
Celebrex $301.41 minus $137.78 and $10 shipping= $153.63
Celecoxib (generic) $301.41 minus $104.45 and $10 shipping= $186.96
Uroxatral $223.24 minus $113.99 and $10 = $99.25
Alfuzosin (generic) $223.24 minus $77 and $10 = $136.24
With brand names I will save $252.88 and get 10 extra pills (100 vs. 90) for 3 months.
With generics, which we’re getting mostly from Aetna anyway, I will save $323.20!
Some of us are hitting the donut hole with SIX MONTHS left. In that case, for generics I will save $646.40!
How do you go about doing this and saving a ton of money for the exact pills you’re getting from Aetna?
1. Click on this headline, which will take you to the Canadian pharmacy web site, and find your drugs that cost more than Aetna’s $5 or $10 categories and see how much you can save.
2. Have your doctor write and hand you a prescription that, with refills, will equal or exceed the Canadian order (usually, 100 pills). If your doctor will fax the prescription to the Canadian pharmacy (mine won’t), have the Canadian pharmacy fax your doctor and he will fax the Canadian pharmacy the prescription.
3. If your doctor hands you your prescription, go back to this Canadian pharmacy web site, order your pills and either mail in your prescription or scan and email it in (that’s acceptable, too). There will be Rx delivery choices – Rx by U.S. Mail, email, etc. -- for you to click when you’re on the Canadian pharmacy web site.
4. CONTINUE to order the $5 and $10 prescriptions through Aetna. Even when you’re in the donut hole, that cost stays the same. Aetna just rigged the donut hole so that you won’t get out of it before the year ends, which means never.
5. Questions? I’d be happy to answer them. Email me at [email protected] or call me on my cellphone at (330) 388-4466. Or conduct a discussion on this BJ Retirees web site by clicking on Comments. Maybe someone else has other, legal, sensible ways to reduce the money we spend on prescriptions.
Uroxatral 10 mg
Aetna pre-donut hole cost ……….. $40 for 90
Aetna donut hole cost …………….. $223.24 for 90
Canada uroxatral cost …………….. $113.99 for 90
Canada Alfuzosin (generic) cost ... $77.00 for 100
Celebrex 200 mg
Aetna pre-donut hole cost ……….. $80 for 90
Aetna donut hole cost …………….. $301.41 for 90
Canada Celebrex cost …………….. $137.78 for 100
Canada Celecoxib (generic) cost ...$104.45 for 100
Granddaughter of late Sol Shwartz dies at 17
Sarah Elizabeth Shwartz, 17, passed away unexpectedly in Akron on August 3, 2008.
Born in Akron in 1991, Sarah had been a lifetime area resident. She was a 2008 graduate of Garfield High School and was set to start her first semester at the Cleveland Institute of Art in the fall. She wa
Sarah was preceded in death by her grandparents, Barbara and Sol Shwartz and Hugh and Bernice Feller. She is survived by her loving parents, Leonard and Karen Shwartz of Akron; brothers, Lee and Joseph also of Akron; grandmother, Frieda Gerin; aunts and uncles, Roberta and Phillip Hittner, Yong and Peter Shwartz, Larry and Barbara Evans, and Doyle Feller; niece, Megan; and nephews, Devin and Zach; cousins, Libby and Lily; special friends, Ashley Dowd and Carol Carter.
The family will receive friends Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St., where funeral services
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH,Wednesday, August 6, 2008, page B5, col. 4]
McClatchy online revenue looking good
Advertising lineage in newspapers will continue to decline, Media Daily News reports, but McClatchy Newspapers reports online advertising grew 58.5 percent in the second quarter of this year.
Although most companies still don't release separate figures for "Internet-only" revenues, McClatchy CEO Gary Pruitt, discussing second-quarter results, remarked: "Excluding employment advertising, which is the category most tied to print upsellsell."
Online display ad revenue is up 26% at E.W. Scripps, and local ads (mostly display) rose 45.7% at Media General. Finally, although she did not cite specific figures, NYTCO CEO Janet L. Robinson attributed the 13% increase in the company's online revenues to "strong display advertising."
Nonetheless, the proportion of total revenues derived from online display advertising remains quite small, and potential sources of new online revenues are a long way off.
Most of the big newspaper publishers have seen their print ad revenues fall sharply over the last year, if not longer. The downward trend is clearly established, with executives warning investors that there are more declines on the way. It seems that things can't get any worse--but incredibly, they can, and probably will. As newspapers are buffeted by a perfect storm of industry-specific and general trends, the rate of revenue decline is likely to accelerate in the second half of 2008 and 2009.
It's impossible to see into the future, of course--and Ken Doctor, an analyst with Outsell, Inc., steered clear of hard-and-fast predictions, but he did say "the points for revenue are all pointing down"--adding that the situation appears especially ominous because of a couple of new, emerging trends.
First and most importantly, online revenue growth has sputtered, stalled, and in some cases even swung into reverse in 2008. Comparing the second quarter of 2008 to the same period last year, online revenues declined 9.1% at Lee Enterprises, 12% at A.H. Belo, and 8% at E.W. Scripps. Meanwhile, online revenue growth slowed to a snail's pace for newspaper divisions at Gannett--up 3%--and the Washington Post Company, up 4%. Online growth was more robust at the New York Times Company, up 12.8%, and McClatchy, up 12.5%-- but still looked positively anemic next to the quarterly growth rates of pure-play Internet companies like Google, up 39% in the same period.
The slowdown in online revenue growth "is absolutely terrible news," Doctor said, removing the one source of good news in previous quarters. The slowdown could have been foreseen: "Newspapers got addicted to online upsells from the print classifieds," Doctor recalled, relying on combined print-online sales to sustain double-digit growth in online classified revenues for several years. Meanwhile, the volume of print classifieds was shrinking, a process accelerated by the economic slowdown. With fewer print classifieds being placed, there are fewer opportunities for online upsells.
Click on the headline to read the full report in Media Daily News.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Cincinnati Enquirer looks for 50 buyouts
By E&P Staff
CHICAGO Eight months after becoming the only local daily in the city, Gannett Co.'s Cincinnati Enquirer is seeking to buy out 50 staffers.
In an e-mail to employees Monday, Publisher Margaret Buchanan said the paper is looking to make the reductions among non-union employees.
"If this voluntary offer doesn't result in a sufficient number of volunteers, or if in the future, economic conditions worsen, it may be necessary to consider layoffs," Buchanan wrote.
On offer is two weeks of salary for every year of service plus health benefits for a period of up to 52 weeks.
The offer expires Aug. 15, Buchanan added.
SF Chronicle offers buyouts to 125
The San Francisco Chronicle will offer at least 125 employees the chance to take a buyout before the end of the year, the company said Friday.
"Obviously, we're not the first newspaper to be affected by the continuing downturn in advertising," said Publisher, President and CEO Frank Vega. "We are hopeful that by opting for our employees to voluntarily sign up for buyouts we can avoid any type of layoffs going forward."
The program is open to all employees who are not represented by a union as well as employees who are represented by the Northern California Media Workers' Guild.
The company said it would consider accepting more than 125 employees and that it has the right to reject as well as accept applicants. If the reduction goal is not met, the company said, layoffs will be likely.
This article appeared on page B - 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Monday, August 04, 2008
The Mayflower Hotel: Yesterday and Today
Today seem like an opportune time to post this old postcard of the Mayflower Hotel in all its glory. The card was provided by retired printer Calvin Deshong. And here's today's news:
Beacon Journal staff report
AKRON: A resident of a downtown Akron high-rise apartment building was taken Sunday morning to Akron General Medical Center following a fire that also caused the building to be partially evacuated.
Several units from the Akron Fire Department responded to the Mayflower Manor Apartments at South Main and State streets shortly after 9 a.m.
The fire was contained to a seventh-floor apartment.
Fire officials said smoke spread to the upper floors. Residents on the first floor, where there was significant water damage, were evacuated.
The extent of the woman's injuries was not known. Her name and age were not released.Damage was placed at $30,000 to the apartment and $50,000 to the building.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
John Frederick Seiberling 1918-2008
Bob Downing wrote an admirable obituary for page A1 on Sunday on an admirable Akron native, John F. Seiberling. Rich Ststeinhauser drew an equally admisrable portrait of Seiberling to illustrate the front page tribute.
Downing captures it all in thse first eight paragraphs:
By Bob Downing
Beacon Journal staff writer.
He was a liberal New Deal Democrat, a supporter of wilderness, arms control, free trade, world peace and historic preservation. He was a fan of Shakespeare, poetry and bawdy limericks, as well as an accomplished nature photographer and a lover of The Wind in the Willows.
He was soft-spoken and reserved yet strong willed and at times feisty. He looked at the big picture, although he was a man of detail. Known for his calm, statesmanlike approach, he operated with caution and dignity, without flamboyance. He was known for his dry wit, intellect, idealism and integrity.
He was a loner and proudly operated outside the political system, refusing to be one of the boys, to join the congressional club. Behind his back, staff and supporters called him St. John.
Before Congress, during his 17 years as an attorney for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. — the company his grandfather founded — Mr. Seiberling once took a leave of absence to avoid crossing United Rubber Worker union picket lines. That's because he sided with the union at that time.
And in the wake of the May 4, 1970, shootings at nearby Kent State University, Mr. Seiberling ignored the political risks and warnings of advisers to speak at a rally at the University of Akron, advising students there to keep their protests peaceful.
It was his opposition to the Vietnam War that led Mr. Seiberling to run for Congress in 1970, defeating 10-term Republican incumbent William Ayers to become a 51-year-old rookie.
Mr. Seiberling served on the House Judiciary Committee that conducted the 1974 impeachment hearings that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
And in his 1986 congressional hearings to probe the proposed takeover of Goodyear by raider Sir James Goldsmith, it was Mr. Seiberling who drew the loudest cheers from Akron when he confronted Goldsmith with the question: ''Who the hell are you?''
Part of Mr. Seiberling's success as a congressman was attributed to his ability to work with local and federal officials in a bipartisan effort.
He got Akron a new federal courthouse and a new post office. He twice found federal money for the city's now-closed trash-burning power plant, as well as funds for Quaker Square, the Akron-Canton Airport, the Goodyear Technical Center and various other projects.
''I'm not sure any of us can adequately measure with words the immense contributions John has made,'' said Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic. ''The true value of his work will continue to reside in his legacy and will be enjoyed by and for many, many generations to come. His is the work of a remarkable public servant with a most generous spirit and creative mind. John Seiberling and his family have helped build and sustain this city.''
''John Seiberling was a darn good congressman,'' Summit County Republican Party Chairman Alex Arshinkoff told a reporter after Seiberling retired. ''If I were a liberal Democrat, I'd say he was a great congressman.''
Mr. Seiberling also left his mark far beyond Akron, stretching across the American West and Alaska.
''John Seiberling stands as a giant in terms of managing public lands . . . an American hero,'' said John Debo, superintendent of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. ''What he did was really extraordinary, and he truly was one of America's great conservationists.''
Right man, right time
He was a key figure in Congress in the 1970s and 1980s and played a key role in preserving America's wild lands — with his constituents not always aware of the issues and what was going on, said Dan Nelson of Bath Township, an emeritus history professor at the University of Akron and author of A Passion for the Land: John F. Seiberling and the Environmental Movement (to be published next year by Kent State University Press).
''Getting the Cuyahoga Valley park created in 1974 only whetted his appetite. He got involved in Alaska and wilderness lands. . . . He was the right man at the right time to get a lot accomplished,'' Nelson said.
Doug Scott of Seattle, a wilderness author and policy director for Campaign for America's Wilderness, said Mr. Seiberling should rank among the very top conservationists in the 20th century. Scott worked with Mr. Seiberling on wilderness measures while with the Sierra Club and wrote The Enduring Wilderness: Protecting Our National Heritage Through the Wilderness Act.
''Wilderness was his passion,'' Scott said. ''And that legacy will touch all Americans for generations. . . . He truly was an American giant.''
Over the years, Mr. Seiberling served as chairman of the Interior Committee's public lands and national parks subcommittee and pushed 33 bills for 250 new and expanded wilderness areas in 27 states.
In 1980, he and U.S. Rep. Morris Udall, D-Ariz., led the fight to approve federal protection for 103 million acres under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
In all, Mr. Seiberling played a key role in preserving 69 million acres of wilderness — that included 54 million acres in Alaska — in addition to 59 million acres of other federal parks, forests and preserves.
Mr. Seiberling made his first trip to Alaska in 1975 and came away impressed.
In 1977, he held congressional hearings across that state, helping him develop a photo collection of more than 3,000 Alaskan shots. He exhibited his photos in the Capital during the 1978 debate and said the photos helped sway members of Congress.
He was widely saluted by national environmental groups for his efforts to save the American wilderness — efforts that earned him opposition from some Western and Alaskan politicians.
Bruce Hamilton, deputy executive director for the national Sierra Club, compared the significance of Mr. Seiberling's efforts for Alaska to President Theodore Roosevelt's creation of the national forests.
The Alaskan legislation was ''a tribute to Seiberling's persistence and statesmanship,'' he said.
''He was the expert and made quite the difference. . . . Every wilderness advocate in the country knew him and worshipped him,'' Hamilton said in a telephone interview from San Francisco. ''Most considered John Seiberling to be their second congressman.''
Conservationist is born
Mr. Seiberling's desire to save wild America may be traced to a childhood experience on a family vacation to an island in Lake Huron. On a return trip, the mainland forest near Hessel, Mich., had disappeared. The giant white pines had been cut to be turned into matchsticks.
Later, in a quote still cited by his ex-staffers, Mr. Seiberling said:
'.''
His associates said the words were reflective of his goals.
But Mr. Seiberling was proudest of spearheading the creation of the Cuyahoga Valley park in 1974.
In 1971, as a rookie legislator, Mr. Seiberling's efforts to help sponsor legislation to create a national park between Akron and Cleveland went nowhere.
In subsequent years, though, he introduced the measure and worked to build public support for saving the Cuyahoga Valley.
Debo, the park's superintendent, said Mr. Seiberling ''had the foresight and the ability to galvanize public support to preserve the valley. It was an incredible accomplishment.''
Not everyone supported the idea. The National Park Service didn't think the Cuyahoga Valley deserved federal protection.
And even after winning approval in Congress, the legislation came perilously close to dying. With President Gerald Ford on a ski vacation in Colorado, federal officials, opposed to a high-cost urban park, were urging a veto.
Mr. Seiberling called Regula, who got an emergency phone call placed to Ford by Akron's Ray Bliss, the influential former national chairman of the Republican Party. Other calls went to U.S. Sens. Robert Taft Jr. and Howard Metzenbaum, as well as former Goodyear Chairman E. J. Thomas.
Bliss told Ford that he should sign the legislation if he wanted to win Ohio and to veto it if he wanted to lose Ohio.
Ford signed the bill on Dec. 27, 1974.
Mr. Seiberling called Ford's approval a Christmas gift for people in Northeast Ohio. In later years, he said the park was far more than he ever expected.
Mr. Seiberling also protected the park from Ronald Reagan's secretary of the interior, James Watt, who wanted to eliminate it as a federal park in the 1980s.
Mr. Seiberling also played key roles in the 1977 federal surface-mining reclamation act and a 1976 bill enlarging the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. He also pushed to eliminate acid rain in clean-air legislation.
He was unsuccessful in an effort to have federal judges selected on merit instead of political appointment, and to create a youth job corps.
He aggressively fought President Reagan over federal budget cuts in the early 1980s.
His influence was felt beyond U.S. shores. He played key roles in Congress in the birth of nations: the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia.
His staff saw Mr. Seiberling as ''this cuddly distinguished college professor whom we all loved,'' said Andrew Wiessner, a one-time staffer and now a retired public lands consultant in Colorado.
Issues instead of politics
Mr. Seiberling was different: He was the nonpolitical congressman, a good and dedicated public servant, Wiessner said.
''He looked at the issues, not the politics,'' Wiessner said ''There was a gentle way about him. He was so scholarly and so thorough''
Long-time Seiberling staffer Loretta Neumann added: ''He really was a Renaissance man, an amazing man, a giant. . . . Everyone who ever worked for him said it was the best job they ever had, and that was true for me, too. . . . He was the right person at the right place at the right time to do the things he did.''
Neumann, who came to Mr. Seiberling's staff from the National Park Service, said he hired her mainly to get the park established.
''At the time, I knew nothing about the workings of Congress.'' she said. ''When I first met him, I told him so. 'Don't worry,' he said. 'I need you to teach me about parks. I can teach you what you need to know about Congress.' ''
State Sen. Tom Sawyer, D-Akron, who succeeded Mr. Seiberling in Congress, said he knew Mr. Seiberling ''virtually my entire political life.''
''He was a commanding figure throughout this community and as soon as I got to Washington, it was clear as it had ever been that he was beloved by the people who knew him best,'' Sawyer said.
