Where did all those years go? What happened to the hopes and dreams I had for my family and myself? Whatever happened to the financial plans I made in good faith all those years ago? Where has my faith in those that govern us disappeared to? Why do I feel uncared for and of little value to those deemed to be in authority? Why did I work full time, study 3 nights a week (completing assignments during the night), look after a young family and go to work each day on 3-4 hours sleep? What was the point? Why do I feel invisible now? Why do I feel like I have been left to find a spot on the rubbish heap and call it my new home? Why do I feel discarded and ignored, or worse, forgotten about?
You want to know the real reason? It is because I am one of many women born in the 1950s and who successive governments have tried to erase from history by writing us off. Any governing body writes us off at their peril. The sisterhood is strong and is becoming stronger by the day. We will never go away, and all our sisters who have lost their fight along the way, through stress and various illnesses made much worse by (and often because of) the struggle, their spirit and determination flies with us on this journey. You under estimate this decade at your peril, and history books will document this for generations to come.
As a single parent for over 10 years, and life was not exactly easy for a period before that time, I still believed that hard work and determination would always see the family through. I struggled like many before and no doubt others will in the future too; it is the circle of life. I had the experience of losing my first partner to cancer at the age of 28, something which shook me to the core. An experience that no one can prepare you for and one which I thought I could never recover, but as some of us know, you do recover and you find a way to carry on. The memory never goes away, but the pain becomes bearable.
Years later, I did meet my second partner and went on to have a family, but along the way, suffering a very distressing miscarriage. Once again, I remained stoic and carried on, and gave my all to my employer and really should have taken more care of 'me' rather than be worried about not pulling my weight in the workplace. I continued to rise through the ranks, and somehow managed to provide the nature and nurturing environment for my children to grow and thrive. Now they are successful, bright, ambitious articulate women and I feel proud. Owned property since the age of 23. I believed that I was working towards an early retirement and a comfortable lifestyle. Where did it all go wrong?
In my case it was relationship breakdown, the struggles of single parenthood, the daily balancing of priorities, whilst at the same time, trying to maintain a stable home environment and a learning and loving hub for my children, and keep a close knit unit together. The struggle was really hard on occasions but I kept going with the goal that ultimately in my older years I would be able to have some leisure time. I focussed on the here and now, and in my solitary periods, imagined what it would be like in my older years.
By the time the youngest went off to university, I was planning my route to early retirement at 55 years of age. I moved away from friends and family to start a new life where I knew one couple. Little did I know that a legal process would commence that would take four years to complete, during which time I was liable for my house in my home town and all the associated bills, e.g., Mortgage, utility, council tax etc, as well as those things on my rental property in my new county. I defy anyone to maintain two properties for so many years, on a pension, and not reach destitution. Somehow I managed to keep afloat by doing a series of agency jobs, to supplement my work pension. I was in my mid 50s and had no interest from employers to any applications I made for vacancies on or near a level I had been working at for many years. I ended up working for around a third of my previous earnings, but at least I had the luck compared to many of being able to supplement those earnings with a small work pension. It all changed when I turned 60.
All kinds of reasons were given for the removal of agency staff from the employer in question at the time but it was noticeable the age groups involved. I was naïve enough to believe that if nothing else, I would be again be able to secure some kind of employment, albeit low paid. Nothing could be further from the truth. In a 13 month period, I applied for 51 posts. About a third I never heard from at all, and I was interviewed for approximately a third. None successful. The usual nonsense given as reasons, e.g., you are over qualified, you will be bored in this role etc etc etc.
Running parallel to this was the long drawn out court proceedings relating to the former family home. In summary, judgement was finally made, but despite receiving funds, by the time 4 years of household debts were cleared (mainly on the void property but some late payments on the rental became the norm at the time each month), all monies owed were cleared but my credit file had fallen through the floor – something that would continue to thwart my efforts to make a life for myself in retirement.
Whilst working in a variety of agency jobs, I was able to live a reasonable life. Next to no savings and thoughts of buying a nice little property gradually downgraded in terms of specifications, until it was clear that staying in my rental of a few years was going to be a struggle in the future. Buying even a garden shed would be difficult. Travelling to interviews became difficult. Two of them I had to turn down because I had no way of getting there. I declared my car SORN because I could not afford to keep it going. I kept the insurance going on it, just in case anything happened to it, such as theft from my driveway, but everything else ceased. I walked several miles each week, to interviews, or just to keep my body mobile, but over time, the body may have been able to do it, but the spirit was becoming weak. What was the point of putting myself through all this? I live in a rural area, so there are not many jobs at the best of times, so for me as an 'outsider' and a woman of mature years, I was fighting a losing battle. I am sure that this state of mind was abundantly clear in some of the interviews towards the end, before I decided to stop hitting my head against that particular brick wall.
Having flagged up my concerns with various providers that I felt I was living with a ticking time bomb, and at some point, the whole thing would come crashing down. Most of them did not even have the manners to acknowledge my communications, let alone offer advice or assistance. At this point I was living on less than £150 per month to pay all bills and buy food, after rent and council tax was paid. Who can live on that? Never having claimed a benefit in my life, I assumed I could at least get funds to help with travel to interviews. Wrong. I did not qualify. The reason given was that my work pension amount, excluded me from receiving any help, for anything. I was stuck with my income of under £150 to pay everything. I tried 4 agencies just to see if this was indeed correct, and it was. I contacted the local authority again, who advised to find somewhere cheaper to rent and make use of Food Banks. Mmmmm I will keep this polite, but there is so much I could say to that.
Struggled on for 18 months. No change in circumstances. I found myself withdrawing socially from everything. I bored myself with my repetitive story of looking for work, or attending interviews and not getting the job etc. In the end, I did not even mention I was applying for anything. It got to a stage, where some days I did not leave my bed other than for necessity as I felt there was no point. Every month I had days without even basic meals, and some days I stayed in bed to keep warm. I could see no end. I eventually gave Notice on my property because there was absolutely no point in continuing the struggle, as there was not even a faint light at the end of the tunnel.
Rejection after rejection takes it toll, and I could see no point in playing the role of the grey haired hamster running around in a wheel just making up the entertainment numbers for many interview panels. I stopped going out completely and if on occasion I met any friends, I avoided conversation about anything to do with financial circumstances I was lucky that I had a wonderful couple who were landlords of my property, and who went above and beyond to try and find help for me, and I did receive some assistance from one organisation as a direct result of the intervention of the landlord, but no regular, temporary or part time work materialised. I used funds at the end of my notice to pay for removal and storage of my things, and filled my car with items to keep me warm at night, and basic provisions. I had my car put back on the road, and my new mobile home was born.
The authorities decided that it was ok for someone in their mid 60s to live in her car. I was deemed not to be a priority as I owed nothing, and I had not been asked to leave my home. Had I been receiving my State Pension, as per my plans made many years before, none of this would be happening. I may not have been living rent or mortgage free, but I would not be in poverty. What I was being asked to live on for a month, was well under the weekly amount I would have received in my State Pension. I was being penalised for paying for/preparing to enhance my retirement. It was not a freebie, and I considered myself lucky that I had been able to do that. I look back now, and can see very little benefit of that approach.
So, having spent the best part of a month living in my car, and spending the odd night sofa surfing, I finally came clean with one friend (who had not been known to me when I first moved here, so was not one of the many who helped me settle, so I felt less guilty in mentioning my circumstances) who offered me the use of a property that was being renovated. It had just had its rewire done, and contained running water, washing machine, bed and microwave. The couple worked on the property as and when they had free time, so were more than happy to see it occupied for a while. Compared to my car this was luxury, and I will be forever grateful.
