All issues Volume 22 (2020) BIO Web Conf., 22 (2020) 01009 Full HTML
BIO Web Conf.
International Conference "Longevity Interventions 2020" (ICLI 2020)
Problems of Gerontology and Geriatrics
https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20202201009
2 Materials and ...
3 Study results
4 Conclusions
BIO Web of Conferences 22, 01009 (2020)
Pathogenetic substantiation of the combined transplantation use of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells and hepatic stellate cells to restore the liver morphofunctional state after acute toxic hepatitis in the old body
Irina Maklakova1,2*, Dmitry Grebnev1,2, Victoria Vakhrusheva1 and Ilya Gavrilov1,2
1 FSBEI HE Ural State Medical University Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 620028, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
2 SAHI SO "Institute of Medical Cell Technologies", 620026, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
* Corresponding author: makliu@mail.ru
The purpose of this study was to study the cotransplantation influence of multipotent mesenchymal stromal (MMSC) and hepatic stellate (HSC) cells on liver regeneration of old laboratory animals in conditions of its toxic damage. Acute toxic hepatitis was caused by single intraperitoneal CC14 injection at a dose of 50 μg/kg. The introduction of MMSC and HSC was carried out at doses of 4 million cl/kg and 9 million cl/kg respectively 1 hour after toxic hepatitis modelling. The morphofunctional liver state of old laboratory mice was evaluated on the 1st, 3rd, 7th day after combined injection of MMSC and HSC in laboratory animals with toxic hepatitis. As a result of the study, it was obtained that MMSC and HSC cotransplantation leads to cellular and intracellular liver regeneration activation in old mice with acute toxic hepatitis. Also, the introduction of these cell types leads to decreased liver mutagenesis, inhibition of programmed cellular hepatocytes death. Thus, the conducted studies indicate the ability of combined MMSC and HSC transplantation to restore the morphofunctional liver state of the old organism under the conditions of its toxic damage.
Statistics data analysis from the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, the Department of Monitoring, Analysis and Strategic Development of Health, as well as the World Health Organization for 2018 show an increase in the number of patients with liver pathology [1]. Therapeutic approaches currently used in the treatment of liver failure remain ineffective. This makes finding new methods capable of activating regeneration in a damaged organ relevant.
This study examined the ability of two types of stem cells — hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSC) to activate liver regeneration in conditions of its toxic damage through the carbon tetrachloride introduction. The choice of these types of stem cells was due to their biological properties. Currently, hepatic stellate cells are seen as contenders for the role of liver stem cell by a number of authors [2, 3]. Their ability to differentiate into hepatocytes, cholangiocytes [3, 4] is shown. Hepatic stellate cells provide synthesis of subendothelial extracellular matrix, which regulates hepatocyte function, produce a wide range of cytokines that increase hepatocytes proliferative activity: hepatocytic growth factor (HGF), stem cell factor (SCF), epimorphine, pleiotrophin. Expressing VCAM-1 and SDF-1a HSC, they provide migration of autologous stem and progenitor cells including MMSC to the liver. MMSC can be compared to the "factory" for biologically active substances production. Thus, synthesized MMSC immunosuppressive factors (TGF-β, IL-10) provide the possibility of allogenic transplantation, significantly reducing the probability of immunological conflicts development [5, 6, 7, 8]. The ability of MMSC through formation of intercellular contacts to induce the production of heat-shock proteins with molecular weight of 70 kD (chaperones) in cells [9, 10, 11] has been proved. This group of proteins supports the conformation of structural and functional proteins. Given these biological relationships between MMSC and HSC, it seems promising to study the effect of combined transplantation of these cell types on liver regeneration in conditions of its damage.
It is known that during aging there is not only a decrease in the stem cells number, a decrease in differentiation ability, but also a decrease in their sensitivity to physiologically active substances [12, 13, 14]. This can determine the characteristics of liver regeneration in the conditions of its toxic damage during aging.
The purpose of this study was to study the MMSC and HSC combined transplantation effect on the liver regeneration of old laboratory animals in the conditions of its toxic damage.
2 Materials and methods of research
Experiments were performed on 84 white male laboratory mice 16-17 months of age, mass – 25—30 g. MMSC was released from the placenta chorion of 5 female laboratory mice aged 3—4 months, gestation period — 18 days. All experiments, care and management of animals were carried out in accordance with Directive No. 63 dated September 22, 2010 of the Presidency and the Parliament of Europe "On the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Research" and the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 267 of June 19, 2003 "On approval of the rules of laboratory practice". The research is approved by the local ethical committee of FSBEI HE "Ural State Medical University" Protocol No. 8 dated 20.10.2017.
The mononuclear cell fraction was obtained by sequential mechanical and enzymatic (solution of accutase (Millipore, USA)) processing of placenta tissue. The MMSC immunophenotype is characterized by: CD105+, Sca1+, CD29+, CD45- [10]. Immunophenotyping of MSSC suspension was carried out by flow cytometry method using monoclonal antibodies conjugated with fluorochromes (Becton Dickinson, USA). The MMSC content with immunophenotype positive by CD105, CD29, Sca-1 and negative by CD45 was evaluated in the fraction of transplantable cells on the Beckman Coulter Navios flow cytometer using the Mouse Mesenchymal Stem CellMulti-Color Flow Cytometry Kit (Bio-Techne, USA). The number of viable cells with the CD45-, CD105+, Sca1+, CD29+ phenotype was 93.5%. The HSC release was carried out by collagenase-pronase liver perfusion method followed by cell separation in histogenesis density gradient. The MMSC was cultivated under CO2 conditions — an incubator (Termo Scientific, USA) at a temperature of 370C with 5% carbon dioxide content and 90% humidity. The MMSC of the third passage was used for transplantation to laboratory animals. The HSC introduction was carried out immediately after cells isolation.
The study of isolated cells functional properties was carried out by directed differentiation of the obtained culture in directions characteristic of MMSC – in adipocytic and osteogenic. The HSC identification was performed on the Beckman Coulter Navios flow cytometer by evaluating HSC endogenous retinoid fluorescence. The cell viability was determined by supravital coloration with a solution of tripan blue and amounted to 95 — 97%.
