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Squash as many ants as possible.
Just curious.
Durign teh Bush Era, we rightfully wondered what the plan was in Iraq and Afgahnistan, what our aims were, what wer wed oing, and frankly, why we were fighting the War/Occupation so horribly poorly in many cases.
So now, 4 years on, the media rarely covers the war, certainly doesn;t blaze teh causualty count daily above teh fold as they used to, and generally, the War is a backburner afterthought in the current election cycle.
So, I want to know, why ARE we in Afgahnistan still?
What is our plan there?
What is our goals?
With 2/3 of the deaths there in the last 4 years and Bin Laden having been in our ally Pakistan and now dead, what are we gaining being there?
And why is it that the War, and it's ongoing costs, are such a backburner issue? We're still doing everythign we did under Bush, every infringement on personal liberties (Patriot Act), every killing of civillians (Drone Strikes and more), and still losing alot of our men and women in uniform (again, 2/3 of our dead in the last 4 years), and it must be added, still spending a massive amount fo American dollars there and elsewhere.
How is it the War, such a massive issue 4 years ago, is a total non-issue now when almost nothing has changed for the better beyond teh Bush-Timeline withdrawal from Iraq and teh death od Bin Laden?
Squash as many ants as possible.
Unfortunately the media gives Obama the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the war, and does him a favor by ignoring it completely. It should be as scrutinized as aggressively as it was during the Bush admin; to do otherwise is to do a disservice to the men and women who are currently deployed there.
Just as it was for the USSR, Afghanistan is a quagmire for us. It's the Hotel California -- we can check out anytime we like (and we have), but we can never leave.
Both wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were stupid, pointless and unnecessarily costly to the US people. Did nothing to help the USA and did very little for the people in each of those respective countries. The war in Iraq weakened our interests in that region. Stupid.
Obama deserves blame for keeping our boys in that sh!thole.
So the next time a group crashes planes into buildings (today is 9/11) and kill lots of Americans we say, "Thank you sir, give me another"?
What I would expect of a government employee.
Afghanistan HAS gone on too long but was nmecessary.
Iraq? Saddam said he had WMDs. He actually did at a point since he used them. We should have been out of there in a year.
And the ultimate proof of your stupidity is confusing the 9/11 attacks with the ill-fated invasion of Iraq. Way to dishonor the memory of all those killed just so you can make an ignorant point. You don't deserve to be an American.
We should leave Afghanistan now, not in 2014. We should have left that place a long time ago, perhaps never even invaded - there are other military options short of overthrow/peacekeeping/nation-building.
Sadly, both the President and Mr Romney agree on the same time table.
These are questions that I hope are brought up in the national debates if they do youtube/twitter questions - because I doubt any moderator asks "why are we still in Afghanistan?"
Operation Enduring Freedom was definitely justifiable, while Operation Iraqi Freedom was not - that's basically it in a nutshell. Not really sure what should happen now - just know whatever happens the Taliban must not be allowed to regain power to shelter terrorist organisations like Al Qaida.
Lack of morals? Based on what. My standing in the community? You have an enormous lack of inteliigence. I can knock anyone I please. Public sector? Takers. Overpaid. Big pensions for what? I think they (you) are killing our budget.
9/11 had to do with Afghanistan. Period. We took appropriate action.
You are obvously a well undereducated person with a feeble grasp of a world view. Iraq was the process of Saddam Hussein refusing to back down. He got called.
And as for being an American? I have a Silver Star and a couple of Bronze Stars. Please post after you get your latest unemployment check.
BTW Joey boy, have you actually ever initiated a post? Hard to do if you aren't smart. I both initiate, respond and criticize. I'll take shots at ken, IJF and copernicus. PK also. I disagree with much of what they stand for but acknowledge they are at least educated, even smart, though misguided. I don't appreciate the public sector. Hey even PK works in the private sector.
So chill out with another joint or whatever it is you use to be irrational.
I rarely initiate threads, simply because I don't feel like it. Intelligence has ****-all to do with it. Your defense of the Iraq invasion casts serious doubts about YOUR intelligence.
I appreciate you serving our country and putting your ass on the line. You deserve kudos for that. However, your self-serving, baseless disgust with public workers deserves to be called out on. Your military medals don't give you the right to disparage someone who chooses a different life path than yourself, and who earned a pension by working a public job that you were too damn lazy to do yourself. We need workers in BOTH sectors, capice?
If your house ever catches fire, are you gonna put it out yourself? Or will you ***** at the brave men and women who come over to put it out? I'm sure they would love to hear you tell them their pensions are undeserved.
There are a few reasons why we are still there, but in my opinion, the most significant reason can be summed up in three words ... military industrial complex.
Corporations control our politicians, and the military has become largely privatized.
This might be a good time to ring up W and ask him what the plan was.


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I have been working a bit on an alternative to using the normal tracker for the Linux Mint distribution.
And I have made a page at http://linuxmint.tuxtrack.org/ it contains pure "DHT" turrents, with no need for a typical tracker site.
I have also added "Magnet Links" for easy sharing of the torrents.
+ I am seeding all the torrents as well.
When I am done with the LinuxMint page, I am considering making a page for other distributions as well. like forinstance debian.tuxtrack.org, ubuntu.tuxtrack.org. And make the overall theme of the pages with colors and logos for the distros
I have been thinking that this might be redundant, but considering the last days with torrent trackers being forced to close. I would say better safe then sorry
Alternative bittorrent download
Get involved, create or participate in a project.
1 post • Page 1 of 1
1 post • Page 1 of 1

subset: commoncrawl


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Want to know how to use those older products you have laying around? Noell & I talked with Jen McGuire and Ana Cabrera about how to make everything old new again on this week's Roundtable!
To listen to this week's episode, you can use the player embedded above, right-click on this link to download the file to your computer, visit the Paperclipping Roundtable web page or to make things easy, you can use this link:
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Show Notes:
This episode of Roundtable is sponsored by Big Picture Scrapbooking! Click here for a promo code for Paperclipping Roundtable listeners to use to save 10% on any class at Big Picture Scrapbooking!
The Panel
Picks of the Week
- Fiskars Compact Stamp Press, and here's the video that Jen made about it.
- EK Slimline Punches (Photo Labels), and here is an example of how Ana used it.
- Junk Mail Mini Album Video
- Priming Clear Stamps (rubbing a white eraser on clear stamps)
- Lensbaby: The Control Freak for Canon EF mount Digital SLR Cameras