He had an ''enormous respect for the rule of law and love of nation,'' Sawyer said, and his respect for the environment went beyond Northeast Ohio in a way that ''will be remembered for generations.''
After serving in Congress, Mr. Seiberling returned to Akron to practice law, teach law and direct the University of Akron's Center for Peace Studies for 51/2 years, until mid-1996. He also returned to enjoy the Cuyahoga Valley from his long-time home at the edge of the park in Bath Township. He and his wife later moved to a Copley Township condominium.
He earned countless honors over the years, including the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award from the Akron Community Foundation in 1999.
He attributed his love of nature to his father, John F. Seiberling Sr. But he frequently said the most influential person in his life was his mother, Henrietta, who died in 1979.
His mother was described as a formidable woman of strong moral conviction — a churchgoer who introduced Bill Wilson of New York and Dr. Robert Smith of Akron in 1935. They went on to found Alcoholics Anonymous in Akron.
Getting an education
Mr. Seiberling attended King Elementary School and Buchtel High School in Akron before going to Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Va.
He graduated from Harvard University in 1941.
During World War II, he served in the Army from 1942 to 1946, fighting in Europe. He enlisted as a private and attained the rank of major. He earned the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and three Battle Stars. He also earned the Medaille de la Reconnaissance Francaise (France) and the Ordre de Leopold II (Belgium).
After his discharge, he earned a law degree at Columbia University in New York in 1949.
From 1949 to 1954, he practiced law with Donovan, Leisure, Newton and Irvine in New York City.
He joined Goodyear in Akron in 1954 and remained here until he went to Congress in 1971.
Locally, Mr. Seiberling was a member of the Akron Regional Development Board and the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority. He was a three-term president of the Akron-based Tri-County Regional Planning Commission.
He was a member of the United Community Council of Summit County, the Stan Hywet Hall Foundation, the United World Federalists of Akron and the Akron Bar Association's World Peace Through Law committee.
He was a founder of the Summit County Committee for Peace in Vietnam and a member of the local Sierra Club and the Cuyahoga Valley Association.
In 1949, he married Elizabeth ''Betty'' Behr, a Vassar graduate. They shared the same interests, the same priorities, the same outlook for 59 years of marriage.
She actually met her future husband while at Vassar through his sister, who was a student there. They had their first date in Paris in 1945 — at an officer's mess.
He proposed during his last year of law school in New York. She later told reporters she accepted his proposal in part because he had respect for women's intellectual capabilities.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by their three sons, John B. of Washington, D.C., David of Akron and Stephen of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and one grandson, Evan. He also leaves sisters Dorothy Seiberling of Long Island, N.Y., and Mary S. Huhn of Pennsylvania.
A memorial service is planned for late August or early September.
Billow funeral home in Fairlawn is handling arrangements.
Bob Downing can be reached at 330-996-3745 or [email protected]..
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Health update from Ken Wright
Well, just to bring everyone up to date with health problems, here goes. After surgery and six days in Cleveland Clinic, I got to come home Monday (21st). Sunday I had a fever, June took me to Akron City. They called my doctor at C.C. and he had me transported back to C.C. Spent five days there getting rid of an infection. Came home Thursday (31st). Doing much better. Still have no appetite (expected), sore stomach and get tired quick. Recovery will take several more weeks, at least. I am up walking around the house but not able to do much else. Please keep up the prayers.
Friday, August 01, 2008
You can call him Professor Mitch soon
You can call him Professer Mitch starting the end of this month, but you can still call him Editor Mitch part-time. . BJ online editor Mitch McKenney will join Kent State University as an assistant professor at the Stark campus. Here's the memo from Editor Bruce Winges:
I am sorry to announce that Mitch will be leaving us to join Kent State University as an assistant professor
Mitch has taught at Kent State as an adjunct professor for some time. He also has almost completed work on an MBA from KSU. He also holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from Kent.
Mitch joined the Beacon Journal in September 1998 as a deputy metro editor. Since then he has worked extensively in metro, as features editor and most recently as online editor. Before joining the Beacon he worked at the Palm Beach Post and the late Rochester (N.Y.) Times-Union.
Mitch lives in Hartville with his wife, Kim, and two sons and one daughter.
Please join me in wishing Mitch well. And if you miss him when he leaves at the end of August, he’ll be back soon.
Thanks, Bruce
[Charlotte.com is the website of the Charlotte Observer, once a Knight Ridder newspaper and once guided by Editor Perry Morgan, once editor of the BJ]
Cageao and wife Audrey have a son, Fred, who will be attending the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
Ohio.com is the fastest-growing part of the BJ business and averages 912,461 unique visitors and more than 6.8 million page views each month, according to Alton Brown, BJ executive vice president and business manager
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This is a guide to various endurance nutrition products available. The objective is to help you choose the right products for your needs, and to understand the differences between the various brands and what’s available.
I’ll try the products myself and give my most objective review possible. Sometimes I buy them myself and other times they may be sent to me, but either way all of these reviews are unpaid and honest.
Also, I will ask each brand the same questions:
What is it? 1-2 short, succinct sentences summarizing the brand or the specific product.
How is it different? What’s the unique selling point? Why should we buy this one over a competitor?
Who is it best for or what applications is it at its best? Longer races (70.3s to fulls)? Recovery? Fat-adapted athletes? Vegans?
What forms does it come in and why? (Mix, tablet, bar, gel, chew, etc) It could be individually-wrapped blister tablets for ease of carrying during running, powders to mix in your drink on the bike, etc.
A link to buy it with a discount code
Precision Hydration
PH has been a favourite product of mine for a few years now and it’s the one that really helped me dial in my sodium. It’s the most popular sodium or electrolyte product among my friends, but it’s expensive. That may be a good thing, though, especially in this sport. Anyway, who uses cheap equipment?
Following are the answers to questions I’ve asked PH:
What it is
Precision Hydration provide multi-strength electrolyte supplements that match how you sweat.
How it’s different
The main electrolyte lost in sweat is sodium and everyone loses a different amount of sodium when they sweat – from as little as 200mg per litre to as much as 2,000mg per litre – so a ‘one size fits all’ approach to hydration simply doesn’t work.
The focus of Precision Hydration is to provide a personalised service for athletes, which is why their electrolytes come in four different strengths – PH 250, PH 500, PH 1000, PH 1500, with the strongest PH 1500 containing 3 times more sodium than typical sports drinks.
Who it’s best for
PH is ideal for athletes who are looking to optimise their hydration strategy. Whether you’re an athlete who suffers with cramps, struggles in the heat, loses plenty of sodium in your sweat or you sweat profusely, PH provide Sweat Tests, supplements and advice to help you refine your hydration plan.
Who it isn’t ideal for
An athlete who isn’t a particularly salty or heavy sweater, or perhaps isn’t putting in huge amounts of hours in training or races, might not see the greatest benefit, compared with athletes who accumulate large sweat losses.
But if you think you could do with tweaking your hydration strategy, then PH provide the solutions you need.
On that note, feel free to email [email protected] with any hydration-related questions you might have.
What forms it comes in and why (mix, tablet, bar, gel, chew, etc).
PH electrolyte supplements come in three formats – all-natural drink mixes, low-calorie effervescent tablets, blister-packed salt capsules – because all athletes and sports are different, and so they have different needs.
Many athletes will make use of each of the different forms in different scenarios or at different times before, during and after events.
For more information on the differences between the PH supplements, check out this blog.
Buy it!
Use the discount code IRONMANHACKS at the PrecisionHydration.com checkout to get 15% off your entire first order of PH electrolytes.
Useful articles:
– Why sodium is crucial to athletes performing at their best
– PH Annual Cramping Survey
– Why do athletes suffer from cramp?
UCAN
This is a brand I had never used – it’s not available in Singapore where I live. But they sent me a pack which included the following:
I’d refer to UCAN as a low-calorie, slow-release fuel. It sort of made me rethink the idea that I needed somewhere around 250-300 calories per hour on the bike and I was eager to try it.
Read the UCAN review here.
Following are the answers to questions I’ve asked UCAN:
What it is
What underlies UCAN’s products is SuperStarch, a unique complex carbohydrate that gives you energy without the spike and crash of sugar. Non-GMO corn starch is cooked through a patented 40 hour all-natural heating process to create SuperStarch, initially discovered for kids with a rare metabolic disorder. The breakthrough in carbohydrate technology has found applications in endurance sports through The UCAN Company.
How it’s different
SuperStarch provides steady, long-lasting energy rather than the spike and crash profile of simple sugars and maltodextrin, which are the two high glycemic carbohydrates that underlie nearly every product in the endurance sports nutrition marketplace.
Steady energy leads to many athletes finishing their workouts and races stronger, and without bonking. Due to the low osmolality of SuperStarch, it clears the stomach very quickly reducing the chances of sloshing, bellyaches, nausea, unplanned porta-potty stops and other forms of GI distress.
UCAN’s powders have no sugar in them for a healthier way to fuel. There is also evidence from peer-reviewed double-blinded studies to show that blood sugar remains more stable as compared to maltodextrin, insulin remains muted, and may therefore improve the body’s ability to burn fat.
Who it’s best for
UCAN is really for any athlete looking to finish stronger. It’s a clear choice for any triathlete who has experienced GI distress or has hit the wall in a workout or race, or for any athlete looking for a healthier way to fuel rather than chronically ingesting sugar.
Athletes in the fat-adapted and diabetic communities have latched onto SuperStarch’s ability to stabilize blood sugar and improve fat oxidation.
Men and women of all levels have found UCAN to be ultra-compelling including 17 hour IRONMAN finishers all the way up to Tim O’Donnell who placed 2nd in Kona 2019 in sub-8 hours.
UCAN has a number of products in its line up that are vegan-friendly (anything without whey protein listed in the ingredients).
Who it isn’t ideal for
Since SuperStarch is a form of cornstarch, anyone with a corn allergy should not use UCAN.
And if you’ve already bonked, simple sugars will be more effective to bring you back than SuperStarch due to the steadier nature of the carbohydrate.
What forms it comes in and why (mix, tablet, bar, gel, chew, etc)
UCAN has three main product lines with plans to expand that in the future. Currently, UCAN offers SuperStarch powders, UCAN Anytime Energy Bars and UCAN Hydrate.
The SuperStarch powders are labeled UCAN Performance Energy, which is a powder that is mixed in fluid (typically water) to form a shake that is consumed pre, during or post-exercise to fuel your activity and help you recover quickly.
UCAN Bars are great anytime as snacks or pre/during training to fuel your effort.
UCAN Hydrate has no fuel and is solely for hydration purposes since it is simply composed of electrolytes and delicious natural flavors.
Sign up for the UCAN mailing list at to learn about future product launches coming in the first half of 2020.
A link to buy it with a discount code:
The above link will provide 15% off on the person’s first order (US only)
PURE
I’ve seen PURE for years at races and have heard of friends who used it. I’ve tried it a few times and was immediately impressed with the taste of the drink – very mild and not overwhelming. But I have not tried all of the products.
But now, here’s an overview.
What it is.
How it’s different
All ingredients are carefully selected for quality & performance.
No artificial colours, flavours or ingredients.
High quality, real fruit & vegetable freeze-dried powders are used – creating a flavour unlike any other sports nutrition brand out there.
Who it’s best for
- Products across the range are primarily designed for those engaging in regular exercise – anyone from beginners training for their first 5k run to elite athletes to competitors in ultra-marathon, multi-sport, Triathlon, Ironman, Spartan et
- We also have Whey Protein and other recovery products with multiple health benefits
Who it isn’t ideal for
- Some products are not suitable for pregnant women or children under 15 (those containing caffeine)
- Some products are not suitable for those with lactose intolerance
What forms it comes in and why
Gels
- Maltodextrin based..
PURE has two types of Gel :
The main difference in our gel ranges is the consistency. The Fluid Gel Range is liquid in consistency whereas the Energy Gel Range is closer to a traditional gel thickness (although not as thick as most other gels).
This means the Fluid Gel Range is slightly larger at 50g vs. the Energy gel range at 35g. We designed the Fluid Gel Range to be very easy to swallow, as we said it’s liquid in consistency so there is no need to struggle to ingest it while exercising.
Which one suits you? It really comes down to personal preference and what you are using it for. Many of our athletes use the Fluid Gel Range during higher intensity parts of their training/ racing or when it is harder to swallow i.e. running.
The Energy Gel Range is popular over longer distances, times where hunger sets in or to combat flavour fatigue (feedback is they look forward to these as a tasty treat while exercising).
Both also contain caffeinated and non-caffeinated flavours. Don’t be afraid to mix and match during training and racing to discover which combination of Fluid and Energy Gel Ranges meets your fuelling needs and excites the taste buds.
Electrolytes
PURE Electrolyte Hydration is a natural isotonic electrolyte sports drink base, in powder form.
- Made with a specific blend of sucrose and glucose which helps with rapid replacement of energy, PURE Electrolyte Hydration is designed to promote the availability of energy during exercise.
- It’s not sickly sweet so you can easily drink it at full strength.
- Contains the electrolytes, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
When mixed with water to the correct amounts, PURE Electrolyte Hydration will assist with ensuring adequate fluid intake during exercise and to prevent or treat mild dehydration that may occur as a result of sustained strenuous exercise.
PURE
Endurance products
- PURE Endurance Formula is a premium drink base specifically formulated with real fruit, carbohydrates, mineral salts and whey protein isolate
- Perfect for strenuous exercise of 2 hours and over
- Contains the electrolytes, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium
- 4.2% carbohydrate content
- 1% protein content
- PURE
Recovery and Lifestyle products
PURE Blackcurrant Recovery is a concentrated powder made from real New Zealand blackcurrants.
- 100% New Zealand blackcurrants
- The equivalent of over 30 blackcurrants in every serving
- 150mg of anthocyanins per serve
- Good source of Vitamin C
- 200g pouch is equivalent to over 1kg of fresh blackcurrants
PURE Exercise Recovery powder makes a premium, natural post-exercise drink containing a delicious blend of raw organic cacao powder, milk proteins and New Zealand honey powder. Designed for post-endurance exercise recovery.
- Contains 15g of milk proteins per serve and naturally occurring nutrients including the essential minerals calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium
- Contains real New Zealand honey
- 16g proteins per serve
Whey Protein is a premium natural protein powder using New Zealand-made whey protein.
Formulated to provide your body with protein for optimum muscle tissue building and repair, PURE Whey Protein will also assist with supporting energy levels and weight control as part of a balanced lifestyle. PURE Whey Protein mixes easily and has a great natural taste profile..
Buy it! |
Jump to:| Coaches' Poll | Playoffs | Links | Team Previews |
2017 MIAC Men's Tennis Conference Preview
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) men's tennis season is ready to serve up another exciting campaign. The 2017 season starts with a familiar favorite, as Gustavus Adolphus College looks to continue one of the conference's most impressive dynasties. The Gusties are aiming for a 29th-straight MIAC title, while the rest of the league hopes to finally make a change at the top just shy of three decades of Gustavus dominance.
A year ago, the Gusties once again rolled to a perfect 9-0 conference record for consecutive title No. 28, and then Gustavus rattled off two more wins in the MIAC Playoffs to add that title as well. Head Coach Tommy Valentini's team finished 25-8 overall and was the runner-up at the NCAA regional tournament.
Carleton and St. Thomas were the Gusties' top challengers a year ago. The Knights rattled off an 8-1 MIAC record and went 17-8 overall, with the Tommies also in the conference's top three with a 7-2 conference mark and an 11-4 overall record. After that there was a three-way tie for fourth as Macalester, Saint John's and Bethel each finished 5-4 in the conference. By virtue of tiebreakers, the Scots (10-9 overall) and Johnnies (10-9 overall) grabbed the final two MIAC Playoff spots, while Bethel just missed out despite an outstanding 19-5 overall record.
St. Olaf finished .500 overall at 8-8 and took seventh in the MIAC with a 3-6 conference record. Concordia (2-11, 2-7 MIAC) was eighth, and Saint Mary's (9-12, 1-8 MIAC) and Hamline (7-13, 0-9 MIAC) rounded out the 2016 standings.
The 2017 season begins with optimism around the league. With Gustavus gunning for a 29th-straight conference crown, nine other teams hoping to end that run, and five bids to the MIAC Playoffs up for grabs, there's certainly an exciting season ahead.
COACHES CAST THEIR VOTES
The MIAC coaches unanimously think Gustavus is the prohibitive favorite to win consecutive MIAC title No. 29, as the Gusties stood alone atop the 2017 MIAC Men's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll. Gustavus received nine first-place votes and 81 points to lead the predictions. The Gusties have plenty of star power back in St. Peter, led by junior All-American Mohanad Alhouni, who was the 2016 ITA Midwest Regional Singles Champion. Sophomore teammate Patrick Whaling was the Midwest Regional runner-up to Alhouni, and junior Zach Ekstein also returns after earning both singles and doubles All-MIAC honors a year ago.