Experimental group animals were intravenously injected with MMSC and HSC at a dose of 4 million cells/kg and 9 million cells/kg respectively, suspended in 0.2 ml 0.9% NaCl solution. The control group animals were injected with 0.9% solution of NaCl — 0.2 ml intravenously. Intravenous injection was performed 1 hour after the simulation of acute toxic hepatitis. Toxic hepatitis was caused by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 at a dose of 50 μg/kg.
The influence of MMSC and HSC combined transplantation on biochemical parameters of peripheral blood and morphometric liver parameters under physiological conditions and after subtotal resection on the 1st, 3rd, 7th day. The animals were taken out of the experiment with decapitation under mild ethereal anesthesia.
Histological liver cuts 3-5 μm thick stained with hematoxylin-eosin was made. For morphometric data analysis a computer program of image analysis (Biovision, Russia) was used. The following liver morphometric indicators were evaluated: hepatocyte count per 1 mm2, hepatocyte area, hepatocyte nucleus area, hepatocyte cytoplasm area, nuclear – cytoplasmic index (NCI), number of binuclear hepatocytes per 1 mm2, mitotic index (MI), apoptotic index (AI). Verification of apoptosis severity was carried out using the ApopTag® Peroxidase In Situ Oligo Ligation (ISOL) (Millipore, USA) method.
The evaluation of peripheral blood biochemical indicators was performed on the automatic biochemical and immunoenzyme analyzer Chem Well 2910 (Combi). The following biochemical indicators were studied: total protein, albumin, urea, glucose, total bilirubin, aspartataminotransferase (AST), alaninaminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP). "Olvex Diagnosticum" (Russia) kits were used in determining biochemical indicators. Determination of fibrinogen concentration was carried out on the hemostasis indicators analyzer APG2-02-P.
Statistical data processing was carried out using the SPSS Statistics software package (version 17.0). The data is represented as arithmetic mean (M) and standard mean error (m). The sample values distribution normality was estimated on the Shapiro—Wilk test. If there is a normal distribution, the differences estimation in group indicators was conducted according to the Student t-criterion, otherwise -the Mann-Whitney U-criterion. The differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.
On the 1st day after MMSC and HSC combined transplantation to old laboratory mice with toxic hepatitis, no reliable differences between experimental and control groups were found.
In the study of morphometric liver indicators of old laboratory animals 3 days after the carbon tetrachloride introduction, animals injected with MMSC and HSC had a decrease in apoptosis levels and increasing number of biconuclear hepatocytes. There was also an increase in the hepatocytes' nucleus area and a consequent increase in the nuclear cytoplasmic index. In the analysis of the hepatocytes micronuclei number there was a decrease observed compared to the control group (Table 1).
In the morphometric indicators' analysis of laboratory mice on the 7th day after carbon tetrachloride introduction, increased mitotic index and decreased apoptosis severity were noted in the experimental group. Also, after combined MMSC and HSC injection, an increase in the hepatocyte nuclei area was found, which contributed to the increase of the nuclear cytoplasmic index. In addition, there was an increase in the number of binuclear hepatocytes compared to the control group. Analyzing the number of cytogenetically altered cells, their decrease in comparison with the data of the control group was observed (Table 2).
Thus, it was identified that combined MMSC and HSC transplantation to old laboratory mice under toxic hepatitis conditions leads to activation of cellular and intracellular regeneration. Combined MMSC and HSC introduction led to a decrease in programmed cell death. The decrease in the number of hepatocytes with micronuclei in laboratory animals following the MMSC and HSC introduction indicates the ability of these cells to reduce induced mutagenic activity in the liver under toxic hepatitis conditions.
In the biochemical parameters' analysis of laboratory mice peripheral blood on the 3rd day after carbon tetrachloride introduction against the background of combined MMSC and HSC transplantation, a decrease in enzymes content characterizing hepatocyte cytolysis: AST, ALT (Table 3) was observed.
In the analysis of the peripheral blood biochemical parameters on the 7th day after the combined MMSC and HSC transplantation against the carbon tetrachloride introduction background, there was a noticeable decrease in the level of AST to values of intact animals, decrease in ALT levels, increase in fibrinogen (Table 4) .
Morphometric liver indicators of old laboratory mice 3 days after CCl4, M±m injection, n = 7
Morphometric liver indicators of laboratory mice on the 7th day after CCl4 injection, M±m, n = 7
Biochemical blood indicators of laboratory mice on the 3rd day after CCl4 injection, M±m, n = 7
Biochemical blood indicators of laboratory mice on the 7th day after CCl4 injection, M±m, n = 7
Conducted studies indicate the ability of combined MMSC and HSC transplantation to activate liver regeneration in the old body under the conditions of its toxic damage. Regeneration activation is achieved through the inclusion of cellular (mitotic activity increase) and intracellular mechanisms (increased number of binuclear hepatocytes, increased nuclear-cytoplasmic index). Regeneration activation may be due to the ability of HSC to produce growth factors, as well as the ability of MMSC to merge – "fusion-effect". The data obtained also show that introduction of cell species provides reduced mutagenesis and inhibition of programmed cell death. The apoptosis inhibition can be explained by the MMSC ability to induce the production of heat-shock proteins (chaperones) in liver cells through the formation of intercellular contacts. Heat-shock proteins provide stability to structural and functional proteins including reparation enzymes. Thus, the cell gains additional opportunities to repair damage in the DNA molecule structure, resulting in a decrease in programmed cell death and a decrease in the amount of cytogenetically altered cells.
Thus, the conducted studies indicate the ability of combined MMSC and HSC transplantation to restore the morphofunctional liver state of the old organism under the conditions of its toxic damage.
