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Thoughts on the End of the Kepler Mission
by Paul Gilster on October 31, 2018
The Kepler spacecraft has been with us long enough (it launched in 2009) and has revealed so much about the stars in our galaxy that its retirement — Kepler lacks the fuel for further science operations — is cause for reflection. The end of great missions always gives us pause as we consider their goals and their accomplishments, and offer up our gratitude to the many people who made the mission happen. Let's try to back up and see things in their totality.
Image: An artist's conception of Kepler at work. Credit: NASA/Ames/Dan Rutter.
Kepler's job was essentially statistical, an attempt to look at as many stars as possible in a particular field of stars, so that we could gain insights into the distribution of planets there, and thus deduce something about likely conditions galaxy-wide. We didn't know in 2009 that there was statistically at least one planet around every star, nor did we know just how diverse the worlds Kepler found, more than 2,600 of them, would be. Moreover, Kepler pushed the bounds of the possible with an ingenious extended mission.
After the mission was extended in 2012, engineers had to work around gyroscope failures to use solar photon pressure to keep the spacecraft pointed. The so-called 'K2' mission left the fixed view to move around the sky, studying 19 different patches of it and thus producing entirely different datasets. As with any mission, we've accumulated such extensive information that papers from Kepler data will be coming out for decades to come. Using the transit method to detect the passage of planets across the face of their star, Kepler's planetary survey, originally studying over 156,000 stars, would move on through K2 to cover more than 500,000.
We have a great deal to learn as we carry Kepler discoveries forward, but it now seems likely that somewhere between 20 and 50 percent of all visible stars have rocky planets in the habitable zone of their stars. 'Super Earths' turned out to be the most common size of planet Kepler found, worlds between Earth and Neptune in size. Unless we find a hitherto undiscovered world deep in our outer system, we have no examples of such planets around Sol.
Interestingly, we've also learned how common compact planetary systems can be. Some of the Kepler systems bear more resemblance to Jupiter and its moons than planets and their host stars. KOI-961 is a case in point. About 130 light years away in Cygnus, the star is an M-dwarf about 70 percent larger than Jupiter, orbited by three small and likely rocky planets, all three of which orbit their host in less than two days.
Image: This illustration depicts NASA's exoplanet hunter, the Kepler space telescope. The agency announced on Oct. 30, 2018, that Kepler has run out of fuel and is being retired within its current and safe orbit, away from Earth. Kepler leaves a legacy of more than 2,600 exoplanet discoveries. Credit: NASA/Wendy Stenzel/Daniel Rutter.
Another Kepler find: Kepler-11, approximately 2000 light years away, with six planets, the outermost of which is twice as close to its star as the Earth is to the Sun. In fact, the five inner planets are closer to their star than Mercury is to the Sun. The list goes on: Kepler-32 is an M-dwarf with five transiting worlds orbiting within a distance that is just one-third the size of Mercury's orbit. We now explore how such systems form and examine multi-planet systems like TRAPPIST-1 (not a Kepler discovery) that offer planets in the habitable zone.
Kepler also discovered its share of unusual exoplanets like Kepler-10b, a world with a year that lasts less than an Earth day and a density implying it is made of iron and rock, a 'lava world.' K2 found a planetary object around the white dwarf WD 1145+017. Kepler-16b is the first planet discovered around a double-star system, reminiscent of Tatooine in Star Wars. Kepler-444 has five planets that are 11 billion years old. And need I mention Boyajian's Star, whose oddly fluctuating lightcurve is indicative most likely of dust clouds but was intensely studied in terms of possible alien engineering.
"When we started conceiving this mission 35 years ago we didn't know of a single planet outside our solar system," said the Kepler mission's founding principal investigator, William Borucki, now retired from NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley. "Now that we know planets are everywhere, Kepler has set us on a new course that's full of promise for future generations to explore our galaxy."
Image: William Borucki, principal investigator for NASA's Kepler mission, in his office at NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California. June 2015. Credit: NASA Ames.
Kepler kept sending us data even as it ran low on fuel, with the latest, from Campaign 19, marking a kind of handover to TESS, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which launched back in April. All told, we pulled in 678 GB of science data in Kepler's 9.6 years in space, leading thus far to 2,946 published scientific papers, with many more to come. Last night at a favorite restaurant my wife and friends joined me in a toast to the Kepler team, and the mission's indefatigable PI William Borucki. An outstanding accomplishment all around.
To wrap this up, here's Kepler's 'first light' image from 2009.
Image: This image from NASA's Kepler mission shows the telescope's "first light" — a full field of view of an expansive star-rich patch of sky in the constellations Cygnus and Lyra stretching across 100 square degrees, or the equivalent of two side-by-side dips of the Big Dipper. Credit: NASA.
Gary Wilson October 31, 2018, 15:48
Kepler is an example of an outstanding NASA mission. I joined Planet Hunters and looked at thousands of light curves to pick out potential planetary candidates. It was loads of fun! The results speak for themselves. Our knowledge of extrasolar planets has expanded exponentially thanks to this one brilliant mission. Here's a toast to Kepler from all of us!
Hal October 31, 2018, 16:41
So, how much is the telescope worth?
This sounds like an excellent candidate for a "proof of concept" grant program, "$XXX to the" group that designs and implements a retrieval system to bring Kepler back to LEO for refueling. 10X that prize to the group that designs and implements a system for in-situ refuelling.
Karl Pestell October 31, 2018, 20:44
I've always thought this. Would it be that difficult or expensive to launch an ion drive tug to intercept a probe, lasso or otherwise catch it, then slowly haul it back to LEO synchronous with the ISS so there could be easy multiple EVAs to repair or upgrade it? It's not just the cost of the things in the first place and their launches, it's their achingly long development times…. surely this would be a quick and low-cost way of getting more science done?
