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Randomized phase II trial of hypofractionated proton versus carbon ion radiation therapy in patients with sacrococcygeal chordoma-the ISAC trial protocol
Radiation Oncology volume 9, Article number: 100 (2014)
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35 Citations
Chordomas are relatively rare lesions of the bones. About 30% occur in the sacrococcygeal region. Surgical resection is still the standard treatment. Due to the size, proximity to neurovascular structures and the complex anatomy of the pelvis, a complete resection with adequate safety margin is difficult to perform. A radical resection with safety margins often leads to the loss of bladder and rectal function as well as motoric/sensoric dysfunction. The recurrence rate after surgery alone is comparatively high, such that adjuvant radiation therapy is very important for improving local control rates. Proton therapy is still the international standard in the treatment of chordomas. High-LET beams such as carbon ions theoretically offer biologic advantages in slow-growing tumors. Data of a Japanese study of patients with unresectable sacral chordoma showed comparable high control rates after hypofractionated carbon ion therapy only.
Methods and design
This clinical study is a prospective randomized, monocentric phase II trial. Patients with histologically confirmed sacrococcygeal chordoma will be randomized to either proton or carbon ion radiation therapy stratified regarding the clinical target volume. Target volume delineation will be carried out based on CT and MRI data. In each arm the PTV will receive 64 GyE in 16 fractions. The primary objective of this trial is safety and feasibility of hypofractionated irradiation in patients with sacrococygeal chordoma using protons or carbon ions in raster scan technique for primary or additive treatment after R2 resection. The evaluation is therefore based on the proportion of treatments without Grade 3–5 toxicity (CTCAE, version 4.0) up to 12 months after treatment and/or discontinuation of the treatment for any reason as primary endpoint. Local-progression free survival, overall survival and quality of life will be analyzed as secondary end points.
The aim of this study is to confirm the toxicity results of the Japanese data in raster scan technique and to compare it with the toxicity analysis of proton therapy given in the same fractionation. Using this data, a further randomized phase III trial is planned, comparing hypofractionated proton and carbon ion irradiation.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01811394.
The advantage of radiation therapy with particles is based on the particular physical and biological characteristics of ions. Protons and carbon ions as compared to photons lead to an improved conformal dose distribution, which allows a better sparing of surrounding tissue and concurrent dose escalation in the tumor. Carbon ions seem to have an additional biological advantage due to their higher biological effectiveness in contrast to protons [1–3]. Complex double-strand breaks of the DNA seem to be the reason [4, 5]. Therefore, heavy ions provide a promising treatment option for tumors with lower radiosensitivity and critical location. Increased cure rates and low toxicity of a particle therapy are the expected results in tumors with low alpha/beta values. Chordomas, as a typical example, are rare malignant tumors (1-4% of all malignant bone tumors). This slow growing tumor arises from embryonic remnants of the chorda dorsalis. The incidence rate is 0.1/1,000,000 [6]. Historically, a higher incidence of sacral chordomas than skull base chordomas was assumed [7]. However, published SEER data of 400 patients with chordoma show an equal distribution with 32% on the skull base, 32.8% spinal and 29.2% in the sacral region [6]. The histological classification is divided into three types: conventional (most common type), chondroid and dedifferentiated [7–9]. The quality of surgical margin is the most important factor for local control and survival [10–12]. An adequate safety margin can only be achieved in about 50% of the patients with sacrococcygeal chordomas [11–13]. Therefore, after R1/R2 resection the local recurrence rate is about 100% without any additional therapy. Fuchs et al. could show a significantly different time of local control between patients with radical resection and subtotal resection [11]. Nevertheless the data of Park et al. indicate a large difference in local failure rate between patients irradiated for primary versus recurrent sacral chordomas after surgery. Hence, an adjuvant high-dose radiotherapy for acceptable control rates is required after complete resection [14]. High conformal techniques help to achieve a safe dose escalation. As mentioned above, due to their physical properties ions provide the best conditions. Proton therapy is the current international standard in irradiation of skull base chordomas. The results of the Loma Linda University Medical Centre, the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and the PSI in Villingen (Switzerland) show excellent control rates for proton therapy [15–17]. In the GSI in Darmstadt, we irradiated with carbon ions by now about 300 patients with skull base chordoma/chondrosarcoma. Published data of the first 96 patients that were treated at the GSI displayed 3- and 5-year local tumor control rates (LC) of 81% and 70% with overall survival (OS) rates of 92% and 89%, respectively [18]. Currently, there is a randomized phase III trial under recruitment, testing protons against heavy ions in patients with skull base chordoma in our department [19]. In addition, over 70 patients with sacral chordoma were treated with carbon ion in our heavy ion therapy center (HIT) between 2010 and 2012. Furthermore, in chordomas of the sacral region surgical resection is still the standard therapy and the extent of surgical resection is important for the local disease free interval [11]. Due to the size, proximity to neurovascular structures and the complex anatomy of the pelvis a complete resection with adequate safety margin is often difficult to realize. A radical resection, especially above S2, often leads to urinary and bowel incontinence as well as motoric/sensoric dysfunctions [20, 21]. An adjuvant/additive treatment with charged particles can increase the local control rate after surgery [14, 22, 23]. Radiobiological considerations lead to low alpha/beta value for chordoma (the tissue-specific constant that indicates the sensitivity of the tissue for the probability of late toxicity by increasing the single dose). The alpha/beta value for chordoma cells (2 Gy) [24] is significantly lower for other organs at risk (bladder alpha/beta 4.0 Gy; rectum alpha/beta 3.9 Gy). Thereby, a higher single dose can be used, treating the chordoma cells more effectively without increasing the risk of side effects. A Japanese trial with primary carbon ions irradiation without previous surgery confirmed this radiobiological model [25]. The data show an excellent control rate after primary radiotherapy with carbon ions in patients with inoperable sacral chordoma. 95 patients were treated with 16 fractions carbon ions over 4 weeks with a total dose of 52.8 GyE up to 73.6 GyE (70.4 Gy median TD). The fraction dose therefore was 3.3 GyE up to 4.6 GyE (4.4 Gy median SD) applied four times a week. At 5 years, the OS rate and LC rate were 86% and 88%, respectively. The rate of acute/late skin toxicity grade 3 and higher was 6.3%. Only one patient (1%) showed transient rectal bleeding 20 months after therapy (Grade II). The published study with ion irradiation of sacral chordoma was conducted using a passive beam modulation. A further development of the ion irradiation is the active beam delivery using raster-scanning method. The advantage of this method is especially the lower neutron production when used in our department. As a result of the higher neutron production the passive beam modulation shows no advantage over IMRT regarding secondary cancer risk [26]. Until now there have been no published data of hypofractionated irradiation with protons in sacral chordoma. Therefore, this is the first randomized Phase II trial protocol with hypofractionated carbon ion versus proton treatment in patients with sacrococcygeal chordoma in a single institution open for recruitment since January 2013.
Methods and design
Primary objectives/endpoints of this study
The primary objective of this trial is the evaluation of safety and feasibility of hypofractionated irradiation in patients with sacrococygeal chordoma using ions (protons or carbon ions) in raster scan technique for primary or additive treatment after R2 resection. The evaluation is based on as primary endpoint defined as the proportion of patients treated without Grade 3–5 toxicity (NCI-CTC-AE) up to 12 months after treatment and/or without discontinuation of the treatment for any reason.
Secondary objectives
Assessment of local progression free survival (LPFS) is determined from start of treatment until local progression in imaging (>10% size increase). Further objectives are overall survival (OS) from start of treatment until death or censoring and Quality of life (QoL) using the EORTC-QLQ30 questionnaire.
Study design
The study is a parallel group prospective clinical phase II trial of patients with sacrococcygeal chordoma, randomized to one of the two treatment arms (arm A: proton therapy, arm B: carbon ion therapy). A total dose of 64 GyE in 16 fractions to the PTV (see target definition below) will be given in arm A using protons and in arm B using carbon ions. The accrual period of this trial will take approximately two years with a follow up time of 12 months for each patient. Patients matching the eligibility criteria and willing to participate with informed consent are registered (Figure 1).
Inclusion criteria
Histological confirmation of sacrococcygeal chordoma.
Karnofsky performance status ≥ 70%.
Patients age 18–80 years.
Macroscopic tumor (MRI).
Written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
Distant metastasis (M+).
Lack of macroscopic tumor.
Tumor extension in craniocaudal direction >16 cm due to technical limitation.
Metal implants at the level of the tumor that could influence the treatment planning.
Inability of the patient to lie quiet for at least 20 minutes (e.g. due to pain).
Prior radiotherapy of the pelvic region.
Simultaneous participation in another trial that could influence the results of the study.
Active medical implants without treatment approval at the time of ion irradiation (e.g., cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator).
Randomization will be performed regarding treatment arms A (protons) and B (carbon ions) stratified by the volume of CTV (>or ≤ 1 L).
Treatment planning
Examinations for treatment planning consist of a CT scan (3 mm slice thickness) in treatment position and a MRI for 3D image correlation. The delineation of the chordoma requires a T1 weighted post gadolinium and T2 stir MRI.
Target volume
Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) includes the gross tumor based on CT and MRI imaging. The Clinical Target Volume (CTV) is defined as GTV plus surrounding areas at risk for containing microscopic disease. The CTV includes the GTV and, after partial resection, the tumour bed and surgical access path with a margin of 2 cm in bone and soft tissue. The CTV margins may be smaller if the GTV is adjacent to the critical normal organs like small bowel or rectum. The Planning Target Volume (PTV) includes the CTV with an additional margin of 5 mm in anterior-posterior direction and 7 mm in lateral direction to compensate set-up variability. The overlap of PTV and rectum is defined as PTV-Rectum.
Proton/carbon ion therapy
Treatment planning is realized using a treatment planning system (TPS Siemens) that enables conventional and biological optimization. After inverse planning proton and carbon ion treatment is given in active beam application (raster scanning method).
Dose prescription
95% of the PTV should obtain the dose of 64 GyE in 16 fractions (5–6 fractions per week). The equivalent photon dose in 2 Gy/fraction (ED2) is 96 Gy, calculated for 2 Gy single dose (SD) and α/β value of 2.
Critical normal structure constraints
Rectum, bladder and bowel are defined as organs at risk. Rectum is defined therefore ranging from the anus to the recto sigmoid junction, the bowel as the remaining intestine in the pelvis without rectum. The maximum dose to the PTV-rectum is 57.6 GyE (90% isodose). The ED2 (2 Gy SD, α/β = 3.9 Gy) is 73.2 Gy. One third of the circumference should be below the 35% isodose (ED2: 20 Gy). The maximum dose for the other parts of the intestine is 51.2 GyE (80% isodose, ED2: 61.4 Gy). This dose may only appear in a small volume. The QUANTEC criteria for the rectum and the other parts of the intestine have to be observed (V50 < 50%, V60 < 35%, V65 < 25%, V70 < 20% and V75 < 15%) (Figure 2). The maximum dose to the cauda equina is 60 Gy (ED2).
Assessment of efficacy parameters
Toxicity and safety