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In the text
Possibility of using combined transplantation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells and hepatic stellate cells to activate reparative liver regeneration in mature and old organism
Features of regenerative processes in case of extreme factors influencing the body
Liver regeneration in traditional Chinese medicine: advances and challenges
Regen Med Res 2020, 8, 1
Obtaining hepatocytes by transdifferentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells by genetic engineering
Circulating CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells paralleled with level of viremia in patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus


Foolish (2011)
Reviewer eatdogs
Foolish, originally released in 1994 on one of the best indie labels ever, Merge Records, has been carefully remastered and re-released on vinyl/CD with bonuses and that all engrossing, rich sound that fans have come to know from this muppet rock band of the '90s. It is without a doubt that this is a band worth extreme recognition in D.I.Y. spirit and punk attitude. Superchunk has been a leader in the pop-punk/indie rock scene since forever; their efforts have inspired many acts like Weezer, Motion City Soundtrack and the Get Up Kids. Staying true to their roots, but going even further, Foolish proved to be their mid-career milestone and an album with fierce intensity hidden behind great pop songs.
Made with the heaviness of separation and anxiety, Superchunk crafted an album of said emotions and it's filtered throughout the 12 tracks contained here. Songs like "Keeping Track" and "Like a Fool" give a deeply personal insight to a person's emotional state--"From stage to stage we flew / A drink in every hand / My hand on your heart had been replaced / And I thought it was you that I chased"--but of course these types of songs have been written before (Bob Dylan's Blood On the Tracks, for example). What perhaps stands out the most is the time from whence these songs came. The '90s were the upstart to the suburban landscape of emo and indie rock. The insight into making songs of longing and hurt poured out from all directions and they gave kids a sense to make it themselves. There is a reason why so many of these bands emerged from that time period. A rip was made from the mainstream and anyone could do it, but with more integrity and appreciation to the music itself. Superchunk proved that with their previous efforts like No Pocky for Kity and On the Mouth, but it was here that it all came into fruition.
"The First Part" bangs with the reminder of D.C. post-hardcore and it ends with an epic riffing that makes one's fingers hurt just listening to it. "Water Wings" is another example of cynical, yet catchy lyrics, but it's "Saving My Ticket" that is perhaps the best example of this feat. "Always expecting the worse / My mouth cracked open spit out a curse / Well timed and well-rehearsed / And that's no surprise." The guitars and vocals of Mac McCaughan are so well done that it's a tragedy not many see how he is awesome. The guy sings with a sort of nasally tone, but it fits so damn well that you couldn't think of anyone else doing it (Matthew Pryor could be a close comparison…). The other members of Superchunk complement the music to levels of mastery. Jack McCook accompanies McCaughan well with his guitars and the rhythm section of bassist Laura Ballance and drummer Jon Hurst give the album a very nice groove; never going over the edge. It's an album that's both crunchy yet contained. A statement that's uptempo, but reserved; caring and confused. Listen to final track "In a Stage Whisper" for a calmer movement that reflects the somber/mellow moments of bands like Archers of Loaf and Sonic Youth.
As for this reissue, the extras aren't super great, but they do offer a bit more into the time from when this came out. Three acoustic B-sides from their Driveway to Driveway EP and some basement demos recorded by Hurst prior to the album are attached, as well as The Clambakes, Vol. 6: One in a Row, a 64-minute live recording from 1994 of a show at First Avenue in Minneapolis during the Foolish tour.
On a final note, this was my first album by Superchunk. Nothing ever really topped it as far as content and energy. To this day, the band is still around and cranking out great music. To think that one of the best bands from the '90s scene is still playing and still crafting excellent tunes is a significant achievement and one to look up to for any person or band. Dig it…
Opeth: Heritage
We Were Promised Jetpacks: In the Pit of the Stomach


Marichal Monts
Marichal Monts is an incredibly unique individual who carries a deep message of faith, hope and love. As a native of Hartford, CT, and the oldest son of Margaret and the late James Monts, he attended the Renbrook School (West Hartford, CT), and the Groton School (Groton, MA) and graduated from Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT). With God's help and great encouragement from his mother and grandmother, he has successfully mastered the journey from the dangerous streets of the North End of Hartford to a committed life of service to God and humankind.
Marichal Monts is often described as one who is consistent, dedicated, and focused with an uncanny ability to overcome virtually any adverse situation. As a student at Wesleyan, he began a radio broadcast on Sunday mornings, and now after over 38 years he has one of the most loyal listening audiences on WESU (estimated at over 1,000,000). It is also noteworthy that Marichal Monts has also served as the conductor and music director of the Ebony Singers of the prestigious Wesleyan University from 1986 until the present.
Marichal Monts' emergence into full time ministry came full circle in 1995, when he yielded to the call of God to establish a fresh, innovative and progressive ministry, known as The Citadel of Love (www.TheCitadelofLove.org) in the city that would bring positive, life-long change in the lives of all who would be challenged to reach their full potential and destiny.
His energetic, informed, and compassionate demeanor has enabled him to effectively communicate God's message of love, power, and deliverance to those in need. As the mouthpiece of God for this generation, Marichal Monts ministers truth that challenges people to embrace the fullness of God's Holy Word and their God ordained destiny.
Marichal Monts has given his life to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and the residents of the Greater Hartford community. He has an impressive background as a leader in the private and community sector and has garnered great respect for his work ethic and creativity, and in 2006 received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from St. Thomas Christian College . Monts is a leader who is fueled by vision and determination. He has been a key player in the changing spiritual skyline of the Greater Hartford and New England area for over three decades and continues to rise above adversity to accomplish great exploits for the Kingdom of God. In addition to serving as a Chaplain to the Hartford Police Department, Marichal Monts has a five star mentality and has written two life changing books "Ordered Steps" and "Just Like My Father," and is currently working on another literary offering. Marichal Monts pushes his members, friends, and associates to pursue and acquire a life of excellence; and in 2020 He will lead the wonderful people of the Citadel of Love in their 25th Silver Anniversary celebration, continuing to hold on to the precept and promise that: "Jesus Never Fails!"
You can tune in to Marichal Monts on WESU Middletown, 88.1 FM on Sundays from 10am to 11:30am at www.wesufm.org.


HomeKiaSoul EVNewsGeneral
Kia Soul EV to be Sold in New Zealand Too?
