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This wall hanging is made of 1/4 inch thick wood and both cut and etched by a laser. I've included the file so you can make your own!
I used Inkscape to draw this up, and I'm including the files so that you can make your own!
Step 1: Making the art!
Note that the right hand changed at the end. I wish I would have left it that way though!
I had lots of confusion about whether I should color map or what, so the design took forever. I ended up using Randy's suggestion and using line thickness instead of color mapping to determine where the laser would cut or etch. It was much easier. This is definitely the most complicated thing I've done so far.
I've included both the first file I planned on using and the final file I used, so have a look!
Step 2: Lasers!
And then I entirely screwed up my first draft and Randy had to save me. Make sure your document size is right!
I made sure all my cut lines were hairline thickness, and all my etch lines were 1.0 pt thickness. The text will etch itself. (At this point I was editing in Corel Draw.)
The settings for the Epilog laser we use at ibles were 90/100 for raster, 15/60/500 for vector.
It took about 25 minutes to complete!
1) Doesn't mean I can't WISH for one..lol.
And 2) Just because I don't have one doesn't mean this isn't a darn good job!
There's nothing wrong with using tools you have available to create things just because someone else doesn't have said tool.
Great Job JRF!


text: The Hydralisk wiki last edited by ZombiePie on 07/13/15 12:45PM View full history Overview Needle Spine The Hydralisk is an evolved form of the Slothien a race controled by the overmind and developed through the Zerg strain. Through this strain they have become increasingly aggressive had have add the muscle structure augmented. The Hydralisk uses its serpentine body to move around, while it uses its big scythe-like arms to climb or propel itself faster or using them to attack close range (a gameplay concept that isn't put into effect until StarCraft II). Otherwise it will attack with its needle spines, which fire out of flaps on the Hydralisk's head and through evolution have become an even more potent defense system. These razor sharp spines can fire deep and its poison may may seep into its prey's wound. However, because of its low range, Hydralisks often prefer to burrow and hide to wait for the enemy to move closer. The Hydralisk is one of the more iconic Zerg units in the game. It is common in early and mid-game matches, do to its relative inexpensiveness and ability to attack both ground and air units much like the Marine and Dragoon can. It is capable of burrowing allowing it to appear invisible then springing back up for a surprise attack. STARCRAFTHYDRALISKSTATSRaceZergTypeGround-biologicalRoleMulti-purpose ranged attackerArmamentNeedle spinesResources75 minerals, 25 gasSupply2 unitsTransport slots2Build time33 secHit points80Armor0 (add 1 per Carapace upgrade)Attack (ground/air)10 (add 1 per Missile Attacks upgrade)Cool down15Attack range4 (5 with grooved Spines research)Sight range6Built atHatchery/Lair/HiveRequiresHydralisk DenHotkeyHEvolves intoLurker (Brood War only)STARCRAFT IIHYDRALISKSTATSRaceZergTypeGround-biologicalRoleMulti-purpose ranged attackerArmamentNeedle spines/ScytheResources100 minerals, 50 gasSupply2Transport slots2Build time28 secHit points80Regeneration per second0.2734Armor (light)0 add 1 per Carapace upgrade)Attack (ground/air)10 (add 1 per Missile Attacks upgrade)Cool down0.83 secAttack range4 (5 with Grooved Spines research)Sight range6Movement speed2.25 (x1.5 on creep)built atHatchery/Lair/HiveRequiresHydralisk DenHotkeyH

subset: commoncrawl


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Feb. 6, 2008
WORCESTER, Mass. - The Holy Cross Varsity Club has announced that five individuals have been selected for induction into the Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Included among the 2008 inductees are former football players Pete Kimener (Class of 1967) and David Stecchi (Class of 1959), and former head football coach Mark Duffner.
Kimener was one of the top receivers for the Holy Cross football team from 1964-1966. He served as team captain during his senior year, when he led the team with 33 receptions for 409 yards and two touchdowns. Kimener was also the Crusaders' leading receiver during his junior season, catching 21 passes for 221 yards. A versatile player who also saw action on defense, he finished his career with 55 receptions for 648 yards, and earned All-New England honors as a senior. One of Kimener's biggest plays came during the final game of his collegiate career, when he caught a touchdown pass from Jack Lentz in the closing seconds to defeat Boston College, 32-26. In addition to his exploits on the gridiron, Kimener ran the high hurdles and threw the javelin on the Holy Cross track and field team. He won a total of seven varsity letters, and was named the 1967 Crusader of the Year.
Stecchi was a three-year starter for the Crusader football team on both sides of the ball, playing tight end and defensive end. He led Holy Cross to an overall record of 16-9-2 from 1956-1958, including two victories over both Boston College and Syracuse. During his senior season, Stecchi led the team with 19 receptions for 331 yards and two touchdowns. He was named first team All-East and second team All-New England as a senior, after being selected first team All-New England as a junior. In addition, Stecchi received Catholic All-America honors from Extension Magazine following his sophomore season. Over the course of his Holy Cross career, he totaled 41 receptions for 687 yards and four touchdowns. Stecchi was also a member of the Crusader track and field team, competing in the high hurdles.
Duffner became Holy Cross' head football coach prior to the 1986 season, taking over a team in a state of emotional despair and quickly transforming it into the nation's most successful Division I-AA program. He guided the Crusaders to a 60-5-1 record in six seasons, including perfect 11-0 marks in both 1987 and 1991. Holy Cross won five Patriot League championships, four Lambert Cups and four ECAC Team of the Year awards during Duffner's tenure, and also earned the No. 1 ranking in the final 1987 NCAA Division I-AA poll. He was named the Patriot League Coach of the Year four times, and also took home National Coach of the Year honors in 1987 and 1991. Duffner ranks third all-time at Holy Cross with his 60 career victories, while his .917 winning percentage is the best in school and Patriot League history.
This year's other inductees are Ronnie Cote (Class of 1956, baseball) and Anna Kinne Patel (Class of 2000, basketball).
These five individuals will be formally inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 3, at the Varsity Club's annual dinner, to be held in the Hogan Campus Center.


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MANKATO (TEC News) – "This case is not about Svetlana Munt's parenting skills. This case is about how she died."
The jury is now deliberating the fate of Joel Marvin Munt, charged with murdering his ex-wife in front of the couple's three small children on March 28, 2010 in Mankato's Rasmussen Woods.
After nearly an hour of jury instructions from Judge Kurt Johnson, prosecutor Pat McDermott began his hour and 43 minute closing statement.
"Her or me…that's what Joel Munt said…said it for months," began McDermott.
Munt is accused of premeditated murder and McDermott set out in his closing to drive that point home to the jury.
"What happened is on March 28, 2010 that man (pointing to Munt) finally had a chance to act," McDermott told the jury.
McDermott attempted to show the jury that Munt was not suicidal and that the shooting was not a crime of passion as claimed by the defense.
Law enforcement recovered another loaded clip for Munt's hand gun and another box of 45 caliber bullets in a larger bag full of ammunition.
"Two clips…one gun…six wounds," said McDermott. "It only takes one bullet to commit suicide."
They pulled three knives from his pants pocket along with US Savings Bonds with his children's names on them.
"Savings bonds for the kids? He planned on taking those kids from her that day," McDermott told the jury.
He showed the jury a photo of the back set of Munt's SUV. There was one child seat and one booster seat.
"So why do we have car seats? He was going to take them," maintained McDermott.
"He despised his ex-wife…he hated her," said McDermott. "This isn't a whodunit case. He executed his ex-wife."
In his closing, defense attorney Scott Cutcher said the case was never about who did it, but about what crime Munt committed.
Cutcher told the jury the shooting was clearly not premeditated.
"If this was premeditated this was one of the worst crime ever," Cutcher said.
If the shooting was planned, then why did Munt have plans to return to Burnsville to finish watching a movie with his wife. If the shooting was planned, Cutcher asked why would Munt call a client to confirm a meeting later that day in Mankato following his planned supervised visitation at CADA House with his children. If it was planned, Cutcher asked why would Munt have Easter baskets and other items packed for his visit.
"If this was premeditated…why would he run his car into her car," wondered Cutcher. "There's no way to get away."
McDermott played the 9-1-1 call from witness Todd Block. They jury again saw the dash cam video from the squad car that stopped Munt in a vehicle stolen from another family inside Rasmussen Woods.
The jury listened again to audio from a squad car where the three injured children were placed after their father's arrest. They heard distraught children. They heard one of them say "mommy died". They heard "Daddy killed her" and "Daddy had a gun."
The jury looked at crime scene video and autopsy photos.
McDermott reminded the jury Munt shot his ex-wife from "20 inches away."
"That ladies and gentlemen is an execution," said McDermott.
"He is selfish. He told a judge he'd never return those kids to Svetlana Munt," said McDermott. "This case isn't about depression. It's about this man's selfishness."
"Disassociation is what he's doing. He did it absolutely," McDermott told the jury.
In his testimony on Wednesday, Munt claimed he left his body during the shooting and witnessed it second hand. He described the person doing the shooting during his time on the stand as "It".
"Steven King wrote a book called "It." Dr. Suess wrote a story called "A Horton Hears A Who." What he wants you to believe is "A Munt Saw An It." He's It," as McDermott points again at Munt.
The defense says the murder wasn't premeditated but a crime of passion.
"Something snapped that day," said Cutcher. "We're asking you to find him guilty of manslaughter heat of passion."
"I can't tell you what happened, why he snapped" said Cutcher. "He was going through hell."
"He's guilty of every count except manslaughter," said McDermott.
McDermott stuck out his arm and point his finger as if shooting a gun.
"1…2…3…4…5…6…at least six times…plenty of time to think it over," said McDermott.
"Her or me and he decided it was her," concluded McDermott.
The jury began deliberations at 12:20 p.m.


