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User talk:Parrishcartwright
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Revision as of 08:47, 19 October 2011 by HistoricAccount Bcent1234 (Talk | contribs) (added link to commercial non-erf website. Name looks English, not German...)
This appears to be a spammer.
Administrators may want to check the user's contributions to see if there's justification to the claim, the history of this page to see how long the allegation has been undisputed, and perhaps look at the block log before waving the banhammer. Or, maybe just pause to do a better hack-code on the underlying Template:Spammer, y'know.


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hey guys, well im sure we all know the waters cold as hell right now, but anyway, what season do you think we should switch mils, like 5/4: Late november-???
when do you think we can switch to 3/2 boots n gloves THIS year??
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Thread: wetsuit seasons???
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wetsuit seasons???

subset: commoncrawl


text:
ZEX Dual Purge Kit
Delivers two six-foot nitrous purge clouds in cool ''V'' pattern!
Searching for the ultimate nitrous purge cloud effect? The new ZEX Dual Outlet Purge Kit creates a cool, ''V'' pattern nitrous cloud through the use of two discharge tubes to let you aim the nitrous purge. The ZEX kit uses the largest and highest flowing purge solenoid in the industry and includes all the parts you need for an easy installation on any nitrous system, regardless of manufacturer.
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A five-year-old girl is dead after she and two friends were struck Thursday afternoon by a City of Toronto garbage truck.
The girl's body lay under a sheet only a metre or so behind the truck's rear wheels as detectives and forensic investigators pored over the crash scene.
The two other children, who are believed to be a six-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, were taken to Toronto-area trauma centres with non-life-threatening injuries.
The victim's mother, who is reportedly seven months pregnant, is also in hospital, after witnesses said she went into labour following the news that her daughter was dead.
A fourth child was among the group, but was uninjured. She reportedly told her mother after the collision that she yelled and yelled for the driver to stop and felt horrible for not being able to help her friends.
Occurring just after 3:45 p.m. in Scarborough, the truck, driven by a 62-year-old man, was a making a right onto Cliffside Drive when it struck the three children, who were crossing the street.
"The information is still very sketchy, we haven't got the chain of events as of yet," said Constable Clint Stibbe with Toronto police's traffic services unit as he headed to the scene.
The incident occurred near Cliffside Public School, where all four children were students.
The street on which the crash occurred has no sidewalks, and neighbours who gathered around the taped-off scene Thursday afternoon said the area frequently attracts speeders.
"Around here it's like the Indy 500, so who knows?" said neighbour Tillie Koerner. "There are no crossways, no nothing and kids are just [left to] get their own way home."
Children, many of them crying, remained at the scene into the early evening, including one young girl who said she was best friends with the 13-year-old.
"They go faster than they should and I think they should just slow down and take their time," said an onlooker.
Mayor Rob Ford promised to co-operate with any investigation. "We will do everything we can to assist the families," he said.
The sentiment was echoed by Ward 36 Councillor Gary Crawford, who offered "full support to the victims," and by Mark Ferguson, president of CUPE Local 416.
"None of us can imagine what they must be going through," said Mr. Ferguson.
In past instances where Toronto pedestrians and cyclists were killed by garbage trucks, the incidents occurred almost exclusively when the vehicle was making a right turn.
In 2005, 11-year-old Ben Paskus was crushed to death by a right-turning truck in Etobicoke while returning home from a friend's house.
Two years later, a woman in her 50s was badly injured after she was thrown to the curb by a truck turning right near Yonge and Lawrence.
In November, a 38-year-old female cyclist was critically injured by a right-turning garbage truck at Yonge and Gerrard.


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The presentation for CEO has to be finished, budget planning needs to be completed: That's when you can rely on DESK 2. With flexibly configurable connections for power, data or media, it provides you with everything you need in the workplace. Letting you work efficiently.
DESK 2 is a multiple-socket outlet that can be populated with various communication modules. It has been designed for flexible use in the office, meeting rooms, home offices or desk sharing environments. The outlet is made from aluminium and is available in various colours. The connections are screwed onto the standardised module windows and can be easily changed over. DESK 2 is secured to the desktop with aluminium mounting brackets, and cables are routed behind the screen. The design is unostentatious and straightforward, the materials used durable and high-quality.
Your are interested in DESK 2? All of our products are available via your competent trade specialist. Contact us for more information!
Find more BACHMANN products for your office space here.
You can find the assembly and operating instructions for DESK 2 here.


text: Clearing out some interesting music DVDs. All are perfect condition from a private collection--no rental junk. $75 takes 'em all - Media Mail shipping included! PayPal only please. Andrea Bocelli - A Night in Tuscany (sealed) Billy Joel - Live at Yankee Stadium Joe Jackson - Live in Tokyo Eagles - Hell Freezes Over Crowded House - Dreaming: The Videos Keb' Mo' - Sessions at West 54th They Might Be Giants - Direct From Brooklyn I am a Gold trader at HTF and a +295 (with no neutral or negatives) at EBay.


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Pleas in Delhi HC seek timely disposal of cases of sexual offences against children
Latest News »
New Delhi: The pendency of cases related to sexual offences against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 in various courts was cited as the main reason for the delay in addressing matters related to the well being of children, in a batch of two petitions in the Delhi high court.
The court was hearing the petitions, one by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal and another by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, an India based movement campaigning for the rights of children, seeking timely disposal of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
A bench headed by G. Rohini, chief justice of Delhi high court, said that the two petitions would be heard by a regular bench at a later date.
In an affidavit by advocate Gauarv Kumar Bansal, one of the petitioners in the case, it was submitted that pitfalls by the Delhi government such as failure to submit the forensic reports on time, providing sufficient number of witness rooms within the vicinity and providing qualified experts in such cases have greatly contributed to the delay in disposal of cases related to child abuse.
It was added that the state government had failed to provide even basic facilities like vulnerable witness rooms, forensic labs.
It was also highlighted that the courts specifically set up to consider sexual offences against children were dealing with Sebi cases, drugs and cosmetics cases and others apart from those focussing on child abuse.
The case will be heard next on 22 December.


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After a couple of years as a digital-only product, Content Magazine celebrated its new print edition Thursday night, and a few hundred gathered at San Pedro Square Market to help mark the launch.
And yes, a few of those in the crowd asked co-founder Daniel Garcia — who goes by the title "cultivator" — exactly what kind of crazy juice he'd been drinking. Didn't he know that it's supposed to go the other way around?
"Print isn't dead," Garcia said, laughing. Apparently, San Jose isn't dead either, based on the stylish "culture influencers" who came to celebrate the publication that pays homage to San Jose. The crowd included artists, fashionistas, models, downtown merchants, politicians and even pedicab drivers.
Chris Esparza, who's been promoting San Jose for years through his company, Giant Creative, believes in the magazine's mission. "This is another symbol that we're going in the right direction," said Esparza, who was among the early donors.