To evaluate the toxicity, this study will use the International Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0 for toxicity and adverse event reporting. Safety and toxicity of the study treatment will be evaluated by clinical examination as well as imaging studies (MRI or CT). At enrollment, each patient will be asked for his medical history and pass through a basic clinical examination with regard to already existing problems. During radiation therapy the patient is monitored continuously. Once a week, a meeting with the investigator will take place in order to record the adverse effects. At the end of the treatment and in the follow up visits the clinical symptoms and toxicity will be documented again. Follow up visits are planned for 6–8 weeks, 4 months, 8 months and 12 months after irradiation. A safe feasibility exists, if no grade 3 or higher toxicity has occurred (including toxicity-related death, Grade 5) from start of radiation until 12 months after the end of therapy, and if the therapy was not canceled due to any toxicity (grade 1–4). It will be evaluated be the respective portion of patients denoted SFR (safe feasibility rate).
Quality of life
The quality of life (QoL) is detected using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires that are filled in by the patient before treatment, at the end of treatment and 12 months after irradiation. The evaluation of the questionnaires is carried out for the individual patients after the complete collection of all data. To determine a change in QoL it will be compared with the pretherapeutic QoL for each patient in both arms. QoL will be compared between the two arms of the study after end of radiation and at end of study for the patients. For the analysis of the EORTC questionnaires the EORTC QLQ-C30 Scoring Manual will be used.
Local progression free survival (LPFS)
The effectiveness of treatment is examined through MRI follow-ups. A progressive disease (PD) is achieved if the tumor size increases 10% or more, measured as the longest dimension in cranial-caudal, anterior-posterior and lateral direction. This definition of PD is based on the observation of a temporary tumor swelling after the particle therapy. A new tumor nodule and a tumor growth >10% in one direction (for example toward the gluteal muscles) will also be evaluated as PD. Since chordomas usually have a very low proliferation rate (Ki 67: <5%), an assessment by RECIST criteria is too insensitive for detecting a PD.
Overall survival (OS)
Overall survival is a secondary endpoint of the study. The duration of survival is the time interval between beginning of radiotherapy and the date of death due to any cause or to loss to follow-up (censored observation). Patients not reported dead or lost to follow-up will be censored at the date of the last follow-up examination (Figure 3).
Statistical consideration and analysis
With the present study, basic data are obtained for hypofractionated carbon ion radiation and proton radiation in sacral chordoma patients to be used for planning a confirmative randomized phase III trial comparing proton and carbon ion irradiation. At present, hypofractionated carbon ion radiation is considered as the standard, supported by data already existing in Japan. However, the treatment in Japan was performed without using the raster-scanning method. Nevertheless, these data can serve as historical control for the planning of this pilot study and provide the framework for the assessment of safety and feasibility of the proposed study treatments using the SFR as endpoint. Each of the planned study treatments (Arm A: protons or arm B: carbon ions) will be tested separately for this endpoint in a non-inferiority study design in comparison with that (historical) control. The comparative evaluation of favorable toxicity is assessed in an exploratory comparison by comparing the SFR of both arms. With these results, a further trial is then planned to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypofractionated irradiation with carbon ions or protons with active beam delivery of sacral chordoma. Consequently, the following two questions will be considered in preparation for the subsequent confirmatory study:
Is the toxicity of carbon ion irradiation (Arm B) non-inferior to the current standard?
Is the toxicity of the proton irradiation (arm A) non-inferior to the current standard?
The number of patients to be recruited is calculated separately for each arm with an assumed standard toxicity rate of 7% (Grade 3–5 NCI-CTC AE Tox, including premature termination). Thus, the safety rate is set to 93% accounting for the Japanese results, where a toxicity of grade 3 or higher in 6.3% of patients was found [25]. Identical non-inferiority limits for toxicity and statistical error probabilities (type I error = type II error = 10%) are selected for each of the two arms. Randomization is used to obtain a balanced patient population in both groups and based on permuted block randomization stratified for the CTV size (> or ≤ 1 L). Comparison between the two arms will be carried out as a secondary comparison. The non-inferiority of each of the two arms compared to the standard is assessed in a one-sided hypothesis test: H0: SDR <93% versus H1: SDR > = 93% - DELTA. For the proposed pilot trial a non-inferiority limit (DELTA) of 13% is assumed. To test the efficacy and safety of the treatment, 45 evaluable patients per arm are required to reach a power of 90% (type II error = 10%) at a significance level 10% (type I error). Non-inferiority is denied, if safe feasibility is possible in less than 40 patients (i.e. if more than 5 of the 45 (90%) evaluable patients show toxicity. Each of the two tests is to be tested with a power of 90% (power = 90%, beta = 0.1) in a one-sample binomial test. Confidence intervals of the SFR are calculated as describing parameters. With an estimated drop out rate of approximately 10%, 50 patients should be included in each arm in order to obtain 45 evaluable patients. This sample size calculation is based on the PASS software of 2005 and the method of Blackwelder (1982) for non-inferiority trials [27]. The secondary endpoints OS and LPFS will be analyzed via descriptive methods of censored survival times (Kaplan Meier method).
Regular study end
The estimated accrual period is 24 months. The regular end of the treatment period for each patient is three weeks after initiation of radiation therapy (after 16 fractions). The regular end of study participation for each patient is after a follow up period of 12 months.
Prematurely study termination
Reasons for premature termination of the entire study are unacceptable risks and toxicities as specified by the Safety Board as occurrence of a toxicity of grade 5, of 2 consecutive grade 4 toxicities or 5 consecutive grade 3 toxicities judged to be definitively associated with study therapy. Other reasons are new scientific findings during the period of study that require a different treatment. Individual reasons for premature study termination are serious events or a patient's request.
Data safety monitoring board (DSMB)
An independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will monitor the recruitment, the reported adverse events and the data quality. Based on its review the DSMB will provide the Principal Investigator (PI) with recommendations regarding trial modification, continuation or termination.
Data collection and management
All patient related data are collected pseudonymously. An individual patient number characterizes each patient. The data collection is based on case report forms (documentation forms/case report forms). The originals of all documents are kept in the study center. According to the §13 of the German GCP-Regulation, all important trial documents will be archived for at least 15 years after the end of the ISAC trial. According to the §28c of the German X-Ray Regulation (RöV) and the §87 of the German Radiation Protection Regulation (StrlSchV) the informed consent forms including the patients' consent for trial participation and the application of irradiation will be archived for at least 30 years after the end of the trial. The Study Center at the Department of Radiation Oncology will be responsible for archiving all relevant data.
Declaration of Helsinki and good clinical practice
The trial is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (2008 Version of the Declaration of Helsinki, adopted at the 59th WMA General Assembly, Seoul, October 2008) as well as with the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice (s. ICH-GCP: International Conference on Harmonization - Good Clinical Practice; 01.05.1996) in their current versions.
Ethics Committee and Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz
The study protocol, patient information and consent are approved by the ethics committee of the university of Heidelberg (S-165/2012). Furthermore, the trial is approved by the Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (Z5-22461/2-2009-026/13).
Currently, radical resection with/without adjuvant radiation treatment is the most performed treatment in patients with sacral chordoma. Hence, the evidence based only on small retrospective series [11, 14]. De Lany et al. published data of 29 patients with chordomas of the mobile spine and sacrum that were treated by surgery and high dose proton-/photon irradiation in a phase II trial. In this trial no significant difference between R0 and R1/R2/biopsy could be shown regarding local control [28]. According to these results it can be asked whether an extended surgery with high morbidity is still necessary. Japanese retrospective data compared surgery only with carbon ion therapy only and found out a 5-year local-recurrence free survival rate of 62.5% for surgery and 100% for carbon ion therapy [22]. Further retrospective data of 95 patients after hypofractionated carbon ion treatment at NIRS seems to indicate a new therapeutic option in patients with sacral chordoma, which displays in contrast to the surgery lower morbidity with very good local control [25]. Imai et al. reported about three patients with grade 3 skin toxicity and two patients with grade 4 (73.6 GyE) [25]. A decided evaluation of skin toxicity after carbon ion treatment at NIRS showed grade 3 and 4 skin toxicity only in patients which received doses ≥ 70 GyE in 16 fractions. It was indicated that severe skin reaction may not develop if the prescribed dose is 64 GyE or less like in our trial [29]. Furthermore, we limit the maximum dose of the skin to 90-95% of the prescribed dose. Imai et al. reported about one patient with rectal bleeding grade 1, but no patient received a colostomy or urinary diversion after carbon ion treatment. 15 patients (16%) required medication due to sciatic neuropathy after carbon ion treatment. However, five of them received with 73.6 GyE a much higher dose than in our trial. More than 80% of the chordomas were localized above S2 [25]. Thus, the expected toxicity after radical resection would have been a complete urinary and bowel incontinence in at least 80% of the patients [20, 21]. Furthermore chronic neuropathic pain, wound complications and walking difficulties are also possible side effects of sacrectomy [30, 31]. Against this background, the published side effects after hypofractionated carbon ion therapy should be evaluated.
Due to missing data for a hypofractionated carbon ion therapy in raster scan technique, this trial will confirm the historical data from Japan that were developed by using passive beam application. In the Japanese trial patients received a total dose of 52.8 to 73.6 GyE in 16 fractions. Most of the patients received 70.4 GyE. In contrast to our fractionation with up to 6 fractions per week (Monday-Saturday), the patients in Japan received only four fractions per week. Therefore, the total dose in our trial is limited to 64 GyE. Only patients with inoperable, residual or recurrent tumor will be included in our trial. Patients with resectable tumor are included only after refusal of surgery treatment. Moreover, no data of hypofractionated proton therapy in patients with sacral chordoma have been published so far. However, these data are necessary to perform a randomized prospective phase III study in the future.
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We acknowledge financial support by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg within the funding programme Open Access Publishing.
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Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors' contributions
MU, LE, ADJ, JD und KH have developed the study concept. MU, LE, KH and JD wrote the study protocol and obtained ethics approval. LE was responsible for statistical considerations. MU, ADJ, GH, JO, MBFR, JD and KH will provide patient care. MU, LE, ADJ, GH, JO, MBFR, OJ, JD and KH will implement the protocol and oversee collection of the data. All authors contributed to and approved the final manuscript.
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Cite this article
Uhl, M., Edler, L., Jensen, A.D. et al. Randomized phase II trial of hypofractionated proton versus carbon ion radiation therapy in patients with sacrococcygeal chordoma-the ISAC trial protocol. Radiat Oncol 9, 100 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-717X-9-100
- Sacral chordoma
- Chordoma
- Carbon ion therapy
- Proton therapy
- Irradiation
- Randomized trial
- Hypofractionation
- Heavy ion therapy


