From planting a small flower garden to sprucing up your outdoor furniture, many of these projects will take you less than a day to complete and some may not cost you anything at all if you have a few basic supplies on hand.
Go ahead and get ready for summer by adding some beauty to your outdoors. From DIY stepping stones to marvelous outdoor patio furniture that you can make yourself, this collection has it all. There are even instructions for how you can add a little color to a stone patio and wonderful ideas for dressing up boring fences and adding a bit of privacy.
Whether you choose on project or choose them all, we are certain that you will find something that will instantly improve your outdoor décor and give you a great reason to get outside this summer.
If you want something really fun, not to mention cheap and easy to build, you can make a giant xylophone for your little ones. They will have hours of fun making music in the backyard and since xylophones are generally different colors, you can brighten up your outdoors just a bit. This is such an easy project that just calls for pine boards, paint and rope. You'll also need a staple gun and you can build it in just a few hours. Imagine the fun your little one will have putting on an outdoor concert for you.
Whether you are planning a summer evening get-together or you just want to add a sweet little decorative element to the backyard, these cupcake lights are divine. You just run a string of lights and then cover the lights with cupcake liners. Note that for outdoors, you'll need to remove the liners whenever it rains but these are great for outdoor entertaining. You can use different colors and designs or just make them all the same. It's a sweet way to decorate your outdoors without spending a lot of money.
For under $30, you can build a great table on the fence that will work perfectly for outdoor cookouts or putting your indoor plants out in the sun. The table folds down when not in use so it's really not in the way. You just raise it whenever you need it. You'll need some hinges, screws, a board for the legs and picket boards for the table. Note that if you want it to last outdoors for several years, you may want to buy pressure treated lumber to build it.
You can make your backyard trampoline much prettier (not to mention safer) by cutting pool noodles and inserting them around the edges on the springs. Pool noodles are about a buck each at the Dollar Store and you won't need very many. Just cut them the length needed to cover the springs and then make a slit on one side to insert it. If your trampoline has a net, you can also cover areas of that and make it really rainbow-ish. This makes it much safer for little ones who may get hurt on metal springs and it brings a lot of color to your backyard.
This is one of the most unique and least expensive ways to pretty up your flower gardens. It gives you a lot of added planting space as well. You just take old steel pipes and insert them into the ground around your flower bed. Then just fill the inside of the pipe with potting soil and use that to plant smaller flowers or succulents. You can actually paint the pipes first with spray paint if you aren't a fan of the old, rusty look but either way, this is a beautiful way to frame your garden and add some extra space as well.
If you have unsightly tree stumps in your backyard and you either don't want to have them pulled or the process is a bit too expensive, you can turn those stumps into decorative aspects. Simply build a gnome home in them. You just need a tiny door and windows and then whatever you want to decorate the little home with. These are so adorable and if you have garden gnomes, they'll have a great place to call home. They will turn those unsightly stumps into great décor that is bound to be the envy of all your neighbors, or at least their gnomes.
Pinecones are probably among the least of all mulch type products because you can normally find them on the ground just about anywhere. Not only do they help to add a bit of beauty when you add them to flower beds, they will also keep dogs and cats from digging in your beds. You just gather up as many as you need and then fill in the ground around your flowers with them. Dogs and cats will stay far away from your flower beds and you'll have a great decorate element to make those flowers really stand out.
You can find opaque glass shades at most flea markets and thrift stores for a couple of dollars each. Take a string of Christmas lights and you can turn those shades into amazing glowing orbs that will help to light up your outdoors. This is one of the least expensive lighting DIYs out there and one that is absolutely beautiful when it's finished. You can probably find Christmas lights pretty cheap at yard sales and such if you don't already have a few strands on hand so these will cost less than $5 to make.
You can buy self-leveling caulk for about $6 per tube and one tube will go a long way in helping you to improve the look of your backyard. If you have cracks in concrete, either the foundation of your home, steps, walkways or any other concrete, those cracks will allow weeds to sprout and they look terrible. For just $6 you can fill in the cracks yourself, save a lot of money over having them professionally repaired and make your backyard look wonderful for summer.
It will cost very little and take very little time to add a bit of color to your patio. If you have a tile patio, you can simply paint a few of the tiles in bright colors, which will instantly add an interesting element. Choose colors that will match your home's exterior or your patio furniture. This is a great way to bring a bit of the tropics into your backyard for summer and since it's cheap and easy, it's one of our favorite backyard DIYs.
With just a few cinderblocks, a few pieces of lumber and some cushions, you can create a beautiful and very comfortable couch for your backyard. You just have to stack the blocks and insert the boards through the holes. You will want to use concrete adhesive to ensure that they don't fall when someone sits on the couch. Then just add a cushion or two and you have a wonderful couch that is both attractive and cheap to build. It's also really easy. It should only take an hour or so to complete or longer if you are planning to make the cushions.
Not only will this terra cotta smoker look attractive in the backyard, it will be a wonderful way to cook during the summer months. You can build the smoker completely from scratch with just a couple of terra cotta pots and an old single burner hot plate. You'll also need a skillet and a few other supplies but overall, this is a really inexpensive smoker and it works great. It's also really attractive since the outside is made from terra cotta pots so it's perfect for the back deck or yard.
A few pebbles (which you can get at your local home improvement store) and some glow in the dark paint will help you to fill in cracks between your stepping stones and give you great outdoor lighting at the same time. Instead of filling in those cracks with mulch or worse, letting weeds grow up through them, just paint some pebbles with glow in the dark paint. The sunlight during the day will fuel the pebbles and they'll glow for several hours at night. You can find glow in the dark paint in all sorts of colors so you have many choices for décor.
You can give new life to old solar lights with nail polish. That's right, nail polish. Just paint the panels with clear nail polish. It will really make them shine and help them to glow brightly again. Those panels can become dingy and not work so well after a few seasons. Rejuvenating them with clear nail polish works perfectly and it's much less expensive than replacing them altogether. You can pick up cheap nail polish at most Dollar Stores for around a dollar, and one bottle will do all of your solar lights.
A metal bucket and lumber will enable you to create a lovely coffee table for your deck or patio and one that has additional storage for things that you don't want to get wet in the rain. You can find an old galvanized bucket at yard sales, flea markets or thrift stores if you don't already have one and the lumber is really inexpensive. You can also use any plywood that you already have on hand, which will make this little project cost absolutely nothing. You'll have to cut the plywood into a circular shape and ensure that you get it the right size. Overall, this project shouldn't take more than a couple of hours.
If you have some fabric, you can use that along with pillow stuffing to create a wonderful quilt pillow for the backyard. You can use this when you sit under the stars or even for camping. You just create small pillows and then attach them all together. You could probably do this with small throw pillows if you already have some on hand but you can make it just as easy. Imagine being able to lounge in the sun or under the moon on a very comfortable and plush pillow quilt.
You can use any number of materials to create a living tee pee and your children will adore playing in them. From bean poles to twigs, there are several things that can make up the base and then you just have to choose what you want for the cover. If you want to plant beans, this is a great way to give your backyard a little pick me up and grow some fresh veggies at the same time. You can also do this with flowers, which will look beautiful when they are blooming and give your yard a burst of color along with a playhouse for the kids.
Old chairs, flowers and your backyard spell fun, color and beautiful outdoor décor. If you have some old wooden chairs that can't be used any longer (if you don't you can get them pretty cheap) then you just have to remove the seat and turn those old chairs into beautiful planters. You can paint them different colors if you really want a lot of color outdoors and then add container plants that will bloom in contrasting colors. The chairs look great in flower beds, on decks and patios or just sitting in the yard under a tree.
Pinecones, when treated properly, can be thrown into the fire pit to create amazing bursts of color from your flames. If you have a fire pit, this is an excellent way to add excitement for those nights when you are outdoors relaxing. Please note that chemically treated pinecones should only be burned when there is plenty of ventilation. The cool thing about this project is that different things make different colors so you can choose the colors that you want or just treat several and surprise yourself with your colored flames.
You can build your own beautiful fire pit and have wonderfully relaxing evenings during the summer just sitting around roasting marshmallows. Fire pits are really not difficult or expensive, if you know what you are doing. This particular pit is made from brick but you could use any number of stones if you wanted. You can also place patio furniture near the fire pit or just have blankets and pillows on hand for those evenings when you want to really relax under the stars.
You can create a beautiful side table from a terra cotta pot, a terra cotta tray and some outdoor paint. The actual size of the table will depend on the size of the pots that you use. If you want a relatively large table, choose a large pot and tray. Once you have this all assembled, which doesn't really take very long, you can use it for additional storage. Just lift up the top and put whatever you want to inside. If you have an old pot and tray on hand, this one won't cost anything. Even if you have to buy them, it's still a really inexpensive table that is perfect for the backyard.
A terra cotta pot, some old baskets or many other items you may have around the house can be used to create stunning outdoor lighting that hangs on the side of the house. If your backyard is a bit drab and dark at night, these lights will really help to spruce it up a bit. The best part is that they are really easy to make and very inexpensive. In fact, everything you need to make them can be bought at your local Dollar Store. You can choose the style that you like best and then just create hanging lights that will instantly brighten up the backyard.
Whether or not you enjoy the taste of rhubarb, there is no denying that the leaves are truly beautiful. They are also quite large which makes them the perfect choice for creating large stepping stones that you can place in the backyard. You can have a path leading off the back deck and into your flower garden or even place the stones in your garden if you want. They are really easy to make, inexpensive (particularly if you are growing your own rhubarb) and will look wonderful wherever you place them.
Lanterns from tuna cans? Yes! These are so adorable and so easy to make. If you tend to eat quite a bit of tuna, just save the cans and the battle is halfway won. Incidentally, you'll also need globes or hurricanes for the tops of the lanterns and poles to stick them on. These are so great and will be beautiful lining a pathway in your backyard. You could also use them as lights on your back deck. When you are finished making them, just insert a tealight candle. During the summer, you could use citronella candles to light the way and get rid of bugs at the same time.
Having a rope swing hanging from a tree in the backyard is a great sight. Your kids will absolutely love swinging on it, too. You don't need a lot in order to make this swing, either. You need a pine disc cut into a circle which you can find at your local hardware or home improvement store – or you could cut one yourself. You will also need rope in order to hang the swing. Make sure that there is a hole in the center of your disc and then just knot the rope on the bottom and hang the other end over a sturdy branch.
Imagine having an outdoor theater in your back yard. Why, you'll be the envy of your entire neighborhood and only you will know how easy it was to create. If you have a projector, you're halfway there already. Now you just need a screen and some comfy seating. You can get screen fabric for less than $40 per yard if you want or you could simply use a white sheet or tarp. Then just hang the screen, add your pillows and get ready to spend a lot of time outside during the upcoming summer evenings.
No, that's not a type – you can add a wonderful water blob to your backyard and give your kids hours of fun this summer. A water blog gives the kids somewhere to jump and play without worries of actually being in the water and trust us when we say that they will love this. You can make the blob from painters plastic and if you take an iron to the edges before you add the water, it won't leak. Just make it the size that you want, fill with water and then let the fun begin.
One quick and easy way to increase the beauty in your backyard (not to mention add value to your property) is to edge your flower beds. You can do this easily yourself and save a small fortune over professional edging. Even if you've never done it before, you can lay concrete pavers and finish them off, giving your flower beds a professionally edged look and making your entire backyard look great. Take note, this is so easy that you will likely want to do it in the front yard as well.
What's the perfect chandelier for a backyard deck? One made of Mason jars, of course. Not only is this project easy, it's also very inexpensive. You need some canning jars and you can use older ones in different colors if you want. Then just add a string of clear lights (some leftover from Christmas decorating perhaps) and you have a beautiful light for your deck. You could also hang this on a pole in the backyard if you need lighting a bit further away from the house.
Imagine having your favorite flowers lit up after dark. These glow in the dark planters are gorgeous and really easy to make. Do you want to know how simple they are to make? You literally just need planters and glow in the dark spray paint. You can finish a single planter in about half an hour so even if you have several areas in the yard that you want to light up, you can do it all in one day. Use planters that you already have on hand and the project will only cost a few dollars for the can of paint.
If you want to really brighten up those outdoor parties, or just add a festive touch to your deck lighting, these paper bag lights are perfect. You need some paper bags (which you can get at most Dollar Stores for around a dollar for several), some clear lights and some tape and ribbon. You can decorate the bags or purchase colored ones, whatever you want to do. If you are planning to host a lot of cookouts or pool parties this summer, these lights are the perfect inexpensive way to really brighten things up.
A bird bath in the backyard will instantly add beauty to your outdoors and you can make your own in a wonderful leaf shape that the birds will love. You will have to choose a leaf and the size of your bird bath will depend on the type and size of leaf that you choose. Once you have a leaf, it's all about the concrete and drying process which shouldn't take more than a day or so. You can attach this to a base or honestly, they look beautiful just sitting in the garden.
This DIY planting board is not really going to make your backyard look better per se, but it will help you to create perfect rows in your garden which will make the yard look better. You need a few old corks, a board and some screws. The planting board is so easy to make and you probably have all of the supplies that you need already. Once it's finished, you just pick it up and press it into the ground with the corks facing into the dirt. It will help you to create perfect rows for your veggie and flower gardens every time.
If you have a swimming pool, this towel rack is a must for summer. It's made from PVC pipe and is really easy to put together. Plus, it holds multiple towels so there won't be any worries of towels being lost or misplaced when swimming. You only need PVC pipe, a hack saw and T fittings for the pipe. Make sure that your fittings are the same size as the pipe that you choose. Not only will it keep towels organized while you are enjoying the pool, it's great for drying them afterwards as well.
Nothing beats sitting outdoors at night and admiring the stars on a warm summer evening. Nothing except having your own observatory that is. If you have a star gazer in the family, this is the perfect summer DIY. It lets you create a beautiful place for admiring the stars and it's a really cheap way to do it. You simply create a mirror table that allows you to see the stars up close and personal. This is such an easy project and one that is sure to be a huge hit with everyone in the family.
