text:
So yes, last week Thursday/Friday I was a real basket case after finding out IVF was the only way we'd be able to have a baby. Saturday, I called two of my good friends to tell them what we'd found out, I somehow put a comical twist on the story and both were rollin' as I told them and I couldn't help but join in. As I told one of them, "It's really not funny but at this point, what can you do?"
I mean really, I could continue to mope around spitting out the facts like a robot OR I could get a good story out of it, make us both laugh and not take it so seriously. At this point, I know what we have to do to have a baby and by being all serious about it, I'll only stress out more. Now when the time draws closer that we have to actually make that decision, please remind me of this.
Amazingly, DH's and I relationship has improved just over the weekend because now the unknown is somewhat known. No more timed sex, we can just relax and roll with it...no more another month and why, why, why???, another month and I know Flo's coming and if she doesn't, then get ready for the second coming because a miracle just happened!
So, yes, I was a basket case and a little bit crazy for two days but now, I'm actually feeling really good. I know it's going to be a roller coaster, I've already experienced it this weekend...we can afford it, we can't afford it, it'll happen the first time, no way will it happen the first time but this is my journey and I'm going to have to take it one day at a time being all serious or not.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Being All Serious
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 3:59 PM 1 comments
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thoughts and Feelings
Over the course of three days, I think I've felt almost every emotion possibly. Hope, fear, frustration, excitement, disbelief...you name it and I've felt it. Going into our visit with Dr. Val, I had basically ruled out IVF because of cost. Leaving her office, I felt encouraged. Then I was upset with myself for feeling that encouragement because I'm just getting my hopes up for no reason.
Dr. Val said she really felt like it would work for us which really motivated me and made me feel good. Then I had to stop, does she say this to every couple? Would she really say to a young couple like us who is dying to be parents, "Dude, it ain't gonna work."? And who am I kidding, IVF NEVER works the first time especially with our low sperm count, right?
A person in my life has strong beliefs against IVF. They didn't want to do it because they didn't want to tell their kid, "You were a test tube baby." This person made this comment long before my journey began but it always stuck with me. This person has been a huge help, guidance, knowledge, support, strength during my journey. I don't really know how I feel about it yet but I don't feel like I can talk to this person about it any more.
By doing IVF, we won't ever have that "normal" pregnancy feelings...am I pregnant this month? Am I not? OH! By accident we got pregnant! We have one shot...one month...I won't ever get to think my period is late and maybe I'm pregnant. I'm going to wait two weeks and either Flo's coming or she ain't. Yeah, can't wait to "just relax and stay calm" during those two weeks!
I'm sure I'll have even more thoughts, feelings, concerns and a whole lot of research ahead of me. OH! I forgot to mention that if we choose IVF, Dr. Val's office does like a half day orientation so we're all on the same page and know what's going on.
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:39 AM 5 comments
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Game Plan
After we left Dr. Val's office and discussed everything, as emotionally torn as I was, I was also kind of relieved. Finally no more timed every other day sex, we could actually enjoy sex again without having to squeeze it in on a particular day because I was ovulating. No more planning social activities around ovulation days (if we're going to visit a friend out of town staying in their living room and I'm ovulating, not really the optimal time for baby making). Knowing that we only had a .2% chance of conceiving naturally, hopefully I won't be getting my hopes up every month to be let down...now the month we try IVF, if we do, oh boy...I'll be a ball of nerves.
Here's the game plan that we came up with. I'm going to start seeing a therapist. TTC really takes a toll. It sparks fights over everything, it makes you feel like a failure, you're up one minute laughing and down the next when your period arrives and in the midst of all that, I'm a woman so I'm constantly struggling with my body image so all that combined has really taken a toll on our marriage. Basically, I need to get to my happy place before I embark in the next step of this journey.
In the mean time, we're still not 100% sold on IVF but we are going to start saving for it, see where we are financially, emotionally, mentally in the fall and revisit the issue then. So hopefully that means we can sit back and enjoy our summer!
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 6:20 AM 3 comments
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Man Vs. Woman
So after we leave Dr. Val's office, we get in the car.
DH says, "Well that went better than expected!"
I look at him, big rings under my eyes, my security tissues still in hand, "What? We can't afford that!"
DH: "Well, it's 10 grand less than we thought it would be!" He's smiling proudly like $10,000-$15,000 ain't no thang. Have I mentioned I'm the finance one in our relationship?
Me: "Are you crazy??? We still can't afford that even if we deplete our savings!"
DH: "We'd make it work."
After discussing the cost issue, I start to tell him my concerns with IVF. I think hubs was ready to commit right there in Dr. Val's office. As she was leaving he asked, so do we need to set up her MRI. I looked at him and told him I wanted to get home to discuss it first. Geez-jumping the gun! He really felt encouraged by our visit with Dr. Val while I was devastated.
Wow-isn't it amazing how differently men and women think?
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:39 AM 2 comments
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
So What IS IVF?
Well, by no means am I an expert, I'm just going to summarize what Dr. Val told us and how it will work for US. First off, I would get an MRI to check out my prolactin gland to see if there is a lesion or a giant tumor in my brain, Dr. Val said probably no giant tumor but we won't know unless we look. Then she'd put me on some medicine (I think lupron) to get that into a good range. After all, if we're going to go for it, we want to make sure we've got it right in Dr. Val's words.
So after that then I would have to give myself shots, like little bee stings, right in the derriere and I would have to go to her office (which is about 45 minutes away from my house) 4-6 times over the course of two weeks to get blood work and check that things are going good. During this time, she would "practice" where to place the egg/sperm combination (embryo) in my uterus. Then once everything looked good, I'd take a little nap while she collected my eggs. OH! The bee stings would help me to produce more eggs. So then they would take the eggs and the sperm and make sure they meet up, wait 2-3 days then insert 2 into my uterus (risk for twins). We would have to pay extra to freeze any others that were successful.
Then we wait to see if that bitch Flo shows up or if we're prego. She feels that with our age and medical conditions that it would work, but I'm assuming legally, she says the chances are 50/50.
Okay, so most of you probably already know what IVF is, you want to know the cost, right? DH and I were thinking anywhere from $20,000-$25,000, we were wrong.
Here's the breakdown:
Professional Fees (office visits, consultations, cycle monitoring, follicle ultrasound studies, oocyte retrieval and embryro transfer, post procedure follow-up and consultations) $5,108
Technical Fees (Anesthesia, procedure and recovery room support, laboratory services (including sperm prep and embryo culture) $4,232
ICSI (intra cytoplasmic sperm injection) $1,251
Medications approximately $3,000
Embryo Cryopreservation $613 per year
Any questions? Ask Google! Just kidding, I can "try" to answer if you have any. As stated above, I'm just summarizing what Dr. Val told us during our meeting and by no means am I an expert.
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 9:59 AM 3 comments
Monday, May 24, 2010
Your Option, No S, Just Option
DH and I make our way to the fertility doctor. We walk in, wait about 30 minutes (really, does any doctor's office get anyone in right away?) then we get called back. They take us to a consultation room where they tell DH to wait while they take my vitals. I was pretty thrilled with my weight and told the nurse, "That's good." She didn't comment and looked at me like I was crazy, "Okay, well not for a person of my height but for me, I'm thrilled!" She laughed then we made our way back to the consultation room.
A friend of mine who has been through this journey told me to take tissues with me to this meeting. As I sat down, I looked at the desk and told DH what she'd told me as I laughed when I saw the box was empty...oh well, it couldn't be THAT bad, right?
So some doctor-in-training came in to meet with us first. It was kind of funny because she really focused on ME and not DH's sperm count. And she was also very vague with her questions, like what, you're going to offend me by being direct or asking about ejaculation? I'm so glad I'd done as much research as I had so I could understand what she was asking with her vague questions. I spent most of the Q&A saying, "OH! I think I know what you're getting at..." Finally, DH was like, "Based off what we know, we think the issue is with me." She then finally flips the chart, "OH OKAY!"
She leaves then the specialist, we'll call her Dr. Val, comes in, gives a quick review of our chart. I don't think I've mentioned this but I have elevated prolactin levels. My OB/GYN told me they were high but not high enough to worry about and that insurance probably wouldn't cover an MRI at this point to get it checked out PLUS I was still getting my period every month. So again, Dr. Val focuses on me instead of DH sperm count. She asks if I'd had an MRI and I explained previously mentioned and she looked at me like I was insane, "Well that's absurd! I absolutely think insurance should pay for it, I would write letters upon letters until they did so don't let that stop us." Well, okay...now I'm beginning to feel like we've got someone on our side. She then looks at DH's chart and then immediately says, "Okay, so the way to get your pregnant is through IVF."
My heart drops..., "Wh..what about IUI?"
Dr. Val: "It's basically pointless but if you want to try it, we can."
She then goes on to explain IUI as I feel the disgusting, uncontrollable sobs coming on. I point to the empty Kleenex box, "Um...do you have a box that isn't empty?" OMG! You would have thought I'd said, "CODE BLUE!" Both Dr. Val and doctor-in-training were up running around getting a brand new box and apologizing profusely.
I didn't say much as she explained IUI and IVF, just listened and soaked it in. DH was super sweet, reaching over to rub my back and my leg, trying to console me. Luckily, I was able to control the sobs as I hid behind the tissue, the barrier that saved me from a huge breakdown in front of these two strangers who just ROCKED MY WORLD even more than I thought it could be. I'm so thankful for the info I found the night before so I at least knew that was coming. DH did a great job asking questions since I was incapacitated.
At the end of the consultation, Dr. Val looks at me, "Why are you crying? What did I say to upset you?"
I removed my security tissue and told her, "Well, I'd read up on this and I knew what you were going to say..." Oh no, sob coming on...
Dr. Val took it from there, "Yes, that's good you educated yourself and I know it's just different to hear it from an actual person, right?"
Nods, "Exactly."
