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Donors Page
Grants Received
Soaring Wings Ministries
The other morning Ed and I were sitting down to a breakfast of pancakes. Usually we have store bought syrup but this morning I was really looking forward to having some delicious, pure New Hampshire maple syrup on our pancakes. The New Hampshire maple syrup was a gift given to us from the Trinity Bible Church Missions Team that had recently served here at Soaring Wings Ministries. It was such a treat to pour that natural sweetness all over my pancakes but more importantly the bottle of New Hampshire pure maple syrup represented encouragement and love to me. That simple gift of pure maple syrup told me that the people from our home church in New Hampshire were thinking of us, encouraging us, supporting us and loving us.
This summer Soaring Wings Ministries has been blessed with an outpouring of love, support and encouragement from people all over the United States. The amount of work that has been done at Soaring Wings Ministries to create a loving, caring home for homeless individuals is unbelievable. People have stained boards, created garden beds, improved landscaping, cleaned windows, cleaned out gutters, pounded nails, measured boards and remeasured them, built benches, baked cookies, baked delicious breads, taken care of chickens, put together blessing bags, cooked meals, made blankets.....and the list goes on and on and on. So much has been done here at Soaring Wings Ministries by hard working, caring people that I can't even list everything!
Beyond the work that has been done for Soaring Wings Ministries by the best volunteers ever, we have been blessed beyond measure by all the encouragement we have received. The outpouring of love and support has been our lifeline to keep going with Soaring Wings Ministries. It is as if each volunteer, supporter and prayer partner has been cheering us on from the sidelines. It is not an easy task to serve the homeless because the world would rather that we forget about them but Soaring Wings Ministries exists to be pleasing to God and not the world and so we press forward to be obedient to God. Without the encouragement, support, help and prayers that we have received from all of you Soaring Wings Ministries would not be making the progress that it is making. Ed, Meredith and I would absolutely have not been able to accomplish all the work that has been done on our own. We never could have dug a hole in the tough Colorado soil for a fire pit or put in a clothesline. We never would have had the strength to move gravel and spread it near the house to improve the landscaping. On our own we never could have pounded nails to erect the framing for the addition. We certainly would not have had the funds to even think about an addition for homeless individuals and yet we look outside and we see a sturdy, secure building being erected because caring people have given generously of their time, talents and financial resources to help build the addition. What a testament to God's goodness and His glory!!!!!!
God intended for His people to work together to accomplish His work and to love other people well. He knew that the world is a tough place to live in and so He knew that we would need to encourage each other and build each other up. This summer has been a glorious example of God's people lovingly working together, encouraging one other and building each other up. Through out the summer Soaring Wings Ministries has been encouraged, loved on and built up (and built up not only in spirit but with an actual building!) by very wonderful, hard working, giving and generous people.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank all of you for your outpouring of love, support, prayers and encouragement. You truly are living out I Thessalonians 5: 11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing". We love you all and our prayer is that your outpouring of love and generosity to Soaring Wings Ministries will in turn be an out pouring of God's love on people who so desperately need to be encouraged and built up.
May God's blessing and guidance be poured out upon each one of you,
With love and gratitude,
Ed Rennells
Meredith Peters
499 Trinity Lane
Wellington, Colorado
Anita Rennells is the author of this blog. She and her husband have moved to Colorado when Ed retired and are in the process of opening a ranch to help homeless young adults.


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IDP Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 4
Mike Woellert
Joe Sargent/Getty Images
This past week, the fantasy football community and the world, lost a fantastic human being, Mike "Tags" Tagliere. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike back in August 2018 during the first annual King's Classic draft at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Thanks to his signature glasses, smile, and outgoing personality, he was instantly recognizable.
He finished his conversation and I walked up to him and introduced myself and let him know I really enjoyed The Primer and his work. He thanked me and instantly asked me how I was doing and how 4for4 was going. That immediately made an impression on me. Here's a guy who built up a big following and was just interested in what the other person, me in this case, had to say. I didn't go too much into detail, just saying I was happy the football season was upon us. I asked him about his family and if he was hanging out afterward. He said maybe a little, but he needed to get back home to help out his wife and get back with his family.
We talked a little more football and then went to our draft room. We were all having a great time drafting and digging on each other after each pick. His football smarts were off the charts. You could bring up a player and he could just rattle off a number or insight. I remember our 2019 draft where I spent $50 on Nick Chubb and he gave a little crap, but he always could take it and welcomed the trash talk among the group. He was such a great person to be around and he loved his work, and family.
I messaged him before the 2021 King's Classic letting him know I was thinking about him and wishing him good health post-COVID. We just assumed we'd see each other next year at the draft. Don't take anything for granted. Tell your loved ones you love them. Tell someone you inspire them. If there's something you want to achieve, go do it.
Even with my brief interactions at our drafts and in DMs, Mike was a good one. He was always willing to lend a hand and offer advice - even with the limited hours he was working with. Mike, your smile, your passion, and your drive will sorely be missed. Your legacy, however, will not be forgotten and your memories will live on through the thousands of people you touched in this world. My thoughts and prayers are with Tabbie, Alyssa, and Jonathan, the Tagliere family, and the FantasyPros family.
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Mike is an IDP veteran, writing about and ranking IDP for over seven seasons and playing in IDP leagues since 2007. He finished 6th in overall IDP rankings and 1st overall In LB rankings in 2014 at FantasyPros. When he's not poring over IDP depth charts, he can be found agonizing over his Cleveland sports teams.
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by Mike Randle · Jan 20, 2022

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Bank of England Base Rate remained at 0.50% from March 2009 to August 2016 when it reduced to just 0.25%, which has helped many people with mortgages – some have benefitted considerably. Those who have been on Tracker mortgages have gained the most, with some paying little or no interest at all!
All good things must come to an end and in the case of mortgage interest rates, the end appears to be in sight.
There is always speculation that the Bank of England will start raising interest rates and this has increased this spring after the latest government figures for the cost of living showed the annual inflation rate rising to 2.7% last month.
However, there are many commentators who believe Bank Rate will remain at or just above current levels until (at least) after Brexit.
Of course, all of this is speculation and things may happen differently. Some Lenders have already started increasing their rates, so we may well have already seen the lowest mortgage rates.
The big question is; should you be seeking a Fixed Mortgage Rate now or wait a while longer to see how this current situation plays out? It is very similar to trying to time stock market investments by getting in at the 'bottom'. As far as mortgage rates are concerned, have we just gone past that point?
Surely now, more than ever, is the time to seek impartial Independent Advice – we can help you find the best mortgage rates.


For anyone like myself that's had another long, never ending mundane day in the office, Matt Kivel's l.a. coliseum is that warm reassuring hug waiting for you at the end of your shift. It's that cathartic release of any pent up anger or despair that's been rattling around inside your head. A perfectly composed and utterly desirable composition. "In Austin, I started to enjoy a much slower pace of life" Matt explains. "Walking from my house every morning through my neighbourhood, past the creek, under the live oak trees, I could sort of still my mind in a way that I had never been able to before. I started putting together a record that was a reflection of that state of mind— something very calm and still". Take a listen to l.a. coliseum for yourselves below, lifted from his upcoming album 'Last Night in America', out May 10, 2019 on Cascine.


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Carrie Underwood Celebrates Jake, Says Workout Has Changed
Nancy Brooks // Country Writer, Beasley Media Group January 24th
Carrie Underwood posted a sweet image of her son Jacob as a newborn baby on Instagram as he celebrated his 4th birthday this week. Carrie also posted a photo of his Amazing Spider-Man birthday cake.
She captioned the photos, "This was yesterday…and now you are 4. Happy birthday, sweet Jake…my sunshine!!! God truly blessed us when he gave us the miracle of you!!! We love you! Thanks, @iveycakestore, for the adorable and delicious cake! You guys are the best!"
Many fans reacted to the post, including one who wrote, "Wow, cute cake! Happy 4th birthday to Jake!" Another fan commented, "Happy Belated Birthday Jacob. May you have many Blessings come your way."
A post shared by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood)
Underwood recently talked about exercise, being a mom, and being on the road with People magazine. She said that over the years, her exercise goals have changed, "I feel like earlier in my career, I was working out more to be a certain size or fit into a certain aesthetic that I thought I wanted to be. And now I feel like I work out more to be strong and to have energy and longevity." She added, "It really is playing the long game, right? I've worked out a whole lot and been frustrated because it wasn't the results that I wanted. I feel like now, at this point in my life, you really do learn that it is a lifestyle, it's balance. It is overall taking care of yourself."
Carrie says she gets more opportunity to work out when she's on the road, "When I'm at home, I feel like I'm mom-ing it. I'm doing the laundry, packing the lunches, I'm always cleaning, So when I'm on the road, and I live on a bus or in a hotel room, I'm not having to do all that stuff, so it frees up a little time. My schedule is still very regimented, and there's all this stuff that I do, but my mornings are a little bit more flexible."
She says that being on stage isn't as easy as it looks, "It's surprisingly physical being on stage — there's a lot of cardio. I'm running around in heels, and I honestly write songs that I don't give myself time to breathe."
Top Five Most Fit Stars In Country Music
5 - Dierks Bentley and Carly Pearce tie
Ethan Miller, Mike Coppola/Getty Images
This one was too close to call, so we are listing two country stars at number five. Dierks Bentley constantly rides his mountain bike, does many bike marathons, and sits in a barrel of ice as an annual ritual. He is a fit guy who loves playing outside and having fun whenever possible. Carly Pearce is reasonably fit and eats right 90 percent of the time, and does a daily run to stay on top of her game physically.
4 - Kenny Chesney
Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Kenny has always lifted weights and worked out since he began his country music journey years ago. He always looks spot-on and buff and fit as a fiddle.
3 - Kane Brown
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Kane has been working hard and working out for a couple of years. He is so fit and tight that not long ago, his wife had to post a video to Insta stories with Brown saying that he is not too skinny; he's just been working out a lot.
2 - Tim McGraw
Tim is the buffest male country star today and often shares his working out on the road when he travels, which includes lifting giant tires. Many country stars who tour with him in the summer end up starting a workout program like him. In 2016, he was featured in Men's Health magazine as one of the fittest guys in the music business.In 2019, he published the book Grit & Grace: Train the Mind, Train the Body, Own Your Life.
1 - Carrie Underwood
Rich Fury/Getty Images
Carrie loves to eat right (she is a vegan), exercises every day, and has the best legs in country music to prove it. She even has her own line of workout clothes (Calia) and works out with a fitness app called Fit52 alongside her husband, Mike Fisher.
92.5 XTU
Country Music & Celeb News


