text:
OnBuzz is Changing the Way We Make and Market Films
Discovering great films is a transformative experience. As the features programmer for the Pendance Film Festival in Toronto, I sifted through hundreds of films from around the world during the process of compiling the lineup of our festival's 2019 edition.
After watching A.J. Edwards' Friday's Child for the first time, I immediately knew it was a keeper. The film is an intense, devastating look at the struggles of an orphan named Richie (Tye Sheridan) after he ages out of the Texas foster care system at the…
- Press Release – ONBUZZ, SOCIAL IMPACT FILM COMPANY, JOINS FORCES WITH TEXAS COMMISSIONERS AND NONPROFITS TO BRAINSTORM SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN AGING OUT OF U.S. FOSTER CARE SYSTEM
- WINNER Shanghai International Film Festival 2018 Best Actor – Tye Sheridan Sheridan is the first American actor to win this award.
- WINNER Shanghai International Film Festival 2018 Best Cinematography – Jeff Bierman
- Shanghai International Film Festival Golden Goblet Nominee
- The OnBuzz Social Impact Accelerator will harness the power of this message to emotionally and empathetically connect with our demographic nationwide.
- The OnBuzz platform will spur individuals and communities to action, resulting in a sustainable and transformative movement for social good.
"This is a fascinating, beautiful movie, one of the best of SXSW 2018."
"Friday's Child is a great showcase for Sheridan and recalls kids like fragile objects who lack the support to withstand relentless pressure." – VARIETY
"Friday's Child is a feast for the eyes and Tye Sheridan's emotional vulnerability anchors the film" – TEXAS MONTHLY
"A gorgeous spectacle that never sacrifices narrative for beauty" – CINAPSE
"Tye Sheridan anchors the story with his striking portrayal of a quietly strong 18 year-old transitioning to a life of his own. Imogen Poots, Caleb Landry Jones, Jeffrey Wright (Bernard from HBO's Westworld) and Brett Butler round out the exemplary cast, elevating familiar scenes with their weighty presence." Matt Delman, Ioncinema.com
- OnBuzz tops the box office for week of March 5th, 2018, generating $783,300 in revenue and beating out all major studios.
- All Tortured for Christ tickets were pre-sold and theaters were not greenlit until a desired threshold was met, eliminating costs and risks of low capacity.
- OnBuzz's unique Social Impact Strategy, implemented for Tortured For Christ, brought together a film audience of 62,664 Christians and over 5,000 church leaders across the United States in support of persecuted Christians worldwide.
- Press Release – CHRISTIAN FILM BEATS THE ODDS, TOPS BOX OFFICE CHARTS USING UNIQUE SOCIAL IMPACT STRATEGY
"What an incredible experience watching Tortured for Christ tonight. … ended with over 100 people singing "In Christ Alone" in a public movie theater. Amazing. #inchristalone" –@Cooper_Smith9
"What a moving, powerful, and quality production! After watching it, I feel shallow and ashamed that I ever battle fear when it comes to sharing my faith. It has had a profound effect on my Christian walk…" – Ray Comfort, Author
The Letters, The Untold Story of Mother Teresa
- Films in Hollywood are rarely re-released, needing to meet qualifications on a number of levels – The Letters is one of the films selected for this remarkable opportunity.
- This second release of The Letters, a biographical film on the life of Mother Teresa, will occur on the day of her canonization as a Saint in the Catholic Church.
- The Letters, as told through personal letters she wrote over the last 40 years of her life, reveal the personal thoughts of a troubled and vulnerable women who grew to feel isolated and abandoned by God. The story's point of view is from a Vatican priest entrusted with the task of investigating acts and events following Mother Teresa's death.
- Press Release – MOTHER TERESA BIOPIC HONORED WITH RARE RE-RELEASE IN THEATERS
The Letters – Re-releasing in theaters on September 4, 2018, the anniversary of the date Mother Teresa was canonized.
- In the fall of 2017, OnBuzz was graciously invited to the opening night of Mully in Los Angeles, California to assist in a 3-day campaign to promote the film's theatrical launch.
- What happens when a 6-year-old boy in Kenya is abandoned by his family and left to raise himself on the streets? Mully, no ordinary rags-to-riches tale, tells the true story of Charles Mully, whose unlikely stratospheric rise to wealth and power leaves him questioning his own existence and searching for meaning in life. Against the better judgment of family and community, Mully sets out to enrich the fate of orphaned children across Kenya. Charles Mully risks everything, including the security of his family and his own life, to set a series of astonishing events in motion.
- OnBuzz is elated to share this inspiring true story and documentary film with audiences interested in positively impacting the lives of orphaned individuals worldwide.
- For tickets and theater locations: https://mullymovie.com/theaters
Every Rock Has a Story
OnBuzz filmed a documentary of 30 kids during a life-changing trek to the 5th tallest mountain in Colorado! Each camper carried a rock that represented their individual struggles and left it at the summit symbolically representing their desire to give it to God.
Every Rock has a Story: High in the North American Rockies atop Mt. Elbert, above a pristine landscape of glacial lakes and cascading forests, T.E.A.M. Ascend leads burdened people hoping to lose the invisible loads that they've carried all this way. In the peace of the wilderness, in the hands of the God that made the mountain, these veteran guides minister in a quiet place that reflects the glory of One who can carry all burdens; One who still speaks in a small still voice that cuts through all of the noise and the pain.
LightWorkers Pre-Launch Event
OnBuzz was invited for a pre-launch event with Roma Downey's media company, LightWorkers, whose mission is to brighten your day and celebrate the good all around us — reminding us that the human spirit is unwavering, full of possibility and capable of inspiring change. LightWorkers and OnBuzz are planning three more events this Fall.
MegaFest Conference in Dallas, Texas
OnBuzz allowed the 100,000 participants at the T.D. Jake's MegaFest conference in Dallas to memorialize their experience with the Interactive Kiosk. Participants took branded photos and shared their four day experience of film screenings, empowerment sessions, concerts, and so much more!
Purpose Driven Life Conference, Saddleback Church
OnBuzz partnered with Rick Warren's Saddleback Church for the second year. Church leaders from around the world renewed their vision and learned church strategies and proven ministry best practices from experienced leaders. The OnBuzz Interactive Kiosks allowed the attendees to memorialize their experience and share photos with friends and family.
Little Boy
Little Boy Premier Launches National 'Acts of Kindness" Digital Engagement Campaign Using Active New Metric developed by OnBuzz
Little Boy is the story of a little boy who is willing to do whatever it takes, even if he needs to move mountains to bring his dad home from World War II alive. Set in the 1940s, Little Boy is an instant cinematic classic that captures the wonder of life through the eyes of a 7-year-old little boy highlighting themes of faith, hope and love in the face of adversity.
Little Boy is the catalyst for a revolutionary approach to film financing and marketing pioneered by OnBuzz. This innovative initiative encourages moviegoers to complete acts of kindness, a central theme of Little Boy, ultimately turning the movie into a movement.
OnBuzz incorporated interactive kiosks at the premieres where moviegoers took "selfies" on the red carpet with their favorite "moving mountains" pose and then distributed them to their personal social networks via a social gateway to help promote the film and tell the world about their experiences helping others. This was the first time such an innovative technology has been used in a theatrical film release.
- Over 1,400 people attended the Red Carpet premieres in Austin and New Orleans
- Opening Night, 467 of the approximately 1,400 moviegoers or 33% took a "selfie" in a "moving mountains" pose in front of the Little Boy backdrop and accepted the "acts of kindness" challenge.
- They in turn distributed their selfies to 776 of their friends who then expanded the reach to their own social networks.
- The initial promotion generated 1,568 total digital engagements nearly doubling the actual live attendance.
- The interactive kiosks remained in place after the premieres and in the week following the premieres, an additional 438 moviegoers took selfies and distributed them to an additional 878 of their friends more than doubling the actual live attendance again.
- Utilizing this technology OnBuzz is able to dramatically expand the reach of the advertising spend, either reducing the spend by nearly 75% or generating 400% of the audience with the same spend.


text:
14 comments
I Wish you Merry Christmas!ReplyDelete
Thank you for the party.
Have a lovely Christmas Julie, I can not wait to spend time with my family too :) Thanks for hosting.ReplyDelete
Ooh Julie, I LOVE those Christmas stats that you crocheted. I may make some after Christmas is over to be prepared for next year! Thank you for sharing the directions, and for hosting with all the wonderful features. I hope you enjoy this last week before Christmas.ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for the party!!ReplyDelete
Your crocheted stars are adorable Julie! Have a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for hosting weekly, and I will see you on Jan 8!ReplyDelete
Hi Julie! I'm sharing my Brandy and Mincemeat Cake, a great last minute alternative to fruit cake. I've tweaked the recipe to make it even tastier! Thank you so much for hosting the parties. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!ReplyDelete
Thank you for hosting. I love sharing with your readers and always find inspiration here. Have a blessed week! #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThingsReplyDelete
Thank you for hosting!ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for Featuring my Cookies! I'm making another batch this week. My family loves them. Merry Christmas to you and your family!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousDecember 18, 2017 at 4:55 PM
Thanks for the party! Have a Merry Christmas!ReplyDelete
There are some links here that I am going to have to visit. You do a nice job putting this all together every week,Julie. Merry Christmas and blessings- xo DianaReplyDelete
The Raspberry Sherbert Punch in the link up sounds like a great addition to the work party we're having. Maybe I'll whip up a batch!! Happy Holidays to you!ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for featuring my home! Merry Christmas!!ReplyDelete
It's always fun to join your link party!ReplyDelete
Happy Holidays!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and your comments always make me happy.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Applications Open: Myer Innovation Fellowships
July 18th, 2016
Over the past two years the Myer Innovation Fellowship program unearthed six amazing individuals who have used the nine month Fellowship to help realise their big idea. The 2016 cohort of Fellows is equally impressive.
Now, we're looking for the 2017 Fellows. The program seeks exceptional leaders across all sectors (private, public and non-profit) and from all types of professional backgrounds. For us, the idea is king. We will consider both quality of the break-through idea and the capacity of the applicant to implement this idea.
In 2017 three Fellows will each receive $100,000 along with select administrative and operational support for their nine to twelve months commitment to the program.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step outside the routine and rhythm of everyday life and chase down an answer to the great tests we face as a nation.
Learn more about the Myer Innovation Fellowships and start your application on the program page.
Homepage Image: 2016 Fellow Marita Cheng.Return to top