I would like to say that all the established official avenues that exist for people in crisis, were an absolute waste of time. The voluntary sector were outstanding. I have been lucky enough to secure accommodation, and I am currently fighting my way through the minefield that is otherwise known as tenancy application forms. Simple things like you have no alternative telephone number other than your mobile, throws their electronic systems out. Printing of documentation that is requested as standard, proof of various things, such as bank statements. Hard to get them to understand, that these days most people use electronic banking, and therefore do not receive paper statements every month. I also have my things in storage, so I cannot just wander along to the storage company, ask them to retrieve my unit, and expect me to clamber around and up on top of other boxes in the hope of finding said pieces of paper . All of these organisations try to sell you products that will cost you money and make them add to their profits. It does make you wonder about their understanding of financial struggle. I did have to say to the local authority, which part of my vehicle did they believe I kept my mobile office! So, almost there, but not quite. Hopefully common sense will prevail, and I will indeed receive my keys in two weeks.
I have tried to ensure that I have not wasted my time whilst hibernating at home these last few months or so. I have written a book, and it is selling well. I touch upon some of my experiences and the emotions that surround those events, but more importantly, I have impact statements from women who are also struggling (both here and abroad) and it is a stark reminder, that what is happening to 1950s women is a grave injustice, and if we do not challenge it, which group will be targeted next? This assault on the vulnerable is bordering on illegal activity in some areas, and definitely immoral. It is forcing us to live under the floorboards of society. The community that is growing daily that occupy an existence from the crumbs of what is deemed normal society is becoming a very strong power base. No developed country should create conditions that make vulnerable people fall through, or worse, be pushed through the cracks to fall hidden from view.
Our voice is loud and it is determined. The fight back is coming. I will never forgive or forget what it has been like to sleep on various A road parking bays at night, or the lack of basic facilities as a result. Sitting in supermarket car parks in order to use the free wi fi to try and respond to the countless communications from companies trying to get you to part with your limited funds, even though they know you are homeless. The industry that has grown many times over in the realm of debt collection is a sad snapshot of any civilised/developed nation. The risks 'out there' are real, and I will continue to carry the emotional scars from that experience for the rest of my life. More than anything, the stark lack of sense of urgency from the organisations and public bodies who officially are there at points of crisis, and who lack the experience, understanding, empathy or competence to move away from the checklist of conditions and use basic common sense and humanity, is an indelible stain on our country. You come away from most interactions like something from under their shoes. Time for a major overhaul of some of these key public services.
1950s women grow stronger with every barrier placed before us. A major storm is brewing. Just watch. I will never forgive feeling like discarded rubbish. I will never forgive for feeling of miniscule value. I will never forgive for my options in life being reduced to such matters as whether I can go without food for up to 3 days each month. I will never forgive for being made to feel like there is no point in leaving my home for days on end, or even putting a brush through my hair. I will never forgive for my downward spiral into life beneath the floorboards of society, and knowing that on so many levels, I and others were pushed through the cracks, and in other aspects, we just fell through from sheer exhaustion.
Despite all that, I refuse to be a victim, and like the Phoenix, I will rise. 1950s women will rise. I may not fly high as I would like, but I will definitely be above the ashes.
Just before I was 60 I was told my State Pension would be delayed and I would not receive this until about 62, so I altered my private pensions accordingly. Then not long afterwards they have moved the goal posts again and I am not able to retired until I am actually 65, this has had a financial impact upon me. I also miss out on free bus/train passes and the only service I receive in free prescriptions.
Looking at it financially I have lost out on income for a period of 5 years Government pension, and I have received no compensation for this loss from the Government. I have also been made redundant twice since I have been 60 and I honestly feel my age goes against me, although companies would not admit this or imply it.
I now find out that my friend who is 5 months older than me will receive her pension this November. Why is it that I have to go a further 2 years before I receive a pension? I cannot not understand the logic or reasoning behind this calculation.
"Why is it that I have to go a further 2 years before I receive a pension?"
I was born 1954 started work at 18 married at 19 and had two children. I always worked part time and started paying into a local government pension scheme in 1986 and planned and expected my state pension at 60 in 2014. This included giving up my pension rights to my first husband's police pension in 1996 when we divorced.
Furthermore a woman born one year earlier than me in 1953 can retire this year yet I have to wait until 2020. All in all I have to wait 6 years (approx £36.000) in lost pension due to austerity? Also I only have 33 years NI stamps so because the goal posts have been moved to 35 I will not have enough NI contributions.
I will have to sell my home.
So much for doing the right thing and planning for retirement I have been discriminated against due to my date of birth and gender.
"I am in poor health with a heart condition and osteoarthritis in both knees I would not pass the medical to return to my career as a safeguarding social worker."
I was born in august 1953 I have not been employed since 1980 being a carer for my parents for 30+ years in the meantime I was diagnosed with spinal stenisis/angina and recently kidney failure due to GP error. I was looking forward to retiring at the age of 60 and getting of disability benefit i.e. sickness benefit but alas was told I have to go until I'm 65.
I found this very unfair so wrote to my MP what a joke that was all I got back was a load of political jargon about the pension system. I might not live long enough to ever collect my state pension I have 23% kidney function and am in constant pain 24/7 with my back and sciatic nerve damage well this is my story I know not if this will go anywhere but it's made me feel better.
"I have 23% kidney function and am in constant pain 24/7"
There are many people who have suffered through the pension changes, I feel extremely lucky that I have not been subjected to the unfair extension of retirement age but still feel that we have all been badly treated.
I was born January 1953, my state pension was put back to November 2015, luckily for me I was not subjected to the later extension for women born from April 1953.
I was in a job that was quite stressful and following being diagnosed with having strokes I felt that one thing I must do was to alleviate the pressure that my job was subjecting me to. I "retired" early and funded my state pension deficit through my savings, I again was lucky that I could do this, many people are not as fortunate.
I had always expected to retire at 60 and by extending the retirement date with no adequate notice we had no time to plan for our future. Not only have the government saved millions on delaying pensions, they have also gained by still paying National Insurance, which would have stopped for women over 60.
"Being diagnosed with having strokes I felt that one thing I must do was to alleviate the pressure that my job was subjecting me to."
I'm a typical 1950's working class girl, 2 brothers and 1 sister, stay at home wonderful mother, very hard working father. I left school at 15 with no paper qualifications, and was not encouraged by school or family to strive for a high paying career, unlike my brothers who were encouraged to go to college etc, as they as my father always said would be breadwinners and girls were not.
So like my mother and grandmother before me. Finding a husband and having children was my pinnacle career. So no large private pension and wage for me...I did manage to start a hairdressing apprenticeship, but never finished the five years as Marriage and wonderful son interrupted this path. My husband was like minded to the working class mantra of stay at home and be a mother and wife, with no independent means and completely dependent on my husband as the breadwinner.
Two marvellous girls followed, and I did small hairdressing jobs from home, that fitted in with the children schooling, always being there when they returned from school. When the children started at secondary school, I thought I would like to return to work, care work for the charity Scope was my choice, as no qualifications limited my prospects of a high paid job. My experience as a mother held me in good stead and I climbed the ranks to senior Team leader with a very small personal works pension as my wages were very low as care work is notoriously not well paid. My only option as a stay at home mother.
Where as a low paid worker of 62 years of age where will I find this money?
"This took a toll on my own health and I left Scope to work for a private family that provided me with a home and a small wage for my support as PA / house manager."
45 years of working and caring.
I left the grammar school that I attended at 15, as my dad wanted me to contribute to the household. I worked full time until I was 29 when I had my first son and moved from London to Norfolk. I had my second son two and a half years later. I volunteered at the local Children's Centre during this period becoming treasurer and also at a special needs playgroup where I was offered part time work. I did several different part time jobs while my children were small.
As my children progressed through primary school I continued with part time work and became chairperson of the Friends of the School and later on Chairperson of the parish council where I lived. I also trained as a Citizens Advice volunteer advisor and did this 1 day a week alongside all my other responsibilities until my husband was made redundant for the third time and we decided that I should try to find full time work.
I found a full time job as a support worker in a mental heath charity and my husband stayed at home to look after the children.