Garcia and his wife, Sarah, both San Jose natives, started the magazine because Daniel — who spent time as a fashion photographer in San Francisco and 15 years as youth pastor for a church — wanted to return to photography. The couple also felt San Jose was a special city that no one seemed to know about.
Zero1 Executive Director Joel Slayton and San Jose Councilman Sam Liccardo are among the people profiled in the debut print issue, which includes a fashion-magazine style spread for the Usuals, the hip clothing store on the Alameda.
After being available online for a couple of years, the couple decided to take it to print to attract advertisers and more readers. The Garcias used Kickstarter to raise money (and exceeded their goal) and will sell print subscriptions for six issues a year through their website, www.content-magazine.com.
"Now," Sarah Garcia said, "we have something we can show people and put in their hands."
ARTISTIC SUPPORT: Arts Council Silicon Valley has announced the recipients of this year's Artist Laureate, including TheatreWorks founder Robert Kelley, who has been named a Legacy Laureate for his lifetime achievement and community impact.
The other award recipients, who receive a $5,000 cash prize, are: Santa Clara painter Kelly Detweiler; San Jose sculptor Chris Eckert; San Jose Chamber Orchestra music director Barbara Day Turner; Santa Cruz writer Elizabeth McKenzie; and San Jose playwright/director/producer Jeffrey Lo, who received the "Emerging Artist" award.
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD: The 17th annual Via Ball is Friday, just two nights before the Oscars, so Via Services plans to transform Campbell's Villa Ragusa into the site of a grand 1960s Tinseltown bash.
The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Via Services, which provides programs for developmentally disabled children and adults in Santa Clara County. Call 408-243-7861 or go to www.viaservices.org for ticket information.
JOINT APPRECIATION: The Los Gatos Rotary Club and the early risers at the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club are collaborating to celebrate their contributions to the community Tuesday as they mark Rotary International's 107th anniversary.
At Tuesday's 7 p.m. town council meeting at the Los Gatos Civic Center, Mayor Steve Rice will sign a proclamation for "World Understanding and Peace Day" along with William Piche, president of the Los Gatos Rotary Club, and Jane Darwin, president of the Morning Rotary Club.
The Sunnyvale-based Gracious Life Foundation organized a nine-hole putting event at Ronald McDonald House at Stanford on Monday as part of its "Birdie for ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia)" initiative.
Volunteers from the San Jose State University women's golf team, Tech Credit Union and Forever Green Putting were among the participants.
"A lot of patients and siblings participated," said Weixing Chen, president of the Gracious Life Foundation. "Some kids jumped in the game right after getting treatment from the hospital."
Contact Sal Pizarro at email@example.com or 408-627-0940. Follow him at www.facebook.com/mercurynews.aroundtown and Twitter.com/spizarro.
Contact Sal Pizarro at firstname.lastname@example.com or 408-627-0940.


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Frank Perko III
South Broadway Christian Church
23 Lincoln St.
Denver, CO
This event is all ages
Frank Perko III
Colorado native Frank E. Perko III has been Director of Music at First Plymouth since 2006. Before returning to Colorado in 2002, Frank served as consultant for the new, $785,000 Noack tracker pipe organ, installed in Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. Perko holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Organ Performance from Colorado State University, and a Master of Music Degree in Organ Performance, with cognates in both choral conducting and music theory, from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. He has served as organist and music director in various churches and has taught classes and private organ instruction. He also owned and maintained his own large and active piano teaching studio while living in Ohio. Frank began his studies of the organ at age nine and was performing professionally by age eleven. He was a regular performer at the Mighty Wurlitzer organs in the Paramount Theater, and the Organ Grinder Pizza Restaurant in Denver. He continues to perform in concerts around the country in churches and concert halls, both at the classic organ, and at the Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ. He has won numerous organ competitions throughout the United States, and placed first in the Strader International Organ Competition in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1996.
Upcoming Events
South Broadway Christian Church
- Sorry, there are currently no upcoming events.


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Semillon Wineries in New Zealand
Pegasus Bay Winery
in Semillon Wineries, Sauvignon / Fume Blanc Wineries, Riesling Wineries, Pinot Noir Wineries, Cabernet Merlot Wineries
Pegasus Bay is an entirely family-owned and operated enterprise. We produce the estate grown Pegasus Bay range, and also the Main Divide range.
255 Stockgrove Road
Amberley, Canterbury 7482
New Zealand
Review This Winery
+64 3-314 6869
Man O' War Wine
in Semillon Wineries, Pinot Gris Wineries, Merlot Wineries, Chardonnay Wineries, Cabernet Franc Wineries
At Man O'War an exceptional and passionate team of people come together to bring you unique world class wines that reflect the distinctive treasure of land from which they come.
725 Man O' War Bay Rd
Auckland, Waiheke Island 1971
New Zealand
Review This Winery
+09 372 9678


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When you're just starting off life as a married couple, sometimes finances can take a backseat. However, they are too important to ignore. It's common knowledge that financial incompatibility is one of the leading causes of divorce in America. Besides the enormous emotional burden, divorce can take a huge financial toll as well.
Here are some tips collected from personal finance experts that can help give you some ideas on approaching "money talks" as a newlywed couple.
Meet with a financial advisor.
"Meet with a third party [financial advisor] after you get back from the honeymoon who can help balance each other's needs vs. wants and set your personal and family goals. Going to an advisor was one of the smartest things we ever did. It helped me be not so cheap and my wife Kari get a decorating budget we could live with."
Pro Tip: When searching for a financial advisor, be sure to get clarification on how they make money. Some advisors can make a commission on financial products they sell, so it is important to know if there are any potential conflicts of interest. Your best bet would be to hire a fee-only financial advisor who gets compensated by the hour rather than by a 3rd party for selling certain securities.
Total transparency.
"Don't lie or omit your financial details to your spouse. My best friend and her husband have been married for 1 year. They didn't combine their finances, so they didn't share much about their financial situations. Well, she got pregnant and he lost his job 2 weeks later. Then he told her about his $35,000+ of credit card debt. It's been awful but they are making it through it…"
–Crystal Stemberger, Budgeting in the Fun Stuff
Pro Tip: These money conversations need to happen before marriage. That way, there will be no surprises if you do decide to combine finances after marriage.
Two words: Money dates.
"Have money dates! Have a regular time you two get together to not only review the numbers but talk about what you're working towards."
–Elle Martinez, Couple Money
Pro Tip: Make budgeting a fun event! Kill two birds with one stone and spend some quality time together as a bonus. This will help make these money conversations become a positive thing, versus a dreaded topic of conversation that you keep procrastinating on bringing up.
Define what decisions should be joint decisions.