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Joan Jett, 3 Doors Down, Robbie Krieger set for Vegas rock festival
Buddy Iahn | May 12, 2016
Fremont Street Experience Rock of Vegas concert series has announced its lineup for the summer that will transform the legendary Downtown Las Vegas venue into summer's hottest music
ABC announces 'Greatest Hits' hosted by Arsenio Hall, Kelsea Ballerini
ABC has announced a new music series Greatest Hits. Each episode will highlight a five-year period celebrating the biggest hits from that time, hosted by Arsenio Hall and
Jason Aldean tapped for CMT inaugural 'Concert of the Summer'
From the masterminds behind the ground-breaking music series Crossroads and the inventive "CMT Music Awards," the first award show that turned the power over to the fans to
Five John Mellencamp reissues set for 180-g LP June 10th
Five John Mellencamp albums have been scheduled for reissue on 180-gram vinyl LPs on June 10th by Mercury/UMe. New lacquers for American Fool, Uh-Huh, Scarecrow, The Lonesome Jubilee,
'Dolly Parton's Christmas Of Many Colors: Circle Of Love' announced for NBC
Coming off the phenomenal performance of last year's holiday special and looking to recapture the enthusiasm of the nearly 16 million viewers who tuned in, NBC is announcing
'Motley Crue The End' screening in select theaters June 14th
On December 31, 2015, legendary rock icons Mötley Crüe completed their 35-year touring career as a band with a spectacular final concert at Staples Center in their hometown
'Joan Baez 75th Birthday Celebration' set to air in June
Joan Baez celebrated her 75th birthday on Saturday, January 27th at New York's historic Beacon Theatre. The special event honored her legendary 50 plus years in music with
Garth Brooks returns to New York City after nearly 20 years
For the first time in nearly 20 years, The Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood is returning to New York City. The concert will be Saturday, July
2016 CMT Music Awards nominations announced
On the heels of her historic and record-setting sixth "Video of the Year" win last year (her fourth consecutive win), reigning champ, Carrie Underwood, is set to protect
Reba, Brooks & Dunn extend Vegas residency to 2017
As country music superstars Reba McEntire, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn wrap up the May run of their sold-out residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the longtime
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The new Staybridge Suites Houston Medical Center is conveniently located off I-610 and Main Street just West of NRG Stadium. The Medical Center area has established itself as one of the top medical locations with Texas Children's Hospital, MD Anderson, Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, and the Baylor School of Medicine in our area. Houston Medical Center area provides a great convenience to many points of interests such as Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, Rice University and numerous Houston attractions such as the Galleria Mall, Downtown Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, and Miller Outdoor Theater. Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, and Galveston Island are just a short drive away. Take the time to discover the Houston Medical Center area. Relax in your own elegant suite featuring stylish d cor and amenities, including free wireless high-speed Internet access, executive desk, 37 inch flat panel TVs, full kitchen, and the best nights sleep youve had in weeks. Start your day off on the right note with our Hot Breakfast Buffet or enjoy a Social evening Mon-Wed. Enjoy a swim in our crystal-clear outdoor pool or energize in our Fitness Center. Polish that presentation in the Business Center and we even have a 50 seat meeting room for your professional meeting. The Staybridge Suites Houston Medical Center is ready with all you need to make your trip a success.
Spacious Meeting Room is 600 square feet and can accommodate 24 people classroom style for meetings.
Built in 1922, Hermann Park Golf Course is an oak-lined oasis in the heart of Houston, rated by Golf Digest Places to Play at 3 1/2 stars. modern clubhouse and satisfy your appetite with delicious food combined with impeccable service.


Use the quick mobile form below and we will call you back to discuss your hotel needs during Piscine Global 2020 in Lyon, or click the "Use advanced booking form instead" checkbox and fill in your accommodation requirements to receive a personalised interactive proposal for Piscine Global.
Being a major pool and spa industry event, Piscine Global Europe in Lyon connects international top managers, federations and delegations. The impressive product range is complemented by meetings and conferences which reveal trends, inform about standards and promote innovative approaches in the sector. Piscine Global 2020 Lyon promises to be a special edition with a new layout revolving around these segments: Construction, Protection and safety, Maintenance and equipment, Wellness and outdoor living, Services.
Are you in the midst of planning your trip to Lyon for the swimming pool and wellness trade show? We at ExpoBeds make it easy to book a hotel for Piscine Global 2020 near Eurexpo Lyon at affordable rates. With partner hotels in Lyon's most attractive areas for visiting the exhibition site, our team is proud to offer a unique accommodation service combining personalised suggestions and flexible conditions. Discover our Piscine Global Europe 2020 hotel deals now!


Dubai Global Grad Show's Progress Prize Winner Announced: Mirjam de Bruijn!
From hydrating drops for patients with dementia to a collection of postcards that can grow into trees, the world's brightest young design minds competed for the coveted annual Progress Prize 2018 at this year's Global Grad Show in partnership with the Investment Corporation of Dubai.
The winner was announced as Twenty, a collection of dehydrated household products designed to reduce unnecessary emissions and waste by eliminating the water content from the product.
The Progress Prize winner Twenty – designed by Mirjam de Bruijn from Design Academy Eindhoven in The Netherlands – was chosen from 150 selections which were then shortlisted to 11 finalists including Circleg, Corridor Society, Flare Cycle, From Nowhere With Love, IV-Walk, Jelly Drops, OMN, Opacity, Reheat and stool.D.
The coveted award celebrates the next generation of design talent and recognises the impact that socially and environmentally impactful design can have on the future of humankind.
With most everyday cleaning products containing at least 80 percent water, four-fifths of the trucks, ships and planes transporting them are effectively transporting water. Twenty proposes to eliminate this waste and radically simplify the production and transportation of household cleaning products. Users simply place a capsule into a bottle, add tap water, and shake. Within seconds, they can produce a cleaning liquid of the same quality and consistency as the average store-bought variety, without the need for fuel intensive, carbon-emitting shipping.


By tradition, it is better for pet dogs to be fed on more meaty and high protein diets. Veterinarians and pet experts alike think that protein and meat rich dog food is ideal for dogs because they will need as much protein nutrients as possible, and that it will aid them in growth, strength, and everything about being healthy.
However, there is an ongoing trend towards low protein dog food nowadays. But what's causing the stir?
There have been studies telling us that there is no direct relationship between high protein diets and kidney problems in pet dogs. The experts behind these studies conclude that there is no concrete evidence linking high protein diets to the deadly effects of renal function in animals, in this case, pet dogs.
So what really is the real score on the issue of high protein causing kidney disease?
The real and scientifically based explanation tells us that high protein dog food isn't really harmful to the dog's kidneys, or its health. When the animal is fed with the same, what happens is that the body will be capable enough of digesting and then metabolizing protein. In simple terms, the dog's digestive system is able to break down protein, even in the highest amounts.
Nitrogen on the other hand is then released as a byproduct, and in this case, through urination.
The reason why many pet owners seem to favor low protein dog food is because it has always been a misconception that too much protein will practically cause the kidneys to overwork. But this isn't really the case.
The thing is nitrogen is regarded as the harmful element that can cause something harmful to the dog's system. However, the same element is excreted so long as the kidneys still work properly.
So why choose low protein dog food?
To be fair in argument, there is also a rational explanation and rationale when opting for low protein dog food. For instance, a high protein diet may also correspond to a higher intake of salt and other preservatives. If this is the case, the dog's kidneys are under a real threat.
That's why a lesser protein diet would normally mean lesser salt and preservatives as well.
Moreover, the actual principle behind low protein dog food basically revolves around better quality protein. It means that there is actually no need to limit the amount of protein in the food, but instead, to make sure that the same is of better quality. In turn, a good and high quality protein ingredient means there is less nitrogen byproduct.
Therefore, what we are advocating is not restricting protein intake in dogs, but limiting the intake of protein related stuff such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These two are the harmful elements that can lead to kidney abnormalities in dogs.
But only if dog food manufacturers stick to high quality protein, there's really no issue on dog's kidneys and how the kind of food they eat can provide adverse effects on them, both on short and long term effects.
NextWhy Purchase Best Grain Free Dog Food?


(UPDATE 7:12 p.m.) -- 2News reached out to Francesca Delfina Farias-Swenson, who says the version of events provided to 2News by police is incorrect.
Farias-Swenson says she was not drinking mouthwash, but was actually drinking tequila. She says she doesn't have a boyfriend, and the man involved in the incident is a "good friend."
Farias-Swenson says she didn't have any alcohol with her when police stopped her.
She did say, however, that she asked police to "load me a bowl because I was in cuffs."
Farias-Swenson posted on social media that the story by cops was "a f****** lie."
(KUTV) -- A Provo woman asked police officers if she could smoke a bowl of marijuana before they took her to jail for kicking the windows of her boyfriend's car, all while being drunk on mouthwash.
That's according to a probable cause statement from the Utah County Sheriff's Office.
Farias-Swenson's boyfriend decided to take Farias-Swenson to her parent's house, but when they arrived, police say she started kicking the windows again, and her parents would not let her inside.