Kia Soul EV to be Sold in New Zealand Too? product 2013-12-19 20:04:42 https://insideevs.com/news/319999/kia-soul-ev-to-be-sold-in-new-zealand-too/ Kia Soul EV General
Redesigned Kia Soul - Non Electric Version
Kia Motors will launch its Soul EV in the US in 2014. After that, the Soul EV will head to New Zealand. Say what?
According to Voxy, the Soul EV may well end up for sale in New Zealand at some point in the near future, but not until after it goes on sale in the UK in late 2014 or early 2015.
The reason New Zealand expects to get the Soul EV is because it will be offered in right-hand drive.
Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand, told Voxy:
"The fact that the electric Soul is going into the UK means there is a strong possibility it could be available to us."
"We are in talks with our parent company in Korea to see if we can turn that opportunity into a reality. The Soul EV is a very technologically advanced vehicle and would showcase the fact that Kia is not just a leader in vehicle design, but also in sophisticated engineering."
Right-hand drive is widely preferred in both the UK and New Zealand, so if you're going to sell a RHD vehicle in the UK, then you might as well make it available in New Zealand, too.
Known Kia Soul EV Specs:
210 Pound-feet of torque
27 kWh lithium polymer battery pack
Target range of more than 120 miles (expect 90 or so for an official EPA rating)
Recharge in under 5 hours on 240 volt or in 25 minutes via quick charge (likely CHAdeMO, though Kia doesn't specifically mention this)
0 to 62 MPH in less than 12 seconds
Top speed of 90 MPH
Kia Soul - Non Electric Version
Source: Voxy
SUV/Crossover


Family pay tribute to 'amazing' dad Frank MacFarlane killed in Fife crash
The family of Frank MacFarlane, from Rosyth, had to make the heartbreaking decision to switch off his life support on Saturday
Sally Hind
In heartfelt tributes relatives said Frank MacFarlane was an amazing man (Image: Facebook)
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid by the family of a man who died after his car collided with a wall in Fife.
Frank MacFarlane, 61, from Rosyth, was driving his BMW when his car left the A985 at 5.35am on Friday, between the Cairneyhill roundabout and Kincardine.
He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance but he died from his injuries on Saturday.
On Saturday, Brogan Taylor, Frank's stepdaughter, wrote on Facebook saying the family had made the devastating decision to turn off his life support machine due to the extent of his injuries.
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She said: "Myself and the family would like to let everyone know after the difficult decision of turning franks ventilator off he has peacefully passed away with his loved ones at his side.
"It was the right decision as he would have been severely disabled and bed bound everyone that new frank would know that is not what he would have wanted."
The crash happened on Friday on the A985
"He was an amazing man and will be in our hearts forever and will be sadly missed by a lot of people but he is finally at peace and out of pain!
"If everyone could please give us time to heal and respect the family's privacy at this time!
"RIP Franky boy one of the best men in my life I will love you forever until we meet again shine bright my angel."
In an earlier post, Brogan said her stepdad had suffered a bleed on the brain which caused him to black out behind the wheel and suffer serious injuries.
She said: "His brain is too badly damaged and there is nothing the doctors and nurses can do for him he is currently on life support at the moment until we are ready to turn the machine off.
"Frank was a loved man by a lot of people and me and my family are heartbroken."
She added in another post: "I honestly can't thank the royal infirmary doctors and nurses enough they were just amazing with frank and with us!!"
Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash and appealing for anyone with dashcam footage to contact them.
Sergeant Alastair Purvis, of Fife Road Policing, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr MacFarlane at this difficult time.
"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing. We would urge anybody who was driving on the road and may have dashcam footage or witnessed the incident to contact police."
The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh


ΑρχικήInternationalAnother record-breaking end-of-year period for the posts
Another record-breaking end-of-year period for the posts
Every year, the end of the year is peak season for the posts, with millions of greetings cards being sent with holiday wishes for friends and family. Moreover, e-commerce volumes are peaking due to all the online Christmas shopping – a more recent trend.
For instance, between 1 and 23 December 2017, Swiss Post employees processed more than 18m parcels, despite the fact that the calendar left one fewer day for sorting this year than in previous years. On peak days in December, over 1m parcels a day passed through the systems at its sorting centres. On 19 December, Swiss Post set a new record: its three centres processed more than 1.3m parcels, more than ever before on a single day.
The record-breaking online sales during the holiday season grew Posti's parcel volume to 37m postal items in 2017. Parcel volume increased by 9% compared to the previous year. Posti also delivered more than 26m Christmas cards were sent this year in Finland.
bpost announced it would deliver around 350,000 parcels per day, while its letter mail traffic would increase by 30% during the peak season.
An Post delivered 1.74m parcels in the five week lead-up to Christmas, which was a new record and up 27% on the previous year. In a statement sent to Post&Parcel on 5 January, An Post said that parcel volumes from Amazon alone showed an increase of more than 30% on 2016.
Royal Mail Group reported total parcel volumes in the December trading period were 149m, up 6% over the same period last year.
To be able to cope with the peak volumes around the holiday season, posts begin to prepare their operations months in advance.
The US Postal Service expected the week starting on 18 December – the last week before Christmas – to be the busiest week of the holiday mailing and shipping season. The postal operator expected to process and deliver nearly 3bn pieces of First-Class Mail, including greeting cards, during that week alone. The USPS also expected to deliver nearly 200m packages each week from 11 till 24 December. In total, the post anticipated delivering more than 15bn total pieces of mail during the 2017 holiday season (running from Thanksgiving end of November until New Year's Day). USPS expected to deliver more than 850 million packages, an increase of more than 10 percent compared to the same period last year.
To be able to handle these record volumes more efficiently, Swiss Post upgraded its parcel centres with additional high-performance sorting systems, increasing capacity by 25 percent over the past few years. The construction of three additional regional parcel centres in Cadenazzo, Untervaz and Vétroz has already been planned. This will enable punctual processing of parcel volumes, which are growing each year. To keep things running smoothly during the Christmas rush, Swiss Post employees undertook additional assignments on several occasions, with all available staff reporting for work and the machines in the letter centres running almost round the clock, including weekends.
Posti has ensured the smoothness of deliveries and strengthened its service point network, for instance, by adding more lockers to the Posti parcel locker network and by opening temporary pop-up pickup points for the Christmas season. The number of Posti service points has continued to increase by 40% during the last six years.
