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Do you have the perfect idea for a product but lack the capital to make it come to life?
Then crowdfunding could be just what you need.
It gives you the ability to raise money from a collective group of people who are connected through the internet and want to support your project.
And it's extremely popular these days.
But before you dive into your first campaign, it's important to determine which of the many crowdfunding sites is right for you.
Let's explore the top five crowdfunding platforms for entrepreneurs and businesses in terms of popularity, types of projects funded, and other basic information so you can choose the best one for your business.
The Benefits of Crowdfunding
First off, you may wonder why you would want to use a crowdfunding platform to launch and fund your project. Here are a few reasons to consider.
- You don't have to give away control, a stake in your company, or future revenue in exchange for funding (like on Shark Tank for example).
- Crowdfunding your idea will force you to set achievable goals and hold you accountable for meeting them.
- People love to share and tell their friends about projects they've backed and major media outlets tend to report on crowdfunding success stories.
So whether you need the funding for your business or not, crowdfunding may be a good option for generating buzz about your idea.
In addition, the fact that you will get a strong customer base right from the start is also a big plus.
Now, let's look at the top crowdfunding websites for entrepreneurs and businesses.
Note that some popular crowdfunding sites were left out of this post because they are only for non-profits and causes vs. businesses and retail product development.
Fees: 5% if you meet your goal plus payment processing fees.
Payments: Amazon Payments
Categories: Art, Comics, Dance, Design, Fashion, Film, Food, Games, Music, Photography, Publishing, Technology, and Theatre
Kickstarter is the most well-known crowdfunding platform for people in the US and UK. Since it launched in 2009, they have helped connect backers with 42,000 projects for a total of $649 million raised.
According to Quantcast, their website receives 9.9 million visits per month globally, which is no doubt a contributing factor as to why so many Kickstarter projects get funding.
The most funded project to date is the Pebble, an e-paper watch for iPhone. Their goal was $100,000 and they received over $10 million from 68,929 backers.
Once nice part about using Kickstarter is there are a lot of resources on how to create a successful campaign. You can start with our guide to running a successful Kickstarter campaign. You can also see some great examples of successful Kickstarter campaigns on Inc and read Mint's guide to a successful Kickstarter campaign.
To boost the visibility of your Kickstarter, refer to 21 Places to Promote Your Kickstarter Campaign and 30 People to Promote Your Kickstarter Campaign. When your campaign is successfully funded, you can read about how to fulfill orders for your Kickstarter backers using Shopify.
Fees: 4% if you meet your goal, 9% if you don't plus payment processing fees.
Payments: Paypal, ACH, Wire Transfer, or FirstGiving
Categories: Art, Comic, Dance, Design, Fashion, Film, Gaming, Music, Photography, Theatre, Transmedia, Video, Writing, Causes, and Entrepreneurial (Food, Small Business, Sports, and Technology)
Indiegogo is a worldwide crowdfunding platform that supports businesses, artists, and non-profits. They launched in 2008 with the goal of making sure that anyone, anywhere could have their dreams realized.
The most funded project to date is the Let's Build a Tesla Museum. Their goal was $850,000 and they received $1.3 million from 33,253 funders.
Be sure to read Indiegogo's Crowdfunding Tips for Campaigners that covers everything from getting started to after the campaign ends. You can also find a year in review of successful Indiegogo campaigns on Mashable.
Fees: 4% if you meet your goal, 8% if you don't plus payment processing fees.
Payments: Secure Check or Digital Payment
Categories: Art, Business, Science, and Social
RocketHub is a worldwide crowdfunding platform that gained exposure through the A&E networks. They have empowered businesses, governments, educators, and communities in over 1,500 projects and are the leaders in crowdfunding education.
Currently, the most funded project to date is Extra Credits, a show about game design and the good games do. Their goal was $15,000 and they received $153,000 from 3,824 funders.
No matter what crowdfunding network you use, be sure to look at RocketHub's Success School for insider knowledge and tools that can help you achieve your goals.
Fees: $99 per month during active campaigns plus payment processing fees.
Payments: WePay
Categories: Startups
Fundable is a crowdfunding platform that allows startups to offer rewards or equity in exchange for funding. According to the site, startups that offer rewards typically raise up to $50,000, whereas startups that offer equity usually raise more.
The most funded project to date is DecisionDesk, an application tracking system for educational institutions. Their goal was $1.25 million and which they met.
If you decide to run a Fundable campaign, refer to their blog post on gearing up for a successful crowdfund.
Fees: 5% if you meet your goals plus payment processing fees.
Payments: Amazon Payments
Categories: Advertising to Wholesale
Crowdfunder is a crowdfunding platform for US based businesses with a product or service. They help connect your business to their local networks of 20,000 entrepreneurs and investors.
The most funded project to date is It's For Life, a company producing consumable and convenient health products. Their goal was $7,500 and they received $12,000 from 44 funders.
Before you begin, visit the Crowdfunder Knowledge Center for 3 Steps to Campaign Success. You can also watch a Google+ Hangout with online and offline fundraising success strategies.
How to Get Funded
Regardless of which crowdfunding site you choose, here are some things you can do to make sure your campaign is successful.
- Focus on creating a high quality, confident and convincing video. Most project profiles lead with a video and it's usually what people rely on when trying to decide whether to back a project.
- Offer rewards that people will actually want. Put yourself in your customer's shoes when planning your reward levels and incentives.
- Set a realistic funding goal. Crowdfunding websites are meant to give you the amount needed to cover your costs and get your project off of the ground, not to make you a millionaire.
- Promote, promote, promote. Every day until the end of your campaign, promote your project everywhere and in every way that you can.
- Reach out to bloggers and reporters who write about similar crowdfunding projects. Depending on the type of campaign, you could receive mentions on major networks like CNN, Mashable, Techcrunch and others. These types of mentions can have a great impact on whether your project is successfully funded or not.
- Product images are important and professional photography goes a long way. Images can easily go viral on networks like Pinterest and Reddit, driving even more traffic to your campaign.
Over to You
Do you have any experience with these crowdfunding platforms? Have you ever backed a project on one of these sites? If so, what convinced you to pull out your wallet? Let us know in the comments.
Kickstand Theme: From Crowdfunding to Ecommerce
Thinking about launching a crowdfunded project? Then make sure you check out Kickstand, an ecommerce theme designed specifically to help entrepreneurs who've just finished a successful crowdfunding campaign keep selling.
Join 446,005 entrepreneurs who already have a head start.
Get free online marketing tips and resources delivered directly to your inbox.
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Insanity: Apple Rejects Podcatching App Because It Has Flattr Integration
from the cutting-off-your-nose dept
One purpose for which micropayment solution Flattr (which we use here on Techdirt) has certainly caught on is providing a way for people to support podcasts. Apparently, simple integration allowing people to designate some money for podcasters has just "felt right" for lots of users who do exactly that. And some podcasting/podcatching apps have tried to accommodate this. Instacast, a popular app for downloading and listening to podcasts on the iOS platform, integrated Flattr back in February, but in early May the arbitrary gatekeepers at Apple rejected the app because the Flattr integration went against Apple's demands that all in-app payments go through its own system. Vemedio (the makers of Instacast) along with the folks at Flattr appealed to Apple that this was ridiculous... but Apple issued a final decision rejecting the app. In response, Vemedio is very reluctantly removing Flattr from its app, meaning podcasters just lost a good way of making money, all because Apple can't control it. More evidence of Apple becoming a rather evil gatekeeper, rather than an enabler of new and interesting ideas.