"For example, you might set a spending limit of $500 that neither of you can exceed unless both of you agree. This approach gives you freedom to make day-to-day decisions but sets a cap on more weighty decisions, whether it's purchasing life insurance, buying a new home, or planning a vacation. "
–Julie Rains, Investing to Thrive
Pro Tip: Having a clear set of guidelines of when you need to speak to your spouse about an expenditure and when it is okay to have a little autonomy is crucial. It gives each partner the independence to make their own decisions but also gives a clear indication when you need to come together to discuss purchases as a team.
Budget the time & money for dates.
"This is classic advice but so important once you get out of that 'honeymoon stage' in your marriage. My husband and I were so busy trying to jump start our joint debt payoff right after we got married that we didn't find the time or money to go out on a casual date. Even if you're just getting out of the house together once a month, it's worth it. There are plenty of frugal ways to date."
–Choncé Rhea, My Debt Epiphany
Pro Tip: Many young, new couples are in heavy debt paydown mode, which can put a strain on any relationship. Being able to set aside time to visit with each other without the added burden of needing to address financial issues can provide a great 'reset' and give you the motivation to work harder at achieving your financial goals together.
Maintain separate savings accounts
"Have each partner maintain a separate savings account. Be totally open and transparent about it. Combine everything else if you want. Divorce rates are high, and not having at least a small buffer in case of the worst can spell financial ruin later down the line should you become a statistic."
–Brynn Conroy, Femme Frugality
Pro Tip: Nobody gets married with the intent of getting divorced, but sometimes divorce does happen. If that becomes a possibility in your relationship, having a small amount set aside could bail you out of a tough spot.
This is the time to work together to build a strong financial plan for your future dreams and goals and learn the skills to step into your financial future in a position of strength. Click here to read more important pieces of advice from couples to newlyweds.
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|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jun 15, 2010
|Filing date
|Nov 15, 2005
|Priority date
|May 13, 2003
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Richard A. Terwilliger, Gary A. Lamoureux
|Original Assignee
|Biocompatibles Uk Limited
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (161), Non-Patent Citations (17), Referenced by (2), Classifications (15), Legal Events (8)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/619,928, filed Jul. 15, 2003 (now allowed), which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Patent Provisional Application 60/469,940 filed May 13, 2003, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The following applications are cross-referenced and incorporated herein in their entirety:
U.S. Patent Application No. 60/360,237, entitled "System for Manufacturing Interstitial Radiation Therapy Seed Strands", by Terwilliger et al., filed Feb. 26, 2002.
U.S. Patent Application No. 60/360,272 entitled "Delivery System and Method for Interstitial Radiation Therapy Using Strands Constructed with Extruded Strand Housing", by Terwilliger et al., filed Feb. 26, 2002.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/162,548 entitled "Delivery System and Method for Interstitial Radiation Therapy Using Strands Constructed with Extruded Strand Housing", by Terwilliger et al., filed Jun. 4, 2002.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/162,546 entitled, "System for Manufacturing Interstitial Radiation Therapy Seed Strands" by Terwilliger et al., filed Jun. 4, 2002.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/162,006 entitled, Delivery System and Method for Interstitial Radiation Therapy Using Strands Constructed with Extruded Strand Housings", by Terwilliger et al., filed Jun. 4, 2002.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/397,940 entitled, "Delivery System and Method for Interstitial Radiation Therapy" by Terwilliger et al., filed Mar. 26, 2003.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/035,083 entitled, "Delivery System and Method for Interstitial Radiation Therapy" by Terwilliger et al., filed Dec. 28, 2001.
U.S. Patent Application No. 60/336,329 entitled, "Delivery System for Interstitial Radiation Therapy" by Terwilliger et al., filed Nov. 2, 2001.
The present invention relates to systems and methods for delivering a plurality of radioactive sources to a treatment site.
In interstitial radiation therapy, one method for treating tumors is to permanently place small, radioactive seeds into the tumor site. This method is currently accomplished by one of the following two procedures: (a) loose seeds are implanted in the target tissue, and/or (b) seeds are contained within a woven or braided absorbable carrier such as braided suture material and implanted in the target tissue. The loose seeds, however, are dependent on the tissue itself to hold each individual seed in place during treatment, and the woven or braided sutures do not assist in the placement of the seeds relative to the target tissue.
There have been many developments in brachytherapy (i.e., therapy relating to treating malignant tumors for handling such radioactive seeds). In one technique, hollow metal needles are inserted into the tumor and the seeds are thereafter inserted into the needles, while the needles are being retracted to deposit the seeds in the tumor. Such devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,308, which is incorporated herein by reference. The most commonly used instruments are the Henschke and Mick devices. The use of such devices has distinct disadvantages. The overall length of such devices is over 20 inches and such devices have significant weight making them difficult to manipulate.
Another disadvantage of the above technique is that the seeds are deposited in a track made by the needle. When the needle is withdrawn, there is a tendency for the seeds to migrate in that track resulting in a poor distribution of the seeds. Because the energy levels are low, distribution between centers of adjacent seeds should be on the order of about 1 cm for certain treatments. Poor distribution of seeds can result in undesirable concentrations of seeds resulting in either an over-dosage or under-dosage of radiation. Further, over time, the seeds tend to migrate along the needle track, away from the tumor, which is undesirable.
Further complicating the procedure is the fact that the seeds are small, because they need to fit in small bore needles to prevent excessive tissue damage. Due to their small size and high seed surface dose, the seeds are difficult to handle and to label, and can easily be lost. In addition, the technique of implantation of individual seeds is time consuming.
One preferred method of introducing seeds into the tumor site is using a pre-manufactured elongated assembly or implant that contains seeds spaced at 1 cm increments. This assembly is capable of being loaded into an introducer needle just prior to the procedure. What is desired in using an elongated assembly of seeds and spacers is the ability to insert such an assembly into a tumor site to provide controlled and precise placement of the radioactive seeds.
While assemblies with bio-absorbable materials and spaced radioactive seeds are known for use as interstitial implants, such assemblies are not entirely satisfactory. In one instance, the elongated implant is made using a bio-absorbable material consisting of an Ethicon Vicryl.RTM. This material is commonly known as PGA. Radioactive seeds and spacers are inserted into the material. The carrier is heated causing contraction of the carrier material and resulting in a rigid column of seeds and spacers. This technique was reported in "Ultrasonically Guided Transperineal Seed Implantation of the Prostate: Modification of the Technique and Qualitative Assessment of Implants" by Van't Riet, et al., International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 555-558, 1992 which is incorporated herein by reference. Such rigid implants have many drawbacks, including not having the ability to flex with the tissue over the time that the bio-absorbable material dissolves.
As the tissue or glands shrink back to pre-operative size, and thus as the tissue recedes, a rigid elongated implant does not move with the tissue, but remains stationary relative to the patient. The final location relative to the tumor is thus not maintained and the dosage of the radioactive seeds does not meet the preoperative therapy plan.