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Home » Mixed Reality: A New Vision for Healthcare
Mixed reality is becoming part of the immersive technology vision for healthcare. (Credit: Microsoft)
January 14, 2022 7 minsUpdated on January 14, 2022
Augmented reality and virtual reality are increasingly performing vital roles in medicine. Now mixed reality (MR) is becoming part of the immersive technology vision for healthcare.
Mixed reality is being used within operating theaters, clinics, hospital wards and medical training settings to accelerate diagnoses, broaden access to healthcare, reduce infection transmission, educate and, above all, improve outcomes. Its ability to allow remote consultation and treatment and to employ techniques such as the holographic overlaying of images and data onto real-life, real-time situations, including surgical operations, is opening new doors in healthcare.
Professor of Media Technology at the Department of Electronic Systems (IES), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Andrew Perkis, defines MR as "a real experience containing virtual elements that are possible to interact with." He explained:
"What makes mixed reality particularly suitable for use in healthcare are its 3D capabilities, with scalable objects that can be interacted on simultaneously by several participants and its ability to provide a deeper and better understanding of complex issues."
Digital Overlays Reality
Dr. Phuoc Duong, Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist and specialist in Cardiovascular Imaging at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in the UK, is a leading proponent of MR. He said the Covid-19 pandemic and the requirement to limit face-to-face interactions was a positive accelerator in the use of the technology and has seen Alder Hey now become one of the leading early adopters through its use of Microsoft's HoloLens.
The HoloLens mixed reality headset uses sensors, advanced optics and holographic processing. (Credit: Microsoft)
This famous mixed reality headset uses sensors, advanced optics and holographic processing: digital overlays inside the headset can display information which blends with the real world to create a mixed or augmented view. Alder Hey uses the wifi-connected device in daily direct clinical care, for case discussion, ward rounds, pediatric intensive care and in isolated or confined clinical areas. He said:
"It is also employed for the advanced visualization of complex cases, combining other medical imaging to display 3D or 4D models and overlaying on to patients, as well as education and training. The HoloLens is an MR device that enables internal display of a 'computer screen' inside the device, which users can see just by wearing the goggles. They can also see through the screen, just like any glasses, yet while also having other information relating to them in their visual field. We don't see this as a replacement for traditional, didactic approaches in medicine but as playing a perfect, complementary role."
Remote Visitation
Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Mr. Sam Rajaratnam, of Schoen Clinic London, specializes in knee surgery and has access to the HoloLens, which he envisages using in tandem with Zimmer Biomet's OptiVu Mixed Reality Solutions platform for orthopedic operations. The clinic will become a visitation center, allowing other surgeons to watch Mr. Rajaratnam remotely. He said:
"Mixed reality will connect us to all the information and specialist care we need right at the patient's bedside. In addition, holographically overlaying patient data at the point of care will reduce procedure times and complication rates."
Zimmer Biomet's OptiVu mixed reality solution (Credit: Zimmer Biomet)
Virtual Operating Theaters
Proximie is another software platform that helps healthcare professionals to employ MR through artificial intelligence, machine learning and augmented reality. Founded by Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Head of Clinical Innovation at Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram FRCS (Plast), BEM, its aim is to extend the geographical reach of the surgeon and create the effect of a borderless operating room. She said:
"I founded Proximie based on the ethos that shared knowledge leads to accelerated learning and better patient care. Proximie was built to allow experts to virtually scrub-in to operating rooms and cath labs around the world, to support, coach and mentor each other, and to really look at the continuum of expertise throughout a surgeon's career."
The technology offers a real-time video platform and high-definition camera views, together with the ability to record, annotate, review and collaborate. An internet-connected device allows views of a live camera feed of the situation and can provide verbal instructions and annotations and overlay patient scans or X-rays.
Sam Rajaratnam of Schoen Clinic London with a HoloLens. (Credit: Schoen Clinic London)
The platform has now been used in every surgical specialty and is currently being employed in more than 500 hospitals worldwide. Among those using it is Dr. Ameer Hassan, a triple board-certified neurologist who specializes in Stroke, Neurocritical Care and Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology in Texas, US. He has employed it to record complex cases for trainees as well as for remote assessment. He said:
"Proximie allows me to interact on a higher level, with the ability to see biplane images and what is going on with an operator's hands and help walk them through a case."
Surge in Application
Jake Warren-Simpson is Chief Commercial Officer of Diverse Interactive, a digital experience agency with a range of bespoke applications and solutions. He predicted:
"Immersive technology is already at the center of most digital innovation projects across healthcare settings that we have seen, and as mixed reality hardware becomes more accessible and deployable, we will see a surge in application use."
3D imagesConnected devicesCoronavirusCovid-19HeadsetInfectious diseaseMachine learningMedical trainingMicrosoftMixed realityOperating roomRobotsSensorsTechnologyWiFi
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How to Safeguard Humanity in a Context of Excessive Automation?
December 23, 2021 26 mins


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Il bidofono (in inglese washtub bass) detto anche liron, o tulòn, è uno strumento musicale della famiglia dei cordofoni pizzicato.

Origini
Gli etnomusicologi tracciano le origini dello strumento fino alla "arpa da terra", una versione che usa un pezzo di pelle di animale tirata su un pozzo come risonatore. Lo ang-bindi costruito dal popolo Baka del Congo non è che un esempio di questo strumento tra le società tribali dell'Africa e dell'Asia Sud-Orientale e prende il nome dal termine generico inbindi che viene utilizzato per tutta una famiglia di strumenti correlati.
L'evoluzione della costruzione, includendo l'uso di risonatori più facilmente trasportabili ha condotto a strumenti come il dan bau (Vietnam), il gopichand (India) e più recentemente, la "corda elettrica".

Utilizzo in musica
Nasce nella tradizione popolare, come strumento da osteria.
In Friuli viene chiamato liròn un suo omologo costruito con una tolla di latta e tre corde.

In America è molto utilizzato nella musica bluegrass, in particolare in quelle che vengono chiamate jug band, e nella musica folk americana.

Nelle jug band il bidofono è spesso accompagnato da un lavatoio utilizzato come uno strumento a percussioni.
Le jug band, conosciute originariamente come spasm bands nacquero tra gli afroamericani di New Orleans nei primi anni del Novecento e raggiunsero l'apice della loro popolarità tra il 1925 ed il 1935 a Memphis e Louisville.
All'incirca nello stesso periodo, gli abitanti della zona degli Appalachi usavano il bidofono nella loro musica folkloristica.

Uno stile musicale conosciuto come gut-bucket blues nacque dalla scena delle jug band, ed è stato citato come il tipo di musica che Sam Phillips della Sun Records stava cercando quando per la prima volta registrò Elvis Presley.

Nei gruppi skiffle inglesi e nelle bush band australiane e neozelandesi, lo stesso tipo di basso ha una scatola di tè come risonatore.
Prima dei Beatles, il gruppo di John Lennon e Paul McCartney, The Quarry Men, utilizzava un bidofono costruito con una cassa da tè, come era comune tra i gruppi giovanili nel 1956.

Il revival della musica folk negli Stati Uniti nei primi anni sessanta riportò interesse sul bidofono e la musica delle jug band.
Tra gli altri fu usato da gruppi come Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions (i futuri Grateful Dead) e The Jim Kweskin Jug Band con Fritz Richmond al basso. Richmond è considerato il più grande virtuoso del bidofono ed il suo lavoro può essere trovato in numerose registrazioni americane e giapponesi. Uno dei suoi bidofono è nella collezione della Smithsonian Institution.

Sulla copertina dell'album Willy and The Poor Boys dei Creedence Clearwater Revival il bassista sta suonando un bidofono.

Recentemente Brian Ritchie della band Violent Femmes ha suonato un "bidofono elettrico", e Les Claypool, bassista dei Primus, suona spesso una sua variante chiamata whamola.

Il bidofono, per il suo basso costo costruttivo, è spesso utilizzato dai gruppi di strada, così come da gruppi con strumenti autocostruiti.
Chi suona il bidofono va incontro agli stessi problemi di chi suona un contrabbasso od un basso fretless, cioè la necessità di un buon orecchio musicale per trovare le note.

Viene anche usato dal gruppo combat folk Modena City Ramblers, da Massimo Ghiacci, ma il vero esperto e specialista in Italia è senz'altro il bassista Valerio Corzani che ha utilizzato il basso tinozza (bidofono) in tutti i progetti che ha ideato e a cui ha partecipato (Mau Mau, Mazapegul, Gli Ex, Dead Cat in a Bag, Interiors).

Costruzione
A seconda della costruzione può essere alto più di due metri e può essere suonato sia come voce percussiva sia come voce melodica.
Il materiale necessario a costruirlo comprende:
 un bidone in legno, plastica o metallo;
 un manico di scopa, di legno duro, lungo circa due metri;
 una corda di al più 0,5 cm di diametro;
 due bulloni con rondella;
 una vite con occhiello.

La costruzione è relativamente semplice, basta forare il fondo del bidone nel centro, bloccare i due bulloni uno da una parte ed uno dall'altra del fondo con le rondelle inserite in modo che il bidone non si rovini, fissare la corda all'occhiello da una parte e dall'altra al capo del manico di scopa.
Si incide poi una tacca nel manico della scopa in modo che sia semplice appoggiarla al bordo del bidone.
Ora si pone il problema di fare uscire le onde sonore dallo strumento.
Tra le soluzioni migliori, del legno sagomato in maniera da tenere il bidone lievemente inclinato e discosto da terra.