text:
Jersey Shore
Snooki Shows Off Her "Battle Wounds" — What Happened? (PHOTO)
Uh-oh, what happened to Snooki's leg?
Even the toughest guidettes get the occasional "battle wound," but this time we're not talking about a sunburn from the tanning bed! Snooki recently Instagrammed a photo of her icing her leg with a box of frozen peas, captioning the pic, "Icing battle wounds from the gym."
It's no wonder she has some sore muscles, as she's been working very hard to stay fit lately, going to the gym just about seven days a week! She's been doing some crazy workout routines lately, and even teamed up with her BFF JWOWW for an intense boot camp session. Who knew that party girl Snooki would become such a fitness guru?
Snooki also maintains her health in the kitchen with fairly strict meal plan that includes yummy and healthy food staples like fruit, yogurt, egg whites, chicken, rice, and broccoli, and she also swaps high-calorie cocktails for low-cal, seltzer-based drinks.
We know mild injuries are a part of working hard, but we hope Snooki gives herself a break and gets better soon!
What do you think of Snooki's workout "battle wound"? Do you think she's working too hard, or is this just a sign of hard work? Share below!


text:
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Book for Digital PhotographersPaperback Voices That Matter
List price $48.43
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- Publisher: Peachpit Press Publications
- Format: Paperback | 552 pages
- Dimensions: 198mm x 251mm x 28mm | 1,270g
- Publication date: 29 July 2013
- Publication City/Country: Berkeley
- Edition statement: New.
- Sales rank: 5,939
Product description
Since Lightroom 1.0 first launched, Scott's Kelby's The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers has been the world's #1 best-selling Lightroom book (it has been translated into a dozen different languages), and in this latest version for Lightroom 5, Scott uses his same award-winning, step-by-step, plain-English style and layout to make learning Lightroom easy and fun. Scott doesn't just show you which sliders do what (every Lightroom book will do that). Instead, by using the following three simple, yet brilliant, techniques that make it just an incredible learning tool, this book shows you how to create your own photography workflow using Lightroom: * Throughout the book, Scott shares his own personal settings and studiotested techniques. Each year he trains thousands of Lightroom users at his live seminars and through that he's learned what really works, what doesn't, and he tells you flat out which techniques work best, which to avoid, and why.* The entire book is laid out in a real workflow order with everything step by step, so you can begin using Lightroom like a pro from the start.* What really sets this book apart is the last chapter. This is where Scott dramatically answers his #1 most-asked Lightroom question, which is: "Exactly what order am I supposed to do things in, and where does Photoshop fit in?" You'll see Scott's entire start-to-finish Lightroom 5 workflow and learn how to incorporate it into your own workflow.* Plus, this book includes a downloadable collection of some of the hottest Lightroom Develop module presets to give you a bunch of amazing effects with just one click!Scott knows first-hand the challenges today's digital photographers are facing, and what they want to learn next to make their workflow faster, easier, and more fun. He has incorporated all of that into this major update for Lightroom 5. It's the first and only book to bring the whole process together in such a clear, concise, and visual way. Plus, the book includes a special chapter on integrating Adobe Photoshop seamlessly right into your workflow, and you'll also learn some of Scott's latest Photoshop portrait retouching techniques and special effects, which take this book to a whole new level. There is no faster, more straight-to-the-point, or more fun way to learn Lightroom than with this groundbreaking book.
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Scott Kelby is the world's #1 best-selling author of books on photography, as well as Editor and Publisher of Photoshop User magazine, and President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP). He's the co-host of the highly acclaimed webcast The Grid (the weekly photography talk show), and teaches digital photo and imaging workshops around the world. Scott is an award winning author of more than 50 books, including The Adobe Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers, The Digital Photography Book (parts 1, 2, 3 & 4), Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It, and Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques for Photographers Using Photoshop.
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Since Lightroom 1.0 first launched, Scott's Kelby's "The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book for Digital


text:
Truck fire reported on Hwy 11 at Powassan UpdateMonday, January 13, 2014 by: Kate Adams
Photo provided by loyal BayToday.ca reader John Standen.
BayToday was just informed that a truck is on fire in the southbound lanes of Hwy 11 north at Powassan.
The caller who just passed the scene informs us that the truck, which is fully engulfed, is just past the inspection station and that motorists should take care driving in the region.
BayToday General Manager Mike Trahan just passed the scene and notes emergency crews are on the scene.
OPP just sent out a twitter message that they are awaiting a tow truck to clear the scene.


text:
Click Here To Watch This Video at Scary Fuckers
Just when you thought you had seen it all, along comes Scary Fuckers to shock and stimulate your senses.These rough and dangerous fuckers will push your limits to new extremes.
Description: Out of nowhere Ted Porter gets ambushed by tag team Joshua Rogers and Devil. They quickly grab him, slap him around, and make him drop to his knees. Joshua and Devil then dominate him by covering him
Permanent link to this video:
Code to embed player in blogs and forums, etc:
Post this video in the JUB Forums with this code:
Simply copy the above code into your JUB forum post and the movie will appear.


text:
Though she describes her art as drawing-centered, her work goes beyond the typical definition of the medium. At times she may use traditional methods and materials, such as pen on paper, but often her work takes an unusual turn. For example, a simple drawing may consist of very delicate and subtle pen pricks or marks on a wall. Normally conceptually based, Thornton subject matter can range from natural objects to abstract visceral images.
Terri Thornton was a featured Cell Series artist in 2010. Click here to view the exhibition, Binary System.


text:
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There Ain't Nobodyplay hi-fi purchase
This rough demo was recorded in a garage in 1964 using a reel to reel tape recorder. Just found it again in 2007 and here it is as is. It reached No. 1 in Rockabilly Genre in December, 2008
Uploaded on
Uploaded on
Morris P. Rainville
1964, SOCAN(bmi)
Fri Aug 17, 2007
Country : Rockabilly
1964, SOCAN(bmi)
Fri Aug 17, 2007
Country : Rockabilly
Take charge
A total of 3 users rated on average: 5.0 stars
Charts position
» highest in sub-genre: # 1 (1,529 songs currently listed in Country > Rockabilly) » today's position in sub-genre: # 1 in Rockabilly
About the song
First song ever recorded in 1964 using a reel to reel tape recorder. It was done in a garage. It was packed away in boxes and just found in 2007. Vocals were very low but I was able to raise them some. I enjoyed the great guitar style of Gene Dubreuil in it and that was my main reason to get it back out there. I also did a video of the song.


text:
Paul gets ready for England Deaf tour
Posted: August 15, 2013|
Comments (0)
DERBYSHIRE'S Paul Allen is in the England Deaf squad which is to play two warm-up matches in the county to prepare for their tour to South Africa.
They have 50-over matches against the Derbyshire Academy at Denby on Sunday and against the MCC at Chesterfield on Monday.
England Deaf will begin an ODI and t20 international series against South Africa Deaf on August 28, with six matches at Sinovich Park in Pretoria.


text:
Robots can do anything we can do better…or at least that's the goal. Chandler The Robot designer Meg Frampton has dreamed up an army of quirky mechanical characters, each one tackling a dream or task with indestructible spirit. This Photographer Bot Necklace features a sharp shutterbug with an excellent eye and a warm (if metal) heart. This little friend help you succeed in your artistic endeavors—failure does not compute. First your wardrobe, then the world: These adorable automatons are on a takeover mission.
Nickel free. Chain length: 28". Pendant height: 0.8". Pendant width: 1".
This product has no reviews yet. Be the first to review this product. Write a review
Enjoy 10% off your first order*