Another system for providing an elongated implant having radioactive seeds disposed therein is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,575, which is incorporated herein by reference. In this reference, a plurality of encapsulated radioactive seeds are positioned in a predetermined array. The seeds are encapsulated in individual capsules, with each capsule having a projection on one capsule end and a complementary recess on the remaining capsule end. A projection in one capsule is engageable with a recess in an adjacent capsule such that the desired number of seeds can be plugged together to form a column of rigid, bio-absorbable and elongated material. This implant is not entirely satisfactory inasmuch as it is time consuming and inefficient to carry out the manipulative steps of assembling such a strand of elongated material. Further, the implant is quite rigid as it is inserted into a patient without the use of an introduction needle, as the implant itself acts as a rigid needle that is undesirably left in place.
In another embodiment disclosed in the above patent, a rigid implant containing radioactive segments, with break points, is inserted into the tumor. The implant is made of a bio-absorbable polymer that is rigid enough to be driven into the tumor without deflection and without the use of a separate hollow needle. When the proper depth is reached with the rigid polymer needle, the remaining, uninserted portion of the needle is broken off. This embodiment has the disadvantage of the above embodiment, in that being too rigid, the implant does not follow the tumor as it shrinks back to its normal size.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,163,947, Coniglione, issued Dec. 26, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference, a string of hollow seeds described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,828, issued Feb. 3, 1998, also incorporated herein by reference, are strung onto a thin strand of suture material to form an array of seeds. This string of seeds is delivered into the tumor site placed within a hollow needle. Since the hollow lumen of the seeds are substantially smaller in diameter in relation to the outside diameter of the seed body, the string of suture material must be substantially smaller in diameter than the seeds themselves. The resulting diameter of the suture makes the suture axially weak and the suture can fold up between the seeds within the needle lumen as pressure is applied on the proximal end of the strand within the needle. Thus the difference in diameter between the seed and the thin suture material makes the assembly susceptible to collapse from axial force applied on the proximal end, resulting in jamming of the assembly within the needle lumen and/or the assembly not maintaining the proper desired spacing between radioactive seeds as the assembly is expelled into the treatment site.
One relevant reference discloses modification of the needle structure to include a reloadable cartridge. In such reference, the needle is inserted and as a cartridge of seeds is emptied, the plunger of the device is withdrawn and a new cartridge containing radioactive seeds is loaded into the syringe (Moore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,914, issued May 2, 1978). Another reference offers a device for implanting individual seeds in a planar dispensing device with multiple needles to ensure accurate placement of the seeds relative to one another and the treatment site (Kirsch, U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,179, issued Sep. 11, 1979). Another reference disclosed a shielding devices for bead strands which prevents radiation exposure for health care personnel performing treatment with the radioactive seeds (Windarski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,506 issued Apr. 9, 1985). All of the above references are incorporated herein by reference.
In another technique for treating tumors disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,592, and incorporated herein by reference, seeds are held in a woven or braided bio-absorbable carrier such as a braided suture. The carrier with the seeds laced therein is then secured in place to form a suitable implant. This braided assembly exhibits many drawbacks, such as when the braided assembly is placed into the tumor. The needle that carries the braided assembly must be blocked at the distal end to prevent body fluids from entering the lumen. If body fluid reaches the braided assembly while the assembly is still in the lumen of the needle, the braided assembly can swell and jam in the lumen. Because the assembly is made of a braided tubular material, it is difficult to push the assembly out of the needle. As the needle is withdrawn from the tumor, pressure on the proximal end of the braided assembly causes the braid to expand and jam inside the lumen of the needle. Finally, if the braided strand is successfully expelled from the needle, the relative spacing of the seeds may not be maintained, if the braided material has collapsed.
Other references that address such implants and materials include the following, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Accordingly, the present invention cures and addresses the disadvantages exhibited in the prior art devices and implants. What is desired is to provide a bio-absorbable carrier material having seeds disposed within the material, with the seeds being accurately spaced a predetermined distance from one another, and with the seeds repeatably maintaining that spacing, even after being introduced into the body.
It is also desired that an elongated member with seeds be sufficiently rigid axially to allow expulsion of the member while maintaining the spacing between seeds, and that the member be flexible and pliable enough to move with the tissue as the tissue shrinks back to pre-operative size.
In a further aspect, an embodiment of the invention has an end spacing configured to match the relative distance the needle needs to be retracted after the initial insertion in order to position the needle relative to a site, eliminating retraction prior to see placement, and allowing all needles to be inserted to the same depth in the patient, thus reducing implant time.
It is further desired to shorten the time required for the preparation and implantation of a plurality of these elongated members.
Accordingly, some of the objectives of the present invention include providing an elongated member with seeds dispersed throughout, which obviates the aforementioned disadvantages and allows placement of the seeds in accurate positions to provide the desired interstitial radiation dose to the location derived from a preoperative dosimeter plan.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a delivery system for interstitial radiation therapy, which is faster and easier to use than prior art systems.
Another object of the present invention is a delivery system that causes a minimum of trauma to tissue.
A related object is to have the ability to implant a plurality of these delivery systems at the same time.
Yet, another object of the present invention is a delivery system that allows for control of the radiation dosage given the tissue. Still further objects of the present invention are a delivery system that can be used and placed with precision, and that maintains the position of the implant after the implantation, until the bio-compatible material dissolves and the seeds have become inert. In another aspect, the bio-compatible material is selected to absorb about when the half-life of the radioactive seeds is reached.
A further aspect is to have the implant be echogenic.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the delivery system comprises a substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated member that is bio-absorbable in living tissue. The member has a length that greatly exceeds its width or diameter. The elongated member has a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed therein in a predetermined array.
In another embodiment, the substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated member comprises a single continuous monofilament element of bio-compatible material that has a plurality of seed sources molded therein. The bio-compatible material can be preferably a bio-absorbable polymer or copolymer material that encapsulates the plurality of radioactive seeds.
A further embodiment of the invention is characterized as a substantially constant diameter solid elongated matrix member of a bio-absorbable polymer with seeds positioned therein at predetermined spacing along its length, whose diameter is a close fit to the needle lumen, thus preventing collapse as axial force is applied on the proximal end of the elongated matrix member. The space between the seed sources is maintained throughout the insertion and expulsion of the elongated matrix member. The diameter of the polymer between the seeds may be slightly reduced in diameter in relation to the overall diameter of the elongated matrix member, but is of sufficient diameter so as to not allow collapse of the matrix member within the needle lumen.
The present embodiment of the invention further allows for variation in any spacing between seeds, as the semi-rigid, deflecting elongate member could be produced under a doctor's prescription for each patient, with optimal seed distribution for a particular patients treatment program.
This one object of the invention is to provide an implant that can be custom made as specified by a prescription for an individual patient.
A related object is to provide a plurality of implants that can be easily implanted at the same time.