Yep, diaper them. If you have planters hanging from the back porch or deck, they are sure to leak from time to time, leaving you with unsightly wet spots everywhere. A better way, and one that actually helps to keep your plants healthier, is to add a diaper to the planter before adding the plant. The diaper will soak up water, ensuring that there are no leaks. The diaper also holds the water so your plants will not become dry as quickly, which makes them look healthier and more beautiful and ultimately makes your backyard more attractive.
If you want your birds to be happy and you want your backyard to be beautiful as well, give your little feathered friends something beautiful to build their nests. What you may ask? Colorful yarn, of course. You can set up a station for birds to gather colorful yarn that they will then take and use in their nests. Not only does the yarn station look good, the nests that your little birdie friends build will also look good. And, this gives you a great way to get rid of bits of yarn that you will never use.
Create beautiful tiki torches for the back yard from empty wine bottles and have a great way to recycle those bottles at the same time. You need an empty (and cleaned) bottle for each torch along with a tiki torch refill wick, citronella lamp oil and a metal washer to hold it all together. You will also want a collection of decorate rocks or beads just to make them pretty. These are beautiful on outdoor tables and will help to keep the bugs away during your cookouts. You can place them directly on the table or use clamps to secure them to the porch or deck.
If you have a garden in the backyard, you can use mirrors to make that garden seem larger. Alternatively, if you don't have a garden, mirrors will make the garden in the front yard stretch to the back yard. You can fashion mirrors from old windows which you can pick up at yard sales or flea markets for a couple of dollars each. Then just clean and paint them if you want and add the mirror sections. These are great for adding greenery where you may not have room to actually plant.
There is no better way to cool off in the summer than with a DIY splash pad. Not only does it provide great cooling water for the kids, it's easy and very inexpensive to create. Instead of spending a small fortune buying a splash pad, just make one yourself. You actually just need a large tarp and a sprinkler. Make sure that the tarp is not ripped or torn and if you have a kids' sprinkler, that may work better than one for the lawn. Kids will have a blast playing in the water and you could add an additional tarp for a DIY slip and slide.
Take those old keys (you know, the ones that you have no idea what they go to) and turn them into a beautiful and colorful wind chime for the back porch. You just have to gather up old keys, paint them in different colors and then attach them to a base with yarn. You can use a large twig for the base that is also painted to really give it a colorful look. Choose yarn colors that will contrast with the colors of the keys to make it a bit more interesting. This is an easy (and completely free if you have the keys) project that will instantly colorize your backyard.
Whether you have a little football or softball player in your midst, this passing game is a great backyard addition. Not only will it help them with their throwing and tossing, it gets them outside for some fresh air. You need a water resistant tarp with grommets, rope, colored duct tape, permanent marker and a ruler to create the game. You can choose to make it a passing game for football or if you prefer softball, make the holes a bit smaller if you want. The kids are sure to enjoy passing and this is a great game for outdoor parties.
Outdoor games are a must for summer fun but that doesn't mean that you have to spend a fortune buying them. This life size croquet set is made from inexpensive pool noodles and is great fun for kids of all ages (even adults). You need to cut the pool noodles in half right down the middle and then again to make two arches from each half. Garden stakes will keep them in place. Then just grab some kick balls and let the fun begin. Kids will adore playing croquet kick ball style and it's great exercise.
If you need stepping stones for your backyard patio or walkway, get the kids involved and let them help you to create these beautiful stones that feature colorful glass stones. You can use anything you want for a mold – old cardboard boxes work really well. Just make sure an adult is available to mix the concrete and then the kids can place the glass stones in any design that they want. This is a great summer project for the entire family and one that will help you to spruce up the backyard just a bit, too.
Honestly, what would kids love more than their very own tree house? You can build one and it takes much less time than you may think. You don't have to be a professional contractor to build your kids a nice little tree house and one that uses just a few materials. You can even make the ladder from logs or branches so you save just a bit on the lumber needed for a ladder. Kids will adore playing in their tree house and you will have given your backyard just a little something extra without spending a fortune.
A pizza oven in the backyard? Yes, please! Imagine having a pizza oven just outside, one that you can use during the hot summer months so that you don't have to bake those pizzas inside and heat up the house. This is a really simple project considering that you end up with an authentic pizza oven. What a great way to increase your backyard appeal and have the perfect place for making delicious pizzas at the same time. It does take a few materials but you may have most of them on hand already and if not, they're really not that expensive to purchase. And did we mention that you end up with a pizza oven in the backyard?
Even if you don't tend to enjoy a cocktail every now and then, a backyard bar can be a great addition to any home. If you aren't a fan of cocktails, you can just use it to serve lemonade or sodas. This one is great because you can close it up when you are not using it and it doesn't take up any room at all. It affixes to the side of the house, which saves even more room. Imagine having a bar ready for those summer get-togethers. This one will really help you to enjoy the backyard.
Oh, IKEA hacks, how we love you. This wonderful IKEA hacks enables you to build a stove for an outdoor kitchen. Don't have an outdoor kitchen? You can start one with this easy to build stove that is really inexpensive, particularly considering what an actual outdoor stove will cost you. It actually begins as a Varde sink unit that is converted to a gas stove, which is perfect for cooking out and enjoying the outdoors. Just add a sink and a small fridge and you have a wonderful outdoor kitchen.
Giving the kids a special place to play, and one that offers privacy, is a great way to get them to spend some time outdoors. You can create wonderful hideaways with hula hoops (which you can buy at the Dollar Store for about a dollar each) and some old sheets. You just have to loop the hoop through a tree and then add your sheet to the top to offer cover. Not only does it give them a secret hideaway of sorts, it offers great shade so you have fewer worries of them getting too much sun during the hotter part of the day.
If you don't already have a sandbox, you need one. Really, they are so easy and inexpensive to build that every home should have a sandbox. Imagine the fun that your little ones will have when you make this for the back yard. You just need two pressure treated pine boards to create a good sized box and you can use leftover pieces from the boards to create benches where the kids can sit while they play. Paint your sandbox in whatever colors you want and add a decorative umbrella for shade during really sunny days.
Mini grills are wonderful. You can put them right on the patio table and sit and relax while you cook. Or, you could allow everyone to cook their own food, giving you the night off completely. These are perfect for smaller cookouts when you have just a small handful of friends and family over or if you really wanted to create several, you could use them for larger get-togethers as well. This particular one is a centerpiece that features three mini grills and it's perfect for the backyard patio.
Ah pallets. They are perfect for just about any building and DIY project. If you need lounge chairs for the back yard and you have a few pallets sitting around going unused, you can build wonderful loungers from those pallets. This project is great because you can usually get pallets for very little to nothing and you can do the lounge chairs in just about any style that you want. They are great for laying outside and soaking up the sun or you can use them on the deck or patio.
You really can lay an entire patio in just one weekend. You'll need a few materials and a weekend to spare when the weather is cooperative – meaning that there needs to be plenty of sunshine and absolutely no rain. You begin by marking off where you want the patio to go and then just level the area with sand and begin adding your patio pavers. This may not be the least expensive project on your to-do list but it is certainly one that is going to give your backyard an entirely new look.
Swing sets are a must for backyards and if you don't have one (and don't want to buy one) you can easily build one yourself. If you prefer the modern look, this is a great project for your back yard. The swing set itself has a really neat contemporary look that can be painted any color to match your preferences. It's in an A frame design and holds as many swings as you want it to depending on how wide you make it. If you need a swing set and you want to save money, this is a great project.
Really, you can turn yard waste into a very unique and comfortable lounge chair. You need a few logs, which you can get by cutting down trees that you want removed or just pick them up from the yard if you have them. Not only will this give you much needed seating in the backyard for those outdoor get-togethers, but it's one that is completely unique and beautifully rustic. You can build one in just a few hours so make as many as you have the materials for. You can add cushions to them if you want but they are great just by themselves.
What could possibly give you more joy in the back yard than a hot tub? This one is a DIY hot tub and one that is fueled by wood so there is no need to run electricity or have a gas outlet. You can build it for less than $100, which is a lot cheaper than buying one and while this one won't have the Jacuzzi jets that you may want, it is certainly going to improve your backyard appeal. You can heat up the water or leave it cool for a refreshing dip during the hotter part of the summer days.
A pergola will instantly improve the look of your deck and make your entire back yard seem more interesting. And, it's something that is really easy to build and probably much less expensive than you may think. Of course, you could always hire someone to build you a pergola but why spend money that you don't have to spend? You can have plants vining up the sides, hang baskets on the side with plants or dress it up with clear lights. It's a great choice for improving the look of your deck and adding a focal point to the back yard in general.
If you have a pool, a floating cooler is an absolute must for summer. Granted, you could always buy one but you can make one just as easily and a lot cheaper than purchasing. You need pool noodles to make the cooler float and they are really inexpensive. You can actually make this entire cooler for less than $10 (compared to more than $25 to buy one) and it will allow your drinks to float alongside you in the pool so there is no worry of having to get out of that nice cool water in order to quench your thirst.
If you have a swimming pool, you know that the water temperature is not always perfect. While you may want it to be a little cool in the summer, no one wants to dive into ice cold water no matter how hot it is outside. You can remedy that problem by building your own solar panels that will heat your pool without needing electricity. The great thing is that this is made from common materials that you may have lying around the garage so it likely won't cost anything and it will ensure that your pool water is always the perfect temperature.
If you think that maybe the trampoline is not really safe for little ones, there is a way to make it safer and a bit more attractive as well. Imagine a sunken trampoline that takes up literally no space in the backyard and is perfectly safe for little ones. If they fall from a sunken trampoline, they won't fall far. All you really have to do is to create a hole the perfect size and drop the trampoline into it. No one will be able to even tell you have a trampoline unless they are standing in your backyard and it's much safer for the kids this way.
This is such a beautiful idea and one that is sure to make your backyard the envy of your neighborhood. Imagine having multiple swings around your fire pit. You can entertain several friends at once and have a place for everyone to sit or simply relax and enjoy the peace and quiet all by yourself. This is a great idea and one that doesn't take nearly as much time or money as you may think. If you have a fire pit, or you are planning on building one this summer, consider putting swings around it for added beauty.
Having a fire pit in the backyard is great and all, but what about up on the deck? You can create little mini fire pits for the deck that are beautiful and really inexpensive to build. In fact, it costs only about $25 to build one of these and they are so portable that you can have one on every side table on your deck. Or, just make one to use as a centerpiece for your outdoor dining table. It is sure to brighten up those outdoor spaces and you can choose different colored stones and other accents to make them match your existing outdoor décor.
If you have a downward slope anywhere in your back yard, this is the perfect place to build your own little stream. You don't have to live near a river in order to enjoy the sound of trickling water and a stream is such an easy thing to create. You will need to gather a few rocks or stones, which you can get around the yard or near a river if you have one close by. Make sure when digging that you aren't anywhere near utility lines that are buried in the yard and use different decorative elements to make your stream unique.
No, you don't have to buy a swimming pool fountain. You can actually build one yourself and one that works perfectly, just like a store bought one. Actually, this DIY fountain is better because it costs much, much less than one that you can buy at a pool store. It's made from PVC pipe and you can make it float around in the pool and give off cooling sprays while you are swimming. Or, just have it flowing when no one is in the pool. Not only does it look beautiful, it can help to keep your water moving so there is less worry of algae buildup.
Kids and adults alike will have hours of fun playing with this outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe game that you can make yourself from painted rocks and patio tiles. You simply spray paint the rocks or stones black and then add the Xs and Os to create the game. The patio tiles or pavers work as the base for the game and you can store everything in a terra cotta pot on the back deck when the game is not being played so that there are no worries of pieces being lost.
A hammock is the perfect place to relax in the shade. If you don't already have one, you simply must add one for summer. You can do so the DIY way with this easy to make hammock that is sure to bring you hours of relaxation and fun. You really don't need any special type of fabric and you can embellish the hammock any way you like. Add a few pillows to make your naps much more comfortable and even a small side table to hold drinks and other items.
That's green as in plenty of greenery and flowers. Birdhouses by themselves are great for adding beauty and a natural element to the back yard. When you combine that with plants, you get a double dose of nature that is really great. You can easily build this birdhouse that features a little garden area on top that is perfect for smaller plants and flowers. Whether you want something really colorful or you prefer greenery alone like succulents, this is the perfect way to add a little beauty to the yard.
Raised garden beds are perfect for backyards, particularly those that don't really have a lot of planting space. The raised beds can be placed just about anywhere and you can make them in a number of different designs. If you are planning to have a vegetable garden but you want to do something that will decorate the back yard a bit at the same time, raised beds are the perfect solution for both problems. You just need lumber to build the bases and you can do them in any size that you need.
If you have a pool, an outdoor shower may be something that you have considered in the past. Unfortunately, they can sometimes be rather expensive. You can however, make your own and one that is solar powered so you won't' actually have to run the water from inside. You can hook up your garden hose and heat the water before you get in by using sunlight. If you really want to save money, you can even use your solar shower for normal showers, although this will depend on how closely your neighbors are located.
Believe it or not, building a miniature golf course is easy and won't cost near what you may be thinking. You can build a complete course in just a day and your family will spend loads of time outside if you have putt-putt golf out there. Be warned however, that if you build it – they will come. You may find yourself with guests at every turn simply because yours is the only house on the block with an actual miniature golf course in the back yard. But, imagine the fun that you will have.
I enjoyed ur ideas,especially the one with the pipe. Thank you. Looking forward to more ideas with DIY.
At last! Something clear I can unsredtand. Thanks!