Carleton received the other first-place vote and 70 points to finish second in the poll, and once again the Knights are expected to be Gustavus' top contender. The Knights have a strong, veteran lineup, behind All-Conference performers Patton McClelland and Kevin Mei. Newcomer Sahil Chhugani is also expected to make big contributions in his first season.
St. Thomas was right behind Carleton in third place in the preseason poll, just three points back with a total of 67. The Tommies have a talented, senior-laden lineup led by Burke Anderson, Luke Elifson and Scott Wall, who have all earned multiple All-MIAC honors in their careers. The coaches expect Saint John's to return to the playoffs, as the Johnnies received 47 points in the poll to finish fourth. Junior Tim Larson retursn to lead SJU, and hopes are high for sophomores Ryan Meger and Jonah Punnoose after each had breakout rookie campaigns.
Just a point behind Saint John's in the coaches' poll was Bethel with 46 points to round out the top five, and the five expected Playoff teams. The Royals are led by three-time All-Conference standouts Matt Schull and Kolin Kiekhoefer and sophomore Hunter Fernelius who earned All-MIAC singles honors as a freshman. Macalester received 41 points in the poll to finish sixth, as the Scots hope to return to the Playoffs as well. Two-time All-MIAC junior Josh Doyle is back to lead Macalester, and junior Aidan Tirpack and sophomore Peter Willenborg are also back in the Scots' lineup.
St. Olaf received 39 points in the poll to finish seventh, just two points behind Macalester. A pair of All-MIAC juniors return to lead the Oles in 2017, as Christian Beck was an All-MIAC singles pick, and Danny Hogan earned doubles honors. Concordia finished eighth in the poll, as the Cobbers received 25 points. Concordia welcomes new Head Coach Joseph Murrey, who has his top two singles players back in juniors Isaac Toivonen and David Schneck, and three-year starter Jesse Schneeberger also returns.
Saint Mary's (21 points) and Hamline (13 points) rounded out the final two spots in the preseason predictions. The Cardinals have a junior-heavy lineup in 2017, led by Brett Giesen, Brenden Amiotte and Alex Holm, who all won at least nine singles matches a year ago. The Pipers have new leadership in Head Coach Julia Courter, who has some talented upperclassmen back in David Yanagita, Matt Seracki and Gabriel Guarin.
A CLOSER LOOK
The rest of the 2017 MIAC Men's Tennis Preview contains complete results from the 2017 Preseason Coaches' Poll, MIAC Playoff details, helpful links and a preview for each team submitted by their sports information director. The MIAC web site - - will be an outstanding source for MIAC men's tennis news, schedules, scores, stats and more throughout the 2017 season.
Visit the MIAC scoreboard on game days to follow all the action, and download the MIAC mobile app to have all the information with you anywhere you travel. Also, connect to the conference on its Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube pages for updates and interaction all season long.
2017 MIAC Men's Tennis Men's Tennis Playoffs
The 2017 MIAC Men's Tennis Playoffs won't have any significant changes for the first time in three years. The field will include the top five teams in the conference standings, squaring off in a single-elimination, high-seed host tournament. The No. 4 and 5 seeds will square off on May 2 in the quarterfinals, with the winner joining the top three seeds in the semifinals on May 4. The championship match will be held May 6 on the home court of the top remaining seed. The winner will receive the MIAC's automatic bid to the 2017 NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Tournament.
| 2017 MIAC Men's Tennis Playoffs Web site |
| Home Page | Schedule | Standings | Statistics | News | Athletes-of-the-Week | MIAC Recordbook | MIAC Archives |
Team-by-Team Previews
| BU | CAR | CON | GAC | HU | MAC | SJU | SMU | STO | UST |
Head coach
• Drew Fernelius (5th season)
A Year Ago
• 5-4 MIAC (t-4th place) | 19-5 Overall
In the 2016 Postseason
• Did not qualify, lost out to Macalester & Saint John's in three-way tie for fourth place
Players to Watch
• Matt Schull (Sr | Three-time MIAC All-Conference in Singles and Doubles)
• Kolin Kiekhoefer (Sr | Three-time MIAC All-Conference in Singles and 2014 All-Conference Doubles)
• Hunter Fernelius (So | 2016 MIAC All-Conference Singles, 2016 Midwest Open Doubles Champion with Henry Morris)
Did You Know?
• Four of Bethel's tennis players (Cash Rodemaker, Peter Watchler, Peter Lindberg and Henry Morris) help make up one of Bethel's top intramural basketball teams.
Head coach
• Stephan Zweifel (19th season)
A Year Ago
• 8-1 MIAC (2nd place) | 17-8 Overall
In the 2016 Postseason
• MIAC postseason results (semifinals — def. St. Thomas, 6-2; finals — lost to Gustavus, 5-0)
Players to Watch
• Kevin Mei (Jr. | All-MIAC in singles in 2016; totaled 11 wins at first singles last season, the most wins by a Knight at any individual spot in the singles lineup)
• Patton McClelland (Sr. | All-MIAC in singles in 2015 and 2016; paced the Knights with 16 singles victories overall last season, including an 8-1 ledger in MIAC matches.)
• Sahil Chhugani (Fy. | worked his way into the singles and doubles lineup as a rookie; advanced to the third round of the ITA Midwest Regional last fall)
Did You Know?
• Carleton went 17-8 last season and finished among the MIAC's top two squads for the 14th consecutive season.
Head coach
• Joseph Murrey (1st Season)
A Year Ago
• 2-7 MIAC (8th place) | 2-11 Overall
Players to Watch
• Isaac Toivonen (Jr. | 2-year No.1 singles; 2015 MIAC All-Conference)
• David Schneck (Jr. | No.2 singles player in 2016)
• Jesse Schneeberger (Sr. | Three-year starter for the Cobbers)
Did You Know?
• The Cobbers have five freshmen on this year's roster which is the most since the 2014 season.
Head coach
• Tommy Valentini (8th season)
A Year Ago
• 9-0 MIAC (1st place) | 25-8 Overall
In the 2016 Postseason
• Central Regional runner-up. Defeated Coe College 5-2 before falling to No. 8 University of Chicago 5-2.
Players to Watch
• Mohanad Alhouni (Jr. | 2016 ITA All-American, 2015 & 2016 MIAC All-Conference Singles/Doubles Team, 2016 ITA Midwest Regional Singles Champion)
• Patrick Whaling (So. | 2016 ITA Midwest Regional Singles runner-up)
• Zach Ekstein (Jr. | 2016 MIAC All-Conference Singles and Doubles Team)
Did You Know?
• Gustavus hosted the 2016 ITA Midwest Regionals and Midwest Open. The Midwest Regional wrapped up with an All-Gustie singles final. Doubles teammates Mohanad Alhouni and Patrick Whaling competed for the singles championship with Alhouni prevailing by scores of 6-2, 6-2.
Head coach
• Julia Courter (1st season)
A Year Ago
• 0-9 MIAC (10th place) | 7-13 Overall
Players to Watch
• David Yanagita (Sr., 10-8 in No. 1 doubles last year, 3 year regular)
• Matt Seracki (Jr., won one match at ITA event last fall)
• Gabriel Guarin (Jr., 7-6 in No. 3 doubles last year)
Did You Know?
• New head coach Julia Courter is one of just four female head coaches of a men's team in the MIAC.
Head coach
• Jason Muhl (12th season)
A Year Ago
• 5-4 MIAC (5th place) | 10-9 Overall
Players to Watch
• Josh Doyle (Jr. | 2-time All-MIAC; 13-6, 7-2 MIAC at No. 1 singles in 2016)
• Aidan Tirpack (Jr. | 7-9, 4-5 MIAC at No. 3 singles in 2016)
• Peter Willenborg (So. | 7-6, 5-4 MIAC at No. 6 singles as a first year)
Did You Know?
• The Scots must replace last year's Arthur Ashe winner Brian Utz, who was 14-8 overall in singles play last year.
Head coach
• Jack Bowe (20th season)
A Year Ago
• 5-4 MIAC (T-Fourth place) | 10-9 Overall
In the 2016 Postseason
• W, 6-3 vs. Macalester in MIAC Quarterfinals; L, 0-9 at Gustavus Adolphus in MIAC Semifinals
Players to Watch
• Tim Larson (Jr. | Recorded the most wins in conference play at No. 2 singles and was one of only three tennis student-athletes in the MIAC to appear in all nine league matches and post eight wins or more with an 8-1 record (14-6 overall) last spring…two-time All-MIAC in both doubles and singles…finished second at the 2016 Aquatennial Tennis Classic)
• Ryan Meger (So. | Went 11-9 (4-3 MIAC) in singles as a freshman last spring…posted a 12-8 record (6-3 MIAC) with classmate Jonah Punnoose at doubles)
• Jonah Punnoose (So. | Tallied a 12-3 record (3-1 MIAC) in singles competition, as well as the aforementioned 12-8 mark (6-3 MIAC) with Meger in doubles play)
Did You Know?
• SJU freshman Jess Hansen (Dawson, Minn./Dawson-Boyd) is the fourth Hansen brother to play tennis for the Johnnies: Dutch '10 (21-23 overall/9-11 MIAC at singles); Ian '12 (46-31 overall/20-16 MIAC at singles); and Jack '16 (33-50 overall/17-19 MIAC at singles). All three earned All-MIAC honors.
Head coach
• Jeff Halberg (19th season)
A Year Ago
• 1-8 MIAC (9th place) | 9-12 Overall
Players to Watch
• Brett Giesen (6-5, 190, Jr., Cato, Wis. | 10 singles wins and 10 doubles wins in 2016. … Shared team lead in singles wins and was fourth in doubles victories last season)
• Brenden Amiotte (5-10, 185, Jr., Rapid City, S.D. | 10 singles wins and 11 doubles victories in 2016. … Shared team lead in singles wins and was third in doubles victories last season).
• Alex Holm (5-10, 160, Jr., Red Wing, Minn. | Finished 2016 with nine singles wins, one back of team lead. … Shared the team lead in doubles wins in 2016 with 13—including a 4-1 record at the Gustavus Fall Invitational).
Did You Know?
• Warren Lawrenz (Rochester, Minn.), Brenden Amiotte (Rapid City, S.D.), and Brett Giesen (Cato, Wis.) shared the team lead with 10 overall singles wins last season.
Head coach
• Scott Nesbit (27th season)
A Year Ago
• 3-6 MIAC (7th place) | 8-8 Overall
Players to Watch
• Christian Beck (Jr. | All-MIAC singles in 2015-16... 10-3 from No. 3 spot... Was 12-3 in doubles.)
• Danny Hogan (Jr. | All-MIAC doubles in 2015-16... Was 5-3 in doubles)
Head coach
• Terry Peck (26th season)
A Year Ago
• 7-2 MIAC (3rd place) | 11-4 Overall
In the 2016 Postseason
• Fell to Carleton 6-2 in the MIAC Playoff semifinals
Players to Watch
• Burke Anderson (Sr. | 2X All-MIAC, Career: 25-20 singles, 30-18 doubles)
• Luke Elifson (Sr. | All-America, 2X All-MIAC, Career: 25-10 singles, 25-15 doubles)
• Scott Wall (Sr. | 3X All-MIAC, Career: 32-14 singles, 30-18 doubles)
Did You Know?
• Junior Martin Beck played two years at UW-Whitewater before transferring to St. Thomas and winning the 2016 Fall ITA Midwest doubles tourney with Luke Elifson to receive All-America honors. |
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Twenty Four - Birthday Blues
Just eaten way too much at my Dads birthday lunch, yummy home baking, Cadburys mini-eggs and birthday cake! Good times! Hope you are all having a nice weekend.
Navy suede ankle boots with large button detail New Look
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 2:52 pm 2 comments :
Labels: ankle boots , blue , new look , suede
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Twenty Three - I Loves It
Stunning shoes today, but they are a complete bitch to get on! As much as I adore Irregular Choice, their fluctuating sizing drives me nuts, these shoes are small and narrow. Although I hate those pesky elasticated button fastenings, at least you have that little bit extra pull, these shoes fasten with a stud and I broke 2 nails and chipped 3 trying to get them on! I'm sure you would agree it was worth it though, because aren't they gorgeous?
'Cherry Loves It' black suede and pink felt shoes Irregular Choice and spotty tights Matalan
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 2:59 pm No comments :
Labels: black , cherry , concealed platform , irregular choice , pink , suede
Friday, 29 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Twenty Two - Guilty Pleasure
Took a little trip to see my Granny today because she hasn't been keeping well. I came away with a handful of chocolates and a Clinique Eye Makeup Remover she got for Christmas but doesn't use. We had a cup of tea, shortbread and millionaire shortbread and I refused countless more cakes, it must be a Granny's job to feed you up! It was absolutely freezing out, so I definitely wore the best footwear as these boots are super cosy. I adore them, you can't help but notice them and they match my hair!
Pink leather and suede Guilty Pleasure boots with cuff Irregular Choice
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 5:26 pm No comments :
Labels: ankle boots , irregular choice , peep toes , pink , platforms , suede
Day One Hundred & Twenty One - Frilling Eye
I'm so sorry I didn't post yesterday, I accidentally erased the photos I took, so had to retake them today. I love the detailing on these shoes, so unusual, although I don't often wear them because they have a kitten heel and I can't walk in low heels.
Beige suede shoes with frill and eye detail by Pepe Jeans
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 5:10 pm No comments :
Labels: beige , court , pepe jeans , satin , suede
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Twenty - Snake Hips
Put on a brand new dress today and noticed an hour later that it had split at the seams! It has lots of panels and they've just come away; poor sewing rather than expanding hips! So after a quick change, I wore these lovely green shoes. They are a really pretty shape with a concealed platform and I like the wide laces, it adds interest. Very excited because my new Terry de Havilland Margaux wedges arrived today, they are bright aqua and totally gorgeous!
Green snake effect lace up shoe-boots ASOS
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 3:25 pm No comments :
Labels: asos , concealed platform , green , shoe-boot , snake
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Nineteen - Got It All Going On
Can't believe how fast we are speeding through these shoes now. Just seems like yesterday that I was making my 100th post. Very proud of myself for going shopping today and buying nothing for myself. I only went to TK Maxx and Matalan and they were both rubbish! I consoled myself with ordering some animal themed jewellery from ASOS when I got home. Had a change of shoes today to something more durable because I was wearing a suede pair and thought it was going to rain (my toes were freezing though). A lot going on with these shoes, metallic platform and heel, peep toe, slingback, zip, buckles and straps and laces. I really love them though.
Bronze platform, peep toes Faith
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 4:10 pm No comments :
Monday, 25 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Eighteen - On A Pink Platform
I haven't stopped all day today, I'm knackered! Going shopping tomorrow (so it will be a delayed post), trying to find something for my Dads birthday. Why are men so difficult to buy for? The sandals today are like a trendy, heeled version of the Scholl pairs you get. They are really cushioned inside which make them super comfy, I used to wear them all summer. I just found them whilst tidying my room, I'm fighting a losing battle with all my shoes at the moment, where do you put them all?!
Pink and black platform sandals New Look
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 5:42 pm No comments :
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Seventeen - Bloomin' Again
Been busy, busy, busy today, selling on ebay. Have loads of things to parcel up and post tomorrow, which is good. So just a quick photo today. Wearing my floral tights again (couldn't get them washed and dried quick enough)! These shoes have really cute ceramic heart buttons and a fabby big bow, which I love. I think I'm long overdue a new pair of Shoemissy's actually!
Navy blue Shoemissy 'Bobbie' peep toes
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 5:43 pm No comments :
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Sixteen - Old Faithful
These shoes are old favourites of mine. I bought them for £20, years ago, before heeled brogues became fashionable. They seem to be that perfect mix of casual and dressy and pretty much go with everything, so I always reach for them.
Navy patent and suede brogues New Look, grey legwarmers Accessorize
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 5:40 pm 1 comment :
Friday, 22 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Fifteen - Another Planet
Another dreich day, but I managed out for a quick walk and instantly felt like I was back in high school. I was wearing this huge furry hat and knitted cape and all the school kids were coming back from lunch and decided to poke fun and laugh at me all the way along the street. Eugh, I'm so glad I don't ever have to go through all that again. I hate people who can't accept others who are a little different to them. Anyway, that put a little downer on my day! Wearing gorgeous shoes though which fit perfectly (quite a hard task when it comes to IC).
Brown 'Saturn' heels Irregular Choice
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 3:44 pm No comments :
Labels: bow , bronze , brown , concealed platform , fringe , irregular choice
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Fourteen - Bootball
Did you see Dannii Minogue in that gorgeous dress at The National Television Awards last night? I've just posted it over on Pink Haired Princess, it's beautiful. And Jedward? Awww, they are soooo funny and Vanilla Ice joined them onstage, hilarious. Anyway, a lovely pair of shoes today, they remind me slightly of football boots (in a high heeled way of course). They rock when you walk, so you just have to go with the flow!