text:
The physical location of a surface in six degrees of freedom relative to the nominal location of a nominal surface is uniquely defined automatically by a measurement system provided with a processing unit, if sufficient asymmetric curvature exists in the surface to uniquely locate three points on the surface. Useful in inspection and material handling applications, a master model of the surface with a known location is defined. Two points are selected on the surface and then a plane is passed through the points, preferably perpendicular to the surface if no edge is present. Then a third point is selected along the curve of intersection so that the three points form a unique triangular template that locates the points along the curve. If the three points are on a sharp edge of the surface this may be adequate information. Otherwise a plane is passed through one of the points (or two planes, one through each of the two points), preferably perpendicular to the first plane, and two additional points are selected along the curve of intersection so that the three points form a unique triangular template that locates the points in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the first curve. Thus, depending on the surface curvature, as few as three points are chosen and measurements made in those relative locations on the surface to be located. By fitting the measured data to the nominal model surface, the location of the surface relative to the model can be determined.
1. A method for uniquely locating an object based on the asymmetric properties of its surface comprising the steps of: selecting a master object similar to the object whose location is to be determined; determining the number of points and locations upon said master object that form a unique location template with adequate sensitivity to positional error; defining quantitatively said points representative of the master object surface relative to a frame of reference; measuring areas on said object whose location is to be determined, said measured areas being in the relative locations determined to provide a unique location template, the size of the areas and their relative locations describing accurately the object's surface in each of the template point locations over the areas of uncertainty in location; and fitting the location template to said measured surface areas to establish the location of the object.
2. A method for uniquely locating an object based on the asymmetric properties of its surface comprising the steps of: selecting a master object similar to the object whose location is to be determined; defining quantitatively the master object by data points or by equations representative of the surface relative to a frame of reference; determining the number of points and locations upon said master object that form a unique location template with adequate sensitivity to positional error; measuring points on the object to be located, said points being in relative locations for providing a unique location template; and fitting the measured points to the master object surface as described by said quantitative definition step to establish the location of the object.
In the application of vision guidance to robotic manufacturing, the vision system must often look for objects similar to a reference object which it has been taught to recognize. The object may differ from the reference by manufacturing tolerances and the vision recognition method must be tolerant of these differences. Accurate positioning of the part is expensive, so the value of the vision system increases as its tolerance for placement errors increase. The task of the vision system then becomes one of finding the object and informing the robot of its exact position so that the robot may perform its task of picking up the object, welding it, drilling holes in it, inserting parts into it, etc.
Often both position and orientation of the object must be determined which involves all six degrees of freedom of any physical object; three values of position and three values of angle. Knowing position and orientation of the object relative to the end of the robot arm enables the robot to position and orient a tool correctly relative to the object, which is the goal of vision guidance.
An object may have holes, corners, or other salient features which allow the vision guided robot system to readily determine the values of the six degrees of freedom of an object using techniques of the prior art. When such features are not present, the problem of determining the six degrees of freedom becomes difficult and may be impossible such as on objects possessing cylindrical, spherical or translational symmetry. Fortunately, the symmetry which eliminates the ability to determine orientation about a rotational axis of symmetry also usually eliminates the need to determine that orientation. Where asymmetry exists, orientation can be determined and the present invention describes a method for accomplishing this task.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the prior-art disadvantages.
More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for vision systems (or any measurement system) to determine the orientation and position of an object in some frame of measurement reference when salient features are not present.
In keeping with this object, and with still others which will become apparent as the description proceeds, one aspect of the invention resides in a method of fitting a unique template of points from a master object to surface patches measured in corresponding locations on the object whose location is to be determined; the surface patch areas being large enough to encompass all anticipated errors.
A second aspect of the invention reverses the procedure and resides in a method of measuring just a few points that form a unique location template on the surface of the object to be located and fitting those points to the master object.
In each case the deviation of the template from the nominal data is an indication of the deviation of the object from the noxinal location. In the first aspect it is a direct measurement, in the second the values obtained are the negative of the values sought (e.g., if the object is 1" left of the nominal it will be found that the template fits when moved 1" to the right). Where the measured object is not exactly the same as the master object, a location providing a minimum deviation from the nominal location can be provided.
The invention will hereafter be described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that this embodiment is illustrated and described for the purpose of information only, and that nothing therein is to be considered limiting of any aspect of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view and illustrates the edge of an object whose position and orientation is to be found with its unique location template;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view and illustrates the template placed on measured data of a similar object;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view and illustrates the final template position on the measured object;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view and illustrates template ambiguity caused by double valued functions;
FIG. 5a illustrates the placement of a unique location template on a surface in which the location problem is solved with a three point template;
FIG. 5b is similar to FIG. 5a, but solves the location problem with a four point template; and
FIG. 5c is similar to FIG. 5b, but solves the location problem with a five point template.
In FIG. 1, a surface 11 with edge 12 is to be uniquely located in a measurement frame. The shape of edge 12 is known beforehand either as an ideal set of points (or as a mathematical function from which the surface was designed) or from measurement of a master surface (prototype). We shall refer to this as the design data base. As long as edge 12 does not exhibit circular symmetry and is not a straight line, the location of the surface 11 is uniquely defined by edge 12 as follows:
(1) Select three points 13, 14 and 15 on edge 12 from the design data base. The further apart the points are located, the more sensitive to positional errors and the more accurate the results can be made for a given accuracy of measurements. Now measure corresponding points in areas 16, 17 and 18 on edge 12, where the position and length of each area is large enough to encompass all uncertainties in placement of surface 11, measurement uncertainty, and uncertainty in the shape of edge 12. For example, surface 11 may be a manufactured part and the uncertainty in placement can be kept to a small fraction of the length of edge 12 and the uncertainty of edge 12 shape, again small, comes from reproducibility tolerances. Since distances between points on a part are invariant as the part is moved about in the measurement frame of reference, placement errors will not affect the distances between points 13, 14 and 15. In effect, the three points define a template 19 which can uniquely define the location of surface 11. The preceding measurement may consist of any three dimensional measurement, by optical or other means.
(2) Select a point from the measured data in area 16 to represent point 13. Then select a point 14 from the measured data in area 17 at a distance from point 13 equal to the nominal distance between points 13 and 14, as obtained from the design data base. Use interpolation to obtain a point 14 falling between measured points if necessary.
(3) Find the location of point 15 that lies at the nominal distances from points 13 and 14, nearest area 18. Normally, the results will be similar to those shown in FIG. 2 rather than FIG. 1. Where points 23, 24 and 25 correspond to points 13, 14 and 15, respectively, we see that point 25 does not fall exactly on edge 22 as 15 was shown on edge 12. If point 15 does fall on a measured point or interpolated point in area 18, then the location of surface 11 is uniquely determined and step 4) below can be skipped.
(4) Select a new point 23 in area 26 and repeat the process described in step (3) above. If point 25 falls closer to area 28 on edge 22 without sign reversal of the error, then repeat this step selecting another point 23 in the same direction along the edge 22 in area 26. If point 25 falls further from area 28 without sign reversal of the error, then repeat this step selecting another point 23 in the opposite direction along the edge 22 in area 26. A sign reversal of the error indicates the need for a smaller step. Repeat this procedure until point 25 falls within an acceptable error distance from area 28.
(5) Use standard procedures to determine the amount of translation along each measurement reference axis and rotation about those axes that the template 29, formed by points 23, 24, 25, has moved from nominal location 13, 14, 15. This provides the desired answer of the amount of translation and rotation that surface 21 has undergone from the nominal position of surface 11.
FIG. 3 illustrates how a change in shape of edge 12 is accommodated. If dashed curve 30 represents the nominal edge 12 shape and actual edge 32 deviates a small amount from it, then the template 39 formed by points 33, 34, 35 will uniquely position on edge 32 by the above procedure as shown. Thus, surface 31 can be uniquely located within the tolerance of the shape and measurement capability.
The above-described procedure may be reversed. Instead of selecting a three point template 19 from the design data base such as points 13, 14, 15 and fitting them to measured area data sets 16, 17, 18, we can measure just three points such as 33, 34, 35 and fit them to the design data base corresponding areas 16, 17, 18 on edge 12. In similar manner as before the distance between points 33 and 34 can be used to establish corresponding points in areas 16 and 17 from which a third point corresponding to point 35 can be located. The location of point 35 is established by the measured 33 to 35 and 34 to 35 distances. If the location of point 35 does not fall sufficiently close to area 18, then the points selected in areas 16 and 17 would be moved along edge 12, while maintaining the measured distance between them constant, in a direction that reduces the error between point 35 and area 18 to an acceptably small value.
If the edge 12 of surface 11 approaches circular symmetry, the ability of this method to locate the orientation of surface 11 about the axis of symmetry diminishes, resulting in increasing errors. Double valued functions such as bolt holes arranged in a circular pattern as shown in FIG. 4 can also introduce ambiguity that can result in incorrect location. Care must be taken to avoid selecting a template such as defined by points A, B, C which exhibit circular symmetry with points A', B', C'. By selecting point A" instead of A, the ambiguity can be avoided. Also by examination of the slopes of the edges in the vicinity of the points or curve fitting several points such as A, A", A' the ambiguity can be resolved. The three point template is a minimum amount of information to provide unique location and adding more information, such as local slopes and curve shape, enables the resolution of ambiguity.
So far we have addressed the problem of location of a surface with an edge. The surface does not necessarily have to be planar. The three point template defines a plane. However, the three points may lie on an edge that is any arbitrary spacial curve. If we try to locate the template on a curved surface with no edges in the vicinity of the area of interest, the three points on the surface defining the template, also define a plane which cuts through the surface. A view perpendicular to that plane shows the intersection of the plane and surface as a plane curve with the three point template in contact with it; the same as depicted in FIG. 1 with edge 12 and template 19. Although the same unique locating method as previously described applies within the plane of the template, there may be little change in the shape of the curve as the template plane is moved normal to itself or rotated about an axis perpendicular to the surface. Thus, the surface edge 12 previously described provided an essential constraint on three of the six degrees of freedom (two angle and one translation). To resolve the potential ambiguity without the help of an edge, additional points must be added to our template until sufficient to uniquely locate the template on the surface.
Just as measurement of one or two points on an edge is not sufficient to locate the position of those points along the edge, we may require more than the data in the three point template plane to locate the template in the direction perpendicular to the template. As shown in FIG. 5a, our design data base or the data measured on the surface 51 (subject) to be located must completely describe the master or subject areas 56, 57, 58 which encompass all uncertainties in placement, measurement and shape. We shall treat the case where the design data base defines the areas 56, 57, 58 and it should be recognized that the procedure can be used for the reverse case as was described for location using an edge. If the three points 53, 54, 55 measured on surface 51 can only match one unique set of distances in areas 56, 57, 58 of the design data base within an acceptable tolerance then the location problem is solved with a three point template. If not, then an additional area 511 shown in FIG. 5b, selected in a direction lateral to template 53, 54, 55, must be added to the design data base and an additional point 510 must be measured on subject surface 51. If the four points do not result in a satisfactorily unique location, then a fifth area 513 shown in FIG. 5c must be added to the design data base and a fifth point 512 must be measured on surface 51. It should be now noted that points 54, 510, 512 form a template in a direction lateral to the template formed by points 53, 54, 55. Thus the common point 54 is uniquely located in three degrees of freedom on surface 51 by the five measured points 53, 54, 55, 510, 512 so selected. Again caution must be taken to assure that surface 51 does not possess circular symmetry in the plane of either template for the corresponding three measured template points or the ability to uniquely determine the template location on the surface will be lost. With strong asymmetry, five of the six degrees of freedom of surface 51 will be uniquely established. The sixth degree of freedom, rotation of points 53, 510, 55, 512 about an axis through point 54 will also be uniquely established if three of the four points 53, 510, 55, 512 (e.g., 53, 510, 55) form a template in whose plane the surface 51 possesses strong asymmetry and is not nearly parallel to the plane of template 53, 54, 55 (preferably it should be normal to that plane). If this condition is not satisfied, then the process of selecting areas 511 and 513 lateral to template 53, 54, 55 from point 54 must be repeated for point 53 or 55 to unambiguously locate one of those points as rigorously as point 54. This then defines the sixth degree of freedom.
Smooth surfaces will tend to exhibit circular symmetry (or worse - spherical symmetry) and the templates will show weak uniqueness (insensitivity to small errors) of location. The extreme case is the flat plate which is really part of the surface of a sphere with an infinite radius. A template on a flat featureless plate shows no unique location. As curvature is added to the plate, uniqueness of location can be established from asymmetries in the curvature. The template points must therefore be carefully selected to maximize sensitivity to positional errors.
The use of points in common between templates is not essential but does provide measurement economy. By selecting three orthogonal planes that intersect the surface with two surface points in common between two of the planes, and each of those planes has one surface point in common with the third plane, then only five points (as in FIG. 5c) need be measured to obtain the six degrees of freedom. With no points in common, at least nine points would have to be measured.
The invention has been described and illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. It is not to be considered limited thereto, inasmuch as all modifications and variations which might offer themselves are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the appended claims.
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Chris Duel
Chris Duel tackles all sides of news and sports from a fiercely independent perspective. A local radio fixture since 1997, his show on WOAI became the city's highest-rated radio talk show and set modern day ratings records for News-Talk format in San Antonio.
Yearly Archive for 2009
Iran Protests Evoke Tiananmen Square Déjà Vu
As I watch images of the Iranian protests on television and the Internet, I am struck by an eerie sense of déjà vu. We've seen this movie before. And it has a pretty violent and bloody ending. It was another June, twenty summers ago, when the first made-for-TV uprising took place in […] [Read More]
I Refuse To Accept David Letterman's Apology!
The first rule of comedy: never apologize. David Letterman has violated this rule. And unlike Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, I refuse to accept his apology. You must have heard the story by now. David Letterman made the following joke about Sarah Palin during her recent visit to New York City and […] [Read More]
Would Lu Parker date Mayor Julián Castro?
With Lu Parker on 550 KTSA in 2004 Like many in San Antonio, I met Lu Parker when she worked on television here, first at KABB and then at KENS-5 as host of "Great Day S.A." A former Miss USA, Lu was very popular during her time in the Alamo City. She eventually […] [Read More]
Hate is a strong word. I aspire not to hate anyone. I'd rather bring forth my inner-Gandhi, chant my mantra and become one with the cosmos. But since I live in a world with Osama bin Laden, Charles Manson and Toll Roads, I guess there will inevitably be a tinge of hatred in my […] [Read More]
Randy Beamer, The Bonham Exchange and Me
Randy Beamer, The Bonham Exchange and Me. Okay. The title of this blog is my cheesy attempt to get your attention. I figure everyone in town knows News 4 TV anchor Randy Beamer and many people know about The Bonham Exchange, a landmark gay/lesbian friendly dance club downtown. But now that I've […] [Read More]
From My Father's Grave – A Memorial Day Meditation
I'm writing this from my father's grave site. When I visit here, I come alone. It's always an intensely personal moment of silent communion, beholding the patch of grass and soil where your parent was laid to rest. My father, Frank, was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery over 44-years ago after a tour […] [Read More]
VIDEO: Is Becky Hammon Returning To Russia?
My radio co-host Jason Minnix and I interviewed San Antonio Silver Star Becky Hammon on Monday at the AT&T Center. We asked her about going brunette, playing for Russia in the Olympics and the rumors that her commitment to the Russian National Team will interfere with her upcoming season in San Antonio. Direct Link To […] [Read More]
'Ease His Pain'
"Ease his pain" — The Voice, from "Field of Dreams" My favorite movie of all time is "Field of Dreams." It's a 1989 film starring Kevin Costner as a character named Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who hears a voice from beyond. When Ray hears the voice for the first time at dusk in his corn […] [Read More]
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Anderson Cooper, the american journalist, author and television personality star, has officially come out and announced he is gay. The most interesting part of this announcement is the fact Anderson Cooper has never actually denied being gay in the first place, while he has also never admitted to it, which ultimately causes this entire scenario to be less of a surprise than it would normally be.
"The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud," Anderson Cooper wrote to fellow gay journalist Andrew Sullivan. The letter was publicized by Andrew Sullivan with the complete legal consent of Anderson Cooper.
Anderson Cooper seems to be happy with his decision to open himself up in the gay community. The television anchor of the popular CNN news show 'Anderson Cooper 360′ also wrote in an email "I've always believed that who a reporter votes for, what religion they are, who they love, should not be something they have to discuss publicly."
"In a perfect world this would not be anyones business" Anderson Cooper stated "But said there is value in standing up and being counted." The note was originally sent to Andrew Sullivan (@sullydish) of the Daily Beast
An outcry of positivity has stormed his way since the news became public yesterday. "I appreciate all the nice tweets," Anderson Cooper wrote on his twitter account over ten hours ago. "I am in Botswana working but want to wish everyone a great 4th of July!"