Whimsy Shapeology Die Collection "Card Builder Windows Die Set" designed by Denise Lynn for Whimsy Stamps. Use this set to create a full card with base layers and window openings. Each layer has stitching details. Perfect for creating shaker cards too.
This is a set of 5 different dies. largest die about 5.25" in length - perfect set for A2 creations.


Pretty -- and funny -- in pink: Here come the Bridesmaids!
The smash hit comedy Bridesmaids, starring the irrepressible and always-busy Kristen Wiig (Macgruber), arrived on Blu-ray and DVD on Sept. 20, 2011, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
The film was issued in a handful of configurations on disc: as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo/Digital Copy Combo Pack in Blu-ray packaging for a list price of $39.98, as a DVD/Blu-ray/Digital Copy Combo Pack in DVD packaging for $39.98, and as a single DVD for $29.98.
Concerning a group of gals prepping for their roles as you-know-whats for one of their friend's impending weddings, the movie is produced by Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40-Year Old Virgin), directed by Paul Feig (TV's The Office) and co-stars the top-notch comedy ensemble of Maya Rudoph (Grown Ups), Rose Byrne (Get Him to the Greek), Melissa McCarthy (TV's Mike and Molly), Wendi McLendon-Covey (TV's Rules of Engagement), Ellie Kemper (Somewhere), Jon Hamm (Sucker Punch) and Chris O'Dowd (Pirate Radio).
Released in theaters in the U.S. in mid-May, Bridesmaids has rung up more than $160 million at the domestic box office as of this writing (and that's without any car chases or CGI!!), making it one of the top five R-rated comedies of all time.