Nude and black peep toe shoe-boots Topshop
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 3:46 pm No comments :
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Thirteen - Monochromatic
I had my heart set on a pair of shoes and today they sold out : ( So disappointing. They were an absolute steal and I knew someone would snap them up before I could! I received my Topshop Unique sandals today though and I'm really pleased with them. I had wanted the ankle boot version, but they sold out, so I settled for the sandals which were a ridiculous £20 down from £130 (major bargain). I'm glad I did get them, they have far exceeded my expectations, much nicer in the flesh.
Black and white slingbacks with white bow Dorothy Perkins and polka dot tights Primark
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 5:05 pm No comments :
Labels: black , bow , dorothy perkins , peep toes , slingbacks , white
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Twelve - High Florals
Very sore from all that shopping yesterday, but excited to be wearing my new floral tights. They look great.
Black platform t-bars Matalan and floral tights Primark
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 2:23 pm No comments :
Monday, 18 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Eleven - Frilling Time
I went shopping today, for the first time since....the beginning of December or end of November. I spotted 2 beautiful floral dresses in my magazines last week and had to have them, both from Primark. I fully expected to go and come back with nothing, but they had them both! I was actually squealing in the shop. I also got 5 pairs of tights, including a floral pair, black stirrup ones and sheer polka dots, which will hopefully fit me better than the pair I bought from Matalan, months ago, which barely go up past my knees! I also got a ring, beret, leggings and some pink, high heeled doc martin style boots from Office.
Black suedette shoe-boots with purple satin frill Peacocks
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 4:05 pm No comments :
Day One Hundred & Ten - The Sculpture
I've been busy this weekend putting more things up on ebay. I desperately need the money, so I'm selling these shoes. Aren't they an absolute delight? I think it's amazing that we can get something like this from our high-street! If you follow me on Pink Haired Princess you'll know I ended up buying 5 different pairs of these. I'm selling this style in size 5 and 6 and have decided to keep the green suede courts shoes I have. I've already sold the blue suede and black suede boots. The heel speaks for itself, just stunning. You definitely 'teeter' in them, the shoe really throws your weight forward, although the shoes are definitely easier to walk in than the boots.
Ivory statement heel court shoes Topshop Unique
Ivory statement heel court shoes Topshop Unique
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 3:50 pm 2 comments :
Day One Hundred & Nine - Glitter Faux
After updating you with the posts I missed, I forgot to post this weekends shoes (oops), so here is Saturday! Nice little sparkly, leopard print courts to brighten this miserable weather. I thought the snow was bad, but rain is worse!
Pink leopard print, glitter 'Dolly Interbow' by Office
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 3:45 pm 1 comment :
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Eight - Strap Yourself In
Another fabulous pair of boots today (or technically yesterday). I got dressed up and all ready to go out on a walk and opened the front door and realised it was pouring with rain. So I had to wait until it cleared to go out. I'm glad I hadn't attempted to take these boots off in between because they are an absolute nightmare to get off! When I put them on, I tightened the straps all the way up, so they fitted better (and I had tights on, so don't think that helped). Even taking the buckles out and loosening the straps I couldn't get them off. You know when you had tight trousers or tights on a Sindy doll and tried to pull them off and her leg popped out of her hip? That's what I felt like yesterday! They're gorgeous though (very Vivienne Westwood inspired) and very comfy.
Cream 'Bondaged Up' boots by Poste Mistress at Office, floral dress Dorothy Perkins
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Labels: boots , buckles , cream , office , poste mistress
Day One Hundred & Seven - Half and Half
I didn't go out on Thursday because I was aching from the day before. I'd been busy clearing clutter in my room and overdid it! I'm also trying to gather some more shoes to put up on ebay this weekend, although I must admit, I'm struggling to find pairs I want to give away at this stage. I think I'll put up this pair though, I just don't wear them enough. They have a really cute, curved shape and I love the demi-wedge.
Black patent demi-wedge sandals and high-shine leggings both ASOS
Day One Hundred & Six - Lets Go Crazy
As promised, here are my fabulous boots from Wednesday. I decided to take the photo on this crazy carpet because I thought it clashed rather well! My computer is all fixed now (it was the monitor), so I'll be updating with the shoes you've missed as quick as I can. These boots have an odd shape, the back is quite fitted with a zip down the centre, but at the front there is lots of excess fabric, which you can style as you like, using the ties. I really like the finished look, once they've been played around with a little. You can wear them as I have, or scrunch them down a bit (at their tallest they are mid-calf).
Brown suede and leopard print boots by Irregular Choice
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Labels: boots , brown , irregular choice , leopard print , suede
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Delayed Post
Sorry, no post today, woke up to a computer screen that wasn't working : ( I'm currently borrowing a laptop from my sister, so can't upload my photos. I did wear a super, duper, fabby pair of boots today (which photographed really well), so look forward to that post coming soon.
Love and sparkles as always,
Pink Haired Princess
Love and sparkles as always,
Pink Haired Princess
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 2:57 pm No comments :
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Five - Granny Chic
These are my 'granny shoes', I'm quite sure my granny actually owns a very similar pair, scary! I'm going to attempt another little walk today, although it's started to rain. So once again, I'm wrapping up warm to keep cosy.
Grey lace-up shoes Primark, grey leg warmers Accessorize
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Monday, 11 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Four - Dotty Dice
I ventured outside for the first time today since Christmas, because finally our pavements are almost completely cleared of snow, ice and slush. It was freezing, but so nice to be out. I wore so many layers I could barely move and decided to dig out a pair of my favourite boots for the occassion. I think these were the first shoes that I paid a lot of money for. They were £100 (which was a lot to me), but I just adored them. They feature a gorgeous Blythe heart shaped image, squared block toe, angular heel, polka dots, cut-out hearts and huge, clunky dice on the laces. They are also incredibly comfortable, cushioned and lined in gold metallic. I don't get to wear them as often these days due to my pink hair clashing with them, but as I was wearing a black hat today, I got away with it. It's a shame I couldn't get a better image of them, the camera hates red, so most of them came out funny.
Red polka dot Blythe Dice ankle boots Irregular Choice and black legwarmers Accessorize
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Labels: ankle boots , blythe , heart , irregular choice , polka dot , red , white
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Day One Hundred & Three - The Point
We got a considerable amount of snow yesterday, which excited me-even although we've permanently had a covering of snow/ice/slush since before Christmas. There's something about fresh falling, fluffy snow that seems more magical than an already thin covering. I love how everywhere looks pretty and picturesque and it's so quiet. Of course it doesn't last long and it's been reasonably warm today so it's already receding. I can't actually remember where I bought these shoes from and I've already placed them in a bag for the charity shop, so I'm not checking it! I think I got them from Nine West or something in Debenhams years ago. My feet are crossed in this image if you're wondering.
Nude croc effect pointed court shoes with silver buckle detail.
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Day One Hundred & Two - It's A Mess
Sorry this is a day late. This 'tidying my room' malarkey is turning into a bigger project than I ever imagined. I keep uncovering more and more things and I've lost all method to it. I'm starting one area, leaving it half finished and moving onto something else and so on! I'm aching all over from bending, stretching and lifting heavy things! Oh dear, tidying really isn't my strong suit. Shoes are though and these tartan beauties will brighten anyones day.
'Dolly Interbow' in red tartan with black leather bow by Office
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Friday, 8 January 2010
Day One Hundred & One - Woven Wedge
Not a very good picture of these today but there is hardly a square inch of free space in my room to take photos just now. They are actually straw-like and woven and feature this textured, sequin flower and dinky wedge heel. They are a size smaller than I usually take, but must be very large made as I never usually have to go down a size. It snowed again last night, but not too much. I actually wish it was knee deep, it's fun and picturesque when it's like that. Here, it's icy, slushy and getting dirty! Although that's only what I can see from my window, I haven't been out since Christmas day!
Woven shoes with sequin flower Bronx, grey leg-warmers Accessorize.
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 3:50 pm No comments :
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Day One Hundred - New York, New York
Yay, we finally made it to Day 100!!!! I'm so excited, even if it took a little longer to get there than it should have. This blog is clearly dedicated to my adoration for shoes and my collection which has just grown and grown over the years. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm completely obsessed with high heels and love my shoes dearly. When you're having a 'fat day' and the whole world feels like crap, for me, slipping on a pair of my favourite heels instantly makes me feel better. Shoes can not only transform an entire outfit but make you walk taller, feel slimmer and sexier. I hope this blog has in some way inspired or made you feel happy. I'll leave you with two of my favourite quotes from Marilyn Monroe "I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!", "Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world". I couldn't have said it better myself, here's to the next 100 pairs!
Black patent court shoes with New York skyline by Irregular Choice
Black patent court shoes with New York skyline by Irregular Choice
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 12:16 pm 2 comments :
Wed.
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Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Day Ninety Eight - It's Marilyn Monroe
I've been trying to tidy my bedroom, although sometimes it feels like I'm fighting a losing battle! I'm at the stage where I have nothing left to throw out, so I'm moving things around and just making a bigger mess really. I unearthed a storage box filled with shoes, a few pairs I forgot I still owned to be honest. These Marilyn courts are one such pair. I'm rather obsessed with Marilyn Monroe and anything featuring her image is likely to be a hit with me. I couldn't believe it when I bought these shoes a few years back 'Marilyn' and 'shoes' combined, heaven! I would never wear an elongated pointed toe like these nowadays though and I've definitely had my wear out of them, so I think they will be making their way to the local charity shop soon.
White and black Marilyn Monroe printed court shoes by Blu
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Labels: black , blu , court , marilyn monroe , white
Monday, 4 January 2010
Day Ninety Seven - Temperature's Rising
This weather is driving me insane. I haven't left the house since last Christmas/month/year/decade! We even featured on the national news today (national!). For anyone who doesn't live in the UK, you basically never hear about snow on the news unless London has it bad! Our local council have advised everyone to stay indoors and not to travel because there is no salt left to grit the roads. Although the snow isn't too bad, we have permanently had a covering on the ground for the past few weeks which is unheard of. The schools are back tomorrow, so I don't see how you can advise against travelling when thousands of school kids, teachers, staff have to travel. Anyway, I just wish I could venture out for a wee walk for some fresh air, but there's no point taking a risk as I'll probably fall and hurt myself!!
Lime green sandals with embroidered flowers and rhinestones by Unze London!
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 4:12 pm No comments :
Day Ninety Six - It Wasn't Meant To Be
If you follow me on Pink Haired Princess, you'll know I ordered these Ashish wedges from Topshop but when they arrived, they didn't fit. I had another go yesterday, but as you can see I couldn't get them on. I can get my foot in, but my heel won't fit inside the shoe. They are very gorgeous and I've been lemming them for ages so I'm pretty upset. On the plus side I've saved myself a massive £150, which I'm sure will come in handy to aid my shoe habit. It just wasn't meant to be.
Leopard wedges by Ashish for Topshop
Leopard wedges by Ashish for Topshop
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 3:53 pm No comments :
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Day Ninety Five - Pink and Fluffy
A sight I bet you never thought you'd see, me in flats! My sister got me these slippers for my Christmas as she had noted I hadn't worn slippers for years and considering all the time I spend in the house, I probably should. They are very cosy and fluffy (they look like marshmallows with bunny ears) and I'm still learning to walk in them, I feel/look like I'm walking on the moon. I'm sure I look ridiculous, maybe it's the old lady in me coming out though, after all I am turning 30 this year!
Pink fluffy slippers with bunny ears by Playboy
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 12:21 pm No comments :
Labels: bunny ears , heart , pink , playboy , slippers
Day Ninety Four - Pom Pom Away
I love these shoes but have never had the right outfit or opportunity to wear them in the year I've had them. So I was determined to get them out for New Year. I wore a blue dress from Monsoon with green and white flowers, so the green shoes perfectly accented. I also managed to find a pair of tights which matched perfectly. The heel is incredibly high (over 5") and very skinny, so I was glad I got to stay indoors!
Green tights by Accessorize and green velvet 'Pout' platforms with pom pom by Topshop Boutique
Posted by Pink Haired Princess at 12:11 pm 2 comments :
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retina aberrant in pattern/fizzy-related
Proteolysis of mitotic cyclins depends on a multisubunit ubiquitin-protein ligase, the anaphase promoting complex (APC). Proteolysis commences during anaphase, persisting throughout G1 until it is terminated by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) as cells enter S phase. Proteolysis of mitotic cyclins in yeast was shown to require association of the APC with the substrate-specific activator Hct1 (also called Cdh1). Phosphorylation of Hct1 by CDKs blocked the Hct1-APC interaction. The mutual inhibition between APC and CDKs explains how cells suppress mitotic CDK activity during G1 and then establish a period with elevated kinase activity from S phase until anaphase (Zachariae, 1998).
Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis due to the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclos. It is not known what determines the release of Cdc14 and enables it to promote Cdk1 inactivation, but it is known to be dependent on APC/C bound by Cdc20 [APC(Cdc20)]. (Shirayama, 1999).). This study explores the molecular function and regulation of the APC regulatory subunit Hct1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recombinant Hct1 activates the cyclin-ubiquitin ligase activity of APC isolated from multiple cell cycle stages. APC isolated from cells arrested in G1, or in late mitosis due to the cdc14-1 mutation, is more responsive to Hct1 than APC isolated from other stages. Hct1 is phosphorylated in vivo at multiple CDK consensus sites during cell cycle stages when activity of the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28 is high and APC activity is low. Purified Hct1 is phosphorylated in vitro at these sites by purified Cdc28-cyclin complexes, and phosphorylation abolishes the ability of Hct1 to activate the APC in vitro. The phosphatase Cdc14, which is known to be required for APC activation in vivo, is able to reverse the effects of Cdc28 by catalyzing Hct1 dephosphorylation and activation. It is concluded (Jaspersen, 1999).
Progression through mitosis is controlled by protein degradation that is mediated by the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclos. Pds1p has a novel activity as an inhibitor of mitotic cyclin destruction, apparently by preventing the activation of APC/C(Cdh1). This activity of Pds1p is independent of its activity as an anaphase inhibitor. It is proposed (Cohen-Fix, 1999). requires. An extensive mutagenesis study was carried out shows very mild phenotypic effects, with an increase in the fraction of mitotic cells with broken spindles (Hildebrandt, 2001).. ste9 mutants are sterile because they are defective in cell cycle arrest in the G1-phase upon starvation. Sterility is partially suppressed by the mutation in cig2 that encodes the major G1/S cyclin. Although cells lacking Ste9 function grow normally, the ste9 mutation is synthetically lethal with the wee1 mutation. In the double mutants of ste9 cdc10(ts), cells arrest in G1-phase at the restrictive temperature, but the level of mitotic cyclin (Cdc13) does not decrease. In these cells, abortive mitosis occurs from the pre-Start G1-phase. Overexpression of Ste9 decreases the Cdc13 protein level and the H1-histone kinase activity. In these cells, mitosis is inhibited and an extra round of DNA replication occurs. Ste9 regulates G1 progression, possibly by controlling the amount of the mitotic cyclin in the G1-phase (Kitamura, 1999).
Fission yeast ste9/srw1 is a WD-repeat protein highly homologous to budding yeast Hct1/Cdh1 and Drosophila Fizzy-related, which are both involved in activating APC1. Therefore, it is proposed that the main role of APC(ste9/srw1) is to promote degradation of mitotic cyclins when cells need to delay or arrest the cell cycle in G1. ste9/srw1 is negatively regulated by cdc2-dependent (Blanco, 2000).
Cdc20, an activator of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC), is also required for the exit from mitosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. During mitosis, both the inactivation of Cdc28-Clb2 kinase and the degradation of mitotic cyclin Clb2 occur in two steps. The first phase of Clb2 proteolysis, which commences at the metaphase-to-anaphase transition when Clb2 abundance is high, is dependent on Cdc20. The second wave of Clb2 destruction in telophase requires activation of the Cdc20 homolog, Hct1/Cdh1. The first phase of Clb2 destruction, which lowers the Cdc28-Clb2 kinase activity, is a prerequisite for the second. Thus, Clb2 proteolysis is not solely mediated by Hct1 as generally believed; instead, it requires a sequential action of both Cdc20 and Hct1 (Yeong, 2000).Δ. The IR domain of Cdc20 is dispensable for viability, suggesting that Cdc20 can activate the APC through another domain. This study has provided an updated model for the subunit architecture of the APC (Thornton, 2006).