Robert November 1, 2018, 13:57
Yes the ISS could be the hub of a system designed for new satellites whereby refueling is standardized, fuel is accumulated and stored at the ISS and its mission is expanded to monitor and maintain satellite orbits and missions. But the ISS may not be the right platform as its own lifetime is not indefinite.
J. Jason Wentworth November 2, 2018, 4:46
Another proof-of-concept observatory spacecraft servicing mission–a manned one, no less–that might be worthwhile would be a Falcon 9/Crew Dragon 2 visit to OAO-1, the first in the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory series, which was launched on April 8, 1966 (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbiting_Astronomical_Observatory#OAO-1 ). It was injected into a perfect orbit, but its signals faded away just a few hours after launch due to a problem with its power supply–which could have been fixed by an on-site technician with just a screwdriver, and:
Its solar panels were never deployed (the batteries ran down within three days), and its optical cover door was never opened, so its multiple telescopes should be in pristine condition. Its still-folded onboard solar panels might still be usable, but if not, a new set could be carried in the Dragon spacecraft's trunk, along with any new systems (star sensors, inertial measurement unit, etc.) that it might need in order to be restored to operational condition (one of the in-development geosynchronous satellite "life extension service modules" could be affixed to OAO-1). The Dragon spacecraft could then re-boost OAO-1 into its original circular (400 miles high, if memory serves; it hasn't lost much altitude since launch) orbit before returning to Earth.
Ashley Baldwin October 31, 2018, 17:10
This is just the beginning . Kepler may be gone buts its immense data trove has only just had its surface scratched . There are still 3000 planetary candidates awaitibg confirmation and these are just the plum targets , big planets around bright nearby stars . The low lying fruit . Lots of stars in the Kepler's many viewing fields , previously too faint for previous transit assessments now have machine learning algorithms able to pull out planets. Star clusters , previously too dense to scrutinise likewise , along with binary star systems . Asteroseismology will massively increase our knowledge of stars – along with Gaia's precision distances – and through that accurate exoplanetary radii and masses . Know the star , know the planet .The technology has evolved enormously even since 2009 and will continue to do so. The data isn't going anywhere , anytime soon . Unlike photographic plates it will , if stored well, last and be used centuries. All this before combination with TESS for further exoplanet science before a multiplicity of other galactic extragalactic and solar system science. Lots to look forward to.
Robin Datta October 31, 2018, 17:36
🍷🍾‼
Michael October 31, 2018, 19:25
Could it not be pointed one last time at Tabbys star, for old times sake.
ljk November 1, 2018, 10:28
No, it cannot. Kepler ran out of maneuvering fuel. Its radio transmitters have been shut off. But we have TESS now.
Wojciech J October 31, 2018, 20:54
I remember my youthful excitement when the mission was being designed and launched! Much has changed since then but my sense of wonder at the discoveries remains, Kepler kept that spark alive and raised so many more questions.
I can only imagine how proud William Borucki must feel at this monumental life achievement.
Interestingly yesterday Thirty Meter Telescope was given a go ahead to continue, and new discoveries await.One ends, another begins…
And we can wait with anticipation for Plato,Ariel and others…
Laz October 31, 2018, 21:27
Farewell sweet Prince.
I understand Kepler will be parked in safe orbit, are there any Golden Record style devices for far future astronauts to decode?
ljk November 1, 2018, 9:19
Regarding Kepler's orbit, read this excerpt from The Planetary Society's blog piece on the satellite:
http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/farewell-kepler.html
"Without adequate fuel reserves, the spacecraft cannot turn towards Earth to send home the precious pictures it takes while staring at the sky in search of planets crossing in front of stars. NASA has decided to retire the spacecraft by shutting down its radio transmitters, leaving it to drift slowly through space, falling farther and farther behind Earth's elliptical track around the Sun. Every 40 years or so, Earth and Kepler will cross paths like two ships passing quietly in the night, with Kepler never coming closer than the distance between Earth and the Moon. This orbital dance could theoretically last for millions of years."
I have no idea if Kepler carries any kind of information package such as was placed on Voyager 1 and 2, but I find it doubtful. There may be a dedication plaque along with some mementos and notes by those who worked on the satellite.
As for using very high Earth orbits to preserve information for future generations and/or visiting ETI, see here regarding another satellite:
https://www.centauri-dreams.org/2013/01/18/the-last-pictures-contemporary-pessimism-and-hope-for-the-future/
Curious October 31, 2018, 23:59
If the only thing wrong with it is attitude control maybe NASA should assess if its worth contracting Northrop Grumman to try to attach one of its recently developed Mission Extension Vehicles to it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJZ3xmuom0M Several "ifs" to assess technically, but perhaps its worth the money if the rest of Kepler's systems are functional and with some anticipated life. Or has Kepler's capability run its course due to age/sensor obsolescence and entirely superceded by TESS?
The Planetary Society has some nice tributes to Kepler on its blog here:
http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1031-2018-kepler-celebration.html
Bruce D. Mayfield November 1, 2018, 9:28
Since Kepler was such a massively effective mission, wouldn't an improved (better and/or more gyros, ability to stare at the same place even longer with less down time for data transmission, etc.) version of this telescope be called for? Love to see another different but similarly star filled region of the galaxy's disk covered with even greater precision.