text:
The invention provides a stent made from a material operable to perform a stent's desired therapeutic functions, and also made from a material that has a radiopacity that substantially preserves the appearance of the stent when the stent is viewed under a CT imaging beam. Such a stent can allow for follow-up of the stent and the surrounding blood-vessel on CT.
1. A stent made from a material for providing three-dimensional visualization of a surrounding tissue when said stent is inserted into said tissue and viewed under an imaging beam, said stent having a coating selected from a group consisting of hydrophilic, hydrophobic and fatty acid polymers and a density enhancing radiologic material embedded into said polymer.
2. The stent according to
3. The stent according to
4. The stent according to
5. The stent according to
6. The stent according to
7. The stent according to
8. The stent according to
9. The stent according to
10. The stent according to
11. The stent of
12. The stent of
13. The stent of
14. The stent of
15. The stent of any of claims 11-14, wherein said imaging beam is CT.
16. The stent of any of claims 11-15, wherein said imaging beam is MR.
17. The stent of any of claims 11-16, wherein said stent further includes a restenosis inhibiting drug.
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/394,007 filed Mar. 24, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates generally to surgery under image guided navigation and more particularly relates to a method, device and system for surgical implantation of a medical device or the like, and/or postoperative evaluation of an implanted medical device or the like under image guidance.
[0003] Stroke and cardiac disease remain a major cause of morbidity and result in profound suffering and expense. Increased awareness and improvements in diagnostic procedures have significantly increased the diagnosis of cervical and intracranial and cardiac vascular stenosis. A vascular stenosis is now being treated endovascularly at a significantly increased frequency. However, follow-up has predominantly been by angiography which evaluates the vascular contour but not the vascular wall. It is invasive, time consuming and expensive. Preliminary studies suggest that stent evaluation and restenosis pathophysiology can also be evaluated with Multi-detector Computed Tomography Angiography ("MDCTA") which would be a significant advantage of this technique over conventional angiography.
[0004] More specifically, endovascular therapy has ushered in a new age of minimally invasive vascular treatment. Endovascular devices have been rapidly developed and refined. Present technologies have enabled precise deployment of stents in much smaller arteries and have become more flexible and compliant so they can be navigated through tortuosities. At the same time there has been a growing pool of physicians trained in modern endovascular therapies so services are more widely available. However, the monitoring of these patients has become suboptimal because it relies on conventional angiography which is invasive and expensive. It also requires the patient to spend a full day removed from their daily activities. It also requires that some patients on anticoagulation briefly discontinue their therapy or be admitted to the hospital for an extended period of time. New MDCTA technology has not been widely used or validated for follow up. However, preliminary case studies seem to indicate that this technology is likely to provide additional beneficial information about the vascular wall and stent not obtainable from conventional angiograms. MDCTA is also non-invasive, requires a minimal amount of time and is less costly. MDCTA now has an axial resolution less than 0.5 mm and with the proposed development of new protocols and algorithms for image processing, this will be a superior tool to evaluate stenting and the etiology of any restenosis or stent failures. In particular, it will likely be able to separate negative remodeling from neointimal growth. It will also be able to evaluate for stent deformity and wall apposition as well as remodeling. MDCTA should also be applicable to other endovascular procedures such as follow up for aneurysm coilings.
[0005] Indeed MDCTA reflects a number of advances in medical imaging that allow real time and/or three-dimensional image gathering under Computed Tomography ("CT"), Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI") or the like. For example, CT scanners such as the Toshiba Acquillion multi detector are capable of generating images in three different areas at frame rates of 13 frames a second, to thereby generate a three-dimensional rendering of the target area. Indeed, this and other advances in CT have led to the development of new CT applications including CT Angiography ("CTA"), and CT Perfusion ("CTP"). These imaging modalities are rapidly developing into powerful tools in the diagnosis and treatment of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and bilary occlusion. See, for example, the following prior art references:
[0006] Kopp A F, Ohnesorge B, Flohr T, Georg C, Schroder S, Kuttner A, Martensen J, Claussen C D. [Cardiac multidetector-row CT: first clinical results of retrospectively ECG-gated spiral with optimized temporal and spatial resolution] Rofo Fortschr Geb Rontgenstr Neuen Bildgeb Verfahr. 2000 May;172(5):429-35.
[0007] Ohnesorge B, Flohr T, Becker C, Knez A, Kopp A F, Fukuda K, Reiser M F. [Cardiac imaging with rapid, retrospective ECG synchronized multilevel spiral CT] Radiologe. 2000 February;40(2): 111-7
[0008] Achenbach S, Moshage W, Ropers D, Nossen J, Bachmann K. Non-invasive coronary angiography with electron beam tomography: methods and clinical evaluation in post-PTCA follow-up Z Kardiol. 1997 February;86(2):121-30.
[0009] Becker C R, Schoepf U J, Reiser M F. Methods for quantification of coronary artery calcifications with electron beam and conventional CT and pushing the spiral CT envelope: new cardiac applications. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2001 June;17(3):203-11.
[0010] Kopp A F, Schroeder S, Kuettner A, Baumbach A, Georg C, Kuzo R, Heuschmid M, Ohnesorge B, Karsch K R, Claussen C D. Non-invasive coronary angiography with high resolution multidetector-row computed tomography. Results in 102 patients. Eur Heart J. 2002 November;23(21):1714-25.
[0011] Achenbach S, Ulzheimer S, Baum U, Kachelriess M, Ropers D, Giesler T, Bautz W, Daniel W G, Kalender W A, Moshage W. Non-invasive coronary angiography by retrospectively ECG-gated multislice spiral CT. Circulation. 2000 Dec. 5;102(23):2823-8.
[0012] Knez A, Becker A, Becker C, Leber A, Boekstegers P, Reiser M, Steinbeck G. [Detection of coronary calcinosis with multislice spiral computerized tomography: an alternative to electron beam tomographyZ Kardiol. 2002 August;91(8):642-9.
[0013] Mahnken A H, Sinha A M, Wildberger J E, Krombach G A, Schmitz-Rode T, Gunther R W. [The influence of motion artifacts conditioned by reconstruction, on the coronary calcium score in multislice spiral CT] Rofo Fortschr Geb Rontgenstr Neuen Bildgeb Verfahr. 2001 October;173(10):888-92.
[0014] However, despite these advances in medical device technology, and in particular stent technology and imaging technology, prior art stent technologies have certain limitations when viewed under such CT machines, particularly due to beam hardening artefacts that are typically present, which thereby obscure the image and obviate or reduce the effectiveness of the CT machine as a post-operative diagnostic tool
[0015] Due to these present limitations using MDCTA, it is common to rely on classical angiography for postoperative evaluation of endovascular procedures, yet such angiographic methods are invasive and expensive. In the USA, an angiogram can cost up to $8000.00, yet a corresponding MDCTA could be offered for as little as $400.00. Additionally, endovascular ultrasound has significant associated risks and is not suitable for the small intracranial vessels. In the end, it is believed that MDCTA has the potential to provide good visualization of the lumen as well as the arterial wall and stent. MDCTA actually visualizes the stent better than fluoroscopy and will likely prove to be the preferred technique when background subtraction is used to increase vascular conspicuity. It is also believed that MDCTA would also enable more precise outcome evaluation and allow for investigation of the underlying pathophysiology as well as evaluation of the stents and devices used.
[0016] Polymer or lipid based drug delivery systems that can deliver drugs at a defined rate for up to five years from a single treatment have revolutionized medical therapy. Drug coated coronary stents have been shown to decrease restenosis rates in large clinical trials. See for example, the following references:
[0017] "Sirilimus eluting stents versus standard stents in patients with stenosis of the coronary artery", Moses et al. New England Journal of Medicine, page 1315-1323 Oct. 2, 2003 Vol. 349, No. 14.
[0018] "Paclitaxel stent coating inhibits meointimal hyperplasia at 4 weeks in a porcine model of restenosis", Heldman et al. circulation 2001, 103-2289-95.
[0019] "A Paclitaxel eluting stent for the prevention of coronary restenosis", Park et al. New England Journal of Medicine 2003, Vol. 348, page 1537-45.
[0020] With respect to the drug delivery systems there are several types available at this time. These are principally those that are biodegradeable or those that are non biodegradeable. Biodegradable polymers release their loaded agents as they break down, while the matrix of non-biodegradable polymers remain intact even after all of the therapeutic agent has been released. These polymers release their loaded material by a process of either bulk erosion or surface erosion and diffusion or degradation. The polymers and co-polymers that are available at the present time include ethylene vinyl acetate ("EVAc"), a hydrophilic non biodegradable polymer, and biodegradeable polymers such as hydrophobic polymers such as poly[BIS(p-carboxyphenoxy)]propane-sebacic acid ("PCPP:SA"), hydrophilic polymers and fatty acid dimer-sebacic acid ("FAD:SA") polymers that deliver drugs including hydrophilic drugs and compounds
[0021] A process such as lyophilization can be used to load the polymer with the desired compound or drug or compounds or drugs. In this was PCPP:SA, a desired compound such as iodinated contrast material, and methyl chloride may undergo the lyophilization process to load the PCPP:SA with a material with the ability to attenuate x-ray radiation and be visible on a radiographic image.
[0022] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a medical device made from a material operable to perform a therapeutic function of the device and wherein the material allows three-dimensional visualization of a surrounding tissue when the medical device is inserted into the tissue and viewed under an imaging beam.
[0023] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a medical device that is viewable under certain imaging beams that obviates or mitigates at least one of the above-identified disadvantages of the prior art.
[0024] The medical device can be a stent and the surrounding tissue can be a lumen of a blood vessel. The stent can have a coating of a radioopaque material prior to insertion such that the stent that can be viewed during a conventional angiographic x-ray DA/DSA insertion and wherein the coating diminishes after insertion such that the stent can be viewed under CT post insertion. The stent can be coated with at least one of an antibiotic and a chemotherapy drug. The stent can be coated with at least one drug selected from the group consisting of a drug that is therapeutically effective to decrease attachment of platelets to the stent and a drug that is therapeutically effective to decrease restenosis. The drug can be selected from the group consisting of aspirin, plavix or paclitaxel.
[0025] In a particular implementation of the first aspect, the device can be selected from the group of devices for the treatment of obstruction due to clot, plaque, atheroma, tumours, and treatments involving intimal hyperplasia and recurrent stenosis.
[0026] The material used to manufacture the medical device can be selected from the group consisting of plastic, composite carbon fiber and Inconel, nitinol, stainless steel, or a radio lucent material.