A synthetic-lethal screen in Caenorhabditis elegans is describes that overcomes a number of obstacles associated with the analysis of functionally redundant genes. Using this approach, mutations that synthetically interact with lin-35/Rb, a SynMuv gene and the sole member of the Rb/pocket protein family in C. elegans have been identified. Unlike the original SynMuv screens, this approach is completely nonbiased and can theoretically be applied to any situation in which a mutation fails to produce a detectable phenotype. This screen has identiifed fzr-1, a gene that synthetically interacts with lin-35 to produce global defects in cell proliferation control. fzr-1 encodes the C. elegans homolog of Cdh1/Hct1/FZR, a gene product shown in other systems to regulate the APC cyclosome. Genetic interactions between fzr-1 and a subset of class B SynMuv genes, and between lin-35 and the putative SCF regulator lin-23, have been uncovered. It is proposed that lin-35, fzr-1, and lin-23 function redundantly to control cell cycle progression through the regulation of cyclin levels (Fay, 2002).
fzr-1 cooperates with lin-35 to control cell proliferation. A relatively small number of genes have been described that cause widespread hyperproliferation in C. elegans. These include the putative SCF components cul-1 and lin-23 , the CIP/KIP family member cki-1, and the CBP/p300 homolog cbp-1 . In the cases examined thus far, a hyperproliferation phenotype is observed following inactivation of a single gene product. Loss of cell proliferation control can also result from a synthetic genetic interaction. Although single mutants of lin-35 and fzr-1 show only subtle or low-penetrance phenotypes, lin-35; fzr-1 double mutants showed extensive tissue hyperproliferation affecting a wide range of cell types. Thus, uncontrolled proliferation in C. elegans can in essence follow the same genetic pattern as multistep carcinogenesis in mammals. Namely, proliferation control is abolished through the sequential loss of genes that function to restrain cell cycle progression (Fay, 2002).
Given these findings, and the large body of evidence implicating Rb in human cancers, it seems reasonable to suggest that this technical approach may facilitate the study of multistep carcinogenesis using C. elegans. Along these lines, it will be interesting to determine whether the human homolog of fzr-1, hCDH1, can function as a tumor-suppressor gene, and if so, whether it does so in cooperation with Rb (Fay, 2002).
Inactivation of fzr-1 function using RNAi injection leads to sterility and aberrancies in germ cell proliferation. Although the specific cause of this phenotype has not been determined, previous studies would implicate defects in either the execution of G1 arrest or in late-stage mitotic events such as cytokinesis. Embryonic lethality is also observed when fzr-1 is inactivated using RNAi injection in a lin-35 mutant background. The cause for this lethality is presently unknown. These embryos do not show obvious hallmarks associated with either excess cellular proliferation or grossly elevated levels of apoptosis. Although additional work will be necessary to determine the nature of this embryonic requirement, a role during embryonic development is consistent with the expression patterns observed for both fzr-1 and lin-35. The lack of an apparent hyperproliferation phenotype in embryos likely reflects significant differences in the means by which embryonic and postembryonic cell cycles are regulated. For example, cyclin D, an upstream regulator of Rb, has been shown to be required exclusively for the execution of postembryonic division cycles in C. elegans (Fay, 2002).
Work carried out over the past several years has produced an explosion in the number of identified SynMuv genes. Although certain functional classifications, such as transcriptional repressors, may accurately describe some of the SynMuv genes, others clearly defy straightforward categorization. This fact alone suggests that SynMuv genes most likely do not all act through the same mechanisms or pathways (Fay, 2002).
Both lin-36 and efl-1(RNAi) can phenocopy the effect of lin-35 LOF in an fzr-1 mutant background. However other class B genes, including lin-53, hda-1, and chd-4, did not show genetic interactions with fzr-1, nor did the class A gene lin-15a. These experiments are complicated by the fact that lin-53, hda-1, and chd-4 encode for essential genes, and RNAi leads to a highly penetrant sterile or lethal phenotype within several generations. Nevertheless, no evidence was seen for hyperproliferation in either the affected or unaffected classes of RNAi-treated animals. This suggests that neither a weak nor a severe reduction in the function of these genes is capable of producing a synthetic hyperproliferation phenotype with fzr-1. In addition, no evidence was found for an interaction in lin-53(n833); fzr-1 double-mutant animals. Although n833 results in only a partial loss of LIN-53, this allele does lead to a highly penetrant Muv phenotype in conjunction with class A SynMuv mutations (Fay, 2002).
Rb and its family members p107 and p130 have been shown in multiple systems to modulate transcription through direct interactions with a variety of transcriptional regulators. The majority of work indicates that Rb serves primarily as a transcriptional repressor, acting through a number of mechanisms including the recruitment of chromatin-modifying enzymes and the steric interference of transactivation domains. Acting as transcriptional corepressors with E2F, Rb and its family members regulate the expression of many key genes required for entry and progression through S-phase, including cyclin E and cyclin A. Consistent with these reports, a significant increase in the levels of ribonucleotide reductase mRNA, an E2F-regulated gene, is seen in lin-35 mutant animals (Fay, 2002).
In Drosophila, loss of fzr function leads to reentry into the cell cycle following embryonic cycle 16, thereby bypassing the normal G1 arrest. This ectopic division cycle is correlated with excess levels of cyclin A, which when overexpressed during G1 can lead to ectopic entry into S-phase. Interestingly, mutations in the Drosophila Rb homolog rbf , as well as in the CDK inhibitor decapo, show cell cycle defects similar to those of fzr mutants, suggesting complementary roles in G1/S-phase regulation. However, it is noted that conclusions regarding fzr functions were inferred from the analysis of a large deletion that removed several genes in addition to fzr. Therefore, fzr-1(ku298) is the first reported mutation in metazoans that specifically reduces CDH1/HCT1/fzr activity (Fay, 2002).
An analysis of distal-tip cell (DTC) hyperproduction in strains that overexpress either cyclin A or cyclin E mRNA supports the model that lin-35 and fzr-1 are likely to coregulate cyclin levels during G1. In addition, the E2F homolog efl-1 synergizes with fzr-1, adding further credence to this model. The ability of both cyclin A and cyclin E to induce extra DTCs in fzr-1 mutants could indicate that these cyclins may be functionally interchangeable and that sufficient levels of either cyclin A or cyclin E, or possibly both in combination, can work to override G1 arrest (Fay, 2002).
By screening ~3500 haploid genomes, seven synthetic with lin-35/Rb (Slr) mutations were uncovered that show synthetic lethality or inviability with mutations in lin-35. Other than fzr-1 and lin-23, no Slr mutations have been identified that produce an obvious synthetic hyperproliferation phenotype with lin-35. The means used to uncover the genetic interaction between lin-35 and fzr-1 will be of general use for those wishing to assign functions to genes lacking known biological roles or to identify novel functions for genes with previously characterized activities. In addition, this genetic approach serves to identify functional copartners through the isolation and cloning of the affected second-site mutations. Importantly, this method in no way depends on prior knowledge of the synthetic double-mutant phenotype, thereby permitting a nonbiased search for genetic modifiers of any gene of interest (Fay, 2002).
Given the inevitable saturation of the genome for mutations that cause easily detectable phenotypes, the ability to identify synthetic mutations will become increasingly important. Large-scale analyses carried out in yeast and C. elegans suggest that a large percentage of genes in higher organisms may fail to show easily discernable phenotypes when mutated. It is likely that the vast majority of these no-phenotype genes may nevertheless confer a weak selective advantage to the organism, thus accounting for their presence in the genome. At the same time, it can be argued that many of these genes fail to show mutational effects owing to genetic redundancy. Importantly, these two explanations are in no way mutually exclusive. By devising methods to experimentally address this latter issue, biological roles may be assignable to many genes that would normally not be amenable to straightforward functional analyses (Fay, 2002).
The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome is a tightly cell cycle-regulated ubiquitin-protein ligase that targets cyclin B and other destruction box-containing proteins for proteolysis at the end of mitosis and in G1. Activation of the APC in mitosis depends on CDC20, whereas APC is maintained active in G1 via association with the CDC20-related protein CDH1. The mitotic activator CDC20 is the only component of the APC ubiquitination pathway whose expression is restricted to proliferating cells, whereas the APC and CDH1 are also expressed in several mammalian tissues that predominantly contain differentiated cells, such as adult brain. Immunocytochemical analyses of cultured rat hippocampal neurons and of mouse and human brain sections indicate that the APC and CDH1 are ubiquitously expressed in the nuclei of postmitotic terminally differentiated neurons. The APC purified from brain contains all core subunits known from proliferating cells and is tightly associated with CDH1. Purified brain APC(CDH1) has a high cyclin B ubiquitination activity that depends less on the destruction box than on the activity of mitotic APC(CDC20). On the basis of these results, it is proposed that the functions of APC(CDH1) are not restricted to controlling cell-cycle progression but may include the ubiquitination of yet unidentified substrates in differentiated cells (Gieffers, 1999).
CDC20/CDH1 activates the anaphase-promoting complex and targets various substrates for degradation, thereby allowing the ordered progression through mitosis and G1. Multiple functional CDH1 homologs have been found in the chick. The transcripts of these novel genes are differentially localized to proliferating, differentiated, and postmitotic tissues. All four proteins bind and form a complex with APC in vitro and in cultured cells and have quantitatively different activities in mediating ubiquitination of various APC substrates. These results suggest that multiple CDH1s may temporally and spatially regulate APC activity both within and outside of the cell cycle (Wan, 2001a).
The cyclosome/APC (anaphase-promoting complex), the major component of cell-cycle-specific ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of mitotic cyclins and of other cell cycle proteins, is essential for sister chromatid separation and for exit from mitosis. Cyclosome activity and substrate specificity are modulated by phosphorylation and by transient interactions with Fizzy/cdc20 (Fzy) and Fizzy-related/Hct1/Cdh1 (Fzr). This regulation has been studied so far in Drosophila embryos, in yeast, and in cell-free extracts in vitro. Studies of cyclosome regulation in mammalian cells in vivo have shown that both Fzr overexpression and Cdk1 inhibition can override the prometaphase checkpoint. Fzr activation of the cyclosome is negatively regulated by Cdk1. The mammalian cdc14 phosphatase, like its budding yeast homolog, plays a role in cyclosome pathway regulation. These results suggest that Cdk1 is essential for coupling various activities of the cyclosome and in particular for preventing Fzr from short-circuiting the spindle pole checkpoint. Cdk1-cyclin B is thus an inhibitor, activator, and substrate of the cyclosome (Listovsky, 2000).
The ordered activation of the ubiquitin protein ligase anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome by CDC20 in metaphase and by CDH1 in telophase is essential for anaphase and for exit from mitosis, respectively., it was proposed that mitotic APC phosphorylation is an important mechanism that controls the proper timing of APC(CDC20) activation. CDH1 is phosphorylated in vivo during S, G2, and M phase,C(CDC20) and APC(CDH (Kramer, 2000).
Cell cycle progression is driven by waves of cyclin expression coupled with regulated protein degradation. An essential step for initiating mitosis is the inactivation of proteolysis mediated by the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome bound to its regulator Cdh1p/Hct1p. Yeast APC(Cdh1) has been proposed to be inactivated at Start by G1 cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK). In a normal cell cycle APC(Cdh1) is inactivated in a graded manner and is not extinguished until S phase. Complete inactivation of APC(Cdh1) requires S phase cyclins. Further, persistent APC(Cdh1) activity throughout G1 helps to ensure the proper timing of Cdc20p expression. This suggests that S phase cyclins have an important role in allowing the accumulation of mitotic cyclins and further suggests a regulatory loop among S phase cyclins, APC(Cdh1), and APC(Cdc20) (Huang, 2001).. Subcomplexes of the human APC have been biochemically characterized.. It is concluded that. By analogy to PEX5, the different TPR subunits of the APC might function as receptors that interact with the C termini of regulatory proteins such as CDH1, CDC20, and APC10 (Vodermaier, 2003).
The isolation and characterization of two subcomplexes of the human APC have provided first insight into the molecular interactions between APC's many subunits. The cullin subunit APC2 and its binding partner, the RING finger protein APC11, are found in a subcomplex with APC1, APC4, and APC5 and are essential for the assembly of multiubiquitin chains from ubiquitin residues donated by E2 enzymes. Substrate ubiquitination requires the activator proteins CDH1 and CDC20, which interact via their C termini with the TPR subunits APC3 and APC7. APC's TPR subunits are predicted to form structures that are similar to the one of the peroxisomal import receptor PEX5, which binds cargo proteins via their C termini. The APC may therefore contain multiple TPR subunits to allow modular interactions with different regulatory proteins. These results reveal a function for the TPR subunits of the APC, and they provide insight into how substrates are recruited to the ubiquitin ligase (Vodermaier, 2003).
Exit from mitosis requires the degradation of regulatory proteins including the mitotic cyclins and securin through ubiquitination by the anaphase promoting complex bound to Cdc20 or Cdh1. Cdc20-APC is regulated through inhibition by the spindle assembly checkpoint protein MAD2. Knowledge of Cdh1-APC regulation is limited to the phosphorylation-dependent dissociation of Cdh1 from APC. A novel means of regulating Cdh1 by the MAD2-related gene, MAD2L2, is reported. MAD2L2 specifically binds and inhibits Cdh1-APC, paralleling the effect of MAD2 on Cdc20. It is suggested that MAD2L2 and MAD2 inhibit the release of substrates from APC and a mechanism of inhibition is proposed (Pfleger, 2001a).
The specificity of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation with regard in a substrate-specific manner, there is no evidence that the activating protein and substrate interact directly; hence, no clear model exists for the mechanism of APC activation or recruitment of substrates. (Pfleger, 2001b).
Two forms of the anaphase-promoting complex mediate the degradation of critical cell cycle regulators. APC(Cdc20) promotes sister-chromatid separation by ubiquitinating securin, whereas APC(Cdh1) ubiquitinates mitotic cyclins, allowing the exit from mitosis. Phosphorylation of human Cdh1 (hCdh1) by cyclin B-Cdc2 alters the conformation of hCdh1 and prevents it from activating APC. A human homolog of yeast Cdc14, human Cdc14a (hCdc14a), dephosphorylates hCdh1 and activates APC(Cdh1). In contrast, hCdc14a does not affect the activity of APC(Cdc20). hCdc14a is a major phosphatase for hCdh1 and localizes to centrosomes in HeLa cells. Therefore, hCdc14a may promote the activation of APC(Cdh1) and exit from mitosis in mammalian cells (Bembenek, 2001).
The precise order of molecular events during cell cycle progression depends upon ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of cell cycle regulators. Hsl1p, a protein kinase that inhibits the Swe1p protein kinase in a bud morphogenesis checkpoint, is targeted for ubiquitin-mediated turnover by the anaphase-promoting complex (APC). Regions of Hsl1p that are critical both for binding to the APC machinery and for APC-mediated degradation have been investigated. Hsl1p contains both a destruction box (D box) and a KEN box motif that are necessary for Hsl1p turnover with either APC(Cdc20) or APC(Cdh1). In coimmunoprecipitation studies, the D box of full-length Hsl1p is critical for association with Cdc20p, whereas the KEN box is important for association with Cdh1p. Fusion of a 206-amino-acid fragment of Hsl1p containing these motifs to a heterologous protein results in APC-dependent degradation of the fusion protein that requires intact D box and KEN box motifs. Finally, this bacterially expressed Hsl1p fusion protein interacts with Cdc20p and Cdh1p either translated in vitro or expressed in and purified from insect cells. Binding to Cdc20p and Cdh1p is disrupted completely by a D box/KEN box double mutant. These results indicate that D box and KEN box motifs are important for direct binding to the APC machinery, leading to ubiquitination and subsequent protein degradation (Burton, 2001). (Chen, 2001).
The anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), activated by fzy and fzr (fizzy and fizzy-related), degrades cell cycle proteins that carry RXXL or KEN destruction boxes (d-boxes). APC/C substrates regulate sequential events and must be degraded in the correct order during mitosis and G1. How d-boxes determine APC/Cfzy/APC/Cfzr specificity and degradation timing was studied. Cyclin B1 has an RXXL box and is degraded by both APC/Cfzy and APC/Cfzr; fzy has a KEN box and is degraded by APC/Cfzr only. The degradation of substrates with swapped d-boxes was characterized. Cyclin B1 with KEN is degraded by APC/Cfzr only. Fzy with RXXL can be degraded by APC/Cfzy and APC/Cfzr. Interestingly, APC/Cfzy-but not APC/Cfzr-specific degradation is highly dependent on the location of RXXL. Degradation of tagged substrates was studied in real time and it was observed that APC/Cfzr is activated in early G1. These observations demonstrate how d-box specificities of APC/Cfzy and APC/Cfzr, and the successive activation of APC/Cby fzy and fzr, establish the temporal degradation pattern. These observations can explain further why some endogenous RXXL substrates are degraded by APC/Cfzy, while others are restricted to APC/Cfzr (Zur, 2002).
