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Index of content:
Volume 30, Issue 5, May 2003
Compared with inverse-planning, forward planning is preferred for IMRT stereotactic radiosurgery30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1565114View Description Hide Description
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Investigating the effect of cell repopulation on the tumor response to fractionated external radiotherapy30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1567735View Description Hide Description
In this work we study the descriptive power of the main tumorcontrol probability (TCP) models based on the linear quadratic (LQ) mechanism of cell damage with cell recovery. The Poisson, binomial, and a dynamic TCP model, developed recently by Zaider and Minerbo are considered. The Zaider–Minerbo model takes cell repopulation into account. It is shown that the Poisson approximation incorporating cell repopulation is conceptually incorrect. Based on the Zaider–Minerbo model, an expression for the TCP for fractionated treatments with varying intervals between two consecutive fractions and with cell survival probability that changes from fraction to fraction is derived. The models are fitted to an experimental data set consisting of dose response curves that correspond to different fractionation regimes. The binomial TCP model based on the LQ mechanism of cell damage solely was unable to fit the fractionated response data. It was found that the Zaider–Minerbo model, which takes tumor cell repopulation into account, best fits the data.
MLC quality assurance techniques for IMRT applications30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1564091View Description Hide Description
Intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) requires extensive knowledge of multileaf collimator(MLC) leaf positioning accuracy, precision, and long-term reproducibility. We have developed a technique to efficiently measure the absolute position of each MLC leaf, over the range of leaf positions utilized in IMRT, based on dosimetric information. A single radiographic film was exposed to 6 MV x rays for twelve exposures: one open field with a radio-opaque marker tray present, and eleven fields (1×28 cm strips via 1 cm gaps between opposed leaf pairs) separated by 2 cm center to center. The process was repeated while varying direction of leaf travel; each film was digitized using a commercial film dosimetry system. The digital images were manipulated to remove translation and rotation of the film data with respect to the collimator coordinate system by extraction of radiationdose profiles perpendicular to the MLC leaf motion and measuring the center of the x-ray leakage between leaves. Radiationdose profiles in the direction of leaf motion were acquired through the center of each leaf pair (leaves 2–28), which provided leaf position information every 2 cm with 0.2 mm precision. Nine separate leaf reproducibility studies over a 90 day period which evaluated 600 measurement points on each film show 0.3 mm precision for 95% confidence, while hysteresis studies show 0.5 mm precision. Absolute leaf position error measurements demonstrated a radial dependence, with a maximum of 1.5 mm at 16.4 cm from central axis, due to rotational error at calibration. Recalibration of the MLC leaves based utilizing this tool yields absolute leaf position measurements where 91.5% of all leaves/positions were within 0.5 mm, with a mean error of 0.1 mm and a maximum error less than 1.0 mm.
The use of linear programming in optimization of HDR implant dose distributions30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1564471View Description Hide Description
The introduction of high dose rate brachytherapy enabled optimization of dose distributions to be used on a routine basis. The objective of optimization is to homogenize the dose distribution within the implant while simultaneously satisfying dose constraints on certain points. This is accomplished by varying the time the source dwells at different locations. As the dose at any point is a linear function of the dwell times, a linear programming approach seems to be a natural choice. The dose constraints are inherently linear inequalities. Homogeneity requirements are linearized by minimizing the maximum deviation of the doses at points inside the implant from a prescribed dose. The revised simplex method was applied for the solution of this linear programming problem. In the homogenization process the possible source locations were chosen as optimization points. To avoid the problem of the singular value of the dose at a source location from the source itself we define the "self-contribution" as the dose at a small distance from the source. The effect of varying this distance is discussed. Test cases were optimized for planar, biplanar and cylindrical implants. A semi-irregular, fan-like implant with diverging needles was also investigated. Mean central dose calculation based on 3D Delaunay-triangulation of the source locations was used to evaluate the dose distributions. The optimization method resulted in homogeneous distributions (for brachytherapy). Additional dose constraints—when applied—were satisfied. The method is flexible enough to include other linear constraints such as the inclusion of the centroids of the Delaunay-triangulation for homogenization, or limiting the maximum allowable dwell time.
Evaluation of cost functions for gray value matching of two-dimensional images in radiotherapy30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1567272View Description Hide Description
In external beam radiotherapy, portal imaging is applied for verification of the patient setup. Current automatic methods for portal image registration, which are often based on segmentation of anatomical structures, are especially successful for images of the pelvic region. For portal images of more complicated anatomical structures, e.g., lung, these techniques are less successful. It is desirable to have a method for image registration that is applicable for a wide range of treatment sites. In this study, a registration method for two-dimensional (2D) registration of portal and reference images based on intensity values was tested on portal images of various anatomical sites. Tests were performed with and without preprocessing (unsharp mask filtering followed by histogram equalization) for 96 image pairs and six cost functions. The images were obtained from treatments of the rectum, salivary gland, brain, prostate, and lung. To get insight into the behavior of the various cost functions, cost function values were computed for each portal image for 20,000 transformations of the corresponding reference image, translating the reference image in a range of and rotating degrees with respect to the clinical match. The automatic match was defined as the transformation associated with the global minimum (found by an exhaustive search). Without preprocessing, the registration reliability was low (less than 27%). With preprocessing, about 90% of the matches were successful, with a difference with our gold standard (manual registration) of about 1 mm and 1 degree SD. All tested cost functions performed similarly. However, the number of local minima using mutual information was larger than for the other tested cost functions. A cost function based on the mean product of the corresponding pixel values had the least number of local minima. In conclusion, gray value based registration of portal images is applicable for a wide range of treatment sites. However, pre-processing of the images is essential.
Accurate and efficient detection of pulmonary seed embolization in prostate iodine-125 permanent brachytherapy with a collimated gamma scintillation survey meter30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1567737View Description Hide Description
Pulmonary seed embolization is frequently observed in permanent prostate brachytherapy. Postoperative chest radiographic examination does not always detect seed embolization. To overcome this deficiency, a low energy gamma scintillation survey meter was converted to a seed-migration detector by adding a cone-shaped single-hole collimation cap to the window end of the scintillation probe. The response functions of the seed-migration detector to iodine-125 (I-125) for different source-to-detector distances in air and in water were measured. The spatial discrimination power of the survey meter, represented by the full width at half maximum measured in water, is typically improved from more than 7 cm to about 3 cm. Seventy-nine patients with I-125 implantation were scanned with the seed-migration detector at the patients' 30-day postevaluation visit. Fifteen patients showed single-seed embolization to the chest region and four patients displayed two-seed embolization. In other words, 24% of the patients present with embolized seeds. The detection accuracy of each patient was validated by a comprehensive investigation procedure. The comprehensive investigation consists of reviewing the patient's treatment history, orally questioning the patient for possible seed loss via the urethra route outside the hospital, examining all available chest radiographs before and after the seed implantation, and counting the seeds on the postevaluation CT scans. In comparison, examinations relying only on the analysis of postoperative chest radiographs yielded a false-positive detection in four patients and a false-negative detection in two patients. Another advantage of the seed-migration detector is that multiple seed-migration scans can be performed without exposing the patient to any additional radiation, for this device is a passive detector. Our clinical implementation also demonstrated that the seed-migration detector is a convenient and cost-effective method. As a result of this study, we stopped ordering the postoperative chest radiographs in a patient's regular postevaluation visit. Only if the detector shows radioactivity outside a patient's pelvis are a pair of anteroposterior and lateral chest radiographs of the patient ordered to document the location of the embolized seeds.
Tissue-specific dosimetry for radioiodine therapy of the autonomous thyroid nodule30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1567270View Description Hide Description
A tissue-specific dosimetric method based on gamma camera acquisitions was developed to determine the activity to administer to patients with autonomous thyroid nodules (ATN) to deliver 200 Gy to the nodule and to evaluate the correspondent dose to extranodular tissue. Twenty patients with ATN were given 111 MBq of i.v. and their neck was imaged 2, 4, 24, 48, and 120 hours after administration to evaluate separate iodine kinetics for nodule and contralateral lobe. The volumes of nodule and lobe were measured on the 4 hour scintigraphic image, after optimization of the method on a thyroid phantom. Three simplified dosimetric methods were then considered and compared to the reference method in terms of activity: (a) three point method, based on 4, 24, and 120 h acquisitions, (b) fixed method, that measures only the 24 h uptake and assumes an effective half-life of 5 days for the nodule, (c) fixed activity method, based on the administration of 413 MBq of The mean activity to administer to the 20 patients was 413 MBq (range 65–1327) and the mean dose to the contralateral lobe was 43 Gy (range 11–121). The percentage differences in activity between the reference method and the simplified methods were in the ranges: (a) −14%, 13%, (b) −42%, 74%, (c) −69%, 533%. The relevant dose to extranodular tissue and the great interpatient variability of the radioiodine activity required to give a predetermined dose to ATN suggest that a tissue specific dosimetric approach based on gamma camera acquisitions is fundamental. A simple method based on only three uptake measurements is a reliable alternative to the five point method when the clinical workload of a Nuclear Medicine department is particularly heavy.
Validation of dynamic MLC-controller log files using a two-dimensional diode array30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1567951View Description Hide Description
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)delivered with multi-leaf collimator(MLC) in the step-and-shoot mode uses multiple static MLC segments to achieve intensity modulation. For typical IMRTtreatment plans, significant numbers of segments are delivered with monitor units (MUs) of much less than 10. Verification of the ability of the linear accelerator(linac) to deliver small MU segments accurately is an important step in the IMRT commissioning and quality assurance (QA) process. Recent studies have reported large discrepancies between the intended and delivered segment MUs. These discrepancies could potentially cause large errors in the delivered patient dose. We have undertaken a systematic study to evaluate the accuracy of the dynamic MLC log files, which are created automatically by our commercial MLC workstation after each delivery, in recording the fractional MU delivered in the step-and-shoot mode. Two linac models were evaluated with simple-geometry leaf sequences and delivered with different total MUs and different nominal dose rates. A commercial two-dimensional diode array was used for the measurement. Large discrepancies between the intended and delivered segment MUs were found. The discrepancies were larger for small MU segments at higher dose rate, with some small MU segments completely undelivered. The recorded fractional MUs in the log files were found to agree with what was delivered within the limits of our experimental uncertainty. Our results indicate that it is important to verify the delivery accuracy of small MU segments that could potentially occur in a patient treatment and that the log files are useful in checking the integrity of the linacdelivery once validated. Thus validated log files can be used as a QA tool for general IMRTdelivery and patient-specific plan verification.
Analytical linear energy transfer calculations for proton therapy30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1567852View Description Hide Description
As the relative biological effectiveness of protons depends on the linear energy transfer (LET), simple methods for LET calculations are desired for the optimization of proton therapy. This work provides an analytical model for the LET on the central axis of broad proton beams in water, which can also be applied to spread-out Bragg peaks. For realistic treatment situations with polyenergetic beams, the LET is here defined as a local mean of the protonstopping power, weighted by the local energy spectrum. The proposed model considers only Coulomb interactions and neglects nonelastic nuclear interactions. By assuming a Gaussian shape for the energy spectrum and by using a suitable parametrization of the stopping power, analytical expressions for the track averaged and the dose averaged LET are derived, which account for range straggling as well as for the initial width of the energy spectrum. The analytical model was evaluated by Monte Carlo simulations with GEANT 3.21. Local energy spectra were simulated to obtain LET distributions for several cases, using clinical energies between 70 and 250 MeV and varying widths of the initial energy spectrum. Good agreement was found between the analytical model and the Monte Carlo simulations (with maximum deviations of 0.5 keV per micrometer), which justifies the assumptions used in the derivation of the analytical model.
Dosimetric evaluation of partially overlapping intensity modulated beams using dynamic mini-multileaf collimation30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1562170View Description Hide Description
The dose distribution resulting from partially overlapping intensity modulated beams (IMBs) assigned to different isocenters for the treatment of the same planning target volume (PTV) was evaluated. These partially overlapping IMBs are used in static intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)treatments with the Novalis® system using the mini-MultiLeaf Collimator (mini-MLC) in Dynamic MultiLeaf Collimation (DMLC) mode. The resultant dose distribution was verified dosimetrically for a cylindrical target defined in a homogeneous cubic phantom. The phantom positioning can introduce dose nonuniformities in the resultant dose distribution by nonperfect positioning of the isocenters in accordance with each other. The dose inhomogeneities are quantified mathematically by summation of the dose profiles of the used IMBs and experimentally by measurement of the resulting dose profiles with radiographic film and thermoluminescent detectors(TLD). The mathematical estimation of the resulting dose profile of the treatment with a perfect positioning of the isocenters showed a good agreement with the planned dose profile. The magnitude of the maximum dose inhomogeneities introduced by the simulated supplementary shifts between the isocenters decreases by as the shift changes from −0.30±0.10 cm to +0.30±0.10 cm. The TLD measurements showed a similar variation of the magnitude of the maximum dose inhomogeneities: The amount of dose variation was underestimated with the radiographic film measurements, which showed a variation of The film measurements demonstrated that the magnitude of the introduced maximum dose inhomogeneities did not alter significantly throughout the PTV. The approach of using partially overlapping IMBs assigned to different isocenters to enlarge the treatment region introduces smaller dose inhomogeneities in the resultant dose distribution than when abutting treatment fields are used. The resultant dose distribution of this treatment technique is less sensitive to positioning errors of the used treatment isocenters.