New Zealand Post was prepared to process an anticipated 41.5m letters and parcels in December – including 20% more parcels compared to the previous year. NZ Post took on an extra 600 staff, 200 vans, 13 line-haul trucks and operated an additional 737 aircraft to meet the predicted increased Christmas volumes.
bpost announced 700 additional delivery staff were hired to cope with the increase in both parcel and standard mail deliveries.
E-commerce is growing year after year and 2017 was yet another record-breaking year. According to MasterCard, US e-commerce sales grew 18.1% during the 2017 holiday season versus the previous year's holiday period, while Adobe Digital Insights reported a 14.7% year-on-year increase. Interesting to note is that mobile commerce is a strong growth driver, with Adobe Digital Insights reporting a 22.2% year-on-year increase during the Thanksgiving–Cyber Monday week at the end of November. Mobile sales accounted for about a third of total e-commerce sales and will continue to grow over the coming years.
This surge in e-commerce is driving the increased postal volumes. Finland's Posti, for instance, saw parcel volume grow 9% in 2017 due to record-breaking online sales. "During the year, e-commerce picked up and the number of e-commerce parcels grew by more than 15%", said Toni Laaksonen, Vice President, Parcel Services at Posti.
Australia Post released an infographic with the key figures from the 2017 Christmas season. They reported a 17% increase in parcel deliveries. Over 37m parcels delivered in December, with 2.7m parcels delivered on 18 December, the busiest day of the year. Cross-border e-commerce deliveries also increased: over 4.3m cross-border parcels were delivered. The main source countries were China, the US and the UK.
New Zealand Post also referred to online shopping as a driver behind increase postal volumes. They saw continued strong demand in online shopping, encouraged by popular sale days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The growth already started in early November, with NZ Post's busiest days already reaching over 2.7m items in the network, said New Zealand Post's Chief Operating Officer, Mark Steward.
bpost also reported that on average, they delivered 175,000 parcels a day in 2017 – a 20% increase compared to 2016.
Only on Monday and Tuesday before Christmas, Poczta Polska's customers shipped over 1m packages. During the Christmas period, the number of shipments sent in relation to normal months, like August, increased by an average of 35%. During the most intense week preceding Christmas, package volumes were 81% higher than the 2017 average. Poczta Polska also recorded record volumes of cross-border shipments – the largest growth was observed in parcel traffic coming from China.
The increase in online shopping has also led to an increase in returns, which peaked in the days after Christmas and New Year's Day and broke records in many markets.
bpost reported a record volume of returned shipments on the days after Christmas and New Year's Day, with around 25,000 returns on both days – a 65% increase compared to the average return volumes.
UPS went so far as to name 3 January as National Returns Day, expecting to see up to 1.4m return shipments on that day alone – up 8% compared to the previous year. In December 2017, consumers shipped more than 1 million returns packages to retailers daily, a pace expected to last into early January 2018, said UPS.
Special campaigns and stamps
At the end of the year, millions of people continue to spread Christmas cheer through Christmas cards. In the UK, Royal Mail reported that Christmas cards remain very popular: according to the Greeting Card Association (GCA), over 1.13bn Christmas cards are bought each year in the UK.
Children across the world write letters to Santa to tell him how good they've been over the year and what they would like for Christmas. Every year, many posts deliver these letters to Santa Claus and even help answering these letters.
Swiss Post delivered exactly 20,188 children's letters and cards to the iconic Christmas figure and assisted him in answering his mail. These campaign showcase the posts' positive role in society.
Other holiday campaigns focus on helping others during this season of cheer, like for instance Swiss Post' "2 x Christmas" solidarity campaign. The campaign has been running for 21 years now, working together with the Swiss Red Cross (SRC), the broadcaster SRG SSR and retailer Coop.
(International Postal Corporation)
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Σε ισχύ, από τις 14/9, αυστηρότεροι κανόνες στις ηλεκτρονικές πληρωμές...


Gender, Sexuality and Women's Issues
GENDER, SEXUALITY and WOMEN'S STUDIES
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Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies
One major, multiple perspectives.
The Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Program at UVM offers students an opportunity to think about sex, gender, gender identity and other forms of difference over time and across cultures. The students and faculty of GSWS draw from the social sciences, the physical sciences, the humanities and creative arts to pursue research on questions about gender (the social meaning of the distinctions among sexes) and sexuality (sexual identities, discourses, and institutions). We ask: How have gender and sexual roles been created? How and why are they sustained? Who has benefited from these roles and who has been disadvantaged? How have experiences of sex, gender, sexuality, and gender identity differed by race, (dis)ability, nationality, language, social class, sexual identity? How have these issues changed over time? In what ways are they experienced differently in the United States and in other countries?
Building upon a gateway course, students in the major design a concentration of upper-level courses (often following either a social science or humanities track) and conclude with a senior seminar capstone. Our majors work closely with faculty advisors who encourage students to pursue academic honors by writing a senior thesis and to pursue pre-professional internships. Our two interdisciplinary minors, one in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies and the other in Sexuality and Gender Identity Studies, are open to all students from across the UVM community.
Admitted Student Visit Day:
VIDEO: Tina Escaja explores how the digital age transformed the meaning of connection? (YouTube)
Finding a Voice
Linnea Johnson arrived at UVM with a passion for social justice, but lacked the knowledge and vocabulary to articulate her world view. Four years later, as she graduates with a double major in gender, sexuality and women's studies (GSWS) and philosophy,she is an experienced and articulate advocate.
"I developed skills that will be super important in my career," she says. "I just needed to learn the vocabulary—to put names to things I felt strongly about and learn about their history and origins."
Entering UVM as an undeclared major, Johnson found her academic path after taking an introductory GSWS course with Annika Ljung-Baruth.
"I always knew deep down I was discontented with my position in society as a woman, but I didn't have the tools or words to express that. The course gave me an understanding of the foundation of that discontent."
During her time at UVM Johnson was especially involved in the issue of sexual assault on college campuses. She advocates for more education for sexual violence prevention, more resources for workers tasked with doing prevention work on college campuses, and greater support for victims.