Further aspects, objects, advantage and embodiment of the invention can be understood from the specification, the figures and the claims.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a substantially axially, semi-rigid and longitudinally flexible elongated member made of material, which is bio-absorbable in living tissue, is provided for insertion in tumors. A plurality of radioactive seeds are encapsulated and positioned in a predetermined array in the member in the desired spaced relationships.
The seeds can be of various types having low energy and low half-life such as Iodine seeds, known as I-125 seeds, consisting of a welded titanium capsule containing iodine 125 absorbed on a silver rod, or Palladium 103 seeds. Examples of radioactive seeds used to manufacture the therapeutic element appear in Table 1 below.
Seed Manufacturers and Common Types of Seeds
Amersham 6711
Amersham 6733
Amersham 7000
RAPID Strand
North American Scientific
Best Industries
BEST Iodine-125
Mills Biopharmaceuticals
International Isotopes
Implant Sciences
International Brachytherapy
Advantage I-125
Source Tech
DRAXIMAGE, Inc.
North American Scientific
Pd Gold
Theraseed 200
Best Industries
BEST Palladium-103
International Brachytherapy
InterSource 103
Additionally, seeds can be manufactured using iridium 192, cesium 131, gold 198, yttrium 90 and phosphorus 32. Further radioactive isotopes used to manufacture seeds are not limited to these examples, but can include other sources of different types of radiation. In addition, it is to be understood that other types of seeds can be used. In particular, seeds such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,057, which patent is incorporated herein by reference and which is entitled "Absorbable Brachytherapy and Chemotherapy Delivery Devices and Methods", can be used with the present invention. These seeds include radiation delivery devices, drug delivery devices, and combinations of radiation and drug delivery devices in the form of beads, seeds, particles, rods, gels, and the like. These particular seeds are absorbable wherein the radiation element or drug delivery element is contained within, for example, absorbable polymers such as those listed below or in the above-referenced patent. In such seeds, the bio-absorbable structure can have a predefined persistence, which is the same as or substantially longer than a half-life of the radioactive element contained in the bio-absorbable structure. These above bio-absorbable seeds can be used in the same manner as the seeds described herein with respect to the invention.
The substantially axially, semi-rigid, and longitudinally flexible elongated member may be made of any of the natural and/or synthetic bio-compatible and bio-absorbable materials. Natural and synthetic polymers and copolymers can be used. Examples of synthetic bio-absorbable polymer materials are the polymers and copolymers of glycolide and lactide, polydioxanone and the like. Such polymeric materials are more fully described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,565,869; 3,636,956; 4,052,988 and European Patent Application No. 30822, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Specific examples of bio-absorbable polymeric materials that can be used to produce the substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated member of an embodiment of the present invention are polymers made by ETHICON, Inc., Somerville, N.J., under the trademarks "MONOCRYL" and "MAXON," which material is incorporated herein by reference.
Table 2 below provides examples of polymers (and manufacturers) suitable for use in producing embodiments the therapeutic member of the invention. A further discussion of such biodegradable polymers can be found in an article by John C. Middleton and Arthur J. Tipton entitled "Synthetic Biodegradable Polymers as Medical Devices", published March 1998 in Medical Plastics and Bio-materials, which article is incorporated herein by reference.
Biodegradable polymers, properties and degradation time.
6 to 12
12 to 16
6 to 12
6 to 12
5 to 6
4 to 5
3 to 4
1 to 2
aTensile or flexural modulus.
bTime to complete mass loss. Rate also depends on part geometry.
The final hardness of the polymer of elongate member should preferably be in a range from 20 to 80 durometers, and, more preferably, in the range of 20-40 durometers. The bio-absorbable material should preferably be absorbed in living tissue in a period of time of from about 70 to about 120 days, but can be manufactured to be absorbed anywhere in a range from 1 week to 1 year, depending on the therapeutic plan for each specific patient. Preferably, the bio-absorbable material is selected to absorb about when the half-life of the radioactive seeds is reached.
The member or strand is fashioned with a manufacturing method known as insert or compression molding. The radioactive seeds are placed into a fixture that spaces the seeds at the appropriate intervals in a cavity that is shaped to the desired final dimensions of the elongated member. All the spacings can be of different lengths, if the preoperative therapeutic plan so specifies. The synthetic polymer is introduced into the mold at a temperature that is above the melt point of the polymer. The polymer flows around the seeds within the cavity, surrounds the seeds and fills in the spaces between the seeds. After the mold has cooled, it is disassembled, and the finished elongated member is removed. Because the polymer flows at temperatures significantly greater than 250� F., the therapeutic element can easily be steam sterilized before implantation.
As specified above, the elongated member encapsulating radioactive seeds may be fashioned using compression molding techniques. Compression molding forms the molded piece in a two part mold where the polymer material is placed within the cavities of the mold in a liquid state. The seeds are placed in position within the cavities filled with the polymer and the mold is closed and compressed, then cooled to form a piece that conforms to the shape of the closed cavity.
The manufacturing process also can make the member echogenic. In the case of the molding of the elongated member, air can be entrapped in the polymer material. During the cooling stage of the molding process, the mold is placed in a vacuum chamber and the air in the chamber is evacuated. This causes the entrapped air in the mold to come out of solution from the polymer, and as the mold cools, this air is entrapped within the cooling polymer in the form of minute bubbles suspended in the plastic.
Air is a strong reflector of ultrasound energy, since the inherent impedance of air is many times greater than body tissue. When the elongated member is introduced into the body and imaged with ultrasound, the elongated member is clearly visible in the resulting image, and is, thus, echogenic.
The resulting elongated member is now a single solid monofilament of the polymer with the seeds spaced within the monofilament and encapsulated at the appropriate intervals. The member is generally very axially flexible such that it can be bent back upon itself in a circle without kinking. However, the member has sufficient column strength along its longitudinal axis so that the member can be urged out of a hollow needle without the member folding upon itself. Again, the intervals can be selected to be any distance or combination of distances that are optimal for the treatment plan of the patient.
Based on the above, it is evident that the present invention provides for an embodiment having an elongated member, which is comprised of a biodegradable polymer, which encapsulates a plurality of spaced radioactive therapeutic seeds. The seeds can be spaced in custom manner so that each member or strand is designed for the particular patient. That is to say that the spacing between each seed pair in a strand or member can be different for each seed pair. Further, each individual strand can have an entirely different seed spacing pattern than the next strand or member. Characteristically, or typically, for a surgical procedure, a plurality (e.g., 15-40) such strands or members are used to encircle the organ or tumor that is affected.
Further, such an arrangement provides for a strand or member that is stiff along its longitudinal axis. That is to say that the strand or member has column strength or stiffness while the strand or member is flexible in the direction which is radial or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the strand or member in a preferred embodiment is able to bend back upon and touch itself, when formed in a characteristic length.