subset: commoncrawl


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Wednesday, April 30th at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. or Thursday May 1st at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
Mothers take center stage at this special Mother's Day Story Time.
Children will enjoy stories, activities and a craft that will all center on Mothers!
Register by contacting the Children's Department at 330-683-1065.
Event Type:


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Material Culture's founder/owner George Jevremovic with a few of his May 5 debut auction's predicted top lots, including a 19th-century Samuel Robb cigar store figure, est. $40,000-$60,000. Material Culture image.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 at 4:50 pm and is filed under .
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Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Copyright 2018


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Diseases of Honey Bees
* Caused by: Sacbrood virus (SBV) * Brood disease * Does not usually cause severe losses Sacbrood, a disease caused by a virus, does not usually cause severe losses. It is most common during the first half of the brood rearing season and often goes unnoticed, since it usually affects only a small percentage of the brood. Usually adult bees detect and remove infected larvae quickly. Often, if sacbrood is widespread enough for the beekeeper to observe the symptoms, the disease may be too severe for the adult worker population to handle.


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Welcome info
First steps
Once you arrive at the CBG/DGM, here is the list of things you should do first.
- Building keys and hardware lockers
Ask Suzanne to get your keys to access the building and your office. Once you have setup your desktop, ask for some cables to lock your hardware.
- UNIL account
You will find here some useful informations concerning your personal access to the UNIL resources and services.
Open the pdf, fill it out, get it signed by your supervisor and send it to the Centre Informatique.
You will receive by post your username and password to will allow you to use all the services and resources at UNIL.
- CHUV card (canteen card)
Get your inscription form from Suzanne. Bring the form with your picture to the 3rd floor (entrance is at the 2nd floor) of Les Allières building (MP20-Media:CHUV.png).
- Campus card (student card)
Fill in the following form Student Campus Card form and sent it back to the service des immatriculations at UNIL.
IT access
- Printer
Connect to OKI MC560 (located in Suzanne's office). Look for the latest drivers on the web: http://www.oki.fr/support/printer-drivers/index.aspx
- Access to the servers
Ask Rico to create you an account on the calculation servers we have here.
- Registration to the DGM mailing list
Email firstname.lastname@example.com and ask him to add you to the DGM mailing list.
- Softwares available
Some softwares are under individual licence for which you will need to fill in a form in Suzanne's office.
To see what sort of softwares are available at UNIL
- For PCs: Map the following network drive : \\distripc.unil.ch\soft and connect to it typing ad\username and entering your password (the one from your email account).
- For Macs: Connect to the following server (cmd + k on the Finder window) afp://bigmac.unil.ch using your email username and password.
- Services au personnel - Centre Informatique
- UNIL Internal Portal
SIB affiliation
- As a member of the CBG, you are member of the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics . You will have to fill in the registration form provided by Suzanne.
Special foreigners arriving in Switzerland
You will find here a guide for the students starting at the UNIL, which contains very useful information. Other basic information can be found at this page.
- Swiss residence permit
You will have to request it from the office of your town of residence. It usually turns out that the request is made by the DGM via Suzanne.
- Medical care insurances
It's mandatory to have a health insurance once you arrive in Switzerland. Have a look at the official federal list of insurances and compare the offers with comparis.ch. Some additional information about the different health systems can be found in this article from la fédération romande des consommateurs.
Have a look at this page to get more information about insurances which offer special rates for foreign students and researchers. They offer a basic health insurance plan which can be taken out for a maximum of 6 years after your first arrival in Switzerland.
General info
- Coffees
You can get Nespresso capsules from Suzanne for CHF 5/box.
- Supplies
All kinds of pens, notebooks,Post-it, stamps, envelopes....can be found in Suzanne's office.
- Clothes locker
You can get your own locker for clothes (those green lockers in the corridor). If youa re interested, ask Suzane.
- Water duty
Mineral water is provided by the CHUV. Once or twice a year it will be your duty to deliver it, check the calendar in office 113.
- Google calendar
We share a google calendar where all kind of infos are written (vacations, conferences, lab meeting...). To get the access, ask any member of the CBG.
- DGM meetings/CBG meetings/Journal clubs
DGM progress reports occur every Wednesday at 12:15, Spengler auditorium.
Internal group meetings are on Thursdays at 9:30 room 106
Journal clubs are generally on thursdays, at noon. Check the calendar!
- Opportunity to buy a laptop
The UNIL offers 50% of the price of a new laptop (up to 1000 CHF). Ask Sven if interested and Rico for the administrative procedure.


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Topic: [SOLVED] DOMAIN OF INTRANET
==== Provide basic information to help troubleshoot ====
- iRedMail version:
- Linux/BSD distribution name and version:
- Any related log? Log is helpful for troubleshooting.
Version of iredmail = 0.7.3
Linux Debian Squeeze
I need to use a domain in IREDMAIL, but this domain doesn't belong to the INTERNET,
because i have a INTRANET.
In this INTRANET is used domain diferent than INTERNET,
this domain belong the INTRANET of my industry = master and filial..
I discover that the IREDADMIN doesn't accept domains diferent than INTERNET, how can
I do????
the domain that i want to use is "giasj.intraer"


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John Dickinson: Design and Whimsy
The 20th-century designer John Dickinson died in 1982, but his work is more popular now than ever before. Coveted by collectors (did you see the episode of Million Dollar Decorator where a fight over a Dickinson side table was a whole juicy storyline?) and imitated by DIY-ers with matte white spray paint, his furniture is a combination of simplicity, functionality and surrealist whimsy.
Born in 1920, Dickinson grew up in Berkeley and went to Parsons School of Design. He returned to San Francisco in 1956 and launched his interior decorating firm. One of the top decorators in San Francisco during the '60s and '70s, Dickinson was known for his unique point-of-view and his originality. We can see evidence of this originality in his signature concrete plaster furniture pieces, designed and produced in the 1960s and 70s, which re-sell for many thousands of dollars at auction, and which have recently been re-issued in more durable glass-reinforced concrete by Sutherland Furniture.
In many ways, Dickinson's furniture was perfectly of its moment. Made of tactile fine-art materials like plaster and also industrial materials like galvanized steel, his pieces had a primitive, handmade feeling but also an almost austere simplicity. They were primitive and modern, organic and industrial, cheeky and fun but also elegant and functional.
Despite all their modernity and originality, Dickinson's pieces often referenced historical forms. His 'Etruscan' table has legs that recall the bronze paw feet of furniture from ancient Italy, and his 'hoofed' and 'footed' tables took that conceit to a more cartoonishly surreal conclusion. The matte plaster finish of his concrete furniture, meanwhile, was a direct throwback to designers from the 1920s and '30s like Jean-Michel Frank and Serge Roche, who also blended surrealism and modernism in their own designs. Most of all, Dickinson liked to play with textures, creating trompe-l'oeil objects out of concrete and steel to suggest table skirts, femurs or tree branches, and playing with traditional decor in very untraditional materials.
Why the newfound popularity? Part of it is the natural life-cycle of the cult designer whose fan base grows over time; part of it is the instant recognizability of his pieces, something that's surprisingly rare. But I also think the combination of fun and function is perfect for our age, where we like to think that we don't take our possessions too seriously, even while we care deeply about them. Dickinson often thought about objects and fetishism, and his greatest achievement was creating objects that not only referenced fetishism but that could be fetishized themselves.
(Images: 1 African tables (1970s) from Paper City Mag; 2 Hoofed stool (1965) from Liz O'Brien on 1stdibs; 3 Chairs from a set designed for the I. Magnin department store in San Francisco in 1969, from Jefferson West on 1stdibs; 4 Galvanized steel and brass console table (1971) from Galere on 1stdibs; 5 The Rope Tie and Tree Stump tables via House Gardens People; 6 Large Six-Legged African Table from Sutherland via Robb Report; 7 & 8 Dickinson's own home in San Francisco, photos by Lance Iverson via SFGate; 9 the Sirmos Floor Drape Lamp, attributed to Dickinson, on V&M; 10 Twig Mirror (c. 1970) via JED on 1stdibs.)