"I hope I've helped raise awareness–it really starts with a dialogue. That's something I try to do by asking questions at open forums, speaking at rallies, and just informal conversations."
Johnson found many outlets to apply her knowledge and passion in ways that made a difference at UVM and in the surrounding community.
Read more of Linnea's story
Careers in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
Graduates of our program have found jobs in fields as diverse as arts administration, social services, business, city government, and publishing. Others have joined the Peace Corps or gone on to law school, medical school, or graduate programs in such fields as public administration, English, history, and of course women's and gender studies. Through their liberal arts education at UVM, our graduates are equipped with a broad range of transferable skills enabling them to succeed in any profession.
UVM has a Career Services Center where dedicated professionals help you career plan and job search.


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Leaving Art: Writings on Performance, Politics, and Publics, 1974–2007
Suzanne Lacy
Suzanne Lacy is an internationally known artist whose work includes installations, video, and large-scale performances on social themes and urban issues. She is also chair of the Master in Fine Arts in Public Practice program at Otis College of Art and Design. Lacy edited the collection Mapping the Terrain: New Genre Public Art and has published more than seventy articles on public and performance art.
This content is made freely available by the publisher. It may not be redistributed or altered. All rights reserved.
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Cinderella in a Dragster
https://doi.org/10.1215/9780822391227-006
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2010. "Cinderella in a Dragster", Leaving Art: Writings on Performance, Politics, and Publics, 1974–2007, Suzanne Lacy
The Bag Lady On Memory
Picturing a South African Gold Mine
Appendix Chronology and Selected Performances and Installations
The Aftermath "They Were Enjoying Our Freedom."
Local Timeline in Relation to National Liberation
Learning to Look The Seventies
Postscript Doing Fieldwork at the End of Apartheid


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Richardsons Holidays
The Staithe, Stalham, Norwich, NR12 9BX
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Experience the fun at Richardsons….. check out our current vacancies for a great opportunity to feel the holiday fun whilst at work.
Richardson's is a family-run company with over 70 years' experience in providing fun-filled, value for money holidays. We offer family holidays in our seaside holiday park, we also have an adults-only Holiday Village adjacent to our family park, and we are also the owners of the largest fleet of pleasure cruisers on the Norfolk Broads.
At Richardson's our aim is to expand and be recognised as excelling in our field, creating opportunities to better ourselves by supporting each other. With an honest approach and belief in our brand we will continue to deliver quality with an exciting passion for fun.
Boating:
The Norfolk broads are one of the best places in the UK for river boating and our company is among the best for boat hire and boating holidays in the UK.
Our boats are of various berth sizes, sleeping from 2 to 12 persons, cater for everyone and most are also pet friendly.
Holidaymakers are able to reach the following locations: Norwich, Brundall, Beccles and Great Yarmouth plus many others from our Richardsons' Stalham or Acle boatyards.
Holiday Parks:
We excel at providing fun, affordable and unforgettable holidays for all the family. Getting the summer going is what we're all about.
Our family holiday park offers week-long breaks and short breaks on the gorgeous Norfolk coast; an unspoilt part of the British Isles renowned for breathtaking views and bracing sea air.
We also have a children's club and in-house facilities and amusements. On-site facilities at our holiday park include an indoor heated swimming pool, amusement arcade, fantastic outdoor play and family fun area with racing cars and much, much more.
The Copacabana Club is a family-friendly club showcasing live shows and cabarets for all, including competitions for kids and regular bingo for older members of the family.
Holiday Village:
Seacroft Holiday Village is an adults only village situated on the Norfolk coast near Great Yarmouth in the traditional seaside resort Hemsby. Refurbished in 2016 Seacroft has a new Harlequin show bar, reception, holiday shop, snooker room.
We provide full waitress service and a full daytime and nightly entertainment programme to suit the individual breaks. We offer themed breaks from February to December, Christmas and New Year, including Comedy, 60's, 70's themes and Star Cabarets.
If you would like to know more about Richardsons, including any opportunities that we have to offer, follow us here on icanbea... and visit our website.
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Richardson's is a family-run company with over 70 years' experience in providing fun-filled, value for money holidays.
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senseFly Widens Commercial Strategy and Announces New Leadership Structure to Build on eBee X's Success
The fixed-wing drone leader heads into 2019 with a more independent approach—its two co-leaders looking to build on the eBee X drone's success by leveraging a wider array of strategic partnerships
Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland, December 6, 2018—senseFly, the industry's leading provider of professional fixed-wing drone solutions and a subsidiary of Parrot Group, today announces the evolution of its commercial strategy and a new collaborative leadership structure as it looks to build on the excellent initial adoption of its eBee X mapping drone.
senseFly today reports that its average monthly order book has doubled since the arrival of the eBee X onto the market in late September, with twice as many geospatial and agricultural professionals choosing to purchase an eBee X in October and November than bought previous-generation eBee systems in the previous two months.
Evolving partnership strategy
As Parrot Group adopts a more decentralised and flexible strategy, senseFly is in turn adapting its approach in order to reap the benefits of its enhanced independence.
While the company will continue its close collaboration with its sister companies in Parrot Group, such as Parrot Drone, Pix4D and MicaSense, its leadership team is also looking across the industry with the aim of identifying interesting new commercial partnerships, for example with the providers of other industry-specific software titles.
"As the commercial UAV market matures, it is essential that we at senseFly chart our own path forwards in order to best meet the needs of our customers and to bring the productivity benefits that fixed-wing drones offer to as many businesses as possible," said senseFly's CEO Gilles Labossière. "This, of course, means working closely with the other companies within Parrot Group to create further integrated offerings in the style of today's Survey 360 and Ag 360 solutions. However, it also means renewing our focus on wider strategic partnership opportunities, as this will ensure we continue to offer vertically-relevant, end-to-end solutions to the growing number of organisations looking to integrate drones into their businesses."
Today, senseFly operators enjoy seamless compatibility with some of the industry's leading image processing software programs. Users can, for instance, transfer the imagery that any eBee drone captures, seamlessly, from the aircraft's eMotion flight software into Pix4D, Agisoft or Trimble Business Center processing platforms, with just one click.