When my first son started high school I separated from my husband and after a number of years of single parenthood (while working full time) I remarried someone who was very supportive emotionally but had some health issues and so I continued to be the main breadwinner for the family. I was successful in applying for an internal promotion to a management post and over a number of years I completed an OU degree in Health and Social Care and also a postgraduate diploma in mental health.
I started my own caring role by supporting an elderly uncle who lived in London as he had been found collapsed on the floor of his flat having been there for several days – he had no family himself -so I helped him to move to sheltered accommodation and became appointee for his benefits and helped to organise his affairs. Later I became appointee for my brother who has mental health difficulties, he had been financially reliant on my parents for most of his life and as my mum had already died and dad was becoming unwell I needed to help him find some security for his future.
I became appointee for my fathers' benefits after he had a diagnosis of possible Lewy body dementia and I took on the financial management of their home.
My dad's health deteriorated and I had to travel to Cornwall frequently to help my brother cope and eventually to organise care at home and more recently nursing care for my dad, I took on Power of Attorney for dads affairs. Luckily I had managed to gain a further promotion, which allowed me to reduce my hours to 4 days a week to help me cope with all of my caring roles.
During this period I supported both my sons attend university and although they both have hefty student loans that they are repaying this was a considerable financial commitment from me for them both. One of them became a teacher and the other sells British manufactured products in Northern Europe.
My husbands health was deteriorating and so when the services that I ran for the charity came up for competitive tender and the bid was won by a much bigger national organisation I opted for statutory redundancy, to be employed by the new organisation I would have taken a very large salary reduction (thousands of pounds) for what was a very stressful job, they also wanted someone to work full time.
So I have been self-employed since then, starting my own business, 2 years ago now – I haven't unfortunately managed to earn enough money to pay tax (except on the charity donations that I said I was a taxpayer for) but have continued paying N.I. contributions. If I didn't try to work at all I could claim carers' allowance – but I don't really wish to do this – I have always strived to be independent. I continue to do voluntary work – I am a trustee of the local C.A.B. and also help the local River Care scheme to clear and care for the environment around our river. I litter pick my regular walks just as I feel any good citizen should.
I was 60 this year and became a grandmother. Once upon a time I would have had my pension and in my ideal world would have probably continued to do some of my self employed pursuits, definitely more voluntary work (I have a lot or resources and experience and know I have things I could offer to my community) and enjoyed my grandchild.
Instead of this I am looking at trying to find some settled part time work that provides a regular income that I can somehow fit around caring for my husband, trips to Cornwall to support my dad and brother and looking after my grandson 1 day a week now his mum has returned to work.
I feel I have put enough into the system and that it should be my time to get something back. I don't think I am asking for too much just what I am entitled to.
"I feel I have put enough into the system and that it should be my time to get something back. I don't think I am asking for too much just what I am entitled to."


Cichlid fishes have been the subject of increasing scientific interest because of their rapid adaptive radiation which has led to an extensive ecological diversity and their enormous importance to tropical and subtropical aquaculture. To increase our understanding of chromosome evolution among cichlid species, karyotypes of one Asian, 22 African, and 30 South American cichlid species were investigated, and chromosomal data of the family was reviewed.
Although there is extensive variation in the karyotypes of cichlid fishes (from 2n = 32 to 2n = 60 chromosomes), the modal chromosome number for South American species was 2n = 48 and the modal number for the African ones was 2n = 44. The only Asian species analyzed, Etroplus maculatus, was observed to have 46 chromosomes. The presence of one or two macro B chromosomes was detected in two African species. The cytogenetic mapping of 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene revealed a variable number of clusters among species varying from two to six.
The karyotype diversification of cichlids seems to have occurred through several chromosomal rearrangements involving fissions, fusions and inversions. It was possible to identify karyotype markers for the subfamilies Pseudocrenilabrinae (African) and Cichlinae (American). The karyotype analyses did not clarify the phylogenetic relationship among the Cichlinae tribes. On the other hand, the two major groups of Pseudocrenilabrinae (tilapiine and haplochromine) were clearly discriminated based on the characteristics of their karyotypes. The cytogenetic mapping of 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene did not follow the chromosome diversification in the family. The dynamic evolution of the repeated units of rRNA genes generates patterns of chromosomal distribution that do not help follows the phylogenetic relationships among taxa. The presence of B chromosomes in cichlids is of particular interest because they may not be represented in the reference genome sequences currently being obtained.
Teleost fishes have a successful history of diversification over the past 200 million years. The 23.000 species of teleosts make up almost half of all living vertebrates . Perciformes represents the largest order of vertebrates with approximately 9.300 species. It includes more than 3.000 species of the family Cichlidae [1, 2] that is one of the most species-rich families of vertebrates . The natural distribution of cichlid fishes is centered on Africa, Latin America and Madagascar, with only a few species native to South India and the Middle East . Mitochondrial genome sequences indicate that cichlids are closely related to the marine surfperches (Embiotocidae) and damselfishes (Pomacentridae), but not as previously thought, to wrasse and parrotfishes (Labridae and related families) . Phylogenetic reconstructions are consistent with cichlid origins prior to Gondwanan landmass fragmentation 121-165 MYA, considerably earlier than the first known cichlid fossils from Eocene . Cichlid fishes found in the lakes of Africa have served as model systems for the study of evolution [4, 6, 7]. Several species have received increasing scientific attention because of their great importance to tropical and subtropical aquaculture .
The family Cichlidae is a monophyletic group and the limits and interrelationships of all four subfamilies [Etroplinae (Indian and Madagascar), Ptychochrominae (Malagasy), Cichlinae (Neotropical region) and Pseudocrenilabrinae (African)] are well supported by molecular and morphological data . The African (Pseudocrenilabrinae) and Neotropical (Cichlinae) cichlids are both monophyletic and represent sister groups . The African Pseudocrenilabrinae cichlids are often assigned into pelmatochromine, haplochromine and tilapiine groups , but these groups are not recognized as valid taxonomic units. The Neotropical cichlids (Cichlinae) are monophyletic and are composed of 51 genera and 406 described species [11, 12]. The most recently proposed phylogeny of the Cichlinae denotes the tribes Cichlini, Retroculini, Astronotini, Chaetobranchini, Geophagini, Cichlasomatini and Heroini .
The karyotypes of more than 135 species of cichlids have been determined. Although most species present a karyotype with 2n = 48, the diploid number ranges from 2n = 32 to 2n = 60  (See Additional File 1: Available chromosomal data for the Cichlidae). African cichlids have a modal diploid number of 44 chromosomes whereas the Neotropical cichlids 2n = 48 chromosomes. Even though chromosomal data are known for several cichlid species, these data are not representative of the diversity of species in the group. Molecular cytogenetics approach to characterizing genome evolution has been applied to only a few species, principally Oreochromis niloticus. The aim of this work was to obtain chromosomal data for additional species of cichlids, including the mapping of 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and to compare these results to previous published chromosomal data and phylogenies, in order to correlate chromosomal rearrangements with particular phylogenetic transitions during the evolutionary history of the family Cichlidae.
The karyotype of Etroplus maculatus consists of 46 chromosomes including 18 m/sm (meta/submetacentric), 18 st/a (subtelo/acrocentric) and 10 microchromosomes (Table 1, Figure 1). The most remarkable characteristics of the E. maculatus karyotype were the presence of two outstanding large metacentric pairs, several small chromosomal pairs identified as m/sm or st/a, and five pairs of microchromosomes.
Investigated African and South Asian Cichlids. n, number of analyzed animals; cr, chromosomes; st/a, subtelocentric/acrocentric; m/sm, meta/submetacentric; 1B, one B chromosome detected; 2B, two B chromosomes detected.
Giemsa stained karyotypes of Asian and African cichlids and detail of the cytogenetic mapping of 18S rRNA genes. The 18S rDNA probed chromosomes are shown, and the pair identified when it was possible. Scale bar, 10 μm.