I know we'll have Tess, nearly whole sky bright star data soon, but one result from Kepler is that finding a true Earth analog is hard. By that I mean the goldilocks trifecta, an Earth sized planet in an earthlike orbit of a sunlike star. We'll need a beefed up version of Kepler that can stare longer to meet this goal, imho.
This is probably naive but is the only reason fuel is an issue because the gyroscopes failed? Otherwise, I should think as long as there is sunlight, it could still point, shoot and sent back images.
Andrew Wright November 1, 2018, 15:42
My understanding is that they rotate the gyros to rotate the spacecraft in the opposite direction. Every now and then, because of losses somewhere, the gyros are spinning too fast and have to be slowed down. That gyro braking will make the spacecraft rotate, unless you use thruster fuel to counteract it.
Bruce D. Mayfield November 1, 2018, 16:21
This, from the Planetary Society's "Farewell, Kepler" article should answer your question:
"NASA's groundbreaking Kepler space telescope mission, which revolutionized our understanding of planets orbiting other stars, has come to an end, the agency announced today.
On 11 October, NASA's Deep Space Network turned its gaze to a spot 170 million kilometers behind Earth in our path around the Sun. There, Kepler turned toward Earth and transmitted the precious data it recently gathered while staring at a patch of sky in the constellation Aquarius. The one-way light travel time between Kepler and Earth is 9.3 minutes.
After that, Kepler tried to get back to work. But on 23 October, NASA learned that the spacecraft had fallen asleep, a side effect of the fact that it was out of fuel. Launched in 2009 on a 3.5-year mission to get a statistical sense of the number of exoplanets in the Milky Way, the telescope has operated for 9 years, thanks to austere fuel use by its mission team.
J. Jason Wentworth November 1, 2018, 15:23
I had not known that Kepler's mission controllers–like Mariner 10's–had resorted, successfully, to extending its useful life by utilizing solar photon pressure for attitude control. This suggests a possible way for a follow-on spacecraft to remain usable indefinitely:
Solar sails are usually thought of in connection with translational motion; that is, propelling itself (and its attached spacecraft, payload, or cargo) somewhere. But smaller, movable sails could provide *rotational* (i.e., attitude control) motions–and also ^prevent^ such motions, to provide precision pointing–about the spacecraft's pitch, yaw, and roll axes. (Many of the non-spinning, boom-supported, square and triangular solar sail spacecraft designs include such smaller attitude control sails, called vanes, which are mounted at the corners of the larger main sails; the vanes can be tilted and rotated in order to control the vehicles in pitch, yaw, and roll.) Also:
While such observatory spacecraft could, like Kepler, use either mechanical (spinning) gyroscopes or laser ring gyroscopes and accelerometers in an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for precision pointing, they could also employ (as a back-up to the IMU, or as a means of re-setting them, or both) a stellar navigation system, which would use three or more stars as reference points. This type of stellar-inertial guidance system was used at least as far back as the 1950s, when the Northrop SM-62 Snark ICCM (Intercontinental Cruise Missile) utilized one. An observatory spacecraft's guidance problem is significantly simpler than that of a cruise missile, as the spacecraft does not maneuver along a flight path once it reaches its mission orbit; it only needs to point at its observation targets.
Coolstar November 1, 2018, 16:44
Kepler is perhaps the most cost effective of all NASA's science missions. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Borucki years before the mission was approved (as is well known, that process was not easy and involved several steps, as lots of old f***s at NASA and elsewhere thought his idea would never work while lots of younger (then!) folk thought it was an absolute no-brainer!). I can point to what I believe is one major mistake the mission team made though: Roughly one year of science was lost while converting from the original mission to K2. This was completely avoidable and should have been planned for beforehand as the likely cause of failure (too many gyros lost) was extremely well known at the time.
Did Kepler use a significant amount of fuel during that one-year hiatus, then?
Rob Flores November 2, 2018, 16:13
An Improvement of Kepler's cabilities is what is needed.
The one thing Kepler wasn't able to do was find Twins of Earth in
around F, G and K type stars in habitable zones. but it gave us
a leg up on WHICH, stars are great candidates for a follow up mission.
Is this a matter of a larger telescope aperture and detector sensitivity
or are stars too noisy at the 600-2000Ly and another method is needed?
ljk November 16, 2018, 16:54
JPL News | November 16, 2018
Kepler Telescope Bids 'Goodnight' with Final Commands
On the evening of Thursday, Nov. 15, NASA's Kepler space telescope received its final set of commands to disconnect communications with Earth. The "goodnight" commands finalize the spacecraft's transition into retirement, which began on Oct. 30 with NASA's announcement that Kepler had run out of fuel and could no longer conduct science.
Coincidentally, Kepler's "goodnight" falls on the same date as the 388-year anniversary of the death of its namesake, German astronomer Johannes Kepler, who discovered the laws of planetary motion and passed away on Nov. 15, 1630.
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7284
ljk February 12, 2019, 14:05
The last call…
https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/space-observatories/last-kepler-images-capture-numerous-planetary-systems/
Next post: The Stripes of Dione
Previous post: 'Oumuamua, Thin Films and Lightsails


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$120,000 - $150,000 / WEEK
RATESFROM $120,000
Chris Wallace – Captain
Captain Chris, originally from the south of England, has been in yachting for 20+ years. His favorite things about yachting include navigation, challenges, water sports, and meeting all the great people. He got into yachting by virtue of helping people with boats in his local marina. After a while, people started paying him to help and he soon discovered all the benefits that come with a career in yachting. So, he sold everything he had (except his windsurfing gear), got licensed, and went and got his first job as an engineer on the classic, Moonmaiden II.