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Rangers ink 11 to one-year deals, including Ogando, Moreland
Surprise, AZ – The Texas Rangers agreed to one-year contracts with 11 players on Monday, including pitcher Alexi Ogando and first baseman Mitch Moreland.
Ogando posted a 2-0 record with a 3.27 earned run average and three saves over 58 games (one start) for the Rangers in 2012. The 6-foot-4 right-hander has compiled a 19-9 record with a 3.12 ERA in 133 games, including 30 starts, over three seasons in Texas.
Moreland appeared in 114 games with the Rangers last season and batted .275 with 15 home runs and 50 RBI. Over three seasons in Texas, Moreland has hit .264 with 40 homers and 126 RBI in 295 games.
Uber prospect Jurickson Profar also agreed to a one-year deal on Monday. The 19-year-old middle infielder made his MLB debut with the Rangers in 2012 and hit .176 with one homer and two RBI in nine games.
Also agreeing to one-year deals on Monday were pitchers Wilmer Font, Roman Mendez, Joe Ortiz, Martin Perez, Tanner Scheppers, Matt West and Coty Woods and infielder Leury Garcia.


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The American Society of Clinical Oncology Awards Quality Certification to Mount Sinai's GI Medical Oncology Program at The Tisch Cancer Institute
Mount Sinai is the first only site in Manhattan with a QOPI®-certified practice.
– October 30, 2013 /Press Release/ ––
The American Society of Clinical Oncology has awarded its Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) certification to gastrointestinal medical oncologists at The Tisch Cancer Center at Mount Sinai.
"We are exceedingly proud to have attained QOPI certification," said Randall F. Holcombe, MD, Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Icahn School of Medicine and Director of Clinical Cancer Affairs at Mount Sinai. "The certification underscores our deep commitment to ensuring the best possible care and experience for all of our patients, and demonstrates ASCO's recognition of the high-quality of cancer care we provide." Dr. Holcombe also serves as Medical Director of the Ruttenberg Treatment Center at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Director of GI Medical Oncology and Deputy Director for The Tisch Cancer Institute.
QOPI certification signifies that an oncology practice has met core standards in a variety of areas that affect the quality of patient care. Quality reviewers conduct a rigorous evaluation of several aspects of treatment, including treatment planning, staff training and education, chemotherapy orders and drug preparation, patient consent and education, safe chemotherapy administration, and monitoring and assessment of patient well-being.
"QOPI is designed by clinical experts in oncology to give practices the ability to continuously improve the quality of care they provide," said ASCO President Clifford A. Hudis, MD, FACP. "The QOPI Certification Program helps practices determine whether they are providing the best possible treatment and care to their patients, and offers insight into their commitment to excellence and lifelong learning."
The QOPI Certification Program (QCP) was launched in January 2010, with only 200 practices currently certified nationwide. This certification for outpatient oncology practices is the first program of its kind for oncology in the United States. Oncologists achieve certification by demonstrating practice consistent with the highest standards of care. The QCP seal designates those practices that not only scored high on the key QOPI quality measures, but meet rigorous safety measures established by ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).
"Recognition by QOPI highlights the patient-centered and collaborative approach to care offered by physicians, nurses, and other staff members throughout The Tisch Cancer Institute," said Holcombe. "It represents a first step toward achieving this prestigious certification across all of our oncology practice areas.
About ASCO
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 30,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. ASCO is supported by its affiliate organization, the Conquer Cancer Foundation, which funds ground-breaking research and programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of people with cancer. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.cancer.net.
About The Tisch Cancer Institute
The Tisch Cancer Institute builds upon Mount Sinai's history of medical breakthroughs to offer new hope for those living with or at risk for cancer. Tisch scientists are investigating the mechanisms behind the differentiation and growth of cancer cells and working to move discoveries quickly into therapeutic treatments. Institute members span across multiple departments in the medical center and work in multidisciplinary research programs. In order to facilitate clinical research, the Tisch Cancer Institute provides oversight of all clinical trials. Tisch clinicians provide multidisciplinary care including medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology, as well as a full range of diagnostic and supportive care services.
About the Ruttenberg Treatment Center
The Derald H. Ruttenberg Treatment Center, part of The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai, provides comprehensive outpatient care for patients with cancer and benign hematologic conditions. Occupying two full floors in Mount Sinai's state-of-the-art building, the Leon and Norma Hess Center for Science and Medicine, the Ruttenberg Center has a long history of excellence in the treatment of cancer. Currently, the Center has the following specialists on site: medical oncologists, hematologists, otolaryngologists, gynecologic oncologists, surgical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, endocrine neoplasia experts, supportive oncology, onco-cardiologists and radiation oncologists.
About the Mount Sinai Health System
The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven member hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services—from community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care.
The System includes approximately 6,600 primary and specialty care physicians, 12-minority-owned free-standing ambulatory surgery centers, over 45 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, as well as 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the top 20 medical schools both in National Institutes of Health funding and by U.S. News & World Report.
News Source : The American Society of Clinical Oncology Awards Quality Certification to Mount Sinai's GI Medical Oncology Program at The Tisch Cancer Institute
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BUNNY 911 - If your rabbit hasn't eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately! Don't have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES
The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.
What are we about? Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules.
LEADERS: Azerane Bam BinkyBunny DanaNM JerseyGirl LBJ10 LittlePuffyTail RabbitPam Wick
WHAT'S NEW (Latest Forum Posts)
Hi everyone,
I hope that I'm posting this in the right section .... I wanted to get some input from other experienced rabbit folks.
I am thinking about starting a rescue and outreach group in San Antonio - we don't have any sort of rabbit rescue or shelter here.
Could anybody give me any resources on how to go about this, necessary items, etc?
I realize that this requires a great deal of work ... and money. But it's something I'm passionate about and would at least like to look into ... I really want to help.
Can anyone offer advice, help, support, words of wisdom?
Thank you
Have you ever volunteered for a rescue group (dog, cat, rabbit, anything)? I would suggest that you start with that so you will have some local rescue resources.
I had a small rabbit fostering group at one time - we applied for and got our 501c non-profit status from the IRS.
What I first did was help at some local rabbit rescues and I realize you don't have that in San Antonio. However I also volunteered at a local no-kill shelter (dogs and cats only). And that helped me see what it took to start my own rabbit foster group.
I also was an educator and foster for the House Rabbit Society. I would recommend you apply as a volunteer with them as well - you will get access to their resources and you can also tell shelters and other rescues you are a volunteer with them.
I paid all my expenses out of my own pocket when I had a little foster group with 2 other friends. Fundraising is always the BIGGEST challenge of any of the rescue groups I had or helped with. I am currently a board member for a Guinea Pig rescue and run their rescue store and we are always in the red. In fact, any of the rescue groups I helped where always in the red.
As for getting a 501c - you first need to incorporate in the state of Texas and you will need a board of directors (at least 3 people) to incorporate. Once you are incorporated you can then apply for your 501c3 if you decide to go that route.
Hi everyone
I'm trying to become allied with HRS. It will help me to do more and find more rabbits homes in the area (I hope) and I need three HRS members to reccommend me. All I would need are your names. I know a lot of you have been keeping up with my story about the bunnies at the "sanctuary" and I was hoping I can find some support from you guys on this for my rescue
Why don't you consider becoming an educator with them?
Here's the link on how to do it:
I did that for awhile (no longer an educator) and met alot of people on-line and learned alot from the other educators.