[0027] The imaging system can be a substantially real-time CT machine, such as the Toshiba Acquillon.
[0028] The medical device can have an image density of less than about 1200 Hounsfield Units. The image density can be less than about 900 Hounsfield Units. The image density can be less than about 700 Hounsfield Units. The image density can be less than about 400 Hounsfield Units.
[0029] The medical device can be a microcoil and the surrounding tissue is an aneurysm repaired with the microcoil.
[0030] The configuration and structure of the medical device can be chosen to combine with the properties of the chosen material to provide a reduced beam hardened artifact. For example, where the device is a stent and the struts of the stent can be aligned or otherwise configured to reduce the beam hardened artifact.
[0031] In another aspect of the invention there is provided an imaging processing unit for a CT machine comprising:
[0032] a means for receiving mutli-plane images of mammalian tissue;
[0033] a database of known medical devices and associated properties of the devices;
[0034] a means for determining whether an object detected in the received images matches with a known medical device in the database, the means for determining based on the associated properties;
[0035] means for applying a filter to the received images to enhance an image of the tissue that surrounds the implanted medical device based on the known associated properties; and, means for presenting the image on an output device.
[0036] The database of known medical devices can include at least one of a stent and a microcoil. The associated properties in the database can include a Hounsfield unit measurement of the device.
[0037] Embodiments of the invention will now be discussed, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, in which:
[0038]FIG. 1 is a representation of an imaging system;
[0039]FIG. 2 is a side view of a prior art stent;
[0040]FIG. 3 is a representation of a beam hardened artifact caused by the prior art stent of FIG. 2 when viewed under the imaging system of FIG. 1;
[0041]FIG. 4 shows the beam hardened artifact of FIG. 3 at a different angle;
[0042]FIG. 5 shows the beam hardened artifact of FIG. 4 at a different angle;
[0043]FIG. 6 a side view of a stent in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0044]FIG. 7 is a representation of the stent of FIG. 6 when viewed under the imaging system of FIG. 1;
[0045]FIG. 8 shows a microcoil in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0046]FIG. 9 is a partial view of the microcoil of FIG. 8;
[0047]FIG. 10 is a representation of a beam hardened artifact caused by a prior art microcoil when viewed under the imaging system of FIG. 1;
[0048]FIG. 11 is a representation of the microcoil of FIG. 9 after insertion into a patient and when viewed under the imaging system of FIG. 1;
[0049]FIG. 12 is a representation of a beam hardened artifact caused by a prior art carotid stent when viewed under the imaging system of FIG. 1; and,
[0050]FIG. 13 is a representation of a carotid stent in accordance with another embodiment of the invention after the carotid stent has been inserted into a patient and when viewed under the imaging system of FIG. 1.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 1, an imaging system is indicated generally at 30. Imaging system 30 comprises a patient chamber 34, an image processing unit 38 and a display 42. Imaging system 30 can be based on any known or established imaging technology, but in a present embodiment is based on computed tomography (CT) having substantially the same functionality as a machine like the Toshiba Acquillon. Thus, patient chamber 34 is operable to capture images of a patient P in at least three planes, and processing unit 38 is operable to assemble those captured images to present a three-dimensional rendering of a target area within patient P on display 42. Images on display 42 can be navigated and/or viewed using the mouse and keyboard attached to processing unit 38, allowing the user to view a target area within patient P from any number of views. While not shown in FIG. 1, image processing unit 38 can also be attached to other output devices in addition to display 42, such as a printer. Further, image processing unit 38 also typically includes a fixed storage device (such as a hard drive), a removable storage device (such as CD-Rewriter, or a tape drive) and a network interface card or other network interface means for connecting processing unit 38 to a network such as an intranet and/or the internet over which captured images can be delivered.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 2, a prior art conventional coronary stent is indicated at 50. FIG. 2 shows stent 50 in isolation, however, for purposes of explaining the prior art, it is to be assumed that stent 50 has been implanted in a coronary artery of patent P.
[0053]FIG. 3 shows an image 54 rendered on display 42 of system 30 of patient P. Image 54 shows a beam hardened artefact 52 as it is implanted inside a coronary artery 58 inside a heart 62 of patient P. The area identified as beam hardened artefact 52 is an inaccurate reproduction of stent 50 as it is implanted inside artery 58. The beam hardening artefact 52 is created by the material of stent 50. Accordingly, system 30 is of limited value in performing post-operative evaluations of stent 50 and for determining whether any restenosis has occurred of coronary artery 58.
[0054]FIGS. 4 and 5 show additional images 54 a and 54 b, respectively, of different orientations of heart 62, which are readily produced on display 42 due to the imaging capability of system 30. In each image 54 a and image 54 b, stent 50 and the surrounding artery 58 are inaccurately reproduced due to beam hardening artefact 52 of stent 50. Thus, notwithstanding the great flexibility of system 30 in being able to provide a multiplicity of views of heart 62, in its current form stent 50 and system 30 do not provide meaningful images for post-operative evaluation of artery 58 and the progress of any restenosis that may be occurring in the lumen of artery 58 surrounding stent 50.
[0055]FIG. 6, shows a medical device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention as a stent 150. Stent 150 from outward appearances is substantially the same as prior art stent 50, and indeed, in the present embodiment is designed to provide substantially the same mechanical and therapeutic functionality as prior art stent 50. However, in contrast to prior art stent 50, stent 150 is made from a material that has a selected radiopacity such that the appearance of stent 150 is preserved when stent 150 is exposed to the imaging beam of system 30 and presented on display 42. Thus, when stent 150 is implanted in heart 62, then in an image 154 of heart 62 generated by system 30, the appearance of stent 150 will be maintained when heart 62 and stent 150 are shown in display 42, as shown in FIG. 7. Since image 154 has no beam hardened artefacts, it is now possible to examine the lumen of artery 58 surrounding stent 150, and thereby allow for an examination thereof for restenosis.
[0056] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, presence or absence of a beam hardening artefact can be measured according to the properties of the imaging system being used and in relation to the Hounsfield units associated with the particular material or tissue being exposed to the imaging beam. A relation between the linear attenuation coefficient (μ) and the corresponding Hounsfield unit (H) can be expressed as:
[0057] The value of the Hounsfield unit varies from −1000 (for air) to 1000 (for bone) to 3000, as more particularly shown in Table I.
[0058] Thus, in certain imaging systems materials with Hounsfield units exceeding about 1000 can be prone to creating beam hardening artefacts. Thus, presently preferred materials from which stent 150 can be manufactured to have reduced beam hardening artefacts include certain plastic, composite carbon fiber and Inconel metals that have similar mechanical properties to prior art stent 50 such that substantially the same therapeutic effect in stent 150 is achieved as was available in prior art stent 50. In any event, the chosen material for stent 150 has a level of Hounsfield density that diminish beam hardening artefacts to substantially preserve the appearance of the device under CT or other corresponding imaging beam.
[0059] It is thus presently preferred that stent 150 (or other medical devices according to the present invention) be made from a material or materials to have an overall image density of less than about 1200 Hounsfield Units. Such medical devices can also have an overall image density of less than about 900 Hounsfield Units. Such medical devices can also have an overall image density of less than about 700 Hounsfield Units. Such medical devices can also have an overall image density of less than about 400 Hounsfield Units.
[0060] As previously discussed, other medical devices are also within the scope of the present invention. The medical devices within the scope of the invention include devices for the treatment of obstruction due to clot, plaque, atheroma, tumours or the like, and/or treatments involving intimal hyperplasia and recurrent stenosis after stent placement. An appropriate device is delivered into the vascular or bilary system under image guidance. The post placement follow up of the lumen is enabled by the diminished density and beam hardening artefact of the construct and coating of the stent.
[0061] A specific example of another medical device within the scope of the invention is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, which shows a microcoil 250 for treatment of an aneurysm and which is introduced via a guiding cathether 240 and a microcatheter 245. As best seen in FIG. 8, guiding cathether 240 is inserted through an incision 260 near the femoral artery or brachial artery or other suitable location and passed through the venous system of the patient until it reaches a blood vessel 264 proximal to an aneurysm 268 in the patient's head. (Further discussion of this procedure can be found in the Inventor's copending application entitled "Method and Apparatus for Reducing Exposure to an Imaging Beam" and filed in the US Patent Office on Mar. 3, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.)
[0062]FIG. 10 shows an image 254 of the resulting beam hardened artefact 252 when a prior art microcoil (not shown) is post-operatively examined using imaging system 30 has been previously inserted in the patient according to the method described in reference to FIG. 8. The beam hardened artefact 252 thus renders it difficult, if not impossible, to accurately examine the prior art microcoil using imaging system 30.
[0063] However, as seen in image 354 shown in FIG. 11, when microcoil 250 is inserted according to the method described with reference to FIG. 8, then microcoil 250, the now-repaired aneuryism 268 and blood vessel 264 leading thereto are all visible on display 42 and therefore capable of post-operative evaluation.
[0064] Another medical device within the scope of the invention is a carotid stent, for placement in the carotid artery. FIG. 12 shows an image 454 of a sagittal view of patient along a plane that includes the carotid artery 470 of the patient. Image 454 is characterized by a beam hardened artefact 452 through which the lumen of an implanted prior art stent can be identified, but artefact 452 is severe enough to obscure the lumen of the carotid artery 470, therefore preventing a determination as to whether restenosis is occuring in the lumen of artery 470 surrounding the prior art stent. However, as shown in FIG. 13, when a carotoid stent 550 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is used, stent 550 and the lumen of artery 470 surrounding the stent 550 can be viewed and the occurence of restenonis determined.