More than a dozen different groups of proteins are degraded by the APC/C pathway, including mitotic A and B type cyclins, fzy, securin, E2-C, polo kinase, nek2A, hsl1, cdc6 and geminin. While all these proteins are degraded by the APC/C, they start to be degraded at different time points, such as prometaphase for cyclin A and nek2A, metaphase for cyclin B1, securin and xkid, and G1 for cdc6. APC/C substrates carry conserved motifs, so-called destruction boxes (d-boxes), which are required for their degradation. The cyclin B1 d-box (RTALGDIGN) is crudely shared by many of the other APC/C substrates. The arginine (R) and the leucine (L) are conserved in almost all substrates except in pim1, where arginine is replaced by lysine, and in cyclin B3, where leucine is replaced by phenylalanine. The asparagine (N) at position 9 is conserved in a subset of substrates and is required for the degradation of cyclin B1 in Xenopus extracts. Other residues of this RXXL box are much less conserved and it is virtually impossible to identify such a box merely by its sequence. However, the APC/C is evidently able to identify real RXXL boxes because not every protein that carries an RXXL is degraded. Moreover, fine differences in this box can contribute to changes in degradation, as is the case for cyclins A and B. An important recent advance is the identification of the KEN box as a targeting signal of some APC/C substrates. The discovery of this motif explained how vertebrate fzy, which lacks an RXXL box, is targeted for degradation by the APC/C. This box also plays a role in the degradation of substrates that do have an RXXL box, such as securin, clb2, hsl1 and nek2A. However, the KEN motif is also abundant in many proteins that are not APC/C substrates (Zur, 2002 and references therein).
The APC/C is activated by two WD repeat proteins: fzy/cdc20 and fzr/cdh1/hct1. In yeast, these two proteins confer some substrate specificity on the APC/C: pds1 is ubiquitylated by APC/Ccdc20, and clb2 by APC/Ccdh1. A similar specificity has been suggested in mammalian cells, and it was shown that fzy is ubiquitylated by APC/Cfzr only. Fzy and fzr directly bind different APC/C substrates in vitro. Fzy is restricted to substrates that have an RXXL box, and fzr binds both RXXL and KEN box substrates (Zur, 2002 and references therein).
In order to study the signal specificity of the RXXL and KEN boxes, artificial motifs were inserted into known substrates and their degradation was studied in vivo. The degradation of cyclin B1 with a mutated RXXL box can be restored by the insertion of an artificial KEN box close to the N-terminus of the mutated RXXL box. The location of this KEN is critical for its capacity to support degradation. Strikingly, cyclin B1 with a KEN box and a mutated RXXL box is ubiquitylated in vitro and degraded in vivo by APC/Cfzr only. This is in contrast to cyclin B1 with a wild-type RXXL box, which is degraded by both APC/Cfzy and APC/Cfzr (Zur, 2002).
The degradation of fzy, which is targeted for degradation by a KEN box and is an APC/Cfzr-specific substrate, was studied. Mutation of the KEN box stabilizes fzy, and its degradation can be restored by the insertion of an RXXL box. Following the replacement of KEN with RXXL, fzy is targeted by APC/Cfzy, as well as by APC/Cfzr. RXXL inserted anywhere into the N-terminus of fzy can support APC/Cfzr-specific degradation. Degradation by APC/Cfzy is, however, highly dependent on the location of the RXXL, suggesting that flanking sequences or conformation influence the APC/Cfzr/APC/Cfzy specificity of the RXXL box. This could explain why certain RXXL substrates are degraded by APC/Cfzr only while others are degraded by both APC/Cfzr and APC/Cfzy (Zur, 2002)
The degradation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged versions of APC/Cfzy and APC/Cfzr-specific substrates was studied in real time. APC/Cfzy-specific degradation starts upon sister chromatid separation, and APC/Cfzr-specific degradation starts in early G1 (Zur, 2002).
These results show that d-box type and location determine APC/Cfzy and APC/Cfzr specificity, and that fzy and fzr sequentially activate the APC/C. This specificity could thus form the basis of the ordered degradation of APC/C substrates during the different stages of mitosis and G1 (Zur, 2002).
Cyclin A is a stable protein in S and G2 phases, but is destabilized when cells enter mitosis and it is almost completely degraded before the metaphase to anaphase transition. Microinjection of antibodies against subunits of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome or against human Cdc20 (fizzy) arrests cells at metaphase and stabilizes both cyclins A and B1. Cyclin A is efficiently polyubiquitylated by Cdc20 or Cdh1-activated APC/C in vitro, but in contrast to cyclin B1, the proteolysis of cyclin A is not delayed by the spindle assembly checkpoint. The degradation of cyclin B1 delays the metaphase to anaphase transition, whereas expression of cyclin A mutants lacking a D-box arrest cells in anaphase (Geley, 2001).. This study examined spatial control of this process by determining the intracellular location of the proteins involved and using nuclear-targeted cyclin B1. It was found that raising nuclear cyclin B1 concentrations, an event normally observed in the minutes before nuclear envelope breakdown, was a very effective method of inducing the G2/M transition. Oocytes expressed only the alpha. A simple spatial model of G2 arrest is proposed in which nuclear APCCdh1-proteasomal activity guards against any cyclin B1 accumulation mediated by nuclear import (Holt, 2010).
Fizzy-related 1 (FZR1) is an activator of the Anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and an important regulator of the mitotic cell division cycle. Using a germ-cell-specific conditional knockout model this studyDelta. It is concluded that APC/C(FZR1) is an essential regulator of spermatogonial proliferation and early meiotic prophase I in both male and female germ cells and is therefore important in establishing the reproductive health of adult male and female mammals (Holt, 2014).
The ubiquitination and degradation patterns of the human securin/PTTG protein have been studied. In contrast to budding yeast pds1, securin degradation is catalyzed by both fzy (fizzy/cdc20) and fzr (fizzy-related-degradable securin mutant is also partially ubiquitinated by fzy and fzr in vitro. Expressing the non-degradable securin mutant in cells frequently results in incomplete chromatid separation and gives rise to daughter cells connected by a thin chromatin fiber, presumably of chromosomes that failed to split completely. Strikingly, the mutant securin does not prevent the majority of sister chromatids from separating completely, nor does it prevent mitotic cyclin degradation and cytokinesis. This phenotype, reminiscent of the fission yeast cut (cells untimely torn) phenotype, is reported here for the first time in mammals (Zur, 2001).. Bub1 is degraded during mitotic exit and degradation of Bub1 is mediated by APC/C in complex with its activator Cdh1 [APC/C(Cd(Cdh1) in vitro. Two KEN-box motifs on Bub1 were identified that are required for its degradation in vivo and ubiquitination in vitro. A Bub1 mutant protein with both KEN-boxes mutated is stable in cells but fails to elicit a cell cycle phenotype, indicating that degradation of Bub1 by APC/C(Cdh1) is not required for mitotic exit. Nevertheless, this study clearly demonstrates that Bub1, an APC/C inhibitor, is also an APC/C substrate. The antagonistic relationship between Bub1 and APC/C may help to prevent the premature accumulation of Bub1 during G1 (Qi, 2007).
DNA damage checkpoint prevents segregation of damaged chromosomes by imposing cell-cycle arrest. In budding yeast, Mec1, Chk1, and Rad53 (homologous to human ATM/ATR, Chk1, and Chk2 kinases, respectively) are among the main effectors of this pathway. The DNA damage checkpoint is thought to inhibit chromosome segregation by preventing separase-mediated cleavage of cohesins. This study describes a regulatory network that prevents segregation of damaged chromosomes by restricting spindle elongation and acts in parallel with inhibition of cohesin cleavage. This control circuit involves Rad53, polo kinase, the anaphase-promoting complex activator Cdh1, and the bimC kinesin family proteins Cin8 and Kip1. The inhibition of polo kinase by Rad53-dependent phosphorylation prevents it from inactivating Cdh1. As a result, Cdh1 remains in a partially active state and limits Cin8 and Kip1 accumulation, thereby restraining spindle elongation. Hence, the DNA damage checkpoint suppresses both cohesin cleavage and spindle elongation to preserve chromosome stability (Zhang, 2009).
In mammalian somatic-cell cycles, progression through the G1-phase restriction point and initiation of DNA replication are controlled by the ability of the retinoblastoma tumor-suppressor protein (pRb) family to regulate the E2F/DP transcription factors. Continuing transcription of E2F target genes beyond the G1/S transition is required for coordinating S-phase progression with cell division, a process driven by cyclin-B-dependent kinase and anaphase-promoting complex (APC)-mediated proteolysis. How E2F-dependent events at G1/S transition are orchestrated with cyclin B and APC activity remains unknown. Using an in vivo assay to measure protein stability in real time during the cell cycle, it has been shown that repression of E2F activity or inhibition of cyclin-A-dependent kinase in S phase triggers the destruction of cyclin B1 through the re-assembly of APC, the ubiquitin ligase that is essential for mitotic cyclin proteolysis, with its activatory subunit Cdh1. Phosphorylation-deficient mutant Cdh1 or immunodepletion of cyclin A results in assembly of active Cdh1-APC even in S-phase cells. These results implicate an E2F-dependent, cyclin A/Cdk2-mediated phosphorylation of Cdh1 in the timely accumulation of cyclin B1 and the coordination of cell-cycle progression during the post-restriction point period (Lukas, 1999).
The ordered progression through the cell cycle depends on regulating the abundance of several proteins through ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Degradation is precisely timed and specific. One key component of the degradation system, the anaphase promoting complex (APC), is a ubiquitin protein ligase. It is activated both during mitosis and late in mitosis/G1, by the WD repeat proteins Cdc20 and Cdh1, respectively. These activators target distinct sets of substrates. Cdc20-APC requires a well-defined destruction box (D box), whereas Cdh1-APC confers a different and as yet unidentified specificity. The sequence specificity for Cdh1-APC has been determined using two assays, ubiquitination in a completely defined and purified system and degradation promoted by Cdh1-APC in Xenopus extracts. Cdc20 is itself a Cdh1-APC substrate. Vertebrate Cdc20 lacks a D box and therefore is recognized by Cdh1-APC through a different sequence. By analysis of Cdc20 as a substrate, a new recognition signal has been identified. This signal, composed of K-E-N, serves as a general targeting signal for Cdh1-APC. Like the D box, it is transposable to other proteins. Using the KEN box as a template, cell cycle genes Nek2 and B99 have been identified as additional Cdh1-APC substrates. Mutation in the KEN box stabilizes all three proteins against ubiquitination and degradation (Pfleger, 2000).
Ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated destruction of rate-limiting proteins is required for timely progression through the main cell cycle transitions. The anaphase-promoting complex (APC), periodically activated by the Cdh1 subunit, represents one of the major cellular ubiquitin ligases which, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila, triggers exit from mitosis and during G1 prevents unscheduled DNA replication. In this study the importance of periodic oscillation of the APC-Cdh1 activity for the cell cycle progression in human cells was investigated. Conditional interference with the APC-Cdh1 dissociation at the G1/S transition results delays G1/S transition and lowers, failure to inactivate APC-Cdh1 beyond the G1/S transition not only inhibits productive cell division but also supports slow but uninterrupted DNA replication, precluding S-phase exit and causing massive overreplication of the genome. These data suggest that timely oscillation of the APC-Cdh1 ubiquitin ligase activity represents an essential step in coordinating DNA replication with cell division and that failure of mechanisms regulating association of APC with the Cdh1 activating subunit can undermine genomic stability in mammalian cells (Sorensen, 2000).
CDC6 is conserved during evolution and is essential and limiting for the initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication. Human CDC6 activity is regulated by periodic transcription and CDK-regulated subcellular localization. In addition to being absent from nonproliferating cells, CDC6 is targeted for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis by the anaphase promoting complex (APC)/cyclosome in G1. A combination of point mutations in the destruction box and KEN-box motifs in CDC6 stabilizes the protein in G1 proteolysis of CDC6 in early G1 and in quiescent cells suggests that this process is part of a mechanism that ensures the timely licensing of replication origins during G1 (Petersen, 2000).
Progress through mitosis is controlled by the sequential destruction of key regulators including the mitotic cyclins and securin, an inhibitor of anaphase whose destruction is required for sister chromatid separation. Live cell imaging was used to determine the exact time when human securin is degraded in mitosis. (Hagting, 2002).. This study substantiates the evidence that mammalian cyclin A-Cdk2 prevents unscheduled APC reactivation during S phase by demonstrating the Cdk2 periodic interaction with Cdh1 at the level of endogenous proteins. Moreover, a conserved cyclin-binding motif has been identified within the Cdh1 WD-40 domain; its disruption abolishes the Cdh1-cyclin A-Cdk2 interaction, eliminates Cdh1-associated histone H1 kinase activity, and impairs Cdh1 phosphorylation by cyclin A-Cdk2 in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of cyclin binding-deficient Cdh1 stabilizes the APC-Cdh1 interaction and induces prolonged cell cycle arrest at the G(1)/S transition. Conversely, cyclin binding-deficient Cdh1 loses its capability to support APC-dependent proteolysis of cyclin A but not that of other APC substrates such as cyclin B and securin Pds1. Collectively, these data provide a mechanistic explanation for the mutual functional interplay between cyclin A-Cdk2 and APC-Cdh1 and the first evidence that Cdh1 may activate the APC by binding specific substrates (Sorensen, 2001).
The anaphase-promoting complex (APC) coordinates mitosis and G1 by sequentially promoting the degradation of key cell-cycle regulators. Following the degradation of its substrates in G1, the APC catalyzes the autoubiquitination of its E2 UbcH10. This stabilizes cyclin A and allows it to inactivate APC(Cdh1). How the APC establishes this complex temporal sequence of ubiquitinations, referred to as substrate ordering, is not understood. This study shows that substrate ordering depends on the relative processivity of substrate multiubiquitination by the APC. Processive substrates obtain ubiquitin chains in a single APC binding event. The multiubiquitination of distributive substrates requires multiple rounds of APC binding, which render it sensitive to lower APC concentrations, competition by processive substrates, and deubiquitination. Consequently, more processive substrates are preferentially multiubiquitinated in vitro and degraded earlier in vivo. The processivity of multiubiquitination is strongly influenced by the D box within the substrate, suggesting that substrate ordering is established by a mechanism intrinsic to APC and its substrates and similar to kinetic proofreading (Rape, 2006).. This study, it was shown that reduced Cdh1 levels have no effect on destruction of many APC/C substrates during mitotic exit but strongly and specifically stabilize Aurora kinases.. It is concluded that targeting of Aurora kinases at anaphase by APC/C(Cdh1) participates in the control of mitotic exit and cytokinesis (Floyd, 2008). 'licensing', transgenic mice were used expressing Fucci fluorescent cell-cycle probes that report the activity of APCCdh1 and SCFSkp2. By performing long-term, high temporal-resolution Fucci imaging, it was possible to visualize reciprocal activation of APCCdh1 and SCFSkp2 in differentiating TGCs and MKCs grown in custom-designed culture wells. TGCs and MKCs were found to both skip cytokinesis, but in different ways, and that the reciprocal activation of the ubiquitin oscillators in MKCs varies with the polyploidy level. Three-dimensional reconstructions were obtained of highly polyploid TGCs in whole, fixed mouse placentas. Thus, the Fucci technique is able to reveal the spatiotemporal regulation of the endoreplicative cell cycle during differentiation (Sakaue-Sawano, 2013).
Anaphase-promoting complex is activated by two regulatory proteins, Cdc20 and Cdh1. In yeast and Drosophila, Cdh1-dependent APC (Cdh1-APC) activity targets mitotic cyclins from the end of mitosis to the G1 phase. To investigate the function of Cdh1 in vertebrate cells, clones of chicken DT40 cells disrupted in their Cdh1 loci were generated. Cdh1 is dispensable for viability and cell cycle progression. However, similarly to yeast and Drosophila, loss of Cdh1 induced unscheduled accumulation of mitotic cyclins in G1, resulting in abrogation of G1 arrest caused by treatment with rapamycin, an inducer of p27(Kip1). Cdh1(-/-) cells fail to maintain DNA damage-induced G2 arrest and Cdh1-APC is activated by X-irradiation-induced DNA damage. Thus, activation of Cdh1-APC plays a crucial role in both cdk inhibitor-dependent G1 arrest and DNA damage-induced G2 arrest (Sudo, 2001).
Degradation of SnoN is thought to play an important role in the transactivation of TGF-beta responsive genes. The anaphase-promoting complex (APC) is a ubiquitin ligase required for the destruction of SnoN and the APC pathway is regulated by TGF-beta. The destruction box of SnoN is required for its degradation in response to TGF-beta signaling. Furthermore, the APC activator CDH1 and Smad3 synergistically regulate SnoN degradation. Under these circumstances, CDH1 forms a quaternary complex with SnoN, Smad3, and APC. These results suggest that APC(CDH1) and SnoN play central roles in regulating growth through the TGF-beta signaling system (Wan, 2001b).