In other embodiments, the strand or member can be made with the incorporation of drugs and/or hormones and/or other therapeutics, which are embedded in or formed in the polymer and/or seeds. Thus, the embodiment of the invention can deliver not only radioactive seeds, but such therapeutic drugs, hormones and other therapeutic devices. In addition, the strand or member can deliver heated seeds such as provided by ATI Medical of San Diego, Calif. These seeds can be preferably heated to from about six (6) degrees centigrade to about seventy (70) degrees centigrade after being inserted into a patient in a preferred embodiment. ATI Medical is located at (www.ATImedical.com), and reference to such heated seeds is incorporated herein by reference.
It should be understood that other seed types, such as plastic seeds, can be used with the present invention. Thus, for example, in addition to the above encapsulated seeds, seeds which are made of radioactive or coiled wires can be embedded in the polymer and be within the spirit and scope of the invention. These seeds can be individual seeds, which are spaced within a polymer, or a continuous seed which extends the length of the strand or member.
Further to the invention, as discussed above, it should be understood that the strand or member can be made echogenic by the incorporation of, for example, air bubbles 32 in the polymer spaces between the seeds, as can be seen in
According to the above, the advantages of the improved delivery system submitted of the present invention are:
As is known in the industry, there is software which can be used to provide brachytherapy treatment planning guides which are customized for each individual patient. Such software is provided, e.g., by Rossmed, of Columbia, Md. This particular software, which is incorporated herein by reference, is known as the Strata suite, which software helps physicians to develop and visualize low dose rate brachytherapy treatment plans for treating malignant tumors in human tissue. The treatments entail the use of radioactive seed sources, which are implanted adjacent to the malignant tissue. The Strata software uses imaging to create a three-dimensional reconstruction of the patient's anatomy. The software is able to plan the placement of the seeds within the target. The radiation dose that is delivered to the target can be computerized and visualized using the software. The software can then specify an optimal number of strands or members along with optimal seed dosages and spaces between seeds. At times, the loading plans so specified cannot be optimized by the physician in preparing the seed and spacer loads for the needles, as the spacers come in only predefined lengths.
Other exemplary systems, including software, that can be used to provide brachytherapy treatment planning that are customized for individual patients include the Eclipse Integrated Treatment Planning system and the VariSeed system 7.1, both of which are available from Varian Medical Systems, of Palo Alto, Calif. Information relating to such systems are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,490, entitled "Brachytherapy System for Prostate Cancer Treatment with Computer Implemented Systems and Processes to Facilitate Pre-Implantation Planning and Post-Implantation Evaluations with Storage of Multiple Plan Variations for a Single Patient", which is incorporated herein by reference. Other such systems can also be used.
Accordingly, with the present invention, the software can be used to prepare a prescription, which optimizes the number of members or strands, and placement and spacing of seeds for each of the strands or members. This optimization plan can then be sent to a manufacturing site. By using the techniques of an embodiment of the present invention, an optimized strand or member can be created with the specified number of seeds and the specified distances between each seed pair. Once this prescription is filled at the manufacturing site, the custom strand or member can be sent back to the physician for treatment of the patient. With such an arrangement, radiation patterns can be optimally established for the treatment of each patient. Further, the preparation time for the physician is greatly diminished as the physician does not have to hand assemble and hand load the seeds and spacers into the needle.
By using the diagnosis software to obtain precise dimensions of the target tumor or tissue, each individual strand can be custom-manufactured in such a way that the placement of seeds coincides with the target tissue precisely, while maintaining the same depth of implantation for a plurality of strands. All a physician has to do is to implant each strand in its designated spot to the same depth (for example, all strands would be implanted to the same relative distance from the template), and the seeds will be placed correctly within the treatment tissue. (In other words, no seeds will protrude beyond the boundaries of the treatment tissue.)
Prior planning and spacing of strands were on a 1 cm seed center to center basis (or 5.5 mm spacing between 4.5 mm seeds). Treatment plan optimization, e.g., using the above described systems and software, allows for any distance (i.e., custom distances) between seeds. More specifically, systems such as the Varian VariSeed system 7.1 offers planning outside the 1 cm seed to seed grid. Accordingly, the use of such systems allows for optimized dosimetry planning. Additionally, because strands of the present invention are not limited by predefined spacer lengths, embodiments of the present provide for strands that have optimized dosimetry. As will be described below, certain embodiments of the present invention related to preloaded needle assemblies that are loaded with loose seeds and spacers. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the spacers in such needle assemblies are not limited to any predefined lengths, but rather can be made to any desired length as specified by a treatment plan, thereby allowing for optimal dosimetry.
Improved Implantation Method and Seed Strands
As is known to the practitioner, generally prior art seed strands come in a fixed length. To correctly place each seed at its designated spot, previous methods required injecting hollow needles into the tissue and then retracting each needle by a certain amount before the strands can be implanted at the correct depth.
Refer to
With the use of these novel implants, the physician need not be concerned about the depth of the implant as each needle is urged into the patient to the same depth and each strand would be implanted at that depth as the needle is pulled back leaving the strand in place. There is no need to identify the distal end of each strand by ultrasound or visual inspection, or to specially position each strand to a custom depth. There is no concern or need to retract a needle before implanting any strand. Accordingly, the elapse time for the surgical procedure is shortened with less exposure of the physician to the strand and less time that the patient must endure the procedure.
According to embodiments of the invention, the strands are implanted into the patient according to a location map and an implantation plan. Each strand, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, is implanted to the same depth. The implantation map can be marked onto the patent or can be applied to a pliable material is laid over the implant site. Implantation can also occur without such a map and in accordance to an implantation plan. In a likely embodiment, a template, an example of which is discussed below, is placed over the implant site on the patient to provide an X-Y grid.
Another embodiment of the invention uses an exemplary device or template 53 as discussed below and as depicted in
The template, having a substantially flat surface 53 a on the bottom side, is maneuvered and positioned onto a tissue surface 55 of the patient
By using the template as a guide and the customized strands, the treating physician does not have to be concerned about variations in the implantation depth of each implant. Further, if multiple needles are injected at once, this method can substantially reduce the time needed for the procedure.
Subsequent rows of implants can be implanted by repeating the procedure outlined above. See
In accordance with specific embodiments of the present invention, a custom distal end spacer (e.g., 51 b) is integrally formed with a treatment strand (e.g., 51). In such an embodiment, a proximal end a custom distal end spacer may be attached to the adjacent treatment seed of the strand.
In accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention, a custom distal end spacer (e.g., 51B) is separate from the treatment strand, thereby allowing the custom distal end spacer to be removed, if necessary, without removing the strand. For example, a single needle can be loaded with a treatment strand as well as with a separate custom distal end spacer, thereby allowing for implantation of both during the same procedure that include insertion and removal of the needle. This would be useful, e.g., where the distal end of the custom distal end spacer is to be located near a patient's bladder. Normally, if a treatment strand is inserted too far into the patient causing it to enter the bladder, then the entire strand would have to be removed from the patient. However, if a separate custom distal end spacer got into the bladder, then it would be possible to remove the custom distal end spacer without removing the strand that follows the custom distal end spacer.