As we left the office and I finally calmed down, I told hubs I wasn't sure if I liked Dr. Val or not. He responded, "I like her...she's exactly like you!"
So there we had it, our answer.
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 8:19 AM 1 comments
Friday, May 21, 2010
'Twas the Night Before
So it's the night before the meeting with the fertility specialist. I feel like I'm not prepared, I had done so much research when we first made this appointment but that was almost 2 months ago. I decide to research online and typed "success rate of IUI..." then Google suggested, "...with low sperm count" and then I came across this website.
Here's what I read when my stomach dropped, "If the sperm count, motility and morphology scores are low, intrauterine insemination is unlikely to work." Here's some food for thought: DH's sperm count is less than 1 million. Our chances of conceiving naturally: .2%, IUI with/without drugs/injectables: .4-.5%
Wow! That is not what I was expecting at all. I knew the lower the sperm count, the lower the success rate of IUI. DH and I were expecting to walk in to the doctor tomorrow and her be like, "Okay, let's do an IUI." According to this, it sounds like IVF is the only option which I know is out of our price limit. To say I broke down would be an understatement, to say my world was rocked (even more than it already could be) then I'd be lying, to sum it up picture me in front of the computer with big crocodile tears rolling down my cheeks trying NOT to get sick from what was looking back at me.
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 6:46 AM 4 comments
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Hi, Anyone but Diane
Get home from work and the test results are in the mail but still no phone call. Before I get online to try to research myself, I call the doctor's office, "Hi, this is I think I'm Infertile but don't meet the definition Myrtle....I'm sure you're sick and tired of me but I received these tests results in the mail and before I start to look online and tell myself I'm dying could I please speak to someone, anyone, well anyone except that rude nurse Diane, and have them explain this to me?" About an hour later, the doctor calls me. It was a good talk, finally got some information we'd been waiting on. Turns out DH's doctor was being hopeful, not honest about his semen analysis. Long story short, our chances of conceiving naturally are slim to none. Set up an appointment with a fertility specialist on April 29. Felt hope for about 12 hours. Then I started researching IUI, which is probably the route we're going, and the hope faded away...
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:30 AM 2 comments
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Birthday Gift
March 13, 2010
Happy birthday to me-got my period!
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 8:05 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Just F OFF!
The day before my birthday and I've been waiting since Monday to get my test results back. I called yesterday to get them and nothing. So a nurse calls this AM to tell me she'll send me DH's test results and mine and that there's a note saying the doctor will call me about mine. I ask, "So that means she saw something on mine?" She responds that something looks high and she'll call me in 1-2 days to discuss what she wants me to do next which in doctor world means around next Wednesday. So thanks for just calling to tell me something's wrong and happy birthday to me!
Later that day...
The Internet is the devil! I've been researching and self-diagnosing all morning, so much for my day off before my birthday. I also indirectly asked my mom about my childhood PP so I called the doctor's office to tell her what I found out and that stupid bitch nurse was like, "I told you this morning when I called that she'd call you in 1-2 days." I wanted to say, "Look here bitch, calling me the day before my birthday and saying you've got something wrong with your test results that I can't tell you but the doctor will call you in 1-2 days is NOT COOL! So shut up and let me call because I've been going crazy all day now just F OFF!!!"
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 6:30 AM 0 comments
Monday, May 17, 2010
How Many Does That Make?
Went to doctor to get some blood work done to see if I'm ovulating. Found out two more women I know are pregnant.
Found out another couple is prego with their third baby. Hubs bought a new vehicle, we tried to keep it secret because we knew that we wouldn't ever have the big "baby surprise" news for his family so that's why we wanted to surprise his family with the vehicle, closest we'll ever get.
I've lost track of the pregnancy announcements plus hmm...at least 10 in the past month, if not more...
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 8:00 AM 1 comments
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Not Infertile Enough
For those of you that know me, and those of you that are just getting to know me, I'm really upset about stupid anon and their comment that basically summed up, I'm not infertile enough in her eyes. First off, I don't WANT to be infertile, I can't help it but we are. I'm sorry that I'm in tune with my body and our medical histories that I knew not to waste time. I guess according to the definition, we aren't infertile but on my second wedding anniversary than I can officially be dubbed that even though after six months of trying our fertility doctor told us our only shot at getting pregnant was through IVF but no, I don't meet the definition so I'm not infertile, just can't get knocked up the good 'ole fashioned way.
I seriously am having problems letting this go. I feel like I've been black balled in the IF world. I won an awesome pair of earring from Baby on Mind and I was so excited when she left me a comment to say I'd won. I called DH at work and told him that maybe our luck was changing and that if/when we have the one and only IVF that we can afford, that it would work. I told him I planned on wearing those earrings to every single meeting, appointment, IVF, everything to bring us good luck and baby dust. Then I got that comment and I no longer feel that I have the "right" to wear them because I don't belong in the IF world because I don't meet the definition.
I feel even more alone NOW than before I started this blog all because one anon reader, who doesn't have the balls to say to my face, much less read any more than my profile, doesn't think I'm infertile enough for her. So now I've set my profile to private which totally negates the whole point of having a blog, which is to relate to each other and give each other encouragement, but I'm going to continue blogging if only for me.
For those of you out there in the IF world, I apologize because I'm at the beginning of my journey and I haven't gone through near as much as you all have and that I don't fit the definition. I'll try not to call myself the IF word until October when I officially meet the definition. For those of you actually reading this, thank you.
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:22 PM 3 comments
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Definition of Infertility
It seems as though according to an anonymous commenter that I'm not infertile enough for her. She kindly left me a definition and a few words of wisdom in her comment, "The definition of Infertility is after trying 1 year with no luck for those under 35 and 6 months with no luck for those over 35. I wouldn't be so quick to slap that label on yourself."
Hmm....yes, that would seem to be the definition of infertility. However, going into trying to have a baby, I knew about my medical history and I knew about DH's. I had a feeling we would have issues and we asked the doctor if they felt the same way which is what got this whole ball rolling. I guess I'll clue you in NOW so you know what you have to look forward to but at only SIX months into our journey, the medical professionals "slapped the label" of infertility on us and yes, we're both under 35.
Infertility is different for every single person and while yes, there's a definition, it may not be the same for everyone. In no way, did I think or WANT to "label" us as infertile but that's how the cards fell and we have to move forward with it. I didn't start this blog just for fun, I started it to share my story, to vent, to let me get my thoughts out and also, to get some support, some encouragement and to gain knowledge NOT to be put down.
So I apologize if our story isn't infertile enough for anyone out there. All that I ask if for everyone to remember the golden rule, if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all.
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 1:45 PM 3 comments
So I took OPK tests all weekend and it doesn't even say I'm ovulating so I think I figured out why we can't have a baby...I'm screwed up-yah! Then to top it off, I found out ANOTHER person is pregnant and oh, guess what? They weren't even trying. I just feel like for the next few years, we're going to keep trying every month only to be disappointed every month. DH just told me that the couple that found out they're pregnant is really happy and excited, a happy and excited that we will never know. I just feel so alone...like no one is on our side, like hubs doc is a child doctor so he doesn't care because we're adults and my doc doesn't care because I'm not pregnant...this isn't the doctors fault, it's just my own way of thinking.
When you're in this situation all I want to know is why? Why am I not pregnant? Why will I never get to have a child of my own and experience pregnancy? Why are you letting people who aren't even trying or don't even want a baby get pregnant? WHY? WHY? WHY?
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:59 AM 2 comments
Friday, May 14, 2010
Are you encouraged?
Just got home from my visit with the doctor. She explained all my tests and it was all positive and she seems to think things will work. Basically, we'll try for 9 months before she goes in to check my tubes and all that inside stuff. I have to go back on March 8 or 9 to have blood work to make sure I'm ovulating and other than that, that was it. She did look at me halfway through and asked, "Are you encouraged?" I stared at her blankly and answered honestly, "No, not really." She admitted she could tell from my face that I wasn't. I can't help it...that's just me. Apparently everything is fine then WHY AM I NOT PREGNANT!?! I'm sitting here waiting to go get DH and holding back tears. Here goes another month of trying...
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:58 AM 2 comments
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Not Shooting Blanks!!!
Found out another real-life and blogger friend is pregnant (that's 4 in the past week and I have 3 showers in upcoming week). As stated previously, it's bittersweet, salt in the wound...Yesterday was a horrible day! We fought like crazy because I was so upset about it and blah-I don't even want to rehash it, it.just.sucked! I'm trying to get my mind into the set of realizing, I will never have children. During church last night, I just watched people with their families and kept telling myself, I won't ever get to take a child for communion, I won't ever get to show them off at church, this is my life sitting alone in the pew while DH and his family take communion...5, 10, 15, 20 years from now, I'll be sitting there watching people with their children and none of my own. Okay, enough pity party, back to listening to the women in my office discuss their pregnancy and how awful it is...I'll never know.
DH just came home and HIS DOCTOR FINALLY CALLED HIM!!! Basically, his doctor told him that he's not shooting blanks!!! So that's good news, his sperm count is low but nothing that could keep us from getting pregnant. His doctor said at worse that they'll have to take his concentrated sperm and insert it into my uterus when I'm ovulating, DH didn't think it sounded like in vitro but we're not sure (this is what happens when DH passes along a story to me, I only get HALF the story). His doctor is talking to a fertility specialist and he'll get back to DH either tomorrow or early next week to give us recommendations about how to proceed. So in HIS doctor's terms tomorrow or early next week means...two-three weeks from now. This is a relief but now I'm worried that it's me...most of the time infertility is in the woman. Now I'm going to totally stress about MY doctor's appointment. I know I should just take the good news and enjoy it for the time being, right? Right!