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Chapter 1
Entry posted by Aqua ·
1376 views
Aqua was hesitant but removed Aishou's hands with his paws, so his watery eyes could see; Aishou stopped breathing when he saw that Aqua's alluring muzzle was a few centimetres away from his. Aqua raised his paws and placed it under AiShou's chin then guided him in for a kiss. Aishou could hardly believe what was happening; he closed his eyes and focused his other senses on the kiss. The kiss was soft and sweet, just like him. AiShou's heart was thundering along as he felt all his face heat up; the butterflies in his stomach were dancing and his lips felt like they were melting. After what seems like eternity, Aqua ended the kiss, pulled back and admitted shyly, "I like you."

subset: commoncrawl


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* Pricing is for US only. International pricing will vary.
Io Express delivers compact, powerful I/O for PC or Mac in the field, in the studio, or wherever your work takes you with 3G-SDI and HDMI I/O and Component Video Out.
Io Express is the perfect Mac or PC interface for anyone who needs a quality portable monitoring and mastering solution when working with Final Cut Pro X, Avid Media Composer/Symphony/Newscutter, Adobe Creative Suite, and more.
Rugged and portable, Io Express delivers desktop-level functionality that's powerful enough to deliver in the edit suite, but sturdy and portable enough to handle life in the field. With support for a wide range of analog and digital HD/SD video and audio I/O, and broadcast-quality HD to SD down-conversion, Io Express fits into any workflow with ease.
Compatible with PC or Mac, Io Express can be connected via a PCIe card (included), offering the flexibility to work on any platform, in the software of your choice.
Io Express provides a wide variety of formats, frame rates and video/audio sources for the connectivity you need.
For digital video, Io Express features HDMI 1.3a I/O plus 3G/HD/SD-SDI I/O. In addition there are connections for Genlock or LTC input and a loop-through output, and component SD/HD analog video output. The high-quality deep color HDMI input and output provides complete color representation when you need it, while allowing you to interface with HDMI camcorders and HD monitors.
Io Express also offers support for both 8-channel HDMI and SDI embedded digital audio or 2 channels of unbalanced analog audio via two RCA connectors. For multi-channel audio mastering, the 8-channel SDI embedded 24-bit 48kHz audio provides pristine quality.
However you choose to work, PC or Mac, laptop or desktop, Io Express can integrate seamlessly with your workflow.
The same Io Express unit can be used with PC or Mac - giving users the flexibilty to choose how they want to work in each scenario. A rear panel PCIe connector enables use with with a Mac Pro or Windows workstation via a PCIe card.
With the ability to rack mount two Io Express units in a single 1RU space, you can have a secure setup while still having the mobility to change locations quickly.
AJA hardware is supported by an extensive list of professional software for editing, visual effects, graphics and more allowing the same AJA device to be used by many different applications on the same system. In addition, AJA provides several free applications that enable you to utilize the power of your AJA hardware even without having to run a particular software package. This allows you to create unique workflows without tying up valuable resources unnecessarily.
The RS-422 connection on Io Express enables control of external decks and other recording devices directly from within your software application of choice. Capture clips directly off tape and layoff sequences all frame-accurately without the need for a separate device control adapter.
Featuring full 10-bit, broadcast-quality HD to SD hardware down-conversion and automatic HD/SD 12-bit component analog output, Io Express offers conversion flexibility all the time -- during ingest or playback.
Many situations require the editing system to be locked in sync with other devices. Io Express can accept a reference signal, which ensures it is locked to any necessary devices for the best quality capture and output. This reference signal can then be passed on to other devices.
Users can select whether timecode is read off embedded signals or from an external input so that the proper timecode is always associated with any captured clips.
The AJA Io Express and Io XT Rackmount Kit (part number IOX-RM), is the perfect custom companion product when you are looking to efficiently rack mount one or even two Io Express or Io XT products side by side in your rack for studio, mobile truck or video assist needs.
For longer distances between the Computer and the Io Express, you can purchase a 5-meter PCIe Tether Cable.
AJA DataCalc is a mobile OS application for iOS, iPadOS and Android, offering two modes for storage and time calculations based upon raster, frame rate and codec choices.
DataCalc - Calculate your storage needs before capture.
TimeCalc – Calculate the run time of materials you can capture by storage size.
Share results with your team straight from the application.
AJA's technical support is recognized as among the best in the industry and is available to all AJA customers. If you need assistance with any aspect of your Mobile I/O installation, configuration, operation or encounter any technical issue, AJA Support will work with you to get up and running.
Mobile I/O products are covered by a generous three year warranty. Please see the individual Product's Manual for additional specifics around warranty conditions for the product itself.
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Phone: +1-530-271-3190, Fax: +1-530-271-3140
Email: email@example.com
Register your AJA product to help us provide you with the highest quality technical assistance.Register Now