Voci correlate
 Contrabbasso
 Whamola

Altri progetti

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The 21st century has introduced an entirely new and interesting way of meeting potential romantic partners. Even you have probably spent hours swiping through profiles and messaging nice-looking people on dating sites and apps. Then again, what to do when online dating doesn't work?
In these platforms, you may receive responses from anyone every now and then, but do you actually want to date them? The worst thing that could happen is when you start to like someone, but you end up getting ghosted.
Especially for men, online dating is exhausting and needs a lot of effort. In fact, a third of men who use online dating apps and sites never go on even one date. These men spend around five hours a week looking at profiles and more than six hours sending messages.
For a total of approximately 12 hours per week, men hope to go on a date that could last at least 1.8 hours. Even women have the same problem in online dating.
You see, online dating apps and sites are not for everybody. Some even hate it as much as going to the dentist. Given the convenience of swiping through profiles and finding potential dates in the comforts of your couch, people still struggle to find the right person.
Here are some common mistakes that people—both men and women—commit in online dating. They are listed so that you won't do or stop doing them.
When online dating seems daunting and doesn't work for you, remember that you are not the only one who goes through a similar circumstance. In fact, there are even some people who view dating apps and sites as a superficial place where you meet handsome men and women.
Many online dating sites state that the profile content is the most important part. However, the truth of the matter is, it is the profile picture that determines how many clicks and messages you will get. A handsome or beautiful profile picture will receive hundreds or thousands of clicks.
The more someone receives messages, the pickier he/she will be. Imagine receiving 20 to 50 messages per day. Would you have the time and patience to open each one? A message from someone with an unattractive thumbnail photo will get deleted in no time.
What you write in your profile should express vulnerability and sincerity. Avoid writing a formal profile like how you write a CV. It should be conversational, and you should open yourself up a bit without being scared of rejection.
Be comfortable and confident in divulging your thoughts and feelings. Let honesty and fairness accompany your personality. Write about your unique traits, peculiar things you have, and the likes. These pieces of information will help make your profile interesting.
When you have come across an interesting person online, avoid shooting a random message blindly. To make online dating work for you, next to your profile info and photo, you should pay close attention to the first message.
Tailor your first message to your aims and to the person you are messaging. For men, avoid sending physical compliments to a beautiful woman because it will not have a big effect on her. For women, avoid being extremely flirtatious and give a man a sincere interest in his profile.
There are two ways to do it: the slower but safer option, and the quicker method that comes with a higher risk. Which one to choose depends entirely on your own decision and preferences.
The slower method involves building trust and connection. It is done by switching to a more personal platform of communication such as social networks where you can see each other's photos and activities. It helps you build more trust and transition to speaking on the phone.
The other method is quicker than the first one. You can simply ask straight for a meetup. Do it with common sense and ask for a meet up at the right time, though. It might be anytime between 20 and 30 exchanges of emails, which is almost one week of exchanging messages before you can finally ask out.
Whether it is the slower method or the quicker one, both of you should be comfortable with it. As long as the interest is there, the meet up will still happen in the near future. When you got a "no" for an answer, don't get too discouraged. Respect the person, understand, be patient, and keep an interest toward each other.
Your friends might have been bugging you all these years to use online dating sites and apps. Then, you tried. But eventually, you feel frustrated about wasting your precious time on something that is not paying off.
The best thing to do is to take a break. Try to put your time and energy on the things that will make you feel good. Try to get more life in the real world. Go out and join interesting groups where you can meet new people.
You can try and join sports clubs, pursue hobbies, be active in your local church or volunteer group, re-connect with old friends, and more. There's a lot of ways to building an interesting life that you can enjoy.
While online dating is a convenient way to find suitable and potential love partners, it is not always that easy. Some people are successful in it that they were able to find their significant other. However, it is not everybody's cup of tea.
If you are wondering what to do when online dating doesn't work, the very first thing is to acknowledge that you are not alone. Tweaking on some of your dating profile info is also a huge step to make it work. Lastly, transitioning smoothly from online to offline defines a successful online dating experience.


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Home > Nature and biodiversity > Nature protection designated areas
[NV03] Natura 2000
Natura 2000 areas were designated in 2004. Acording to the conclusions of bilateral meeting with European Comission in 2014 the Natura 2000 network was expanded in 2016. Natura 2000 area cover 7681 km2 or 37,50% of the total area and 7676 km2 or 37,87 % of the terrestrial area of the country.
Natura 2000 areas are a part of the ecologically important areas which are areas of national important habitat types, their parts or larger ecosistem units significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation. Ecollogically imortant areas cover almost 53 % of the total area of Republic of Slovenia.
This indicator shows the Natura 2000 network, presenting the areas most suitable for preservation or achievement of a favourable state of species and habitats in the EU and Slovenia's interests. Protection measures and measures for modified use of natural assets are to be carried out in these areas.
Natura 2000 sites (the EU's ecological network) were designated by the Decree on special protection areas (Natura 2000 areas), Official gazette of the RS, Nos. 49/04, 110/04, 59/07. Sites of Community Interest (SCI) were defined on the basis of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) have been designated on the basis of the Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC). SPA and SCI areas partially overlap.
Figure NV03-1: Special protection areas – Natura 2000
Register of Natura 2000 areas, Slovenian Environment Agency, 2021 (18. 05. 2021)
Figure NV03-2: Natura 2000 sites in the total land area of the territory of Slovenia, the EU-28 and neighboring countries at the end of 2019
Natura 2000 Barometer, 2021 (18.05.2021)
SPA (Birds Directive) in % [%]
SCI (Habitats Directive) in % [%]
SPA (Birds Directive) [km2]
SCI (Habitats Directive) [km2]
Figure NV03-3: Ratio between Natura 2000 sites, ecologically important areas, areas of coincidence of both categories and unprotected areas in Slovenia in 2021
Register of Natura 2000 areas, Slovenian Environment Agency, 2021, Register of ecologically important areas, Slovenian Environment Agency, 2021 (18. 05. 2021)
Natura 2000[%]
Ecologically important areas (EPO – no overlapping) [%]
Unprotected areas [%]
Natura 2000[ha]
Ecologically important areas (EPO – no overlapping) [ha]
Unprotected areas [ha]
To preserve a favourable state of plant and animal species, their habitats and habitat types.
Joining the EU meant that Slovenia is now obliged to designate and maintain Natura 2000 sites, which occupy slightly more than 7,202 km2 or 35.5% of the Slovenian territory.
The proposed list of sites (Sites of Community Interest – SCI), which Slovenia has drawn up by means of a governmental decree on the basis of the Habitats Directive, was adopted by the European Commission in accordance with a special procedure, which took a number of years. Negotiations with the European Commission commenced with two biogeographical seminars, namely one for the Alpine region, held in May 2005, and one for the continental region, held in April 2006. Based on the conclusions of both seminars, Slovenia supplemented the list of sites in April 2013 by way of amending the decree.
Based on the Birds Directive, the decree also designates Special Protection Areas (SPA), which are significant for preserving or achieving a favourable state of bird species. After reviewing the results of negotiations, the European Commission found that Slovenia had not designated a sufficient number of areas, both in terms of number and extent. Therefore, additional "SPA add-ons," which according to the European Commission, fulfil the conditions for Special Protection Areas, were designated by means of an amendment to the decree in May 2008.
In June 2014, at a bilateral meeting (biogeographical seminar), the European Commission verified the fulfilment of obligations under the Habitats Directive regarding the designation of Natura 2000 sites in Slovenia. The conclusions showed a considerable improvement, along with a few deficiencies, which Slovenia eliminated by way of amending the decree in March 2016.
About 70% of the Slovenian Natura 2000 network is covered by forests, which suggests their generally good state of preservation. Almost 5% of Natura 2000 surface area is located above the tree line. Lowland floodplain forests that were heavily deforested in the past are not in a favourable state of preservation and are additionally protected through the network. Out of all non-forest areas, the Natura 2000 network comprises ca. 20% of utilised agricultural land, the most important thereof being extensively managed meadows. In several areas, the meadows are still in a favourable state of preservation, though pressures that are decreasing their favourable state are great and include both regrowth of natural vegetation due to the abandonment of farming, as well as intensification of meadows management.
The Natura 2000 network also specifically protects caves (in 67 out of 324 areas). Inland waters represent only slightly over one per cent of the network, yet they are of great importance for its preservation. Several waters are nevertheless not in the most favourable state of preservation. Human dwellings are of significance for reproduction, resting or wintering of certain species, making certain built-up areas vital in the Natura 2000 network. The species in question are mainly birds (for example, the white stork, the European scops owl) and mammals (such as bats).
Ecologically important areas were designated by the Decree on ecologically important areas in 2004, which was amended in 2013. These are areas of significant habitat types, parts thereof or larger ecosystem units that greatly contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Certain protection guidelines and rules must be taken into consideration in spatial planning and the use of natural assets. However, natural protection consents or conditions for the construction of objects in ecologically important areas that are not Natura 2000 sites, protected areas or areas of high nature value are not required.
Among ecologically important areas are the main habitats of large carnivores, the sea and the sea coast. Natura 2000 areas are an element of ecologically important areas.
[KM06] Nature areas under protection and Agriculture
[NV01] Nature areas under protection
[NV02] Protected areas
Author(s): Urša Mežan, Slovenian Environment Agency


Ahoy, and welcome aboard, Karen!
Hooray! I'm so happy to hear that you are hoping to include a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort after your magical Disney Cruise Line adventure next year. Each time my family and I sail from Port Canaveral we always include extra days either before or after our cruise at Walt Disney World because we just can't get enough Disney magic!
The best and easiest way to transition from land to sea and back again is by taking advantage of Disney Cruise Line's optional ground transfers. If you're flying in the morning of the sailing and heading to the port, you can use their cruise transfers from the airport and then after your cruise, hop on Disney's transfers again to take you to whichever of the beautiful Disney Resorts you've chosen to continue your trip. Or just take them one way, if you already have alternate transportation to the port.
Some guests opt to rent cars and drive themselves or hire private transportation, but honestly, it's way easier to just let Disney do the driving, as they'll take you right to your resort. Give the agents at Disney Cruise Line a call at (800) 951-3532 to discuss this. They can add those to your cruise reservation, and they can even book your resort stay and park tickets for you too, making it a true Land and Sea vacation!
Enjoy planning this exciting adventure, Karen, and please stop back again with any other questions as you continue to count down to your sail date. We're happy to help!