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Home • George Daniels
George Daniels The Blue, Tourbillon, White Gold
This rare and important watch is one of only four fully custom wristwatches that George Daniels is considered to have made during his lifetime. It occupies an important place in the independent watchmakers' work, alongside the twenty-three pocket watches he completed (plus one unfinished), as part of his horological career. Known as the Blue, this wristwatch is a white gold, rectangular cased, one-minute Tourbillon with a calendar sub-dial.
You can see Roger W. Smith OBE introduce the story behind the Blue in this short film.
George Daniels: Legendary watchmaker
Dr. George Daniels is recognised as one of the greatest watchmakers of the 20th century. In 1981, he received an MBE for his services to horology, along with a CBE in 2010 – the first watchmaker ever to receive such an honour. During his lifetime, Daniels was one of the few watchmakers who built complete watches by hand, from his workshop on the Isle of Man, at a rate of around one watch per year.
One of his most noteworthy contributions to watchmaking was the invention of the Co-Axial escapement, designed to improve the mechanisms' long-term performance by radically changing the nature of its inner workings. The Co-Axial was the first practical invention since the lever escapement, created by Thomas Mudge in 1755, thus representing an important advancement in the dynamics of the watch.
Over the course of his lifetime, Daniels is attributed with having created four fully custom wristwatches, all of which have tourbillons and are fitted with his Co-Axial escapement. Of his work, after the two Space Travellers and the Grand Complication, they are among his most elusive pieces. As confirmed by Daniels' autobiography, All in Good Time, they include the following: a four-minute tourbillon with compact chronograph, a double-dialled one-minute tourbillon and two rectangular-cased one-minute tourbillons (the White and the Blue).
The development of The Blue
The Blue, so-called because of its blued index markers and hands, was a commission for a close friend of George Daniels, having been designed in 2001 and delivered in April 2005. As Roger W. Smith himself recounts, it embodied George's desire to create a more contemporary aesthetic than his previous pieces.
The Blue was designed by George Daniels and eventually assembled by Roger Smith in Daniels' workshop, using his tools and with his supervision. Though the watch was entirely designed by Daniels, when the time came to make it, he called on his only apprentice, Smith, for help. Working in isolation for most of his career, Daniels had taken Smith on as an apprentice, after the promising watchmaker built two pocket watches entirely by hand over the course of several years, with the aim of proving his worth to Daniels.
When Daniels asked Roger to assemble the White and the Blue, it represented a touching moment between the two watchmakers. Roger had recently completed the Millennium series but was not yet established enough to launch his own collection of pieces. Identifying an opportunity for mutual benefit, Daniels enlisted Roger's help in making the piece, as much because he needed the assistance, as because he wanted to support Roger in creating a life on the island. In many ways, in Roger's eyes, these felt like transitional pieces.
The watch adopts a symmetrical dial layout, with a calendar sub-dial at six o'clock and a one-minute tourbillon at twelve o'clock. The tourbillon carriage is suspended by a central bridge, with the overall thickness of the case lending depth to the exposed section of the movement. The calendar sub-dial is placed further down, the numerals engraved on silver rings and filled with black ink. Two cartouches within the sub-dial reference "DANIELS" and "LONDON" in black engraving. All numbering and lettering are hand-engraved, as is to be expected on a piece of true handmade horology.
The dial is silver and hand engine-turned, combining two different patterns to create legibility and add depth to the dial. The index markers and slender hands are made out of blued steel, adding a welcome touch of contrast and colour to the overall design. Cased in a white gold rectangular case, the Blue features straight lugs and a rounded, stepped bezel. The caseback is engraved with 'GD', George Daniels' personal hallmark.
The movement is concealed by a solid 18k white gold caseback, but from an under-dial view shared in All in Good Time, Daniels' autobiography, we can see that it is quintessentially Daniels in design, with form and function placed above all else. This was something that George Daniels highly valued; a purist in the technicality of watchmaking, which can be seen by the deceptively simple aesthetic of the construction. Of course, the movement is equipped with a two-wheel Daniels Co-Axial escapement. The understated nature of the movement is finished off by the gold frosted finishing, a style favoured traditionally by the famous watchmakers of Britain.
The Blue is accompanied by its box and reproductions of its paperwork (with the originals having been kept by the owner who first commissioned the watch, out of sentimentality). This includes a series of letters from George Daniels, pictures of the owner receiving his watch from the watchmaker and Daniels' initial drawing of the watch.
To read more about the watch, read SJX's article and check out HODINKEE for more.
Maker: George Daniels
Model: The Blue
Movement: hand-made one-minute Tourbillon with a calendar sub-dial
Functions: date, hours, minutes, one-minute tourbillon
Features: blued hands and index markers
Case: 40cm x 25cm white gold case (12cm thickness)
Crystal: sapphire front
Strap: Santorini navy blue Saffiano strap, black alligator strap from George Daniels with white gold tang buckle
Box & papers:
box and reproductions of the original paperwork, which includes a series of letters from George Daniels, pictures of the owner receiving his watch from the watchmaker and Daniels' initial drawing of the watch.
The George Daniels Blue wristwatch is accompanied by its box and reproductions of its paperwork (with the originals having been kept by the owner who first commissioned the watch, out of sentimentality). This includes a series of letters from George Daniels, pictures of the owner receiving his watch from the watchmaker and Daniels' initial drawing of the watch. The watch is in good overall condition, with a small number of signs of superficial wear, consistent with light wear. It is guaranteed for authenticity and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Ни́жняя Мосо́ловка — село Верхне-Мосоловского сельсовета Усманского района Липецкой области.