"As we continue strengthening our offer, further industry partnerships will be key to widening such compatibilities and expanding the usability of our solutions," Labossière added.
New co-leadership approach
Following the announcement of Labossière as the CEO of senseFly in April 2018, Jean-Thomas Célette—previously senseFly's Head of Product Management, Business Development and Customer Support—has now been appointed Managing Director of the company.
These two experienced executives will work in close synchronisation, as dynamic co-leaders, to build on senseFly's position as the market's fixed-wing leader and drive the company's growth through 2019 and beyond, closely supported by the rest of senseFly's leadership team.
Labossière will be responsible for driving the company's commercial and product strategy. Célette meanwhile will continue to be responsible for senseFly's product roadmap, in addition to now overseeing the company's R&D, customer experience and operational functions.
"By adopting an intelligent and carefully-defined collaborative approach, supported by our trusted department leaders, I'm confident that Jean-Thomas and I can increase the scope and capacity of senseFly's leadership function to move the company efficiently forwards," Labossière said.
Jean-Thomas Célette, the company's new Managing Director, added: "Since my arrival at senseFly in 2016, I've been blown away by the talent of our team and, in equal measure, by the enthusiasm and professionalism of our thousands of clients around the world. Therefore, I'm excited to be granted this opportunity. I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with Gilles to help us meet the needs of even more clients across an ever-wider range of industries."
About senseFly
At senseFly we believe in using technology to make work safer and more efficient. Our proven drone solutions simplify the collection and analysis of geospatial data, allowing professionals in surveying, agriculture, engineering and humanitarian aid to make better decisions, faster. Founded in 2009, senseFly is the commercial drone subsidiary of Parrot Group. For more information, go to www.sensefly.com.
Explore more: Imagery, Remote Sensing, UAV & Drones
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About Axios Twin Cities
Axios Twin Cities is an Axios company.
Sep 6, 2022 - Politics
Trail Mix: Survey sheds light on Tyler Kistner's abortion stance
Torey Van Oot
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
Welcome back to Trail Mix, Axios Twin Cities reporter Torey Van Oot's weekly column reporting on the midterm campaigns.
Republican congressional candidate Tyler Kistner pledged to support federal legislation aimed at further reducing abortion access in response to a recent issue survey.
Why it matters: Abortion has become a hot topic in the rematch between Kistner and DFL U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
The Prior Lake Republican, who touted his "100% pro-life" record in his 2020 campaign, said this summer that he does support exceptions for rape or when a pregnant person's life is in danger.
He said in June that the issue should be "left at the states to decide."
Yes, but: The "pro-life" survey, published this summer by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, asked candidates for federal office if they would support so-called "incremental approach" bills seeking to reduce abortion as part of "a strategic plan for creating a pro-life nation."
Kistner answered yes to that question, as well as one asking candidates if they'd work to uphold any "pro-life" laws or policies in place when they took office.
A spokesperson for Kistner didn't respond to a request for comment.
Zoom out: Republican candidates around the country have been downplaying— or in some cases reversing — hardline anti-abortion stances they took during their primaries in light of signs that the Dobbs decision has energized Democratic voters, Axios' Alexi McCammond and Andrew Solender report.
Endorsement drama for realtors
A decision to take a side in the governor's race is lighting up the Minnesota Realtors' listserv.
What's happening: Minnesota Realtors Political Action Committee endorsed DFL Gov. Tim Walz's re-election bid late last month.
That announcement prompted a flurry of messages on the association's members-only email chain, with some realtors threatening to pull their support over the move.
What they're saying: "Looks like we have our own Swamp. Right here in Minnesota," one agent wrote, pledging that he wouldn't give "another dime" to the group.
The response: Other members chimed in to defend the decision and process, which included interviews with both top candidates.
Some noted that the PAC, which routinely backs candidates from both sides of the aisle, previously endorsed Republican Tim Pawlenty.
Of note: The CEO of Minnesota Realtors declined to comment.
What it tells us: Tensions — and emotions — are running high in this hyper-polarized era of politics.
Quote du jour... Jensen on tax returns
"I'm not interested in having the media divert from the issues of inflation and crime and education in order to do this spitballing,"
— GOP gubernatorial nominee Scott Jensen to MPR News on why he doesn't plan to release his tax returns ahead of the election.
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NYT: Justice Thomas's Wife Sets Up a Conservative Lobbying Shop
February 4, 2011- The wife of Justice Clarence Thomas, who has raised her political profile in the last year through her outspoken conservative activism, is rebranding herself as a lobbyist and self-appointed "ambassador to the Tea Party movement."
Virginia Thomas, the justice's wife, said on libertyinc.co, a Web site for her new political consulting business, that she saw herself as an advocate for "liberty-loving citizens" who favored limited government, free enterprise and other core conservative issues. She promised to use her "experience and connections" to help clients raise money and increase their political impact.
Ms. Thomas's effort to take a more operational role on conservative issues could intensify questions about her husband's ability to remain independent on issues like campaign finance and health care, legal ethicists said.
Justice Thomas "should not be sitting on a case or reviewing a statute that his wife has lobbied for," said Monroe H. Freedman, a Hofstra Law School professor specializing in legal ethics. "If the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, that creates a perception problem."
Ms. Thomas's founding of her own political consulting shop, Liberty Consulting, was first reported Thursday by Politico, which said she had begun reaching out to freshmen Republicans in Congress.
The move comes a few months after she gave up the top spot at Liberty Central, a conservative Web site that she founded in 2009 and that has strong links to the Tea Party movement.
Truthout: Wal-Mart Is Not a Person
Cenk Uygur: Boehner A 'Corporation Masquerading as a Person'


MSU Tent Theatre Resumes This Summer--Without A Tent
KSMU | By Randy Stewart
(Poster design courtesy MSU Tent Theatre)
After cancelling their entire live-performance season last summer due to COVID-19, Missouri State University Tent Theatre returns to action for their 59th season starting June 16—albeit indoors in Craig Hall Theatre, as the patio behind Craig Hall, where the tent has been erected all those years, is undergoing construction for the new John Goodman Amphitheater. Mark Templeton, Managing Director of Tent, visited KSMU's "Arts News" to talk about the current season.