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:55 AM 4 comments
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hanging on a Maybe
Started my period last night...day 28...11pm...total let down. After five months of trying and five months of failing, I try not to even get my hopes up but there's still always that small chance. We used OPK this month but didn't "try" very much due to hives plus the whole pregnancy test at the doctor's office so I knew there was no chance this month but all day yesterday was day 28 (my cycles usual run 26-28) and I hadn't started so I silently started to get my hopes up then bed time rolls around and BAM! HA HA!!! Gotcha...what a good joke, my body cracks up. UGH! I don't even know what to think any more. It's been three weeks (this Friday) since DH's test and still no results. Of course, once I start, I go off on him about how he needs to get in touch with his doctor TOMORROW and find out the freakin' results! I'm sick and tired of hanging on a maybe...just tell me yes, no or here are the options.
After a horrible night of sleep, DH and I are riding to work this morning where I tell him that I feel like I'm all alone in this whole predicament. He doesn't get his hopes up every month to have them crushed and he never really says much about it when I vent or get upset (have I mentioned that DH really isn't a man of many words?). He then says if he could do anything else to get me pregnant, he would and I look at him like he's lost his mind, "THEN call your freakin' doctor, get the test results and have him refer you to someone else!" If I haven't mentioned this before, DH's doctor is a children's doctor he saw when he was younger...he doesn't get it. This doctor takes care of kids, not adults wanting kids, he may have been great and awesome when you were younger but you are no longer his specialty or his priority-move on! Seriously, day one of my period is the worst day ever, you could look at me wrong and I will shoot laser beams out of my eyes burning holes in you, DH could say hey and I'll fly off the handle about why we aren't pregnant...can I just say that this really sucks?
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:50 AM 1 comments
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Good Mom
Found out yesterday that one of my sorority sister's, whose wedding I was in, is due ANY day with baby #2!?! How in the world did I fall out of the loop? I 100% blame her for just getting Facebook (kidding! but seriously, how would I stay in touch with anyone without FB?)! So I emailed our other friend, it was a great email conversation back and forth about TTC because her and her hubs are in a similiar situation (different reason for infertility) and she informed me that they decided to quit trying because of the costs. Seriously, my heart is breaking for her, this girl RAISED me in college and was/is always awesome taking care of EVERYONE around her. She would rock as a mom and I know how much I hurt for her so I can only imagine how hard the decision was for her and her husband to make it. It makes me think about when DH and I will have to make that choice...
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:50 AM 1 comments
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Legs Up!
Found out that one of my sorority sister's is pregnant...without trying. These days finding out anyone is prego is bittersweet, how exciting and awesome for them but another reminder, like a hard slap in the face, that nothing you're doing is right or working. I talked to one of my best friends from back in the day yesterday, I'd been thinking about her a lot because I knew that her and her hubs had issues trying to have a baby. Maybe this is TMI but hello, I'm sharing this story with you so I'm allowed a little TMI...she said the month they did get pregnant that after they had sex she held her legs up forever so I made a mental note, next time legs up...check! She also told me to pray like crazy because that's what helped her through it. Yes, I am a Christian and when things get tough, my dad always tells me to pray or talk to God about it. But honestly, I don't go to church every week and I don't feel like I'm a great Christian so I don't really feel like I have the right to pray to ask for God's help. I know this isn't right but this is the type of person I am...
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 6:45 PM 1 comments
Friday, May 7, 2010
Waiting and Waiting and Waiting
We had dinner at DH's parents tonight where they gave us his birth certificate and other important documents they felt that he was now "old enough to be responsible with." FYI-I'm pretty sure my dad still has my birth certificate. They also gave us some documents they'd typed up for doctors about DH's medical history so when we got home I started reading through it. Bad idea...now I'm just frustrated! I told DH that at this point, I'm really frustrated with both of our doctors. Neither are giving us any information nor making this seem important at all. I feel like neither him or I know enough about this to know what to do so we're kind of putting all our eggs in one basket waiting for them. I feel like they don't really care because it's only been 5 months and we just need to be patient but HELLO!?! I'm TELLING YOU SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT!!! It's a gut feeling that I knew all along, I KNEW we'd have trouble conceiving and I just want ONE medical professional to give a shit and help us out! I know you're busy with more important patients, patients that ARE pregnant BUT I just want to know that there's no way in hell we can have a baby, there's a small possiblity and here are your options or everything's all good...keep up the sex but I'm getting nothing but waiting, waiting and more waiting.
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 7:39 AM 4 comments
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
We Now Interrupt Baby Making Time
In February, I woke up with the worst case of hives EVER! I thought that they would probably prescribe prednisone which is a steroid and I read online that it could cause miscarriages. So before I called my family doctor, I called my OB/GYN to see if it was okay to take that while TTC. While looking online for the office number, I came across where you can review your doctor. There were only 3 posts, two good and one bad. Of course, the bad one is what stuck out on me so when they called me back to say it was okay, I didn't really believe her. So I called my family doctor and got in to see him. He was about to put in a prescription when I explained that I was TTC and he was like, well, let's do a pregnancy test just to be sure. Okay I had just peed right before I went back so I didn't think I had ANYTHING in me and I barely did, it didn't even fill the bottom of the cup. So, of course, it came back negative which I expected it had so he went ahead and prescibed me the prednisone.
Now side note, he and the lady at the OB/GYN office both asked, "Is there a chance you could be pregnant right now?" I said yes, because I had just ovulated but deep down, I wanted to say, probably not because at this point (and yes, I know in February, we'd only been trying for 5 months) I felt like, we were trying during ovulation times, using ovulation predictor kits, having sex every other day and nothing was happening. The roller coaster and disappoint every month had gone from tears to being pissed off for a good day or two and it seemed like the more I couldn't get pregnant, everyone around me was. In February, I had 3 baby showers in one week.
It also seems that the more we try, the more I'd come across stories of parents that hid their babies under the bed and called the cops that they were missing, a lady who was so drunk and smothered her 6 week old baby or "16 and Pregant" on MTV and all I could think was why? Why not me? Why do those people get to have a baby but not me? I wouldn't hide my baby under a bed or pass out drunk on my baby. Why? Every night, I fall asleep asking, "Why?"
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 3:09 PM 0 comments
Monday, May 3, 2010
Baby Making Time!
I figure my story of infertility will be the closest to parenthood that I'll ever have so I want to tell my story and document everything along my journey while it's fresh in my head. So here's the story from the beginning and this is your WARNING that this may not even make sense at times.
Remember this is ME and MY THOUGHTS and FEELINGS, I can't help how I feel. This post isn't meant to be a pity party, its just my story. So this is the raw story, here goes...
When DH and I originally got married, we had decided that we wanted to have a baby in the springtime but after further thought, we decided to try to have a baby at the end of the summer when things slowed down for us. So starting on our one year anniversary in October, we decided to start baby making time!
I went off the pill back in July, I was on Yasmin and started seeing all the commericals and researching online. Not a great idea...I basically thought I was going to die from the things I read online so that's why I went off the pill a good four months before we really wanted to try. I started taking prenatal vitamins in September because everyone around me was getting pregnant just by looking at their spouse so I KNEW that we'd get pregnant in October and I'd be ready to go. Well, October came and went, November came and went and no baby. Let me just tell you that if you haven't ever tried to have a baby-wow, what an emotional roller coaster!!! You think you're going to get pregnant, the smallest thing, oh that smell almost made me puke...I must be pregnant...My boobs are sore...I'm pregnant...then Aunt Flo comes and your heart is smashed....month after month after month.
So in November, I heard another woman's story and their struggles to have a baby and a couple thing she said got my wheels spinning. First off, growing up I had precocious_puberty (PP). Basically, without clicking that link it just means that I grew too fast so when I was in first grade, I was like the height and size of a fifth grader (think the movie Jack but not as extreme). I did have hormone shots given to me so I started to wonder if maybe that could have an effect on fertility. When DH was younger, he had a bunch stuff not working right which I thought might also have an effect on fertility. So the first week of December, I tried calling my nurse practioner to see if she had any idea if those things would have an effect on trying to conceive (TTC). It took us almost a week to get in touch with each other and she had no idea so she told me to make an appointment to see the main OB/GYN. So the second week of December, I called and the earliest she could get me in was January 4. I told DH to call his doctor but he said that he would call after the holidays.
So January 4, I go to the doctor, we chit chat, she was going to get my charts from when I was younger and I had some blood work done. All looked good from the blood work but she wanted to see me again February 25 and told me DH should have a semen analysis. DH on the other hand couldn't get in touch with his doctor for like THREE WEEKS!!! I was beyond pissed. I knew it would take him awhile to get in touch with his doctor but he insisted on waiting until after the holidays. So on January 29, DH finally went in for his test.
We'll pause there so your eyes don't glaze over from staring at the computer screen. I started writing out our journey back in February, so I'll be posting as I journaled until I get caught up...hope this doesn't confuse everyone.
Posted by Crossing My Fingers at 6:46 AM 0 comments