In this work we sampled the tilapiines Oreochromis aureus, O. mossambicus, O. niloticus, O. tanganicae, Tilapia mamfe and T. mariae (Figure 1, Table 1). The karyotypes of the tilapiines investigated here are relatively conserved with 2n = 44 chromosomes for most species and the presence of a large st/a typical chromosome (pair 2 in O. niloticus, pair 5 in T. mariae, pair 6 in T. mamfe) (Figure 1). Reduction in the number of chromosomes was observed in T. mariae that shows 40 chromosomes with the presence of two atypical metacentric chromosome pairs (pairs 1 and 2) (Figure 1).
Most of the haplochromine species we analyzed had a karyotype composed of 2n = 44 (Figure 1, Table 1). Astatotilapia burtoni had a karyotype composed of 40 chromosomes, with 14 m/sm and 26 st/a chromosomes, and two large m/sm chromosome pairs (pairs 2 and 3) not observed in other haplochromines (Figure 1, Table 1). All the haplochromines have two typical large chromosome pairs, the first m/sm and the first st/a pairs.
When compared to the haplochromines and tilapiines, the karyotype of Hemichromis bimaculatus (Hemichromine) shows the same diploid number (2n = 44), but with only two m/sm chromosome pairs (Figure 1, Table 1). A large st/a (pair 3) and a large m/sm (pair 1) chromosome were also observed.
B chromosomes were detected in Haplochromis obliquidens and Metriaclima lombardoi. One or two large metacentric B chromosomes were present in 38 out of 96 analyzed specimens of H. obliquidens whereas one large B chromosome was detected in nine out of 22 animals sampled for M. lombardoi (Table 1).
The karyotypes of Cichla species (Cichlini) and Retroculus lapidifer (Retroculini) presented 2n = 48 st/a chromosomes (Figure 2, Table 2). The karyotype of Astronotus ocellatus (Astronotinae) presents 12 m/sm chromosomes and Chaetobranchus flavescens (Chaetobranchini) shows 6 m/sm chromosomes (Figure 2, Table 2), both with 2n = 48.
Giemsa stained karyotypes of South American cichlids and detail of the cytogenetic mapping of 18S rRNA genes. The 18S rDNA probed chromosomes are shown, and the pair identified when it was possible. Scale bar, 10 μm.
Investigated South American Cichlids (Cichlinae). n, number of analyzed animals; cr, chromosomes; st/a, subtelocentric/acrocentric; m/sm, meta/submetacentric.
The karyotypes of Geophagini species are similar to Chaetobranchini (Figure 2, Table 2). On the other hand, the karyotype of Apistogramma borelli presented a reduced number of chromosomes (2n = 46) and the presence of a higher number of m/sm chromosomes (eight pairs) compared to the non-geophagines (Figure 2).
Among the Cichlasomatini analyzed, Laetacara dorsigera showed a reduced chromosome number (2n = 44) with the presence of two outstanding large metacentric pairs (pairs 1 and 2) (Figure 2).
Heroini showed the broadest range of karyotype configurations. The cichlids Heros efasciatus, Mesonauta festivus, Parachromis managuensis and Pterophyllum scalare have 2n = 48 chromosomes with variations in the number of m/sm and st/a chromosomes (Figure 2, Table 2). The Symphysodon aequifasciatus karyotype is by far the most derived of all cichlids, with a highly increased number of chromosomes (2n = 60), including 10 microchromosomes.
The mapping of 18S rRNA genes was conducted in 26 representative Cichlidae species, including one Asiatic, 12 Africans and 13 South Americans (Figures 1 and 2, Tables 1 and 2). In the present work FISH proves identified the 18S rRNA gene in the terminal region of short arm of st/a chromosomes in almost all species. Exceptions were observed in E. maculatus, that presented this marker in the terminal region of a m/sm chromosome (pair 9) (Figure 1), and C. kelberi that harbours 18S rRNA genes in the terminal position of the long arm of the st/a chromosome pair 1 (Figure 2). In nine of the 12 African cichlids studied only two chromosomes were labeled by the 18S rRNA gene probe. Variation in the distribution of 18S sites were observed in three species: O. niloticus presented six labeled chromosomes (Figure 1); O. mossambicus showed three labeled chromosomes (data not shown); and Haplochromis obliquidens revealed four labeled chromosomes (Figure 1). For the South American species only one site of 18S rDNA was observed, except M. festivus, which presented five labeled chromosomes (Figure 2). Furthermore, the location of 18S sites in the short arms of a st/a chromosome pair appears to be common for R. lapidifer, S. jurupari, A. tetramerus, L. dorsigera and H. efasciatus (Figure 2). Another pattern for 18S rRNA gene position is represented by a large pair of m/sm with interstitial clusters in A. ocellatus, Chaetobranchus flavescens and Crenicichla lepidota (Figure 2). Terminal 18S rDNA sites were observed in B. cupido, Parachromis managuensis and Pterophyllum scalare (Figure 2). On the other hand, Cichla kelberi, has the 18S rDNA cluster located in the terminal position of the long arm of a large acrocentric pair (Figure 2), and M. festivus showed five chromosomes bearing 18S rDNA sites (Figure 2). Heteromorphic sites of the 18S rDNA was frequent in some species of the analyzed Neotropical cichlids as A. ocellatus, C. flavescens, B. cupido, C. lepidota, S jurupari and H. efasciatus (Figure 2). The 18S rDNA sites were mostly coincident with secondary constrictions observed in the Giemsa stained karyotypes (Figures 1, 2).
The South American cichlids had distinct karyotypes compared to the Asian and African ones. The most remarkable characteristic is related to the modal chromosome number that is 48 for the South American and 44 for the African species  (See Additional File 1: Available chromosomal data for the Cichlidae clade). Besides that major pattern, small differences related to variations in the number of m/sm and st/a chromosomes are frequent and some species exhibit remarkable differences in their karyotypes related to the occurrence of specific chromosome rearrangements during their evolutionary history. Among the Pseudrocrenilabrinae clade, typical karyotype features discriminate the tilapiines from haplochromines and hemichromines (Figure 3).
Karyotype data plotted on the cladogram of the Cichlidae family. The chromosome number variation is indicated and the modal chromosome numbers for the subfamilies are highlighted in red. The tree is based on the phylogeny proposed by .
The karyotypes of the Asian species E. maculatus and the South American Symphysodon aequifasciatus showed extensive chromosomal transformations when compared to the Perciformes basal karyotype. Etroplinae represents a sister clade of all other cichlids and Symphysodon (Heroini representative) represents a highly derived species inside the Cichlinae clade . Another species of Etroplinae, E. suratensis, was described to contain 48 chromosomes , but the information provided is not clear concerning the morphology of the chromosomes. It seems, based on , that E. suratensis posses 48 st/a chromosomes, most similar to the basal karyotype of Perciformes . The Etroplinae cichlids are quite morphologically distinct, exhibiting numerous specializations that are absent in all other cichlid lineages . The subfamily Etroplinae was the first group to be isolated from the ancient cichlid group that was present in the Gondwanan supercontinent  and, the longest time of vicariance speciation could also account for the transformation to such a derived karyotype (Figure 3).
The African tilapiines present a highly conserved karyotype consisting of mostly st/a chromosomes and 2n = 44. Only a limited number of the known tilapia species have been karyotyped, but the species are closely related , and the existing evidence suggest that the tilapia karyotype is highly conserved [18, 19]. To date, only four species have their karyotypes differing from 2n = 44, T. mariae, 2n = 40 (present paper), T. sparrmanii, 2n = 42 , O. alcalicus, 2n = 48 [21, 22] and O. karongae, 2n = 38 . The karyotype of O. karongae shows a reduced diploid number of chromosomes to 2n = 38 and differs from that found in most tilapia species. Different cytogenetic and genomic analysis previously conducted point to the reduction of chromosome number in O. karongae as a consequence of chromosome fusions involving three chromosome pairs in the ancestral of this species [23, 24].