"We are thrilled to be back," said Templeton. The season includes the 1960s-influenced musical "Beehive;" the comedy stage parody of Hitchcock's film "The 39 Steps;" and, presented exclusively as an online stream, an encore of MSU Theatre and Dance's video-recorded production of "The Secret Garden" from the fall of 2020.
First on Templeton's agenda was to announce the "great news for us" that all performances of the first production, "Beehive," scheduled for June 16-19, are sold out. "But that doesn't mean you can't see it. We are live streaming 'Beehive.' People can go online and purchase a live streaming ticket, and you can bring in a whole family and see it for one low price." MSU Tent Theatre streaming video access costs $34, no matter how many people are watching the stream. "And if somebody wants to make a whole season of that, there is a whole-season streaming pass for $90 for all three shows this year," said Templeton. He said Tent Theatre officials have been "pleasantly surprised" by the ticket sales so far—like everyone else, they were unsure how much interest there would be among theater patrons to gather together and attend live performances again. That said, it should be kept in mind that Tent is only giving four performances of each show this summer—one weekend for each: "Beehive" June 16 through 19, "39 Steps" June 23 through 26, and the live stream of "Secret Garden June 29 through July 3.
And Templeton said MSU will continue somewhat socially-distanced seating in Coger Theatre, what he called "pod seating," where groups can be seated together, with distance between groups. "We're not seating the entire house, but we are very close to it." There will be around 350 audience members each night, which is actually "a little bit more than what we were seating in the tent. So our numbers are really good."
Mark Templeton says his office overlooks the John Goodman Amphitheater construction site behind Craig Hall. Of course, with all the recent rain he said "it's looked more like a pool than a theatre! But it's just like, 'yeah—it's really happening!' It's going to be spectacular, and will hopefully come to fruition in June of 2022."
Since "Beehive" is sold out, how many patrons can MSU Tent Theatre accommodate for the online streams? "Right now we are limited to 30 per performance," Templeton said. But as of right now they "plenty of room." And he said experience with streaming other attractions during the school year has taught him that, seemingly, "everybody tends to be last minute decision makers on those types of things!" He said they will try to accommodate everyone who wants to buy a streaming pass, and that they will seek permission to add more streaming access if needed.
MSU Theatre and Dance has acquired good practical experience in multi-camera video production during the past year, with help from Springfield Little Theatre—who have practically made a TV studio out of the Landers Theatre—and the MSU Media, Journalism and Film Department. "It's one of those times where we've had to rethink and re-envision everything, and where we need to put our money and resources to best help our organizations."
Mark Templeton noted that they have "viable understudies" for each cast member in "Beehive", "which is something that we haven't done in the past. But considering what's been going on, we thought that that would be a good thing to have. So, in case something were to happen to one of our performers, we're ready to go." Performers will not be masked this summer. ("Secret Garden," which was video-recorded last fall, does show performers wearing masks.) But our guidelines for our theater are the same as anywhere else, you know, which is that we recommend masks, but they're not required. And whatever people are most comfortable with, that's what they should do."
As for "The 39 Steps," Mark Templeton called it "a fun piece. We have talked about doing that for years. The (actors) in that show, they play dozens of different characters. It's just a romp of a good time. I visited a rehearsal the other day and they were just having a blast."
Like "Beehive," in-person tickets for "39 Steps" have also sold "very well," said Templeton. "Our Wednesday and Thursday performances (June 23 and 24) are full, but we do have availability for live seating on Friday and Saturday (June 25 and 26)." But even for those dates, he added, seating "is very limited. So if people were in the planning stages, I would recommend that they call today to get their tickets for that particular show."
The streaming broadcasts of "The Secret Garden" June 29 through July 3 will all be at the regular Tent Theatre curtain time of 8:00pm. "We are so excited to bring that back," Templeton said. "I know there's a lot of people that did not get to see it (last fall). We had some national press that hit right after we closed that show--and then we were getting calls from people about wanting to see it and view it."
As has been pointed out before, acquiring video-stream rights from show producers and/or script publishers can be tricky. In fact, the producers of "The Secret Garden" normally require theater companies offering streaming videos of the show to delete the master file once they've completed their run. "And we had intended to do that, and then we discovered that there was one (copy) that we did not (delete). We explained our situation and told them we were willing to do this immediately, but they were very giving and allowed us to do an encore (this summer).
"And this actually has become a fundraiser for our musical theater program. So it's supporting Tent Theatre, but it's also supporting our musical theater program.As one can imagine, most arts organizations during the last year have just taken massive hits financially. And anything we can do to help that, we're going to be open to suggestions. And in this case, we're going to do an encore performance of a show that was very popular. I hope people will kind of search through our website and find the way that they can stream that to their living room and have an enjoyable experience for their family."
Visit https://tenttheatre.missouristate.edu to find information on Tent's 2021 season, or call 836-7678 (toll-free 1-888-476-8749), to order in-person tickets for "The 39 Steps" or a video stream of that show or "The Secret Garden." In-person tickets range from $19 to $32, and each online stream costs $34.
Arts and EntertainmentArts NewsMissouri State University Tent TheatreThe 39 Stepsmark templetonThe Secret GardenCraig Hall Coger TheatreJohn Goodman AmphitheatreBeehive The Musical
Randy Stewart
Randy Stewart joined the full-time KSMU staff in June 1978 after working part-time as a student announcer/producer for two years. His job has evolved from Music Director in the early days to encompassing production of a wide range of arts-related programming and features for KSMU, including the online and Friday morning "Arts News." Stewart assists volunteer producers John Darkhorse (Route 66 Blues Express), Lee Worman (The Gold Ring), and Emily Higgins (The Mulberry Tree) with the production of their programs. He's also become the de facto "Voice of KSMU" in recent years due to the many hours per day he's heard doing local station breaks. Stewart's record of service on behalf of the Springfield arts community earned him the Springfield Regional Arts Council's "Ozzie Award" in 2006.
See stories by Randy Stewart