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Gordon Caffrey is NXP's Principal Security Manager and Vice-Chairman of (ISCI) International Security Certification Initiative WG1 under (JIL) Joint Interpretation Library. His certification responsibilities include Common Criteria, GSMA, EMVCo, and ISO27001. Gordon's history in the Secure Semiconductor Sector is as follows: Motorola 1995 – 2000, Atmel 2000 – 2008, Inside Secure – 2008 – 2014, and NXP – 2014 – Present.
Presentations by Gordon Caffrey
Reusing ALC Activities—Looking for Efficiency in CC Evaluations: A Success Story (U30c)
10:00 am - 10:30 am
Ballroom C

subset: commoncrawl


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Somali Youth Development Fund
The submission deadline has passed and we are no longer accepting applications.The Somali Youth Development Fund at Youthprise supports positive youth development with Somali youth and capacity building for organizations serving Somali youth.
About the Fund
Youthprise manages the Somali Youth Development Fund to support positive youth development activities, community engagement, and capacity building for Somali-led community-based organizations. Youthprise oversees a transparent and competitive grantmaking process designed to enable youth engagement to help build the resiliency of the Somali Minnesotan community and address structural challenges facing Somali youth.
Somali YES! Fund
The Somali YES! Fund is an initiative that invests directly into projects led by Somali youth entrepreneurs. This initiative is a part of the Somali Youth Development Fund established to build the entrepreneurial capacity of Somali youth with awesome ideas but limited access to the capital for implementation. Using the model of Youthprise's original YES! Fund, The Somali YES! Fund invests money into projects led by Somali youth entrepreneurs with big ideas, and offers a flexible menu of entrepreneurial options. We are looking to support young people in developing a business, non-profit or project. Funding options range from robust business planning opportunities for the emerging entrepreneur to funding for the entrepreneur who is ready to launch with additional capacity building support. The competitive grantmaking process is open now through August 11th.
- Must be a Somali youth entrepreneur, ages 14-25
- Live in Minnesota
- Strong willingness and desire to share and mobilize a big idea
- Proposed project must address an issue in the applicant's community, whether geographic or other
What does a YES! Fund grantee do?
- 1 year commitment beginning September 1, 2017
- Participate in business plan development sessions with the YES! Fund cohort
- Complete implementation plan
What does a YES! Fund grantee get?
- $15,000 or $25,000 start-up funding with $5,000 additional support toward business plan development
The YES! Fund is a part of the second round of 2017 SYDF grantmaking intended invest directly in Somali youth, not just the organizations that serve them. The YES! Fund grants will be complemented with a SYDF YouthBank, a youth-led grantmaking model hosted by several Somali-led organizations in Minnesota. Both of these initiatives of the SYDF put money directly into the hands of Somali youth.
The Somali YES! Fund will activate the four levers that drive our work: racial equity; leveraging; growing the role of youth, and systems alignment. We believe that the YES! Fund will yield a tremendous return on our investment because we know that established entrepreneurs are interested in providing jobs to young people and reinvesting in their communities. We see this happening with many of the entrepreneurial models we support. The notion of entrepreneurship is very central to the Youthprise investment portfolio, from capacity building investments to Change Fellows to Opportunity Reboot, entrepreneurship is integral to our work as a youth community foundation.
Requirements & Restrictions
- You must be a Somali youth age 14-25 to apply
- Applicants must submit a video that details their project and goals
- Include original content in your application. Do not submit a video that has been submitted elsewhere.
- Video must NOT be longer than 5 minutes.
- Avoid profane language, violence, sex or personal attacks on people or organizations.
- Avoid violating copyright laws or using brand names or logos other than those you have been granted permission to use in your video. You agree to indemnify Youthprise for any claim, demand, judgment, or other allegation arising from your possible violation of someone's trademark, copyright, or other legally protected interest in any way in your video.
Review Process
Youthprise staff and a panel of youth will review all video applications, score on a standard rubric, and select YES! Fund grantees. Notifications will be made by August 31st, 2017.
Click here for the full application.
Investing in Somali and East African Youth
Minnesota is home to many high-potential, creative and bright Somali youth whose families and communities have greatly contributed to our international landscape. If you walk the streets of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, you can find Somali malls, cafes and organizations that are filled with a vibrant community of poets, educators and entrepreneurs. Minnesota's Somali community is a distinct and celebratory part of our global home.
There are many challenges facing Somali-Minnesotan youth including a lack of access to resources, racism, Islamophobia, and anti-immigrant sentiments. We know that the communities most impacted by these issues must be central to developing effective responses. Youthprise has a long history of supporting organizations that serve East African and Somali youth and we are committed to building the capacity of these organizations and the youth themselves to advance youth success.
Somali Youth Development Fund 2017
At Youthprise we invest in the future of Minnesota by investing in youth, with focus in underserved communities. We also have a long history of supporting organizations that serve East African and Somali youth and we are committed to building the capacity of these organizations and the youth themselves to advance youth success.
Youthprise established the Somali Youth Development Fund to support positive youth development programs, community engagement partnerships, and capacity building for Somali-led community-based organizations. The Somali Youth Development Fund is a part of a public-private partnership that seeks to build the capacity of the Somali community, facilitate better coordination of resources, and provide a holistic approach to youth development. Read our updated statement that addresses concerns regarding sources for the fund here.
In 2016, Youthprise received state funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to reduce disparities and address challenges facing Somali youth. In 2017 we offered grants through a competitive application processes to:
- Build the capacity of small to mid-size organizations serving Somali youth in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area;
- Build the capacity of small to mid-size organizations serving Greater Minnesota; and to
- Strengthen partnerships through an Initiative Grant for Youth and Community Engagement program by investing deeper in a limited number projects that effectively engage youth and families from the Somali community.
Click below to learn about our Grantees
2017 SYDF Capacity Building Grantees
Now, more than ever, it is vital that we invest in Minnesota's Somali community. The political climate is shifting and the normalization of Islamophobia is threatening young people's safety and pathways to success. We will continue to invest in the Somali community and use our resources to challenge Islamophobia in our state.
If you have questions please contact Salah Ali at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Why No NaNoWriMo
For those of you out there who aren't writers or who otherwise have lives, the month of November has officially been designated "National Novel Writing Month" by some invisible entity who I'm sure has financial interests in coffee beans and manufacturers of bandages worn by carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers.
What NaNoWriMo is supposed to represent is the coming together of writers into a virtual community where they offer each other support in pursuit of their craft. As a part-time writer and full-time poster child for Oppositional Defiance Disorder this endeavor was doomed to epic failuredom before I applied my first electron to virtual paper. So in the interest of self-analysis I've decided to break down the factors involved in why my second novel exists entirely in my mind. In no particular order I blame:
The New England Patriots – pound cake – Nadia G's Bitchin' Kitchen – my daughter's adorable feet – Junior's Burt Reynolds style laugh – an endlessly ringing phone thanks to Prince Charming's charm – my mother's inability to comprehend American television – Frank Stallone – my Jeep – The New Hampshire Primaries (stand by for a longer post tackling the magnitude of what I face daily due to this gift of the Granite State) and last but not least, this little ditty of a video that I have spent entirely too much time watching over and over. Seriously, it's a train wreck.
And yes, that is indeed Ron Jeremy.
This entry was posted on November 26, 2011 by H.E. ELLIS. It was filed under Books, Humor, Music, The Gods of Asphalt and was tagged with bands, Comedy, dance, Entertainment, Funny, Humor, mother, New England, writing, young adult.
42 responses
Sorry but that video made me throw up a little in the back of my throat. Off to find the brain bleach… *shudder* … this is almost as creepy as that freak-tastic anonymous story, H.E. What are you trying to do to us?
November 26, 2011 at 11:54 am
Yes, BrainRants…you have found me out. This blog is my own personal Jonestown and you are one of my willing captives. Can I interest you in some Kool-aid?
November 26, 2011 at 12:35 pm
That's so funny . . . I blame Ron Jeremy for why I'm not participating in NaNoWriMo! I don't think it's irony, but it seems pretty close to it. 🙂
Frank Stallone . . . I'm gonna start citing him as a reason I don't get stuff done.
"Why didn't you come to my party?"
"Frank Stallone."
November 26, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Generally I blame Abe Lincoln but Frank Stallone has a better ring to it.
November 26, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Now this is reality. Nice
November 26, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Yes, welcome to my world.
November 26, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Sadly I blame this video for my failure to write as well. I will say though, my next book will be published in April(true) and it is all due to the generous love and support that is Mr Frank Stallone.
One last thing, I ran into Ron Jeremy about a month ago(true again). That's all, I ran into him, I think I'm pregnant.
November 26, 2011 at 12:28 pm
I know. I was there. Because I AM RON JEREMY.
November 26, 2011 at 12:30 pm
I just spit goulash all over my laptop.
November 26, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Goulash? I'm afraid to ask. It sounds like something that mystery writer would eat.
November 26, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Lisa Wields Words
Hilarious and disturbing all in one. Your description of NaNoWriMo intrigues me: "What NaNoWriMo is supposed to represent is the coming together of writers into a virtual community where they offer each other support in pursuit of their craft" . . . seems to me that describes the world of BLOGGING to perfection, without the time pressure of producing 50,000 words in a month.
November 26, 2011 at 12:47 pm
I agree. I love NaNoWriMo, I just wish I wasn't such an unmitigated failure at it. I seriously don't know how I managed to finish my book.
November 26, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Imogen Shepard
November 27, 2011 at 2:20 am
Oppositional Defiance Disorder – They make a pill for that. And it's delicious!
I've seen a whole lot of bloggers objecting to NaNoWriMo, mostly because they feel the size and time limit is an invitation to write a bunch of crap.
November 26, 2011 at 1:13 pm
I feel the same way about sex with guys in their twenties.
November 26, 2011 at 1:19 pm
can't seem to get the video to play. dammit! need to go download some program or something.
November 26, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Oh No! You really need to see this. You won't be sorry, I promise.
November 26, 2011 at 1:42 pm
I am not going to lie, I wanted to finish my second novel in November due to this "NaNoWriMo" but I came across the same problem as you, I need 36 hours in a day and not 24!! I also blame Ben, I mostly write in bed, Do I have to explain anymore?! No did not think so, not second novel is now 10,000 words long instead of 75,000 … I fail!! So do not feel bad because I can not do it either, American football also detracted me, staying up till early hours in the morning means its actually on telly … again I fail!!
P.s. Sorry for the long comment 😀
November 26, 2011 at 1:47 pm
Don't be sorry, just cut and paste your comment into your novel and you'll up your productivity!
November 26, 2011 at 1:51 pm
I love LMFAO's videos! They're funny.
I wrote a little this month on my novel. It's not that I don't have time to write. I just couldn't get into this room. But my brain worked on it, and wrote a few things, and when I woke up the other morning, I had She Looked Back And Smiled and two chapters in my novel sitting in my brain's outbox. Thanks, Dream Hotspur!
November 26, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Nice. My Dream Ellis imagines ways to weld hand trucks to generators so I can sell them to make money in winter. It never remembers to pay the electric bill, though.
November 26, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Damn! LMFAO are fucking geniuses. You can't tell if they're being serious or mocking all the dumb shit songs out there – that's right in my wheelhouse. They've got a vid featuring them as a scrappy sports team, with a surprise at the end. Which sport? Fucking CURLING! I know, right?
November 26, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Great stuff. I LMFAO too! 😀
November 26, 2011 at 5:17 pm
It's insane just how much I listen to this song. I'll even admit to dancing around the house to it, although not with the enthusiasm shown here.
November 26, 2011 at 5:24 pm
I haven't enjoyed a non-classic-rock video so much since I posted the Cee-Lo's "Fuck You" (via Erotixx photoblog) reblog. I fear this one will stick with me in much the same way. Do you mind if I reblog you too?
November 26, 2011 at 5:34 pm
I'd be honored. Reblog away!
November 26, 2011 at 5:36 pm
133 million views prove these guys are on to something. I'm trading in my laptop for a Speedo. I like your list of distractions–Steinbeck didn't have Youtube, right?
November 26, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Aw Man, Steinbeck beats me at everything. Except breathing….
November 26, 2011 at 5:55 pm
The vid won't play, but I really don't need to see Ron Jeremy.
November 26, 2011 at 6:48 pm
It's a shame. He's a real treat.
November 26, 2011 at 6:54 pm
I'm disturbed by how many bloggers admit to being in some kind of therapy. For my peace of mind, I'm going to assume that blogging is the result, not the cause. First you're a little bit crazy, then you go on the internet and tell people. Wait a minute…What does that say about ME?
November 27, 2011 at 9:23 pm
I'd say it means you're in good company. Welcome aboard the Crazy Train!
November 27, 2011 at 9:37 pm
My daughter stuck this song on my ipod, unbeknownst to me. I was out for a run one day and it started up…I had to stop because my laughter was hindering any thing resembling running. The song is hilarious…
November 28, 2011 at 7:53 am
What's more embarrassing is that I willing listen to this song. My kids don't know anything about it.
November 28, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Hmmm, the first porn I evey watched had Ron Jeremy in it. Strange, isn't it? That I ever dared to watch another porn after that?
November 28, 2011 at 8:36 am
That is surprising. There definitely should be a ramping up process in place for newbie porn watchers. I'm glad to see you haven't been traumatized. I wish I were so lucky.
November 28, 2011 at 12:45 pm
I can always find something really unique when I visit you and this fits the bill….HA!
November 29, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Thanks! I'll take unique over odd, weird, nuts or bizarre anyday!
November 29, 2011 at 5:35 pm
You can find me at the beach trying to tan my cheeks, whaaaat?
This video/song is a guilty pleasure. It is just too damn funny.
December 5, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Thanks. It's good to know that I'm not alone here.
December 5, 2011 at 8:15 pm
Pingback: NaNoWriMo Versus The Queen Of Self-Distraction « H.E. ELLIS