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Seeing Stars
New Mexico Observatory
Main Navigation
Home Page
Deep Sky
Time Lapse Movies
Latest Items
Star Trails & Other
Mosaics & Panoramas
Welcome to Seeing Stars Observatory Homepage
Deep Sky Astrophotography
Eagle Nebula - This image was taken on May 15th, 2010, at a location
called Griffin Ranch, north of Globe, AZ.
Lunar Imaging
Total Lunar Eclipse, Feb 20th, 2008 - Taken from Lake Worth, FL
Planetary Imaging
Jupiter and two of its moons, Sept. 24th, 2010 - Taken from Chandler, AZ
Time Lapse
I started astro-imaging in 2007, when I purchased my first "real" telescope, a 10" Meade LX90.
Initially, I did lunar and planetary imaging using a Philips webcam, and my interest and enthusiasm has been growing exponentially ever since! I've been dabbling in modified DSLR astrophotography, and have recently purchased my first dedicated astro-cam, an
for use on my
Vixen ED103 refractor and SXD mount.
To fill the evenings time gap when the camera and computer are doing most of the work, I busy myself taking time-lapse movies using my Canon 40D and 20D. I've found this is a fun and cool way to capture the atmosphere of the evening, and to help convey the experience.
These pages share some of my best (and not so) images and time-lapses that I've produced over the last few years, and hopefully for many years to come as I climb the learning curve.
Check back from time-to-time, as I plan to constantly update!
I plan to add many more of my past images and movies, as well as new ones as I take them.
Questions or Comments, please email me:
Content copyright


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You are here: Root > Software > Development > Implementations
Commercial Implementation by Scieneer Pty, Ltd. It is based on the CMUCL code base and provides multi-threading support for symmetrical multiprocessor systems. Trial version available.
Web site: http://www.scieneer.com/scl/index.html
Maturity: Stable
Mailing list:
Source code repository:
OS compatibility: Linux, Solaris, HP-UX,
Implementations | Unix family | Commercial
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I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling better! I've been thinking about you a lot!
I think our LO's can sense when we're not feeling well...they are very sensitive. I had a stomach flu a month or so ago & felt so awful...all I did was sleep & nurse all day. I was worried b/c my DD can get pretty fussy/impatient/wiggly if my let down doesn't happen quickly, but she was a perfect nursing angel all day I never even felt my let downs and she nursed more often than usual, but was very calm, not wiggly or fussy and I was sooo grateful! Sounds like your baby girl is very sweet and sensitive too!