Возникла в первой половине XVIII века. Упоминается в документах 1782 года. Название — от наименования деревни Мосоловка (ныне Верхняя Мосоловка). Селение возникло чуть ниже по течению речки Мосоловки более бедным населением, которое назвало его Телешовкой.

Поселение было основано однодворцами, выходами из Усмани, Песковатки, Студенок, Куликова, Поддубровки, Отрожек.

В 1846 г. был открыт собственный приход. В 1853 г. на средства прихожан была построена однопрестольная каменная холодная церковь. Престол освящен в честь святых бессеребренников Косьмы и Дамиана (1 ноября по старому стилю).  10 февраля 1886 г. в с. Нижней Мосоловке была открыта церковно-приходская школа. Небольшое деревянное здание было плохо приспособлено для занятий: без фундамента, с крытой соломой крышей, состоящее всего из одной комнаты 7 на 7 аршин (25 кв. м.), - не могло вместить всех желающих. До конца 19 в. число учащихся колебалось от 20 до 30 человек, тогда как число детей школьного возраста (от 7 до 14 лет) составляло более 150 мальчиков и 180 девочек.

Школа была открыта священником храма Дмитрием Алексеевичем Высокополянским, окончившим курсы тамбовской духовной семинарии. Он же стал ее первым заведующим в возрасте 42 лет. С 1886 по 1894 г. вместе с ним преподавал дьякон Михаил Алексеевич Цветаев (26 лет), уволенный из 1-го класса Тамбовской духовной семинарии, но имевший свидетельство на право учительства, выданное Борисоглебским училищным советом. С 1880 по 1886 гг. работал в земской школе. В марте 1894 г. его сменил дьякон Тимофей Иванович Спасский (23 лет), студент Донской духовной семинарии.

В 1943 году церковь разрушили, а кирпич пошёл на строительство шоссе Р119 Орёл — Тамбов. В 1955 году из оставшегося кирпича был построен клуб.

Население

Даты
 1964 — построено правление
 1968 — построен новый магазин
 1992 — колхоз имени Кирова реорганизован в сельхозкооператив имени Кирова

Примечания

Источники

 Сайт администрации Усманского района
Историко-статистическое описание Тамбовской епархии / изд. канц. Тамб. Духов. Консистории под ред. А. Е. Андриевского. - Тамбов, 1911. - 909 с., разд. паг. - С прил. алф. указ.
ГАЛО г. Липецк "Отчетные ведомости Усманского отделения епархиального училищного совета о числе церковно-приходских школ и грамотных. ГАЛО Ф-44, опись 1, дела 6, 7, 19, 24.
РГАДА Ф. 350 Оп. 2 Д. 3742

Населённые пункты Усманского района

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


I would like to share my story. About 8 years ago, while on holiday in Spain, I started to have daily headaches which I blamed on the stress of being driven to and around, too many busy cities in a fortnight. I also began to experience a flash of bright light when opening my eyes during the night or first thing in the morning. Aspirin worked, but only for 24 hours. Over the next few years occasional, sudden and disconcerting dizzy spells occurred, each one lasting for seconds or minutes, and occasionally for longer. Again I discovered that aspirin quickly relieved the symptoms. I was tested for Meniere's disease, saw two neurologists and had a cardiac check, each time having been referred by my GP. Eventually I accepted the diagnosis of "Vertiginous migraine".
At my GP's suggestion I also tried various well known remedies for migraine. Nothing worked except for Aspirin Extra. Occasionally I struggled a bit with my speech but I knew this to be a symptom of migraine. It was only when I was speaking on the 'phone one day and couldn't form any words, that my husband, who by chance was at home that day, took me to accident and emergency at the hospital. After very extensive tests, I was told that my platelet count was over 1000, that I had had a silent heart attack at some stage, that I had a blood clot on my heart , and that I had probably had suffered a slight stroke.
Several days later, while still on the stroke ward, I learned that I have ET caused by a mutated gene (Jak 2). The worst moment was seeing the Macmillan Nurses symbol at the top of the information sheet given to me by a haemotologist, suddenly realising then that this was a form of blood cancer! Since then, on a daily diet of aspirin (my Life-saver), bisoprolol, hydroxycarbamide, omeprozole, warfarin and a statin, I can honestly say that I feel great, relieved to have no more daily headaches and no worrying threat of sudden dizziness.
My only regret is that ET wasn't diagnosed before my heart was affected. Still, I expect to live for many years to come. And, after all, LIFE is terminal!