text:
This site uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. To continue and to comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
View as Grid List
12 Items
Best Sellers
With 21 million units sold to date, this protective case takes the hit for your phone, drop after drop.
Ultra-thin Protection
These microbe-fighting, plant-based cases may be super-slim; but take it from us, they'll protect your phone day in, day out.
Wallet Case
With a built-in card holder, secure magnetic closure and unrivalled impact protection, travelling lightly has never been easier.
Screen Protection
Transparent, thin and scratch-resistant. Our perfectly aligned shields have got you (and your screens) completely covered.
Evo Gem
This slimline, gem-patterned case definitely stands out in a crowd while durable materials make drops a lot easier to bear.
Evo Mesh
A modern, slimline design paired with rock-solid drop protection and great functionality. What's not to love?
View as Grid List
12 Items


text:
Elemental Bonds: Doubt
|Protect Thrall from the elements
DescriptionI do know the one you seek... but I do not know if it is wise for you to follow him. He has cast himself into the cyclone. The winds now tear at his body and mind, leaving nothing but shreds of flesh and doubt.
Chasing after him would only expose you to the same fate. The wind's edge leaves nothing uncut.
You have been warned. Now what will you do?
What is this... water?
RewardsYou will receive:
GainsUpon completion of this quest you will gain:
- 350 reputation with The Earthen Ring
Please keep the following in mind when posting a comment:
- Your comment must be in English or it will be removed.
- Unsure how to post? Check out our handy guide!
- You might want to proof-read your comments before posting them.
- Please post questions on our forums for quicker reply.
Simply browse for your screenshot using the form below.
- Screenshots containing UI elements are generally declined on sight, the same goes for screenshots from the modelviewer or character selection screen.
- The higher the quality the better!
- Please review our Screenshot Guidelines before submitting!
Simply type the URL of the video in the form below.
The Wowhead Client is a little application we use to keep our database up to date, and to provide you with some nifty extra functionality on the website!
It serves 2 main purposes:
- It maintains a WoW addon called the Wowhead Looter, which collects data as you play the game!
- It uploads the collected data to Wowhead in order to keep the database up-to-date!
You can also use it to keep track of your completed quests, recipes, mounts, companion pets, and titles!
So, what are you waiting for? Download the client and get started.


text:
Learn how to reverse Type 2 Diabetes
According to the National Diabetes Fact Sheet, in 2010, 25.8 million or 8.3% of the US population people were affected by diabetes. In just 2 years, 29.1 million people or 9.3% of the U.S. population have diabetes. It is estimated that 8.1 million people are undiagnosed. These are staggering statistics.
Seventy percent or more of our healthcare costs are tied to the treatment of conditions that are preventable including diabetes. This is most often a result of dietary lifestyle. The Standard American Diet has done more to wreak havoc on our health than motor vehicle accidents and has apparently skyrocketed our healthcare costs.
NOTE: Previous classes you attended do not count toward your new enrollment.
Date, time, and location of class:
Meeting days, times, and locations vary.
Class size:
Classes vary based on the number of participants.
Contact me today, so I can help you choose to create your best life worth living!
Pain 2 Wellness Healthcare, LLC


text:
Holiday Accommodation ideal for fishing in Poitou-Charentes
We have found 20 properties to book, based on your search for Holiday Accommodation ideal for fishing in Poitou-Charentes, France.
Bellevue Manor House Luxury Gites South West France
Holiday Apartment in Birac, Charente, France
Bellevue is a 17th Century manor house set in private grounds of 6 acres surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside right in the heart of Cognac country.Offering luxurious git...
£ 590.00 - £ 1,460.00 per week
Sleeps: 8Wheelchair Friendly Accessible
Pres Du Puits Self Catering Gites with Pool Charente-Maritime
Holiday Cottage in Le Grand Chevallon, Charente-Maritime, France
There are 2 comfortable and well equipped self-catering Gites, recently renovated,each sleeping 2,situated in the grounds of a charming Charentais Farmhouse. In addition B&B is av...
£ 105.00 - £ 470.00 per week
Sleeps: 2Wheelchair Friendly Accessible
Large Self-catering Holiday Home with Heated Swimming Pool Cheniers Archingeay in SW France
Holiday Home in archingeay, Charente-Maritime, France
The IDEAL FAMILY HOLIDAY. With HEATED POOL, SATELLITE TV and WiFi ACCESS.A beautiful, secluded, peaceful, VERY PRIVATE, tastefully converted 18c Charentaise farmhouse set in 2 acre...
£ 600.00 - £ 1,750.00 per week
Sleeps: 12
Tamarisk Self Catering Cottage West France
Holiday Cottage in Dampierre sur Boutonne, Charente-Maritime, France
This comfortable self catering cottage sleeps 2. There are twin beds upstairs with shower/toilet room. Downstairs is sitting area, dining area and equipped kitchen. Bedding supplie...
£ 140.00 - £ 240.00 per week
Sleeps: 2Pet & Dog Friendly Pets Welcome
2 bedroom cottage with pool
Holiday Cottage in St JUst France, Charente-Maritime, France
Beaches nearby, huge shared and fenced solar-heated pool, private garden as well as big shared grounds, near Royan, part of a group of 6 cottages. Child friendly with kiddy play ar...
£ 340.00 - £ 925.00 per week
Sleeps: 6Pet & Dog Friendly Pets Welcome
Le Logis near La Rochelle beaches and pool
Holiday Home in st just, Charente-Maritime, France
Five bedroom property with big grounds and large shared (fenced) pool, beaches nearby. he house has its own private walled garden (wuith bbq and garden furniture) as well as huge s...
£ 720.00 - £ 2,200.00 per week
Sleeps: 7Pet & Dog Friendly Pets Welcome
Wheelchair Friendly Accessible
Chateau de Rochebonne near La Rochelle
Holiday Home in st just luzac, Charente-Maritime, France
Private pool, private grounds, close to sandy beaches, 8 bedrooms, most unusual, pretty chateau loaded with history
£ 1,285.00 - £ 3,730.00 per week
Sleeps: 14Pet & Dog Friendly Pets Welcome
La Grange Ancienne Beb & Breakfast near Montrollet South West France
B&B in Montrollet, Charente, France
Beautiful barn convertion B&B in the Charente countryside offering two double en-suite B&B rooms + use of pool. Beauty treatments also available. near the city of Limoges and the t...
€ 45.00 per night
Sleeps: 4
Les Deux Pignons Guest House Rural France
B&B in Le Busseau, Deux-Sevres, France
Fantastic farmhouse guest house with food. Close to Puy du Fou, La Rochelle and Venise Verte. Great value for money. Great Rooms and Great Food. Rural setting.
€ 50.00 - € 60.00 per night
Sleeps: 6
Les Jonquilles Guest House B&B Poitou Charente France
B&B in Chef Boutonne, Deux-Sevres, France
Les Jonquilles B&B is a pretty French village house, located close to the historic Chateau Javarzay and within walking distance of Chef Boutonne. Suitable for families, couples & g...
€ 42.00 - € 48.00 per night
Sleeps: 8
Le Manoir Souhait
B&B in Gourvillette, Charente-Maritime, France
Stunning 19c Country House in Charente Maritime. Heated pool,Jacuzzi & sauna set in a lovely garden enclosure. House bar. Our guests appreciate the careful attention to detail in t...
€ 98.00 - € 120.00 per night
Sleeps: 10
L'Ancienne Ecole Chambres d'hote B&B in the West of France
B&B in Lezay, Deux-Sevres, France
Charming former school house in the Poitou - Charente countryside. Offers a warm welcome and comfortable stay in a peaceful village with all facilities close by. Our West France Ch...
€ 55.00 - € 75.00 per night
Sleeps: 7Wheelchair Friendly Accessible
Le Voltaire Chambre d'Hotes B&B Airvault Poitou Charentes
B&B in Airvault, Deux-Sevres, France
Relax at our beautiful 19C luxury, stylish mansion home, where we will ensure that you feel right at home throughout your stay. Comfortable beds ensure a refreshing night's sleep....
€ 45.00 - € 70.00 per night
Sleeps: 14
La Belle Charmeuse B&B Luxe France
B&B in Luxe, Charente, France
Our bed and breakfast is a 19th century 'maison bourgeoise' set on 1,3 pastoral wooded hectare.located in Luxe, 20 minutes from Angoulême and ideally situated for access to La Roch...
€ 54.00 - € 92.00 per night
Sleeps: 4
Chez Jacqueline B&B with Pool in Deuz Sevres France
B&B in Paizay le Chapt Nr Chef Boutonne, Deux-Sevres, France
Typical Charentaise house with swimming pool set in over an acre of well stocked garden. One double bedroom and one family room sleeping 3. Tea and coffee making facilities. Freevi...
€ 45.00 - € 60.00 per night
Sleeps: 5
Le Moulin de Chazotte La Principale Holiday Cottage France
Holiday Cottage in Cherves Richemont, Charente, France
'La Principale' is a self-catering holiday cottage at Le Moulin de Chazotte. This is a magnificent French water mill dating back to the 15th century. Set in rural tranquility in 11...
€ 800.00 - € 1,400.00 per week
Sleeps: 7


text:
Campings Grup SÈNIA.
All SENIA establishments are located in very special spots in Catalonia. You will have the opportunity to learn more about our tradition, history and gastronomy.
Our working paths are based in personal treatment, constant innovation and a good price-quality relation.
You can choose between Bungalow, Mobile-homes, Apartments or a camping plot. No matter what you decide, for there is only one goal: to make your holidays unforgettable !