A 2-D diode array and analysis software for verification of intensity modulated radiation therapy delivery30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1567831View Description Hide Description
An analysis is made of a two-dimensional array of diodes that can be used for measuring dose generated in a plane by a radiation beam. This measuring device is the MapCHECK™ Model 1175 (Sun Nuclear, Melbourne, FL). This device has 445 N-type diodes in a 2-D array with variable spacing. The entire array of diodes is easily calibrated to allow for measurements in absolute dose. For IMRTquality assurance, each beam is measured individually with the beam central axis oriented perpendicular to the plane of diodes. Software is available to do the analytical comparison of measurements versus dose distributions calculated by a treatment planning system. Comparison criteria of percent difference and distance-to-agreement are defined by the operator. Data are presented that show the diode array has linear response when beam fluence changes by over 300-fold, which is typical of the level of modulation in intensity modulated radiation therapy,IMRT, beams. A linear dependence is also shown for a 100-fold change in monitors units delivered. Methods for how this device can be used in the clinic for quality assurance of IMRT fields are described. Measurements of typical IMRT beams that are modulated by compensators and MLCs are presented with comparisons to treatment planning system dose calculations. A time analysis is done for typical IMRTquality assurance measurements. The setup, calibration, and analysis time for the 2-D diode array are on the order of 20 min, depending on numbers of fields. This is significantly less time than required to do similar analysis with radiographic film. The 2-D diode array is ideal for per-plan quality assurance after an IMRT system is fully commissioned.
A multiportal compensator system for IMRT delivery30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1567851View Description Hide Description
We have developed a multiportal compensator system for IMRT delivery, comprising a rotational compensator mount for a linac head, cylindrical compensator enclosures positioned in the mount, a vacuum-formed thermoplastic sheet with heavy alloy granules inside the enclosure, and a vacuum thermoforming device. The mount rotates like a revolver by a stepping motor, thus allowing automatic multiportal IMRT without exchanging compensators by human operators during treatment. The thermoforming device has servo-motor-driven 10×10 metal rod elements to actualize an arbitrary intensity profile. The thermoplastic sheet is preheated by a built-in biplanar heater and then it is placed over the rod elements. Subsequently, vacuum forming is performed through corner cut-outs of the rod elements. After forced cooling down, the heavy alloy granules are fed into the formed sheet. Preliminary experiment using solid water phantoms and an x-ray film has shown that the intensity profile on the film agrees reasonably well with the desired profile.
Semiautomatic three-dimensional segmentation of the prostate using two-dimensional ultrasound images30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1568975View Description Hide Description
In this paper, we report on two methods for semiautomatic three-dimensional (3-D) prostate boundary segmentation using 2-D ultrasoundimages. For each method, a 3-D ultrasound prostate image was sliced into the series of contiguous 2-D images, either in a parallel manner, with a uniform slice spacing of 1 mm, or in a rotational manner, about an axis approximately through the center of the prostate, with a uniform angular spacing of 5°. The segmentation process was initiated by manually placing four points on the boundary of a selected slice, from which an initial prostate boundary was determined. This initial boundary was refined using the Discrete Dynamic Contour until it fit the actual prostate boundary. The remaining slices were then segmented by iteratively propagating this result to an adjacent slice and repeating the refinement, pausing the process when necessary to manually edit the boundary. The two methods were tested with six 3-D prostate images. The results showed that the parallel and rotational methods had mean editing rates of 20% and 14%, and mean (mean absolute) volume errors of −5.4% (6.5%) and −1.7% (3.1%), respectively. Based on these results, as well as the relative difficulty in editing, we conclude that the rotational segmentation method is superior.
Prostate brachytherapy seed identification on post-implant TRUS images30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1568976View Description Hide Description
TRUS is a conceptually appealing alternative to CT-based dosimetry, offering the substantial practical advantage of being readily available intraoperatively. To test the feasibility and reliability of seed identification on post-implant TRUS using standard two-dimensional images, ten patients treated with I-125 or Pd-103 brachytherapy were studied. A set of transverse images (6 MHz) were taken immediately following completion of the implant procedure. Original thermal images were sent to four physicians and the sources were identified independently by placing marks on a cellophane overlay, with grids to match the axial TRUSimages. The number and type of seed implanted were not revealed to the investigators. Instead, they were instructed to mark the positions of what they would consider, with reasonable certainty, to be seeds. The overlays were then manually compared for source identification and agreement between observers regarding each alleged source. The actual number of implanted seeds ranged from 44 to 108 (median: 60). In contrast, the mean number of seeds allegedly identified per patients ranged from 26 to 82 (median: 43). The average percent of the seeds allegedly identified per patient ranged from 51% to 83% (mean: 74%). The four physician investigators—KW, JS, BH, and GM—identified an alleged median of 90%, 44%, 63%, and 91% of the total seeds, respectively. There were five instances in which investigators alleged more seeds than were actually implanted. The consistency of seed identification among the investigators was evaluated by noting how many investigators identified each bright spot on the images. The percent of bright spots identified by all four investigators ranged from 8% to 33% (median: 20%). Despite considerable interest among some of our clinical and commercial colleagues in developing TRUS-based intraoperative post-implant dosimetry, the use of TRUS-based seed identification for post-implant dosimetry should be viewed with skepticism.
Characteristics of sensitometric curves of radiographic films30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1568979View Description Hide Description
A new type of radiographic film, EDR (extended dose range) film, has been recently become available for film dosimetry. It is particularly attractive for composite isodose verification of intensity modulated radiation therapy because of its low sensitivity relative to the more common Kodak XV film. For XV film, the relationship between optical density and dose, commonly known as the sensitometric curve, depends linearly on the dose at low densities. Unlike XV film, the sensitometric curve of EDR film irradiated by megavoltage x rays is not linearly dependent on the dose at low densities. In this work, to understand the mechanisms governing the shape of the sensitometric curves, EDR film was studied with kilovoltage x rays, γ rays, megavoltage x rays, and electron beams. As a comparison, XV film was also studied with the same beams mentioned above. The model originally developed by Silberstein [J. Opt. Soc. Am. 35, 93–107, 1945)] is used to fit experimental data. It is found that the single hit model can be used to predict the sensitometric curve for XV films irradiated by all beams used in this work and for EDR films exposed to kilovoltage x rays. For EDR film irradiated by γ rays, megavoltage x rays, and electron beams, the double hit model is used to fit the sensitometric curves. For doses less than 100 cGy, a systematic difference between measured densities and that predicted by the double hit model is observed. Possible causes of the observed differences are discussed. The results of this work provide a theoretical explanation of the sensitometric behavior of EDR film.
Interpretation of pre- versus postimplant TRUS images30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1568980View Description Hide Description
In order to summarize the inter-observer variability of pre- and postimplant TRUSimage interpretation. Ten patients treated with Pd-103 brachytherapy were studied. Preimplant prostate volumes ranged from 21 to 51 cm3. The number of sources implanted ranged from 74 to 155, and the number of sources per cm3 prostate volume ranged from 3.0 to 4.3. A set of transverse images (6 MHz) were taken immediately prior to and following source placement. Original printer images were sent to four investigators and the prostate outlined independently on a cellophane overlay. The overlays were digitized into a Varian MMS 7.0 treatment planning system (Charlottesville, VA) for volume determinations. There was moderate interobserver variability in TRUS volume determination, accentuated for the postimplant images. The standard deviations varied from 2% to 13% of the mean (median: 7%) for preimplant volumes, versus 7% to 32% (median: 13%) for postimplant volumes. Interobserver prostatic edge (border) localization variability was greatest at the base and apex, with closer agreement along the posterior border. For preimplant images, the majority of edge points were within 1.0 mm of the mean. At each coordinate, with the exception of the anterior base, the majority of points were within 2.0 mm of the mean. In general, border identification variability was greater in the post implant images. While all prostate imaging modalities suffer from interobserver variability, preimplant and postimplant TRUS appears capable of consistently determining prostatic volume and borders. It appears that intraoperative TRUS-based dosimetry is a practical goal, provided that seed location coordinates can be added to the prostatic edge information derived from TRUSimages.
Validation of intensity modulation on a commercial treatment planning system30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1568981View Description Hide Description
For two years now, a study on intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) has been in progress at the Antoine Lacassagne Hospital Center for Cancer Therapy (in Nice) in collaboration with the University of Nice–Sophia Antipolis. The kind of intensity modulation that was used is the "step and shoot" technique in which the modulated beam is created both by adding and joining elementary fields. Before carrying out clinical tests, several problems regarding the production of modulated beams has to be mastered. The current developments of our study enable us to dosimetrically produce (in water phantom and in the PMMA phantom) complex modulated whose segmentation was calculated by one commercial treatment planning system (TPS). Nevertheless, we showed and studied some critical discrepancies between standard clinical calculations and the calculations using field segmentation. We showed that with nonoptimal conditions of segmentation the discrepancies, which are due to the type of algorithm used, could bring about significant errors inside the field of up to 10% of maximum dose. Another point of our study is the quantification and resolution of differences between measurements and calculations due to the internal segmentation of calculated modulated fields and their realization on Linac. Once again, in none optimal conditions of segmentation and inside the field we obtained discrepancies up to 20% of maximum dose between calculations using field segmentation and measurements. That was mainly due to the tongue and groove effect and penumbra phenomena. This study allows us to show that the discrepancies between segmentation calculations and standard clinical calculations should be solved by the use of penumbra models during segmentation calculations. We will introduce both the study and its near-future perspectives.
Dosimetry characterization of a source wire used for intravascular brachytherapy with automated stepping30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1567832View Description Hide Description
Depth-dose curve measurements and Monte Carlo simulations for a catheter-based intravascular brachytherapy source wire are described. The measureddose rates were obtained using both radiochromic-dye film and an extrapolation chamber (EC). Calibrated radiochromic-dye films were irradiated at distances between 0.5 and 5 mm from the source axis in polystyrene phantoms, and scanned with high-resolution densitometers.Measurements with an automated EC with a 1 mm diameter collecting electrode were also performed at a distance of 2 mm from the source in polystyrene. The measureddose rates obtained from the film and EC were divided by the measured source activity to obtain measured values of dose rate per unit contained activity. Dosimetric calculations of the catheter-based wire geometry were also obtained using several Monte Carlo codes (CYLTRAN, MCNP, PENELOPE, and EGS). The measured and calculated values of dose rate per unit contained activity are in good agreement (<10%) within the relevant treatment distances (1 to 4 mm). With carefully selected input parameters, the calculated depth-dose curves using these codes were within 5% at 4 mm depth. At greater depths the discrepancies between the codes increase. We discuss likely mechanisms for these differences.
Verification of absolute ionization chamber dosimetry in a proton beam using carbon activation measurements30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1568591View Description Hide Description
Reference ionization chamberdosimetry implemented in a clinical proton beam and based on the ICRU 59 recommendations has been verified with an independent carbon activation method. The nuclear reaction was used to measure the beam fluence and entrance dose. A method to transfer from the entrance dose to the dose at the ion chambercalibration position has been developed. Measurements performed in a monochromatic 200 MeV beam show that the ratio of absolute doses measured using the carbon activation and the ion chamber methods is 1.017±0.03 (type A uncertainty). This result is within the uncertainties of both methods employed, which are estimated at ±4.3% (carbon activation) and ±2.7% (ion chambercalibration).
CERR: A computational environment for radiotherapy research30(2003); http://dx.doi.org/10.1118/1.1568978View Description Hide Description
A software environment is described, called the computational environment for radiotherapy research (CERR, pronounced "sir"). CERR partially addresses four broad needs in treatment planning research: (a) it provides a convenient and powerful software environment to develop and prototype treatment planning concepts, (b) it serves as a software integration environment to combine treatment planningsoftware written in multiple languages (MATLAB, FORTRAN, C/C++, JAVA, etc.), together with treatment plan information(computed tomography scans, outlined structures, dose distributions, digital films, etc.), (c) it provides the ability to extract treatment plans from disparate planning systems using the widely available AAPM/RTOG archiving mechanism, and (d) it provides a convenient and powerful tool for sharing and reproducing treatment planning research results. The functional components currently being distributed, including source code, include: (1) an import program which converts the widely available AAPM/RTOG treatment planning format into a MATLAB cell-array data object, facilitating manipulation; (2) viewers which display axial, coronal, and sagittal computed tomographyimages, structure contours, digital films, and isodose lines or dose colorwash, (3) a suite of contouring tools to edit and/or create anatomical structures, (4) dose–volume and dose–surface histogram calculation and display tools, and (5) various predefined commands. CERR allows the user to retrieve any AAPM/RTOG key word information about the treatment plan archive. The code is relatively self-describing, because it relies on MATLAB structure field name definitions based on the AAPM/RTOG standard. New structure field names can be added dynamically or permanently. New components of arbitrary data type can be stored and accessed without disturbing system operation. CERR has been applied to aid research in dose–volume-outcome modeling, Monte Carlo dose calculation, and treatment planning optimization. In summary, CERR provides a powerful, convenient, and common framework which allows researchers to use common patient data sets, and compare and share research results.