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TV Review: Chernobyl
Posted on June 24, 2019 by londonhorrorsociety
What is the cost of lies? It's not that we'll mistake them for the truth. The real danger is that if we hear enough lies, then we no longer recognize the truth at all. — Valery Legasov, played by Jared Harris.
I honestly don't remember when I first heard about the Chernobyl disaster, but I'm confident I was at an age too young to understand, being told by my dad who always told my brothers and I things we probably didn't need to know.
Regardless, Chernobyl is a word, a place, and an event that shocked the world to its core (pun not intended) in 1986 Soviet Russia where its effects are just as important now as they were 33 years ago.
When HBO announced the 5-part miniseries about the disaster, I was intrigued to say the least, but watching it has blown me away. Chernobyl doesn't pull any punches, granted, some liberties were taken, and the shows creator, Craig Mazin, admits this; though, he spent years researching the event, and references the Svetlana Alexievich novel, Voices from Chernobyl on many occasions.
Though, there are a few former Chernobyl workers that insist the majority of the show is just a fictional dramatization of the idea of Chernobyl, which gives me pause as to whether they are trying to save face for the Soviet Union, or if Mazin delivered a purely fictional historical thriller.
I don't want to discredit anyone, but Chernobyl had also spoke of the secrecy, lies, and denial within the Soviet Government to keep the event under wraps. Plus, earlier this week, Russia announced a remake of the show where their telling blames the USA and CIA for the explosion — things just keep getting more interesting and intertwined, don't they?
While watching the show, I also kept up to date with the accompanying podcast presented by HBO, where Mr. Mazin breaks everything down and explains more in-depth things that either were too difficult to convey on film or just didn't have enough time to show. Listening to it only proved to me that he truly cared about what he was creating, which gave me comfort in the knowledge that Chernobyl relayed to me.
The show starts at the true beginning when the reactor explodes, and immediately hits the ground running. There's no time for mushy love scenes, or unnecessary conflict — especially in the first episode, 1:23:45, where we are watching things unfold hour by hour.
As the series moves forward, the time gaps becoming bigger; whether it be days, weeks, or even months — it just goes to show how much time and effort went into investigating and containing the disaster.
I'll say it plainly that the writing is phenomenal, a writer going from Hangover sequels to a strong mini-series about the worst Nuclear disaster the world has ever seen, shows range for Mazin, and I hope he continues down this path of nitty, gritty storytelling.
The ending of each episodes are gems of their own, with endings that deserve awards all on their own as they illicit strong reactions ranging from fear to disgust.
A moment that stuck into my mind, was in episode 4, The Happiness of All Mankind, where the liquidators were on the roof shovelling graphite. It is a full 90 second scene watching these men race against the clock to do as much as they can before being called back in and dismissed from duty. I held my breath and didn't even realise it till it was over; if that's not the definition of impactful, then I don't know what is.
Jared Harris takes center stage as Valery Legasov, the Chemist responsible for leading the containment of the explosion, with Stellan Skarsgard as his powerful 'comrade' Boris Shcherbina, the deputy chairman of the Council of Ministries–these two bounce off each other so well, it was an amazing casting choice to have two of the best Character Actors working today.
Emily Watson, who plays Nuclear Physicist, Ulana Khomyuk, who joins Legasov and Shcherbina halfway through the series, stands on her own against the two heavy hitters; granted, her character is one of the few fictionalized characters in the show — she makes it her own while also representing and paying tribute to the many scientists who worked long and hard to find a solution to a impossible situation.
These three are the central point of the story, with smaller subplots involving a Pripyat widow who attempts in vain to not let her husband die alone, to the soldiers in charge of cleaning up the exclusion zone — they are all fleshed out and you cannot help but empathise as they manoeuver a harrowing time.
It is quite important to note that watching plant workers and emergency responders succumb to their rather untimely and horrific deaths brought on by the radiation that Reactor 4 exposed is an image that has been unable to leave my mind; haunting my dreams for weeks now.
Quite frankly, I would say that Chernobyl is a necessary watch for everyone. Its groundbreaking storytelling gives viewers a honest, yet gut wrenching, insight to one of the most horrifying man-made disasters that the world has ever seen.
Regardless of political allegiance, age, or location, Chernobyl is one of the few series on television that should be watched — multiple times. As someone who is re-watching it currently, it's incredible how many things you pick up on after the fact.
By Elisabeth Joplin
Want to join one of the fastest-growing horror communities in the UK for FREE? Now you can. Click here to become a member of The London Horror Society
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This entry was posted in Review and tagged Chernobyl, Elisabeth Joplin, HBO, TV review, TV series. Bookmark the permalink.


More than 30 scientists will descend upon Whistler Aug. 8-9 to scour forests, alpine, lakes and wetlands for as many animals and plants as they can find in the 2009 BioBlitz.
The 24-hour, round-the-clock race to count as many species as possible is put on by Whistler Naturalist and has become an annual event in the resort municipality.
"BioBlitz has become an integral part of Whistler's summer," said organizer Bob Brett.
"This year, we are excited to have another great group of scientists to share their enthusiasm and knowledge. BioBlitz is fun for all ages, and we especially love to see kids, bug-eyed in amazement, finding out how fun it is to learn about nature."
The third-annaul BioBlitz takes place between noon on Aug. 8 and noon on Aug. 9 at Alpha Lake Park.
The first two BioBlitz events each uncovered approximately 600 species, including a total of 300 species never before recorded in Whistler. In fact, Whistler's BioBlitzes have been so successful that the Lower Mainland, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, have also decided to hold their own races to count species.
Two special events are also on the books this year for kids curious about critters: The Wild Things Scavenger Hunt from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and the Swamp Monsters event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, where kids will get to check out the animals and plants the scientists have found.
Both events are geared towards kids aged six to 12 years old and children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Whistler Museum Speaker Series is also putting on an event with bats, owls, insects and other nocturnal creatures on Saturday, starting at 7:30 p.m. The up close and personal experience is aptly named "Night Critters."
The first BioBlitz was held in 1996 in Washington, D.C. and has grown in popularity since then. BioBlitzes help scientists put together a list of species in an area in a relatively short period of time, while also promoting science in a fun and interactive way.
Whistler's 2009 species tally will be announced at noon on Sunday, Aug. 9.
"BioBlitz is all about fun," said organizer Kristina Swerhun.
"Everyone has a smile on their face as they poke and prod and learn. But there's a serious side, too, since the data is fed into the Whistler Biodiversity Project to help improve our knowledge about local species. After all, you need to know what species are here before you can protect them."
Support for BioBlitz is provided by the Whistler Blackcomb EFund, Community Foundation of Whistler, AWARE, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Whistler Museum and Archives and the Whistler Biodiversity Project.
For more information, visit www.whistlerbioblitz.ca.