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Slammedenuff: Top 5 Rain or Shine
With show season underway, SlammedEnuff hosted their first meet of 2017 in downtown Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. A definite improvement from last year's venue, the showcase cars are housed inside with the rest of the show spilling outside. Entrants fought spring showers the whole day, rolling into the venue soaking wet — but once everything got wiped down, attendees were treated to a solid display of quantity and quality of today's best show cars.
In no particular order, here are the top five picks that caught our eyes:
1. Wolfpack Performance's Acura Integra
Although Honda doesn't get the same amount of love on the East Coast as it does on the West, there are occasionally cars that stand out in a big way. Resurrected from what can best be described as a wreck, this Integra has been fitted with a fully built B20, unique Avant Garde wheels and root beer paint that's impossibly deep.
2. Donte Winters' Toyota Supra
With the vintage JDM revival in full effect, American enthusiasts are finally beginning to explore all of the various styles long associated with these models. Donte Winters has gone wild with this second-generation Supra, sourcing a 6M-GE and transforming the Toyota into a full tribute to bosozuku style.
3. Melvin Jimenez' Honda Odyssey
Enthusiasts transitioning into fatherhood and still keeping the dream alive has been a journey more and more have embarked on lately, thanks in part to the VanKulture movement. You could say that Melvin Jimenez has fulfilled his odyssey with his Odyssey. This van wears a set of Canino wheels, Honda accessory aero and a classy VIP-inspired interior true to anyone representing .
4. Christian Portell's Nissan Skyline
With the mass influx of R32 Skylines in the past couple years, standing out of the pack has been a bit of a challenge believe it or not. Christian Portell has taken the period-correct route, mounting an HKS turbo kit, white TE37s, early '90s Nismo seats and gutting the interior for track work.
5. Bremen Autowerks' Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible
This peanut-butter-and-jelly-colored Mercedes Benz convertible caught our eye just with its sheer classiness. An AirLift suspension keeps the big coupe planted on classic gold-face BBS RS wheels — a timeless combo. The work was done by Georgia-based Bremen Autowerks.


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Dude, You're Getting A Dell!
Actually, I'm not a dude, and I already bought my Dell. Yesterday. At Costco. Now I can type my blog posts once, not twice as I did when I had no Internet access on my old computer—I was having to compose the posts in Documents and then type them into my phone. As you can imagine, that was quite a process, and more than once I nearly gave up because it was such a gold-plated pain in the ass.
But sweet are the uses of a little extra money, and thankfully I got five months' worth of Social Security payments all at once so I had the cash to buy a new computer. It's my very first laptop and I'm thrilled with it—it's got all the bells and whistles I could have asked for and more besides. It's not top of the line but I don't need that; I just wanted a more portable computer that didn't take up the entire desk when I set it down AND worked with my landlady's wireless service. Which it does beautifully.
So if you don't mind, I think I'm going to learn a little more about this marvelous piece of technology before I get back to posting my usual wit and wisdom. I've got a few bugs to work out in the user . See you soon!
May 8, 2015 10:17 am
It will be such a joy reading your blog posts more often! so happy for you!
so hey, I am looking for a lower end laptop that will work with wireless, you think that is a good way to go?
What kind of jack is there for the power? The Dell I had before became unusable when the jack hole (no comments! don't know what else to call it! haha) inside the computer loosened up 😦 Hopefully they fixed that. If not you need to be extra sure you back up whatever you would like to save.
May 8, 2015 4:33 pm
I like it. It was $600 at Costco, but I also bought an extended warranty that covers any and all damages for three years. Even drops and spills. I highly recommend the extra protection….. I had one on my car and paid all of $75 for a new engine when the original died. 🙂
May 9, 2015 1:49 am
Great! I bet you'll love it, I got a Dell laptop a few months ago when I got a student loan, it's been a great computer so far.
May 9, 2015 3:28 am
Yay! Since you are a blogger, a laptop is a necessity. Typing on a phone with thumbs – what a nightmare!


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The Story – Superman – War of the Supermen (2011)
Superman – War of the Supermen (2011) : The final chapter in the critically acclaimed NEW KRYPTON storyline is collected in this hardcover featuring SUPERMAN: WAR OF THE SUPERMEN #0-4 and a page from SUPERMAN #700!
Free DC Comic Download
Superman – War of the Supermen
Language : English | Year : 2011 | Size : 204 MB
Screenshots :
Notes :
- If you have any difficulties to download the files, please refer to this how-to download page.
- All of the comic files are packed on .CBR and/or .CBZ file formats. Here are some of the reader apps that i can recommend : YAC Reader (Win, OSX, Linux, iOS), ComicRack (Win, Android, iOS), CDisplayEx.
- To extract any compressed files, I recommend using 7-Zip.
- If you encounter any broken links or corrupt files, please write on the comment section or message me through the contact form.
- Want to see all the comic list? Please go to this page.


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Find Time to Lead: Partner with a Benefits Broker
You already know that salaries are your company's biggest expense. Number two is benefits. That's why you should consider partnering with a benefits broker. But not just any broker.
So, what should you look for? What separates the wheat from the chaff when most folks are selling the same services?
Are you a benefits expert? Probably not.
First things first, you have to be honest and ask yourself a tough question: Think through the amount of time you spend trying to understand your company's benefit plans. Comparing cost is just one aspect you should be considering. You need to know which plans are best for your employees. Generally, a one-size-fits-all option isn't a great idea. You need to provide your employees with variety so they have choices. But then, you also have to consider which plans are best for your company. Of course, cost comes into play here, but you also need to think about the specific needs of your workforce. Do your employees work non-traditional hours necessitating 24/7 service? Do you have a bilingual workforce and need another language on help lines? What about non-traditional benefits such as pet insurance or legal assistance? Yeah, there's a lot to think about! And, while you're doing all of this research, you don't have time to focus on business strategy.
So, imagine if you found a benefits expert to wade in and figure out all of this information for you. What if you could work with a benefit and health insurance broker to streamline access to all of your HR data, helping to reduce errors and eliminate duplicate data entry? How much time would you get back in your day? And, more importantly, what could you do with that time?
Connect the Dots
When it comes to benefits plans, there's often an employer/employee disconnect. What the employer believes employees want and what employees really want can be two very different animals. When you're not spinning your wheels reading the fine print of five different health insurance plans, you'll have the time to:
- Conduct a survey of your employees to find out what types of benefits are of interest. Naturally, you can't implement all of them, but you can analyze the resulting data and interpret trends based on responses.
- Gauge interest in non-traditional benefits such as tuition assistance, day care services, free snacks and drinks, etc.
- Plan strategic communications programs around benefits throughout the year, and not only at open enrollment time.
Totally Awesome
Educating employees about their total compensation is another strategic communications program you can focus on when you're not wrangling your benefits program. Help them understand that there's more to compensation than just salary. Your younger generations of employees, especially, might only look at their paychecks to determine how much they're making on the job. A graphically interesting, colorful total compensation statement can help educate them. According to the experts at SHRM, you should include:
- Salary/hourly rate
- Medical benefits coverage—include amount paid by employee and employer
- Flexible spending account information
- Paid leave—include vacation/sick/PTO, holiday, personal, bereavement, military pay, jury duty, etc.
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Retirement benefits—include 401(k)/403(b), pension plans, etc.
- Educational assistance programs
- Relocation expenses, if applicable
Break Tradition
Now is also the time that you can consider new non-traditional benefits that don't involve the help of a broker or agent. Non-traditional benefits can help boost employee morale, increase retention, and attract top talent, so it's in your company's best interest to think about offering a few. One idea to help ensure success in your program is to benchmark organizations in your industry to see what's working for them and think about what impact offering these benefits could have on your workforce. In addition to the ideas above, some options that cost little to no money can include:
- Flex schedules
- Additional or unlimited PTO
- Opportunities for remote work
- Financial counseling
- Discounts to local attractions and events
- Offering a month-long sabbatical to employees for every five years of employment
- Onsite chair massages or yoga classes
Finding the best benefits broker to fit your business can be one of the most valuable investments your company can make. Top benefits brokers are consultative and not someone who just makes the sale and calls you once a year to see if you still want to work with them. They help employees make educated healthcare decisions; help you with compliance and reporting; lend a hand at open enrollment time (or better yet, manage the entire process); recommend complementary services, and provide benefits communication materials.
When you choose your broker, select someone who provides the services you and your employees need today... and someone who will be with you down the road as your company grows.
Now that you better understand why it's important to partner with a benefits broker, you need to find the right fit for your company. Check out Tips to Select the Right Benefits Broker and learn the key criteria to look for to support both your business and your employees.
Buyer's Guide To HCM And Payroll Technology
An HCM platform is the foundation of your business, and choosing the technology is one of the most important decisions you'll make.Get Expertise
Stay Up to Date
Sign up to receive our latest research and expert advice.
Check your inbox for an email confirming your subscription. Enjoy!