AML1 (RUNX1) regulates hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, muscle function, and neurogenesis. Previous studies have shown that phosphorylation of AML1, particularly at serines 276 and 303, affects its transcriptional activation. that (Biggs, 2006).
In response to DNA damage in G2, mammalian cells must avoid entry into mitosis and instead initiate DNA repair. This study shows that in response to genotoxic stress in G2, the phosphatase Cdc14B translocates from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm and induces the activation of the ubiquitin ligase APC/CCdCdh1 reactivation in DNA-damaged G2 cells, Claspin, which is shown in this study to be an APC/CCd (Bassermann, 2008).; see Drosophila Rb) protein. This study shows that inactivation of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC(Cdh1)) in a cultured mammalian epithelial cell line has the necessary characteristics to be the point of no return for cell-cycle entry. APC(Cdh1) inactivation is shown to be a rapid, bistable switch initiated shortly before the start of DNA replication by cyclin E/Cdk2 (see Drosophila Cyclin E) and made irreversible by Emi1 (see Drosophila Rca (Cappell, 2016).).
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Something to Think About –
Mise Éire (I am Ireland)
The Republic of Decay, a place now so dire that even the monkeys decline offers of bananas.
The three pillars of the Establishment, the financial institutions, the political organizations and the Church stagger on unwittingly oblivious to the realities of life. Their epicurean menu is corruption, lies, arrogance, greed, sleaze, sodomy, deceit, nepotism, distortion of the truth, gross incompetence. The list can go on and on forever.
When can they learn to tell their Citizens something that resembles the truth?
Observe them.
The Financial Institutions: The Dracula’s of nowhere sucking the nation’s blood dry- The crutch of capitalism-that an inherently unstable system which periodically falls off the rails and when it does who pays? Well, the 2% who control the wealth do not. The payees are as always the inevitable underclass.
Their level of incompetence defies belief.
Take, for example, simple basic maths, Division, addition, multiplication, subtraction, for short DAMS. Well, the boys from Dams appear to have come up with a “constant” that allows their cash shortfall figures to spiral upwards on a never-ending charge of woe. Right now, it is not in their interest to stick a finger in the dam to restrain the flow. Do we take it; they do not understand simple maths or are they pulling the wool over our eyes? D.A.M.S is an acronym for a shadowy group known as the as the drawee artistic math’s society? This group of people is found in the highest echelons of business and normally operate at a level above that of the Golden circle. Figuratively speaking these people can paint any picture they wish but primarily their drawings are to their own advantage. These avaricious bastards would skim cash off the bones of a dead rat, but they will never get their fingers dirty.
The Church: This Frankenstein Monster lends solace to the fiends of banking, shares its virgin but sexually satisfied bed with both government and Bourgeoisie and in the meantime buggers the children of the poor and expects the state to pay for their criminal enjoyment and the state duly obliges.
The Political Organizations have become a collective of brain-dead zombies. Their place of residence is a mausoleum called Sinisterhouse house, which serves as the Rotten Island Parliament building.
The primary function of these humourless dead beats is looking after their own self-interest, which takes up seventy-five percent of their time.
Taking care of the interests of the financial institutions takes another twenty percent of their time.
Performing minor functions- like proposing bills to erect streetlights in the two-horse village of Ballysilly and to fill potholes in marginal electoral areas, this takes up a tiresome 5% of their time.
To be a member of this collective, no qualifications are required, but it does help if you understand the term the gravy train. Those currently in Government amply illustrate this where few ministers have any credentials whatsoever for doing there jobs.
Le Grand Dame, The sex symbol of the parliament is the leader of this group.
This entity makes bullish attempts to explain that the country’s economy is on the road to recovery, this notion relates to nothing more than his careful consideration. His only notable achievement is impoverished thinking based on the mantra; all will be well?
The entity prays fervently every day for economic miracles.
He has visions of the Sherkels and Dragi flapping their wings over the skies of Rotten Island where they shower the country with a deluge of monetary bills that astonishingly transform the country into a fictionally, financially viable sensation. He will proclaim these events to be a miracle of his own making, he will ask us to admire the quality and wonderment of his efforts. This entity has disturbed fantasies of success, which are always just around the corner.
This leader of our illustrious small nation bestows on himself the honour of being the highest paid Prime Ministers in the world with a take home check greater than any other leader. To augment his Government, he has a drone army of civil servants, who are the most highly paid in the world and ironically turn out to be the least productive. A talent that his compatible to that of their leader
He has huffed and he has puffed, but he still does not comprehend that the house is already a busted flush.
That dear citizen is Rotten Island today a golden triangle of cognasty, a three-headed dog of darkness. No figurehead to rally behind, no Orpheus to lead us out of this triangulated underworld, no Che Guevara to kick-start a revolution, no rising star to guide us into the future.
Part 2
Johnny Citizen: Where does he fit in, well he is the lamb who is there to be fleeced?
He pays the bankers bills.
He pays the church bills.
He pays the Government bills.
Moreover, he will pay for anything else the ghouls will screw up now and in the future.
Why is Johnny citizen so sheepish? Short and simple, he abandoned his protectors the trade unions. His living standards improved. He suffered the illusion of getting fat and rich on an enduring monetary upward rocket. He played golf, and he had his overseas holidays to exotic places. He inflated himself with notions of self-importance.
He drinks XO brandy in his local bar and guffaws with his friends, sure wasn’t it far away from this we were raised, whilst a glow of self-satisfaction crosses his face. When foreign workers came to fill low paid jobs, he developed a xenophobic state of mind, something he understands well. Why as an immigrant youth did he not suffer xenophobia from the hands of the foreigner? Even so, he will maintain he was a worker. The assortment coming to our beloved shores nowadays is nothing but a bunch of scroungers and malingers. He will assert that the Government must put a halt to this inward flow of migrant spongers. As things fell apart in his esteemed homeland, he failed to notice that the hard-working idlers were first to leave to seek work elsewhere, which contributes to a reduced tax, take which in turn Johnny will have to make up.
What are the prospects for his children? They are in the stew pot; they are the future fodder for the controllers of capital to devour and spit out at will.
What hope can he have, not much?
However, what happens if Johnny citizen wakes up from his slumbers? If he is sharp, he will link chains of events together, he will have questions, he will want answers, and of course, he will request down to earth solutions to uncomplicated problems.
He will question why he is paying the outlandish bankers debt.
He will swiftly conclude, that the notion he should do so is preposterous.
Moreover, he will state in a loud voice.
The bankers lent money, which they did not have in the first place, to people who did not have the resources to pay it back.
This is reckless trading, which is an offence-Off to jail with them.
Better, still off with their heads
He will question how the Government of his dearly beloved fatherland could make a deal with the church of pederasts who cruelly and callously buggered the children of his native land.
He will conclude, that the concept that he should pay, is unbelievable.
In addition, he will state in a loud voice. The full rigor of the law must apply to these fiends.
The crimes of the Frankenstein church are hideous. Off to Jail with them, better still off with their heads. He will question how our Politicians and civil servants contrived to make such a mess of our cherished Republic that became the envy of many. A nation held up as a shinning example to emerging states now derided and cruelly laughed at by the nations of the world.
He has observed former double-dealing Prime ministers questioned in the dock over misdeeds, which they strenuously denied, but were even the mongrel dogs in the street knew they were lying through their teeth. He will have seen friends and cohorts of these people questioned by the law.
He will conclude, self-interest coupled with corruption was the name of their game.
He will holler –
These people failed in their duty to represent us, corruption and self-interest were rife.
Off to jail with them all, better still off with their heads.
Johnny citizen will have noticed that those who controlled the money represented less than two percent of the population. He will comprehend that the gap between those with capital and those with limited money had not narrowed at all. For the money the statues quo remains, control of capital is God.
Our citizen friend now realizes his lot is to be nothing more than to be the bonded serf of capitalism.
He comprehends with a heaviness of mind that the free market reduces everything to matters of money and thus exploitation, Direct, brutal, blatant. Our citizen is now a commodified extinction to the machines of capitalism. He is the disposable part of the equation. He will deduce, construe that once we learn how to control the monarchy of capital and production, we are then on our way to a better life. He will postulate there must be a greater division of wealth; it can no longer be the preserve of a tiny minority. Governments must control this; it must be for the benefit of the citizens? Pervasive social corruption must cease. As he reads and researchers, he begins to understand the injustices of the system as applied to the working person.
He will learn that of the world’s top 100 economies based on GDP That fifty-one of them are corporations and are not countries. He will see and understand quite quickly the dangers these people pose to the illusion of his freedom.
He will learn that corruption is rife in these companies.
He will learn that business is not ethical and decent.
He will learn that industry does not care for its workers.
He will learn that the well-being of the people is secondary to monetary gain.
He will learn that much of industry out source’s production to the cheapest labour point. He will realize his job is no more than a movable commodity.
He will learn that the result of all of this is wealth consolidation, communal stratification, labour abuse and exploitation, Tactical corruption. He will realize that he is witnessing a form of covert dictatorship by the rich.
He will learn not to trust people in the system.
He will learn that the number of poor people in the world increases daily.
He will learn that the worker’s lot is a miserable lot.
He will learn that as each day passes the national depth of our sovereign country increases, and he knows and expects further tax demands on his income. He speculates on the percentage of the nation’s resources spent on servicing the nation’s debt. He foresees disaster.
He will learn that if we get out of the current predicament that the cycle of bust and boom is likely to intensify due to the mechanisms of the banking system.
Our good friend Johnny citizen compiles endless lists, which he uses as conversation pieces when he discusses the affairs of the nation. He converses with his friends in the pubs, hotel lobbies, eateries and the fun palaces of the land. Each conversation inevitably ends with the expression, well fuck the lot of them, what can we do about it?
Our friend has at least verbally expressed himself. He is most likely fated never to play a part in altering the system but perhaps; just maybe he did plant a few acorns in heads that someday, might grow.
What happens to Johnny Citizen? Does he disappear into foggy shadows will he survive? Does anyone care?
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The financial institutions of today have become the tsunamis of fiscal catastrophe for all but the inner circle. These Draculas of pecuniary are the epicenter of greed and corruption and appear to have the freedom to bleed, people, banks and nation-states of their wealth.
a backdoor bailout of invisible financial players who failed to manage their exposure to a shaky borrower (Anglo)
In the German domestic market, the banks behaved impeccably. However, the external
dealings of these banks came from either a financial asylum or a home for retards. |
According to reports, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls:
JUNE 30
THEFT: Rhonda Showalter, Washington C.H., reported a bicycle had been stolen from outside a residence on Peddicord Avenue. Later in the day the bicycle was located at another location by Sheriff’s deputies and returned to Showalter.
JUNE 29
SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: Employees of the Sunglass Hut Outlet and Coach Outlet at the Tanger Mall reported suspicious activities involving the use of credit cards. When the subjects were asked to provide identification to make purchases on the credit cards, the subjects declined to do so and cancelled the transactions. No known transactions were made. The subjects were located and identified.
THEFT: Sanjay Malik, of Grove City, reported the rear license plate had been removed from his vehicle while parked at his place of business.
MENACING/TELEPHONE HARASSMENT: Ivan Joseph, Washington C.H., reported he had been receiving numerous voice mail messages that he believed to be threatening in nature from a known person. Joseph was referred to the solicitor if he wished to pursue criminal charges.
THEFT/MISUSE OF CREDIT CARDS: Staci Payton, Washington C.H., reported her daughter’s debit card information had been used to make two unauthorized purchases.
TRAFFIC CRASH/HIT SKIP: Employees of the Fayette County Fairgrounds reported an unknown vehicle struck a utility pole on the fairgrounds causing damage.
THEFT: Employees of Gap Outlet, Tanger Mall, reported two subjects removed merchandise from the store without making payment for the items. The subjects were not located.
OBSTRUCTING OFFICIAL BUSINESS: Deputies observed a subject who was known to have an outstanding warrant in a vehicle near Eyman Park. Upon attempting to make contact with this subject he fled on foot and was not located.
POSSESSION OF DRUG ABUSE INSTRUMENT/DRUG PARAPHERNALIA/ILLEGAL CONVEYANCE OF DRUGS OF ABUSE INTO A DETENTION FACILITY: Deputies responded to a report of a recklessly operated vehicle. The vehicle was located in the village of Bloomingburg and a female standing near the vehicle was contacted and found to be under the influence of a narcotic. Upon searching the vehicle, a syringe and other drug abuse paraphernalia were located. Isabelle Allman, of Washington C.H., was arrested and transported to the Fayette County Jail. During the intake search of Allman at the jail she was found to be in possession of four Xanax tablets. Allman was additionally charged for Conveyance of Drugs Abuse into a detention facility.
JUNE 28
BURGLARY/THEFT: Angela Ross, Greenfield, reported someone forcibly entered her residence and removed property.
THEFT: Employees of Tommy Hilfiger, Tanger Mall, reported three subjects removed merchandise from the store without making payment for the items. The area was checked by the responding deputies but the suspects were not located.
VEHICLE DAMAGE: Nick Cummings, Bloomingburg, reported an employee was mowing the ditch line near his residence when an unknown subject stopped at his residence and reported a stone had been thrown up by the mower causing damage to the windshield of the vehicle. Cummings requested a report, but did not have the name of the person who claimed their vehicle had been damaged.
DOMESTIC DISPUTE: Deputies responded to a reported domestic incident behind the Bloomingburg Post Office. Upon arriving at the Post Office, a male and female, both of Bloomingburg, were located and found to have been involved in a verbal argument. Both parties denied any threats or physical altercation.
JUNE 27
ASSIST CITIZEN: Gretchen Specht, Pickerington, reported she inadvertently locked the keys to her vehicle in the car with her 19-month-old child still in the vehicle. Deputies responded and forcibly entered the vehicle at her request. The child was unharmed and did not need medical assistance.
THEFT: Mark Rhyan, Jeffersonville, reported the Post Office delivered a package to his home and when he returned home, the package was not there.
THEFT: Jenny Riley, Washington C.H., reported money may be missing from an organization she is in charge of and that several checks have been returned as insufficient funds. The matter remains under investigation.
BURGLARY/THEFT: Amy Harper, Washington C.H., reported her residence had been forcibly entered and property removed.
JUNE 26
TRAFFIC CRASH: Lois Mason reported she was attempting to make a left turn into a residence on SR 207, when she failed to observe another vehicle heading northbound on SR 207 and turned into its path, and was subsequently struck. The other vehicle driven by George Obannon, of Obetz, sustained functional damage and was towed from the scene. Obannon’s passenger sustained injuries and was transported by Tri-County EMS to Grant Hospital. Mason was cited for failure to yield on a left turn.
UNRULY CHILD/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: A female resident in Bloomingburg reported her 16-year-old daughter became unruly and refused directions in the home. When confronted about her behavior she began shoving the complainant. The reportee declined to pursue charges in this incident.
MENACING/TELEPHONE HARASSMENT: Anna Conger, Jeffersonville, reported she has been receiving numerous unwanted and threatening text messages via social media from a known person. The messages were reviewed and Conger was referred to the Village Solicitor if she wished to pursue charges.
TRAFFIC CRASH: Christopher Gray, Jeffersonville, reported he attempted to turn into his driveway at too high of a speed and slid in the gravel, striking the neighbor’s home. The home is owned by Bobbie Richards, Jeffersonville. Gray was cited for reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
JUNE 25
THEFT: Aimee Ross, of Washington C.H., reported someone removed her vehicle from her residence. The vehicle was located a short time later and returned to her.
TRAFFIC CRASH: Julia Phillips, of Zanesville, reported she was attempting to back out of a parking space in the gravel parking lot at the Fayette County Fairgrounds when she failed to observe the vehicle parked behind her and struck it. The other vehicle owned by David Baker, of Cardington, sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. Phillips’ vehicle was not damaged.
THEFT: Natalie Palma, Cincinnati, reported during the Don Scott Antique Show at the Fayette County Fairgrounds that someone removed merchandise from her booth without making payment.
BREAKING AND ENTERING/THEFT: Phantom Fireworks reported someone forcibly entered the business and removed property from a storage trailer.
THEFT: Becky Costilow, of Washington C.H., reported after returning home she observed a house key missing from her residence.
CIVIL: Lori Moore of Bloomingburg reported when known subjects vacated her rental property it had been damaged.
THEFT: Katherine Mahorney of Bloomingburg reported someone removed her son’s bicycle from her residence.
THEFT: Felix Cruz of Kansas City, Kan., reported someone removed the license plates from his vehicle.
BURGLARY/THEFT: Richard Anders, of Washington C.H., reported someone entered his residence and removed money without permission.
CIVIL: A Cincinnati resident reported a known person failed to meet for a child custody exchange.
THEFT: Gusweiler Toyota reported several keys missing from vehicles located on the showroom floor, inside the business.
JUNE 23
LOST PROPERTY: Brittany Wilson, of Mt. Sterling, reported her temporary tag missing from her vehicle.