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pre fight warm up
iv got my first boxing match in a few weeks, its only 3 x 2 mins but just wanted a bit of general advice on how much/what type of pre fight warm up exercises to do. i find i can take body shots better after a bit of medicine ball and was wondering if boxing with some light hand weights for a while would liven up my arms and torso. any advice welcome and ill upload the fight after it happens. cheers.
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also on a separate note i was sparring a cruiser weight (im only welter) and got hit with a right cross, i held my hands up to show i was a bit dazed, and the next thing i know 10-15 minutes had passed and i was downstairs without any gear on, knocked me into the future a bit. just wondering if anyone had similar experience.
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Warmups and Blanking Out
I would not warm up with weights in the dressng room, rather hit the striking pads and slip punches your trainer throws. Also shadow box hard.
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Til you get warm, Notice warm up... Silly joke, stretch, Well it shall not feel like you just woke up, do some jumpin around, throw some punches, try to feel the rythm, Just dont kill yourself before the fight...
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Your basic warm up should be the same you do prior to starting your gym time. You should have developed a warm up to use prior to sparring then you can get an idea how much time you need to get loose! Lots of stretching long before your bout and some light pads are usually a good warm. No weights in your hands and NO rub downs on back or legs!
Don't you have a trainer? Ray.
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Good luck in the fight! Make sure you drink plenty water before it otherwise you might feel light-headed and be hurt by shots you normally wouldn't.
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If your trainer allows a 35lb+ spar mate to knock you out yopur being abused, simple as that!! The only reason for this type of "training" is if your an azzhole in the gym or your just being used asmeat by azzholes!! Better evaluate what I'm telling you, I trained fighters for many years and my gym is still active today and run by one of the young men I trained 25 years ago!
Don't let anyone disrespect you, especially when its your health and life! Ray
...........or you have no "whiskers" at all...!
Last edited by Ray Corso; 09-19-2012 at 07:24 PM.
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So the gym tried to teach you proper technique and this is "trying to get me to fight like ali"? Just curious.
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Everyone has there own ways to warm up but I usually have a little shake out then start a little light shadow just 30 seconds on shake out the another 30 seconds really trying to stay loose then gloves on and start the pad work just throwing light punches with the odd heavy shot to finish the combo . You will probley start warming up and feel like your getting tired and start questioning if ure fit ect.. But try ignore this it's just nerves . Good luck mate and if it's your first fight try keep tidy , hands up and no wild shots and your be ok
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- Automobile
- June 12, 2013
Honda Debuts "HondaLink" in Thailand as the First Country in Asia
Bangkok, Thailand, June 12, 2013 - To form an even closer connection with its customers, Honda today announced the availability in Thailand of HondaLink, an intelligent automotive application for smart phones, along with the Honda Roadside Assistance (Honda RSA) application and the HondaLink Navigation application. Thailand is the first country in Asia where these apps are being released. Using smart phones, HondaLink's diverse features make it faster and easier for customers to access detailed information about their vehicles and other services in a colorful, easy-to-understand and easy-to-use graphical display. The three applications are available for free download from the Apple app store and Google Play.*
According to Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Executive Vice President, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., "Honda is committed to providing the best in support to our customers by creating three innovative applications including HondaLink, Honda Roadside Assistance (Honda RSA) and HondaLink Navigation. The HondaLink app gives our customers useful information about their vehicles while offering an enjoyable user experience and positioning Honda automobiles as their close friends. Customers can easily configure the app, including inputting their Honda cars' models and years, adding nicknames for their own cars, selecting the colors of their favorite vehicle icons, and enjoying fun and easy access to information about their vehicles along with other privileges when using their smart phones. Developing new applications such as this is part of our mission to create innovations that best suit customers' digital-based lifestyles. It also reinforces Honda's image as an advanced technology brand with a strong customer orientation. The HondaLink app offers a value-added communications channel that bonds Honda even more closely with our customers."
The HondaLink app enhances the Honda car owner experience in many ways. It comes with three highly useful features. The Car Log allows customers to keep detailed logs about their vehicles and view them in a timeline. The Car Log records information such as when the vehicle is refuelled, the history of the vehicle's checks based on the distance travelled and so on. The second, Statistics, shows data such as the fuel economy figure and odometer settings at key points, including the distance travelled in comparison with the diameter of the globe, all displayed in an interesting graphical manner. Maintenance enables a Honda owner to get notifications from a Honda dealer about the vehicle's maintenance. This can include routine check-up, oil and filter changes and so on, as well as replacement of parts such as tires, the battery, or air filter. The Maintenance builds a detailed history of each maintenance action taken on the vehicle, including the check-up date, dealer name, cost and so on. Vehicle maintenance cycles can be set by time or mileage. Other reminders about necessities such as annual car tax renewal, monthly payment dates and insurance payments help Honda owners to ensure they don't overlook anything important. They can also get updates on special promotions being offered by Honda dealers.
Customers can also get timely assistance with Honda Roadside Assistance (HondaRSA), another key application that is integrated with HondaLink. If their vehicle breaks down, this location-based service lets Honda customers quickly and easily call for roadside assistance support. The HondaLink app is also integrated with Honda's 24hr. Roadside Assistance and provides immediate assistance by staff from the Honda service centre. Using the Tracking Provider feature, customers can trace the location of the vehicle from Honda Service Centre that is heading to the site to provide assistance.
The HondaLink Navigation application provides real-time traffic updates. An outstanding feature of the HondaLink Navigation application is Free Word Search, which offers easy and fast searching for travel information by typing in the name of the desired destination, Lane Info that enables driver to pre-check the route, travel planning and distance travelled to reach a destination. HondaLink Navigation is ready to be downloaded for a free 30-day trial (starting from the day it is downloaded). Basically, it has a 3-year connection fee of US$ 39 (approximately 1,200 baht).**
The HondaLink, Honda RSA and HondaLink Navigation applications are free for customers to download from the Apple app store or Google Play*. Customers can have My Dealeractivated at the dealership when they purchase their vehicle or take it in to any Honda service centre nationwide for maintenance in order to get alerts about vehicle maintenance and receive information about special privileges ahead of others. Members of the general public who are interested can also download the HondaLink application at no cost and have fun with their own vehicles using the Car Log, Statistics and Maintenance features.***
- *
- The operating systems that support the HondaLink application include iPhone iOS 5.0 or above and Android OS 2.3.4 or above. HondaLink Navigation application can only be downloaded from Apple App Store.
- **
- HondaLink Navigation has a 3-year connection fee of US$ 39 (approximately 1,200 baht).
- ***
- Manual entry of vehicle information is required as maintenance information cannot be transferred to the vehicle automatically.