The presence of a large subtelocentric chromosome pair, that is the first st/a pair of the complement in O. aureus, O. niloticus, T mariae, T. mamfe, O. mossambicus and O. tanganicae, is an excellent marker for the group of tilapiines. The karyotpes of non-tilapiine species are recognizably distinct, despite having the same number of chromosomes. The large chromosome pair is the most remarkable characteristic of tilapiine karyotypes. Chromosome fusions are also believed to have occurred to create the largest chromosome pair of O. niloticus . Chromosome fusions could also explain the reduction in the number of chromosomes in T. mariae to 40. The presence of two atypical metacentric chromosome pairs (pairs 1 and 2) in T. mariae suggests that these chromosomes originate from the fusion of small st/a chromosomes. These data support the hypothesis that chromosomal fusions occurred independently during the evolutionary history of tilapiines reducing the chromosome number from 2n = 44 as observed in several tilapia species.
Most of the haplochromine species we analyzed had a karyotype composed of 2n = 44. Astatotilapia burtoni had a karyotype composed of 40 chromosomes with the presence of two typical metacentric chromosome pair (2 and 3), which are probably the result of centric fusion of four small st/a chromosomes. These chromosomal rearrangements apparently occurred after the divergence of Astatotilapia from the other haplochromines that still retain 44 chromosomes in their karyotypes. Furthermore, the two largest pairs of chromosomes (first m/sm pair and first st/a pair) in the haplochromines stand out compared to the other chromosomes of the complement which make them good markers for this group. The chromosome information of haplochromines is in agreement with their phylogenetic divergence of other African Pseudocrenilabrinae .
The Neotropical cichlids have a modal number of 2n = 48, with the exception of Apistograma borelli (2n = 46), Laetacara dorsigera (2n = 44), and Symphysodon aequifasciatus (2n = 60). The chromosomal number for South American cichlids ranges from 2n = 48 st/a chromosomes in Cichla spp., considered the most basal karyotype, to 2n = 60 (46m/sm, 4st/a and 10 microchromosomes) in Symphysodon aequifasciatus. Cichla (Cichlini) and Retroculus (Retroculini) presented a karyotype structure composed only of st/a, similar to the proposed Perciformes ancestral karyotype . In the most recent proposed phylogeny for South American cichlids, a clade composed of Cichlini and Retroculini was recovered as the sister group to all other South American cichlids . On the other hand, Symphysodon exhibited the most derived karyotype condition compared to the proposed Perciformes ancestral karyotype and also occupy a derived position in the phylogeny of the group .
The karyotype formula 2n = 48 st/a elements is characteristic of Perciformes, as observed in Sciaenidae [27, 28], Pomacentridae  and Haemulidae . These data suggest that Cichla and Retroculus retain the ancestral karyotype pattern of the group (2n = 48 st/a). The ancestral karyotype has undergone major changes in its macro-structure in some lineages, which has led to the extensive karyotype diversification that is currently observed among cichlids. This observation is consistent with several proposed phylogenies for the family [, for review], which generally include Cichla and Retroculus as sister group of the other Neotropical cichlids.
The derived chromosomal patterns of Symphysodon probably results from rearrangement involving chromosomal pericentric inversions, translocations and fissions/fusions [31, 32]. Repetitive DNA elements seem to have contributed to the chromosomal diversification of Symphysodon karyotypes in relation to other cichlids .
Pericentric inversions are thought to be the main mechanism contributing to changes in the basal chromosome arm size of Perciformes [34, 35]. Other mechanisms of chromosomal rearrangement and translocation probably have contributed to the karyotypic diversification of South American cichlids. The chromosome number variation observed in some species suggests that events of chromosomal translocation followed by chromosome fission and fusion were also involved. It remains to be investigated whether specific events of chromosome rearrangements (fusion, fission, inversion) that occurred during the evolutionary history of cichlids are related to particular characteristics of their genomes.
In addition to the standard cichlid karyotype pattern, large metacentric B chromosomes were observed at high frequency among specimens of H. obliquidens and M. lombardoi. One notable characteristic of the B chromosomes found in these species is their large size, which is almost the same as the largest pair of the A complement. Information concerning the occurrence and the genomic content of B chromosomes among African cichlids has just recently been reported for H. obliquidens . The occurrence of supernumerary chromosomes has been described for species of diverse fish groups. In general the supernumerary chromosomes of fishes vary in number and morphology. Among cichlids, supernumerary chromosomes have been described in only a few species from South America. They were first described for male germinative cells of Gymnogeophagus balzanii  and for species of Geophagus brasiliensis, Cichlasoma paranaensis and Crenicichla niederleinii . Small supernumerary chromosomes were also described for Cichla monoculus, Cichla sp. and Crenicichla reticulata [, for review].
Since some African cichlid species genomes are being completely sequenced , it will be of particular interest to investigate the occurrence of B chromosomes among cichlid species for future genomic analyses.
The ancestral condition for the location of the nuclear organizer region (NOR) in cichlids, is supposed to be one pair of chromosomes [, for review] (See Additional File 1: Available chromosomal data for the Cichlidae clade). But these results were obtained mostly by silver nitrate staining, that might not correspond to the real genomic organization for the 18S rRNA genes. In the present work FISH probing with the 18S rRNA gene showed that the Asian cichlid E. maculatus, despite its rearranged karyotype, has the ancestral condition of 18S rRNA gene cluster localized in just one pair of chromosomes. In African cichlids it seems that different rearrangements involving the 18S rDNA bearing chromosome pair have occurred. Compared to the ancestral hypothetical condition, O. niloticus exhibit the most derived condition of the African species, with multiple sites of 18S rRNA genes spread in the short arms of 6 st/a chromosomes, whereas the other African species evidenced a lower number of sites similar to the proposed ancestral condition.
With the exception of M. festivus, which has five marked chromosomes, the 18S rRNA gene probing in all Neotropical cichlids revealed a single pair of 18S rDNA bearer chromosomes, which is probably the ancestral condition for the group . The 18S rRNA genes were previously mapped in one chromosome pair in G. brasiliensis and C. facetum . Furthermore, the location of 18S rRNA gene clusters in the short arms of a st/a chromosome pair appears to be common for several species (A. tetramerus, L. dorsigera and H. efasciatus). Another pattern for 18S rRNA gene position is represented by a large pair of m/sm with interstitial clusters, probably produced by paracentric inversion, in A. ocellatus, C. flavescens, B. cupido, C. lepidota. On the other hand, despite having the supposed ancestral karyotype, Cichla kelberi has the 18S rDNA cluster located in the terminal position of the long arm of a large acrocentric pair, what seems to be a derived condition for the group. Previous data on 18S rDNA distribution on species of Symphysodon (Symphysodon aequifasciatus, Symphysodon discus and Symphysodon haraldi) showed variations from 2-5 sites . Considering that Symphysodon (Heroini representative) represents the most derived taxa inside the Cichlinae , the spread of rDNA sites seems to have followed the diversification of the subfamily.
The 18S rDNA sites were mostly coincident with secondary constrictions observed in the Giemsa stained karyotypes. Heteromorphic sites of the 18S rDNA was frequent in some species of the analyzed Neotropical cichlids as A. ocellatus, C. flavescens, B. cupido, C. lepidota, S jurupari and H. efasciatus, that could indicate a process of unequal crossover or differential rDNA amplification between the homologous chromosomes.
The variation observed in the chromosomal distribution of rDNA sites is not informative in relation to the phylogeny of the family Cichlidae. Repeated DNAs like the major ribosomal RNA multigene families are subject to the action of several molecular mechanisms and are thought to be the most rapidly evolving components of eukaryotic genomes [43, 44]. The highly dynamic evolutionary rate of repeated elements generated patterns of chromosomal organization that do not represent the phylogeny of the groups. Among fishes, the chromosomal distribution of rDNA clusters can be informative for comparative analysis of closely related species or even to the characterization of populational variations. The distribution of 18S rDNA in three species of Symphysodon (Symphysodon aequifasciatus, Symphysodon discus and Symphysodon haraldi), showed intra and interspecies variations both in the number and in the size of the sites . So, care should be exercised in making phylogenetic inferences based on rDNA cytogenetic map data, at least for comparisons involving higher taxa.