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Safety and Efficacy Study of High Dose Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free) for Myeloablative Conditioning in Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing Autologous Transplantation
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01660633
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : August 9, 2012
Last Update Posted : June 2, 2015
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|Multiple Myeloma
|Drug: High-Dose Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free)
|Phase 2
The sponsor of the current study, Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Ligand), previously CyDex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CyDex), is developing Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free) as an orphan drug product for use as a high dose conditioning treatment prior to hematopoietic progenitor (stem) cell transplantation. This new injectable form of melphalan HCL incorporates Captisol®, β cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ether sodium salts (also known as [SBE]7m-β-CD), into the product. Captisol is present to facilitate the use of an all aqueous diluent (normal saline) for reconstitution and administration of the freeze-dried product in place of the propylene glycol-ethanol diluent necessary for the currently used melphalan intravenous product. Captisol provides for solubilization and improved stability of the all aqueous reconstituted and diluted infusion solution.
This is the second of two studies supporting product registration. This study will be a multicenter study of high-dose Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free) conducted in 60 patients who have symptomatic MM and qualify for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).
During the Study Period, patients will receive 100mg/m2 of either Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free) on Day -3 and on Day -2 for a total dose of 200mg/m2. Blood samples (5 timepoints post infusion) for population pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation will be withdrawn through an indwelling i.v. cannula on the first day of administration of melphalan (Day -3) for all patients and then additional blood samples (2 timepoints post infusion) drawn in a subset of patients on the second day of melphalan administration (Day -2).
Following one day of rest after the high dose myeloablative conditioning (Day -1), patients will receive an autologous graft (Day 0).
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|61 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Single Group Assignment
|None (Open Label)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|A Phase IIb, Multicenter, Open-Label, Safety and Efficacy Study of High Dose Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free)for Myeloablative Conditioning in Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing Autologous Transplantation
|Study Start Date :
|December 2012
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|February 2014
|Actual Study Completion Date :
|August 2014
High-Dose Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free)
Subjects will receive only High-Dose Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-free) at 200mg/m2 (100mg/m2/day for two days).
Drug: High-Dose Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free)
200 mg melphalan/m2 will be divided into two separate, consecutive doses of 100 mg/m2 administered on day -3 and day -2 prior to ASCT. The High-Dose Melphaln HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free) will be reconstituted to 5 mg/mL (also containing 270 mg/mL of Captisol®). The Melphalan HCL for Injection (Propylene Glycol Free) will be further diluted with normal saline to a concentration of no greater than 0.45 mg/mL and infused over 30 minutes ( + or - 3 minutes)via a central venous catheter.
- Number of Participants with Adverse Events as a Measure of Safety and Tolerability [ Time Frame: Up to Day +100 ]
- Mucositis Severity according to World Health Organization Scoring System [ Time Frame: Until Day +30 ]
- Mouth Pain Scores according to a Visual Analog Scale [ Time Frame: Until Day +30 ]
- Treatment Related Mortality [ Time Frame: Up to Day +100 ]
- MM response according to International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. [ Time Frame: At the Day +100 visit ]
- Myeloablation [ Time Frame: Up to Day +30 ]Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5 × 109/L, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) <0.1 × 109/L, platelet count <20,000/mm3, or bleeding requiring transfusion.
- Neutrophil engraftment [ Time Frame: Up to Day +100 ]ANC >0.5 × 109/L × first 3 consecutive daily assessments
- Platelet engraftment [ Time Frame: Up to Day +100 ]Untransfused platelet measurement >20,000/mm3 × first 3 consecutive daily assessments
- Non-engraftment [ Time Frame: Up to Day +100 ]Failure to reach an ANC >0.5 × 109/L × 3 consecutive daily assessments by Day +100.
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|up to 70 Years (Child, Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients with symptomatic MM based on IMWG guidelines requiring treatment who are eligible for ASCT.
- Patients who are 70 years of age or younger at time of transplant. Patients older than 70 years of age may be enrolled on a case-by-case basis if the patient meets local institutional criteria to receive a total melphalan dose of 200 mg/m2 as a conditioning regimen and if approved by the medical monitor.
- Patients with an adequate autologous graft, defined as an unmanipulated, cryopreserved, peripheral blood stem cell graft containing at least 2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg based on patient body weight.
Patients with adequate organ function as measured by:
- Cardiac function: Left ventricular ejection fraction at rest >40% (documented within 8 weeks prior to Day -3).
- Hepatic function: Bilirubin <2 × the upper limit of normal and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) <3 × upper limit of normal.
- Renal function: Creatinine clearance >40 mL/minute (measured or calculated/estimated).
- Pulmonary function: Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO)corrected for hemoglobin (Hgb), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC), and oxygen saturation >92% on room air (documented within 4 weeks prior to Day -3).
- Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0, 1, or 2.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients with smoldering MM not requiring therapy.
- Patients with plasma cell leukemia.
- Patients with systemic amyloid light chain amyloidosis.
- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
- Patients with an active bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
- Patients with a life expectancy of < 6 months.
- Patients with prior malignancies except resected basal cell carcinoma or treated cervical carcinoma in situ. Cancer treated with curative intent >5 years previously will be allowed. Cancer treated with curative intent <5 years previously will not be allowed unless approved by the medical monitor.
- Female patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Female patients of childbearing potential who are unwilling to use adequate contraceptive techniques during and for 3 months following study treatment with Melphalan HCl for Injection (Propylene Glycol-Free).
- Patients seropositive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV).
- Patients who are unwilling to provide informed consent.
- Patients receiving other concurrent anticancer therapy (including chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal treatment, or immunotherapy, but excluding corticosteroids) within 30 days prior to the ASCT or planning to receive any of these treatments prior to Day +30.
- Patients concurrently participating in any other clinical study involving ASCT.
- Patients who are hypersensitive or intolerant to any component of the study drug formulation.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01660633
|United States, Illinois
|Rush University Medical Center
|Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60612
|United States, Kansas
|University of Kansas Medical Center
|Fairway, Kansas, United States, 66205
|United States, Massachusetts
|University of Massachusetts
|Worcester, Massachusetts, United States, 01655
|United States, Missouri
|Washington University School of Medicine
|St Louis, Missouri, United States, 63110
|United States, Wisconsin
|University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
|Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53792
|Medical College of Wisconsin/Froedtert Hospital
|Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53226
|Study Director:
|Tim Freeman
|Clinipace Worldwide
|Responsible Party:
|Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01660633 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|August 9, 2012 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|June 2, 2015
|Last Verified:
|May 2015
Keywords provided by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc:
Multiple Myeloma
High-Dose Melphalan
Propylene Glycol-Free
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Multiple Myeloma
Neoplasms, Plasma Cell
Neoplasms by Histologic Type
Hemostatic Disorders
Vascular Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Blood Protein Disorders
Hematologic Diseases
Hemorrhagic Disorders
Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Immunoproliferative Disorders
Immune System Diseases
Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
Alkylating Agents
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Antineoplastic Agents
Myeloablative Agonists
Immunosuppressive Agents
Immunologic Factors
Physiological Effects of Drugs


text:
Alert 2013-14
Subject: Fraudulent Regulatory Agency Issuance
Date: July 24, 2013
Description: Fraudulent Correspondence Attributed to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Fraudulent Correspondence Regarding the Release of Funds Supposedly Under the Control of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
To: Chief Executive Officers of All National Banks and Federal Savings Associations; All State Banking Authorities; Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy Comptrollers (Districts); Assistant Deputy Comptrollers; District Counsels; All Examining Personnel; and Other Interested Parties
Fictitious correspondence, allegedly issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regarding funds purportedly under the control of the OCC, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and foreign financial institutions is in circulation. This correspondence may be distributed via e-mail, fax, or postal mail.
Any document claiming that the OCC is involved in holding any funds for the benefit of any individual or entity is fraudulent. The OCC does not participate in the transfer of funds for, or on behalf of, individuals, business enterprises, or governmental entities.
Attached is a copy of this fraudulent correspondence as well as related fictitious documents, which are being sent to consumers in an attempt to elicit funds from those individuals and to gather personal information to be used in possible future identification theft.
Correspondence may indicate that an "Exchange Control Approval Payment Order" valued at $7,500,000.00 is being held until a "Currency Capital Control Clearance ITP Fee" is secured. The recipient of this correspondence is instructed to wire funds, which are purportedly used to pay tax. The recipient will receive several tax bills, which over time may equate to $10,400.00, before having any supposed funds released. Throughout the course of this scam, the potential victim will be instructed to provide the following personal identifiable information: full name and address, mobile phone and fax, company name and position, profession, age, marital status, and a scanned copy of his or her identification. Contact information provided in the correspondence is for that of either William Blattner, who is purportedly with Standard Chartered Bank, or Glenn David, who is purportedly a representative of the OCC. The specific contact information appearing in the correspondence is as follows:
William Blattner
Glenn David
Please note that the OCC does not employ anyone by the name of Glenn David. In addition, the e-mail address and the telephone number mentioned in the material are not associated with the OCC.
Before responding in any manner to any proposal supposedly issued by the OCC that requests personal information or personal account information or that requires the payment of any fee in connection with the proposal, the recipient should take steps to verify that the proposal is legitimate. At a minimum, the OCC recommends that consumers
Additional information concerning this matter that should be brought to the attention of the OCC may be forwarded to
Ellen M. Warwick
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text:
August 24, 2011
Research proposals see increase over previous fiscal year despite federal funding constraints
By Communications and Marketing
New ideas and explorations were plentiful at Kansas State University in the last fiscal year.
Research was the focus of many faculty members, as the university recorded an increase in project proposals for the 2010-2011 fiscal year compared to the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
K-State received $124,555,821 in awards issued between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011. Though the total of awarded monies is less than that of the 2009-2010 fiscal year, more projects were developed and proposed for federal grants: 1,379 compared to 1,341 from the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
In total, $538.4 million was requested for projects that ranged from human health to enhancing outreach of the arts. In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, K-State faculty members requested $419 million for research, instruction, public service and other creative and scholarly projects.
"It's exciting to see our faculty members develop more projects than they did the previous year," said Kirk Schulz, K-State president. "Thanks also goes to our deans and department heads for their continued encouragement of researchers and scholars to pursue more discoveries that advance their field of study. As K-State moves forward to become a top 50 public research university by 2025, it's vital that our faculty continue to pursue funding for their innovative and novel research."
Grants received during the 2010-2011 fiscal year fund a variety of projects at K-State, including insect research that will improve human health and prevent crop loss; developing new methods to advance food safety systems; strengthening of cybersecurity for networks and computer users; improving unmanned aerial systems; limiting toxins in drinking water; supporting and showcasing arts and performances in the community; helping military veterans earn engineering degrees; and much more.
Some of K-State's appropriated funds were affected by budget uncertainties and reductions, along with changes in appropriation requirements for various federal departments, institutes and foundations.
The university lost approximately $4 million in appropriated monies from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has contributed to projects in veterinary medicine and agriculture for several years.
The National Institutes for Health reduced new awards and continuation awards by 10 percent or more in the previous fiscal year. Some of the cuts, however, were reinstated to 1 or 3 percent cuts, though these restoration award notices were only recently received.
Several funding agencies also capped awards for inflationary increases, while many additional awards were delayed until the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
Also absent was continued stimulus funding for the Federal Education Stabilization Fund, which awarded K-State $11 million in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
With federal finances beginning to settle, K-State's office of research and sponsored programs is reporting early indications of increases in funded grant proposals for the current 2011-2012 academic year.