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Texas State's Cordero wins BET's FreeStyle Fridays
By Alec Jennings
University News Service
March 5, 2010
In rap and hip hop, a freestyle standoff pits opponent versus opponent, hurling a barrage of insults back and forth in rhyme and rhythm, leaving the choice between winner and loser to their ability to tap into the enthusiasm of the audience.
It is a craft that came naturally to Rafael Cordero, grant specialist, Rural Talent Search at Texas State University-San Marcos, who has literally travelled the country competing in freestyle face offs in the presence of some of the top names in the industry, most recently earning him a televised victory on BET's 106 and Park FreeStyle Fridays, Feb. 19.
"I like to talk a lot," said Cordero. "Anyone who knows me, knows that I like to talk back. All a freestyle battle is, is that you're embarrassing someone else in front of a bunch of people. Most battles are won through crowd participation."
Hip hop has always been a prevalent part of Cordero's life, his interest in it stretching from that of the casual fan, to an artist, to student and even as a professional. He was an undergraduate when efforts were under way to bring Hip Hop Congress to Texas State. Spending many dozens of hours rapping with a friend and neighbor on campus, the newly-forming group seemed like a natural fit for his talents and interests.
"When I heard them say 'hip hop'—I hadn't even heard the word 'congress' yet—I was ready to come on board," Cordero said. "It has really done so much for me."
As a co-founder of the organization, Cordero credits much of his own success to the skills that Hip Hop Congress works to teach its young members through what they call "edutainment." Members of the organization, he said, can range from hard-core hip hop enthusiasts, to ambitious, career-minded students looking to build confidence, public speaking, organizational and time management skills. A love of hip hop, he said, is not a prerequisite for participation in the group.
"That's not the case at all. You don't have to be a dancer or a singer to be involved," he said. "It helps them to build leadership and to become diverse. Our students really come out of their shell."
Taking hip hop a step further
With his father and sister being alums, it is fitting that Cordero, now staff member at the university also earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at Texas State. Just as the university has a familial connection to Cordero, hip hop has played an important role in every level of his time in San Marcos: from co-founding Hip Hop Congress as an undergraduate, writing his master's thesis on the use of hip hop in recruiting on the university level, to now as a professional putting to use hip hop as a recruiting tool into practice.
"I always knew I wanted to come here," he said. "I never even applied to another school."
Working with the university's Rural Talent Search, Cordero said hip hop can be an effective tool for reaching out to potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not feel there is a place for them in the world of higher education. As a part of their outreach and recruitment efforts, a hip hop CD was developed and used as a handout to potential students.
"I wanted to see just how well it would work. It made them feel more welcome," he said. "Students don't want to be in a place where they don't feel related to. One of the biggest challenges you'll see in recruitment and retention is showing that the environment relates to them."
As Cordero's study for his master's thesis along with current efforts have shown, hip hop has helped to create a bridge between higher education and students who feel there is no place in a college environment for them.
"It's done wonders. We've gotten a huge response from it," he said. "It helps boost campus pride too."
Cordero will be back in competition on the BET program in March. Anyone interested in his progress as an artist can follow "therealrayc" on Twitter, MySpace and Facebook.


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I have an HP-8560 laptop at work, happily running Ubuntu 12.10 and Windows 7 x64. The other day, my boss told i could have an 256gb SSD-disk to replace my 512gb "regular" one. Nice, i thought, as that will save me from bootstress and other stuff. An SSD is faster, better and shinier and newer and lighter and… Well!
I didn't feel like setting up everything in my environment(s) again, and so, like i done before, i wanted to clone the old disk to the SSD-disk. Usually, and in all occassions i use 2 Open source tools to do this kind of stuff:
GParted (or Parted magic, where GParted is included)
GParted is a tool for changing partitions, and Clonezilla is a clone/backup tool for harddrives (think Norton Ghost).
Unfortunately following this guide didn't work for me, as i also had to do the following:
* Adjusting the partitions with gparted worked fine – but remember to run chkdisk in Windows and fsck in Linux after your done.
* I couldn't get Clonezilla to clone my old drive even after i shrunk my partitions, so i had to restore to Acronis true image,( an commercial variant of Clonezilla ). That worked fine for the Windows partition, but as for Linux i had to do an reinstall. Fortunately it went quick as i could copy my /home folder to the new Linuxinstall.
* I also had to have an Windows 7 dvd do an repairrun after the Acronis cloning.
Took me some extra hours, as i thought i would be really easy, but now it works fine. If it was worth it. Hell yeah, go SSD!!!


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George W. Bush "not a fan" of Syrian President Bashar al Assad
Former President George W. Bush said Friday that he is "not a fan" of Syrian President Bashar al Assad, but he refused to be "roped in" to the debate over whether the U.S. should launch a military strike on Syria.
Bush, whose controversial push for war in Iraq and Afghanistan has been cited by some as a cautionary lesson as the U.S. mulls military engagement in Syria, told Fox News, "The president's got a tough choice to make, and if he decides to use our military, he'll have the greatest military ever backing him up."
Asked to reflect on his own dealings with Assad during his tenure in office, Bush said he's "not a fan" of the Syrian dictator: "He's an ally of Iran and he's made mischief."
But when Fox's Brian Kilmeade tried to elicit any semblance of an opinion from Bush on intervention in Syria, the former president laughed and brushed him off.
"The president has to make a tough call, Brian," he said. "I know you're trying to subtly rope me into the issues of the day. I refuse to be roped in."
The Obama administration has concluded, based on intelligence reports, that the Assad regime was responsible for a chemical weapons attack on August 21 that left hundreds dead in a suburb of Damascus, Syria's capital. U.S. officials have said there must be "serious consequences" -- and potentially a military response -- as a result.
- Obama administration set to release Syria intel report
- Can Obama strike Syria without Congress' consent?
Bush's interview, which also touched on his health and his work with veterans, marked his first TV interview since a heart procedure earlier this month.


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The SciSEP website goes live
SciSEP utilises expertise in software informatics and method development to advance the success of analytical and reaction based laboratory procedures.
By leveraging unique predictive fragment based method development algorithms, structural databases and specialist analytical expertise SciSEP are able to quickly develop best fit analytical and sample preparative methods, maximizing laboratory efficiency and sample throughput capability. SciSEP's specialist team of analysts and computational scientists train, troubleshoot and develop their clients analytical procedures.
SciSEP commissioned Enovate Design to re-design their existing, dated website with a dynamic new look to initiate a long-term plan to develop the company website into a significant information resource. The new look is a fusion of valid XHTML with a unique Flash animated masthead, which helps to differentiate the SciSEP website from their competitors.
In order to launch the website to coincide with SciSEP's new company profile Enovate Design were given the daunting task of producing the website within an extremely tight timescale of only 2 weeks (thanks to the bank holiday only 9 working days) a deadline which was met comfortably.
Why not take a look? SciSEP Accurate Science.
You might also like...


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Tips To Consider Before Spray Painting
Whether it is for your home or for your vehicle, spray painting is a fun and at the same time, it is an activity that must be undertaken with utmost care. Any fault in painting or not following the procedures can land you up with a bad paint job which might not be desirable at all.Do make sure to follow some tips which are listed below if you are doing the spray paint job yourself. Else, you can also look to hire panel beaters who do it with the most sophisticated machines and instruments in no time at lower costs.
- If you are looking to paint on plastic materials, prefer buying paint that sticks to plastic. Do ask for the same when purchasing the paint. Conventional paints do not form strong bonds with plastic which results in them being worn out after some time.
- When you are spray painting any surfaces makes sure that you apply a light coat of the paint first and do not go for the hard coat at the steering itself. Let the paint settle for some time after the coat has been applied and then put on the next coat. One more point to remember is that, do not spray – paint in a very random order. Employ a definite pattern such as vertical lines or horizontal lines and stick to the same throughout the paint job.
- If you are looking for overlapping of the paint, then make sure that the overlapping is just 50%. Else, the painting will result in hard and light jobs which can get messy at the end.
- When painting, do not move the spray in arcs. It then becomes extremely difficult to fill the arcs with the help of spray paints. Instead, always look to draw straight lines either in the up-down direction or the left-right direction.
- If you are spraying the paint from a bottle, make sure that you get a handle on which you can hold for better support. Holding the cylinder alone for a long time can result in pain and inaccurate movements of the arms resulting in a bad paint job.
- The paints which you use to spray may contain strong smelling fuse which may or may not be harmful if you breathe in. It is better to stay safe with the same, thus, wear a mask when spraying. Ensure to buy the mask which is specially made for use while painting.
Thus, spray painting Perth is a fun task, but at the same time stressing on some basic factors can enable a great job.