In accordance with other embodiments, a kit that includes a plurality of pre-loaded needle assemblies can include one or more needle having a custom distal end spacer that is integrally formed with the strand in the needle, as well as one or more needle having a custom distal end spacer that is separate from the strand in the needle. In such embodiments, it is likely that the needle(s) located with separate custom distal end spacer(s) are the needle(s) whose sharpened distal end will be inserted close to a patients bladder. In either arrangement, the custom distal end spacers should collectively enable the treatment plan to be satisfied when the distal ends of the custom distal end spacers are implanted to the same depth using needles inserted to the same depth, as described in detail above.
In accordance with specific embodiments of the present invention, a kit includes a plurality of pre-loaded needle assemblies that include loose seeds and spacers, with the most distal loose spacers in the needles being custom distal end spacers. In other words, a needle can include a loose custom distal end spacer followed by loose treatment seeds that are separated from on another by loose spacers, in accordance with a treatment plan. As with previous embodiments, the distal end spacers in the needles are customized so that a physician can implant the distal ends of the distal end spacers to the same depth using needles inserted to the same depth.
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the distal end spacers include anchoring mechanisms that reduce a tendency of the spacers to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation. Examples of such anchoring mechanisms are provided in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0158118 (Ser. No. 10/361,210), filed Feb. 10, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. Such anchoring mechanisms would be especially useful in those embodiments where the distal end spacers are not connected to strands.
Additional aspects, objects and advantages of the invention can be obtained through a review of the appendant claims and figures. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be fabricated and come within the spirit and scope of the claims and the invention.
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims and their equivalence.
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|Methods and apparatus for securing medical instruments to desired locations in a patient's body
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|Medical devices having nanoporous layers and methods for making the same
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|Aug 10, 2006
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|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jun 11, 2010
|May 17, 2012
|Van Der Laarse Rob
|System and Method for Generating a Radiation Treatment Plan for Use in Effecting Radiation Therapy in a Human or Animal Body
|Jun 11, 2010
|Nov 28, 2012
|A system and method for generating a radiation treatment plan for use in effecting radiation therapy in a human or animal body
|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jun 7, 2006
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Poundland may not be as cheap as you think
POUNDLAND have caused outrage among shoppers by selling products for more than £1.
Some of the discount store's retailers have reportedly been flogging goods for more than the suggested price.
And in some cases have even brought down prices in sales promotions to match the value.
On their website, the company writes: "Our Values. Everything for £1 was the idea of our founders in 1990 and we're still true to that great vision today."
"The same amazing price since 1990! We are very proud to offer you a single £1 price, that hasn't changed since we opened our first store."
Yet customers at the West Midlands-based retailer began to complain when DVDs began to be sold at £2 and other items were being reduced to more than a £1.
Poundland has denied their website has been misleading shoppers.
It argued the website "clearly identified the products that were distinct from their usual £1 items and only available for purchase under the 'conditional spend' promotion."
The company defended the £2 DVD promotion saying it was introduced for a trial period as a concession arrangement with a third party in a small number of their stores.
"We concluded that the ad was misleading."Spokesperson for Advertising Standards Authority
It was argued that they were clearly priced at £2 away from the £1 DVDs.
Yet the Advertising Standards Authority have ruled the website's claims that everything is £1 have sent the wrong message to customers.
A spokesperson said: "We concluded that the ad was misleading.
"The ad must not appear again in its current form. We told Poundland Ltd that their future advertising must not state or suggest that every item they sold cost £1."
The news comes just weeks after the firm announced it would be making a big to buy out the 99p stores.
If the deal goes ahead, the 99p Stores will be rebranded as Poundland and will begin the company's plan to have 1000 stores nationwide to take advantage of Brits love for value shopping.


text:
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text:
Governor Rick Scott today visited the Armed Forces Military Museum in Largo to highlight several pieces of legislation that benefit Florida's 1.6 million veterans and 58,000 active-duty military stationed in Florida.
Governor Scott applauded new legislation that financially helps military families by cutting property taxes for deployed servicemembers and allowing certain military spouses to begin working sooner after being transferred to Florida. Other bills included in today's bill signing ceremony increase outdoor recreational opportunities for Gold Star parents and injured war veterans.
In addition, the ongoing legacy of Florida's veterans will be recognized in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame to be created at the Florida State Capitol Building.
"Florida continues to be one of the most military friendly states in the nation, and the legislation I am signing today continues that proud tradition. As a veteran myself, I am proud that our state understands the importance of supporting the members of our military and their families, both during their time of service, as well as afterward," Governor Scott said. "The servicemen and women of our Armed Forces, Florida National Guard and reserve units deserve our gratitude and respect for defending the freedoms we as Americans enjoy."
House Bill 1319, Certificates and Licenses for Certain Health Care Practitioners, allows military spouses who are licensed health care professionals to begin working sooner after they relocate to Florida. When active duty members of the Armed Forces are transferred to Florida military bases, their spouses often cannot begin working until they receive the appropriate professional licenses, causing a financial hardship on military families. This legislation allows military spouses who are licensed health care practitioners in other states to receive a temporary Florida license while they wait for a permanent license.
Temporary certificates issued to physicians who practice in areas of critical need are named in honor of the late Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins Jr., former executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. Admiral Collins, who passed away last year, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the United States Navy and Navy Reserve for 34 years, retiring as a two-star Admiral. Before his death, he advocated for the legislation and worked with former state Senator Durell Peaden and Terry Meek, executive director of the Florida Council of Medical School Deans, to lay the groundwork for the bill. Jane Collins, wife of Admiral Collins, and their family also attended today's ceremony.
Other bills highlighted today by Governor Scott, Lt. Governor Carroll and legislators honor active-duty servicemembers and veterans in the following ways:
* House Bill 95 -- State Parks
The bill honors Gold Star parents with free lifetime entrance into all of Florida's 160 state parks. Parents of fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard or reserve components will receive a free lifetime annual entrance pass, as will surviving spouses and parents of law enforcement officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty.
Free lifetime entrance to state parks is also available to veterans with service-related disabilities, and discounts are available to those who currently serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces. For more information, visit http://floridastateparks.org/thingstoknow/annualpass.cfm.
* House Bill 663 -- State Forests
The bill honors the service of injured war veterans by providing special outdoor recreational opportunities for them. The Division of Forestry will designate one or more areas of state forests as "Wounded Warrior Special Hunt Areas." With funding from the Friends of Florida State Forests Program, all active duty members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with combat-related injuries will now have access to specialized hunting areas that are specially adapted to assist their needs.