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Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows 2003
Windows Vista
This tweak is used to hide the Network Places from the Start menu.
Is your PC slow?optimize performance with
Advanced System Optimizer 3
Hide Network Places from the Start menu.reg
The ".reg" file can hide Network Places from the Start menu.
Show Network Places from the Start menu (Default).reg
The ".reg" file can show Network Places in the Start menu.
Registry Entry Details:
Steps ScreenShots:
Apply registry settings according below given steps of screenshots with related changes.
The "My Network Places" option is not visible in the 'Start' menu after the changes have been made in the registry.
The "My Network Places" option is visible in the 'Start' menu.
First, click the 'Start' button, and select 'Run'. In the resulting dialog box, type "regedit".
Second, go to the [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\] key, right-click on the blank area in the right pane and click on "New > DWORD Value" to create a new DWORD value with the name "NoStartMenuNetworkPlaces".
Third, right-click on the 'NoStartMenuNetworkPlaces' DWORD value and click on "Modify".
Finally, enter the value "1" in the text box and click on 'OK'.
Other Related Tweaks
Clear the computer names searched on a network.
Category : Display > Start Menu
This setting allows you to clear the names of all computers that were passed as arguments while searching a computer on the network.
Remove the "Favorites" menu item from the Start menu (For Current User).
This setting can remove the "Favorites" menu item from the Start menu, if it is currently shown.
Remove the "Favorites" menu item from the Start menu (For All Users).
Clear the recently accessed documents list.
This setting enables you to delete the documents in "Recent Documents" folder.
Clear history of recently accessed entries on logoff.
This setting enables you to clear the recently accessed documents list on Start Menu as well as the Internet Explorer URL history, when you log off your system.


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The toothbrush that is developed by HoldPeak is renown for its high water resistance and its high self-cleaning function through sonic vibration. There are two main toothbrush products that we are offering including the toothbrush that has three cleaning modes and the toothbrush that has five cleaning modes.
The waterproof sonic toothbrush HP-338A series is equipped with a replaceable toothbrush head and the streamlined body. It also has a multi-function button that can precisely control the on and off the device. The outstanding feature of this series is that it has three cleaning modes and offers 5V charging. Its vibration frequency of clean mode is about 42000 times per minute and the vibration frequency of the soft mode is about 31000 times per minute. Also, it has a self-interval timer that can make the device stop in 30 seconds and two minutes. The stand-by time of it can reach three weeks.
The toothbrush HP-338B series has 5 brushing modes. This smart sonic toothbrush is equipped with a 3-axis gyro gravity sensor that can sense four brushing states. More importantly, the toothbrush can be connected to a mobile phone with Bluetooth. The brushing time of each stage will be uploaded to a mobile app, which is scored. People can evaluate the results of their brushing through the APP evaluation results.


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Patient Appreciation
Sunglasses/Single Vision Promotion
Package 1
Any frame up to $150 with single vision polycarbonate lenses (clear or tinted lenses)
$225 ($100 saving)
Package 2
Any frame up to $150 with single vision polarized lenses (100% UV and glare reduction)
$275 ($140 saving)
Our office is offering promotion packages to help our patients to see better while driving, playing sports and enjoying the summer heat.
Sunglasses can help to reduce glare/eye strain, enhance contrast, improve clarity and alleviate sensitivity to light.
Transitions Lenses Guarantee
A VSP patient has coverage for basic single vision or bifocal lenses, but pays out-of-pocket for Transitions everday lenses. Transitions lenses are premium add-on to your lenses that would allow your clear lenses to change to tinted sunglasses lenses with sun or light stimulation. This feature would protect your eyes from the bright harmful sunlight.
Transitions lenses have UV coating that protects your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet from the sun. This coating would prevent cataract and macular degeneration development.
Transitions are available in Vantage (with polarization to cut down glare), XTRActive (changes behind windshield while driving), Transition VI, DriveWear, NuPolar, etc. Our office can help you to decide which lens would suit your need.
VSP patients can order and try the Transitions lenses risk free for up to six months. If you are not completely satisfied with the Transitions lenses, you can call our office to get the Transitions lens upgrade cost mailed to you in a check, as well as a free redo of your glasses' lenses back to clear.
Please visit Transitions for the different types of Transitions lenses!
Our doctors and staff would love your feedback so we can continue to improve or "get a BIG smile on our faces"when we read your wonderful reviews. We constantly strive for exceptional service and care for all our patients. Please share with us your experience with our office on Yelp.


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Bird Sightings
Saturday 13th August
9 years, 2 months ago Posted in: Bird Sightings 0
Good birding today, Hawfinch in the garden, Black Woodpecker flypast and just rescued a female Black Redstart from the woodburning stove! (which by the way wasn't on!)
This entry was posted on Saturday, August 13th, 2011 at 16:42
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.


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Remember in the first Iron Man movie, when Tony Stark would have conversations with his in house digital assistant, J.A.R.V.I.S? Together, they built the Iron Man suite and saved the world, with little banter along the way. The artificial intelligent character was a hit, even though he was just a voice. When the first movie was released in 2008, J.A.R.V.I.S seemed like a fantasy. Fast forward to 2016, and I now have a digital assistant in my home: The Amazon Echo. Using voice commands, we use it to order goods on amazon.com, add grocery items to our shopping list, check the weather, get information from Wikipedia, set a timer when I water the grass, control our Nest and our sound system. Or, if you have a baby like we do, you can play "Baby Einstein" on Pandora–over and over and over. The Echo is amazing and it's already being replicated by Google with the Google Home. Let the competition begin!
Voice command in consumer homes
However, the Echo and it's counterparts, won't be confined to the home for long–something Google maybe should have thought about before they settled on a name. Home-use was never Amazon's end game because for many companies, it's a test lab: A safe place to start checking functionality and market interest. IoT did the same thing with things like Nest, app-controlled security systems, and home lighting systems. But the consumer home isn't where the focus is. IoT companies are targeting Industrial and commercial use of connected products.
Similarly, Amazon has its sights on something bigger. And better.
People love voice controlled products and the interest is growing. Lot's of people prefer to use Siri instead of typing text messages and Apple just put her on macOS Sierra. Voice-activated command systems are becoming a staple inside new vehicles (i.e. Ford's Sync) and it's quickly finding it's way into TV remotes. If we start looking around, we'll notice that voice control is showing up in a lot of places.
Where is voice command going next?
How quickly things change, expensive LCD displays, elegant mobile applications, and now Voice sits center stage as the user interface of choice.
Using your voice to control your music and your furnace is nice, but voice is on the verge of taking over a lot more than the home. Voice is the new user interface for the consumer. No LCD, no apps, and no UI. Just the spoken word.
Voice is the new user interface for the consumer. No LCD, no apps, and no UI. Just the spoken word.
Interestingly, last year I wrote about this in my article Amazon and IoT (Part 2). With AWS' re:Invent just a few weeks away, and with the high chances of Amazon expanding their voice controlled features at the event, it's a topic that needs some revisiting. Here are some hypothetical capabilities from my previous article:
Consider technicians working in the field on a generator for an oil pump. Instead of manually checking on the operations of another generator a few miles away she can simply ask a field-version of Echo… Make a verbal request, receive a digital response. Medical surgeries, air traffic control, and fleet management could all use Echo technology respectively.
What about first responders?
Firefighters are looking at IoT technology to improve their effectiveness. They'll be able to use sensors in the midst of a fire to assist in situational awareness and personnel location… They'll be able to collect data before the incident to be more effective, enhance interoperability between data systems (i.e. building, weather, street, etc.) and they'll be developing intelligent systems to assist with decision-making. For police officers, using an interactive microphone on their uniform instead of talking to dispatch, they'll be able to ask questions and get answers, make voice commands with an immediate response.
Using the Echo to talk to Connected Products
Even as I write about these capabilities, it still sounds like a far-off, futuristic concept but it's not! We've built ThingLogix Foundry, a Connected Product Management system for IoT and connected products. Think of it as a Salesforce, or a CRM, for connected devices and products. But what's our latest addition to Foundry? We've recently integrated it with the Amazon Echo. Customers can interact with their connected products–ask for status updates, locations, make commands, etc.–using the Echo. People from all types of industries can talk with things that don't talk. And the best part? It's an application interface that can easily be used by a non technical staff.
And the best part? It's an application interface that can easily be used by a non technical staff.
Take that capability into the service field, manufacturing facilities, and factories and all the capabilities that I wrote about in 2015 are no longer just future possibilities, but present realities. We can do it. Today.
Maybe the Iron Man suit isn't possible (at least right now) but digital, voice commanded assistants are. When our customers and AWS start using voice command systems, the trend will grow exponentially. The dominos have already begun to fall.
Would you like to share perspectives on AWS IoT, Foundry Application Services, and or Echo integrations? We would be happy to share what works in the field and what doesn't. Let's talk.