A fun fact about Captain Chris, when he finished college, he moved to the Canary Islands and lived in a tent on the beach for 2 years. Also, at 17 years old, he came 2nd in the under 19's national windsurf championships in the UK. Finally, he loves telling Dad jokes, as he often finds they make him laugh!
Carla – Mate
Carla has been in yachting for 9 years and hails from South Africa. Her favorite yachting activity is Scuba diving and, is how she found her way into yachting! Carla is a PADI certified open water instructor and holds a 200 Ton Yacht Master License. A fun fact about Carla is she used to teach kids how to ride horses and really likes cake, yum!
Jess – Chef
Jess grew up on the border of North Wales and Shropshire but spent a lot of time on the coast near Abersoch where she now has a vacation cottage. She has been working in the yachting industry for 10 years, traveling between the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and USA. Her favorite yachting activity is scuba diving and experiencing all the beauty of the underwater world. Along with completing culinary school in 2018, chef also holds a power boat level 2 cert, has completed multiple sailing courses, is a PADI advanced open water diver, and holds a wine and spirit certification.
Jess made her way into yachting at the age of 18 while working in a high-end restaurant and looking into courses in hospitality. One day, her mum heard from someone about a yachting opportunity. They eagerly investigated the opportunity and booked a 5-week course in the Isle of Wight; the rest is history! A fun fact about chef is she has visited half of the states in the U.S.
Dani - Chief Stew
Languages Spoken: English, Thai
Dani has been yachting for five and a half years now. She grew up between Indiana and California. Dani made her way into yachting when a friend of hers, who spent a substantial amount of time in the British Virgin Isles for work, told Dani about the exciting stories she heard from her friends there in yachting. Dani thought their job sounded amazing and was already working in hospitality at the time. That, coupled with her love of traveling, made a career in yachting seem like a natural fit. So, after doing some research, she made the move to South Florida to embark on an exciting new career!
Dani just loves being in the water. Whether it's just swimming, snorkeling, or paddle boarding, the water is where she finds her bliss. A fun fact about Dani is she comes from a big family with 6 brothers and sisters, so she was already used to living with several people and the chaos that ensues in a big family! This helped prepare her for life in a small crew mess with her big boat fam!
Sarah lee Alcock –2nd Stewardess
Education/Certifications: Bachelor of Commerce Marketing Management - IMM Graduate School, Stellenbosch RSA, STCW Basic + PDSD, ENG 1, SYSA Interior Introduction Course, RYA Power Boat level II, SYSA Food Service Introduction, SAS Skipper's License, SYSA Wine and Cocktail Introduction, MCA/Highfield Food Health Safety Level II
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Sarah grew up in Knysna, a small town in South Africa located right in front of the sea and lagoon. As a child, she and her brother who is also in yachting, spent the majority of their time on boats. Sarah first entered yachting in 2020 and hasn't been back home since. She has always been fascinated with the industry after watching a number of her friends become yachties. When she finished studying for her BCom Degree, she decided to do her yachting courses and see what the yachting world was about.
Sarah brings along her love and dedication for being a Stewardess. She thrives off the fast pace and pressure this job entails and strives for perfection in everything that she does. Sarah loves serving and engaging with the guests, coming up with creative table settings, and teaching new aspiring stewardesses all the knowledge she has gathered this far. She is known to be a positive personality, keeping fellow crew members in high spirits throughout each day.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys running, swimming, kitesurfing, cross country cycling, sewing, knitting, playing field hockey, and socializing with friends.
Sarah wants guests to look at every table setting, every meal, every drink made, and the attention to detail given in their cabins and common areas, and be wowed at service and experience the crew has provided.
Mikaela – 3rd Stew
Languages Spoken: English, Conversational Spanish
Mikaela is originally from South Africa, 4 years ago her family moved to the States and so began her yachting career.
She is a pastry Chef by trade who studied culinary arts and advanced pastry at 1000 Hills chef school for 2 years. Her sweet nature and hard work ethic make her an extremely valuable member of the team.
Mikaela has been on Starship since Feb 2019 and is excited to continue her yachting career with hopes of more travel and one day becoming a chief stewardess.
James - Chief Engineer
James was raised in Newport, South Wales, and has been yachting 6 years while working on cruise ships prior. James holds a SV 9000/3000KW Second Engineer Unlimited. James' favorite yachting activity is most definitely the Jetski, he loves to go fast! James made his way into yachting after spending 5 years working on cruise ships and looking to make a change. He always heard about the exciting opportunities yachting held and decided to make the jump in 2016. A fun fact about James is as a child, he was a very talented bass trombonist. He e achieved 8th grade standard and played in several reginal and national ensembles.
Brian Hopton – Deckhand
Education/Certifications: Retailing and Computer Sciences – University of Arizona
Brian was born and raised 45 minutes north of LA in Woodland Hills. Always having a passion for travel, he decided to join the yachting industry in 2019. Prior to yachting, he was in the hospitality industry working for the Mariott for five years.
Onboard Brian is responsible for orchestrating and capturing all the fun that's to be had. He is the videographer and photographer that provides guests with moments to last a lifetime. Currently, Brian is working towards his 100 ton USCG license.
In his spare time, you can find Brian golfing, surfing, playing pickleball, and did we mention golfing? Brain can't wait to host his next guests to provide them with a new level of fun and discovery onboard 143' STARSHIP.
Dane – Bosun
Dane has been in yachting for almost four years now. He grew up between South Africa, the U.K. and Zimbabwe. Dane was introduced to yachting by a few of his close friends who were working in the industry. It sounded like something he would enjoy doing so he jumped in. Danes favorite yachting activities are Snorkeling and water sports. He holds an AEC1, Yachtmaster, EDH, Yacht Rating and Padi open water certification. A fun fact about Dane is he used to be a pretty good juggler!