Although different events of chromosomal rearrangements have acted during the evolutionary history of cichlids, it was possible to identify characteristic chromosome patterns for the subfamilies Pseudocrenilabrinae (African) and Cichlinae (American). The karyotype analyses did not clarify the phylogenetic relationship among the Cichlinae tribes. On the other hand, the two major groups of the African Pseudocrenilabrinae, tilapiine and haplochromine, were clearly discriminated based on the characteristics of their karyotype. The cytogenetic mapping of 18S rRNA genes did not identify markers useful for studying the chromosomal diversification of the Cichlidae clade, possible as a consequence of the rapid evolution of the repeated units of rRNA genes that generates divergent patterns of chromosomal distribution even among closely related species.
In the present work we analyzed one species of South Indian cichlid obtained from a commercial source, 22 species of African cichlids, some obtained from commercial sources and some from wild stocks (mainly from the Lake Malawi, East Africa) maintained at the Tropical Aquaculture Facility of University of Maryland, USA (Table 1), and 30 South American cichlid species collected from several South American hydrographic systems (Table 2). The fishes were euthanized with a lethal dose of benzocaine followed by spinal section (Protocol 01204 - Committee of Ethical in Animal Experimentation - UNESP - São Paulo State University, Brazil) before removal of kidneys for chromosome preparation.
Mitotic chromosome preparations were obtained from kidney according to . In attempt to obtain a larger number of metaphases of good quality, animals were injected with a bread yeast solution 12-24 hours prior the dissection. Animals were treated with a 0.025% solution of colchicine (1 ml/100 g weigh body) 40 minutes before euthanasia and chromosome preparation. The kidney tissues were dissected and the cells dissociated with the use of a syringe in a hypotonic solution of KCl 0.075% and kept in this solution for 30 to 50 min. The cells were fixed in 3:1 methanol-acetic acid and used to prepare slides that were stained with Giemsa solution 5% in phosphate buffer at pH 7 for 10 min.
The 18S rRNA gene was isolated via PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) from the genome of O. niloticus and used as probes for fluorescence in situ chromosome hybridization (FISH) in 26 representative species of Cichlidae including Asian, African and South American species (Tables 1 and 2). Copies of the 18S rRNA gene were amplified with the primers 18Sf (5'-CCG CTT TGG TGA CTC TTG AT) and 18Sr (5'-CCG AGG ACC TCA CTA AAC CA), which were designed based upon the sequence of the catfish Ictalurus punctatus (GenBank accession number AF021880) to amplify an approximately 1,400 base pairs (bp) DNA segment of the 18S rRNA gene.
Mitotic chromosomes were subjected to FISH  (Pinkel et al. 1986) using the PCR products from the 18S rRNA genes as probes. The probes were labeled by nick translation with biotin-14-dATP (Invitrogen) or digoxigenin-11-dUTP (Roche). The metaphase chromosome slides were incubated with RNase (40 μg/ml) for 1.5 h at 37°C. After, the chromosomal DNA was denatured in 70% formamide, 2× SSC for 4 min at 70°C. The hybridization mixtures, which contained 100 ng of the denatured probe, 10 mg/ml dextran sulfate, 2× SSC and 50% formamide in a final volume of 30 μl, were dropped on the slides, and the hybridization was performed overnight at 37°C in a 2× SSC moist chamber. Post-hybridization washes were carried out at 37°C in 2× SSC, 50% formamide for 15 min, followed by a second wash in 2× SSC for 15 min and a final wash at room temperature in 4× SSC for 15 min. Detection of the labeled probes was carried out with Avidin-FITC (Sigma) or antidigoxigenin-rhodamin (Roche). Chromosomes were counterstained with propidium iodide (0.2%) or DAPI (Sigma) diluted in antifade (Vector).
The chromosome spreads were analyzed using an Olympus BX 61 microscope, and the images were captured with the Olympus DP71 digital camera with the software Image-Pro MC 6.0. Karyotypes were arranged in order of decreasing chromosome size and the chromosomes classified as meta/submetacentric (m/sm), subtelo/acrocentrics (st/a) and microchromosomes.
An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2156-13-2.
The study was supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), Coordenadoria de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), from Brazil.
PCV and MN carried out the field work and contributed in the chromosome preparations. ABP, IAF and HBR carried out the chromosome analysis and the karyotype organization. DCCM, RTN and JM carried out the molecular cytogenetic analysis. ABP, DCCM and JM helped to draft the manuscript. TDK participated in the design of the study, chromosome preparations and preparation of the manuscript. CM conceived of the study, and participated in its design and coordination, drafted and revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.


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During the last months, we reported several times about the current activities of the EMA and European Commission relating to the new GMP Guideline document for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products ( e.g. "European Commission: Draft Guideline GMP for ATMP open for stakeholder consultation" and "GMP for ATMP - two Public Rounds of consultation and still a Need for Discussion?") and the ongoing discussion between the authorities, developers of ATMPs, manufacturers and other ATMP related organisations.
"...The PIC/S Committee is unanimously concerned about the impact on public health and for the safety of patients that the ATMP GMP Guideline will cause. By lowering the GMP requirements for ATMPs, the European Commission is not only exposing patients to an increased risk to their health; it is also engaging its individual and collective responsibility for any health incident (and related court action) that lower ATMP standards may occasion. We would like you to duly ponder this aspect.
The PIC/S Committee is also concerned that due to the European Commission's initiative in the field of ATMP, the PIC/S GMP Guide and the EU GMP Guide will no longer be equivalent. Since 1989, both Guides have been developed in parallel and systematically kept aligned on the basis of a harmonised consultation procedure, which PIC/S and the EMA have duly and respectfully implemented. Your decision to amend Annex 2 and repeal Annex 13 of the EU GMP Guide is a serious setback in terms of co-operation between the EU and PIC/S. It is very unfortunate that under your leadership the process of GMP harmonisation between the EU and PIC/S GMP Guides has resulted in a divergence that may be difficult to reconcile in the future. We deeply regret the lack of consultation in this matter......"
The complete letter can be found on the PIC/S website under " PIC/S takes strong stance on European Commission's proposed stand-alone ATMP GMP Guidelines".


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You are here: Home / Life & Style / Television series to tell the Tale of Kiều
Television series to tell the Tale of Kiều
October 10, 2018 by vietnamnews Leave a Comment
Filmmaker Lưu Trọng Ninh is the first person to adapt Kiều's story into a television series. Viet Nam News Truyện Kiều (The Tale of Kiều) is a Vietnamese epic by poet Nguyễn Du (1766-1820). It is recognised as one of Việt Nam's top literary works. The poem recounts the life and trials of Thúy Kiều, a talented young woman who has to sacrifice herself to save her family. She sells herself into a loveless marriage in exchange for her father's and younger brother's freedom from prison, not knowing the man she marries is a pimp. He forces her into prostitution. Lưu Trọng Ninh is the first filmmaker to make a television series about Kiều. Ninh is known for several award-winning motion pictures and popular TV series, including Bến Không Chồng (Wharf of Widows), Canh Bạc (The Gamble), Hãy Tha Thứ Cho Em (Please Forgive Me), Dốc Tình (Give You All My Love) and Hoa Cỏ May (Flower of Grass). Ninh spoke about his latest project. Could you tell why you wanted to make a film about Kiều? Actually, I never really thought about telling Kiều's story. But I'll always remember what my father said to me when I graduated from film school in the 1990s: "Please make a film about Kiều. It's a story that deserves to be a film". During 60-year history of Vietnamese cinema, there has never been a film about Kiều even though the epic is one of the great works of Vietnamese literature. It doesn't make… [Read full story]
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Filed Under: Life & Style tell tale heart, Period Television Series, First Television Series, pregnancy tell tale signs, telling tales, tell tale, analysis the tell tale heart, Tell Tale Signs, The Tell Tale Heart, tell tale games, the tell tale heart text, dark tower television series, family television series, Thriller Television Series, COMEDY TELEVISION SERIES, tales to tell, dead men tell no tales, dark angel television series, cable television series, Dead Men Tell No Tale, dark tales game series order, dark hunter television series, Dead Men Tells No Tales, the tell tale heart audio, Star Trek television series, edgar allan poe the tell tale heart, Vietnam, Kiều Tale, Vietnam News, film director, news, television series, Lưu Trọng Ninh, Politics, Business, Economy, Society, Life, Sports, Environment, Your Say, English Through the News, Magazine, vietnam war, current news, Vietnamese to english, tin viet nam, latest news today, english newspapers, the vietnam war, news latest, today news headlines, nation news paper, today breaking news, vietnamese culture, vietnam history, bao vietnam, vietnam economy, today headlines, national news headlines, vietnam war summary, vietnam culture, vietnam government, news headline, daily nation today, newspaper headlines today, news website, báo online, headlines news, news site, war in vietnam, tin vietnam, vietnam people, vietnam today, vietnamese news, tin viet nam net, viet to english, news headlines for today, news paper online, national news in english, current news headlines, vietnam war history, english news papers, top news headlines, today hot news, english news headlines, vietnam conflict, up to the minute news, english daily, viet news, news highlights, today international news, govt news, the vietnam war summary, vietnam exports, việt nam, bao vn net, news.vn, baovietnam, thongtanxavietnam, vietnam plus, vietnam news agency

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I've always enjoyed this piece of music, from the moment I first heard Andrea Bocelli sing it as a duet with Sarah Brightman. It remains for me a stirring piece of music that pierces the soul.