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Numerous organizations sanction clubs and competitions in formats that range from short-distance toss-and-fetch to three-minute freestyle routines choreographed to music and requiring extreme athleticism and a high level of training. A major player is Skyhoundz, which puts on events ranging from regional qualifiers to a world championship.
Dog Frisbee, as baby-boomers might recall, got off to a spectacular start in 1974 when Alex Stein, a 19-year-old college student, jumped a fence with his dog, Ashley Whippet, at a nationally broadcast baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. Ashley astonished the crowd with high-flying leaps and chases, stopping the game and prompting announcer Joe Garagiola to narrate the action. Stein was arrested, but his stunt fueled interest in the sport and Stein went on to help create the Frisbee Dog World Championship, also known as the Ashley Whippet Invitational, which celebrated its 34th anniversary in 2011.
Disc dog in action at Sacramento Kennel Club Show. Photo by Janet Fullwood
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Check out some top picks from our new Director of Barketing™, Maya — her favorite places, eats, treats, etc.
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Come and explore our journey of play and exploration with our little one, Floss. She's always 'busy busy' discovering new things and we love setting up an environment where she can. Learning through play and nature exploration matters!
Latest Download in Members Area
To gain access to this resource please sign up to our newsletter where you will be sent a password to gain access. New resources added each month focused on nature and celebrations.
Phonics Blog Series
Phonics is a real passion of mine and one of my favourite things to teach when I worked in early years. Phonics is one part of a wide range of skills children need to be able to read and write. However, it comes with plenty of jargon and for many of us we were never taught it ourselves at school. This series is ideal for parents looking to support their children with their phonics learning or planning to home school, but equally perfect for student teachers. Check out the series here.
Travel Play Ideas
Check out our travel play ideas for when you're out and about. Whether you're on a plane, train, car, boat, eating out or heading to a doctors appointment, we've got ideas for you to keep your little ones entertained. Series link here.
Find us on Pinterest – www.pinterest.co.uk/busybusylearn


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Commissioner General of Prisons P.W. Kodippili states that a special operation has commenced to nab the 10 prison inmates who had eluded authorities while being detained the Avissawella prison complex.
The inmates who had fled this morning had received internal transfers from the Kuruwita prison complex last evening, where they were set to undergo trial at the
Ruwanwella & Avissawella courts this morning.
Two suspects who are said to be guilty of having committed murders are also believed to be amongst the group.
However, Police stated that one suspect was arrested from the Kosgama area this evening.


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It governs our relationships, our values and our sense of style too. Venus in Capricorn is serious business. Now you can get down to the work of making it all real. Putting into practice your ideals in regard to relationships. Capricorn can appear to be a cold sign. They have way of shutting off the emotions to get the job done. This a great trait in a real emergency, but to live like this continuously would cut one off from intimacy and true connection. Watch yourself for repression.
You may find work relationships assume importance now- It's time to put your business suit on and go after what you want in a step-by-step fashion. Capricorn makes commitments and you may find yourself feeling the need to something solid in your life now. If you've been playing the field you could feel the longing for something real and permanent. Suddenly your value's shift and all the fun is meaningless. Its hard work that pays the dividends now. The long haul is going to get you there.
Saturn will be ruling Venus until the 20th of December. Saturn is the task master. The area in our chart with Saturn will inevitably have some difficult lessons for us to learn. We learn that hard work is necessary. We learn that life can be painful and lonely. We feel rejected and lame. We feel weak and unworthy. Deep down we are unloved and unlovable. We all get broken and sometimes there isn't a happy ending insight. Ous puzzles won't ever complete, the pieces are missing for good. When you slip into unshakable sadness, when hopelessness pervades, you have become a child of Saturn. In the Victorian era they used to build a little cabin on the family land for people to go and work through this sort of despondency and those who needed to go off to this little spot were Saturns Child. Nowadays we like to use drugs to snap people out of such nonsense. There is no time in our fast-paced reality for feeling crappy. So we pop a pill, altering the brain chemistry, to invoke a more socially acceptable mood. It's a shame we have not found away to honor our blue periods, making room to naturally work through it. We would all emerge eventually, renewed and wise, rather than addicted and suppressed. It strengthens us to search around in the darkness, to confront our shadows.
Now if you have harmonious aspects in your chart you will feel the strength of Venus in Capricorn. Your ambition will soar and you'll make important business connections. If there is a stressful spot you might be feeling the less powerful side of this energy. You may be feeling fearful and worthless instead. Maybe you will feel it all at the same time. Take the time you need to feel what you are feeling so you can come out on the other-side renewed and wise.


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When you hear the term "family law" it is the term that describes any law issues that involves the family—divorce, custody, support, the division of assets, elder guardianship, or any other variety of issues relating to families.
When you are experiencing any of the above family law issues, the Breedlove Law firm is here to help. Pamela Breedlove appreciates when people have family law matters and how those issues can affect the entire family unit. The attorneys at the Breedlove Law Firm make every effort to resolve these issues as amicable as possible for all parties involved.
The Breedlove Law Firm offers a cooperative family mediation which allows parents to speak openly about any custody or visitation issues. The attorneys at the Breedlove Law Firm are willing to listen attentively to each party's issue and work to come to a settlement that will make all parties involved satisfied.
The Breedlove Law firm provides Police and Fire Fighters with the necessary legal assistance in the event they are accused of making an error while on the job and require legal representation. There are certain technical securities provided by the Louisiana Civil Service Law that protects civil service personnel.
If you have a civil service issue that needs legal assistance and live in Louisiana, contact the Breedlove Law Firm at https://www.breedlovefirm.com/police-fire-civil-service-law. The Breedlove Law Firm has the expertise required to handle any legal issues involving police or firefighters when in need of appealing any issues before the Civil Service Board or the courts.
If you are experiencing any family law issues and seeking the advice of an experienced team of lawyers, contact the Breedlove law firm at https://www.breedlovefirm.com/profile.
About Breedlove Law Firm:
Since 1992, Pamela Breedlove has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Georgia. Doing mainly litigation cases the first fifteen years of her career, which involved cases of medical malpractice, municipal defense, commercial litigation, and the representation of federal and state employees with tort claims, as well as employment and family law claims.
The Breedlove Law firm also provides mediation services which can allow the chance to solve legal disputes without official court litigation.
Media Contact
Company Name: BREEDLOVE LAW FIRM
Contact Person: Pamela Breedlove
Email: Send Email
Phone: 318-423-0845
Address:216 Rolling Meadow Lane
City: Bossier City
State: Louisiana
Country: United States
Website: http://www.breedlovefirm.com/


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S'well Bottles
Swell is designed to suit all of your hydration needs and is a great alternative to plastic water bottles.
It's composed of non-leaching, non-toxic, 18/8 premium grade stainless steel, double-walled and constructed with an extra layer of copper to eliminate condensation so they never sweat on your hands or in your bag.
I LOVE that it keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours. The marble designs are beautiful too!
Stay cool and hydrated all day long from your morning commute, to meetings, to yoga class, and to work!