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Bristol, Rhode Island
Population (2000) - 22,469
Bristol, Rhode Island, was founded in 1680, by four wealthy Boston merchants: John Walley, Stephen Burton, Nathaniel Byfield and Nathaniel Oliver. Together they bought the Mount Hope Lands from the Plymouth Colony. These lands extended from Mount Hope on the east to Narragansett Bay on the west, and six miles to the north. This peninsula of 21 square miles cost them eleven hundred pounds.
At that time New England was a colony of England. It was Charles II of England who granted permission for the purchase of the Mount Hope Lands. The document was signed at Windsor Castle on June 12, 1677. The four owners of Bristol immediately set about to develop an urban plan. They traced perpendicular streets and avenues and divided the land into lots for houses, farms, schools, churches, parks, cemeteries and government buildings. Apart from the four founders lots were also purchased by Benjamin Church, the Indian fighter of the Plymouth Colony.
Discover Bristol
First Queen of Bristol
Independence Day in Bristol, Rhode Island
USA Drifter


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Learning the safe way to pick up your sport bike from the ground if it goes down is something you should learn and practice doing now so if that fateful day ever comes you are prepared. It takes years of practice to successfully learn how to maneuver a sport bike and no matter how well you do on the driving test it is not the same as being in traffic. It is best to learn to ride on a small bike and then move up to a larger bike as you gain experience.
It is vital that you get a receipt via email or a printed receipt together with the items once you have made your purchase. Strategic Web marketing simplifies your sector, and twice as so when you hand over or automate, specifically when it pertains to ppc quote management. Web marketing product and services, ppc quote management software application and analysis devices, can make Web marketing much easier. You do not wish to invest every waking minute on your Web marketing method. Aside from having the tendency to consumers, you do have to have a life. Simply keep in mind that any Web marketing device has to be checked frequently for efficiency.


I thought I'd set up this site to gather together all my different creative schemes into a single cabinet of curiosities. My projects may be varied, but they're all united by the desire to create, inspire, tell a tale and turn a phrase. Hopefully this will help you gain some insight into inner machinations of the Lesser Spotted Jess.
You can receive updates on my preposterous schemes by signing up to my monthly newsletter.
I've recently moved back to my home town of Wolverhampton after several years in Oxford, where I studied Biological Sciences at Oxford University and tried my hand at gainful employment at places like the Pitt Rivers Museum, Barefoot Books and Oxford Botanic Garden. Throughout this time I also published popular science articles in Bang! Science Magazine (2009), RSPB Bird Life magazine (2011) and Metric Magazine (2013), and featured regular humorous columns in Ocelot Magazine and Catweazle Magazine.
In June 2013 I released a successful sing-along children's book and audiovisual CD, "A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea", published by Barefoot Books and recorded by The Flannery Brothers, which has become a favourite in homes and schools across the UK and been reprinted in four different countries. I am currently in the process of promoting my debut novel, "Jack the Re-animator".
Since 2009 I have been writing songs for theatre group Oxford University Light Entertainment Society, and performing as a member of renowned musical storytelling band The Mechanisms, both across the UK and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. My work as a solo musician has also been very well received.
I am currently self-employed as a freelance copy editor/ ghost writer. My most recent commissions include producing the content of Deaffest's 10th anniversary catalogue, and creating the promotional material for Quantum Power UK's flagship solar powered car (and I'm more than happy to undertake any commissions you might have).
All these projects and more can be found on this site. Enjoy!


Tonic Studios is bringing out another fantastic range of Essential dies. The Attraction Simple Type die sets feature a fun, youthful and informal style alphabet and numbers. Our Simple Type numbers come with one die so you don't have to cut out every letter/number. These sets are perfect for making that personal sentiment for any craft project.


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The incident, which took place during the third-division match between the two teams, was captured on camera and went viral in no time. Though the canine managed to save that particular goal, it surely did not help the team in winning the game.
An unusual thing happened during a football match in Argentina recently. A sure shot goal by Juventud Unida de Gualeguaychúa against Defensores de Belgrano de Villa Ramallo was miraculously saved by a dog.
The incident, which took place during the third-division match between the two teams, was captured on camera and went viral in no time. Though the canine managed to save that particular goal, it did not help the team in winning the game.
The video of the bizarre incident was tweeted by Deportv, which is the official site for sports in Argentina. The tweet garnered over 3 lakh views, with many left quite amused by the bizarre incident. Some also suggested that the dog deserves an award for saving the goal. Here are some of the hilarious reaction trending on social media.


My client is a leading financial organisation that are expanding rapidly and going through some extensive periods of growth; therefore are currently looking for an experienced Information Security Manager to join their team. You'll have exposure to some cutting edge technologies and be an integral part of the business moving forward.
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Sangeet Sammelan, one of the most celebrated events of classical music, took place at Sangeet Research Academy recently.
Maestros of Hindustani classical music came together for the three-day event. Before starting his concert, santoor maestro Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma took a dig at the cacophony outside the Academy premise. "There is more music outside than inside... As if it is a full-blown orchestra... When I came here for the first time many years ago, it was so empty. Not many people used to stay in this area," he said.
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text:
Leopold Anthony Stokowski (18. dubna 1882 Londýn – 13. září 1977 Nether Wallop) byl anglický dirigent polského a irského původu. Proslavil se zejména jako dlouhodobý dirigent orchestru Philadelphia Orchestra. Byl průkopníkem vedení orchestru bez použití dirigentské hůlky. Spolupracoval i na filmech, známá je především jeho účast při tvorbě animovaného hudebního filmu Fantasia z roku 1940. Během své šedesátileté hudební kariéry Stokowski také premiéroval mnoho děl soudobé hudby.

Externí odkazy

Američtí dirigenti
Britští dirigenti
Polští dirigenti
Britští hudební skladatelé
Držitelé Čestné ceny Akademie
Držitelé ceny Grammy
Absolventi Royal College of Music
Hollywoodský chodník slávy
Američané irského původu
Američané polského původu
Absolventi Oxfordské univerzity
Držitelé Oscara
Narození v roce 1882
Narození 18. dubna
Narození v Londýně
Úmrtí v roce 1977
Úmrtí 13. září
Zemřelí na infarkt myokardu
Úmrtí v Hampshiru
Muži


text:
Q: Showing a field in ModelForm when it is being created but hiding it when it is being updated I have a simple ModelForm that looks like this:
class ProfInfo(forms.ModelForm):
    email = forms.EmailField(
        required=True, label=_("Email")
    )

    class Meta:
        model = Prof

The email field is displayed when I'm creating or a updating a record using the model form but I'd like to remove it when I'm updating via the form. How can I do this? I know that I do a simple del self.fields['email'] in the __init__ method but how do I test whether it is being updated or deleted?

A: You can check whether form.instance.pk exists.
Something like:
def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
    super(ProfInfo, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
    if self.instance.pk:
        del self.field['email']

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
Fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy or FLIM is an imaging technique based on the differences in the exponential decay rate of the photon emission of a fluorophore from a sample. It can be used as an imaging technique in confocal microscopy, two-photon excitation microscopy, and multiphoton tomography.

The fluorescence lifetime (FLT) of the fluorophore, rather than its intensity, is used to create the image in FLIM. Fluorescence lifetime depends on the local micro-environment of the fluorophore, thus precluding any erroneous measurements in fluorescence intensity due to change in brightness of the light source, background light intensity or limited photo-bleaching. This technique also has the advantage of minimizing the effect of photon scattering in thick layers of sample. Being dependent on the micro-environment, lifetime measurements have been used as an indicator for pH, viscosity and chemical species concentration.

Fluorescence lifetimes
A fluorophore which is excited by a photon will drop to the ground state with a certain probability based on the decay rates through a number of different (radiative and/or nonradiative) decay pathways.  To observe fluorescence, one of these pathways must be by spontaneous emission of a photon.  In the ensemble description, the fluorescence emitted will decay with time according to

where

.

In the above,  is time,  is the fluorescence lifetime,  is the initial fluorescence at , and  are the rates for each decay pathway, at least one of which must be the fluorescence decay rate . More importantly, the lifetime,  is independent of the initial intensity and of the emitted light. This can be utilized for making non-intensity based measurements in chemical sensing.