[0065] In other embodiments of the invention, the specific structure and/or configuration and/or shape of stent 150 (or other medical device) is chosen to further reduce the device's overall radiopacity. For example, the weave of the stent's structure can be chosen to reduce the radiopacity, and therefore the measured level of Hounsfield units associated with the stent. Other aspects of the present invention provide a stent having a reduced number of passages of the stent or devices across the stenosis before dilating and deploying the stent in the stenosis. In certain prior art stents, it is necessary to cross the wire, pre-dilate, and deploy the stent posteriorly. As a further example, a stent in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can include a self-expanding yet balloon mounted and intelligently be restrained. For example, the stent can be mounted on a balloon that is deployed by inflation of the balloon. Such a stent is self-expanding but is delivered on a balloon. The inflation of the balloon breaks the restraining polymeric bands and results in the self-expansion of the stent once the initial stimulus has been given. This polymeric material is drug-coated and thrombosis resistant. This polymeric material helps restrain plaque and potential embolic material behind the stent. The overall configuration of the stent has reduced beam hardened artifacts post insertion when viewed under CT.
[0066] The number of passages of hardware across the stent or devices across the stent is reduced from five (as found in prior art stents) to two (according to an embodiment of the present invention) and thus, restrain against the wall of the vessel deep to the stent the material that would otherwise become potentially an embolic source. This can be helpful in reducing the risks of stroke after carotid stenting and in some circumstances can help reduce the need for distal flow protection devices which themselves have stroke risk.
[0067] In another variation of the present invention, shunt 150 is coated (either in its entirety or in particular locations) with an opacifier to temporarily increase the Hounsfield units associated with shunt 150 during its insertion, to allow shunt 150 to be inserted using traditional means. Such a coating would be configured to gradually abate and dissolve into the patient's blood stream, such that the radiopacity and associated Hounsfield units of stent 150 would decrease over time, such that under a post-operative CT evaluation, the Hounsfield units associated with stent 150 are low enough to allow proper visualization of the lumen of artery 58 surrounding stent 150. Suitable materials for coating shunt 150 include gold, iodine, ionic and non ionic iodinated compounds, ethiodol, and lipiodol, barium, tungsten, tantalum, gadolinium. Whatever coating is chosen, the amount and rate of dissolving of the coating is chosen to reduce toxicity experience by the patient during dissolution.
[0068] In a presently preferred embodiment, the aforementioned coating is a hydrophilic polymer containing a restenosis inhibiting drug and a density enhancing radiologic material such as lyophilizied iodinated contrast material, which is embedded into the polymer. This coating is then placed over a stent 150 that is made from a suitable material such as a plastic or metal, such as stainless steel, inconel or metal glass (materials already approved by The United States of America Food and Drug Administration), or an optimal arrangement of strands of another metal can be used. The result is that stent 150 is both drug eluting and density eluting (i.e. the level of Hounsfield units associated with the stent decreases over time.)
[0069] In another embodiment of the invention, certain post processing software is provided in image processing unit 38 to maximize vascular conspicuity in conjunction with the known Hounsfield units and other imaging properties associated with stent 150 or other medical device in accordance with the present invention. For example, where a level of Hounsfield units associated with stent 150 is known, then upon detection by system 30 of an item within the patient at that particular level of Hounsfield units, then that information can be used to identify the item as stent 150 and then to further enhance the image of the surrounding vascular region based on the known imaging properties (ie. radiopacity, structure, etc.) and using known signal processing an filtering techniques.
[0070] While only specific combinations of the various features and components of the present invention have been discussed herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that desired subsets of the disclosed features and components and/or alternative combinations of these features and components can be utilized, as desired. For example, the stents, coils and other medical devices according to the present invention can be coated with a material to decrease the risk of infection and restenosis, using techniques and compounds described in EP0797988A2 and EP1155689A2 to Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Canada, and the University of British Columbia.
[0071] The present invention also provides certain novel methods for evaluating cervical and intracranial vascular stents using CT, including MDCTA, that is reliable and low cost and then to use these techniques for long term evaluation and outcome analysis of stenting. Sensitivity and specificity can then be determined for MDCTA by comparison to conventional catheter angiogram results. The radiographic density of the stent, coil or other device can be altered to enhance CT, X Ray, Ultrasound and MRI visibility of the lumen. For the purpose of enhanced accuracy of CT diagnostic imaging beam hardening artefacts will be reduced and/or minimized. The devices in the present invention are in contrast to prior art devices that have been developed for conventional fluoroscopy guidance and thus are of a radiodensity or radiopacity that exceeds the needs of CT for clear visualization, this excess density creates unwanted beam hardening artefact.
[0072] Furthermore, the present invention allows for a relatively non-invasive means to visualize the lumen of a blood vessel surrounding a previously installed stent (or other site of an implanted medical device). Due to the reduced beam hardening artefacts of the stent, obscuration of the lumen is reduced. This results in the ability to visualize the lumen non-invasively as compared follow-ups conducted by invasive repeat catheter angiography, with its resultant risk of stroke, death and/or injury to an important vessel or to otherwise obscure a critical finding. CTA and CTP are relatively less invasive imaging modalities that have been shown to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Both utilize high-speed spiral CT scanning and three-dimensional volumetric reconstruction software to create various types of images following injection of IV contrast solution. CTA can provide three-dimensional vascular delineation similar to other non-invasive techniques as well as visualization of adjacent non-vascular soft-tissue. CTA can also offer rapid volume acquisition, limited reconstruction artifact and scan completion during the period of peak intravascular contrast enhancement. Using CTA, it is often possible to see filling defect in a vessel as a result of contrast displacement by clot or thrombus. The sensitivity for detecting flow abnormality in vessels in the circle of Willis by CTA can be at least 89% when compared to digital subtraction angiography ("DSA"), and CTA does not carry the up to 5% risk of complication, and the up to 0.5% risk of permanent stroke that DSA has been shown to carry.
[0073] The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
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Boxing in the Capital Region
Amateur and professional boxing
Yearly Archive for 2013
Michael Rivest's latest: Champ Imam may fight in Albany
When I posted about the Imam-Perez fight I said Imam would most likely not win via KO. Well, that was the opposite of what happened. Imam did win via KO and it took him under a minute into the first round to accomplish the feat. Now 12-0, with 11 KOs Imam could be heading to […] [Read More]
Amir Imam headlining "Big Apple Boxing" card tomorrow
Albany's Amir Imam's bout was scheduled to be the co-feature, but due to injury has been moved up to main event status. The original main event of Joel Diaz Jr (13-0, 11 KOs) vs. Wanzell Ellison (9-0-1, 5 KOs) was cancelled due to an arm injury to Ellison. Imam (11-0, 10 KOs) will now be […] [Read More]
Michael Rivest's latest: Ali, Mandela and dreaming the impossible
From Michael Rivest; "Nelson Mandela's death last Thursday was followed Friday night by a showing of "Ali's Greatest Fight" at Albany's Palace Theater. The showing was preceded by a brief piece on Albany's Quail Street Boxing Gym so lots of the kids were there to learn about Clay v. United States (1971). Between classroom discussions […] [Read More]
Kovalev & Stevenson on collision course?
This past Saturday's HBO Boxing telecast showcased the two most explosive fighters in the light heavyweight division. Both dispatched their opponents with ease as Sergey Kovalev (23-0-1, 21 KOs) blasted Ismayl Sillakh (21-2, 17 KOs) in two rounds, while Adonis Stevenson (23-1, 20 KOs) needed a few more rounds to figure out Tony Bellew (20-2-1, 12 KOs), but discarded […] [Read More]
Pacquiao gives Rios a boxing lesson
Manny Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs) is not the uber-dynamic fighter he was on his tear from 2006-09 where he went 10-0 with 7 knockouts (a list that includes Erik Morales – twice, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and Miguel Cotto). He does, however, still have something to offer the sport of boxing. This was clearly evident in his […] [Read More]
27 years ago today…
…Mike Tyson destroyed Trevor Berbick via 2nd round TKO to surpass Floyd Patterson as the youngest heavyweight champion ever. Tyson was just 20 years and 4 months old when he stopped Berbick. "At that time, I really didn't believe he would lose a fight for 10 years. I really didn't. He was completely unique. Some fighters you […] [Read More]
Fight huge for both Rios & Pacquiao
This is a big fight for both men. From a fans perspective it's a tremendous all action slugfest. It's a rare guaranteed crowd pleaser. From each fighter's point of view it's a fight were a win is a huge step towards either where they want to be (Brandon Rios), or where they want to get […] [Read More]
Sweeney's Boxing presents "War at the Turf"
If you're looking for a good dose of amateur boxing you need to be at the Holiday Inn at 205 Wolf Rd in Albany. The event takes place Saturday, November 30. Rick Sweeney expects 12-15 bouts with fighters from Syracuse, Pennsylvania, and a ton of locals. [Read More]
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Greek Banks Set To Resume On Monday
More Economy news
In Case You Missed
Canada's Saving Grace Amid Falling Oil Prices Could Be Ontario
Ontario may experience an economic revival in the coming years.
Canada Vs ISIS: Military Confirms Special Forces' Ground Clash With Militants
Canadian special forces soldiers have directly engaged with a group of ISIS extremists while training Iraqi troops behind the front lines.
EU Countries Work On Response To Terror Attacks As Tourism Go Down
EU countries will work with Muslim-majority nations on its planned anti-terror projects.
Eggs, Shoes Thrown At Canadian Baird's Convoy In Palestine As He Denounced ICC Over Israeli War Crimes Probe
Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird's convoy in Palestine received eggs and shoes from protesters.
AirAsia Flight QZ8501: Initial Investigations Find 'No Threats' In Cockpit Voice Recordings, Terrorism Ruled Out
Investigators said it is unlikely that AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crashed in December 2014 because of a terrorism attack.
Real Estate Market Update: Sluggish Growth In Australia And Property Prices Fall In China
Global economic concerns that range from deflation in Europe and economic slowdown in other countries may be impacting the property markets.
Falling Crude Oil Prices Force Canada To Go Easy On Spending Plans
Canada might need to extend its spending freeze to ensure it delivers its' promised balanced budget.
Auckland Ranks Ninth In World's Major Cities With Unaffordable Housing
New Zealand's Auckland was named one of the major cities with the most unaffordable housing prices in a recent annual report.
Russia May Consider Restrictions On Currency Outflows—Report
Russia is looking for options after facing multiple challenges, both on the economic and political fronts.
NATO Says It Doesn't Want Confrontation With Russia, But Ready To Accept Ukraine Into Bloc
NATO said it doesn't want a military confrontation with Russia.