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Stuck for an idea for a great Christmas Present? Read On!
Need something thoughtful for that special someone this Christmas? Or do you need a gift for a friend or co-worker, but you don''t want to give them the same boring box of chocolates everyone else does? Here''s a list of thoughtful gifts that you can get for any guy or girl. From cheap (but sweet!) presents you can make at home, to those cool but potentially budget buster gadgets, you''re sure to get extra brownie points from your loved ones this holidy season (not the point during this extra special time of year, but it sure doesn''t hurt!)
1. an Apple iPod (or other MP3 multimedia player)
This can be one of the more expensive gifts on this list, but I know what you''re thinking - "it''s nice, but how is it special?" Apple is one of the world''s most renowned companies in regard to style and presentation of their product. Take your cue from them! Make sure that the iPod you give is filled to (almost) capacity with meaningful things that really say something about the relationship that you have - whatever that relationship may be. For example, if you''re going to be giving an iPod to your adult brother, fill it with songs from your childhood, or perhaps a favorite TV show that you watched while growing up. The possibilities are endless (depending on the storage size you purchase), but if you''re stuck, here are some ideas:
Favorite Songs, or albums
Songs from concerts you''ve attended together (better yet, if you have a CD of a live recording, iTunes will import those tracks so you can put them on the iPod)
TV shows you enjoy together
Are you both excited about a movie that will be coming out? Find the trailer and download it!
Speaking of movies, you can put one (or two) of those on there too!
a Photo album of pictures of the two of you (or a trip, or some other theme!)
Going even further, if you get your friend or loved one an iPhone or iTouch, download them a game you know they''ll like!
There are many, many possibilities for this one, and don''t forget, presentation is key, as it shows that you put a lot of thought and effort into selecting the gift. Here''s a tip: A big bonus from ordering one of these from the Apple store online means that you can get your iPod customized with a special engraving! Have a favorite saying, a nickname, or simply "I love you" engraved onto the iPod and it''s sure to be a hit.
2. A "Mix Tape" (CD or DVD)
A bit cheezy, but a really neat present if you treat it a lot like the "iPod" option above. In fact, this can be considered the inexpensive alternative! Just refer to the list above for some ideas of what you can put on your mix CD or DVD. Plus, a really fun feature with DVDs these days is that you can get software to create a DVD menu to organize all your files!
Remember, presentation is important, so don''t simply label the CD or DVD "Mike''s Stuff" with your black sharpie. Instead, create a cool label - if you''re handy with Photoshop, you can find instructions on how to do that at http://www.photoshopbuddy.net/cdlabel.html , or find an online label maker program that will do the work for you. Better yet, find funky pre-made (pre-printed) labels at your local bookshop or office supply store, or from online stores like eBay! Stick the CD/DVD in a custom case or gift box, and you''re done!
Ifyour gift is for co-workers at your office, why not create an officemix CD? Have everyone contribute a favorite song to your playlist. Locate and download the songs, create the label, and hand them out. Instant hit!
3. Scrapbook It
There are two ways to do this, the traditional way and the online way.
The traditional way, with paper, scissors, glue and paper can actually get a bit expensive, and is somewhat time consuming (depending on your effort), so you''ll have to plan ahead for this one. However, it''s fun, and creates a SUPER sentimental gift that will be cherished YEARS from now! This is especially great for parents, grandparents or your significant other. Scrapbooking is easy, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Scrapbooks can be made out of stapled sheets of paper, or you can buy a scrapbook from any craft store (or even places like Wal-Mart!). Just be sure to include any pictures and paper memorbilia you have, and make sure to write a bit about what you''re scrapbooking in the pages. Essentially, that''s it! One note of caution however - if you''re intending for the book to last a long time and are including paper memorbilia like tickets, programs, receipts, newspaper, etc, make sure to spray your pages with an archival mist (which takes the acid out of the paper. Acid is the thing that causes paper to yellow and crumble over time. It''s also called an acid deadifier).
The other way to create a scrapbook is to go to any number of online photo printing services - for example, Snapfish.com, Kodak.com, or even your local grocery store (if they give print photos there) or Wal-Mart, and look for the memory or photo books option. That will bring up a selection of pre-made templates, where all you have to do is select your theme, upload photos, and type in any journaling. Presto! Just have the company print and ship your book and you have a wonderful keepsake to give.
4. Make an Ornament
Do you have any old toys, pretty containers, or little baubles lying around? Make an ornament! The best part about this gift is that it's completely customizable, yet, super easy to make! Simply drill a hole near the top of the item that you wish to use, or string ribbon through any loops that there may be on the item. Presto! Need a quick present topper for your best friend from childhood? What were some of their favorite toys? If you still have any, just turn them into a snazzy ornament to place on their Christmas tree! They'll be touched that you took the time to make them something and impressed that "oh, you still have that!?" tiny item that two were loved so long ago!


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Welcome to Pure Health & Wellness, LLC
Pure Health & Wellness, LLC was created by nurses who want to assist others in taking responsibility of their own body. Our goal is to add life to your years and years to your life by finding your ideal balance through Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, diet and pharmaceutical grade supplements. The difference between pharmaceutical grade supplements and over the counter supplements is absorption. Many over the counter supplements do not contain what is listed on their label or they contain more or less than the amount listed on the label. At Pure Health & Wellness, LLC we carry pharmaceutical grade supplements by Douglas Laboratories whose state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities surpass GMP standards and manufacturing regulations.
"Supplementation is your personal health insurance plan that will help you to age gracefully. It is not just there to assist you when you fall ill; it is there to keep you healthy in the first place."
-Lyle MacWilliam, MSC FP
Our Nurses here are also specially trained in the technique of micro-needling so that we can not only help our clients to feel their best but to look their best as well. These treatments are proven to be effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks as well as many other skin irregularities. Call today to set up a consultation.


text: Terry Waite The former church envoy was held captive in Lebanon for 1,763 days. 17 Jul 2007 11:39 GMT | Lebanon Terry Waite with Riz KhanChurch envoy turned hostage Terry Waite's successful efforts to release hostages in Iran and Libya led him to Lebanon, where he was kidnapped himself and held captive for almost five years. He now works for reconciliation in the Middle East. After years of working with the Anglican church in Africa and Europe, he was recruited to be an advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1980. But Terry Waite came to international prominence when he took on the task of negotiating the release of several hostages from Iran, and then negotiating in 1983 with Libya's Moammar Ghadafi for the successful release of British hostages held there. In January 1987, while trying to free Western hostages in Lebanon, Waite himself was taken captive and he was held for 1,763 days - the first four years of which were spent in total solitary confinement. His captors accused him of being an American spy, unwittingly or not, due to his contact with US Marine Colonal Oliver North, who headed a covert arms-for-hostages deal with Iran. Following his release in November 1991, Waite turned to writing, lecturing and humanitarian activities. Now approaching 70, he is involved with a number of charities in Britain, South Africa and Kosovo. He also recently co-founded Hostage UK, an organisation designed to give support to the families of hostage. This episode of One on One aired from 14 July 2007 Watch Part One here: Watch Part Two here: Contact the show: You can ask your questions in advance for any of our guests, or if you have any comments and questions on any other topics please click on 'Send your feedback' at the top right hand side of the page under tools. Watch Al Jazeera English programmes on YouTube Join our debates on the Your Views page


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Research of the Week
Intense exercise slows Parkinson's progression.
Exercise alters the gut biome independently of diet.
Blood pressure naturally and linearly decreases in the twilight years, with the steepest increases seen in dementia, heart failure, late-life weight loss, and hypertension.
A diet high in monounsaturated fat reduces liver fat and increases insulin sensitivity.
New Primal Blueprint Podcasts
Episode 201: Anthony G. Jay, PhD: Host Elle Russ chats with Dr. Anthony G. Jay about his new book, Estrogeneration. It's all about how estrogenic compounds in our environment are making us sick, fat, and infertile. Great name, too.
Each week, select Mark's Daily Apple blog posts are prepared as Primal Blueprint Podcasts. Need to catch up on reading, but don't have the time? Prefer to listen to articles while on the go? Check out the new blog post podcasts below, and subscribe to the Primal Blueprint Podcast here so you never miss an episode.
Interesting Blog Posts
You know, a walk can be very filling.
Assuming we gain the ability to fine-tune our mood with technology, what's the best way to go about it and minimize side effects?
Media, Schmedia
Los Angeles shelter dogs might go vegan, as if their lives aren't already tough enough.
Are people really injuring themselves opening avocados?
Everything Else
Come for the Freedom Trail, stay for the obese squirrels.
Vegan screeds shop simplistic yet misleading messages ("live kindly") and get financial backing from huge celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio. Movies that push ancestral health approaches are more nuanced and rely on crowdfunding. Kale vs. Cow makes the case for sustainable meat, and it needs your help.
Lake Eerie's crazy, chaotic waves.
There's a suicide epidemic among America's farmers.
Things I'm Up to and Interested In
Year's end "Best of" list I was honored to make: MindBodyGreen's Best Healthy Cookbooks, for Keto Reset.
Concept that intrigued me: The "Polymeal."
Video I'm pondering: Did religion trigger agriculture?
Didn't know they had it in them: Orca jumps 15 feet out of the water despite weighing 8 tons.
I'm not surprised: A new study suggests that lifestyle modifications could prevent 40% of cancer deaths.
Recipe Corner
- One of my favorite Indian dishes, chicken korma, paleo-style..
- Good dessert, good gift for others: dark chocolate pecan bark with sea salt.
Time Capsule
One year ago (Dec 17– Dec 23)
- Can You Retrain Your Taste? – How the picky might become less so.
- 8 Primal Things to Appreciate About the Winter Season – Sure, it's cold. Yeah, it's wet and/or snowy. But there's a lot to love.
Comment of the Week
"Mark, I object to your jeremiad on porn including the salacious comment: 'Hard things are what make us humans'!!
(No, I'm not serious.)"
– That must have been hard to come up with, Matt.
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The post Weekend Link Love — Edition 482 appeared first on Mark's Daily Apple.