text:
A sleeveless, side-split over-garment for men.
Surcoats were worn by fighters in the middle ages to cover their padded fighting coats or metal armor. They would paint or sew their company badges over their chests on their surcoats to identify whom they were fighting for. You can wear them plain or paint your arms on the front and back.
A surcoat also makes an attractive, inexpensive way to dress the non-principles in a play or wedding party. The sides are sewn together under the arms and the garment slips on over the head. It is made of a fade-resistant, cotton/poly blend that is comfortable in warm or cold weather.
The model is wearing the surcoat over a black Lord's Shirt (CHI3015), with a Wide Brass Buckle Belt (CHI8009) and a black Biggen cap (CHI7025) and Tramper Boots (MTK20004).


text:
Celebrate (v): 1. to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities: to celebrate Christmas; to celebrate the success of a new play.
First off, Happy Victoria's Day to my fellow Canadians! Hope you all have a blast and beautiful weather like we do. It truly feels like August out here in Cambridge. We're having a picnic in the backyard today with the kids, a water balloon throwing contest and some fireworks for the evening:) The munchkins are excited.
The past few weeks had been very busy for me. I'm almost done the sequel for Two Halves (I've been almost done for a month), and can't really do anything until I finish. I mean anything. This book has consumed me (in a good way). I have one more week to get it out to my editor. I've been writing/editing. I have it all done, except for the last paragraph - that perfect line. That's what I hope to do over the next couple of days.
The perfect ending is already there, just that one line/paragraph to finish it off. On top of it all, I've been re-editing some of my other work, but more on that soon.
That being said, I've been pretty absent from the blog. I haven't ignored everyone else though. I read your blogs, just don't comment. I know that's not nice and I do fell extremely guilty about it. But, after writing/editing all day, it's just become exhausting to do anything, other than read.
So even if it doesn't seem like I'm here, I am, and when all done, I'll need to throw one big party on my blog to celebrate and get back to the schedule. Until then, dear blog, please bear with me. I will be back and tell you all about the wonderful schedule I'd had the past month *sarcasm*. Perhaps I won't - just came up with a great idea for next Monday's post and it's much better than talking about my schedule:)
Happy Victoria Day!
Are you as busy as I am? How do you prioritize?


text: Look, it's logarithmic, isn't' it? Some time ago I thought about a similiarity in numbers of electrons in a bound state inside the atom ( their problems of setting in begin somewhere after U92 ) and numbers of club players in this club. Look, we have now a rate of 20 to 30 new registration each month, without Google influx, and with the latter it would increase to 25% or so. Facebook in Moscow


text:
CRESTVIEW � Works by artists of varying ages and experience levels meet on the Crestview Public Library�s north wall in a current exhibit.
CRESTVIEW � Works by artists of varying ages and experience levels meet on the Crestview Public Library�s north wall in a current exhibit.
"They range from the budding artist to the dying artist," exhibit coordinator Peggy Hollingshead said.
In addition to some of Hollingshead's own abstracts, artists Charlotte Parrish, Terry Scott, Nicole Weaver, Sarah Hawkins and Jessica Bruegenhemke have works on the display wall.
One of the delights of shows featuring mixed talents and styles is the variety of expression. Patrons view details of Parrish's "Thistle Ballet" and contrast it with Hollingshead's evocative "Phoenix."
Budding artist Bruegenhemke sets us pondering with "Bird King," a splendid graphite work of a wolf holding a falcon on its forepaw under the full moon. Shades of "LadyHawke"? Only the artist knows for sure.
Northwest Florida State College student Hawkins displays remarkable agility in capturing textiles� graceful drape in sepia pastels called "Cloth Drawing" and "Boot Drawing."
Weaver has lots of fun with color and text in her self-described "crazy paintings," including the lively "Pig Love," which includes roses, hearts and, yes, a friendly pink oinker.
Scott�s bright, cheerful floral paintings belie the artist's battle with a terminal illness, making his works even more emotional celebrations of life.
The exhibition will remain through August.
Note: A previous version of this article said Sarah Hawkins' medium used was watercolors. In fact, it's sepia pastels.
Contact News Bulletin Arts & Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.


text:
STERLING – About a week ago, I walked into my apartment complex in Sterling and saw a stack of phone books sitting by the mailboxes.
There must have been six or so bright blue Sauk Valley directories neatly stacked on the ground. On top of them were smaller books that also had business information in them.
I ignored it and made my way up the stairs to my apartment. Later that day or the next, I picked up one of the 2013 directories and one of the smaller books. I figured they would be helpful in case I needed to look up someone's phone number after hours for work.
Before I began my job in the Sauk Valley, I can count one hand the number of times I used a phone book.
My family kept them tucked away in a cabinet in our house. On pizza night, I was occasionally asked to fish out the book and look up the number to place the order.
Other than that, phone books were obsolete to me. Until I moved here. In the Sauk Valley as a reporter, a phone book has proved very useful to contact certain people.
I have multiple phone books on my desk. Whenever I need to call a source, or someone who I interviewed as a follow up, I whip open the book and search for their name.
It can also serve as a verification tool. It's also a way to contact businesses and look up addresses, too.
Although handy, there is another book that has now replaced the traditional pages of paper that people used to leaf through frequently.
That's Facebook. Members of my generation will scarcely be found listed in a phone book, but there's little to no doubt we are on Facebook. If I interview a couple at a restaurant, and later want to make sure I have their names right, I just search for them on Facebook.
Facebook won't present me with someone's number, but I can reach out to them through the site. Many times, I've sent someone a Facebook message online in an attempt to reach them.
Facebook is useful in many other ways. Sauk Valley Media once asked readers of our Facebook page if they would be attending a midnight showing of one of the wildly popular "Twilight" films.
When a reader responded with an interesting comment, I messaged her online and asked if she would talk to me for the story. She wrote back. Not only did we get the story, she also had some great photos posted on Facebook of her at popular "Twilight" locations we could use.
Facebook gives us multiple ways to learn information about people and interact with them.
As society's habits have changed, now the place to be found is online.
That lonely stack of phonebooks at my apartment complex stayed there for at least a few days. They are gone now. Who knows if someone picked one or two up and gave them a home. Chances are they may have ended up in recycling.
Sauk Valley Media reporter Kiran Sood covers government and happenings in Sterling and Rock Falls. She can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or at 800-798-4085, ext. 529.