text: Jenn and Brendan were married on Friday on a super sunny, beautiful Spring day. After spending the morning getting "beautified" by Larissa Lake Makeup Artist at The Simsbury Inn, we all went over to The 1820 House for the First Look, as well as portraits of the bridal party. Jenn was wearing a gorgeous Lazaro gown, purchased at Kleinfeld, and her talented mother designed all of the floral arraignments, including two bouquets for Jenn to have on her wedding day! After a quick 5 minute ceremony under the tent at The Riverview, it was time to party! Clark Eno Orchestra was the 10 piece band that provided the great music. We had such a nice time at this wedding, everyone made us feel so welcomeEnjoy the photos!


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Top Definition
Someone who always smokes someone else's dro (weed) and never throws on it or buys there own weed.
That kid Will Coomber is such a bag chaser, he always smokes my tree.
od uživatele Mtb114 15. únor 2012
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
Is a man or woman; who will chase after the connection, to get a bag of dope., No matter the price. Whether the price be cash or sex etc.
Aqua was a chick who was a little low on cash; but knew if she went down on the connection, she would get a free bag.After all she is a Bagchaser.
Suesie Cue a well known bag chaser didn't like anal sex; but was willing to do it for a bag.
Suesie Cue a well known bag chaser didn't like anal sex; but was willing to do it for a bag.
od uživatele rmblnrd13 04. listopad 2006
Is someone; be it male or female who is allways chasing the person who has the dope bag.
That girl is such a bag chaser she will do anything to get a bag of (speed, coke, etc.)
od uživatele Rmblnrd 20. červenec 2006
Simply a person that will do anything for a "bag" of dope(meth,coke,weed,heroin,etc..). Primarily busted-ass 20 yr-old looking 40 females. The kind that make you go "WTF!" when you have the distinct displeasure of running into one face to face.
Can you believe that girl? She took her 2 yr-old on the bus at 1am to go suck her dealer's cock for a rock! What a bag chaser!
od uživatele ksgirl 24. listopad 2010


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Hotel address173-185 Greenwich High Road
How to reach the hotel
Contact the hotel
- Tel. (+44)20/76600682
- Fax. (+44)20/83126810
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Novotel London Greenwich - hotel description
Hotel code: 3476
Discover the stylish elegance of the Novotel London Greenwich hotel. Located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory are unmissable. Maintain your exercise regime at our Fitness Centre and relax in our hammam. Our spacious rooms have free WiFi access, so you can stay connected at Novotel.
See the rooms
See the meeting rooms
Extras of this hotel
The hotel is located in historic Greenwich close to Greenwich Park and the River Thames. You can easily access Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena or Excel Exhibition Centre via local transport links. Express overland trains connect you to Central London.
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Mr Florian JOURDHIER, the manager of the Novotel London Greenwich hotel, would like to welcome you.
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Work in this hotel
These prices may be based on different room types. Depending on the country, these prices may not include taxes, may include VAT only or may include all taxes (VAT and city tax). When prices do not include all taxes, the relevant taxes (VAT and/or city tax) will be stated in the following stages of the reservation process. The price is only guaranteed at the time of reservation.
2. Paying
Hotel classifications (1 to 5 stars for France) correspond to criteria laid down by local regulations.