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We apologize but we are unable to process online orders at this time as we are building a better PetSupermarket.com. To purchase any of our products, please visit one of our retail locations or visit our Amazon store here. You can find your nearest Pet Supermarket by using our Store Locator
Fluval Chi Boxwood Ornament by Rolf C Hagen
- Our Price:
- $6.99
Available In-Store
This ornament is designed specifically to fit inside the box wood tray at the bottom of the aquarium. However, the ornament will fit the bottom of most aquariums.


text: Filters and spark plugs 03/28/2003 01:53 PM 03/28/2003 01:53 PM Filters and spark plugs 03/28/2003 01:53 PM The air filter and the spark plugs are two items in your car you'll need to replace periodically. Once a year, you should replace your spark plugs. A spark plug gauge is used to set the gap for a proper spark. Bluestreak Media Page: [[$index + 1]]


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What is tingling fingers?
Tingling fingers is an abnormal condition in which you feel a prickling sensation in your fingers. Tingling is also a type of paresthesia. A paresthesia is a burning or prickling sensation often described as pins-and-needles. Paresthesias may or may not be accompanied by pain.
Learn More About Tingling Fingers
Tingling fingers usually arises from a lack of blood supply to an area or damage to a nerve or nerves that supply the hand and fingers, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a cervical disk problem. Tingling fingers can also result from infection, inflammation, trauma, and other abnormal processes. Tingling fingers is rarely due to a life-threatening disorder, but it can arise from a stroke or tumor. You may feel temporary tingling in the fingers after holding your arm in the same position for a long period of time. This type of tingling normally fades away once you move your arm. Chronically tingling fingers can be due to diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or peripheral neuropathy. Chronic finger tingling generally indicates some level of damage to the nerves.
Tingling and numbness of the pinky and ring finger can be a sign of ulnar nerve compression in the arm. Tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger can be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
Because tingling fingers and tingling in general may be a symptom of a disease, condition or disorder, you should talk with your medical professional about any unusual sensations that last more than a few minutes.
If you experience tingling fingers with paralysis, confusion, weakness, or slurred speech, seek immediate medical attention in an emergency facility. If your symptoms are persistent or cause you concern, contact a medical professional as soon as possible.
What other symptoms might occur with tingling fingers?
Tingling fingers may also accompany numbness, pain, and a variety of other symptoms depending on the underlying cause and the affected nerve. Tingling due to a body-wide disease such as diabetes may include numbness in your fingers and toes. Tingling and numbness are often related symptoms of the same condition. Any associated symptoms can help your doctor make a diagnosis.
Sy... Read more about tingling fingerssymptoms
What causes tingling fingers?
Tingling fingers can be a symptom of a wide variety of diseases, disorders or conditions that either restrict blood flow or cause injury to the nerves. Temporary tingling can be due to any activity that causes prolonged pressure on a nerve or nerves, such as fine motor activities (drawing), repetitive motion, and sleeping the wrong way on your arm.
Tingling fingers can also be due... Read more about tingling fingerscauses


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I am delighted to have this opportunity to introduce the school's website to you. The information presented gives an indication of the services on offer at King Henry VIII School for its students, parents and the local community.
We are committed that every pupil should get the best possible opportunities and education allowing them to succeed and flourish. Learning is at the heart of all we do, through high quality teaching we ensure every pupil's talents and abilities are catered for allowing them to excel academically but also develop skills that allow them to become more independent in their learning and prepare them for life beyond school.
The school is recognised as having a positive ethos with a strong sense of purpose that maintains and promotes a safe and caring attitude based on mutual respect between all members of the school community. We endeavour to develop responsible young citizens that show respect for themselves, others and the local and global community.
School days must be a period of enrichment and enjoyment. Pupils are encouraged to enjoy and participate in a healthy balance of extra-curricular activities. The School offers many activities in:
We hope that you will find our website interesting and should you require additional information please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Mrs E Lewis
The Acting Headteacher of King Henry VIII School Abergavenny Yvonne Jones is delighted with this year's GCSE results, which are the best ever recorded by the school!
The results have shown a huge improvement with 76% of students achieving 5 or more A*-C grades; this represents a 17% improvement on last year. There has also been a 10% improvement in students achieving 5 or more A*-C grades including English and Maths to 60%. 22% of grades awarded were A* or A and every student has achieved a qualification.
These fantastic results build on last week's excellent A level results which were also the best the school has ever recorded, with 37% of A2 grades at A* or A. Thank you to all students and staff for their dedication and hard work and congratulations on these achievements.