text:
JAST USA Adds School Days HQ Visual Novel Software
posted on by Egan Loo
The game localization company JAST USA announced on Tuesday that its new JAST Densetsu brand is collaborating with the Japanese game maker 0verflow and the localization group Sekai Project to release the adult visual novel software School Days HQ in English this year. School Days HQ is the software and graphics upgrade — with new scenes — to 0verflow's original visual novel that inspired the anime of the same name. According to JAST USA, the English release will be uncensored and will have over 20 endings, including the harem endings and the sometimes violent bad endings.
In the story, a love triangle develops when a boy enlists his close female friend to help him attract the attention of a girl in their same school. The 2007 School Days television anime series adaptation gained unexpected media attention when its final episode was preempted by a real-life axe murder in Japan. Instead of the final episode, the television stations aired a series of unrelated scenery images and the following text: "The programming has changed due to certain circumstances." The substituted boat scenery images led to the "nice boat" catchphrase that has spread throughout the overseas anime fandom and even into Japan.
The media-distribution website Crunchyroll began streaming the anime in North America in 2009.
[Via Akira Kazami, encubed, Ko Ransom]


text:
August 5th: On this day
1956, Doris Day was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Whatever Will Be Will Be', the singer actress' second UK No.1 single. The Oscar-winning song was featured in Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 film, The Man Who Knew Too Much, with Doris Day and James Stewart in the lead roles.
1957, American Bandstand first aired on US TV. Dick Clark had replaced Bob Horn the previous year when the show was still called Bandstand, Clark went on to host the show until 1989. Countless acts appeared on the show over the years, including ABBA, The Doors, Talking Heads, Madonna, Otis Redding, R.E.M. and Pink Floyd.
1965, The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Help!' The group's eighth consecutive UK No.1 single. John Lennon later stated he wrote the lyrics of the song to express his stress after the Beatles' quick rise to success. "I was fat and depressed and I was crying out for 'Help'."
1965, Jan Berry of Jan and Dean was accidentally knocked off a camera car and broke his leg on the first day of filming a new film Easy Come, Easy Go. Several other people were also hurt, causing Paramount to cancel the movie entirely.
1966, The Beatles Revolver was released in the UK. The bands seventh album featured: 'Taxman', 'Eleanor Rigby', 'I'm Only Sleeping', 'Here, There and Everywhere', 'She Said She Said', 'And Your Bird Can Sing' and 'Tomorrow Never Knows'.
1968, American country guitarist Luther Perkins died at the age of 40 as a result of severe burns and smoke inhalation. Perkins fell asleep at home in his den with a cigarette in his hand. He was dragged from the fire unconscious with severe second and third degree burns. Perkins never regained consciousness. He worked with Johnny Cash and The Carter Family and featured on the live album Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison.
1969, George Harrison had his new Moog synthesizer brought into the studio for The Beatles to use in finishing their forthcoming album Abbey Road. Moog overdubs were recorded onto the new song 'Because'.
1972, Aerosmith signed to CBS Records for $125,000 after record company boss Clive Davis saw them play at Max's Kansas City Club New York.
1975, Drummer Sandy West and guitarist Joan Jett formed the first ever all female heavy rock band after being introduced by producer Kim Fowley. The Runaways released four studio albums, among its best known songs: 'Cherry Bomb', 'Queens of Noise' and a cover of The Velvet Underground's 'Rock n Roll'.
1978, The Rolling Stones went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Miss You' the group's eighth US No.1, was also a No.3 hit in the UK. The song was written by Mick Jagger after jamming with keyboardist Billy Preston during rehearsals for forthcoming club dates the Stones were playing.
1979, Def Leppard signed to Phonogram records with an advance of £120,000 pounds ($180,000) giving them a 10% royalty on 100% of sales for the first two years.
1983, Crosby Stills Nash & Young member David Crosby was sentenced to five years in jail in Texas for cocaine and firearms offences. Crosby had slept through most of his trial.
1984, Bruce Springsteen played the first of ten nights at the Meadowlands in New Jersey to mark the homecoming of the Born in the USA Tour.
1986, Culture Club keyboard player Michael Rudetsky was found dead at Boy George's London home in Hampstead.
1989, Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers had their first of three UK No.1's with 'Swing The Mood'. Produced by the father and son DJ team of Andy and John Pickles, Swing the Mood fused a number of early rock and roll records with liberal use of Glenn Miller's 'In The Mood.'
1992, Jeff Porcaro drummer from Toto died age 38. His death has been the subject of controversy: some say the attack was caused by an allergic reaction to garden pesticide, while others say Porcaro's heart was weakened by smoking and cocaine use. Porcaro also worked with many other acts including Sonny and Cher, Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Steely Dan, Paul Simon and Boz Scaggs.
1993, Randy Hobbs, bass player with The McCoys, Edgar Winter Group and Motrose was found dead in his hotel room in Dayton Ohio from a drug overdose aged 45.
1995, Take That played the first of ten sold out nights at The Nynex Arena, Manchester, (the shows were without Robbie Williams who had quit the group on 17th July 1995). The group were also at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Never Forget', their 7th UK No.1 and last with Robbie Williams.
1996, It was reported that UK TV music show Top Of The Pops had hit rock bottom with it's lowest audience ever – only two and a half million viewers. In its heyday the show attracted over 17 million viewers each week.
2000, Police were called to Gary Glitter's West London home after a crowd gathered outside and started to shout abuse. The former pop star was back in London to attend to business affairs before heading abroad again.
2005, Bob Dylan's song 'Like a Rolling Stone' topped a poll of rock and film stars to find the music, movies, TV shows and books that changed the world. The 1965 single beat Elvis Presley's 'Heartbreak Hotel' into second place in a survey for Uncut magazine. Paul McCartney, Noel Gallagher, Robert Downey Jr, Rolling Stone Keith Richards and Lou Reed were among those who gave their opinions.
2007, DNA testing on about a dozen people who claimed late soul star James Brown was their father revealed that at least two of them were telling the truth. A former adviser for the singer, Buddy Dallas, said he could not confirm exact figures, as further test results were forthcoming. His will, which was being disputed in court, named six children.
2007, Beatles fans feared the misuse of the Fab Four's music had hit rock bottom following the decision to license 'All You Need Is Love' for use in a nappy advert. Procter & Gamble had purchased the rights to use the song from Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which now owned Northern Songs, the Beatles' catalogue. The ad featured a baby jumping on a teddy bear in a disposable nappy which offered 'ultimate leak protection.'
2008, American singer, songwriter Robert Hazard died after surgery for pancreatic cancer. He wrote Cyndi Lauper's, 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun', and fronted Robert Hazard and the Heroes in the 80's.
2009, A 53-year-old who claimed he was secretly engaged to Miley Cyrus was charged with trying to stalk the US singer. Mark McLeod was arrested after trying to contact the Hannah Montana actress on a film set near Savannah, Georgia. McLeod claimed he had met Cyrus 18 months earlier and that she had accepted his marriage proposal. He told police that Cyrus' father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, approved of their relationship and that Cyrus had sent him "secret messages" through her TV show.
2009, Steven Tyler was airlifted to hospital after falling off stage during a gig at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. The 61-year-old Aerosmith singer fell from a catwalk onto a couple of fans, he suffered neck and shoulder injuries. About 30 minutes after the accident, guitarist Joe Perry came out to tell the crowd that the remainder of the show had been cancelled.
August 5th: Born on this day
1941, Born on this day, Airto Moreira drummer, Weather Report, (1976 single 'Birdland', 1977 album Heavy Weather').
1942, Born on this day, Rick Huxley guitar, Dave Clark Five, (1964 UK No.1 single 'Glad All Over', 1965 US No.1 single 'Over And Over' , plus over 15 other UK top 40 singles).
1946, Born on this day, Jimmy Webb American singer, songwriter who wrote the 1968 hit for Richard Harris 'MacArthur Park', plus 'Galveston', for Glen Campbell (and other hits for Campbell), and 'Up Up and Away', a hit for 5th Dimension. According to BMI, his song 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix' was the third most performed song in the fifty years between 1940 and 1990. Webb is the only artist ever to have received Grammy Awards for music, lyrics, and orchestration.
1947, Born on this day, Gregory Leskiw, Guess Who, (1970 US No.1 & UK No.19 single 'American Woman').
1947, Born on this day, Rick Derringer, producer, guitar, vocals, The McCoys, (1965 US No.1 & UK No.5 single 'Hang On Sloopy'), Edgar Winter Group, (1973 US No.1 & UK No.18 single 'Frankenstein').
1955, Born on this day, Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda, guitar, Twisted Sister, (1983 UK No.18 single 'I Am, I'm Me', 1984 album 'Stay Hungry').
1957, Born on this day, Louis Walsh, Irish manager of Boyzone, Westlife Samantha Mumba and Girls Aloud. Judge on reality television series Popstars : The Rivals and in 2005 as a judge (along with Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne ) on the ITV talent show, The X Factor.
1959, Born on this day, Pat Smear, Germs, Nirvana, (fourth member), Foo Fighters, (1995 UK No.5 single 'This Is A Call'). Left the band in 1997.
1959, Born on this day, Pete Burns, singer, Mystery Girls, Dead Or Alive, (1985 UK No.1 single 'You Spin Me Round, Like A Record').
1960, Born on this day, Calvin Hayes, Johnny Hates Jazz, (1987 UK No.5 single 'Shattered Dreams').
1960, Born on this day, Stuart Croxford, Kajagoogoo, (1983 UK No.1 single 'Too Shy').
1963, Born on this day, Mike Nocito, guitar, Johnny Hates Jazz, (1987 UK No.5 single 'Shattered Dreams').
1965, Jeff Coffin, saxophonist, B'la Fleck and the Flecktones and Dave Matthews Band. 2009 US No.1 album with Dave Matthews Band, 'Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King'.
1966, Born on this day, Jennifer Finch, bass, L7, (1992 UK No. 21 single 'Pretend Were Dead').
1967, Born on this day, MCA (Adam Yauch) The Beastie Boys, (1987 US No.7 & UK No.11 single 'You Gotta Fight For Your Right To Party', 1987 US No.1 and UK No.7 album 'Licence To Ill', plus 3 other US No.1 albums). He died on 4th May 2012.
1975, Born on this day, Dan Hipgrave, vocals, Toploader, (2000 UK No.7 single 'Dancin' In The Moonlight').
1983, Born on this day, Dawn Richard, singer, Danity Kane, (formed on the MTV reality show Making the Band 3). 2006 US No.1 self-titled album.
Photos: Getty