text:
It takes a village to clean a pool.
Marcie Wily, Hood River Aquatic Center supervisor, would know. Wily is in charge of overseeing the building and grounds of the local swimming pool. She also schedules swimming lessons and lane allotments, coordinates party room rentals, and even has a hand in producing the pool's quarterly newsletters, among other responsibilities.
To keep operations running smoothly, Wily has a lot of helping hands, and she's grateful for each and every one of them.
"It's not a one-person deal — it takes many people to run this facility well," she said. "We have a great group of people, including Scott Baker and Lori Stirn." (Baker is assistant Parks and Rec director; Stirn is district director.)
She calls Baker "the mastermind" behind the pool's operations. "He tends to know a little bit of everything and how things work in our facility," she said. "Without him, we'd be lost."
Although part of Parks and Rec, the Hood River Aquatic Center is responsible for maintaining its own facility. That includes everything from making sure the building is painted to picking up litter.
Every day, Wily and her staff regularly hose down the decks and gutters and pick up "any sort of messes that the patrons might make — which could include bodily fluids," she said.
There's also a lot of general cleaning and inspecting to do: Stainless steel needs to be polished and buffed because chlorine and humidity would otherwise corrode the surfaces; equipment such as life jackets and pool buoys need to be kept up-to-date and in good order; the rope swing needs regular waxing and the slide inspected.
She credits her staff — mostly lifeguards — for doing much of the work. "They're the ones who are the heart of our operations," she said. "They do a whole lot more than guarding lives. They care a lot about our facility and they do a great job helping out — jobs that are not always the most fun to do."
Brandon Sanchez, a six-year employee, is in charge of making sure the pools are properly chlorinated and ordering the appropriate supplies. Judy Wells, whom Wily calls "our Cleaning Tsar," is another longtime employee who makes sure the staff stays on track with daily scheduled cleanings.
Perhaps the longest-running employees are Anita Aguero and Concepcion Morales, both of whom are in charge of cleaning the pool's bathrooms.
"They literally come in and work every day, and I mean every day," said Wily. "It only takes them two or three hours to do their job, but they work every day and have been doing it without fail with a smile on their faces for years and years and years. And after swim meets, too; that sort of stuff."
One big project coming up is the removal of the big canvas covers that serve as the pool's roof much of the year. The removal is coordinated to coincide with the end of the school year — this year, that will be June 14 or 15, she said. Wily, Baker, and four or five more staff members will be out in the early morning hours, over the course of a couple of days, before the facility opens for business.
Once the covers are down, they're folded accordion-style and placed on pallets, which are then stored behind the building.
"It takes a lot of people just to fold the covers," she said. "It's a really fun part of the job — a little stressful because you don't want to see a cover get ripped coming off — but it's a pretty enjoyable, hard-core process. If it goes well, it should take five to eight hours total for both days."
Wily has a long love of swimming, although other aspirations originally took her down another career path. She grew up in Durham, N.C., and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English in 1996. She then taught high school English — and was swim coach — at Jordan High School in Durham for four years before moving to Hood River.
And what brought her to Hood River? The recreation opportunities, of course, but mostly John Helleberg, another Hood River transplant from the East Coast, after meeting him through mutual friends on the Metolius River near Bend.
"We met each other and I came to visit and didn't really leave," she said.
She applied for an English position with the Hood River County School District, one that was ultimately absorbed by other staff. At that point, she decided it was time to explore other options.
She began working for Parks and Rec in 2005. She's the Aquatic Center supervisor, but she's also worked (and continues working) as swim instructor, as well as a shift coordinator and assistant manager during her tenure. And no matter where life takes her, she's been at the pool in one form or another for almost 10 years.
She and Helleberg, a native of Charlotte, Va., and executive chef at Brian's Pourhouse, had a restaurant — Sophie's Restaurant, named for their daughter — for a few years, but even then, she was working at the pool in some capacity.
"I've always been employed with Parks and Rec because I've always been teaching swim lessons or helping out in some fashion or form," she explained.
She and Helleberg have two children: Sophie, 6, and Jack, 1½. The family enjoys fly fishing, camping, windsurfing, mountain biking and skiing together, and can often be found at the swimming pool, too ("Seriously, you're talking to a diehard swimmer here," she said).
"I really love our pool, and I can't say enough about our facility," Wily said. "I think for such a small town, we really have an amazing pool and some great programs. I would just love to really see more people take advantage of the programs we offer — just coming in and taking their kids swimming in the summer.
"We have the best pool view in the country," she added. "You can swim laps and see an amazing view."
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text:
Five weeks into life at Blackburn Rovers and Michael Appleton can only chuckle at what he has become. A fledgling managerial career had cast him as everything from caretaker to firefighter, a motivator of men also charged with scraping together enough small change to pay for the squad's tea. Now a move up in the world has nominated him as the answer to one of the geekier pub quiz questions doing the rounds. "What was it again?" he says, focusing to ensure what feels like a punchline is delivered accurately. "That's it: I'm the only manager to have been in charge of three different teams in the FA Cup in the same season."
The quirkiness of the scenario prompts a wry smile. There is novelty value to having overseen Portsmouth in the first round against Notts County, Blackpool at Fulham in the third and Rovers at Derby in the fourth. After all, any player would have been cup-tied from his first involvement and reduced to a watching brief with new employers thereafter. Appleton's travels have already taken in one elimination and a draw at a Premier League club, and yet he has had enough of such wanderlust. The 37-year-old will take Blackburn to Arsenal on Saturday hoping he has found stability, as well as ambition to match his own, and an opportunity to forge himself a proper reputation.
He had initially believed he was being offered those assurances at Pompey, and quickly concluded they would elude him at Bloomfield Road, but there is still an irony that it is Rovers, the Venky's plaything, who are offering him a platform. The hope is that this is a more stable Blackburn, run on a daily basis by the managing director in situ, Derek Shaw, rather than on the whim of absentee owners in distant Pune. Shebby Singh's name still adorns the car park space nearest the main reception at the club's Brockhall training complex, complete with the grand title "global adviser", though the bay is occupied by a white painter and decorator's van from Clitheroe. "We've not had any contact from Shebby since I've been here," Appleton says. "He knows my number. He knows where I am. I'm not sure what he's doing at the moment but, if he's global advising, he's certainly not advising me."
Some sort of sense appears to have prevailed, with the team's results under the new man, no defeats in the past five games, distinctly encouraging. The six-point gap to the play-off places feels bridgeable, the squad transformed into contenders by the club's fifth manager of the season. Certainly, the fans' early fears that the administration had appointed another rookie too wet behind the ears to prosper are being allayed. Appleton may be young but he has coached for a decade since his playing career was cruelly cut short by injury, with his education in the dugout unique. It is hard to envisage anything fazing him after all he has been through.
"It's dead easy just to ask: 'How old is he?'," he says. "I still do it when I'm scouting players and people have to remind me I used to get really cheesed off when others asked the same about me. Look at the Premier League now. How old is Villas-Boas? 35? And he's at Spurs doing what he does. Then there's Mauricio Pochettino at Southampton, at 40, so there are managers of that age working in the top division. I'd hope people's opinions are based less on age and what they've actually experienced, and I've been through plenty. I probably learned more in a year at Portsmouth than I would in 10 years as a manager elsewhere.
"To deal with two administrations, losing 10 points twice and your best players, not getting paid, having to lay off staff and to chip in and pay for your dinners … I'd gone there to work with owners who wanted to improve the infrastructure of the club, and then after two weeks the earth collapsed beneath us. The last month I was there I must have been called over to the stadium three or four times a week to meet potential new owners, or to have serious conversations with the administrators over the possibility the club would fold. In the end it became smothering. You felt you were constantly picking people up: the fans, the players, the staff, even the administrators sometimes. Being offered the Blackpool job was almost a relief. It was certainly a release." Reality was already catching up with Pompey on the pitch when Appleton left but none of the 16 games since has been won.
Blackpool, post-Ian Holloway, seemed an attractive prospect: close to the Championship play-offs, spurred on by the brilliant Tom Ince, and with a deep squad that still boasted the flavour of a dalliance with the Premier League. A seven-match unbeaten start, albeit laden with draws, hinted at promise. But buying into the chairman Karl Oyston's financially cautious approach prompted its own issues.
"Karl openly admits the club is run in a certain way and that has got them success in recent times," Appleton says. "Whether it continues to do so, only time will tell. It felt like a slightly more attractive opportunity than the one I was in at Pompey but I wouldn't have left Blackpool to come to Blackburn if I was completely happy, or felt I could take the club to the next level and keep it there. The club is certainly day-to-day. You can't argue with it in a way, because Karl can say it's been successful like that."
But did he argue? "Oh yeah, constantly, and I think Karl quite liked that. There was a mutual respect there [with Oyston]. We told each other what we thought, even if it was about each other, but it became a frustration. Even after two months. I can see the talent they've got in the squad, the potential at the club and the first XI is as good as anything in the division. But with that you need the right infrastructure, training ground and facilities, and for things to be done in the right way so the players feel loved."
He admits the experience on the Fylde coast, even after Pompey, was an "eye-opener" and yet he had developed a strong enough relationship with Oyston that, when Blackburn came calling after sacking Henning Berg after 57 days in charge, the chairman allowed his own manager of 65 days to discuss the move to east Lancashire. He arrived at a club scarred by relegation, with an embittered support's distrust of the Venky's anchoring the mood. That relationship was fractured, with the team's results aimless in mid-table and the squad horribly imbalanced. Appleton has now worked with close to 100 first-team players this season.
"I walked into the building and we had 12 No10s, with everyone wanting to play off the striker. I had to build bridges between the management and above, and the fans and the owners. There wasn't a lot of stability here, so it was always going to be a slow process. It's one that, touch wood, we appear to be winning. I brought three coaches who had worked with me at Portsmouth because they know what it's like to work in an environment that isn't ideal or perfect.
"It'll be a difficult job but you don't know if an opportunity like this, to take over a club as good as Blackburn, will come up again. Look at the facilities. They're first-class, it's a nice place to work, and what you'd expect of a club who have competed for so long in the Premier League. And we're having an impact on the team. We've steadied the ship, tried to be a lot more solid, and we know we have a goalscoring machine up front in Jordan Rhodes, who can nick a win for us at any time."
Shaw's increased influence should allow Appleton to concentrate on matters on the pitch, rather than those regular trips to India Steve Kean would so often endure, and an immediate return to the top flight no longer feels quite so outlandish. The Arsenal FA Cup tie offers an enticing sideshow before a run of games – Hull, Leeds and Leicester – that will potentially determine their season though, after all the off-field distractions of the last 16 months, a trip to the sparkling Emirates is to be cherished. Appleton's last game as Roy Hodgson's assistant at West Bromwich Albion had been a 3-0 defeat in north London but that feels an age ago.
"All I want now is some stability," he says. "I'd love to put my stamp on the club. The frustration at Portsmouth was no one really saw what we were trying to do behind the scenes. I found it difficult to do at Blackpool, which is why I'm here now. I'd love to be at Blackburn long enough for people to see the work we're putting in."
Rovers only recently felt like a pantomime. Now, for Appleton, it is a stage on which he can flourish.