THEFT/CRIMINAL TRESPASS: Matthew Alltop of Bloomingburg reported someone entered onto his property and removed a battery from a vehicle.
PROTECTION ORDER SERVICE: Sheriff’s deputies made contact with a respondent and served the Protection Order pursuant to court order. He was advised of the guidelines and the consequences of any violations.
TRAFFIC CRASH: Melody Darif, of Washington C.H., was traveling north on S.R 41 and hydroplaned due to high winds and heavy rain. Darif traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking a curve marker and coming to rest in a field. No injuries were reported. The vehicle sustained minor damage in the crash.
VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER: Lillian Howard of Jeffersonville reported a male subject was at her residence and she has an active protection order against. Sheriff’s deputies made contact at the residence locating the male subject. William Howard of Grove City was arrested and charged in the offense.
JUNE 22
DOMESTIC DISPUTE: Sheriff’s deputies responded to S.R 729 on a domestic incident. Upon arrival all parties involved were identified and it was determined that no assault or threats of violence had occurred.
BURGLARY/THEFT: Johnny Lute, of Washington C.H., reported someone entered his residence and removed items from inside.
ILLEGAL MANUFACTURE OF DRUGS OR CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA: Doug Barton, of Sabina, reported finding a marijuana plant growing on property near his home. The plant was confiscated and placed in evidence.
JUVENILE OFFENSES: A Jeffersonville mother reported her 8-year-old daughter was hit by a tennis ball by an 11-year-old neighbor boy. The child was not injured and the mother declined charges. Contact was made with the male juvenile and his guardian and they were advised of the complaint.
VEHICLE DAMAGE: Stephanie McIntosh, Wilmington, stated while sitting in her vehicle in the parking lot of Tanger Mall, an unknown male in a vehicle parked beside her, opened the door striking her vehicle causing damage. The male departed prior to deputy’s arrival.
FIRE: Abdirahman Yusuf, of Minneapolis, Minn., stated he was driving southbound on I-71 near the 65 mm, when smoke began coming out of the vents in the cab. Upon pulling over to the side of the road, the fire subsequently engulfed the vehicle. Jeffersonville Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.
CRIMINAL DAMAGING: Rockney Reed, Greenville, reported the tool box on his truck had been forcibly entered, while the vehicle was parked at the Quality Inn, Jeffersonville. Upon checking the tool box he did not find anything missing.
JUNE 21
BREAKING AND ENTERING/THEFT: A passerby observed a suspicious subject in the area of a residence in Bloomingburg. Upon checking the area, two firearms where located hidden in the bushes near the residence. Upon checking with the resident he identified the firearms as his and that they had been taken from his detached garage. The firearms were returned to the owner.
CRIMINAL TRESPASS: Employees of Jackpots Skill Games, Washington C.H., reported they had previously advised a male subject not to be on the premises. He returned. Arriving deputies advised him if he returned again charges would be filed.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Beth Burge, Washington C.H., reported she had become involved in a verbal altercation with a known subject which escalated into a physical altercation. Burge declined charges in this matter.
DISORDERLY CONDUCT BY FIGHTING/ASSAULT/THEFT: Deputies responded to a report of a fight between inmates in the jail. Upon reviewing video and interviewing the involved parties, it was determined that commissary items had been stolen from another inmate which resulted in the assault.
THEFT: Employees of the Travel Center of America reported an unknown female removed merchandise from the business several days before and had just been noticed on their video surveillance system.
TRAFFIC CRASH: Deputies responded to a report of a hit-skip traffic crash at the Creamer Cemetery, Jeffersonville. It was determined that an unknown vehicle was southbound on S.R. 41 and ran off the roadway at Creamer Road, striking the chain-link fence around the cemetery and departed.
CRIMINAL DAMAGING: Kristina Duncan, Washington C.H., reported someone scratched the hood of her vehicle while it was parked outside her residence.
JUNE 20
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: A complaint was received of a domestic incident on Colonial Dr., Jeffersonville. Upon completion of the investigation it was determined that an assault had occurred. Alan Creamer, of Jeffersonville, was arrested in the incident.
ASSAULT: Deputies responded to the 3000 block of Miami Trace Road on an assault complaint. Both parties had conflicting stories and no signs of an assault were visible on either party. Both parties were referred to the solicitor.
DOMESTIC DISPUTE: Deputies responded to a report of a domestic incident on Jamison Road. Upon arriving in the area all the parties had departed. One of the parties was later located. Parties denied any physical assault and attempts to contact the female by telephone were unsuccessful.
THEFT: Rock Dunaway, Washington C.H., reported he left his vehicle overnight at J’s Café on the night of June 18-19. Upon returning the vehicle was missing.
TRAFFIC CRASH: Byron Bartholomew, of Washington C.H., reported he was traveling southbound on SR 38 near Yatesville, when two deer entered his lane of travel. He subsequently struck one of the deer and sustained minor damage to his vehicle. The deer was not located and the vehicle was driven from the scene.
TRAFFIC CRASH: Rodney Roberts, Ludowici, Ga., reported he was attempting to make a left turn on the lot of the Travel Centers of America lot, when the trailer of his semi-tractor trailer vehicle crashed into the tractor of another parked truck. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage.
BURGLARY: Stacy Burlile, Washington C.H., reported a female forced entry to her residence while she was at home. This female was assisted in entering the residence by another female that was outside. Burlile confronted the suspect in the residence and both suspects fled in a vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently located and the occupants were identified as the suspects. Tisha Dunn and Kristina Hurtt, both of Washington C.H., were arrested and charged with this offense. |
Kenya Free Travel Guide and Practical Information
Discover Kenya and its wildlife 🐘 Get inspired with our Travel Guide 📚. Advices, Tipes, Best location, itineraries and more ✅.
Travel to Kenya
Kenya's dramatic Great Rift Valley, stunning savannah sunsets, and varied wildlife create a package which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. The country is set on Africa's east coast, and has a southern shoreline which hugs the Indian Ocean. It's known for its rich flora and fauna, including lions, elephants, rhinoceros, and migratory wildebeest. Most visitors fly into the capital, Nairobi, where there is a well-respected national park. From here, safari trips head out into the Maasai Mara Reserve and other places in the country's interior. As well as being a starting point for safari tours, Nairobi is packed full of vibrant arts and crafts, delicious street food, and is a thriving modern city with a population of over three million.
The top 10 things to see/do on site
1. Maasai Mara Reserve
One of Kenya's most famous destinations, this savannah reserve is home to lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, elephants, zebras and hippos. Maasai villages are dotted throughout the reserve, which borders Tanzania.
2. Nairobi
Kenya's bustling capital is a hub for business and culture. Colonial buildings rub shoulders with modern high-rise offices, busy markets and the stunning Jamia Mosque. Head to Nairobi National Park to spot wild animals roaming free.
3. Amboseli National Park
A vast national park in southern Kenya, known for its elephant herds, Lake Amboseli (which dries up outside of the country's rainy seasons, from November to March and May to October), and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is located just over the border in neighbouring Tanzania.
4. Mombasa
Set on Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline, Mombasa is the country's oldest city. It's known for its white beaches, coral reef diving, and its picturesque old town, which is a melting pot of cultures from the 16th century onwards. India, Arabia and Africa – with a dash of European influence – merge to create a cosmopolitan, charming port town.
5. Lake Nakuru
The high ground of Lake Nakuru (1,754 metres above sea level) is home to this Rift Valley soda lake, famous for spectacular scenery, waterfalls and rhinos. Up until 2014, the lake was famous for attracting vast quantities of flamingoes to its shore, but rising water levels have forced most (but not all) of the birds to other locations. Leopards, hippos and giraffes also wander the park's grounds.
6. Lake Naivasha
This freshwater lake is home to hippos, fish, and over 400 species of birds. It's situated just outside the market town of Naivasha. Several other tourist destinations are close by, including Hell's Gate National Park, which was the inspirations for a number of Lion King locations, including Pride Rock and the Gorge.
7. Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East has been a national park since 1948, making it one of the oldest parks in the country. It's located in a dry area which was previously known as the Taru Desert. It's known for its rich biodiversity and is home to animals including lions, elephants, leopards, black rhinos and buffalo. You can also spot birds such as the sacred ibis and lovebirds here.
8. Watamu
Just north of Mombasa is Watamu, a small coastal town whose main draw is the Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve. This park is known for coral gardens and pristine sandy beaches. Mangrove forest and sandy flats are inhabited by a host of seabirds, and the ocean is populated with many varieties of fish and turtles.
9. Lake Natron
Lake Natron is a photographer's dream. Its deep red waters are coloured by bacteria in the lake to create a striking natural feature. The lake is a breeding ground for hundreds of thousands of flamingoes, who brave the highly alkaline waters to lay their eggs. The alkaline content of the water is so high that it is dangerous to swim in - around the lake, you can see the calcified bodies of birds and animals who perished in the water.
10. Mount Kenya
The highest mountain in Kenya, and the second highest in Africa (the highest is Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania), Mount Kenya offers plenty of opportunities for trekking, rock climbing, and exploring the surrounding national park. It's an ancient extinct volcano, tipped with glaciers at the summit and thickly forested on its lower slopes. Here, you can see a number of interesting animals and plants, including the hyrax, a small, furry cousin of the elephant.
When to go to Kenya
Kenya has two seasons; dry and rainy. There are two rainy seasons per year, the first is from March to June, and the second, shorter rainy season is from November to December. The best time to see wildlife is during the second dry season (June to late October), when temperatures are cooler. To see the wildebeest, you'll want to head to the Maasai Mara between July and October – at other times of the year, they move back to Tanzania. The two rainy seasons are considered "off-peak", and so you can generally find cheaper rates at these times of year.
How to get there?
Most tourists fly into Nairobi. It's a nine-hour flight from London, eight hours from Paris, nine hours plus from Rome, 11 hours from Madrid, and 15 hours from New York. There are also a number of flights into Mombasa airport. Alternatively, tourists may arrive into Mombasa as part of a cruise. Currently, there are no international ferries into Mombasa. You can also take the bus, or drive, from Tanzania or Uganda.
All visitors to Kenya require a visa. Single-entry visas on arrival can be obtained at the airport (current cost $51), or applied for online, but multiple-entry visas need to be arranged in advance. All visitors are also required to hold a valid certificate of vaccination for yellow fever.
Which hotel to choose?
The Sarova Stanley Hotel
Located in Nairobi's central business district, the Sarova Stanley is the oldest hotel in the city. It has welcomed guests as distinguished as Ernest Hemingway and continues to provide five-star, luxury service to all its guests. If you'd like to find out about the hotel's interesting history, you can avail of a free guided tour of the building. Otherwise, just relax in its elegant, retro rooms, poolside, or in the spa.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Set in Lake Nakuru National Park, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge has panoramic views right down on to the lake itself. It's located on the slopes of Lion Hill and is surrounded by lush woodland. In the surrounding national park, you can catch sight of a wide variety of wild animals, including leopards, rhinos, and one of the largest bird populations in the country (over 400 species call the park home).
Keekorok Game Lodge
Keekorok Game Lodge is perfectly located for wildlife-spotting. In the Maasai Mara National Reserve, it's surrounded by wildebeest at the height of migration season. All through the year, you can see hippos, monkeys, and birds right in the grounds of the lodge. It's built using a number of traditional materials, which give the hotel a unique, quirky charm.
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Nestled at the foot of the Chyulu Hills, close to Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilaguni was one of the very first lodges to be built in a national park. Its stone walls meld harmoniously with the volcanic peaks of the Chyulu Hills. The lodge has its very own watering hole, where you can see elephants, buffalos and other plains game assemble every day. It's set in Tsavo West National Park, and well-placed for day trips to other interesting locations in the area.
Saltlick Lodge
Saltlick Lodge is perfectly primed for wildlife watching. The entire lodge is elevated on stilts and overlooks a small watering hole and a salt slick where animals gather. It's set in a private wildlife sanctuary right next to Tsavo National Park. As well as views from the elevated lodge there's also an underground hide to spot wildlife from. Rooms are furnished in an elegant, traditional-meets-contemporary style.
The Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
This resort is set on Diani Beach, looking out over the Indian Ocean. Blue water laps at pristine white sand and The Baobab provides luxurious accommodation, complete with swimming pools, inventive traditional and international cuisine, and a tropical spa providing a full range of innovative treatments. Beautiful surroundings and spacious rooms help to provide an even more relaxing stay.
Culture and festivals in Kenya
Kenya has a number of festivals, which celebrate everything from traditional culture to cutting-edge cinema. Here are some of the most popular:
Lamu Festival
Lamu Festival is the longest-running cultural festival in the country, having started in 2001. Expect artisan craft making, dhow boat sailing races, and Bao, a game which has been played in the region for thousands of years. It's a celebration of Swahili culture, and you can expect to learn about Swahili life, foods and customs. The festival is held over three days, every November.
Maralal Camel Derby
Held in the middle of the year (dates vary), these annual races are open to both professional and amateur camel jockeys. A cultural festival (and a cycling race) run alongside the camel races. It's popular with locals and visitors – and if you've ever dreamed of racing a camel, this might just be your chance.
Rusinga Festival
This cultural festival is held on the last Thursday and Friday before Christmas, on Rusinga Island. It celebrates the culture of the Suba people: expect music, sports, food, art and traditional performances.
Kenya Kite Festival
This celebration of all things kite-y is held over one day in March. It aims to bring together kite lovers, kite makers and kite flyers from all over the world.
Nairobi Film Festival
Launched in 2017, this up-and-coming film festival aims to celebrate the region's best cinema, and grow Nairobi's cinephile population. It's held in March or April.
Shela Hat Contest
One of the weirder festivals in Kenya, this event is a chance for locals to stretch their creative muscles and show off handmade sunhats – which you can expect to be made from a bewildering array of materials, and have a wide variety of themes. A rocket hat? A penguin hat? A metre-tall cone hat with a giant pom-pom on the top? The only limit is your imagination. The festival is held in February.
Local practices and customs
Dress modestly, in lightweight clothing (it can be very hot!) Kenyan society is conservative, so refrain from behaviours that could be construed as offensive.
The Kenya map
Our practical advice for Kenya
What to bring back from Kenya
The best things to bring back from Kenya are traditional crafts. Ornately decorated Maasai blankets, colourful Kazuri beads, or soapstone carvings make for souvenirs full of memories.
What currency to use?
Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (1000 shillings = £8). For upmarket resorts, hotels, and safari trips, however, prices will normally be quoted in US dollars. Sometimes (although not always) you will also be able to pay in euros or pounds sterling. It's best to have a mix of US dollars and Kenyan shillings with you, as paying in the wrong currency will generally leave you out of pocket; businesses tend to use the exchange rate which is most favourable to them.
ATMs are readily available throughout Kenya, and are the cheapest and easiest way to access your money. US dollars, euros and pound sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange, but rates are unlikely to be in your favour (and carrying around large sums of money in cash is generally not recommended).
The most commonly accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard. Be aware that credit card may not be accepted for sums below $50 (or sometimes higher, depending on the establishment).
What time zone?
Kenya has a time zone of GMT+3, 3 hours ahead of London (2 hours ahead during British Summer Time)
What language is spoken in Kenya?
Kenya has two official languages, Swahili and English. Both are widely spoken.
How long to stay?
Most visitors are issued with a 90-day visa. In order to see some of the country, it's best to stay at least a week; Kenya is a diverse country, with much to see. Travel times may also be long.
Restaurants on site
Most hotels offer a range of international dishes. Cities such as Nairobi have a vibrant dining culture, and some excellent restaurants. Traditional food is also common, and varies greatly from region to region. The staple dish of the country is cornmeal (as in Ugali), and richly flavoured rice (as in Kenyan Pilau) is also popular. Meat dishes include Kenyan Stew and Nyama Choma.
Family activities
The top family activity in Kenya is to go on safari. Other activities include snorkelling and attending cultural festivals.
How to travel to Kenya with your pet
It's not recommended to travel to Kenya with a pet – there are many ferocious wild animals, including lions, rhinos and leopards, which pose a threat to any pet running free.
Kenya: what budget to plan?
The average cost of travelling in Kenya is $100 (approximately £80) per person per day. However, if you're planning to go on safari, or to stay in luxury hotels, expect prices to be significantly more. The average cost of a safari is $800-$1,000 (£640-£800) per person per night.
Environment
Most of Kenya is still fairly natural. Savannah grassland predominates, and there are forests, mountains and lakes.
Additional practical information
Kenya uses a Type G plug, the same as in the UK. Kenyan society is conservative, so wear modest clothes and refrain from public displays of affection. Wear neutrally coloured clothing if you plan to go on safari.
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FAQ Travel Guide Kenya
A safari is undoubtedly THE thing to do in Kenya! Voyage Privé offers different types of safaris, such as: Kenya Safari and All Inclusive Beach Escape , Kenya Safari and Zanzibar Beach or Natural Wonders of the Magical Kenya
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