Van Mill
Showers: -
Wash Basins: -
Pref. Pick-up: Bay Street Marina
Other Pick-up: Bay Street Marina
Jacuzzi: Yes
Engines: CAT 3512B hp: 1680 Each Generators: 2 x CAT C4
Fuel Consumption: 105
Max Speed: 17.8 knots US Gall/Hr
Winter Area: Caribbean Leewards, Caribbean Virgin Islands (US)
Summer Area: Bahamas, USA - Florida East Coast
Salon Stereo: -
Sat Tv: WIFI
VSAT, Mini M
Single Side Band Radio
Camcorder: -
Sun Awning: -
Bimini: -
# Dine In: -
Minimum Age: -
Water Cap: -
Nude: No
Guests Smokes: -
Guest Pets: -
Children Ok: -
Hammock: -
Dinghy size: -
Dinghy hp: -
Jet Skis: -
Wave Runners: 5
Kneeboard: -
Windsurfer: -
Scurfer: -
Kayaks (2 Pax): -
Floating Mats: -
Boarding Ladder (Loc/Type): -
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C C C C C C C C C C C
N N N N N N N N N N N
P P P P P P P P P P P
Caribbean Leewards, Caribbean Virgin Islands (US)
Bahamas, USA - Florida East Coast
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I know I'm blessed. I'm a mom, a spouse, and a professional who's lucky enough to have a wonderful network who surround me with love. But there many times when I get overwhelmed with the feeling that I'm not living my life to the fullest. I feel like I'm putting too much energy in to the thankless jobs.
When your relationship is fresh and your children are young you are mostly in a people-pleasing stage . You're cooking fantastic dinners, getting the laundry done and putting it away. Essentially, you're the administrator and CEO of the home.
Over the years, my friends watched me whisking around the house trying to keep it spotless and preparing massive dinners. On many occasions they said, "I don't know how you do it". For some reason, I translated that to mean, "girl, I wish I could do what you do" but what they actually meant was "That's crazy! I'm glad I don't have to do it".
One day, a close friend told me that I needed to be a little more selfish. I knew exactly what dhe meant. The word selfish suddenly took on a new meaning for me, it now meant self-preservation. While I was running around catering to the needs of everybody, I had forgotten how to enjoy my life.
"Me-time" was a whole new concept. What does one do with me-time? How am I supposed to know what I like and dislike? It took a significant amount of effort to remember my favorite color, my love for fashion, sewing, interior design, andreading. I was well aware of my favorite pass time of all, helping people.
Would we want to set up that type of legacy for our daughters?
I'm going to be a new type of champ. The kind that gets things done but works to live, not live to work. I plan to work smart, not hard. I'm on a journey back to me. It's going to be a long road but it's overdue. Going forward, I'm going to get more rest and be focused on having a peaceful and full life. Like I said, it will take time but it's okay. As a good friend once told me, "you must crawl before you walk".
Good luck with the blog. Well Done.
great post. taking care of 'self' in all its entirety is essential to being well at all ages and at all points in life. I look forward to witnessing your journey.
I anticipate your next post, Wendy.
Great job girl, let the journey begin!!!!
Well written Wendy! A topic many can relate to in today's busy society, we could all enjoy sometime for ourselves.


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Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center+
Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Select TypeArticle (322)Report (132)Book chapter (17)Conference Paper (13)Book (2)
Select TopicsBiology and Ecosystems (22)
Select Year2020 (19)2019 (18)2018 (19)2017 (35)2016 (19)2015 (34)2014 (30)2013 (33)2012 (34)2011 (26)2010 (28)2009 (16)2008 (13)2007 (16)2006 (15)2005 (13)2004 (9)2003 (6)2002 (9)2001 (14)2000 (16)1999 (16)1998 (13)1997 (11)1996 (2)1995 (2)1994 (6)1993 (8)1992 (1)1991 (1)1987 (1)1984 (1)1980 (1)1968 (1)
Differential parasitism of seed-feeding Cydia (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) by native and alien wasp species relative to elevation in subalpine Sophora (Fabaceae) forests on Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Alien parasitic wasps, including accidental introductions and purposefully released biological control agents, have been implicated in the decline of native Hawaiian Lepidoptera. Understanding the potential impacts of alien wasps requires knowledge of ecological parameters that influence parasitism rates for species in their new environment....
Oboyski, P.T.; Slotterback, J.W.; Banko, P.C.
Attribution: Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Differential parasitism of seed-feeding Cydia (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) by native and alien wasp species relative to elevation in subalpine Sophora (Fabaceae) forests on Mauna Kea, Hawaii; 2004; Article; Journal; Journal of Insect Conservation; Oboyski, P. T.; Slotterback, J. W.; Banko, P. C.
Habitat use and home range of the Laysan Teal on Laysan Island, Hawaii
The 24-hour habitat use and home range of the Laysan Teal (Anas laysanensis), an endemic dabbling duck in Hawaii, was studied using radio telemetry during 1998-2000. Radios were retained for a mean of 40 days (0-123 d; 73 adult birds radio-tagged). Comparisons of daily habitat use were made for birds in the morning, day, evening, and night. Most...
Reynolds, M.H.
Habitat use and home range of the Laysan Teal on Laysan Island, Hawaii; 2004; Article; Journal; Waterbirds; Reynolds, M. H.
Modeling the population dynamics of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culcidae), along an elevational gradient in Hawaii
We present a population model to understand the effects of temperature and rainfall on the population dynamics of the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, along an elevational gradient in Hawaii. We use a novel approach to model the effects of temperature on population growth by dynamically incorporating developmental...