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Industrial Safety
A course designed to develop understanding of, and insight into, the basic aspects of accident prevention and safety. Specific attention will be given to (1) the psychological aspects of accident prevention; (2) the principles of accident prevention; (3) the practical aspects of planning, implementing, and maintaining a safe environment; and (4) standards, current laws, and regulations. Field trips may be required.
Credit Hours:
West Lafayette


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Patrick Regan
has kindly shared the material
from his Robert Buchanan site with readers of the
These are the Lost, waifs which from wave to wave
Drift lone, while yonder on the yellow strand
The laughing Children run from cave to cave
And happy Lovers wander hand in hand.
The sun shines yonder on the green hillside,
The bright spire points to Heaven through leafy trees,
The Maiden wears the glory of a Bride,
The bright babe crows on the young Mother's knees.
O happy Brides! O happy Mothers! born
To inherit all the light that life can give,
Hear ye these voices out of depths forlorn?
Know ye these Lost, who die that you may live?
(From Through the Great City)
Last modified 27 September 2002


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How to Wear Crochet: Shop Crochet Pieces For Summer
10 Cool Crochet Pieces For Summer
10 Cool Crochet Pieces For Summer
Crochet can get sold short; for some, it conjures up memories of hippie-chic style icons like Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks, and for others, it can be a reminder of our Grandma's favorite pastime. Though it may have folksy connotations, crochet doesn't have to be a total blast from the past. Case in point: Rose Byrne — she recently hosted Zimmermann's Resort collection dinner wearing the designers' super sweet knee-length dress with gorgeous crochet detailing at the neck, and an almost patchwork crochet design throughout. You can also glean inspiration from the Alexander McQueen Resort collection, and Spring '11 offerings from Malandrino; both lines infused artful crocheting into their looks, bringing an easy, bohemian sensibility to the sometimes-intimidating fabrication. Just click through to see 10 pretty pieces that might just make you a crochet convert.


text: I have a carbon fiber mast for sale. It is made by Wendeng Xinbo Composite Products Co.,Ltd.. It can be used for aerial photography or radio antenna use. It raises to approximately 45' or 60' with the 2 extensions added. It comes with an aluminum tripod (XXL) that is made by Spiderbeam and modified to fit this mast.The mast weights 10 lbs and retracted is 7' long. The tripod weights 13 lbs. and is 45" long.I have a Sunway Photo DDC-42LR Arca Style Lever Clamp mounted up top on 3/8" threads. There is some Kevlar guy rope attached. There is also 3 galvanized pegs.The reason I am selling it, is that I am looking for a heavier and taller mast to better suit my needs.I can supply you with higher resolution photo.I will pay shipping.