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Let's face it: before the Walt Disney Company shocked the world and acquired Lucasfilm for the paltry sum of $4.05 billion, the Star Wars movie franchise was on ice.
Heartbroken by the critical reception of his prequels, George Lucas decided to simply pack up his light saber and go home. Early in 2012 he said it in no uncertain terms: there will be no Episode VII. "Why would I make any more Star Wars movies," Lucas said, "when everyone yells at you all the time and says what a terrible person you are?"
In our darkest hour, Obi Wan Kenobi was nowhere to be found…but thankfully, the Mouse House came to the rescue with blasters blazing. Paired with the blockbuster announcement of the Lucasfilm purchase, Disney dropped yet another bombshell: an all-new Star Wars movie would be released in 2015, and more films would follow.
We're getting our sequels after all. And knowing Disney, we'll be getting much, much more.
The reaction from keyboard warriors worldwide has been mixed – but the most vocal, as always, are those furious about the change in ownership. But I don't think purists need to worry. Here are 5 reasons why I believe with every metachlorian of my being that the purchase was a good thing:
1. The Marvel Factor
As an avid comic book fan, I was more than a little nervous when Disney purchased Marvel. Iron Man, Captain America and Thor were all big hits, and it seemed like Marvel Studios was hitting its stride. These weren't just cash-grabs that appealed to the widest possible audience; they were movies for comic book fans, and they were unapologetic about staying true to the source material.
Then Disney takes over and does the unthinkable: they put Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly creator Joss Whedon at the helm of 2012's biggest film The Avengers, and it subsequently blows everyone's socks off. It was a critical darling, amassing a whopping 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes (nearly unheard of for a comic book themed movie) and it hulk-smashed international box office records. Easily the highest grossing superhero movie of all time (raking in over $1.5 billion), it was also the biggest theatrical release ever that didn't have the name 'James Cameron' appearing in the credits.
Undeniably, this put Marvel fans at ease. We now trust Disney to put the right people in charge of a beloved franchise, and to ensure the target audience isn't alienated…something that you-know-who has failed to do on more than one occasion.
2. Han Solo could, once again, shoot first
For reasons no one completely understands, George Lucas has been continually tinkering with the original trilogy. He's made a couple good changes (like improving explosions and removing unsightly blue boxes from around TIE Fighters) but he's made many, many bad ones (the most glaring being Greedo shooting at Han Solo first in the famous Mos Eisley Cantina scene.)
Seemingly forever, Star Wars enthusiasts have been clamoring to purchase the unedited trilogy, and finally own a high-definition version of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi as they appeared in the theaters(the only digital format the untouched originals are available on: the long deceased Laserdisc. I'm not kidding.) As it sits right now, if you want to see the classics without Lucas' growing list of changes and edits, your best bet is to dig through the boxes in your basement and dust off your old VHS tapes.
With the Lucasfilm sale there is now some optimism for their release, because Disney never misses an opportunity to cash in on a financial opportunity. They know they can make money by releasing the originals, so I expect an announcement sooner than later; I'd be surprised if we didn't have the option to buy the uncut trilogy before the holiday season next year.
3. Some new pilots will be in the driver's seat
Rumors are already circulating like wildfire about who might direct the 2015 Star Wars film, and the first name being floated is Matthew Vaughn.
Vaughn is best known for helming popular comic book adaptations Kick-Ass and X-Men: First Class, and is widely respected within the geek community. It's not 100% confirmed that he will be taking a seat in the director's chair, but just the fact that he's being considered (or courted?) for the role is a big step in the right direction.
What the franchise has desperately needed since 1999 are some new writers and directors. Creative people who are not handcuffed by Lucas' own vision for the franchise. With the change in ownership, we can hopefully see future movies and television shows take on a life of their own, and with any luck, break some new ground.
4. No more waiting around
After Return of the Jedi, it took 16 years for Lucasfilm to release their next installment of the franchise, The Phantom Menace. George likes to take his sweet time when it comes to projects, and the chances of him ever releasing another Star Wars film were slim-to-none. He has been talking about a live action television series since 2005, and in that time not even a title has been confirmed. No cast, no network, no estimated debut date.
The days of waiting are over.
With Disney steering the ship, you can bet things won't be moving slower than a wounded Bantha. They've already confirmed films, mentioned interest in a television series during a recent conference call, and will no doubt be fast-tracking Star Wars into other mediums (anyone interested in seeing a Pixar-quality animated film?)
5. Disney listens to their fans
George, on the other hand, has spent the last twenty years being almost spiteful of the people who made him a multi-billionaire. Every time Star Wars fanatics spoke their minds, he thwarted them faster than the Millennium Falcon could make the Kessel run.
"We want sequels!" Not interested.
"We want the original trilogy on DVD and Blu-Ray!" Nope. They're gone forever.
"We hate Jar Jar Binks!" I don't care. He's going to be in every movie, and the cartoon. Deal with it.
If nothing else, Disney gives people what they want, which was evident by their immediate announcement that Episode VII would be released. They put out sequels, special editions, spin-offs and theme park rides. That's what Disney does best: they deliver more of what people want (and often charge a premium for it…but still, we get stuff.)
The bottom line is that whether you love the original trilogy, the new prequels or both, there was a good chance you weren't going to get any more live action Star Wars – not with Lucasfilm the way it was.
Leaving the most beloved sci-fi franchise of all time trapped in carbonite was never what fans wanted; with new ownership there's finally a chance for something fresh and creative to happen in the Star Wars galaxy. And if you think that Disney can't pull it off, I find your lack of faith disturbing.
Blake Northcott is an author, Twitter-er, and occasional Slayer of Vampires (only the ones that sparkle). You can follow her on Twitter, or pick up her best-selling Sci-Fi/Superhero books Vs. Reality and Relapse over at Amazon.com.
For more speculation on why this is great news for Star Wars, read In a Galaxy a Few Years Away… or segue into comics with Blake's 5 Hottest Trends of 2012's Summer Fan Conventions.


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Electrical Power Generators For The Home
A generator is one of those items that most homeowners never think of until the day comes when the power goes out. A local electrical outage or natural disaster can leave you in the dark; unable to cook, warm your home or keep perishable food chilled. A home generator can provide backup power for an emergency situation, as well as being useful for camping, working in a remote location or recreational activities.
Home Power Generation Options
There are two basic types of home generators:
Standby units are permanent devices installed outside the home, and wired directly into the home's electrical system. Most run off the home's natural gas line or propane tank, and provide continuous power until the electricity is restored.
These generators automatically kick in if a power outage occurs, usually bringing power back to the home within 30 seconds. Standby units are quite expensive, usually over $5,000, and must be installed by a qualified contractor. Unless you have someone in your home on critical electronic medical equipment, or have a home business that could be severely impacted by a power outage, a standby unit is probably not necessary.
Portable generators are the most commonly purchased type. These run on gasoline, diesel or propane, and can cost anywhere from $500 to over $2,000, depending on size and features. Once a portable generator is running, you can plug electrical devices into its outlets, providing power to selected appliances or equipment. Depending on size of the engine, and the demands you put on it, you may need to refill the fuel tank as much as every few hours. This makes portable generators best for short-term use, or powering just a few critical appliances in an emergency.
Choosing A Portable Home Power Generator
There are three main questions to ask when choosing a portable generator.
- What household appliances do you need to run?
- What kind of fuel does the generator use?
- Is the generator easy to start and run?
How Many Watts do You Need?
The more watts of power your generator provides, the more appliances it will be able to run. With more watts, however, the device will also be more expensive, larger, heavier and will require more fuel.
A very general breakdown of wattage is:
- Small generators provide up to 3,500 watts, and can run a few critical appliances, such as a small refrigerator, some lights, radio and portable fans.
- Medium generators provide between 3,000 and 5,000 watts, and can run a sump pump, furnace fan, more lights and critical appliances such as the fridge.
- Large generators with 8,000 to 10,000 watts can provide enough power to run survival appliances as well as a few rooms in your home, but not an air conditioning system.
Normally with a small or medium generator, you will run extension cords through windows or doors from appliances to the generator. For a large generator that is going to plug into the home's circuits, you will need a device with a transfer switch, which closes the utility power line to your home, and opens a direct line to the generator.
What Kind of Fuel does the Generator Use?
Portable generators run on gasoline, propane or diesel.
- Gasoline-powered generators are the most common, and provide the highest wattage. Many cities have restrictions on how much gasoline can be stored, however, and in a natural emergency, it may not be easy to purchase more gas.
- Propane-powered generators provide less wattage, but propane is safer to store and has a longer shelf life than gasoline.
- Diesel may be difficult to come by in an emergency, and your city may restrict the quantity you can safely store at your home.
Is the Generator Easy to Use?
An emergency is stressful enough without struggling to use your generator. Basic features to look for are:
- A wheeled frame for moving the generator, especially larger units
- Electric start button, rather than a start cord that you will have to pull
- Large fuel tank
- Sufficient outlets for your needs
- Muffler if noise is a concern
- Fuel gauge
- Low oil indicator
- Transfer switch on a large generator
Safety when Using a Generator
You don't want to make an emergency worse by improperly using your generator.
- Never use a portable generator inside the house, or in a partially enclosed space like the garage.
- Keep the generator away from windows, doors, vents, crawl spaces or ventilation intakes.
- Never connect your portable generator directly into your home's electrical system without a transfer switch.
- Never plug a portable generator into one of your home's electrical outlets.
- Turn the generator off, and let the engine cool down before adding more fuel.
- Use only heavy-duty, outdoor-approved extension cords to plug into the generator.
- Don't overload the generator with more appliances than it is designed to handle.
- Run the generator on level, dry ground.
- Empty the fuel tank before storing your generator.
Hopefully, you will rarely have a need for a home generator, but when emergency strikes, you will be thankful to have one on hand. Being able to power a few lights, a radio and the refrigerator can make the difference between a panicky situation, and one that is merely inconvenient.