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Downey, CA German Bakeshop
Streit's German Bakery
With over 30 years of experience, Streit's German Bakery of Downey, CA is a German bakeshop with imported and traditional European breads. Our bakers offer a wide selection of your favorite pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. Streit's German Bakery is your local source for delightful and authentic baked goods!
Our satisfying products include:
- Sandwiches
- Birthday cakes
- Wedding cakes
- Pastries and coffee
- Specialty and photo cakes
Contact Streit's German Bakery today at 562-923-0844 for details.
Contact Information
Hours of Business:
9:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday thru Friday
9:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday
Methods of Payment:


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Jamie In The Foxxhole
What in man titties bending of the wrist hell? Jamie Foxx did his Foxxhole show live in Miami this weekend and it looks like they were getting loose on the show. He's known for getting his guests drunk & disorderly which makes for good entertainment. A few months back he boozed Superhead up and she ended up exposing some interesting and embarrassing details pertaining to Shaq, Ray-J and Big Tigger.
The whole show was a set up by Jamie. I don't remember what I said on the Jamie Foxx show. I don't remember anything about that day because we were drunk. It was just an open conversation with my friend Jamie and I forgot that the rest of the world was listening. – Karrine Stephans (Jan 08 Sister 2 Sister)
Hear some of the Audio from the show after the jump (For Mature Adults Only)
Infamous Big Tigger Audio
Superhead on Ray-J Being gay
Superhead on her h-game
I know, this is one of those posts I should have thrown in the dumpster


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Puyallup, WA Jewelers
Goldenrod Jewelers
The fine reputation that Goldenrod Jewelers of Puyallup, WA has built over the years for the ultimate value in fine jewelry begins at the source: with family ownership, quality control, and respect for each customer we serve. We carry a variety of items in our store - beautiful yellow and white gold rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, and more. We are very proud of our Sterling silver and 18k Lorenzo line, and we recently received the "hot diamonds" line. You can also see our line of Citizen and Bulova watches.
At Goldenrod Jewelers, you will be treated to the rare experience of shopping in a high end jewelry store that is truly locally owned. Rod and Diane Hash are not only knowledgeable and skilled, but are dedicated to providing you with the finest quality and optimum service.
Learn More About Goldenrod Jewelers:
- Family owned and operated since 1983
- Sales, service, repair
- Laser welder
- Eyeglass frame repair
- GIA graduate gemologist on staff
Contact Goldenrod Jewelers today at 253-256-1450 for all of your Puyallup, WA jewelry needs.
Contact Information
Hours of Business:
Call for business hours


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Letter to the Editor: Hardest-working women
CORPUS CHRISTI - In Sarah Tindall's "Inside Society" feature of Dec. 9, she announces the Charity League's selection of a fashion designer for their upcoming Style Show and Luncheon. Tindall says: "I had the distinct pleasure Nov. 14 to have breakfast at Julian Gold with the hardest-working group of ladies I know — the 40 women who comprise the Charity League."
I don't dispute that the women of the League are hardworking, and that their generous efforts impact the needs of local organizations, but it is disturbing that Tindall is seemingly unaware of the labor force of the majority of employed women in this country: those who populate the working classes.
These women, who work from necessity to support their families, overwhelmingly occupy the service industries in low-paying jobs. They will likely never wear any of the M Missoni line that other women can "wear around the clock" and that are made with "practical, comfortable materials."
While Tindall claims that she "just can't wait to see what the Julian Gold crew has cooked up," I urge her to attempt to know the hardest working women in our city — those who "cook up" the meals, sweep the floors, wait the tables, clean the toilets, and otherwise make it possible for others to entertain at charity events.
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COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County government leaders were hit with a very expensive surprise this week.
Surprise was the word used by Sheriff Mark Hodges to describe the need to purchase new equipment for the county dispatch center. New computers and software, along with accompanying equipment, were on the list.
"This is a financial bombshell that took me by surprise," Hodges said.
Adam Hurley, a representative with J&K Communications, was with the sheriff at Monday's commissioner meeting and Tuesday's county council meeting. Hurley said the dispatch computers use Microsoft XP, which is no longer supported.
"Everything is now on Windows 7 (operating system)," he said.
There were two prices submitted by J&K. The first, at approximately $83,000, was to move all dispatch computers to Windows 7. The other total was approximately $266,000 and includes new equipment, since the current county dispatch computers are eight years old.
"I don't want to spend $80,000 and then come back and do $266,000," said Commissioner Don Amber.
He was not alone in that sentiment.
To read the rest of this story, see the July 3-4 issue of The Post and Mail. Don't have a subscription? Call (260) 244-5153 or subscribe to our e-edition. For breaking news, sports updates and additional coverage, bookmark the homepage and find us on facebook and twitter.


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I remember when the January transfer window first came to football. Forgive me if I can't remember the exact year but I remember FIFA decided that it was a good idea to help all the small clubs hold onto their … Continue reading
Unless your team was unfortunate enough to be struck by bad weather (particularly Barnsley), you may realise we are now at the halfway point of the Championship season. 23 games gone and all of sudden ambitions become a bit clearer … Continue reading
Unless you only prefer to read the opinions of actual celebrated and well-recognised figures in football, you've probably come across Stan Collymore's ludacris proposal to "make the Premiership better". If you can't be bothered to read through it (and I … Continue reading


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Loren Steffy
A business blog
Posts filtered on Tag
BP unloads Russian venture for stake in Rosneft
The deal enables BP to extract itself from TNK-BP, which had been plagued by operational disputes between the British oil company and the Russian oligarchs who controlled the other half of the venture. [Read More]
BP throws in the towel on Russian joint venture
Was the resignation of TNK-BP's chief executive designed to force BP to sell its stake in the venture? [Read More]


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Maybe it was the flying squirrel that sealed the deal for the kids, and maybe the alien-faced barn owl lured the adults.
It seemed the baby skunks, however, were the lure for the bikers. There's something strangely rebellious about those striped animals -- tough-talking on the outside, entirely lovable on the inside.
"This is pretty cool here,' said Greg Luettke, a Toledo-area resident and Harley Davidson rider who cruised in with a group from Toledo on Sunday to check out an open house at Back to the Wild in Castalia.
"Some guy just brought in some skunks," Luettke said. "A whole bunch of little baby skunks he found. This place is pretty cool."
While more than 500 fascinated visitors absorbed the creeping wonders of the Bardshar Road animal rehab center, owners Mona and Bill Rutger were fascinated with what appeared to be a record turnout for the open house.
"This is the most people we've ever had at one of these," said Bill Rutger. "We had to turn cars away because we couldn't get them in here."
Acres of lawn outside the facility were chock-full of cars all day Sunday, with wave after wave of visitor showing up to peer at barn owls, screech owls, bald eagles, flying squirrels, red-tail hawks and a virtual Noah's Ark of northeast Ohio's injured animal population.
At 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Mona Rutger released two red-tail hawks that had been rehabilitated at the facility. After its release, one of the birds loitered for an hour or so on a treetop about 50 yards from the facility, where a knot of smaller birds dive-bombed it to protect their nests.
"They're all mad," said Kathy Carter, who visited the open house with her husband, Richard Carter. "The hawk doesn't even know what's going on. He's just trying to figure things out."
"Do they ever come back?" one woman asked.
"They're still wild," Mona said. "They're like, 'Let me out of here.' We have to be careful not to imprint ourselves on them. We aren't do animals any favors at all if we're petting them or talking to them."
At that, a young boy in the crowd asked if he could pet the flying squirrel Mona was holding.
"This is a hospital," Mona said. "A wildlife hospital. We can't pet 'em because they're all wild."
The boy seemed satisfied with that answer, and wandered over to an eggplant-sized screech owl that seemed to be looking at the onlookers. Dozens of local groups and charities donated time and money for the open house, with the proceeds benefiting the self-funded animal rehab clinic. The clinic has been in dire financial straits for months, and continues to seek donations from area residents.
Frequent visitors and supporters of the facility -- folks like Kathy Carter -- figured Sunday's event was a good start.
"I dropped off a 10-pack of rubber gloves," Carter said. "Little things like that can help them out. When I get a few extra bucks, I try to send it here. That way, I know my money is going someplace where a little critter is going to get fed this week."
Ohio Division of Wildlife Officer Kevin Good wasn't shy about his support for the facility. His colleagues, after all, are working with Back to the Wild to release an eaglet into a wild nest at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday morning.
"As far as animal rehabilitation goes, (Mona) is the best around," Good said. "Her records are immaculate, and she knows what she's doing. If someone wanted to know how to get started in animal rehab, they could look to Mona."


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Submission + - Scientist Claiming Threat to Polar Bears Suspended->
superwiz writes: Just five years ago, Charles Monnett was one of the scientists whose observation that several polar bears had drowned in the Arctic Ocean helped galvanize the global warming movement. Now, the wildlife biologist is on administrative leave and facing accusations of scientific misconduct.
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