Measurement
Fluorescence-lifetime imaging yields images with the intensity of each pixel determined by , which allows one to view contrast between materials with different fluorescence decay rates (even if those materials fluoresce at exactly the same wavelength), and also produces images which show changes in other decay pathways, such as in FRET imaging.

Pulsed illumination
Fluorescence lifetimes can be determined in the time domain by using a pulsed source.
When a population of fluorophores is excited by an ultrashort or delta pulse of light, the time-resolved fluorescence will decay exponentially as described above. However, if the excitation pulse or detection response is wide, the measured fluorescence, d(t), will not be purely exponential. The instrumental response function, IRF(t) will be convolved or blended with the decay function, F(t).

The instrumental response of the source, detector, and electronics can be measured, usually from scattered excitation light. Recovering the decay function (and corresponding lifetimes) poses additional challenges as division in the frequency domain tends to produce high noise when the denominator is close to zero.

TCSPC

Time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) is usually employed because it compensates for variations in source intensity and single photon pulse amplitudes.
Using commercial TCSPC equipment a fluorescence decay curve can be recorded with a  time resolution down to 405 fs.
The recorded fluorescence decay histogram obeys Poisson statistics which is considered in determining goodness of fit during fitting.
More specifically, TCSPC records times at which individual photons are detected by a fast single-photon detector (typically a photo-multiplier tube (PMT) or a single photon avalanche photo diode (SPAD)) with respect to the excitation laser pulse.
The recordings are repeated for multiple laser pulses and after enough recorded events, one is able to build a histogram of the number of events across all of these recorded time points.
This histogram can then be fit to an exponential function that contains the exponential lifetime decay function of interest, and the lifetime parameter can accordingly be extracted.
Multi-channel PMT systems with 16 to 64 elements have been commercially available, whereas the recently demonstrated CMOS single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD)-TCSPC FLIM systems can offer even higher number of detection channels and  additional low-cost options.

Gating method

Pulse excitation is still used in this method. Before the pulse reaches the sample, some of the light is reflected by a dichroic mirror and gets detected by a photodiode that activates a delay generator controlling a gated optical intensifier (GOI) that sits in front of the CCD detector. The GOI only allows for detection for the fraction of time when it is open after the delay. Thus, with an adjustable delay generator, one is able to collect fluorescence emission after multiple delay times encompassing the time range of the fluorescence decay of the sample. In recent years integrated intensified CCD cameras entered the market. These cameras consist of an image intensifier, CCD sensor and an integrated delay generator. ICCD cameras with shortest gating times of down to 200ps and delay steps of 10ps allow sub-nanosecond resolution FLIM. In combination with an endoscope this technique is used for intraoperative diagnosis of brain tumors.

Phase modulation
Fluorescence lifetimes can be determined in the frequency domain by a phase-modulation method. The method uses a light source that is pulsed or modulated at high frequency (up to 500 MHz) such as an LED, diode laser or a continuous wave source combined with an electro-optic modulator or an acousto-optic modulator.  The fluorescence is (a.) demodulated and (b.) phase shifted; both quantities are related to the characteristic decay times of the fluorophore.  Also, y-components to the excitation and fluorescence sine waves will be modulated, and lifetime can be determined from the modulation ratio of these y-components. Hence, 2 values for the lifetime can be determined from the phase-modulation method. The lifetimes are determined through a fitting procedures of these experimental parameters.  An advantage of PMT-based or camera-based frequency domain FLIM is its fast lifetime image acquisition making it suitable for applications such as live cell research.

Analysis

The goal of the analysis algorithm is to extract the pure decay curve from the measured decay and to estimate the lifetime(s). The latter is usually accomplished by fitting single or multi exponential functions. A variety of methods have been developed to solve this problem. The most widely used technique is the least square iterative re-convolution which is based on the minimization of the weighted sum of the residuals. In this technique theoretical exponential decay curves are convoluted with the instrument response function, which is measured separately, and the best fit is found by iterative calculation of the residuals for different inputs until a minimum is found. For a set of observations   of the fluorescence signal in time bin i,  the lifetime estimation is carried out by minimization of:

Besides experimental difficulties, including the wavelength dependent instrument response function, mathematical treatment of the iterative de-convolution problem is not straight forward and it is a slow process which in the early days of FLIM made it impractical for a pixel-by-pixel analysis.
Non fitting methods are attractive because they offer a very fast solution to lifetime estimation. One of the major and straightforward techniques in this category is the rapid lifetime determination (RLD) method. RLD calculates the lifetimes and their amplitudes directly by dividing the decay curve into two parts of equal width  t.  The analysis is performed by integrating the decay curve in equal time intervals t:

Ii is the recorded signal in the i-th channel and K is the number of channels. The lifetime can be estimated using:

For multi exponential decays this equation provides the average lifetime. This method can be extended to analyze bi-exponential decays. One major drawback of this method is that it cannot take into account the instrument response effect and for this reason the early part of the measured decay curves should be ignored in the analyses. This means that part of the signal is discarded and the accuracy for estimating short lifetimes goes down.

One of the interesting features of the convolution theorem is that the integral of the convolution is the product of the factors that make up the integral. There are a few techniques which work in transformed space that exploit this property to recover the pure decay curve from the measured curve. Laplace and Fourier transformation  along with Laguerre gauss expansion  have been used to estimate the lifetime in transformed space. These approaches are faster than the deconvolution based methods but they suffer from truncation and sampling problems. Moreover, application of methods like Laguerre gauss expansion is mathematically complicated. In Fourier methods the lifetime  of a single exponential decay curve is given by:

Where:

and n is the harmonic number and T is the total time range of detection.

Applications
FLIM has primarily been used in biology as a method to detect photosensitizers in cells and tumors as well as FRET in instances where ratiometric imaging is difficult.
The technique was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s (Gating method: Bugiel et al. 1989. König 1989, Phase modulation: Lakowicz at al. 1992,) before being more widely applied in the late 1990s.  In cell culture, it has been used to study EGF receptor signaling and trafficking.
Time domain FLIM (tdFLIM) has also been used to show the interaction of both types of nuclear intermediate filament proteins lamins A and B1 in distinct homopolymers at the nuclear envelope, which further interact with each other in higher order structures. FLIM imaging is particularly useful in neurons, where light scattering by brain tissue is problematic for ratiometric imaging.  In neurons, FLIM imaging using pulsed illumination has been used to study Ras, CaMKII, Rac, and Ran family proteins. FLIM has been used in clinical multiphoton tomography to detect intradermal cancer cells as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compounds.

More recently FLIM has also been used to detect flavanols in plant cells.

Autofluorescent coenzymes NAD(P)H and FAD
Multi-photon FLIM is increasingly used to detect auto-fluorescence from coenzymes as markers for changes in mammalian metabolism.

FRET imaging
Since the fluorescence lifetime of a fluorophore depends on both radiative (i.e. fluorescence) and non-radiative (i.e. quenching, FRET) processes, energy transfer from the donor molecule to the acceptor molecule will decrease the lifetime of the donor.
Thus, FRET measurements using FLIM can provide a method to discriminate between the states/environments of the fluorophore.
In contrast to intensity-based FRET measurements, the FLIM-based FRET measurements are also insensitive to the concentration of fluorophores and can thus filter out artifacts introduced by variations in the concentration and emission intensity across the sample.

See also

 Phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime and spectral imaging

References

External links
Fluorescence Excited-State Lifetime Imaging
 Lifetime and spectral analysis tools in ImageJ: http://spechron.com
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy
Principle of TCSPC FLIM (Becker&Hickl GmbH)

Fluorescence techniques
Optical microscopy techniques


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