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With two guys on base and one out and your team nursing a two-run lead, you absolutely must know how many outs there are. Absolutely. Abso-freaking-lutely. Did I make myself clear?
If Phil Garner doesn't chew out Luke Scott after the bottom of the fifth inning, he's a much gentler man than I am. After Roy Oswalt battled just to induce a fly ball to right field from David Wright for the second out, Scott made the catch and sprinted with the ball for at least 10 steps. Scott, who is playing because Lance Berkman left with a left groin strain in the top of the fifth, seemed stunned when his teammates began yelling at him to get the ball back in. Paul Lo Duca tagged to third easily on the play. And Cliff Floyd, Oswalt's personal nemesis, cut the Astros' lead with a single through the right side.
Oswalt induced Jose Valentin's fly out to right field to escape the inning with a 5-4 lead.


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Colleen Slater & Edwin Boiten here and we have a very special offer for you on our Amazon plugin.
Your Amazon affiliate Conversions WILL improve
or we do not want YOUR money
We are 100% convinced that if you use the Azon Deal Alert plugin on your Amazon affiliate sites that your conversions will improve. And to show that we are not kidding with the "not wanting your money" in case this plugin fails to deliver that...we ask, no we even demand you ask us a refund if after implementing this plugin your Amazon sales and conversions do not improve.
Do we have a deal on that?
Let me show you why we are making this bold claim and why we are convinced tat using this plugin on your Amazon affiliate sites will improve the conversions.
Azon Deal Alert uses a physiological trick that most people can not resist. The visitor on your Amazon affiliate site is there because they are interested in the product you reffer to so they are already in a stage of buying mood.
#1 Awareness of Need
#2 Information Search
#3 Evaluation of Alternatives
#4 Purchase decision
#5 Purchase
They are either in the #2 or #3 phase and it's your job as an affiliate to confirm that the product they had in mind is the right one or give them the best alternative.
Each stage is important but the 4th stage is one of the most important ones. A consumer needs to be able to rationalize why they spend the money on the product they buy. And that is whereAzon Deal Alertjumps in. Because the plugin will give the consumer the "excuses" they need as it will indicate the savings they get if they buy it right now.
The consumer is able to him/her self "I found a great deal on it"
And that is a trigger in the process as with each purchase you make you either consciously or unconsciously need to have a confirmation that you made a good decission.
Look at yourself and at your own buying behaviour....if you know you can get a great deal on a product you were looking for already you ar emuch more likely to jump on it.
Azon Deal Alert is really an easy set and forget plugin that will do all the work for you. No matter how much products you have on your sites, the plugin will check it for you and show the alert box the moment a product is on sale
Using and configuring the plugin is also very easy. All you do is enter your Amazon details and set the other options. You can change the wordings in the box totally how youy like. you have options that will make the product name, price, discount appear at the place you like and of coursean option for the call to action. You can use either a text link or upload an button and use that Azon Deal Alert is really an easy and we are 100% sure you will like this plugin when you see the conversions improve.
And you have nothing to lose because we realy mean it that only if your conversions improve and thus you start to earn more commission from Amazon we want you to keep the plugin.
If not then we urge you to ask for a refund and we will give you that without any trouble. Closing etc


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- 40 updates
PM: Drive Syria extremists out
David Cameron said he wants to see al Qaeda-linked extremists "driven out" of Syria. His comments came as Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi told a gathering in Cairo that his country has cut all diplomatic ties with Syria.
Live updates
Clegg: 'Striking the right balance' on arming Syrian rebels
The Deputy Prime Minister said questions about whether he would support arming the Syrian rebels in a Commons vote was "academic" as the Government had yet to decide if it wanted to follow this course of action.
Nick Clegg told the BBC One Andrew Marr programme that the appropriate course of action was for the Government to make its decision before testing opinion in the Commons.
Mr Clegg said Britain's current contributions - items like armoured 4x4s, body armour and communications equipment - offered a "great deal of assistance" to the official opposition.He said discussions with Mr Cameron continued on an "on-going basis"
PM wants to see extremists 'driven out' of Syria
Prime Minister David Cameron said he wants to see al Qaeda-linked extremists "driven out" of Syria.
Mr Cameron acknowledged there are "deeply unsavoury" elements of the Syrian opposition that he wants "nothing to do with", but said the British Government would continue to offer non-lethal support to the "genuine" political opposition.
Speaking to Sky News' Murnaghan programme, the Prime Minister said: "There are elements of the Syrian opposition who want to see a free democratic, pluralistic Syria that respects the rights of minorities including Christians and we should be working with them - we are working with them.
"If we don't work with those elements of the Syrian opposition, then we can't be surprised if the only elements of the Syrian opposition that are getting, that are actually making any progress in Syria, are the ones that we don't approve of".
Egypt's Morsi calls for Syria no-fly zone
Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi urged world powers not to hesitate to enforce a no-fly zone over Syria.
The Islamist head of state had previously appeared somewhat less confrontational toward President Bashar al-Assad than Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
But in a speech to Sunni Muslim clerics in Cairo he said he had cut all ties to Damascus and demanded Lebanon's Shi'ite Hezbollah movement quit Syria.
Egyptian President cuts all ties with Syria
Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has said Egypt has decided to cut all ties with Syria and will withdraw the country's envoy from Damascus.
Addressing a gathering of Sunni Muslim clerics in Cairo, Morsi said: "We decided today to entirely break off relations with Syria and with the current Syrian regime."
He also warned Assad's allies in the Iranian-backed Lebanese Shi'ite militia to pull back from fighting in Syria.
"We stand against Hezbollah in its aggression against the Syrian people," Morsi said.
"Hezbollah must leave Syria - these are serious words. There is no space or place for Hezbollah in Syria."
US to keep Patriot missiles and fighter jets in Jordan
The US will keep Patriot missile batteries and F-16 fighter jets in Jordan after the completion of joint military exercises this month amid the crisis in neighboring Syria, the Pentagon has said.
US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel "has approved a request from the Kingdom of Jordan for a detachment of F-16s and Patriot Missiles to remain in Jordan following the conclusion of the Eager Lion Exercise next week," Pentagon spokesman George Little said in a statement.
Syrian chemical weapon use risks 'political settlement'
The use of chemical weapons by Syrian government forces and the involvement of Hezbollah fighters threaten to "put a political settlement out of reach," the US State Department said today.
A statement cited comments by Secretary of State John Kerry after his talks with Iraq's foreign minister:
Second Cold War? US arming Syrian rebels is a big gamble
Russia: Syria no-fly zone 'would break international law'
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said any attempt to enforce a no-fly zone over Syria using F-16 fighter jets and Patriot missiles from Jordan would violate international law.
Blair: Arguments on Syria intervention 'same as Iraq'
Former prime minister Tony Blair said the arguments about whether to intervene in Syria are "exactly" the same as those that took place before the Iraq war.
Speaking ahead of the G8 summit in Northern Ireland, Mr Blair told The Times (£), "People are no longer going to accept that a minority ruled the country without the say of the majority. It's exactly the arguments we went through over Iraq".
The Middle East envoy said he believes Britain should help the US to arm Syrian rebels.
Mr Blair said: "On Syria, I feel very strongly we are in danger of a failure with catastrophic consequences if we're not careful.
"This is no longer a civil war between factions within Syria. We should be taking a more interventionist line. That's where I come from in politics. People can agree or disagree with it.
"There are those within the Syrian Opposition who want a pluralistic society and democracy coming out of all of this - and they are the one group of people who are not being armed".
Obama to meet Cameron ahead of G8 summit
US President Barack Obama will meet the Prime Minister on Monday ahead of the G8 summit in Northern Ireland.
He will also hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday evening.
The Syrian conflict has been high on the world leaders' agenda, and David Cameron has said there is credible evidence that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime has used chemical weapons in "multiple attacks".
The White House said: "The summit and related meetings will provide the President and his fellow world leaders an opportunity to address pressing economic, political and security challenges around the globe".
The President and family will arrive in Belfast on Monday morning, where he will deliver remarks at a event to highlight the "hard work, dialogue, and institutional development" the people of Northern Ireland have undertaken to advance peace and prosperity.
Latest ITV News reports
Second Cold War? US arming Syrian rebels is a big gamble
US President Barack Obama has tip-toed over the 'red-line' and armed Syrian rebels but it is a gamble of huge proportions.
The timing and impact of US support for Syria's rebels
Writing for ITV News, international affairs analyst David Butter looks at the timing of US support for Syria and when it may arrive.