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- Goodyear Blimp/Helicopter Key Largo Lunch Experience
Goodyear Blimp/Helicopter Key Largo Lunch Experience
Why Not Experience Florida Like One Should in the Goodyear Blimp?
- Luxury Limo Service Pickup/Drop-off, Palm Beach to South Beach Miami……
- Transfer to Bell Jet Helicopter, Served with Bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne while your viewing the Most Incredible Epic Views of South Florida Mega Mansions, Yachts, Sharks, Stingrays, Aqua Blue Waterways & Just The Beautiful South Florida Tropics!!!……
- Fly South at 500ft Down over the Amazing Island Chain, Coastline & Land at Key Largo Seaside Water Front Café for your Seaside Lunch!!! (Lunch not Included) Beautiful Setting, With Your Helicopter sitting Dockside!!!……(007 James Bond Style)….
- After Lunch Fly North to the Goodyear Blimp Base & land next to the World Famous Goodyear Blimp for your ride of your life over the South Florida Coastline/Ocean Waters Experience, in this MASSIVE SKY LANDMARK ICON!!!!!
- Luxury Limo Service Return to your Hotel or Home……(THIS IS TRULY A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EPIC EXPERIENCE!!!….
Our goal is to make sure you have everything you need to make your unforgettably amazing. If there is any other desire you can think of, we can make it happen.
Contact us today for more information!
Phone: (954) 564-7074
E-mail: email@example.com
Need Additional Accommodations?
Any accommodation can be added to the Goodyear Blimp/Helicopter Key Largo Lunch Experience. Maybe you would like to stay a resort? We can book you a luxury penthouse for the night or even for the weekend.
Maybe you'd like to fly in a helicopter? We can make it happen!
We can help you with ALL your luxury accommodation needs: experiences, accommodations, dinners, etc.
You name it, we will get it for you! No request is off the table!
Can you do group trips?
Absolutely, many people love doing the Goodyear Blimp/Helicopter Key Largo Lunch Experience with groups and we will make sure your group has everything you need.
Do we have to do all the items listed for this package?
No. We can accommodates to your desires. Tell us what you want and do not want and we will make it happen.
Can we do more than what is listed for this package?
Yes. Again, we can accommodate any of your needs. If there is an extra experience (or several) that you wish to add we can make that happen!


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Architecturally inspired by a warehouse district in Chicago, the Gateway Southcentre is both stylish and functional. Concrete walls and ceilings means this home will be one of the quietest homes on the market; many special features include 9'ceilings (which make this home feel larger and more spacious), granite counter tops extended to include a breakfast bar with subway tile backs plash and stainless steel appliances. This home has south exposure A heated underground parking stall with a storage locker is close to the elevator on level P1 with the opportunity to rent an additional spot at $100/month. Outside you'll find first rate public transportation and you're steps away from the prestigious neighborhood of Lake Bonavista and Fish Creek Park...perfect for long walks and bike rides this summer. Amenities include 7-elevators, private gym, yoga studio and multiple guest suites or hotel rooms for overnight company, indoor and outdoor visitor parking stalls. Electricity is included in the condo fees $438
Check out all of the details of this Southcentre Lake Bonavista, Condo for sale, 3613 11811 LAKE FRASER Drive SE, Calgary, Alberta


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To most of his House colleagues, Rep. Charlie Wilson (D) of Texas, who died Wednesday, was best known for a swashbuckling style, an easy wit, and a talent for moving government funds to causes that mattered to him – whether to constituents in East Texas or to the anti-Soviet fighters in Afghanistan.
The "liberal from Lufkin" – a tag from his years in the state legislature – was out of sync with his conservative electorate on issues like abortion rights, which he supported, but made up for it by winning federal dollars for his district.
From his perch on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, he built a clinic for veterans, expanded the Big Thicket National Preserve, and won job-creating Pentagon contracts. But he will be most remembered for the vast funds he directed, mainly covertly, to anti-Soviet rebels in Afghanistan, including Osama Bin Laden.
Stinger missiles for mujahedeen fighters
He called them "the Muj,"and for much of the 1980s, their support was the passion of his life. By the end of the 1980s, Wilson was directing covert funding of some $750 million a year to arm mujahedeen fighters, including the Stinger missiles that proved so effective in shooting down Soviet helicopters.
He did it by leveraging the control over government funding from his seats on the Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on foreign operations and information and contacts from his service on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. In those days, the appropriations favor factory was nearly as black a box as covert intelligence funding. Wilson won support for covert funding by helping members with funding for projects in their districts.
"Charlie Wilson's War" – the title of the 2007 movie in which actor Tom Hanks played Wilson – is a feat that would be tougher to pull off under new transparency rules of the House and Senate, say budget watchdog groups.
"Any member of Congress still has a capacity to spend money and disguise it in some way, but they'd have to have more help than in the past, in part due to the transparency," says Thomas Schatz, president of Citizens Against Government Waste. "But not everything is transparent. There's still a black budget in the Pentagon and CIA that's kept secret."
US stopped helping Afghans after Soviet withdrawal
Wilson's efforts to continue US funding for humanitarian support after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 largely failed.
"If we had kept up the work he had done, building those schools, maybe we wouldn't have had the problems that we did," says Raymond Smock, former House historian and director of the Robert C. Byrd center for legislative studies in Shepherdstown, W.Va.
After a visit to Yugoslavia in 1993, Wilson began pressuring the Clinton administration to take a more active role in the crisis in Bosnia.
"This is good vs. evil, and if we do not want to Americanize this, then what do we want to Americanize? We have to stand for something," he said on the floor of the House.
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A Wall Street insider writing at EduShyster has done a wonderful job in showing how the company called K12, Inc, the major on-line-learning corporation, is all about executive profits and very little about actual learning.
A tongue-in-cheek but apt quote from the article:
The company does do a wonderful job of reducing waste like teacher salaries, where it spends about 62% less than public schools per pupil. However, the business model requires that much of these savings be reinvested where it can do the most good, namely, executive compensation, which in 2012 alone amounted to $11 million. Since the company's earnings that year were just $18 million, there can be no doubting K12, Inc['s] strong commitment to talent retention. Going forward, there is no reason to doubt Mr. Perelman's commitment to "achieving operational efficiencies," i.e. further reducing teacher compensation; we do hope that in the future, however, these "efficiencies" will be distributed less lopsidedly between management and shareholders.
A commenter does an even better summary:
Isn't capitalism wonderful?! Consider one major proponent – Craig Barrett – former CEO of Intel Corporation and self-proclaimed god of education. He's certainly making his millions sitting on the boards of K12 Inc. (with its financial mismanagement and corruption problems), President and Chairman of Basis Charter Schools, Co-Chair of the Business Coalition for Student Achievement, and Chairman of Change the Equation – all part of his initiatives to rule the world of learning. Plus, founder and Chair of the Board for Achieve, Inc. – the creator and primary pusher behind Common Core and its companion, the PARCC evaluation system – creating even more money for Barrett and his cronies. There's lots of money to be made in education, especially when you hound the public into new initiatives that ultimately require new curriculum – books, materials, technology – and assessments, mostly designed by the same mega-companies that have gobbled up everyone else and are now aligned with the corporate heads that haven't even seen a classroom in decades. Shame on them!!


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Of scratchbox, stupidity and empty cpu transparency list!
You are here
Submitted by msameer on Tue, 20/03/2007 - 11:41am
OK. Here we go:
To select a devkit when you are setting up a scratchbox target via sb-menu, the target MUST NOT BE in the list for it to be selected (Pressing Enter should remove it from the list for it to be active!!!).
And I had to spend days wondering why is the cpu-transparency list empty even though the cputransp devkit is there in the devkits selection menu!
/me is really pissed off.
It's your fault, everybody knows that, how come you don't know it..
Was this a UI built with ncurses or something?
It's an ncurses UI
Thank you. This helped me very much after days of wondering...


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What I'm Wearing :: necklace – CCO // earrings – Kendra Scott // bracelet – Alex and Ani // watch – Michael Kors // bomber – c/o Trixxi // bodysuit – c/o Shopbop // jeans – GAP // shoes – Golden Goose // bag – Alexander Wang
Happy Monday guys! How are you guys handling the fall back? I personally love it because I start work early and it has been way too dark outside in the mornings, but yesterday I was wide awake at 5am only to find out it was 4am. I took advantage of that and got some blog work done, and slept in a little. My weekend was fun but not very restful so sleeping in a little on Sunday was much needed.
Let's talk about this Trixxi bomber that is on sale under $30, the price is a winner, it's super cute and it's a nice lightweight layer. I have to say I am pretty impressed with Florida's Fall weather this year, so far it has been wonderful. I love this time of year because I get to wear my denim the most and this one is another favorite from Gap, when it goes on super sale I might snatch a second pair for backup. Yes! It's that good. I have this free people bodysuit in all 4 colors, it has a very deep V so I love pairing it with a pretty lacey bra or bralette, for my booby girls it might be a little too much, unless that's the look you are going for 😉 I've been pairing these kicks and bag together a lot lately. They are both very practical and equally adorable, I am obsessed with Golden Goose sneaker but not so much with their prices.
My "Pick of the Week" goes to deep red velvet pumps that are so gorgeous and on sale, I might have to pick these up for myself.
pics by Marina Ray Photography.
Linking with Molly, Lauren, Carylee + Jenna, Claire, Lindsey, Tara.