Ahumada, Jorge A.; LaPointe, Dennis; Samuel, Michael D.
Attribution: National Wildlife Health Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems
Natural selection of the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) in Hawaiian honeycreepers (Drepanidinae)
The native Hawaiian honeycreepers represent a classic example of adaptive radiation and speciation, but currently face one the highest extinction rates in the world. Although multiple factors have likely influenced the fate of Hawaiian birds, the relatively recent introduction of avian malaria is thought to be a major factor limiting honeycreeper...
Jarvi, S.I.; Tarr, C.L.; Mcintosh, C.E.; Atkinson, C.T.; Fleischer, R.C.
Natural selection of the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) in Hawaiian honeycreepers (Drepanidinae); 2004; Article; Journal; Molecular Ecology; Jarvi, S. I.; Tarr, C. L.; Mcintosh, C. E.; Atkinson, C. T.; Fleischer, R. C.
Prevalence and differential host-specificity of two avian blood parasite genera in the Australo-Papuan region
The degree to which widespread avian blood parasites in the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus pose a threat to novel hosts depends in part on the degree to which they are constrained to a particular host or host family. We examined the host distribution and host-specificity of these parasites in birds from two relatively understudied and isolated...
Beadell, J.S.; Gering, E.; Austin, J.; Dumbacher, J.P.; Peirce, M.A.; Pratt, T.K.; Atkinson, C.T.; Fleischer, R.C.
Prevalence and differential host-specificity of two avian blood parasite genera in the Australo-Papuan region; 2004; Article; Journal; Molecular Ecology; Beadell, J. S.; Gering, E.; Austin, J.; Dumbacher, J. P.; Peirce, M. A.; Pratt, T. K.; Atkinson, C. T.; Fleischer, R. C.
Evidence of change in a low-elevation forest bird community of Hawai'i since 1979
We evaluated the abundance and distribution of low-elevation forest birds on windward Hawai'i Island during August 1993-February 1994, and present evidence of changes in the species composition of the forest bird community since 1979. Endemic Hawaiian birds occurred in native-dominated forests as low as 120 m elevation. Non-native species were...
Reynolds, Michelle H.; Camp, Richard J.; Nielson, Bonnie M. B.; Jacobi, James D.
Attribution: Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems
Methods for capturing and banding Kalij Pheasants
We developed methods to capture and band Kalij Pheasants (Lophura leucomelanos) in their introduced range at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where they are not hunted and are relatively tame. Kalij were wary of foreign structures, such as traps, but readily took cracked corn bait and entered baited traps, provided they were introduced to them...
Vetter, John P.
Attribution: Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Bird Banding Laboratory
Detection of avian malaria (Plasmodium spp.) in native land birds of American Samoa
This study documents the presence of Plasmodium spp. in landbirds of central Polynesia. Blood samples collected from eight native and introduced species from the island of Tutuila, American Samoa were evaluated for the presence of Plasmodium spp. by nested rDNA PCR, serology and/or microscopy. A total of 111/188 birds (59%) screened by nested PCR...
Jarvi, S.I.; Farias, M.E.M.; Baker, H.; Freifeld, H.B.; Baker, P.E.; Van Gelder, E.; Massey, J.G.; Atkinson, C.T.
Detection of avian malaria (Plasmodium spp.) in native land birds of American Samoa; 2003; Article; Journal; Conservation Genetics; Jarvi, S. I.; Farias, M. E. M.; Baker, H.; Freifeld, H. B.; Baker, P. E.; Van Gelder, E.; Massey, J. G.; Atkinson, C. T.
Nesting behavior of Palila, as assessed from video recordings
We quantified nesting behavior of Palila (Loxiodes bailleui), an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper, by recording at nests during three breeding seasons using a black-and-white video camera connected to a Videocassette recorder. A total of seven nests was observed. We measured the following factors for daylight hours: percentage of time the female...
Laut, M.E.; Banko, P.C.; Gray, E.M.
Nesting behavior of Palila, as assessed from video recordings; 2003; Article; Journal; Pacific Science; Laut, M. E.; Banko, P. C.; Gray, E. M.
Phylogeny of the owlet-nightjars (Aves: Aegothelidae) based on mitochondrial DNA sequence
The avian family Aegothelidae (Owlet-nightjars) comprises nine extant species and one extinct species, all of which are currently classified in a single genus, Aegotheles. Owlet-nightjars are secretive nocturnal birds of the South Pacific. They are relatively poorly studied and some species are known from only a few specimens. Furthermore, their...
Dumbacher, J.P.; Pratt, T.K.; Fleischer, R.C.
Phylogeny of the owlet-nightjars (Aves: Aegothelidae) based on mitochondrial DNA sequence; 2003; Article; Journal; Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution; Dumbacher, J. P.; Pratt, T. K.; Fleischer, R. C.
Survival, dispersal, and home-range establishment of reintroduced captive-bred puaiohi, Myadestes palmeri
We monitored the survival, dispersal, and home-range establishment of captive-bred, reintroduced puaiohi Myadestes palmeri, a critically endangered thrush endemic to the island of Kauai. Fourteen captive-bred, juvenile birds were released from hacktowers in January-February 1999 and monitored for 8-10 weeks using radiotelemetry. All 14 birds (100...
Tweed, E.J.; Foster, J.T.; Woodworth, B.L.; Oesterle, P.; Kuehler, C.; Lieberman, A.A.; Powers, A.T.; Whitaker, K.; Monahan, W.B.; Kellerman, J.; Telfer, T.