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A Runscope community project. Send us feedback!
IFTTT is looking for experienced engineers to help build the next generation of its platform.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the core architecture of one of the web's most innovative and exciting services. You'll get to work on challenging technical problems alongside a small but driven group of developers, and play a key role in shaping both the product and team culture.
IFTTT's mission is to help people to create connections between the services and devices they use every day. We've built a system that enables users to set up simple "if this, then that"-style recipes, which allow activity from one web service to trigger activity in another. The current system supports over 60 unique services and runs nearly a hundred million recipe-handling tasks per day, and we plan to dramatically expand on our flexibility and scalability. Under the hood, this translates to building a platform that can talk to and move data between virtually any API you can think of, all in realtime and at massive scale.
We're hoping to find candidates who speak fluently about distributed architectures, databases, and ops, who enjoy rolling up their sleeves and writing code at all levels of the stack, and who have the confidence and depth of knowledge to take ownership of long-term projects.
IFTTT currently runs on a polyglot mix of technologies, including EC2, Rails, Node.js, MySQL, Redis, Memcached, and Chef. Experience with these is a big plus, but we're constantly evolving, and we value creative problem-solving and desire to learn over domain knowledge.
We recently secured a new round of funding, and we work hard to do right by our employees. New hires at IFTTT enjoy competitive salary and equity, full benefits, sane work schedules, and a flexible vacation policy.
Much more than that, we offer interesting, deep projects and an amazing team experience. We operate on the philosophy that the best job perk is fantastic teammates, and to this end we've assembled a staff of intensely curious, well-rounded, talented people who happen to be great engineers. We're hoping you can be the next one.
Please send your resume, code samples, and a brief introduction to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Promo Price:
Regular Price:
Promo Price:
3 Item(s)
Please confirm retail prices in store, prices subject to change without notice. Products subject to availability. Klooftique products are handcrafted and actual product weights and look may therefore vary. Weight and packaging is not included in product prices and shipping costs will be additional. Provided prices are for SA residents only.
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MIDDLEBORO — The Middleborough Historical Association will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the former Maxim Motor Company on Saturday, June 21 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The event will take place on the grounds of the Middleborough Historical Museum, 18 Jackson St., behind the police and fire stations. The event is open to the public with free admission.
The Maxim Motor Company was formed by Middleboro's fire chief, Carlton W. Maxim, in 1914. According to Howard Smith, author of two books about the company, "In 1912, the Middleboro Fire Department received a Knox fire truck. In 1914, they were looking for an additional truck and Carlton, unimpressed with the Knox, felt he could build a better fire truck. He was given the opportunity and the new truck was delivered to the department. They were more than satisfied and soon, word was out. Other departments were aware of Carlton Maxim's skill and ingenuity and requests soon started coming in that he build fire trucks for their department.
"Maxim expanded several times and until 1989, were a well know fire apparatus manufacturer in the northeastern United States. Although, Maxim trucks could also be found on the west coast, the midwest and in many foreign countries. Their most popular product was their reliable aerial ladders. These ladders were so reliable, that other fire apparatus manufacturers, used them on their chassis," Smith wrote in one of his online histories of the company.
The feature of the event will be a talk by Howard Smith, a display of Maxim fire trucks, and a "chat time" with former Maxim employees and/or their families. There will also be a display on the Bates School Fire in 1954 (60 years ago) and the Three Factories Fire in 1974 (40 years ago) where Maxim fire trucks certainly participated in fighting the flames. Anyone with photos or memories of those fires are encouraged to bring them to the event.
Some of the museum buildings will be open. There will be children's activities, refreshments and more. For a complete schedule of events see the Middleborough Historical Association website.
Location, ST | website.com


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WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT/WYMT) - There is a boil water advisory for some cities in Whitley County.
The Black Mountain Utility District has issued a boil water advisory for customers in the Watts Creek area, Tremont Hill, and Lay Hill because of a water main break this morning.
Officials say you should bring water to a boil for one minute before using.


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LSU baseball team blasts Ragin' Cajuns
Published: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 9:53 a.m.
LAFAYETTE — Fourth-ranked LSU won its first road game of the season Tuesday night, defeating Louisiana-Lafayette by a score of 11-2 in front of a sellout crowd at Moore Field.
LSU (7-1 overall), which defeated Southeastern Louisiana, 13-1, on Sunday has produced 24 runs on 33 hits in its last two outings.
The Tigers came out swinging, scoring two runs on Alex Edward's RBI grounder and an ULL (7-2) infield error. LSU increased its lead to 5-0 with a three-run home run from Alex Bregman (2-for-5, four RBIs). A perfectly placed RBI bunt in the fourth inning from Ty Ross increased the LSU lead to 6-0.
In the fifth inning the Tigers continued their success at the plate with a two-RBI triple from Tyler Moore (3-for-4, three RBIs) .
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Book: The Wikipedia Revolution
Book: The Wikipedia Revolution
Author of the book due March 17, 2009, published by Hyperion. Tells the story of the creation of Wikipedia, starting with the Internet culture that inspired the hacker ethos, USENET and the Free Software movement. It would be Apple's forgotten HyperCard project that inspired Ward Cunningham to create the wiki, which became the savior of the original Nupedia encyclopedia started by Larry Sanger and Jimmy Wales.
Advance praise from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly:
"Other books have surfaced... but Lih's authoritative approach covers much more."
- Publishers Weekly (January 12, 2009)
"An easy, nontech, intriguing read about a Web "miracle" that today rivals the Encyclopaedia Britannica."
- Booklist Starred Review (February 15, 2009)
Web site: http://www.wikipediarevolution.com/


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Meet the season's artists, members of the creative teams, along with other opera-goers and donors! We hope that you will join us.
At the opening of each opera season, three days of celebratory events await you. Enjoy dinner on the Opera grounds followed by Puccini'sLa Fanciulla de West; a behind-the scenes tour and lunch; an intimate dinner in a Santa Fe home, the opening performance of Mozart's
Don Giovanni; plus an unforgettable Sunday brunch with Santa Fe Opera stars!
read more
Enjoy a memorable evening with members of the creative team. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a seated dinner, fine wines and an insightful look at that evening's opera from the director or the designer of the production – these dinners offer an opera-insider experience!
Join us for our Summer Gala on Saturday, August 6 at the Eldorado Hotel. The evening begins with a champagne reception, followed by dinner, a program featuring Joyce DiDonato, and dancing. read more


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Besides the epic landscapes, amazing food and picture perfect beaches, when we head to Brazil we go mainly to see the talent. And we ain't talking about the national futbol team. No where else on the planet can you find such a wide variety of women who are breathtakingly beautiful. Doesn't matter what you're into, Brazil has it. Remember Snoop Dogg's "Beautiful" video? Yeah, it's just like that.
We're not sure why it took us so long to do our salute to Brazil's hottest women (but did you see those Czech women?! Oww!), but here it is in all its glory, the 9 hottest females that the largest country in South America has produced. De nada!
#9 Mulher Melancia
Claim to Fame: Besides her Playboy Brazil cover shoot, you could catch Ms. Melancia on the hit Brazilian TV show "Super Pop" where she gained fame by teaching other Brazilian girls to pop that thang. And we thank her for that.


text: As a person who has utilized/destroyed many an Ikea product, I definitely had to share 'Flamma,' a set of eight different products from the Swedish behemoth with which you can start a fire. Designed by the Rotterdam-based Helmut Smits, I don't know if this is supposed to be a commentary on the disposability of Ikea goods or simply because he could, but either way I find it quite satisfying to see the products used against themselves. Make sure to visit the 'design' portion of his website to watch the video. Thanks to today and tomorrow for the info.