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(Also partnered this year were 3 facility dogs, 2 therapy dogs, and 3 in-home service dogs.)
Andrea and Service Dog,Aztec
Recipient of DeLong-Sweet Grant
Aztec was born in March 2004. He was donated by a German Shepherd breeder along with his brother Cortez when they were pups (see Cortez and Amy's story below.) Aztec spent his time developing into an assistance dog grew rotating between time at Circle Tail, Ross Correctional Facility and different foster families. He served a brief stint as the Circle Tail Demo Dog, but we soon realized that Aztec was meant to be a working dog. He was partnered with Andrea in December 2006. Aztec helps Andrea with balance and retrieval. He so much loves to work that as Andrea and a friend were shopping for cabinets at a store, he kept closing them as soon as they opened them up to look inside.
Guy's Service Dog, Zomer
Zomer is a 2 year old Golden Retriever donated by a family. He was partnered with Guy in November 2006.
Mario and Hearing Dog, Mingo
Mingo is a 2.5 year old German Shepherd Dog found as a stray. She was partnered with Mario in October 2006.
Colonel Jackson and Service Dog, Tank
Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!
Tank is a 2 year old Black Labrador Retriever donated by a breeder. He was partnered with Colonel Jackson in October 2006.
Marlene and Service Dog, Coda
Coda is a 3 year old Golden Retriever donated by ARF. She was partnered with Marlene in July 2006.
Cathy and Service Dog, Caddy
Caddy is a 3 year old Golden Retriever donated by Clarke County Shelter. She was partnered with Cathy in July 2006.
Brad and Hearing Dog, Stubbs
Stubbs is a 3 year old Jack Russell Mix donated by ARF. He was partnered with Brad in October 2006.
Gayle and Service Dog, Kedar
Kedar is a 3 year old Black Lab mix given to Circle Tail by another rescue. He was partnered with Gayle in July, 2006.
Amy and Service Dog, Cortez
Cortez is a 2 year old German Shepherd Dog donated by a breeder. He was partnered with Amy in October 2006.
Please consider supporting Circle Tail and its programs. Please click on the icon below to easily donate to Circle Tail.
(Also partnered this year was 1 facility dog, 5 in-home service dogs and and 1 companion dog.)
Rita and Service Dog, Tango
Tango is a 2 year old black lab donated by a private individual. She received most of her training at the Ross Correctional Institute with skill reinforcement at the Marysville Correctional Institute, and rotated out to a couple of foster families to work on her in public skills. She was partnered with Rita in April, 2005. Tango helps Rita with retrieving items that she may drop. She is also a huge comfort to Rita when she needs some "pet" therapy. Tango is now enjoying helping her new mom keep an eye on the kids at day care as well as accompany her on other adventures. To relax, Tango enjoys chewing on her bone and getting belly rubs.
Cathy and Service Dog, Nelle
Nelle, a 4 year old black lab pulled from Clark County pound was partnered with Kathy in April, 2005. She received most of her training at the Ross Correctional Institute with socialization experiences through a local foster family. Nelle helps Cathy with retrieving items that she may drop and motivates her to get moving. Nelle is now enjoying helping her new mom work at a hospital gift shop and do pet therapy with this kids after work.
Mike and Service Dog, Seran
Seran, born in February 2003, was donated along with her sister, Asia, by a breeder. She received most of her training at the Ross and Marysville Correctional Facilities and spent her furloughs at different foster families honing up her skills and going out in public. Seran helps Mike with retrieval and opening and closing doors and drawers. She loves to work and thinks being a working girl is pretty special. She is also happy to carry around her toys showing off her "golden growl" when she is hanging out with Mike.
Gayle and Service Dog, Asia
Asia, born in February 2003, was donated by a breeder. She received most of her training at the Ross Correctional Facility and spent time in a couple of foster family practicing her skills and getting used to public life. Asia helps Gayle with retrieving dropped items, and opening and closing doors and drawers. She is always happy to pick up anything Gayle asks her to. When she is off duty, she enjoys chewing her nylabone and carrying around stuffed toys.
(Also partnered this year were 4 facility dogs, 2 in-home service dogs, and 5 companion dogs.)
Josh and Service Dog, Nick
Nick is a 2 year old black lab donated by a private individual. He received most of his training at the Ross Correctional Institute, but rotated out to a foster family to work on his in public skills. He was partnered with Josh in July, 2004. Nick helps Josh become more independent by picking up things, retrieving items, opening and closing doors, and turning the lights on or off. Josh had an assistance dog previously who died at 13 years old. He didn't realize how much having an assistance dog affected his life until he lost her. He had to rely on others to do those things which she did, making him more dependent instead of independent. Nick has changed his life in such a short time -- already doing more for him than his previous assistance dog. To relax, Nick enjoys playing ball and chewing on his bone.
Renee and Service Dog, Nixa
Nixa is a 2 year old black lab donated by a private individual. She received most of her training at the Ross Correctional Institute, but rotated out to a foster family to work on her in public skills. Nixa was partnered with Renee in July, 2004. Nixa helps Renee by retrieving items, carrying things in her mouth, opening and closing doors, and providing balance on their walks. Nixa loves Renee busy schedule. She is especially fond of going to the stable with Renee where she enjoys hanging out and watching the horses. Nixa now has 2 feline siblings who enjoy cuddling with her. Nixa is an affectionate dog, never tiring of Renee scratching her under her chin, behind her ears, and on her belly. To relax Nixa loves to play fetch, chew bones, and romp in the nearby park.
Justin and Service Dog, Smudge
Smudge, a 2 year old Cockapoo, was given up by a county shelter. He received most of her training at the Ross Correctional Institute, but rotated into a foster family to get used to working in public skill. Smudge was partnered with Justin in July, 2004 where she is to help Justin by retrieving items and helping her while in public to keep focused. Smudge loves going places with Justin, especially to her work, where he helps with her clients. To relax, Smudge loves to carry toys around and play fetch with his fish and new partner.
Chris and Service Dog, Guinness
Guinness is a 2 year old black lab donated by a private individual about 1+ years ago. She received her training at the Ross Correctional Facility and periodically returned to a foster family in Cincinnati to work on her "in public" skills. She was partnered with Chris in April 2004. She is starting to bond with Chris helping him retrieve anything he needs. She goes everywhere with him -- learning about computers at Cincinnati State and helping him at his job. Chris is focusing on getting her out in public and having her work around all the distractions. Chris is enjoying her help, friendship and company!


The inherent strength of bar grating is partially dependent on the spacing between each bar. Our narrowest spacing, 7W4, is ADA approved. Spacing options are based on your configuration for 1-3/4" deep stainless steel smooth light-duty bar grating.
Carbon steel is our most economical choice, while stainless is our most durable. Material options are based on your configuration for 11w2 1-3/4" deep smooth light-duty bar grating.


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Q: Tweepy API Live Stream (Two-separate words back to back) - Python 3.5 I'm searching for separate words used back to back in a tweets, but it's resulting with tweets that have both words in one tweet (although not used in the correct form --- e.g. " Apple Watch " comes back as something like "@JohnDoe - I watch tv and eat an apple")
Code I'm currently using is as followed:
live_stream.filter(track = ("apple watch"))

I've also tried:
    live_stream.filter(track = ("\"apple watch\""))

Both have not worked for the task at hand. Thanks!

A: The Twitter API doesn't support exact matching in this manner, unfortunately.
https://dev.twitter.com/streaming/overview/request-parameters

Exact matching of phrases (equivalent to quoted phrases in most search engines) is not supported.