text:
Tiffany Ariana Trump may be the fourth child of loved and loathed Republican president-elect Donald J. Trump, but she's forging an identity all her own and even dating a Democrat. Check out these interesting facts about the lesser known member of the Trump team.
Tiffany, who celebrated her 23rd birthday in 2016, is named after the famed New York City jewelry store Tiffany & Co., according to Town and Country magazine. Situated on the corner of 5th Avenue and 57th Street, the boutique with the "Tiffany blue" jewelry boxes was made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffany's. It just so happens that Donald built his world-renowned Trump Tower building right next to the retail icon in 1982.
She's a mommy's girl
Tiffany is Donald's only child with his second wife, Marla Maples, and according to an Oprah Winfrey Show interview, she's a mommy's girl. Raised in California, Tiffany said, "My mom and I have always been very close since she did raise me as like a single mom," Tiffany dished. "My friends and everybody I know are like, 'Wow, you guys really have a really good relationship.' She's with me a lot of the time, so people find that kind of shocking." Tiffany had been urging fans to vote for her mom on Dancing With the Stars, but Maples was eliminated on the April 11, 2016 episode.
She grew up out of the spotlight
Despite growing up in a famous neighborhood—with a famous last name, no less—Tiffany managed to stay out of the spotlight for much of her childhood, all thanks to her mother. "She moved us out of New York to get out of the spotlight and let me grow up and find my own identity versus being in the shadow of a name or growing up very young with all that pressure," she told People. "So, she wanted me to have a chance to have a normal childhood. As normal as possible. I think that she did well in that."
She grew up near the Kardashians
Tiffany was raised in Calabasas, Calif., which reality TV fans will know as the home of the Kardashian family. Naturally, Tiffany crossed paths with the Kardashians on occasion. "[We knew the Kardashians] like a little a bit," she told People magazine. "My mom was friends with Kris, of course, and she's amazing. We lived there before the show even started." Tiffany also says she went to school near model Kendall Jenner.
She attended her father's alma mater
Tiffany was a student at her father's alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in sociology and urban studies. "She's got all A's at Penn, so we're proud of her," Donald told People in 2014. She graduated in May 2016, with both her mom and dad on hand to celebrate.
Pop star on hold
Before Tiffany shifted her focus toward college, she tried her hand at pop stardom. In 2011, she launched her debut single, "Like a Bird," featuring Sprite and Logic. The track didn't take off and became Tiffany's first and only release. She told the Oprah Winfrey Show, "I love music. It's always been very dear to me. It's a big passion. It's more of a hobby right now, but we'll see in a couple of years if I want to take it to the next level as a professional."
She's among the 'Rich Kids of Instagram'
Tiffany has been grouped in with a social media Brat Pack commonly referred to as the "Rich Kids of Instagram." According to DuJour, "The photos they share on social media tell the story of an enviable set of lives intertwined, sipping rosé in infinity pools by day, sipping rosé on balconies overlooking the Marais by night—a picture-perfect posse of wealthy progeny." Jet-setting members include Kyra Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr; Andrew Warren, grandson of fashion designer David Warren; Gaia Matisse, the great-great-grandaughter of iconic French painter Henri Matisse, and more. Compared to the rest of the squad, Tiffany's social media image had actually seemed the most approachable and down-to-earth, though something tells us we'll be seeing fewer party pics and pouty faces now that daddy is the leader of the free world.
She's voted for her dad
As Donald campaigned for president, his daughter boldly braved the crossfire. Though her father has been skewered over comments he's made about women, Tiffany paints a different portrait. Her dad has "the utmost faith that we [women] can accomplish whatever we set our minds to, just as well as men, if not better," she told CNN's Anderson Cooper in April 2016. "I just truly feel that my father is the best father, the best husband he could be."
Her boyfriend is a Democrat
As her Republican father takes the reigns in the White House, Tiffany has been canoodling with the Democrats! According to the Daily Mail, Tiffany met software engineering student Ross Mechanic in college. Her boyfriend's parents have reportedly been registered Democrats since 1988, and his father is well-known real estate lawyer Jonathan Mechanic.
She's a model
Tiffany walked in her first New York Fashion Week show in February 2016. According to People, she graced the catwalk for designer Andrew Warren (whose grandson is a member of the aforementioned "Insta-famous" club) in a stunning navy blue ensemble. Tiffany also starred in editorials and various advertisements for the line and is known for sporting Warren's designs during nights out on the town.
She's very close with Ivanka
Tiffany and half-sister Ivanka are reportedly very close. "We would see each other on all of the holidays and talk to each other frequently," Ivanka told People magazine. "She's my little sister! I've been close to Tiffany her whole life, and I really love her." Their relationship has grown even more now that Tiffany has graduated from college and is back in New York. "It's wonderful because she's right here in New York," Ivanka said. "She'll come with [me and husband Jared Kushner to our country house] on weekends sometimes, and she's always with my kids. She's a really good person."
She was an intern at Vogue
According to The New York Times, Tiffany landed an internship at Vogue in 2011, with the help of her half-sister, Ivanka Trump. After graduating from college in June 2016, Tiffany interned in the communications department at the eyewear company Warby Parker. Oh, and by the way, her summer internship at Warby Parker was paid, which surely made her business-mogul father proud.
She wants to go to law school
The New York Times said Tiffany is currently studying to take law school entrance exams, which doesn't seem to surprise her friends. "Law school completely makes sense," a friend told the Times, adding that Tiffany is a strong student who is "driven to prove herself." The pal added, "A law degree would bring added value to a really accomplished family."
"I'm really interested in fashion and technology and kind of just want to be at a place that's innovative and new, where I can actually implement change and have a voice," Tiffany told People magazine. "We'll see what I find." The magazine noted that she hopes to attend law school "within the next few years."
She's job hunting
Although she has set her sights on law school, that hasn't stopped Tiffany from hitting the job market. Speaking to FOX411 in April 2016, Maples revealed that her only daughter had already gone out on her first job interview. "She had to go to New York…It's amazing," Maples said. "My first instinct was [to tell her], 'I feel so bad I can't be there with you,'" Maples, who was competing on Dancing With the Stars at the time, added. "[But] I don't think I would be able to be there with her anyway! She's probably glad I'm not there, [because I would say] can I just walk you there? Did you eat before? We've gotta make sure you get food first!" Yeah, probably for the best.
She flies coach
Just because her last name is Trump doesn't mean Tiffany's life is always first class. In fact, according to a friend, you might just find her in economy on your next flight. "Unless she's with her dad, she's happy to fly coach," the friend told The New York Times. "When we flew together from Philly, we were in the middle seats at the back of the plane." The friend added that the dress Tiffany wore for her speech at the Republican National Convention had been purchased the day before off the sales rack at Bloomingdale's.
Is she the 'Jan Brady' of the Trump kids?
Though her profile increased dramatically as her father's presidential campaign intensified, Tiffany has often been dubbed by the press as an outsider, an afterthought, and the "Jan Brady" of the Trump kids. According to an interview with Tiffany's mom in The New York Times, the recent college grad would "like to get to know her father better and spend time with him like his other children did: by going to his office and watching him work."
That office will now be an oval one, and early reports show no sign of Tiffany breaking into the inner circle. In fact, she is the only adult offspring of Donald's who was not named to his White House transition team. "Daughter Ivanka and sons Eric and Donald Jr. and son-in-law Jared Kushner accounted for a fourth of the 16-member executive committee," reported Fortune.


text:
Electronic voting blamed for Quebec municipal election 'disaster'
Quebec's chief electoral officer is urging the province to stop usingelectronic voting systems.
In a new reporton problems withQuebec's 2005 municipal election, chief electoral officer Marcel Blanchet targets the electronic voting system used to collect and count the votes.
The election was an expensive disaster marked by errors, whichproduced inaccurate numbers andunreliable results, the report said. And the new electronic system is to blame,it adds.
But it's too late to question the results, Blanchet concludes.
The report is enough to convince Quebec to keep its current ban on electronic voting, said Municipal Affairs Minister Nathalie Normandeau.
But Montreal's main opposition party, Vision Montreal, is questioning the election results.
Vision Montreal presidentRobert Laramée plans to hold a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the report's findings. The party hasn't ruled out asking the courts to strike the results, Laramee said.
"Maybe one of the ideas, the solutions would be a judicial recount paid by the cityâ because this is the choice of the city to use the electronic votation, you know."
Montreal City Hall is not commenting on the report.


text:
We've Got Characters.. Lots of them
There are many familiar faces in this collection of characters. Looking for a particular character that others will recognize immediately? This is the collection to browse.
All occasion Rentals
Our wide array of costumes for rent go far beyond the typical cartoon or political figure. We have every theme you can imagine. Whether you're looking for period costumes, theatrical quality, regional and cultural, fictional, and so much more. Our full catalog of rentals is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered by you.
Interested in a Rental?
Shoot us a message
We guarantee that we will get back to you in 24 hours.
Surprises can be fun, but not when you expect quality goods and services, which we adhere to.
We keep our rentals in great condition, deliver on time, and have rates that are unbeatable. If you are unsatisfied with your rental, please let us know within 24 hours of receiving it and we will do everything feasible to right any wrongs.


text:
For those needing the professional services of our Orthopaedic surgeon, we are able to assist & help patients with treatment for conditions of the Upper Limb (Shoulder, Elbow and Hand), which includes treatment of fractures, joint replacement, joint reconstruction, soft tissue repairs to tendons and ligaments and specialist hand operations.
*This information is provided as background only and does not constitute medical advice or opinion.
Shoulder2Hand is proud to offer professional treatment of patients who are diagnosed with hand, shoulder and arm conditions using surgical and/or non-surgical techniques.
Our treatment methods are designed to help patients function normally in everyday life with reduced pain and discomfort in their personal and working lives. We welcome patients from the South Coast of NSW, Yass and country areas surrounding Canberra, but are also happy to assist those further out who are willing to travel.