Survival, dispersal, and home-range establishment of reintroduced captive-bred puaiohi, Myadestes palmeri; 2003; Article; Journal; Biological Conservation; Tweed, E. J.; Foster, J. T.; Woodworth, B. L.; Oesterle, P.; Kuehler, C.; Lieberman, A. A.; Powers, A. T.; Whitaker, K.; Monahan, W. B.; Kellerman, J.; Telfer, T.
Temporal variation in bird counts within a Hawaiian rainforest
We studied monthly and annual variation in density estimates of nine forest bird species along an elevational gradient in an east Maui rainforest. We conducted monthly variable circular-plot counts for 36 consecutive months along transects running downhill from timberline. Density estimates were compared by month, year, and station for all...
Simon, John C.; Pratt, T.K.; Berlin, Kim E.; Kowalsky, James R.; Fancy, S.G.; Hatfield, J.S.
Attribution: Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian
Temporal variation in bird counts within a Hawaiian rainforest; 2002; Article; Journal; Condor; Simon, J.C.; Pratt, T.K.; Berlin, K. E.; Kowalsky, J.R.; Fancy, S. G.; Hatfield, J.S.


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Gifted Gab - Cause And Effect Album Release Party Seattle
Gifted Gab's Cause And Effect Album Release Party will be at The Crocodile Sunday, April 28th with Blimes and KUBE 93.3 DJ Vega
When: Sunday, April 28th
Where: The Crocodile
Tickets: Grab your tickets here!
About this Event:
When she was nine years old, "Gabby" Kadushin used to walk from Montlake Elementary School to her Central District home and write raps about the girls she didn't like. She memorized radio songs after two listens and spent Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays in church, where her mother sang in the choir. Throughout her childhood and teens, she soaked up the power of East Coast female MCs like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Bahamadia. She rode around in cars pumping Bay Area legends like Mac Dre and E-40. Outside of church, Michael Jackson and Tupac were her religious icons.
In 2012, Kadushin, 21, released her first EP under the name Gifted Gab (formerly Gift uh Gab), Queen La'Chiefah, and emerged a fully-formed composite of her influences: Her wall-to-wall, classicist flow combines a combative, unrestrained love of self, codeine-dipped blunts and West Coast lingo with an unflinching acknowledgement of death and those she's lost. Her influences inform her style, but they don't stunt her scope; she can take the stage alongside her peers as well as she can open for her idols. She's the self-possessed female among the many dudes in her crew, Moor Gang, Seattle's answer to the Wu-Tang Clan.
In May of 2014, Gab dropped her first full length project titled "Girl Rap" and it quickly gained national success. She's opened for legends such as Dj Quik, Rakim,& Cam'ron, performing at this years Sasquatch 2014, and being recognized in XXL and TIME magazine amongst many other outlets.... this girl is on her grind and has talent out the ass and needs to be recognized on a global level.


Thank you for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel site! With the repositioning of the Disney Wonder ship last 2012, DCL has not offered the Mexican Riviera sailing back on their cruise itineraries. New itineraries are always being reviewed and changes do happen often. I was fortunate to have been on a 7-day Mexican Riviera voyage a few years ago, and I know that it's a great itinerary for families, especially for those in the west coast. We'll just have to watch out for future news, whether or not DCL returns to Mexico.
As an alternate west coast sailing, DCL offers the California Coast voyages. These are offered out of San Diego, CA and Vancouver, Canada. But, these sailings are scheduled for the summer time only. All the other December 2014 and January 2015 voyages are scheduled out of the east coast (Port Canaveral and Miami, FL). Hopefully, there's a voyage that will fit your schedule that may be a fit for you and your family on the DCL Cruise Search site.
Sorry, I don't have better news. But do let me know if you need additional information or need help in planning an alternate cruise.


Most of the behaviors that hold people back in their careers are gender neutral. Preeminent executive coach Marshall Goldsmith discussed many of them in his international bestseller What Got You Here Won't Get You There.
But in today's marketplace, women face some specific—and different—challenges as they try to advance.
Fortunately, Goldsmith has partnered with his longtime colleague Sally Helgesen who's considered the gold standard among women's leadership experts. They've coauthored How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back From Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job.
This is anything but a woe-is-me-I'm-not-getting-a-fair-shake-because-I'm-a-woman tome. It's a smart and well-researched handbook for women trying to make the next step in their careers—as corporate ladder-climbers or risk-taking entrepreneurs. A key takeaway is that, for women in particular, the very skills and habits that may propel them early in their careers can actually jeopardize their advancement in subsequent stages of their work lives.
Helgesen and Goldsmith offer much more than just insights into the what of habits that constrain. They provide detailed tutoring on how to replace them with behaviors that produce excellent results.
Rodger Dean Duncan: You've identified 12 habits, or self-limiting behaviors, that you believe hold many women back in their careers and in life in general. How did you develop the list?
Sally Helgesen: It wasn't scientific, but rather based on our combined 60 plus years of practice, working with women leaders and aspiring leaders all over the world. The 12 behaviors we describe are simply those we find the most likely to get in the way of talented women as they seek to rise. For Marshall, these are behaviors he has worked with as a coach. For me, these are behaviors I've seen in many decades of delivering women's leadership programs and interviewing women leaders.
One thing we want to make clear: these are not uniquely women's behaviors, and we've heard from a number of men who tell us they also identify with some of these behaviors. They are simply human behaviors, but they are the ones we see as most likely to get in women's way.
Duncan: What patterns—and solutions—do you see regarding resistance to change?