The way to do it is as suggested by rbierman - retrieve the tweets and drop the ones that don't have the exact phrase, e.g., something along the lines of:
search_track = "apple watch"
retained tweets = [tweet for tweet in retrieved_tweets if search_track in tweet]

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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23 Management Group
Carl Rumbaugh
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TALENT AGENTS:
APA - Agency for the Performing Arts
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Debbi Epstein
depstein@apa-agency.com
Barry McPherson
bmcpherson@apa-agency.com
BRANDING AND DIGITAL (COMMERICAL) AGENTS:
Traci Delaney
tdelaney@apa-agency.com
Jessica Ellis
jellis@apa-agency.com
PUBLIC RELATION AGENTS:
Jill Fritzo PR Agency
Jill Fritzo
jillfritzo@jillfritzopr.com
Charlie Roina
croina@jillfritzopr.com
Nicole stars as a high-school loner, Cecily, in this coming-of-age thriller that tackles many of the challenging issues that teenagers face while dealing with the lack of proper adult supervision. The movie also features Cameron Boyce, Aramis Knight, Tichina Arnold, Brianna Hildebrand and Jason Patric. William Coakley wrote and directed the film.
Ali's Realm
Nicole portrays Ali in a story about an eccentric 14-year old teenager who witnesses the death of her closest friend, Charlie. After the death, he appears as an imaginary 7-foot tall alien that only Ali can see. The film has an underlying theme of overcoming bullying and teenage misbehavior. The short film also stars Jessica Beals, Paulina Porizkova, Mark Webber, Amanda LaCount, and Max Charles. Mario Torres wrote and directed the film and sculpted the alien character.
Nicole as Clover in the film, "Clover"
Nicole plays the role of Clover, the film's namesake and a tough-as-nails teenager, in this throwback crime drama that revolves around her character getting caught up with two bumbling brothers who get in over their heads trying to pay off a mob boss. Mark Webber, Jon Abrahams, Chazz Palminteri, Erica Christensen, Jake Weber, Julia Jones, and Jessica Szohr also co-star. Jon Abrahams directed the film, which was written by Mike Testone.
The Place of No Words
Nicole as Esperelda in the film, "The Place of No Words"
Nicole plays the role of Esmeralda, a guardian-angel figure in this fantasy-reality film that straddles the realms of a child's boundless imagination and the very-adult reality of foreboding hardship. The film also stars Mark Webber, Teresa Palmer, Bodhi Palmer, Eric Christian Olsen, Sarah Wright Olsen and Phoebe Tonkin. Mark Webber wrote, directed and edited the film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2019.
All At Once
Nicole as Grace Clarke in the film, "All At Once"
Nicole stars as Grace, a young musical prodigy, in a story about a young artist who accepts guardianship of his best friends' two young daughters after the tragic events of 9/11. Grace deals with the challenges of leaving New York and her older sister's independent behavior. Other cast members include Jon Abrahams, Erika Christensen, Annie Potts, Lydia Hearst, Stephen McKinsley Henderson, Summer Phoenix, Jason Biggs, and Scott Caan. Jon Abrahams directed the film, which was written by Mike Testone, premiered at the Napa Valley Film Festival in 2016 and received the Best Film Award in the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival in 2017.
officialnicoleberger
© COPYRIGHT 2023 - NICOLE ELIZABETH BERGER.


text:
House Hunters International
Weeknights Watch Full Seasons
Traditional English Cottages in Oxfordshire England
Miles was born with a race car in his hand and has dreamed of designing them all his life. Jump to present day and he finally received the call he's been waiting for: a job offer near Oxford! But uprooting his family and selling the house in Salt Lake City, Utah is no small task. Kristy, his talented wife, is up for the adventure of a lifetime and looks forward to living in England. But now that her husband's dream has come true, she's also dreaming of the true English experience. As they pack up their lives and head over seas Kristy hopes their realtor Jacqui Torrance can find them the perfect English cottage in the countryside of Oxfordshire. With Jacqui at the helm of the house hunt, it won't be long before Miles and Kristy feel they're living the real Jane Austin experience.
Oxford, England 03:55
Miles and Kristy are moving from Salt Lake City to Oxford, England.
From: House Hunters International with Traditional English Cottages in Oxfordshire England
Providence Couple Hunts for Their First Apartment in Bangkok Thailand
Country Homes Outside Prague Czech Republic


text:
Have Book, Will Travel
A blog for people who don't want to spend all their free time in the real world. After all, we live and work there. Escape the mundane with books, travel, and writing.
by Melinda Brasher
Cruising Alaska on a Budget
Indie Author Spotlight
Assassins in Literature
What is the current obsession with main character assassins in fantasy literature? I find it very creepy. We don't admire murderers, in general, yet all sorts of people say, "I love [fill-in-the-blank assassin character] because she's such a strong female!" So..."strong" equals "kills for money?" And then, the ubercreepy: "We need more strong female characters like [fill-in-the-blank assassin] to empower young women." So..."empower" equals "tell people it's great to kill other people?" I find this very, very disturbing.
I just read a book where the main character assassin shows very little remorse or guilt about all the killing she has done. She does no soul-searching, suffers no trauma, has no nightmares, and doesn't seem to think it's a moral dilemma. There is no deep probing into the ethics of the situation. Yet this heroine isn't a stone-cold, hardened, detached shell of a person either. This is not realistic. Any non-sociopath would suffer some of these consequences. Through the course of the book, she does not change. When presented with the opportunity to escape the life, she doesn't take it. She will most likely work as an assassin in the future. I found this profoundly disturbing.
Even more disturbing is that I've been combing the internet for two days and I have found only one review--ONE--that even mentions this issue. It's in a post that discusses what kind of role models YA literature is presenting to our young people. Even in that context, the writer only skirts around the inherent unethical nature of being an assassin. Perhaps everyone is afraid of coming off as judgmental. I hope that's the reason. That's much less disturbing than if it actually doesn't bother anyone else. But here I am. I'm going to be judgmental: murder is generally wrong. I stand by that. Therefore, being an assassin is generally wrong.
"Assassin" can have different meanings, and in today's world we might think of assassins as people who kill powerful people for political, religious, or even moral reasons, sometimes thinking that they're doing the world a service. However, in most fantasy literature, an assassin is a person who kills people for money, more like a hit man. It's a job. In some books there are even rules and regulations and professional organizations of assassins.
Readers defend the heroes of these books by saying things like, "He's just taking pride in his job." But the fact that it's a job doesn't make it right. Others say, "You don't understand. It's a dark, gritty fantasy world." Be that as it may, if the hero is killing people for money, that's adding to the darkness and grittiness, and "everyone's doing it." isn't an excuse I accept. Other readers argue that these assassins are only doing what they need to do to survive. Possibly this is the case for a few of them, or for a period of time before they escape the life, but these heroes are also usually quite clever and skilled. They could figure out another way to survive. Fans write, "I like [this assassin] because he doesn't take guff from anyone." Okay...not taking guff from anyone is entirely different from murdering a bunch of people, some of them likely quite innocent. Other fans write, "I love [this assassin] because she can defend herself." Umm... defending yourself is good, but defending yourself is not the same as hunting down a person you were paid to kill.
If the protagonist has been forced into becoming an assassin, but over the course of the book finds a way to stop the killing and lead a less violent life...that's one thing. If she's a reluctant assassin who struggles in a real and painful way with the morality of what she's doing, that could be powerful. If it's political, and he's doing it for the perceived greater good...though it damages his soul...that's interesting. But when killing is treated so lightly in some of these books, it makes me sick.
If remorseless assassins are the type of people we're supposed to admire, this is a darker world than I thought.
Posted by Melinda Brasher at 1:25 AM
Labels: book reviews, fantasy and science fiction, tropes, writing
People who like assassins are perverts. They like to play sick video games where they get to be assassins. Nasty scary little juvenile delinquents in training. Lock your doors at night everybody!
Yucatan Flower--Photo by Melinda Brasher
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My Creative Writing Online
"The People Upstairs"--Twenty-Two Twenty-Eight, Nov 2019
Mini Contest Winner--On the Premises, Nov 2019
"Foreign Bodies"--Deep Magic Spring 2019
"A Learned Man"--Pseudopod, July 2018
"Foolish Promises"--in Timeless Tales
"Dusk"--micro fiction--only 38 words
"Stalked"--a sci fi story in On the Premises
"Foreign Bodies"--in Intergalactic Medicine Show
"Ethereal"--a Cinderella tale on Fairy Tale Magazine
"Passcodes"--in The Future Fire
"Chaos Rises"--in 9tales: Tales From Elsewhere
My Creative Writing in Print
"Salvage Operations" in Leading Edge Issue 73, January 2019
"The Curse" in Ember; a Journal of Luminous Things, Volume 3 Issue 1, July 2018
"The Twenty Percent Club" in Double Feature Magazine, Issue 3, Dec 2016
"The Hot Dog Stand" in Nous, Issue 7, Summer 2016
"Sand and Fire." Spark Anthology Volume IV. Jan/Feb 2014
"The Bus to Lublin." Ellipsis Literature and Art, Volume 48-2012
"On the Train to Warsaw," THEMA Literary Journal, Summer 2011
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"A Learned Man" on Pseudopod
"Foolish Promises" in Timeless Tales
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The Scary Path in the Czech Republic--on In the Known Traveler
Hunting Mushrooms in Wallachia--Reprinted by the Epoch Times
Hunting Mushrooms in Wallachia--Go Nomad
Tikal Sunrise--The Expeditioner
Gold Rush Fever and Tales of Soapy Smith in Skagway, Alaska -- Go Nomad
Tramping in the Czech Republic--In the Know Traveler
Czech Sauerkraut Soup--Travel Belles
Bidding Four Spades in Poland--Travel Belles
Kroměříž, Czech Republic: Formal Gardens go Wild--Gonomad.com
Traditional Dance in Vsetin - In the Know Traveler
Kuks, Czech Republic: Eerie Remains of Past Glory -- Gonomad.com
Wallachian Rocks: Off the Beaten Track on the Czech-Slovak Border -- Gonomad.com
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Hiking Alaska From Cruise Ports: Hikes, Walks, and Strolls
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Melinda Brasher
I am first and foremost a writer. My true love is fiction, but I also write articles and personal essays, mostly based on my number two passion: travel. In order to support my travel habits, I have taught English as a Second Language in places like Mexico, Poland, the Czech Republic, and exotic Arizona.
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Q: how to do server authentication to download plist files from a password protected directory in iOS I need to access some plist files from a remote server, which are in a password protected directory. In case of not using a password to access the directory, i use the simple code and it works:
NSString *query = @"http://www.sante.com/FFFF/privat/updateDates.plist";

NSURL *urlDates = [NSURL URLWithString:[query stringByAddingPercentEscapesUsingEncoding:NSUTF8StringEncoding]];
NSDictionary *datesUrl = [NSDictionary dictionaryWithContentsOfURL:urlDates];

But in case of password protected directory, does it exist a way to treat it in xcode (without using NSUrlCOnnection, xmlparser because i don't want to parse the file while i can access directly by using dictionaryWithContentsOfURL)?
Edit: The point is that i just want to write some code to access/download the plist files (which are in a password protected directory of server) from the webserver to ios device. But i don't know how to. In case of not using password for accessing server directory, my above code works very well, but i need to access them in secured mode, and i just need to validate the webserver directory password programatically (hard coded).