* House Bill 465 -- Veteran's Hall of Fame
The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA) will design and manage the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame to be located inside the Florida State Capitol Building on the Plaza Level. The Governor and the Cabinet will select the nominees to be inducted based on recommendations from FDVA. Each veteran selected will have his or her name placed on a plaque in the Hall of Fame. A formal induction ceremony will coincide with the annual commemoration of Veterans' Day.
* House Bill 1141 -- Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Deployed Service Members
Authorized by the constitutional amendment approved by Florida voters in November 2010, this legislation provides an additional homestead exemption on property taxes for deployed service members who were on active duty outside the U.S. in the previous year. The exemption is based on the number of days the servicemember was deployed, and all deployed members of U.S. military, including Coast Guard, National Guard and the reserve units, are eligible.
Later today, Governor Scott will meet with members of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society at Naval Air Station Jacksonville to discuss the bills and benefits to Florida's military, veterans and their families.
For veteran benefit information and assistance, visit the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs online at www.FloridaVets.org or call (850) 487-1533.
Source: http://www.flgov.com/2011/07/05/governor-scott-signs-legislation-to-support-florida%E2%80%99s-1-6-million-military-veterans/


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Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Price: $$
Located in the former home of an Israeli eatery, Padi still looks more like a falafel house than anything distinctly Asian. Yet the restaurant is that rare place where Indonesian expats can get food that tastes like it does back home. Padi's stock in trade is its sambal, the fiery, chile-based condiment that Indonesians slather on everything like ketchup. Chef Jimmy Sujanto's delicious version plays the leading role in Padi's ayem penyet — chicken that's fried until the skin crisps, then smashed and smothered in sambal — and is great, too, on a plate of batter-fried hard-boiled eggs. Pro tip: Even chile fanatics might want to think twice before requesting the "crazy spicy" spice level. For spice wimps, standout dishes with little to no chile kick include the bakso kampung (handmade beef balls) and the fried fish cakes.
Price: $$
Payment Type: Cash, all major credit cards


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Practical Occultism/ Southern Conjuring
Author Mitch Horowitz discussed what works with magic and the occult. Conjure woman Starr Casas shared rituals of Conjure and folk magic.More » Host: George Noory
Mitch Horowitz is a PEN Award-winning author and publisher, with a lifelong interest in man's search for meaning. He is vice-president and editor-in-chief at Tarcher/Penguin in New York. Mitch has put together a serious, wide-ranging study of all the magical, mystical, and spiritual movements that have arisen and influenced American history in often-surprising ways.
Author Mitch Horowitz discussed what works with magic and the occult. Conjure woman Starr Casas shared rituals of Conjure and folk magic.More » Host: George Noory
Dr. Lynne Kitei spoke about the 20th anniversary of the 'Phoenix Lights.' Followed by Mitch Horowitz on how to use positive-mind principles.More » Host: George Noory
Author and researcher Mitch Horowitz discussed the growing popularity of witchcraft, and the worldwide revival of Wicca and pagan traditions. Yet, with this upsurge, there has been an unfortunate growing wave of violence against witches. Followed by Open Lines in the latter half.More » Host: George Noory
In the first half, chronicler of the occult and esoteric, Mitch Horowitz, discussed the "13 steps to riches" (from Napoleon Hill's classic book Think and Grow Rich), why they work, and the one thing that people... More »Host: George Noory
In the first half, Hollywood ghosthunter Rick McCallum talked about the many ghost hunting locations he and his ghost hunting group have been to, and the inexplicable paranormal activity they've seen.
In the latter half, noted chronicler of the occult and esoteric, More »Host: George Noory
First half guest Mitch Horowitz talked to George about the history of occult and the paranormal connected to the office of the President of the United States. He related the occult interests of Ronald and Nancy Reagan and their lifelong use of psychics on a sometimes daily basis. Also discussed were the mystical roots of Donald Trump's... More »Host: George Noory
Author and editor Mitch Horowitz joined George in the first half. He talked about the origins of many superstitions and how they affect everything from marriage ceremonies to presidential elections. He says that superstitions are common and very similar throughout the world and across cultures. "Sound Off" Open Lines where... More »Host: George Noory
On a festive Thanksgiving evening, George Noory welcomed surprise guests coming in through the Secret Door. In separate one-hour segments, we heard from the well-known voice of esoteric ideas, Mitch Horowitz, research physicist and author Stan Deyo, paranormal researcher
In the first half, editor-in-chief of Tarcher/Penguin Books and well-known voice of esoteric ideas, Mitch Horowitz, discussed how some powerful world leaders have used the occult as well as various divination techniques and rituals. Open Lines followed in the second half.More » Host: George Noory
In the first half, editor in chief of Tarcher/Penguin Books, and well-known voice of occult and esoteric ideas, Mitch Horowitz, discussed the core discovery of the 21st century: how thought controls reality.
Appearing during the third hour, researcher More »Host: George Noory
In the first half, author and investment advisor, Catherine Austin Fitts, shared her unique perspective on how to navigate the opportunities and risks in the global financial system and political economy.
In the latter half, well-known voice of occult and esoteric ideas, More »Host: George Noory
In the first half of the program, host Dave Schrader (email) welcomed well-known voice of occult and esoteric ideas, Mitch Horowitz, for a discussion on the history of superstitions including the popular fear of... More »Host: Dave Schrader
Well-known voice of occult and esoteric ideas, Mitch Horowitz, discussed his research into the history and prevalence of the positive thinking movement in America.
First hour guest, investment advisor Catherine Austin Fitts talked about the confirmation of Janet Yellin as... More »Host: George Noory
Author and publisher Marshall Masters discussed a specific crop circle, seen in Avebury Manor, UK in 2008, that depicts the planets in our solar system in the position they'll be in on December 21, 2012. According to his decoding of the crop formation's message,... More »Host: George Noory
During the first three hours, well-known voice of occult and esoteric ideas, Mitch Horowitz discussed how the occult is very much part of American history including the Ouija board, trance mediumship, & astrology.
Last hour guest, author William... More »Host: George Noory
Executive editor of Tarcher/Penguin, Mitch Horowitz, shared an in-depth look at the occult, which he explained is all about the pursuit of self-knowledge.An effort was made by the early church to associate paganism and nature-based religions which delved into hidden abilities with something sinister, he said.More » Host: George Noory
John Prados discussed the CIA and how the agency has changed over the decades. Last hour guest Sonja Grace talked about spiritual healing.More »


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Rooms, services Guests looking for accommodation in Fresno are welcome to book 50 nicely furnished rooms at SUPER 8 FRESNO CONVNTION CTR Fresno. You can find the exact list of services provided by SUPER 8 FRESNO CONVNTION CTR Fresno (including those for extra fees) and the exact equipment of the rooms on the information sheet below.
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