Marshall Goldsmith: Resistance is a powerful force. As humans, most of us are resistant to change because it requires a lot of neural work to practice new behaviors. This consumes energy and takes us out of our comfort zone. But men and women often resist change in slightly different ways.
In my coaching practice, I find that a successful man who resists change often goes through three stages. First, he decides that whoever is suggesting that he change must be confused. Second, he decides that, while the general suggestion for change might be valid, it doesn't necessarily apply to him for the simple reason that he's been so successful. Third, he is likely to simply attack the person who suggested that he change, blaming the messenger rather than looking to himself.
Helgesen: A woman who resists change will usually follow a different template. First, she'll react to the suggestion she change by feeling hurt, undervalued, even betrayed. This can be painful and result in a degree of paralysis as she takes the critique to heart. Next, she will ask herself what might have motivated the assessment. What were the circumstances? What perceptions might have been involved? Third, she will begin to examine her own actions and ask how she could have contributed to the assessment. She may still be deeply resistant to the idea of changing, but she will be open to asking what she might do differently. By internalizing the critique rather than lashing out, she creates a bridge that can enable her to identify constructive action.
Duncan: How do organizations sometimes make it hard for people to change behaviors?
Marshall Goldsmith: People get typecast based on the past performance. "Marcy's a good team player." "Samantha's a real workhorse." "Jim's great at building connections, a real schmoozer." Such perceptions are rooted in reality, but they can make it hard for people to change because if they try to branch out their co-workers may push back. In this way, people can get stuck with an identity that may no longer necessarily serve their interests. For example, for Samantha to move higher, she may need to focus more effort on connecting with people and less on diligently crossing every t and dotting every i. Yet she may feel reluctant to adopt a new approach for fear she'll disappoint people as she changes.
Duncan: Self-promotion is uncomfortable for many people. How can a woman call attention to her value and achievements without coming across as bragging at the expense of her team?
Helgesen: She can present it as information that other people need to know. We have a wonderful story about an engineer named Ellen who learned during a performance review that her boss thought highly of her skills but was concerned that she didn't have enough connections. She felt terrible when she learned this because she'd always thought she was a great connector—a real go-to person who often helped get resources to flow.
For a few weeks she thought about leaving. But she then realized he didn't see her that way because she'd never told him how connected she really was. So she began sending him a two-line email every Friday, simply listing the major people she'd been in touch with during the week. She got no response and was convinced he'd think she was wasting his time or being inappropriately self-promoting. But during her next review he told her that he appreciated what she was doing because it was information she needed to know. So that's one approach.
It's also important for women not to be overly fearful of being perceived as blowing their own horn or being "out for themselves," something most successful men have little problem with. Backing off prematurely is probably worse for a woman's career than stepping a bit over the line.


Imphal, December 18 2014: A 35mm Manipuri celluloid film, 'Nangna Kappa Pakchade' directed by Dr Makhon Mani Monshaba has been selected to be featured at the 3rd Delhi International Film Festival being held at New Delhi from December 20 to 27 .
The 5th production of PK Films on the script of MK Binodini and produced by Thouyangba Thoungamba will be presented in the festival on December 23.During the festival, a total number of 44 films including 32 international cinemas will be showcased.
Among the lead cast in the film are Tonthoi, Deny, Sorojini, Leibakshemba and Lourembam Pishak, a release said.


Researchers have discovered that obesity and spending too much time sitting shrinks the size of your brain, leading to mental decline. Not surprising, they have also confirmed that walking on a regular basis increases brain size and makes you smarter.
Never been accused of being a brainiac in your lifetime? It may be that you just haven't walked enough during the day according to researchers out of the University of Illinois. A complimentary study from the University of Tennessee found that on average Americans walk less than 50% of the amount necessary to maintain minimum levels of mental and physical health. TrekDesk treadmill desks offers a solution, allowing employees and students the opportunity to walk the entire day without leaving their desks; a proven means of improving health, boosting memory, productivity, cognitive abilities, and brain volume.
The Illinois study focused on a group of 65 year olds for a period of nine years. Using MRI technology they measured brain volumes and cognition over the span of the study and found the more they walked the more their brain volume and cognitive abilities increased. The study is significant, illustrating the increase in brain volume and function among a population age thought to be past its prime. Turns out not only can one teach an old dog new tricks, going for walks gives them a bigger brain as well.
The volume increases were most substantial in the pre-fontal and temporal regions of the brain normally associated with cognitive abilities. This area is normally responsible for the greatest mental deterioration due to aging but the study found regular walkers were 200% less likely to suffer cognitive declines due to aging then their less active counterparts.
Researchers have previously shown that sedentary lifestyles and obesity are correlated with a decrease in brain size, this is additional evidence that movement throughout the day can restore not only physical health but mental capacities as well.
The study participants that fared the best walked the most during the week, up to 10 miles per week however TrekDesk users can accomplish this amount of walking in a single day.
When it comes to walking, we believe the more the better. Our body's health mechanisms (mental and physical) have evolved over millions of years for a species that remained upright and in movement throughout the day. Study after study is showing that mental and physical health is dependent upon movement and, gauging the health of our nation, it is obvious 30-60 minutes a day is not enough.


Thread in 'Research & Development' started by zid, 19 Jan 2019.
You can drop in a SCR040401 file from tgm3 and it'll dump it.
Qlex, Burbruee and Archina like this.
Interesting piece of tech. Though aside from viewing things... What purpose would it serve? Just curious.
Also quit slacking on those Sakura PBs you bellend!
Idk, it's cool af though.
Sakura is for people with velcro shoes.
HedgeRunSnc, Qlex, CylinderKnot and 2 others like this.