text:
"So I sent the landlord a letter by certified mail, asking for the rest of my deposit," our friend says. We're standing at the curb by her SUV while she drops off some stuff for Katie, chatting as the dog stares off into space.
"But the smart thing was, I cee-cee'd my friend who is a lawyer," she continues with a sly grin.
"And I included a self-addressed, stamped envelope," she adds, shrugging.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
How You Get Paid
Posted by Scott Lee Williams at 10:57 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
In case you think a pool deck is a pool deck is a pool deck…well, it's not true. Cruise aficionados who spend a lot of time soaking up the rays or jumping into pools large and small — or both — believe part of the appeal of a cruise ship is its pool deck. While we're neither sun worshippers nor avid swimmers, we always take pictures of the pool deck because, well, we never know when we'll need them for a day like today…
This was when Allure of the Seas was showing its pool deck to North Americans for the first time, in Fort Lauderdale.
You'd probably never use "Italian" to describe this rather modest pool area, but it's the Costa Diadema and very Italian.
"Unique" has always applied to the Norwegian Epic, and you won't likely see this kind of artwork in another cruise deck pool.
On river ships, the pool area is usually secondary and frequently unpopulated, as it usually is on AmaWaterways' new AmaDara.
"Busy" is always a good descriptor for a Carnival ship's pool deck, and that was certainly the case on the Carnival Ecstasy.
A "peaceful" area on the Celebrity Reflection enhanced by huge artwork on the walls of a ship know for its artistic impressions.
On the Oceania Riviera, the upper deck is tasteful and understated, with a pool meant for dipping more than swimming.
In the news…
• Mobile, Alabama negotiating to be Carnival homeport for first time since 2011
• Amber Cove port on schedule to open October 6 in Dominican Republic
• Danube, Elbe low water levels still a challenge for river cruisers in Europe
Today at portsandbows.com: Bermuda more popular with Carnival
Carnival Sensation
4 nights
November 1, 2015
Port Canaveral (return): Freeport, Nassau
Inside: $229
Cost per day: $57


text:
My name is Tammy , here TamsElephantmemories, elephant-ambassador from the Netherlands and working for the Dutch elephant foundation named Friends of the Elephant (Vrienden van de Olifant). I am starting this blog to share my love, respect and passion for elephants, to create and raise awareness about their terrible conditions worldwide and to share THEIR stories through THEIR eyes. Many elephants are suffering due to humangreed, poaching, hunting, trade in ivory, human-elephantconflicts, exploitation, suffering in all layers of tourism globally, forced breeding and in illegal logging.
I am supporting the foundations like Save Elephant Foundation Thailand who step in every day 24/7 with dedication to save elephants and other animals from abusive life and give them a future surounded with love, care and freedom, elephant-orphanages, like for example DSWT Kenya, Elephant Transit Home Sri Lanka, Lilayi/ Kafue orphanage Zambia who raise with love and dedication baby elephants and bring them step by step back to independent life in nature.
I have done multiple times volunteering work at the sanctuary for abused elephants in Thailand: Elephant Nature Park and visit many of the 'Hands off saddle's off-projects' founded and created by Lek Chailert.
In my blog I will share my memories, tell THEIR stories through THEIR eyes, experiences, information, photos all with love and respect for the elephants. I am grateful to belong to the first generation that helps people to step off the elephant and fight for their future. Let elephants be and live like elephants are mend to be. The blogs will be written in both English and Dutch.
If up to me their future is filled with love, care, respect and freedom in natural habitat.


text:
This is the start of what will probably become a series involving the intersection of MC&D and Organized Crime. Happy Halloween!
Date: 01 Nov 2016 02:52
Number of posts: 6
RSS: New posts
Audio adaptation ahoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9jCJSFb4DM
(I'm a little sleep-deprived right now but I swear this comment makes sense to me)
Ok, so there's a song by Dev called "In the Dark," and the fact that this still managed to give me the chills despite my brain blasting thematically-inappropriate music at me while reading it means that you deserve all the upvotes.
Very nicely done, though for my own peace of mind I need to ask just one thing about the 'backwards facing knees' part…
Do you mean actual, backwards-facing knees as in 'take a persons leg and rotate them by 180 degrees' or digitigrade legs where the ankle of the foot is often mistaken as a 'reverse knee'?
Still upvoting because I like it, but I just needed to ask.
As far as Joe is concerned, backward legs.
It is truly terrifying the measures MC&D will take to inspire loyalty and productivity in there sales force.


text:
Current Status
Not Enrolled
Get Started
This course aims to provide the learner with appropriate communication techniques, as well as the recognition of signs of aggression and control measures that can be put in place should an incident arise. This course will also teach you how to manage challenging or violent behaviour and possible triggers to this behaviour. Finally, you will learn about where the use of physically restraint in relation to current legislation.
The course is aimed at people who work in:
- The community
- Clients home
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Lone working
- Isolation
Course Content
Lesson Content
0% Complete 0/7 Steps
Lesson Content
0% Complete 0/4 Steps
Lesson Content
0% Complete 0/12 Steps
Lesson Content
0% Complete 0/2 Steps