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Get Cash For Your Junk Car In Orlando
12 Sep 2017 10:43
What do you actually do with a car that you are not using any further? Or a damaged car that you are not willing to repair? Most people sell my junk car for cash today today will simply leave such cars within our backyards. It will face the hot sun in the summer, they heavy rainfall in the monsoon and is actually under a sheet of snow during the cold seasons. And when no longer want to see it in your backyard you should sell it. But its value has already decreased drastically. Which will be unable to find any buyers for your junk car and you will end by selling it in the junkyard. The junkyard dealer will only pay for the metal body depending on its weight. If you feel about it, seek it . actually realise exactly major loss you have faced.There is not an set involving the junk car, automobile is junk when its owner decided not to drive it anymore as well as leaving it inside courtyard. You will find many so -called junk cars are in fine condition and they have found that easily earn 30% within original price on selling, where as few are rigorously used and they get just a little cash on selling.It's best to control your car when it's in working condition by selling it to a salvage car company. They accept various vehicles will not work, like they know the right way to still make them profitable. Advantages companies to whom marketing your junk car, but you have to choose the right one so it'll give you a number on the game. You can easily find best firm whenever you look, though, so which you can help spending budget by making money on something you can't use today.There are several methods provide your junk car, the majority of them are very simple and require little time or effort on your account. The first method to offer your junk car end up being to call a regional junk yard and make them come and tow the car away. The junk yard will ask you some questions about the age, make, and label of the car and may affect the operation condition with the body. They will make you an offer your phone, anyone have accept the offer, they will make a meeting to come and tow away the automobile. All you will need to who buys cars that are not running do is sign the title over to them. A junk yard probably make you the lowest offer on vehicle but they'll take any junk motor.If you are planning to Junk Car Buyer for cash, one of the vital powerful medium is websites. In fact, you will come across thousands net sites that exclusively buy old and wrecked cars for cash. Sitting on your laptop, perform fill totally free whataburger coupons quotes. Once you have sent your quotes, corporations would approach you with the offer. Now, it's your prerogative choose which the actual first is offering exercise price. give funds on the spot which is perfect in case you need money urgently. Some take 24 hours to process your application as they will verify the title and also documents before you money. There are others genuinely interested to recondition the car and use privately. Under such situations, they can take a few days to work out routine details consider it the price.A second option for wiping out your junk auto will be always to donate the software. However, many car donation services have to have the autos to be in working order in order to accept your gift. Donation companies may hold you a major contributor to paying to haul away your auto as all right. The benefit of automobile donations is tax credits, but you should check using a tax professional first. Should your auto open for running condition and assets are not a predicament for you and your feeling charitable then I would definitely suggest this approach!Putting ads in the newspapers and journals has been the most desired ways to obtain quick cash by selling junk motor. You can place the ad with the contact and car outlines. People usually get in touch along with you by contacting on mobile or portable phone. As a result, you might be faced with dilemma to obtain calls at odd hours of the day. You can also paste a tiny plane poster indicating sale to your rear or side window of automobile or truck. This helps in attracting the eye of many with some arriving for your destination in features the condition and minute details on the car. However, it is often a time-consuming practice. There is no guarantee that people today visiting for your car are genuine.In case you have any concerns relating to wherever and also tips on how to use places that buy cars without title in houston tx (https://us.justdial.com), you can call us on the web-site. If you would want to get cash for your junk care sale from a shortest possible time, obtain call any local salvage yard or wrecking yard seem buyers to use in your car. A number of these usually have a large network of prospective buyers whom can be contacted for offering a profitable sale.
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Crystal Fire
"If you play with fire, you will get burned!" And getting burned just may be the least of your problems if you choose to step into the ring against Crystal Fire! This lady isn't interested in simply winning. She seeks to destroy, annihilate and maim her opponents. How else can you explain the vicious stomping, choking, biting, clawing and eye gouging that she unleashes on any wrestler willing to step into the ring with her? It seems the more she hears her victims scream in pain, the better she likes it. Crystal Fire may be the most violent and sadistic woman competing on today's wrestling scene!
The dangerous and unpredictable Crystal Fire!
We don't think stomping is considered a technical maneuver...
Some say that Crystal Fire is "not all there". After seeing this picture, we think we'd have to agree with them!
Crystal takes a bite out of her opponent's bare foot!
Crystal Fire seems to be enjoying this choke a little too much.
Crystal Fire's Stats...
- Height: 5' 6"
- Weight: 145
- Hair: Black
- Eyes: Blue
- Hometown: Cleveland, Tennessee (USA)
Crystal Fire's Profile...
- How It Started: I can count on family connections to further me in my already impressive career. I married into one of wrestling's most prominent families. My father-in-law, Bill Russell, was a major contender for many years, and my husband, "Sensational One" Slick Rick Hayes, is among the most respected competitors on the independent circuit. The wealth of knowledge and ring tricks these men possess gives me a tactical advantage in every match.
- Gimmick: I am a mean and nasty loud mouth heel. Despite my training and background, I have the heart of a brawler. Strong and tough, I often physically overpower my opponents with brute force, battering and pounding them into the canvas. It's no surprise that my finisher, The Fire Crusher, usually leaves my opponents stunned and defenseless against the pin.
- Wrestling Style: A deadly combination of technical wrestling skills and a powerful physique. I do some old school mixed with new school...which makes me one of the most dangerous women in professional wrestling. I have competed against some of the toughest women in the wrestling profession today. I give the fans 150% every time I wrestle. My opponents know they will get the fight of their lives whenever they step into the ring with me.
- Gear: One piece black and yellow outfit with booty shorts; one piece black and peach outfit with booty shorts; black shirt and black booty shorts.
- Titles Held: ECWF Womens Champion; TCW Divas Champion; CWA Divas Champion; GWF 10-time Womens Champion; GCW 2-time Womens Champion; APWF Womens Champion.
- Biggest Win: It was in Doulasville, Georgia, at Total Championship Wrestling. We had elimination matches leading to the main event, where I defeated Constance to become the first TCW Diva Champion.
- Worst Loss: It was in my home town of Cleveland, Tennessee, at Adrenalin Rush Wrestling where I lost to Pryme Tyme AmyLee.
- Favorite Type of Match: I like singles matches...I don't need anyone else getting in the way while I'm beating my opponent.
- Favorite Moves/Holds: Banana split; "Fire's Nose Job"; chops; super-suplex; Japanese arm drag; "Burning Hair Whip".
- Finisher: Top rope bulldog; "The Fire Crusher".
- Biggest Allies: Rock-N-Roll Rock-C; Mickie James; Lita; Trish Stratus.
- Most-Hated Enemies: Constance; Rock-N-Roll Rock-C; Michelle; Pryme Tyme AmyLee; Camron Star; Genni Right.
- Toughest Opponent(s): Pryme Tyme AmyLee; Rock-N-Roll Rock-C; Constance.
- Career Highlight: Winning the Total Championship Wrestling Diva Title; joining Memphis Ladies Wrestling (MLW).
- Favorite Wrestlers: Rock-N-Roll Rock-C; Mickie James; Lita; Trish Stratus; The Rock; Victoria.
- Wrestling Ambition: I am happy to entertain the fans. I love working the indy circuit, but if one day it's meant for me to make it big then so be it.
Crystal Fire's Personal Notes...
I am a happily married mother of two children: my little princess Summer and my little buck Ryan.
Essential Crystal Fire Links...
- Crystal Fire's Website: Crystal Fire Wrestling
- Crystal on Myspace: www.MySpace.com/CrystalFire83