The version below, performed by orchestra and children's choir, is one of the versions released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original production.
It is, quite simply, well worth listening to. Enjoy!


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26 membres trouv�s pour C


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Natasha Leggero Husband, Age, Height, Body Measurements
Growing up was seemingly tough on Natasha Leggero who had to hustle by mowing lawns; working at a grocery store; delivering newspapers and a lot more to make ends meet for her struggling family.
Though she started her career in the performing arts quite early (at the age of 10), Natasha gradually worked her way up the ladder and finally hit gold in MTV's reality show The 70s House. Her appearance on the 2005 show made her a star and as an American actress, comedian, and writer, Natasha Leggero has continued to wow her audience with her unique style of comedy which can be described as observational.
Her role as a regular roundtable panelist on Chelsea Handler's late-night talk show known as Chelsea Lately is among her notable works.
Natasha Leggero Biography, Age
To a family grounded in the Roman Catholic faith, the comedian was born on March 26, 1974, in Rockford, Illinois. Natasha Leggero has both Italian and Swedish descent and according to a DNA test, 6% of Sub-Saharan African ancestry exists in her. She left the Catholic faith which she grew up with for Judaism when she became an adult.
Her childhood wasn't spent on a bed of roses, especially after her parents – her father who worked as a used car dealer, and her mother who had a job as a bookkeeper in a locksmith shop, called time on their marriage. Her parents' divorce made life harder for Natasha who took up several menial jobs to survive.
She studied at Rockford East High School and was already performing in plays by the time she turned 10. Natasha furthered her education at Illinois State University from where she auditioned for the Stella Adler Conservatory in Chicago. The audition was successful, prompting her to move to New York City in order to participate in the theatre program. She also attended Hunter College and finished with a B.A. in Theater Criticism in 2000.
Natasha Leggero took her career to a whole new level in the early 2000s and soon built a stronghold for herself. She appeared as a judge on NBC's Last Comic Standing. The 2010 season of the show was hosted by Craig Robinson. The same year, she co-hosted The Lavender Hour podcast in collaboration with comedian Duncan Trussell.
Also in 2010, the actress lent her voice to the character of Callie Maggotbone on the animated series Ugly Americans and played the role of Nikki on NBC's Are You There, Chelsea? in 2012.
Some of her web and television series appearances include Burning Love, one episode of the Drunk History television series on Comedy Central, and a slew of others.
Her own Comedy Central stand-up special, Live at Bimbo's, was first aired in August 2015, and in the same year, she teamed up with Riki Lindhome to create another Comedy Central series titled Another Period to rave reviews. The series which has the creators as co-stars were renewed for a second and third season after its debut on June 23, 2015. The latest season is scheduled to start in 2018.
As a renowned comedian, her career has not been devoid of controversies following some of her comments which have raised quite a few eyebrows. Nonetheless, this has not stopped her from pushing greater heights in the industry. Her style of comedy (Observational) allows her to tackle everyday life issues with special attention to celebrity culture and class.
Height And Other Body Measurements
The American comedian can be described as petite with her hourglass shape, standing at a height of 1.55 m which translates to 5 feet 1 inch. Her body weighs 108 lbs (50 kg) and she wears a dress size of 4 (US), a shoe size of 5 (US) while her bra size is a C. A summary of her body measurements reads – 34-24-35 inches.
Natasha Leggero Husband
Though she dated fellow comedian and co-host Duncan Trussell, Natasha Leggero later settled down with another comedian Moshe Kasher. The two got married in 2015 and between 2016 and 2017, the newlyweds were on The Honeymoon Tour, performing standup shows and engaging audiences across the United States with side-splitting relationship advice.
In October 2017, Legerro announced that their first child is underway. The baby, a girl, arrived in February 2018 as announced by the happy mother on her Instagram account.
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Josue Lajeunesse, a lead janitor in Princeton's building services department, is one of eight college custodians whose stories are the subject of the new documentary film, The Philosopher Kings. In the trailer for the film, Lajeunesse is seen stressing the value of a well-rounded life. "If you don't have happiness, you don't have a life," he says, sharing a laugh with his son. "To be successful, you need the balance inside and outside." The clip is 3:38 in length; Lajeunesse can be seen at :57 and 2:10 into the clip.
Students, staff pedal from Queens to N.J.


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HEY, IT'S PAT RYAN'S BLOG!
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing ~~ Edmund Burke
It's a Smile
Take no pride in the stars and bars
Pat Ryan	American Values, Civil Rights, History, Intellectual Dishonesty	 June 25, 2015
This should be an easy call for everyone: the battle flag of the Confederate States of America is a symbol of traitors who went to war against their own country with the primary goal of preserving their ability to buy and sell human beings as property. I don't understand why that flag has been treated with respect anywhere since the day Lee surrendered to Grant.
This was never an issue for me as a kid: either we lived in New York, Ohio or Minnesota where I don't remember ever seeing the Stars and Bars displayed, or we lived in Alabama and Texas but I was too young to understand what the flag symbolized, or how often one would see it flying. I admit, ashamedly, that once I was old enough to understand, I didn't think much of it: so what if a neighboring high school was named after Robert E. Lee, and their mascot was the Rebels, and the Confederate battle flag was their flag. It didn't register for me, meant nothing.
The first time I experienced cognitive dissonance over the display of Confederate symbols was when I arrived at college, at The University of Texas at Austin, in the fall of 1975. Suddenly there were a lot of places where people were very seriously, and very publicly, paying homage to the men who provoked a war with America over the issue of slavery.
Mostly for me, it was the statues. The South Mall, just beyond the plaza in front of the Main Building—the Texas Tower—features heroic statues of three icons of the Confederacy: CSA president Jefferson Davis, and army generals Robert E. Lee and Albert S. Johnston (plus CSA postmaster general John Reagan). They were put there in the early 20th century, along with a statue of President Woodrow Wilson and one of former Texas Governor James Hogg, in conjunction with the Littlefield Fountain, all envisioned as a grand entry to the university and a memorial for the university students who died in World War I, which in the sculptor's view was the beginning of real healing after the Civil War since it was the first time Americans from all across the country started to act as citizens of the same country again. There was also supposed to be a statue of George Washington that didn't get finished in time due to finances, and it was later placed nearby. (A good short history of the UT statues is here, in a recent article in the Austin Chronicle.)