A: If you need to deal with customising the download process by supporting authentication, then you need to stop using dictionaryWithContentsOfURL: and start using NSConnection because NSConnection is the API for customising URL downloads. Particularly, look at the delegate method connection:didReceiveAuthenticationChallenge: which is where you hook in to the authentication procedure.
You don't need to use an XML parser, because you have no need to parse the downloaded contents. Hand the data off to NSPropertyListSerialization once you've downloaded them and that can return an NSDictionary instance to you.


Oorvasi – Lalitha – Lalitha – Lavanya. Using the first two alphabets of the names the film is titled Oo La La La.
This film is being directed by the popular producer A.M Rathnam's son A M Ramakrishna who had directed Ennaku 20 Unakku 18 and Kedi. A M Ramakrishna apart from doing the lead role has written the screenplay and also directing this film. This film is based on the relationship between the boys and girls.
Whether they remain friends till the end or turn out to be lovers forms the theme of this film. There are 21 heroines in this film. Preethi Bhandari is the main heroine.
The other 20 heroes are also acting with Ramakrishna. Each one has an important role to play in this film. Ramakrishna says that he is planning to release this film in the month of May.
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winter Love Island
''Beautiful service'' in Monte Carlo as Sir Roger Moore gets laid to rest
BY Jessica Marie Ruxton
Sir Roger Moore's manager said that the actor's life was celebrated with a ''beautiful service'' at his burial yesterday morning.
Friend and family said their goodbyes yesterday to the longest-reigning 007, who died in Switzerland last month. He was 89-year-old and suffered a ''short but brave battle with cancer''. Moore was laid to rest at a private service in Monte Carlo.
The actor's three children, Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian, announced his death via a statement on social media on the 23rd of May. They said that a private funeral would be held in Monaco in ''accordance with our father's wishes.''
The whole Moore family have been overwhelmed by your kind tributes and words. Thank you all. Gareth (gareth owen on behalf of the family)
— Sir Roger Moore (Legacy) (@sirrogermoore) May 25, 2017
Sir Roger's Manager and biographer, Gareth Owens, posed a photo of the order of the service on the actor's official Twitter account this morning.
Yesterday we said our goodbyes in a beautiful service and celebrated a wonderful life. (Gareth) pic.twitter.com/zAisGbvf6M
— Sir Roger Moore (Legacy) (@sirrogermoore) June 11, 2017
The private service took place at 11am at Saint Pual's Church in Monte Carlo with actress, Joan Collins, among the guests.
One last drink. Goodbye, dear @sirrogermoore - a beautiful and loving service for one of the great Saints, Knights and Gents of our time pic.twitter.com/EOGlCnPYb2
— Joan Collins (@Joancollinsdbe) June 10, 2017
Pierce Brosnan commented on the actor's death and said that he was ''magnificent'', as he shared a photograph on Instagram of the two of them together.
Dear Sir Roger Moore, It is indeed with a heavy heart that I hear the news of your passing this morning. You were a big part of my life, from The Saint to James Bond.. .you were a magnificent James Bond and one that lead the way for me, the world will miss you and your unique sense of humor for years to come. My sincerest condolences to your family and children. RIP
A post shared by Pierce Brosnan (@piercebrosnanofficial) on May 23, 2017 at 10:55am PDT
Sir Sean Connery said that he will miss the actor, with whom he shared a long friendship with and Daniel Craig wrote ''Nobody Does It Better'' in reference to the theme song of The Spy Who Loved Me.
Tags: 007, Beautiful Service, James Bond, Joan Collins, Laid To Rest, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Sir Roger Moore
Jessica Marie Ruxton
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Point-counterpoint: Open vs. robotic radical prostatectomy
This special installment of "Hands On" is presented in a point-counterpoint format, with two leading experts discussing open versus. robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.
Still standing at the station: The case for open RP
Joel B. Nelson, MD
Dr. Nelson is professor and chairman of the department of urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Dr. NelsonThe format of the open versus robotic radical prostatectomy debate-a piling up of uncontrolled observations to support one position or another-is regrettable. Urology has gone headlong into the use of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in the management of clinically localized prostate cancer with flimsy evidence for an advance over the standard approach, namely, open radical prostatectomy (ORP). As such, our field stands in distinction to our colleagues in general surgery, who conducted the prospective, randomized trials needed to examine the use of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of colon cancer and those needed to compare the combination of lumpectomy and radiation versus radical mastectomy for breast cancer.
At a time when there is growing evidence to support the use of active surveillance in the initial management of low-risk prostate cancer, we are seeing increased use of robotic surgery in the initial management of prostate cancer-most strikingly in the elderly-driven by the economic demands inherent with RARP adoption (N Engl J Med 2010; 363:701-4). The imbalance of expectations and reality results in regret, an outcome reported significantly more frequently with RARP-treated patients (Eur Urol 2008; 54:785-93). The painful reality is that RARP and ORP can't be compared based on the most rigorous standard; namely, an adequately powered randomized controlled trial, and it seems increasingly unlikely this will ever be achieved.
Cancer control
The goal of radical prostatectomy, by any approach, is to cure prostate cancer. In the absence of long-term data, one cannot claim RARP is equivalent to ORP in achieving this goal. Setting aside whether a comparison of short-term results is even meaningful when metastatic progression and prostate cancer-specific death is a remote event, the most mature published data of biochemical-free survival results of RARP are, in the words of the authors, "unexpectedly low" (Cancer 2007; 110:1951-8). In a series of 2,766 consecutive RARPs from the pioneering center for this approach, the 5-year actuarial biochemical-free survival was 84% in a cohort initially selected for low-risk features. Compare those results to 2,391 ORP patients from my practice (932 at risk at 60 months) with a biochemical recurrence–free survival rate at 5 years of 93.3% (95% CI: 92.0–94.6).
Furthermore, surgeons performing RARP perform pelvic lymph node dissections five times less frequently than those performing ORP, and this practice is independent of risk stratification (Cancer 2011; 117:3933-42). By scuttling the oncologic goal of surgery-to remove the cancer-RARP alone will never have the same results as ORP with a well-performed pelvic lymph node dissection. For example, considering 89% biochemical free-survival at 10 years after ORP with pelvic lymph node dissection reported recently by surgeons at USC (Urology 2012; 79:626-31), it is reasonable to question whether RARP will ever reach that bar.
Historical comparisons of RARP to ORP based on intermediate endpoints, such as positive surgical margins, are fraught with methodologic challenges. Many of the largest ORP series bridged the PSA era, and the prostate cancer patient of 1990 is not the prostate cancer patient of today. Indeed, year of surgery has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor favoring more contemporarily treated patients. In a series of 2,700 consecutive ORPs that I performed, the overall positive surgical margin rate is 7% (190/2,700); the positive margin rate for pT2 disease is 2.3% and 21.1% for pT3. Despite an increase in pT3 disease-from a historic rate of less than 25% up to 32% in the last 600 cases-there has been significant decline in positive margins (figure 1). In the last 1,000 cases, over 90% of the procedures were bilateral nerve-sparing surgeries.
Intra-operative flexibility
How are these results achieved? In my opinion, ORP allows the intra-operative flexibility that simply does not exist with RARP. Decisions on a plane of dissection are based on both binocular vision (the natural state of having two functioning eyes) and the tactile cues transmitted through the instruments. Although surgeons performing RARP may be able to compensate to some degree for the lack of haptic feedback, no robotic surgeon would reject a device providing the sense of touch.
Furthermore, ORP permits the surgeon to operate in a largely bloodless field through the use of suction. Admittedly, RARP is associated with less overall blood loss, but I am struck by how often the dissection in RARP is performed in a pool of blood or with less than ideal visualization. Tenfold magnification is not the answer to a better inter-operative view; the key is actually being able to see the tissue. Furthermore, with a focus on meticulous control of bleeding, I have seen a significant decline in estimated blood loss, averaging between 300 and 350 mL over the last 1,200 cases. The straw horse argument of less blood loss with RARP is lost when one considers the equivalent transfusion requirements compared to ORP we see in our program.
Claims of reduced perioperative pain and quicker return to full activities with RARP are not supported by careful, prospective, non-randomized observational studies (Urology 2007; 70:945-9; J Urol 2005; 174:912-4) (figure 2). Average length of hospital stay in our department between RARP and ORP are 1.2 and 1.4 days, respectively-no significant difference.
Functional outcomes
A reasonable criticism of this debate is a reliance on data from high-volume centers with surgeons who do nothing else. It has been proposed that RARP allows the lower volume surgeon with average skills to achieve better results than they could with ORP. Unfortunately, a recent study does not support this perspective (J Clin Oncol 2012; 30:513-8). In a random sample of 20% Medicare recipients in a nationwide survey who have undergone either ORP or RARP, one-third said they were experiencing a moderate to big problem with continence, and nearly 90% of patients reported difficulty with sexual function.
While sexual function outcomes were equally poor among both ORP and RARP patients, there was a non-significant trend toward worse continence outcomes with RARP (odds ratio: 1.41; 95% CI: 0.97–2.05). Currently, it does not appear RARP is producing any better functional outcomes than ORP.
Reportedly, RARP accounts for 80% of all prostatectomies being performed in the U.S., a remarkable dissemination of a new technology in a decade. Why? Let's be honest: This has been driven much more by an equally remarkable marketing campaign-fueled by the fear of being left behind-than by any real improvement in oncologic or functional outcomes. In most communities, surgeons still offering ORP are viewed as archaic, a perspective at least passively exploited by competing surgeons offering RARP (ie, Isn't new technology inherently better?). In my opinion, the most technologically advanced device is still the human hand attached to an experienced and well-trained brain.