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Julia Stiles!!!
Icons Of Fright sat down for a few minutes with actress Julia Stiles!!! She makes her genre debut with a remake of a horror classic, 'THE OMEN'. We got to hear about her experiences on the new 'OMEN' and find out what genre movies she enjoys. Read on!!! - by Robg. 6/06
Do you remember your initial reactions to seeing the original 'OMEN' and how that film impacted you?
And you did a great job. How'd you feel about Mia Farrow coming on board, after you'd just worked with her in a play?
Lee Remick was a lot older when she played the character of Katherine Thorn. And you mentioned watching the original before working on this one. Did you try to base any of your acting on her work from the original, or did you try to separate yourself from what she did?
You mentioned before that you had worked with Mia in play, and you were in 'Hamlet' with Liev (Schreiber). Was it easier jumping into this production already having a bit of a repore with the main actors?
One of the most memorable sequences in both version was Katherine's fall. You actually did that stunt?
It's beautifully shot, with all the rose pedals. It's very graceful for such a terrible thing!
That's all John Moore. His idea.
Can you tell us a bit about working with John? You were one of the first people cast. How'd he convince you that he could pull off a new version of 'THE OMEN'?
Well, this is your first "genre" picture. Do you consider yourself a fan of horror films?
I am a fan of horror films that don't rely too heavily on violence, and focus more on psychological aspects or the story, which is why I'm such a fan of 'THE OMEN'.
Thanks, Julia for talking with us. Take care!
All Content Copyright 2006 Icons Of Fright.com.
No articles may be reproduced in any manner without expressed permission of Icons Of Fright.com.


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You may have noticed I've recently begun to move my work towards a more shadier side of life. I've always been fascinated with characters - underdogs, the downtrodden - but also, more recently, I've been curious about small time criminals and people just struggling to get by. (Who hasn't been inspired by the characters in some of Tom Wait's songs?) I'm excited to explore this side of the human condition - and can't wait to see where this exploration might take me. Stay tuned!
This piece sort of popped into my head all at once - a police line-up with many seedy characters. I thought it'd be intriguing to have so many personalities in one scene. These men are all in the same situation; each dealing with it in their own way. And each figure has a different movement to convey their feelings.
Making this piece was like making 5 pieces at once. Everything took sooooo long - 10 hands, 10 arms, 10 legs, 10 shoes - and all the clothes that go with 5 figures. I really didn't save any time on making multiple pieces, except maybe some of the mechanical parts. I have over 250 hours in this piece.
It measures 32" x 21.5" x 8.5". It's powered by a 4.8 RPM gearmotor.
There's the final shot of the completed piece. The base is also made from scratch - the top is actually a board salvaged from the basement of our building.
A closer shot. Each figure moves in it's own unique way- see the video at the bottom of this post.
Another shot. The guy closest to the camera points to the others, as if to say, "It wasn't me!"
Left to right - the heads.
I like how the cigar adds to his guy's character. I grew up with a neighbor who always chompin' on a stogie, and looked a bit like this guy.
This guy is sort of the hippie of the group - his hair was inspired by a friend's hairstyle.
The most normal looking guy in the line up. (It's always the one you least suspect.) He holds a piece of rusty pipe in his hand.
This guy's a bit flamboyant, but that's okay. A good friend hand-knitted his scarf out of kite string, using 2 toothpicks as needles.
The last guy - he's not happy one bit.
One of the last things I did was to carve this newspaper, (the guy needed a newspaper in his hand). One of the headlines reads, "Crime Spree".
In-progress images........
Just starting out. Some of the torsos, legs and shoes are carved. Much work ahead.....
More progress..... I pretty much use basswood all the time.
The majority of hands where not holding anything, and I carved all of these in one day. No power tools are used; I do it all the old-fashioned way - with knives and small chisels. And sandpaper.
Eight of the 10 arms. Some had to be weighted with lead so they would "swing" when the body moved.
After all the carving is done, the last part of the body to be made are the heads. I usually work on heads one at a time - but with this piece, I wanted to keep the heads relatively the same size - so I roughed them all out at the same time.
The finished heads - sculpted from polymer clay.
The bodies, waiting for their clothes to be made --- then on to painting. At this point all of the internal mechanisms have been figured out.
All the clothes are made. (I took this shot so I could remember who's wearing what.)
I always "wash" the clothes in a watery mix of raw umber to age them down. Then I hang them up to dry.
And I paint while the clothes dry.
When painting, these magnifiers really help me see all the tiny details. They're indispensable to me now, I use them a lot, in every aspect of fabrication.
The heads - painted, aged, and lightly sanded. I also give them a coat of paste wax.
The mechanisms.....
I made 3 of the levers the same. (It saved a bit of time.) These levers will pull down on a line to move various parts. I use precision bearing whenever I can; you can see 3 of them here.
These two levers control the last guy on the left. The lever with a "3" on it, moves his arm, and the other one moves his head back and forth. (The cams, that work these levers, are not in place yet.)
The 8 cams are ready to be installed in the base. This is after days and days of figuring out each movement, and mechanism. All this work is from scratch, using the trial and error method, which is pretty time consuming - but it's the only way to do it.
The cam assembly. You see 2 more precision bearings here. These bearings will never need oil and will last for decades, probably longer. (I love them.)
The cam assembly installed. Here you see the cams and levers which control the first 3 guys. The gearmotor, that powers the piece, is all the way to the left, (you can see the wires).
After the piece was completed, my gallery owner, Noah, suggested I make a back piece to complete the police line-up feel. It is slightly shorter than the base.
Another shot of the back piece.
I made a movie of this piece. I want to make a "making of" video too, but have not yet. Enjoy.
Thanks for looking.


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The Norton Museum of Art includes outdoor sculpture, photography, Chinese, American, European impressionists, contemporary, Renaissance, and Baroque pieces.
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, features more than 100 works by local sculptor Ann Weaver Norton.
The Raymond F. Kravis Center is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast, home to Ballet Florida, Miami City Ballet, Palm Beach Broadway Series, Palm Beach Opera, and the Palm Beach Pops.
Palm Beach Opera produces four operas and a vocal competition each season, from December through April.
Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops perform the timeless music of the American Songbook, from Gershwin to Manilow to Sinatra, in 36 concerts from November through April.
The Palm Beach Improv Comedy Club features the nation's hottest stand-up comedians.
Crest Theatre, in the restored 1925 Delray High School building at Old School Square, presents professional theatre, music, dance, lectures, and Broadway cabaret.
Duncan Theatre at PBSC celebrates live performances with world-class modern dance, jazz and popular music concerts, and family entertainment.
The Gardens Mall features Macy's, Sears, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more than 160 specialty shops and restaurants.
Downtown at the Gardens is an open-air lifestyle center with a 16-screen Cobb Theatre, The Cheesecake Factory, Whole Foods Market, and some 30 stores and restaurants.
Paul Bakery, one of only three in the U.S., is the signature French bakery, established in 1889 in the city of Croix.
Worth Avenue, the most upscale shopping district in Palm Beach, was voted one of the top 3 'Most Iconic' streets in America in 2013.
Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park is home to more than 1,700 animals on 23 acres of tropical habitat, right next to the South Florida Science Museum.
The South Florida Science Museum includes a 5,000-gallon aquarium and The Aldrin Planetarium, with laser concerts and star shows.
Okeeheelee Park, (the Seminole name for quiet waters) is a widely popular spot for freshwater fishing and sports. It features a nature center.
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IGS French Teacher Helene Schmit, who joined the School earlier this year, "always had a passion for teaching".
"When I see the students' eyes light up because they have remembered something from a previous class before to reuse later, or have shown great improvement in their speaking and understanding of the language, it just makes my job so fulfilling and enjoyable," Madame Schmit said.
"To see students who are at first shy or lack confidence in their French studies, then grow and utilise their skills beyond the classroom, makes me feel as though I've made a difference in their lives."
Like many IGS Language teachers, Madame Schmit's teaching skills are adapted to Primary and High School programs. She teaches a broad spectrum of ages and learning levels.
"Teaching High School students gives me a new perspective when teaching the Primary students, because I know what I want the younger ones to achieve when they get to that senior level," she said.
"I use these experiences to modify the classroom structure, depending on which age I am teaching."
Madame Schmit finds IGS students "very receptive to language learning because of the immersive environment" and that they "value different languages and diverse cultures, which is celebrated across the School".
She celebrated her first International Day with IGS this year, and was "overwhelmed with how exciting, colourful and enjoyable it was to see so many celebrations of diversity".
Madame Schmit's teaching style is interactive, and she fosters a love of learning within her students, encouraging them to want to learn more.
"I hope that the students will one day think, 'I remember Madame Schmit teaching me this!'."
Madame Schmit brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, and looks forward to continuing her journey at IGS.
A keen trekker, she is also working closely with the PDHPE Department, sharing her skills with IGS Duke of Edinburgh Award activities and Year 10's Tasmania "Writing the Island" SAGE experience.