You put up a statue of someone, you're honoring them and what they did and stood for in their lives. For me, one day on the South Mall, I finally thought, why the hell is my university honoring traitors? Racist traitors? Why do we in Texas name streets and schools and public buildings after these people? The fountain nearby (pictured) has an inscription memorializing those who died in WWI, and a second inscription recognizing another conflict:
To the men and women of the Confederacy, who fought with valor and suffered with fortitude that states' rights be maintained and who, not dismayed by defeat nor discouraged by misrule, builded from the ruins of a devastating war a greater South and to the men and women of the nation who gave of their possessions and of their lives [so] that free government be made secure to the peoples of the earth this memorial is dedicated.
Just a few more blocks to the south, on the grounds of the state capital, there's a Confederate Soldiers Monument, and another to the 8th Texas Cavalry known as Terry's Texas Rangers. What the f***?
The shooting deaths of nine people in a Charleston church last week, by a young man who used the Confederate battle flag as part of his symbology of white supremacy, has sparked (seemingly from out of nowhere) a lot of discussion about the propriety of governmental display of these symbols of racism , and caused me to consider the issue. Let me be clear about my position.
I'm not saying that all the Confederate flags and all the statues of all the Confederate "statesmen" and generals, and all the memorials to the Confederate soldiers, should be banned or removed or destroyed. I'm not suggesting we pretend that the Civil War didn't happen; we need museums and displays that can tell the story in context.
I am saying, those people were wrong to enslave their fellow men and women and children, and they were wrong to try to secede from the United States so they could continue to do so; they lost the war they started, which cost their part of the country most dearly in lives and treasure. And we as a people, as a nation, as state institutions, should not be seeming to honor them and their actions by displaying their flag. As individuals, you or I can fly any flag we choose, for whatever reason; but there is no reason I can think of that any government entity in the United States should make any prideful display of the symbols of a failed racist rebellion.
And let's be clear about the motives: the states of the Confederacy fought that war to protect their ability to engage in human slavery. Ta-Nahesi Coates has the goods in a recent article in The Atlantic.
The Confederate flag is directly tied to the Confederate cause, and the Confederate cause was white supremacy. This claim is not the result of revisionism. It does not require reading between the lines. It is the plain meaning of the words of those who bore the Confederate flag across history. These words must never be forgotten. Over the next few months the word "heritage" will be repeatedly invoked. It would be derelict to not examine the exact contents of that heritage.
And examine it he does, using the words of the secessionists to deny any modern-day claim that the Confederacy was not about preserving slavery.
South Carolina: "…A geographical line has been drawn across the Union, and all the States north of that line have united in the election of a man to the high office of President of the United States, whose opinions and purposes are hostile to slavery. He is to be entrusted with the administration of the common Government, because he has declared that that "Government cannot endure permanently half slave, half free," and that the public mind must rest in the belief that slavery is in the course of ultimate extinction. This sectional combination for the submersion of the Constitution, has been aided in some of the States by elevating to citizenship, persons who, by the supreme law of the land, are incapable of becoming citizens; and their votes have been used to inaugurate a new policy, hostile to the South, and destructive of its beliefs and safety."
Mississippi: "Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery—the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin…"
Louisiana: "As a separate republic, Louisiana remembers too well the whisperings of European diplomacy for the abolition of slavery in the times of annexation not to be apprehensive of bolder demonstrations from the same quarter and the North in this country. The people of the slave holding States are bound together by the same necessity and determination to preserve African slavery."
Texas: "…in this free government all white men are and of right ought to be entitled to equal civil and political rights; that the servitude of the African race, as existing in these States, is mutually beneficial to both bond and free, and is abundantly authorized and justified by the experience of mankind, and the revealed will of the Almighty Creator, as recognized by all Christian nations; while the destruction of the existing relations between the two races, as advocated by our sectional enemies, would bring inevitable calamities upon both and desolation upon the fifteen slave-holding states…."
You get the idea. Civil War documentarian Ken Burns backs up the argument; South Carolina state senator Paul Thurmond, son of famous racist and Dixiecrat presidential candidate Strom Thurmond, says the "heritage" some claim to be glorifying is nothing to be proud of.
All the talk of "state's rights" is just polish on the pig: the right that the Confederate States of America was trying to protect was the right to own other human beings. Their agricultural economy depended on free labor in the fields and in the master's house. Those people fought a war to maintain slavery in this country; that's not worthy of our respect, and neither is their flag.
Albert S. Johnston
Confederate battle flag
James Hogg
Jenee Desmond-Harris
Littlefield Fountain
Paul Thurmond
Strom Thurmond
Ta-Nahesi Coates
Texas Tower
Ulysses Grant
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5 thoughts on "Take no pride in the stars and bars"
Frances says:
Very well stated.
george gonzalez-rivas says:
Hi Pat. Nice to see you jumping to the left on cue! Hurt your right leg, didya'?
Look, *nobody* condones slavery – to insinuate that anyone does because of the flag is unthinking spittle. And the Confederate flag should, in my opinion, come down from all official state flagpoles.
That said, anybody in America has the right to display or fly the Confederate flag or any other symbol they wish. Over the last week we have witnessed more-than-Orwellian near jerks. To wit: Amazon has stopped selling any Confederate flag or symbol but continues to sell Nazi and communist ones, Apple has taken down Civil War games where the flag makes an appearance but continues to sell games featuring Nazi and/or commie symbols, and Google has cancelled searches, SEARCHES, referring to the Confederate flag. This is outrageous. Un-American. Unacceptable.
I'm shocked to see you, Pat, who once told me "the First Amendment is my favorite Amendment" so quick to discard it. The Sharptons and other race-baiters have really got you spooked, huh?
The evil meshugena shit in Charleston will spend the rest of his life in Supermax, or some such. Best we can do. But the evil meshugena shit in Detroit last week who shot ten people in a drive by goes unremarked upon. Balance, anyone? Perhaps we should outlaw Black Panther symbols? Malcolm X t-shirts? Etc?
I'm sorry, but I've lived in America for 55+ years, and this "racist, supremacist society" crap is evil propaganda meant to keep 12% of the electorate safely ensconced on the left. It is among the largest and most shameful lies I have seen this side of the Iron Curtain.
Pat Ryan says:
Good to hear from you. So, let's see here:
I said, "there is no reason I can think of that any government entity in the United States should make any prideful display of the symbols of a failed racist rebellion," and you said "the Confederate flag should, in my opinion, come down from all official state flagpoles." I said, "As individuals, you or I can fly any flag we choose, for whatever reason…" and you said, "anybody in America has the right to display or fly the Confederate flag or any other symbol they wish." Then you said a bunch of stuff that I mostly agree with about some moronic, short-sighted, strictly-business-based CYA reactions to this flag kerfluffle by some fine, successful American businesses…but I'm the one jumping to the left on cue.
Hmm; interesting perspective.
discreteagent says:
Sorry, Pat…nice twisting though. Your article makes the claim that the Confederate flag is a symbol of treason. Seems to the very same thing was said about the U.S. flag, you know, four score and seven years earlier.
You indicate that it is a symbol of slavery and oppression. Perhaps to a very few, but it should be clear that it is a largely symbol of cultural pride. The Dukes of Hazzard did not promote slavery and hatred. Just reckless driving and very short shorts.
And you do explicitly state that the flag belongs only in a museum. That individuals should not be flying it. You don't get to make that call. How did you talk yourself out of your most dearly held beliefs in order to write that? Personally, I don't care for the flag or even the culture, NASCAR included, but I will defend anyone's right to show or wear it.
WE have to stop this politically correct march to the cliff's edge. The Democrats have somehow managed to take THEIR flag and turn it into an attack against conservatives. Got to be impressed with their legerdemain. But it doesn't fool everybody.
What I explicitly stated was that the Confederate flag and other symbols should not "be banned, removed or destroyed," and that museums would be a good place for them, AND that "As individuals, you or I can fly any flag we choose, for whatever reason…"
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