text:
Figure 1. RIDE and RISE clinical trial design. BCVA indicates best-corrected visual acuity; CST, central subfield thickness; and OCT, optical coherence tomography. *Participants in the sham arm were allowed to cross over to monthly treatment with 0.5 mg of ranibizumab in their third year of study participation.
Figure 2. Distribution of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity levels over time. Reported values are the percentage of participants with the stated level of DR severity at each visit per treatment group. Percentages in each time column add up to 100%. Bubble sizes are proportional to the percentage of participants in each ETDRS DR severity level grouping in a column. The solid black dot indicates the median DR severity level in each column. Sham/0.3 mg of ranibizumab/0.5 mg of ranibizumab: baseline (BL), n = 254/245/247; month 3 (M3), n = 255/246/249; and month 6 (M6), n = 255/246/250. M12 indicates month 12; M18, month 18; M24, month 24; NPDR, nonproliferative DR; and PDR, proliferative DR.
Figure 3. Change from baseline in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study diabetic retinopathy severity level at month 24 in study eyes (A) and fellow eyes (B). Vertical bars are 95% confidence intervals (unadjusted).
Figure 4. Baseline and month 24 fundus photographs from 3 participants randomized to ranibizumab showing substantial regression of retinopathy level (A-C). In case 3 (C), the arrow indicates an area of neovascularization at baseline and the same area showing absence of neovascularization at month 24. NPDR indicates nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy; and PDR, proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Figure 5. Study eye change from baseline in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity level at month 24 by baseline study eye severity level (level ≤53E [A] and level ≥60 [B]). Vertical bars are 95% confidence intervals (unadjusted).
Figure 6. Time to first diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression from baseline in the pooled RIDE and RISE population. Cumulative probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Progression was defined by (1) progression from nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR severity level <60) at baseline to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR severity level ≥60) at a later time, (2) need for panretinal photocoagulation laser, (3) vitreous hemorrhage (adverse event [AE] or slitlamp grade 0 at baseline to >0 at a later time), (4) cases identified by ophthalmoscopy, (5) vitrectomy, (6) iris neovascularization AE event, or (7) retinal neovascularization AE. * P < .001 vs sham.
Ip MS, Domalpally A, Hopkins JJ, Wong P, Ehrlich JS. Long-term effects of ranibizumab on diabetic retinopathy severity and progression. Arch Ophthalmol. Published online May 14, 2012. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2012.1043.
eTable. Baseline fundus photograph characteristics of the fellow eye.
eFigure 1. Change from baseline in ETDRS diabetic retinopathy severity level in the study and fellow eyes at month 12.
eFigure 2. Change from baseline in ETDRS diabetic retinopathy severity in the study eye at month 12 by baseline severity level.
Customize your JAMA Network experience by selecting one or more topics from the list below.
Ip MS, Domalpally A, Hopkins JJ, Wong P, Ehrlich JS. Long-term Effects of Ranibizumab on Diabetic Retinopathy Severity and Progression. Arch Ophthalmol. 2012;130(9):1145–1152. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2012.1043
© 2020
Author Affiliations: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Services, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison (Drs Ip and Domalpally); and Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California (Drs Hopkins and Ehrlich and Ms Wong).
Objective To evaluate effects of intravitreal ranibizumab on diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity over time in 2 phase 3 clinical trials (RIDE, NCT00473382; RISE, NCT00473330) of ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema.
Methods Participants with diabetic macular edema (n = 759) were randomized to monthly sham, 0.3-mg ranibizumab, or 0.5-mg ranibizumab intravitreal injections. Macular laser was available per protocol-specified criteria. Fundus photographs, taken at baseline and periodically, were graded by a central reading center; clinical examinations were performed monthly. The main outcome measures of this report are secondary/exploratory analyses including a 2-step or more and 3-step or more change on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study severity scale in the study eye and a composite DR progression outcome including photographic changes plus clinically important events such as occurrence of vitreous hemorrhage or need for panretinal laser.
Results At 2 years, the percentage of participants with DR progression (worsening by ≥2 or ≥3 steps) was significantly reduced in ranibizumab-treated eyes compared with sham-treated eyes, and DR regression (improving by ≥2 or ≥3 steps) was significantly more likely. The cumulative probability of clinical progression of DR as measured by the composite outcome at 2 years was 33.8% of sham-treated eyes compared with 11.2% to 11.5% of ranibizumab-treated eyes.
Conclusions Intravitreal ranibizumab reduced the risk of DR progression in eyes with diabetic macular edema, and many ranibizumab-treated eyes experienced improvement in DR severity. Because these results are exploratory, the use of intravitreal ranibizumab specifically to reduce DR progression or cause DR regression requires further study.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, is defined by characteristic lesions ranging from retinal microaneurysms to neovascularization.1 Two general DR subtypes exist: nonproliferative (NPDR) and proliferative (neovascular) (PDR); diabetic macular edema (DME) is a complication that may coexist with both.2,3 Diabetic retinopathy progresses (worsens) in discrete steps, which are defined in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) severity scale.4 With each advancing level of severity, the risk of developing DME and/or complications of PDR increases; both 2-step or more and 3-step or more worsening on the ETDRS severity scale are associated with an increased risk of subsequent vision loss over time.5 Proliferative DR may be accompanied by complications such as vitreous hemorrhage, traction retinal detachment, and neovascular glaucoma, resulting in substantial and potentially irreversible visual loss and the need for medical or surgical interventions that carry substantial morbidity.1 In the United States, diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in working-aged adults, and both DME and PDR are significant and growing public health problems.6
Current treatment for PDR, once clinically defined threshold criteria are met, is panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), which has been shown to reduce the rate of severe vision loss by 50%.1,7 Although PRP is generally well tolerated, potential adverse effects may include peripheral visual field loss, dyschromatopsia, nyctalopia, and reduced central acuity from exacerbation of concomitant DME; however, the long-term benefits clearly outweigh the risks.1,8 Nevertheless, it would be desirable to both have less tissue-destructive treatments for PDR and novel approaches for reducing the risk of its development.
At present, several well-recognized approaches reduce the rate of progression of NPDR to PDR. One is the early application of PRP in eyes with advanced NPDR, as demonstrated in the ETDRS.8 However, because PRP is destructive, it is typically used judiciously to treat eyes with advanced NPDR. From a systemic perspective, improvements in management of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia all have shown potential benefits of reduced DR progression.9-12
The actual regression (improvement) of NPDR from more advanced levels to less severe levels of NPDR would be desirable, since regression would presumably reduce the risk of subsequent vision loss. Trends toward regression of NPDR were demonstrated in several clinical trials. Treatment with candesartan cilexetil resulted in both reduction in DR progression and improvements in retinopathy severity.12 However, the results did not meet statistical significance, and candesartan is not commonly used as a primary DR therapy. Regression of DR has also been demonstrated in studies of intravitreal corticosteroids for DME. Despite these observations, corticosteroids are not used for inducing retinopathy regression or preventing retinopathy progression because of the risks of glaucoma and cataract.13-15
Preclinical and clinical data suggest that the pathophysiology of both NPDR and PDR are mediated, at least in part, by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).16-19 Thus, inhibition of intraocular VEGF may slow retinopathy progression and potentially also cause DR regression. This hypothesis is supported indirectly by the beneficial effects on retinopathy described earlier for corticosteroids, which may mediate intraocular VEGF expression,20,21 and more directly from the results of several phase 3 clinical trials in DME examining the effects of ranibizumab, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody fragment designed for intraocular use.14,22
Diabetic retinopathy progression can be evaluated by the standardized ETDRS severity scale (using fundus photographs) and by several important clinical outcomes such as occurrence of vitreous hemorrhage, need for vitrectomy, and use of panretinal laser. The present exploratory analysis comprehensively evaluates changes in DR severity in participants with DME following 2 years of monthly exposure to ranibizumab.
RIDE (NCT00473382) and RISE (NCT00473330) are methodologically identical, phase 3, double-masked, sham injection–controlled randomized clinical trials of ranibizumab in DME (Figure 1).22 Study protocols were approved by institutional review boards and ethics committees. Participants provided written informed consent. Details of the methods and key visual acuity and safety findings have been described.22 Aspects of the study designs relevant to these analyses are described herein.
Individuals 18 years and older with decreased vision due to DME (study eye best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 to 20/320 approximate Snellen equivalent) and central subfield thickness of 275 μm or more were eligible for enrollment. Ocular exclusion criteria included a recent history (within 3 months of screening) of PRP, macular laser photocoagulation, or intraocular corticosteroids, history of vitreoretinal surgery in the study eye, and use of antiangiogenic drugs in either eye within 3 months of day 0. Participants with active PDR or uncontrolled glaucoma in the study eye were excluded. One eye per patient was randomized to monthly sham injections or intravitreal injections of 0.3 mg or 0.5 mg of ranibizumab through month 24 (Figure 1). Macular laser was available per protocol-specified criteria, beginning at month 3.22
Stereoscopic 7-field color fundus photographs were obtained at each subject's screening visit and at months 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24. Photographs were evaluated at the University of Wisconsin Fundus Photograph Reading Center by trained evaluators masked to both treatment assignment and images from previous visits. Each eye was graded by 2 evaluators. In case of disagreement in severity level by more than 1 step, grades were adjudicated by a third senior grader. Retinopathy severity was graded according to a 9-step ETDRS severity scale using summary grading, in which the evaluator reviewed all fields and then assigned the grade based on the most severe lesion(s) seen in the eye.4 The ETDRS severity scale for individual eyes was used, as follows: DR absent (levels 10 and 12); DR questionable, microaneurysms only (levels 14, 15, and 20); mild NPDR (level 35); moderate NPDR (level 43); moderately severe NPDR (level 47); severe NPDR (level 53); prior scars of PRP or mild PDR (levels 60 and 61); moderate PDR (level 65); and high-risk PDR (levels 71, 75, 81, and 85). Participants with a history of PRP (24% of those randomized) were assigned to a minimum severity level of 60. These participants may worsen in retinopathy severity but cannot improve to a score less than 60 by definition.
Based on modification of a hierarchical DR progression algorithm proposed by Bressler et al,13 we defined clinically important progression as including any of the following: progression from NPDR (ETDRS DR severity level <60) to PDR (ETDRS DR severity level ≥60) on fundus photographs; use of panretinal laser; occurrence of vitreous hemorrhage; identification by ophthalmoscopy; performance of vitrectomy for PDR-related reasons; and occurrence of iris or retinal neovascularization adverse events. Subjects with DR progression defined by more than 1 event were counted only once.
Since the baseline distributions of retinopathy severity were similar across both studies, data were pooled for these analyses. Study eye ETDRS severity level was summarized over time. The number of study eyes progressing (worsening) or regressing (improving) 2 or more or 3 or more steps from baseline were summarized at month 12 or month 24 for all study eyes and by baseline study eye ETDRS DR severity level (53E or less severe vs 60 or more severe). Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel χ2 tests stratified for baseline study eye visual acuity letter score (≤55 vs >55), baseline hemoglobin A1c level (≤8% vs >8%), and prior treatment for DME in the study eye (yes vs no) were used to compare the progression and regression rates between the ranibizumab groups vs the sham group. The number of fellow (nonstudy) eyes progressing or regressing 2 or more steps or 3 or more steps from baseline overall were summarized; Pearson χ2 tests were used to compare these results between the ranibizumab groups vs the sham group. The last observation carried forward method was used to impute missing data.
Time to first DR progression was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods to calculate cumulative probabilities by treatment group. The Cox proportional hazard model stratified by baseline study eye visual acuity letter score (≤55 vs >55), baseline hemoglobin A1c level (≤8% vs >8%), prior treatment for DME in the study eye (yes vs no), and baseline study eye ETDRS DR severity level (53E or less severe vs 60 or more severe) was used to compare the risk of DR progression in the ranibizumab groups vs the sham group.
Seven hundred fifty-nine participants with DME were randomized to sham or ranibizumab (Figure 1); baseline fundus photograph characteristics of the study eye, which were well balanced across groups, were available for 746 (Table 1; eTable).
The distribution of and median DR severity levels at baseline and over time for each treatment group are summarized in Figure 2. In the sham group, the median DR severity level remained at moderately severe NPDR through 24 months. In the ranibizumab groups, the median DR severity level improved over time, from moderately severe NPDR at baseline to mild NPDR at month 24. The proportion of participants with mild NPDR (levels 35A-35F) increased from 16% and 17% at baseline to 44% and 37% at month 24 in the 0.3-mg and 0.5-mg ranibizumab groups, respectively, compared with a change from 15% to 24% in the sham group. This was paralleled by corresponding substantial decreases in the proportions of participants with moderate, moderately severe, and severe NPDR in the ranibizumab groups. Additionally, although relatively few participants in all groups developed advanced PDR, the proportion was smaller in the ranibizumab groups. Because participants with a history of PRP have a minimum score of 60 (mild PDR or scars of prior PRP) by definition, the proportion of participants with "mild PDR" remained relatively unchanged across all groups.
Significantly fewer eyes treated with ranibizumab worsened (progressed) by 2 or more or 3 or more steps on the ETDRS severity scale from baseline to month 24 compared with the sham group (Figure 3; for month 12 data, see eFigure 1). Furthermore, study eyes receiving ranibizumab were significantly more likely to improve by 2 or more or 3 or more steps on the ETDRS severity scale from baseline to month 24 compared with the sham group (Figure 3; for month 12 data, see eFigure 1). To control for patient-level changes that could possibly affect both study and fellow eyes, we examined the distribution of 2-step or more or 3-step or more changes in fellow (nonstudy) eyes as well; no statistically significant differences were observed in fellow eyes of participants whose study eyes were randomized to sham vs ranibizumab (Figure 3; for month 12 data, see eFigure 1). Figure 4 provides examples of DR regression (improvements in microaneurysms, intraretinal hemorrhages, and retinal neovascularization) in study participants treated with ranibizumab.
Because baseline retinopathy status may affect both the rate and extent of subsequent DR severity changes over time and because participants with a history of PRP cannot improve to an ETDRS severity level better than 60, we performed a subgroup analysis stratifying the population by baseline DR severity (Figure 5; for month 12 data, see eFigure 2). Results were similar to those in the overall population. Ranibizumab-treated eyes were more likely to experience improvements in retinopathy severity and less likely to experience worsening. Notably, among study eyes with baseline ETDRS severity level of 53E (severe NPDR) or less, the proportion of participants with 2 or more steps of improvement at month 24 in the sham, 0.3-mg ranibizumab, and 0.5-mg ranibizumab groups was 6.8%, 46.9%, and 46.8%, respectively (P < .001 for each comparison of ranibizumab vs sham).
Although changes on the ETDRS severity scale are an objective, independent way to evaluate DR severity over time, limiting analysis to the photographic scale necessitates that additional markers of DR progression be ignored or discarded. Additionally, because color fundus photographs were taken periodically, clinically important DR progression events occurring between photographic assessments may have been missed. Thus, based on modification of a hierarchical DR progression algorithm proposed by Bressler et al,13 we also analyzed DR progression using a composite outcome incorporating this additional clinical information (Table 2). Time to first DR progression from baseline using this composite analysis demonstrates that the rate of DR progression was significantly reduced by treatment with ranibizumab. A total of 30 sham-treated patients underwent PRP over 2 years, as compared with 2 and 3 patients in the 0.3-mg and 0.5-mg ranibizumab groups. Similarly, over 2 years, 42 sham-treated patients developed vitreous hemorrhage, compared with 13 and 11 in the 0.3-mg and 0.5-mg ranibizumab groups; 16 sham-treated patients underwent vitrectomy for DR-related reasons vs 0 and 3 patients in the 0.3-mg and 0.5-mg ranibizumab groups. By month 24, the cumulative probability of DR progression using the composite analysis was 33.8% of sham-treated participants and 11.2% to 11.5% of participants randomized to ranibizumab (Figure 6) (P < .001 for each comparison of ranibizumab vs sham).
These analyses demonstrate that intraocular VEGF inhibition with ranibizumab reduces the risk of DR progression and in many cases regresses DR pathology. The relative benefit of ranibizumab was similar whether DR progression was assessed using solely the ETDRS severity scale or a composite analysis including other markers of DR progression such as development of vitreous hemorrhage, application of panretinal laser, or vitrectomy. Very few participants with DME treated with ranibizumab experienced a 2-step or more progression of retinopathy severity after 2 years (1.7%-2.1% of ranibizumab-treated participants vs 9.6% of sham-treated participants) (Figure 3). The relative risk reduction is greater than that previously observed for other ocular or systemic DR interventions.9 Additionally, at 2 years, more than one-third of ranibizumab-treated eyes experienced a 2-step or more regression of retinopathy severity with ranibizumab treatment compared with 5.4% of sham control eyes. These modest improvements seen in the sham group are most likely due to either improved diabetic control in some patients and/or natural fluctuations in DR severity. Theoretically, these improvements in the sham group may be due to use of macular laser (which was available to all patients per protocol-specified criteria and administered to 72% of sham-treated patients at least once),22 but this is unlikely since macular laser does not appear to have an effect on retinopathy level.13 Differences in DR severity between sham- and ranibizumab-treated eyes were seen early after initiation of treatment and persisted across the 2-year treatment period.
Reductions in DR progression were also demonstrated in several studies evaluating corticosteroids for DME. Furthermore, poor clinical outcomes related to development of proliferative disease were reduced in eyes treated with triamcinolone.13 Despite these beneficial effects on DR, triamcinolone conveys no long-term visual acuity advantage compared with macular laser for DME14 and carries risks for the development of cataracts and glaucoma. Anti-VEGF therapy has also been previously seen to retard retinopathy progression and, in some cases, result in regression of retinopathy severity; our results are consistent with these previous observations both with ranibizumab and pegaptanib.14,23 That VEGF inhibition alone can halt DR progression or reverse DR severity suggests that progression is significantly, if not primarily, VEGF mediated.
The major strengths of this report are that the clinical data (such as ocular examination findings and use of panretinal laser) were obtained from large multicenter randomized clinical trials and that fundus photographs were obtained frequently and evaluated by an independent reading center. Evaluators were masked to treatment assignment, and all photographs were evaluated according to a strict protocol. Moreover, unlike prior studies evaluating DR severity in eyes treated with corticosteroids, cataracts were no more likely to develop during the study period in ranibizumab-treated participants than in sham-treated participants.22 The low rate of ungradable photographs due to cataracts makes it likely that retinopathy regression or progression was detected accurately and evenly across the sham and ranibizumab groups.
One limitation of our analysis is that the ETDRS DR severity changes were not the primary statistical outcome of the studies; rather, these were secondary and exploratory analyses of studies whose primary purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ranibizumab in DME. Despite this, the differences in proportions of ranibizumab- and sham-treated study eyes with progression or improvement in DR severity level were so large that they were unlikely to have occurred by chance. There are other more clinically relevant limitations. First, our studies enrolled only participants experiencing vision loss from DME; the results observed on DR progression and regression may not be applicable to the larger population of NPDR participants without DME. However, preclinical data and our clinical observations suggest that many aspects of DR pathophysiology, not just edema, are mediated by VEGF.19 Second, ranibizumab was administered monthly, and results on DR progression might differ with less frequent treatment; however, changes in retinopathy progression were noted with less frequent dosing of ranibizumab in other clinical studies.14 Finally, and perhaps most importantly, our studies did not address subsequent changes in retinopathy severity if ranibizumab therapy was discontinued. Because the studies did not assess effects of ranibizumab withdrawal, it is unknown whether retinopathy severity will progress at the prior rate following cessation of therapy or whether there may be a rebound effect of rapid retinopathy progression. Additionally, it remains unanswered if restarting therapy after a prolonged interruption may once again have a beneficial effect on retinopathy severity. These questions would need to be answered in specifically designed clinical trials.
Ranibizumab has been found, in multiple clinical studies, to have beneficial effects on visual acuity in participants with DME, and anti-VEGF therapy is commonly and increasingly used as a primary treatment for DME.14,22,24 At present, the main alternative to anti-VEGF therapy is macular laser. Our observations on DR progression and regression indicate that ranibizumab has potential benefits on DR severity, aside from improved visual acuity outcomes, and this may support the use of ranibizumab over macular laser (or in combination with laser) in eyes where either therapy may be contemplated. The current analysis does not yet support the use of ranibizumab primarily for control or regression of DR severity. The cumulative risks of intravitreal injections may outweigh the benefit of preventing DR progression or causing DR regression, particularly in participants with relatively mild DR; for example, in RISE and RIDE, endophthalmitis occurred in 4 of 500 ranibizumab-treated patients (0.8%), from a total of 10 584 intravitreal injections over 2 years.22 Careful follow-up and prompt initiation of panretinal laser and/or surgical intervention should remain the mainstay of treatment for eyes with advanced nonproliferative or frank proliferative disease until other specifically designed clinical trials compare outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy with PRP for proliferative disease; however, the effects on retinopathy severity demonstrated with ranibizumab in this study are substantial. If less invasive or extended-duration anti-VEGF treatments are developed in the future, their use primarily to control DR severity could be explored and potentially justified.
Correspondence: Michael S. Ip, MD, University of Wisconsin Fundus Photograph Reading Center, 8010 Excelsior Dr, Ste 100, Madison, WI 53717 (email@example.com).
Submitted for Publication: December 23, 2011; final revision received March 15, 2012; accepted March 19, 2012.
Published Online: May 14, 2012. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2012.1043
Author Contributions: All authors had full access to the data and contributed to the interpretation of the data and the writing and approval of the manuscript. Dr Ip made the final decision to submit the manuscript.
Financial Disclosure: Dr Ip is a consultant/advisor for Eye Technology Ltd, Genentech Inc, NicOx, Notal Vision, QLT Phototherapeutics Inc, Regeneron, and Sirion and has received grant support from Allergan Inc. Drs Hopkins and Ehrlich and Ms Wong are employees of Genentech Inc, a member of the Roche Group. Drs Hopkins and Ehrlich hold equity and/or options in Roche.
Funding/Support: This study was supported by Genentech Inc. Support for third-party writing assistance by Ivo Stoilov, MD, CMPP, of Envision Scientific Solutions was provided by Genentech Inc.
Role of the Sponsor: The sponsor participated in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; and preparation and review of the manuscript.
Create a personal account or sign in to:


text:
Golaem announces Golaem Crowd 1.2, the latest update to its crowd simulation software for Autodesk Maya. Golaem Crowd 1.2 includes support for V-Ray rendering engine, support for Disney Partio particles format, and waypoint navigation.
V-Ray Rendering Engine
Golaem Crowd 1.2 now support Chaos Group V-Ray rendering engine by generating .vrscene files for the characters and providing a dedicated procedural plugin.
Take a look at our showcase video
Disney Partio
In order to support industry standards and improve performances, Golaem Crowd is now using Disney Partio as its particle format.
Waypoint navigation
Golaem Crowd characters can now navigate by using a route, defined as a list of waypoints points. You have the control back, while still getting the benefits of automatic path-finding and avoidance.
Golaem Crowd 1.2 bug fixes and improvements are detailed in the Release Notes.
To find out more about Golaem Crowd:
- Visit the Golaem Crowd page: http://www.mayacrowd.com/crowd
- Contact our sales department: click here to show


text:
The Purpose of Focus Group Meetings
Focus groups steer the decisions of many organizations, including small businesses, by sharing their opinions and giving feedback on products and services. A focus group meeting follows a structured format led by a prepared facilitator. The facilitator's objective is to get the best, most-detailed information concerning the chosen subject. Unlike a brainstorming session, focus group meetings stay concentrated on one topic where facilitators mine it using pointed, clear questions.
Data Collection
Focus groups collect statistical data about target or niche markets. Group findings reveal important details like changes in buying habits or opinions on market trends. Data collecting is done through recording and processing sessions and follow-up interviews. The facilitator gives open-ended questions that invite detailed responses from the meeting contributors. Also, during information processing, key words and phrases are gathered for further investigation. Conversational patterns, repeating themes and new perspectives are other types of data that are collected.
Product Opinions
Some small businesses use focus group meetings to get opinions on their products. Unlike a generic product survey, the facilitator has the opportunity to "drill down" into the feedback immediately and probe for more information. For example, if a participant's response was, "I didn't like the product," the facilitator could ask, "What's the No. 1 reason you don't like this product?" Facilitators ask for specifics like "What made this widget a success?" or "What role did the product's cost play in your buying decision?"
Group Interaction
One purpose for focus group meetings is to utilize the group interaction dynamic. During group interaction, participants can respond to another person's opinion. The opportunity to allow and hear counter-ideas gives small businesses greater insight into the audience's real thoughts. A group interaction setting allows participants to bring up points that may otherwise be forgotten or glossed over. The group interaction insures that each topic is covered thoroughly.
Local Perspectives
Another purpose of focus group meetings is to provide local perspectives. Sometimes, a small-business idea can look good on paper but the local perspective from a focus group can present forgotten points. A local perspective on an initiative lends credibility to an idea and brings up points that companies may have overlooked. This key makes the focus group format invaluable to businesses, even political campaigns. Assembling participants from around the local area will give a wider canvas of the real opinions from a city, county or neighborhood.
Photo Credits
- Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images


text:
Behind the scenes: capturing the KU experience
Posted on Aug 25, 2017 in Alumni News and News
Ben Brodsky, c'17, produced a video chronicling his KU experience with familiar campus scenes sure to resonate with alumni. After posting his homage to his alma mater on social media, the video quickly went viral, generating more than 100,000 views during the first week of KU classes. Students and alumni alike could relate to his moving images and the poetic word play provided by Brodsky's classmate and collaborator, Amie Just, j'17, profiled here. We caught up with Brodsky to go behind the scenes and learn more about the project and his KU journey.
Ben, we love your video. What inspired the project?
During my second year at KU, I took a class called After Effects where our professor showed us a short called "Traditions." A combination of the cinematography, KUs rich history, and the intentional rhythmic storyline combining both narration and film left me inspired. I wanted to create something that left viewers feeling the same emotional connection and pride in our University as it did to me. On top of that, I'm always looking to grow as a filmmaker and this style of short allowed me to challenge myself.
(Editor's note: We remember that video! We profiled KU alumnus and spoken word poet Topher Enneking, who was involved in the project, in 2014.)
How do you want Jayhawks to react after watching it?
As I said before, I want viewers to feel an emotional connection to KU and pride for their campus. At the same time, I want all future Jayhawks to see this video and become excited about the 4-year journey they're about to embark on. With KU's rich history, there are so many traditions and experiences all Jayhawks share. Experiences that are multi-generational. As the narration and scenes cuts to different locations on campus I want viewers to see themselves having those experiences.
I want alumni reminiscing about the hours they spent camping for basketball, the classes they sat through at Budig Hall, the organizations they met at Wescoe Beach, and the feeling that, while we all become Jayhawks, the Jayhawk becomes apart of us.
I want them to be present in that shared KU experience, whether they're a future Jayhawk who is looking forward or an alumnus looking back. Everyone who goes to KU–and even people who just visit–know there is something special about our campus and culture. As those who live it, we understand it. For those who don't live it, I hope they'll understand it through this video.
We definitely think they'll understand after watching. So how would you describe your KU experience?
Throughout high school, I struggled to find myself. I remember the day my twin brother, Sam, and I received our acceptance, it was an easy decision for us to attend KU. From the first time I stepped foot onto Jayhawk Blvd to walking through the Campanile at Graduation, KU was home. I was supported academically by incredible professors who continuously challenged me and my skills. I was supported socially by the community I found in fraternity life, and I was supported professionally by my friends and other community members who gave me the opportunity to create films for them. KU was everything I was hoping college life would be and more.
Now that you've walked down the hill, what's next?
I am passionate about cinematography and media, as I hope my video, KU- A Journey, showcased. My twin brother Sam, and I started our own video production company in the Minneapolis area called Brodsky Productions. Right now, we are focusing on creating our business plan so that we can continue to grow and provide spectacular cinematic and emotionally moving short films for our clientele. So far, we've provided photography and videography services to create documentaries, music videos, wedding videos, event recaps, retail and product spotlights and much more. We're hoping as our company develops, we will find our niche and focus our efforts in that direction. We're also hoping that as we continue to meet and network with professionals in the area, we'll find mentors who are eager to help us grow and succeed. So far we've been very fortunate and we're excited to see where the future takes us!
No doubt your talents, developed and honed at KU, will take you far! But no matter how far you fly beyond the golden valley, remember–as your video reminds all Jayhawks–that there's no place like home! Rock Chalk!
–David Johnston