text: Volume 7.28 | Jul 24 Volume 7.28, July 24, 2006 In this issue: Science | Policy | Business | NIH | CBER | Regulatory Top Stories Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Bill: The House failed to muster enough votes to override President Bush's veto of a bill to expand federally funded embryonic stem cell research. Article Science Breast Stem Cells Have Features Similar To 'Basal' TumoursScientists have discovered that breast stem cells do not express receptors for the female hormones oestrogen or progesterone. These and other features of the stem cell resemble the aggressive 'basal' subtype of breast cancer.Article Scientists Isolate Leukemia Stem Cells in a Model of Human LeukemiaThe leukemia stem cells isolated proved to be surprisingly different from normal blood stem cells, a finding that may be good news for developing a drug that selectively targets them. Article Probable Cause of Deadly Brain Cancers EstablishedNew evidence adds weight to the theory that one of the most deadly forms of brain cancer, called malignant glioma, is caused when stem cells deep within the brain begin to proliferate abnormally.Article Massachusetts General Hospital Study Finds Potential Ovarian Cancer Stem CellsThese cells may underlie tumor recurrence and resistance and suggest new treatment approaches.Article Cytori Therapeutics Reports Safety and Efficacy of its Celution System (TM) in a Preclinical Study of Coronary Artery DiseaseCytori Therapeutics, Inc. reported top-line preliminary results demonstrating that adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells from its proprietary Celution (TM) System were safe and improved heart function in a chronic ischemia model, representing a severe form of coronary artery disease.Article Study Establishes Safety of Spinal Cord Stem Cell Transplantation Transplanting human embryonic stem cells does not cause harm and can be used as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute spinal cord injuryArticle Gene Therapy Overcomes Muscular DystrophyFocusing on the muscleblind protein, scientists eliminated muscle hyperexcitability in a mouse model of the most common form of muscular dystrophy.Article Research Finds Antibodies Seem to Stop Alzheimer's in its TracksTreatment with antibodies naturally produced in the body appears to halt the memory-robbing progression of Alzheimer's disease.Article Cell Genesys, Inc. Launches Expanded Multiple-Dose Phase 1 Trial Of CG0070 In Recurrent Bladder Cancer The expanded trial was prompted by encouraging interim safety and efficacy data recently reported for single-dose administration of CG0070 and will include up to 45 additional patients.Article Facial Rejuvenation Product Successfully Completes Phase I StudyIntercytex, the cell therapy company developing products for the advanced woundcare and aesthetic medicine markets, today announces the successful completion of a Phase I study of ICX-RHY, its novel cell therapy product for facial rejuvenation.Article Biovest International Gains Key Regulatory Approval for Clinical Trial Sites in RussiaBiovest International, Inc. has received regulatory approval for its ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial of BiovaxID(TM) for the treatment of indolent follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Article FDA Grants Intracel Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) for Confirmatory, Pivotal Phase III Study of OncoVAX(R) Colon Cancer VaccineThe OncoVAX(R) vaccine is designed to prevent recurrence in Stage II colon cancer patients following surgical tumor resection. Article Stem Cell Process to Aid Kidney Transplant Sans DrugsThe Kidney Hospital in Ahmedabad has announced a major breakthrough by which embryonic stem cell-aided transplant will enable a kidney patient to accept a donor organ with minimal dose of drugs. ArticleHuman Stem Cells Can Contribute to a Developing Mouse Embryo, Despite Evolutionary DifferencesUsing a newly derived line of human embryonic stem cells, Rockefeller University researchers have coaxed human cells to grow in mouse tissue. Article ABSTRACTS, REVIEWS & SPECIAL REPORTS Stem Cells: The Real Culprits in Cancer? A dark side of stem cells – their potential to turn malignant – is at the root of a handful of cancers and may be the cause of many more. Eliminating the disease could depend on tracking down and destroying these elusive killer cells Article Policy Schwarzenegger Gives $150 million Loan to Stem Cell AgencyA day after President Bush vetoed expanded federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger authorized a $150 million loan to fund California's stem cell institute.Article California Panel Against Forcing Biotechs to Share Stem Cell Research The intellectual property task force of the California stem cell agency board recommended against requiring the biotech industry to share its state-supported stem cell research with research institutions in the state. Article Germany Seeks EU Ban on Stem Cell Research FundingGermany urged its fellow European Union members to impose a ban on supporting embryonic stem cell research with EU science program funds. Article Business DomaniCell Launches Hospital-based Cord Blood Banking BusinessThe program involves hospitals partnering with DomaniCell to develop their own cord blood stem cell banking program that is built on DomaniCell infrastructure and technology.Article Millipore Completes Acquisition of SerologicalsAcquisition will transform Millipore into a $1.4 billion life science leader with leading positions in rapidly growing markets. Article Netcare Buys Stake in Stem Cell FirmSouth African healthcare group Netcare acquired a 75 percent stake in stem cell storage company Biocells Ltd, which markets and collects umbilical cord blood.Article Cord Blood America Announces it is Nearing Collection of Adipose Tissue Stem Cells for Future Medical UseThe Company is moving forward in developing one of the nation's first private storage companies to collect adult stem cells from adipose tissue for future medical use. Article US Patent Office Upholds Neuralstem PatentNeuralstem, Inc. has announced the issuance of a certificate of reexamination from the USPTO confirming the validity of one of its core patents covering both process and composition of matter claims for it's proprietary human neural stem cells.Article Request to Re-Examine WARF Stem Cell Patents Escalates War of WordsThe Public Patent Foundation, on behalf of the California-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, filed a formal request with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to re-examine three patents held by WARF.Article NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral Fellowships (F31) to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (PA-06-481)Link Regulatory The Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority Project (Australia and New Zealand) The Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority Project July NewsletterLink Medsafe (New Zealand) Regulatory ConsultantsLink GMP Certified Contract Testing LaboratoriesLink Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom) Implementation of the Good Clinical Practice DirectiveLink ISCT AABB-ISCT Cellular Therapy Audioconference Series Link For more information on the Somatic Cell Therapy Symposium, see www.celltherapysociety.org. European branch of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT-Europe) and German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology (DGTI) Joint meeting "Regulatory Framework for Advanced Medicinal Products in Europe"Link Profiled Journal Current Issue: Volume 15, No. 4 CONTENTS Original Contribution Neural Transplantation in Huntington's Disease: The NEST-UK Donor Tissue Microbiological Screening Program and Review of the LiteratureM. Farrington, T. G. Wreghitt, A. M. L. Lever, S. B. Dunnett, A. E. Rosser, and R. A. Barker Review Chemokines and Their Receptors in Islet Allograft Rejection and as Targets for Tolerance InductionShaheed Merani, Wayne Truong, Wayne W. Hancock, Colin C. Anderson, and A. M. James Shapiro Original Contributions Porcine Islet Graft Function Is Affected by Pretreatment With a Caspase-3 InhibitorDaniel Brandhorst, Vidya Kumarasamy, Adel Maatoui, Alexandra Alt, Reinhard G. Bretzel, and Heide Brandhorst Survival and Function of Transplanted Islet Cells on an In Vivo, Vascularized Tissue Engineering Platform in the Rat: A Pilot StudyDavid L. Brown, Peter J. Meagher, Kenneth R. Knight, Effie Keramidaris, Rosalind Romeo-Meeuw, Anthony J. Penington, and Wayne A. Morrison Maintenance of Mouse, Rat, and Pig Pancreatic Islet Functions by Coculture With Human Islet-Derived FibroblastsAtsushi Miki, Michiki Narushima, Teru Okitsu, Yuichi Takeno, Alejandro Soto-Gutierrez, Jorge David Rivas-Carrillo, Nalú Navarro-Alvarez, Yong Chen, Kimiaki Tanaka, Hirofumi Noguchi, Shinichi Matsumoto, Michinori Kohara, Jonathan R. T. Lakey, Eiji Kobayashi, Noriaki Tanaka, and Naoya Kobayashi Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Hepatocytes Using Deleted Variant of HGF and Poly-amino-urethane-Coated Nonwoven Polytetrafluoroethylene FabricAlejandro Soto-Gutierrez, Nalú Navarro-Alvarez, Jorge David Rivas-Carrillo, Yong Chen, Tomoki Yamatsuji, Noriaki Tanaka, and Naoya Kobayashi The Development and Characterization of an HEK293-Derived Cell Line for Use in an Intratumoral Cytokine Delivery SystemM. J. Hamilton, Q. X. Huang, C. L. Li, and K. A. O. Ellem Short-Term Heart Retention and Distribution of Intramyocardial Delivered Mesenchymal Cells Within Necrotic or Intact MyocardiumNguyen Tran, Yan Li, Fatiha Maskali, Laurent Antunes, Pablo Maureira, Marie-Helene Laurens, Pierre-Yves Marie, Gilles Karcher, Frederique Groubatch, Jean-François Stoltz, and Jean-Pierre Villemot Brief Communication Survival of Microencapsulated Islets at 400 Days Posttransplantation in the Omental Pouch of NOD MiceTsunehiro Kobayashi, Yukio Aomatsu, Hiroo Iwata, Tatsuya Kin, Hiromichi Kanehiro, Michiyoshi Hisanga, Saiho Ko, Mitsuo Nagao, George Harb, and Yoshiyuki Nakajima Cell Transplantation publishes original, peer-reviewed research and review articles on the subject of cell transplantation and its application to human diseases. To ensure high-quality contributions from all areas of transplantation, separate section editors and editorial boards have been established. Articles deal with a wide range of topics including physiological, medical, preclinical, tissue engineering, and device-oriented aspects of transplantation of nervous system, endocrine, growth factor-secreting, bone marrow, epithelial, endothelial, and genetically engineered cells, among others. Basic clinical studies and immunological research papers are also featured. To provide complete coverage of this revolutionary field, Cell Transplantation will report on relevant technological advances, and ethical and regulatory considerations of cell transplants.


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The Answers You're Looking For
How does Companion Care Services select its caregivers?
Through our contacts at leading schools, participation in job fairs and leading job search sites, we have access to a large pool of applicants. Our screening process includes a background check and full verification of the qualifications of the applicant. We make sure that all our caregivers have at least one year of experience, and also account for the varying experience levels/qualifications our caregivers have. With this in mind, we are sure to meet individually with each family to assess which caregiver would be best suited to care for their loved one.
What happens if the caregiver doesn't show up on time?
In order to protect against any unforeseen scheduling conflicts resulting in a lapse in care for your loved one, we have an automated system that will automatically alert us to the caregiver's absence. At this time, another member of our team can step in to help out, making sure that your loved ones are never left without the proper care!
Can you care for someone in a facility (hospital, nursing home, or assisted living)?
Yes- We provide services to our patients at home, in hospitals or in assisted living communities. Companion Care Services meets or exceed the requirements that are state required at communities.
Do I have to sign a contract locking me into services?
No, at Companion Care Services we realize you may need to change the days and times that services are needed due to changing circumstances. Our Service Agreement explains your rights and responsibilities as well as our commitment to our clients. It also explains our no hassle cancellation policy and provides documentation for our rate for services. Our client is the most important person in our relationship.
How often do I get billed for services?
Billing is done on a weekly basis.
Are your caregivers your employees?
Yes, all of our caregivers are employed by Companion Care Services; meaning they are paid by us. They are fully bonded and insured and covered by workers' compensation. This keeps you protected from any potential liabilities that may arise.
Why would I hire a Companion Care Services caregiver versus a private caregiver for my family?
In a scenario where you hire privately as opposed to using the services of Companion Care Services, you become the employer of that caregiver. That title as employer does come with a list of responsibilities, here are some of the things you should consider when hiring privately:
- You are responsible for the processing of all associated state and federal payroll taxes
- You must either get Workers" Compensation Insurance (or make sure that your private caregiver comes along with it). Otherwise, you would be left liable to pay in full on any claims filed by the caregiver for potential injuries sustained in your home/under your employment.
- You assume the role of employer and supervisor- meaning you are responsible for the performance of the caregiver and responsible for finding coverage for your loved one in the event your caregiver is unable to come to work
- You take on the responsibility of conducting a national criminal background check or run the risk of hiring without doing a background check
How do we get started?
Companion Care Services is available by phone 24/7, 650-993-2345. Give us a call to get started and tell us your needs and set up a FREE Care Assessment.


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A railroad worker of limited educational background undertakes a solemn journey of self-discovery in Iranian director Maziar Miri's poignant psychological drama Gradually. . .. Mohammad-Reza Foroutan stars as Mahmoud, a husband and father whose young wife, Pari (Niloofar Khoshkholgh), struggles with severe emotional problems. One workday, Mahmoud, whose job places him scores of miles from his family, receives the despairing news that Pari has vanished from home for more than a week, left their little...more
All Gradually... cast + crew photos
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