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The living scarf twisted around my neck, flowing back and forth.
My neurons tingled, misfiring.
Was it numbing the pain of being compressed into a hexagonal cocoon that pressed tighter and tighter?
No, it was showing me what it could see and feel, what my limited human vision could not.
The aggregate virus bore into my body, feasting on my cells, borrowing me to expand itself, yet it did not take over completely.
I was here, no I was out there, I was a hundred trillion cells and they were ALL suddenly under my control.
It seems that our relationship status has been upgraded from "master controller/slave drive" to an "unlicensed symbiosis".
The Biomatrix served as my new eyes, letting me peer through my own skin, bones, flesh and organs, through my fireproof jacket, through the web of intertwining lights that bound us in a stasis field, through the thick, crystalline walls of the Arbitrator's spacecraft.
My vision intensified, expanding in curves, the arm of the milky way amplified, the stars intensely vibrant, fiery and beautiful.
I saw the serenity of earth below and the aurora borealis dancing on the poles.
I could almost taste the earth's atmosphere and each layer was a different shade and color.
For a brief moment, lost in the ravishing sharpness of planetary iridescence below, I even forgot that my world was mostly a weary, barren wasteland.
The obsidian, spiked sphere that was the Arbitrator's vessel was gliding silently over the Earth's exosphere, twinkling ominously.
Why? Why could I see all of this?
Did the Biomatrix want to show me how desperate my... no our situation was?
How there was nothing that could be done?
Did it merely want to look at the end of a world, something that it had never seen before?
...For it had never failed to bring a civilization of organic beings to its knees, or to defend what was necessary and judge those that needed to be judged, until now.
Its failure was bitterly irritating, it was unacceptable, it was inexplicable.
Probability pointed that it was the fault of the un-scannable one. It didn't know who Zee Captain was. It had millions of guesses, but they were all nasty or simply insane.
Perhaps, I didn't even want to know these guesses for I ignored them because a lot of them were some sort of horrible versions/visions of me.
The Biomatrix refracted its unpleasant emotions onto me - they ranged somewhere from absolute distress to angry desperation.
I saw the dark matter drop disconnect from the Arbitrator's tetra-seed carrier.
The Biomatrix highlighted its path for me to track. Thanks a lot. Now I can see the exact moment my world implodes.
Now I can remember it forever, in perfect clarity.
The meteoric seed pierced Earth's atmosphere, and the thick cloud cover embraced it heartily.
It reached its destination and with a bang/a million echoing whispers, the shell of the seed containing the drop collapsed, bending everything into itself.
The point of terminus.
The end of all things.
The singularity was free.
The event horizon wave glittered like a thousand inverted rainbows, falling and rising, pulling in and pushing away.
I could see its hell-fire in a billion colors. Colors that I could not name. Colors that weren't even meant for me to see.
Waves of fire spread out across the atmosphere exploding into lightning storms, tornadoes of fire and rings of northern lights all across the planet.
This was brilliantly alarming and deadly.
The terminus point drew clouds into itself, forming the waves of a new storm that was unlike any other, that ran across the world.
It ripped apart the surface of the planet, wherever its flames touched. It evaporated mountains of ice and licked up the continental stone plates that were directly underneath it.
As the hole in space-time expanded its reach, everything was drawn into the collapsing void.
Nothing could escape it, except for the Arbitrator's ship which was designed exactly for harnessing the wave to propel itself across the universe.
I suddenly understood that the Arbitrator came here only because he destroyed another world, not unlike ours.
This was how it could instantly move from one place to another, faster than the speed of light.
This was the decompression that I felt, that temporarily killed me, when the Arbitrator arrived.
This was its mission. To punish those that did not please or side with the Union.
The stasis field would carry me directly to the Universe Compendium court, while the Arbitrator and its carrier would shift elsewhere, forward in space-time, wherever it was necessary, wherever a call from the Union would summon it to.
The planet grew lighter, loosing mass.
Nothing could withstand the brutal pull of the void. Nothing that the Biomatrix knew could stop it.
Why? Why would the Arbitrator do something so abhorrent?
Did it have something to do with "AI defense network" that the Arbitrator mentioned?
"Correct", the Biomatrix whispered, its voices were those my own cells.
"It was well hidden from us by the high concentration of radioactive dust in the atmosphere.
We have never lost an avatar before. This should have served as a warning sign.
Having dominion over the organic but not over the inorganic, we have discovered the truth far too late, and only by rewinding you.
In a desperate gamble to survive, your civilization has foolishly birthed a cognitive Grid who's only purpose is to feed on the neural waves of thinking beings and as such it must be halted here, before its mechanized pestilence consumes other worlds.
Your world reeks of the Grid. It has spread deep underground and high overhead as far as the troposphere. The Grid plans to do something highly unpleasant to the entire planet if it has not done so already.
It must be wiped clean from the universe. Your planet is badly infected and the Arbitrator has the necessary cure, it matters not whether the patient dies as long as others can be saved."
The negative sphere grew quickly, it already devoured a patch bigger than the country of England.
Everything went into slow-motion.
Was that your tampering with my perception again, or the fact that the event horizon stops time itself?
You know what, it doesn't matter. I don't care. This is all too horrible. This moment, that lasts forever.
This simple fact, that I will be the only human being left alive in the universe and that my planet must be erased for reasons not entirely clear to me.
The mug began to vibrate and in this vibration I started to hear a song of metal, a song that was in the exact tune with the inescapable death that was being brought forth by the all consuming, growing sphere of the void.
I wanted to be elsewhere.
I didn't want to see these final seconds of my world, stretched out to all eternity.
I didn't want to be here. Please let me go. Please wake me up somewhere else.
Construct for me a memory from my past that's so real that it lasts a lifetime.
Take me back, away from all of this.
I know you can, even in the confines of the stasis field, even if you are not allowed to kill me now.
You can do it.
Do it!
...Pretty please?


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On verge of 1,000 games, Elias looks back
Thursday, 01.5.2012 / 4:00 PM ET / News
By Eric Marin
Less than three weeks after setting the new franchise record for goals, Patrik Elias is set to hit yet another milestone.
He'll make his 1,000th NHL appearance when the Florida Panthers visit Prudential Center on Friday night.
"It's a lot of games played with one organization and I'm proud of it," Elias said after Thursday's practice.
It's been that kind of a special season for Elias, who notched goal No. 348 in Montreal on Dec. 17, surpassing John MacLean for the most in Devils history. The two-time Stanley Cup champion also owns the club's all-time mark for points (850), and set the team record for power-play goals (93) against Toronto on Nov. 2.
A lifelong Devil, Elias was drafted in the second round, 51st overall, in 1994. He's the second Devil to hit 1,000 games this season, following Dainius Zubrus, who did it in Buffalo on Nov. 16.
"Our team doctor here, he said yesterday, 'It's amazing, I watched you since you were 19 and time flies,'" Elias said. "'You're already playing in your thousandth game.' I said it probably would've been a lot sooner if I didn't miss time with injuries. But that's the way it goes, that's part of hockey, and I'm happy to even get that milestone."
Elias joins Ken Daneyko and Martin Brodeur as the only players to make all 1,000 appearances with the Devils.
"That's obviously more special," said Elias. "I'm going to have my closest friends and people that kind of followed me and helped me out throughout my career tomorrow at the game. My family will come for a bit. It'll be nice."
It's another significant achievement for Elias, who passed MacLean for the points mark back on March 17, 2009 – the same night Brodeur established a new NHL mark with win No. 552.
"Patty's hitting a lot of milestones this year," coach Peter DeBoer said. "It's well-deserved. It seems like this guy's been around for a long time and played at a high level for a long time, which is amazing."
And he's still getting it done. The most senior Devils forward (35 years, eight months), Elias is also the club's leading scorer with 34 points (13g, 21a).
"That's the one thing I've been amazed at," DeBoer said. "He's a 35-year-old, he looks like he's 25 and he's playing like that. I think he's more efficient, obviously, than when he was younger in his management of his energy because he's smarter. The fact that he's so intelligent – he's like another coach out there – I think it makes it easier for guys like that to play longer."
Elias made his NHL debut as call-up in 1995-96, appearing in one game (Dec. 7 vs. Tor.) before returning to the AHL-affiliate Albany River Rats. Memories of the game itself have faded, but not the events leading up to the drop of the puck.
"We were on our way to Providence, if I'm not mistaken, and I got a call that there would be a private jet picking me up," he said. "So it was pretty cool, although I was petrified of flying."
Then it was finally time to hit the ice.
"I remember that I had a lot of energy and was just skating all around, all over the ice like a chicken with the head cut off. That's what adrenaline does to you," he recalled.
Asked who he skated with that night, one of Elias' current linemates couldn't resist a playful dig.
"Stan Mikita?" Petr Sykora said, referencing the legendary Hall of Famer.
All kidding aside, Elias believes 1,000 games will feel just as meaningful as the goals record. But even now, in his 16th season, the ride hasn't seemed very long.
"Not really," said Elias. "Everybody will tell you time flies all of a sudden. I went through great times, some great seasons playing with great players, then you have seasons when they're disappointing, when you have to battle through adversity. It's all part of the journey. It makes you grow up. You figure out what life is all about as a hockey player and just as a regular person, too. It's how you face the challenges throughout the career and I'm pretty happy that I'm still doing it. I'd like to think that I'm doing it well a thousand games later."
• The Devils met before practice this morning to go over what went wrong in Wednesday's 6-1 loss to Boston.
"The easy thing to do would be to throw this tape out, but we're not going to do that," DeBoer said. "The disappointing part is, we had an opportunity to really make a statement against the best team in hockey and we didn't take that opportunity this time. The next time we get that chance, we have to make sure that we do."
The Bruins return to the Rock on Jan. 19. For now, though, the Devils are planning for their upcoming back-to-back. After hosting Florida on Friday, they visit Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Johan Hedberg gets the start against the Panthers.
"It's behind us," said Elias. "Obviously we're disappointed with the way we competed in that game and that's the bottom line. But we move on. We had a good practice today, good video [session] and I think we know what we have to do tomorrow. It's more about competing than anything else."
Travis Zajac (soreness, 1 game missed) did not skate, neither did Anton Volchenkov (lower body, 2 games). Bryce Salvador had a rest day and also didn't skate.
Forward Steve Zalewski, who was recalled from Albany (AHL) on Wednesday, practiced on a line with Tim Sestito and David Clarkson. Center Jacob Josefson (clavicle) filled in on defense and was paired with Adam Larsson.