text:
| 8°C Belfast
An event aimed at raising the profile of Northern Ireland's tourism industry around the world, organised by Digital DNA and Tourism NI, takes place in Belfast this week.
Digital Tourism, which takes place in Titanic Belfast on Thursday, November 12, will see a host of speakers from some of the world's leading travel, tourism and hospitality organisations come to Belfast to inspire Northern Ireland's local businesses to embrace technology for growth.
Speakers include experts from Google, Expedia, Yotel, Hospitality Ulster and lastminute.com, who will host main stage key notes and deliver workshops aimed at helping local businesses increase their profile among tourists around the globe.
The event, hosted in conjunction with Tourism NI and sponsored by leading UK & Ireland digital agency Engage, is the latest technology event from the team at Digital DNA. Digital Tourism follows October's Digital Business event which saw over 500 delegates visit Belfast to learn how to embrace technology for growth from experts at Facebook, Google and more.
Digital DNA founder Gareth Quinn said: "Digital Tourism's sole aim is to help hospitality businesses across Northern Ireland to grow by embracing technology, increasing their profile online and bringing more tourists into our towns and cities from around the world.
"We want to drive as much wealth into Northern Ireland as possible and the tourism event is one of the ways in which we're doing that, increasing knowledge and sharing best practice from some of the world's top businesses. It's fantastic that Tourism NI, who share our goals and ambitions, are partnering with us for the event and I'm looking forward to welcoming all the speakers and delegates."
Event partner and key note speaker, Tourism NI Chief Executive John McGrillen, added: "Event partner and keynote speaker Tourism NI Chief Executive John McGrillen said: "There is a seismic shift going on in travel and tourism that involves a move from traditional marketing mediums to digital and social media platforms. While Tourism Northern Ireland has grasped this shift and is working to be a fully digitally enabled organisation itself, it is my view that the entire industry's ability to capitalise on this change will be absolutely vital to its future success.
"The technological challenges of the tourism industry are often unique when compared with other businesses, so we are always keen to support a dedicated tourism initiative, and especially one that is part of the range of events the Digital DNA team is delivering in 2015.
"Leading from the front with technology, embracing technology to create better experiences for our visitors, and using technology to improve the marketing of our destination will be crucial for Northern Ireland tourism in the coming years, and as we strive to meet the targets for the industry for 2020."
The first round of speakers confirmed for the event include:
John McGrillen – Chief Executive of Tourism NI
Stephen Murphy - Agency Lead for Tourism at Google
Sean Collins - Head of CRM Operations - Europe at lastminute.com
Fergus Boyd – Vice President of Digital – Yotel
John Bustard - UU
David Tutin - Senior SEO Specialist at Expedia
Carolyn Boyd - Industry Development Manager, Tourism Northern Ireland
Michelle Lee - Director of Marketing and Customer Experience
James Hanna - Delivering Innovative Travel Solutions at Oli
Ricky Martin - Owner of Alive Surf School and Co-Founder of Skunkworks
Eleanor McGillie - Director of Live it, Experience it
Francis Hood - Owner, Sion Stables
Colin Neill - CEO, Hospitality Ulster
To buy tickets visit DigitalDNA
Belfast Telegraph


text:
COVID Emergency Planing Updated 8/20/2020
Indoor Visitation Protocols & Education Dated 10/8/2020
While Riverview is owned and operated by the Ottawa County Commissioners, the facility is financially independent. Riverview receives no funds from the Ottawa County general fund. Riverview's revenue stream includes Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay Individuals, and commercial insurances among a few other smaller revenue sources.
Riverview does have a five year .5 mill tax levy which brings in approximately $850,000 per year. This tax levy is utilized for capital projects to keep the facility in good condition to remain an asset to the Ottawa County tax payers, a comfortable home to our residents and an attractive choice in our competitive senior housing industry.
This site is updated with current Riverview capital projects funded by our Riverview levy.
The Riverview Renovation Project is funded by a 10 million dollar Bond being paid through the facility's currently .5 mil tax levy.
Whether it's for a single day or Riverview will become your home, we offer exceptional nursing care and support services and much needed peace of mind to family members and caregivers. The campus offers private and semi-private accommodations along with 24 hour nursing services. We also offer physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Cottage Cove suites are available for short term rehabilitation needs. For patients that require memory care "The Lighthouse" is a memory care unit that provides a safe protected environment. Daily recreational activities are provided on a daily basis and include games, trips, and late morning and afternoon snacks.
Your stay at Riverview includes personal products, meals and snacks, laundry and housekeeping services, and one haircut per month. Your needs will be met by a caring and thoughtful staff.
Located along the scenic Portage River Riverview Healthcare Campus provides wonderful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Come stroll along our Riverwalk, a quarter mile walking track, and possibly see some local wildlife. Take a stroll on Centennial Lane, a walkway bordered by trees which have been planted to honor our residents while they celebrate their 100th birthday. There are also picnic tables and a grill available for family cookouts. If you enjoy fishing there is access to the Portage River. Maybe there will be a story about the "one" that got away. Our backyard also provides a quiet place to relax or watch a beautiful sunset.


text:
August 01 2017 | 0 Comments | 264 reads Average Rating: 4
Impactful, Indeed: 7 Potential Impacts with Impactability Analysis
by Lalithya Yerramilli in Population Health
Impactability analysis leverages information from a multitude of sources – clinical, claims, financial, pharmaceutical, utilization, cost, supply chain, socioeconomic, demographic, genomic and others – to determine where interventions will deliver the greatest return on investment. In essence, impactability boils down to acquiring the right data and building the appropriate predictive models. The good news is that once the framework for measuring such impactability has been established, it can scale out to address a broad range of issues within the organization.
In fact, the possibilities are vast. Here are just some of the areas where impactability analysis will have, for lack of a better word, a significant impact:
Impact #1: Improving the health of the sickest 20% of Americans who account for 80% of the cost of healthcare in the United States by determining the interventions that can most profoundly close care gaps.
Impact #2: Establishing and addressing provider goals that are achievable through behavioral changes that do not require an extraordinary degree of processing, retooling and/or cumbersome new workflows.
Impact #3: Optimizing reimbursement by quantifying each claim related to the likelihood that it will be paid based on 24 months of prior data.
Impact #4: Improving risk adjustment by identifying areas where closing care caps will improve provider reimbursement by ensuring that patients/members are receiving the level of care the organization is contracted to deliver and that care is being documented properly.
Impact #5: Determining whether a claim is being overpaid by payers or if it needs to be audited through claim, member and provider risk profiles.
Impact #6: Identifying care gaps and behavioral traits that will help life sciences companies avoid reduced payment scenarios by providing the knowledge and incentives to work with providers and payers to implement programs that improve compliance.
Impact #7: Recognizing significant undiagnosed populations and then demonstrating to healthcare professionals the benefits of working to get patients to take their drugs or user their devices as prescribed.
This is just a sampling of the ways that impactability analysis can benefit healthcare organizations. For a more in-depth discussion of impactability analysis, check out our recently published e-book, Behavioral Analytics: Using Actions To Create Insights That Improve Outcomes.
Tag Words : Behavioral Analytics, Care Gaps, Impactability, Patient Profiling, Value based Care
Rate this Article:


text:
Starting your own business isn't for the faint of heart. It's stressful and pretty much demands your complete focus. On the plus side, it can also be a fulfilling experience professionally and personally.
Here are 50 tips on how to make your business come to life compliment by Ventureosity who already prepared a handy infographic to describe the tips to start a business.
Images © We The People


text:
Ascent's First Consumer Focused Website
THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules, announced today the launch of www.EnerPlex.biz, the official website of Ascent's range of consumer products.
Victor Lee, Ascent's President & CEO, stated, "We are extremely excited and proud to be able to bring EnerPlex directly to consumers via EnerPlex.biz; Ascent's EnerPlex products represent the opportunity to fundamentally change the way consumers use both solar and advanced mobile battery products."
Lee continued, "EnerPlex.biz will allow Ascent to share directly with consumers exciting new product developments such as EnerPlex for the Samsung Galaxy S III as well as the upcoming EnerPlex for iPhone 5 & other consumer products."
Utilizing the company's industry leading thin-film CIGS solar modules as well as advanced lithium-ion battery technology, EnerPlex cases are some of the thinnest and lightest battery cases available. EnerPlex for the iPhone 4, weighing less than 74 grams and with a depth of only 14mm, maintains the slim, sleek and industrial lines of the iPhone 4 & 4S.
About Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules using flexible substrate materials that can transform the way solar power generation integrates into everyday life. Ascent Solar modules, which were named one of TIME Magazine's 50 best inventions for 2011, can be directly incorporated into standard building materials, commercial transportation, automotive solutions, space applications, consumer electronics for portable power and durable off-grid solutions. More information can be found at www.ascentsolar.com.
Apple and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Samsung and Galaxy S are registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.
Investor Relations:
CleanTech IR
Brion Tanous
Office: 310-541-6824
Mobile: 424-634-8592
Source: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.