The wide adoption of RARP has increased the financial burden of managing localized prostate cancer. Even at a high-volume academic hospital like mine that is clearly focused on the bottom line (reporting a $351 million operating income on $9.6 billion operating revenues in FY '12), RALP is performed at a loss of $4,013 per case (Urology 2012; 80:126-9). In the coming days of increased scrutiny on health care expenditures, it will be wise to assure ORP is not a lost art.
As one of the few ORP surgeons in the United States who has maintained (and grown) this practice in the RARP era, I am regularly asked to defend ORP. We are told the train has left the station on radical prostatectomy in the United States, despite an absence of significant evidence-based advantages of RARP over ORP. I tell my patients that in my hands, ORP is much better than any published results for RARP, and I am happy to be still standing in the station for them.
Current status of robotic RP: Is the evidence robust?
Ananthakrishnan Sivaraman, MS, MCh (Uro)
Srinivas Samavedi, MD
Vipul R. Patel, MD
Dr. Sivaraman is a consultant urologist at Apollo Hospitals of Chennai, India; Dr. Samavedi is a clinical fellow at Florida Hospital's Global Robotics Institute in Celebration, FL; and Dr. Patel is medical director of the Global Robotics Institute.
It has been slightly more than a decade since the full-fledged introduction of robotic surgery. From very humble beginnings, it has progressed rapidly, so much so that in the U.S., approximately 85% of all prostatectomies are performed robotically, according to Intuitive Surgical, Inc., the Sunnyvale, CA maker of the da Vinci robot.
When the technology was introduced, the expectations regarding outcomes were much different than those of today (BJU Int 2001; 87:408-10). Initial expectation was that robotic prostatectomy be done in a safe manner, in a reasonable time frame, and with lower blood loss when compared to open surgery. Now, both the referring doctors and patients hold robotic surgeons to far higher standards and expect significant differences in outcomes. Fortunately, the experience we have gained in the last 10 years allows us to deliver on these expectations. As our experience at the Global Robotics Institute has reached 5,600 robotic prostatectomies, we chronicle our journey to achieving optimal outcomes and present our view on the current debate between robotic and open prostatectomy.
Examining current evidence for robotic surgery, we found a paucity of direct, head-to-head comparisons between conventional and robotic surgery. Such randomized trials may never be possible due to patient choice. Hence, the bulk of our data is from nonrandomized studies.
Perioperative outcomes
In a recent landmark paper that provides a contemporary snapshot of current perioperative outcomes, Trinh et al assessed the rate of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) utilization and the differences in perioperative complication rates between RALP and open radical prostatectomy (ORP) (Eur Urol 2012; 61:679-85). Of 19,462 surgeries performed, 61.1% were RALP, 38.0% were ORP, and 0.9% were laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). In multivariable analyses of propensity score–matched populations, patients undergoing RALP were less likely to receive a blood transfusion (odds ratio: 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.28–0.40), experience an intraoperative complication (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.31–0.71), experience a postoperative complication (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77–0.96), or have a prolonged length of stay (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.26–0.30).
Moreover, when individual postoperative complications were examined, cardiac, respiratory, and vascular complications were found less likely to occur in patients undergoing RALP than in patients undergoing ORP, indicating a beneficial effect of RALP on medical complications as well. Previous population-based studies showed shorter lengths of stay and fewer respiratory complications, miscellaneous surgical complications, and strictures. In our own published series of 2,500 RALPs, we encountered total complications of 5.08% (Eur Urol 2010; 57:945-52). Out of all 2,500 cases, the majority were Clavien grade 1 or 2 (4.04%).
Oncologic outcomes
In a systematic review and cumulative analysis of published literature up to 2009, Ficarra et al analyzed positive surgical margins (PSM) in ORP and RALP series (Eur Urol 2009; 55:1037-63). In their analysis, a statistically significant difference in favor of RALP was identified (relative risk: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.29–1.94; p<.00001).
Tewari et al conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing retropubic, laparoscopic, and robotic prostatectomy abstracted data from 400 original research articles representing 167,184 ORP patients, 57,303 LRP patients, and 62,389 RALP patients (table 1) (Eur Urol 2012; 62:1-15). Primary outcomes were PSMs and complication rates. The overall PSM rates were 24.2% for ORP patients and 16.2% for RALP patients; pT2 PSM rates were 16.6% for ORP patients and 10.7% for RALP patients, but the difference did not attain significance after propensity score adjustment and Hochberg correction (overall PSM, p=.002; pT2 PSM, p=.01). At the very least, these results indicate that RALP is equal, if not superior to, ORP in terms of PSMs.
Examining oncologic outcomes, Masterson et al, in a retrospective review of 1,041 patients who underwent ORP or RALP between 1999 and 2010, compared PSMs and oncologic outcomes in 357 ORP patients and 669 RALP patients. Comparing biochemical recurrence-free survival rates according to surgical approach, no differences were seen at 24 or 60 months postoperatively between ORP patients (87% and 71%, respectively) and RALP patients (87% and 73%, respectively). However, longer-term results are required for effective comparison of oncologic outcomes. Current results indicate that oncologic outcomes are at least similar, if not better, in RALP patients than in those undergoing ORP.
With long-term survival ensured for localized prostate cancer, functional outcomes have become the focus of prostatectomy. A large systematic review by Berryhill et al found continence rates to range from 73% to 91% and 54% to 87% for RALP and ORP, respectively (Urol 2008; 72:15-23). Koehler et al, in a multicenter, longitudinal study of 350 prostate cancer patients (166 RALP and 184 ORP) in seven German hospitals, assessed early continence rates and found no significant difference between the approaches at 3 months (44% for RALP and 40% for ORP) (Urol Oncol, June 28, 2011). Hu et al found a significantly higher rate of urinary incontinence diagnoses for minimally invasive RP compared to ORP (15.9 vs. 12.2 per 100 person-years, p=.02) (JAMA 2009; 302:1557-64).
Nevertheless, with regard to analysis of the need for urinary incontinence procedures, which is a more realistic urinary continence endpoint, two population-based studies found no significant difference in the need for post-RP urinary-continence procedures (JAMA 2009; 302:1557-64; J Urol 2010; 183:1366-72). Coelho et al, in an analysis of data from high-volume centers, found that weighted mean continence rates were 80% for ORP and 92% for RALP (J Endourol 2010; 2279-83).
In a nonrandomized prospective trial comparing ORP and RALP, Tewari et al found that the median time to erectile function recovery was 440 days after ORP and 180 days after RALP (J Clin Oncol 2008; 26:4999-5000). Similarly, the median time to intercourse was 700 days after ORP and 340 days after RALP.
Ficarra et al defined potency as an International Index of Erectile Function-5 score of >17 (Eur Urol 2007; 51:45-56). Limiting their analysis to only those patients who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing RP with at least 1 year of follow-up, they found that 49% of ORP patients and 81% of RALP patients were potent by their definition (p<.001 adjusted for the effects of age, preoperative erectile function, and comorbidity, all of which may have been very different between the two groups). These results reflect the outcomes from our institution, where we have seen continence rates of 97.4% and potency rates of 91.5% in preoperatively potent men who undergo bilateral nerve sparing. Thus, in terms of functional outcomes, RALP seems again to have an advantage over ORP.
Financial aspects, limitations, learning curve
Primary limitations for robotic prostatectomy include considerable cost disadvantages. Lack of competition has resulted in a lack of incentive for manufacturer Intuitive Surgical to reduce costs. Very few centers are able to consistently make a profit from the robot. However, we believe these lacunae can be partially overcome by improving efficiency of robot utilization and increasing volume and centralization of services.
RALP results are generally measured in terms of the trifecta and the pentafecta (table 2). The trifecta is achieving cancer control, continence and potency concurrently. The pentafecta is achieving the trifecta without complications or positive surgical margins. RALP resulting in optimal outcomes (trifecta, pentafecta) requires a significant learning curve (J Urol 2010; 183:1360-5). This learning curve has to be breached for optimal outcomes, and this can only be achieved in high-volume centers. Such centers of excellence for training and performing the bulk of cases around the country represent the current need. We believe the approach (open or robotic) is not as important as the experience of the surgeon.
Certification, training needs
Although RALP has eclipsed ORP in terms of volume, there are still a few areas in which it has to catch up. One such area is training. A structured curriculum is essential for training and objectively assessing future robotic surgeons. Currently, the certification process to be a robotic surgeon rests with the manufacturer. This process needs to be more structured; hence, the process of creating a curriculum for robotic surgery has been initiated. Defining outcomes, curriculum, and specific training tasks, along with validating the training tasks and measurements and setting up passing criteria, are current goals for improving the quality of robotic surgery being performed as well as achieving a uniformity of outcomes among centers.
Robotic prostatectomy has progressed rapidly since its introduction. RALP surgical outcomes have also kept pace and currently are second to none. To improve uniformity in outcomes, a structured curriculum with well-defined tasks and measures is essential to train future robotic surgeons. High-volume centers of excellence can ideally fulfill this need for adequate training and thus ensure optimal outcomes.
Debates regarding the approach to prostatectomy (open vs. robotic) are not as important as the experience of the surgeon. More importantly, research needs to be directed toward accurately risk stratifying prostate cancer patients so that they may choose the optimal treatment option.UT
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