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From the Toronto Sun
From the article,
"He's 17, going on 37," dad said.
"Brock could always throw strikes. You can't defend against a walk. I never allowed him to throw curve balls until last year. Brandon played against pitchers throwing breaking balls at a young age. Some boys wrecked their arms."
Dykxhoorn says his son has the frame, size and desire. Now, it's a matter of mastering his pitches.


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Wednesday, 23 February 2011 21:09
Franklin Bird Club to host warbler talkWritten by Admin
- font size decrease font size increase font size
The Franklin Bird Club will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, at the Macon County Public Library. Artist, illustrator and bird expert John Sill will present a video and talk about warblers. This will also be an organizing meeting to plan activities for the rest of the year. Anyone with an interest in birds is invited to attend.
Published in Archived Outdoors


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November 6 1917
Miss Isabelle Jones
2616 Blackwood Street
Victoria B C
Dear Miss Jones
I received the very sad news of the death of your brother, Roland M. Jones. We have also received a letter from Frank B. Wilson, a copy of which I am mailing you. We have put notices in both of the Springfield papers so that his friends here would know of his loss.
Your brother was a most noble young man of the very highest Christian character and ideals. While here he won the affection and regard of all of the students and of the members of the faculty. His enlisting was only in keeping with his loyal conduct of working his way through College and in devoting his life to Christian work. I am sure such as young man has not died in vain and that militarism and autocracy will be overthrown and a union of free peoples established in the world.
I sympathize with you deeply and look upon your brother's death as a personal loss. We are just getting out a service flag for each of our students who is in the army. Five of the these stars will represent boys who have already laid down their lives and one of these will be for Roland.
With sincere regards,
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Oceans For Emotions: Seek and you shall find
By Elaine Wheat
Jan. 10, 2014 at midnight
Updated Jan. 9, 2014 at 7:10 p.m.
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it will be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it will be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."
- Luke 11:9,10
Wouldn't it be nice if I could walk down to ocean's edge and say, "Ocean, Jesus said I could ask and then I would be given a fish. Since I am just a simple fisherwoman, I believe this, so I am asking for a 200-pound flounder without bones." Boy, I think that this is the first time I caused the ocean to have a rip tide as it rushed away from me.
Next, I tried to find a perfect piece of beach. God gave me the most requested piece filled with boom boxes, teenagers and others trying to seek and find. One mouthy brat even yelled at me, "Get off of our beach, Granny. We have big plans tonight."
As I continued driving down the beach, I had to make a stop. Did you know that beach bathrooms stalls have no doors on them? There are no bathroom doors on which to knock. I began to wonder why I love to fish the beach.
I could go to the grocery store without asking, seeking or knocking on the doors that open for you and find exactly what I am looking for and not end up stinking up my car and myself - I could buy cleaned, de-boned and skinless flounder, just enough for each meal.
When people ask me if I caught anything lately, I always say, "I caught just enough."
Dear Lord, during this new year, help us to increase our faith by increasing our companionship with You through prayer.


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Watch for Poisonous Weeds in Hay
- Nov 19, 2009
- Topics:
Photo: The Horse Staff
Most weeds are not palatable and will be avoided by pastured livestock if adequate forage is available. However, in hay, most livestock cannot differentiate weeds from beneficial long-stemmed forage, which can result in accidental ingestion and possibly a loss in performance or even death.
Three weeds commonly found in the upper Midwest that remain toxic when dried in hay are hoary alyssum, wild parsnip, and poison hemlock.
Hoary alyssum is toxic only to horses. It's a perennial weed that is commonly found in pastures and hay fields after areas experience drought. Hoary alyssum is light green to gray in color with white flowers. The seeds are small and oblong and easily seen in baled hay. Horses that ingest hoary alyssum might experience stocking-up or swelling of the limbs, founder, and even death. The toxic dose of hoary alyssum is estimated at 20% (of the plant ingested) in hay, but is known to affect some horses differently. Some horses have a zero tolerance to hoary alyssum.
Wild parsnip is a biennial that is toxic to cattle, horses, and sheep and is infesting ditches and fields in Minnesota. Leaves are course, with saw-toothed edges. Flowers are yellow, and umbrella-shaped. Wild parsnip can contain a toxin called furanocoumarins and can create severe skin irritations. High levels of the toxin have been found in all parts of the plant, including the seeds. The toxic dose of wild parsnip is not known. Signs and effects of toxicity include severe sunburn (photosensitivity). If you suspect wild parsnip toxicity, remove the plant source. Move all affected animals to a shaded area. A topical treatment can be applied to skin lesions. Since wild parsnip is commonly found in ditches, hay harvested from ditches containing wild parsnip should not be fed to livestock.
Poison hemlock is found in wet sites or along streams. Poison hemlock is a biennial that produces a rosette of leaves near the ground in the first year of growth, followed by an erect, flowering stalk the second year. Leaves have a lacy appearance and smell like parsnip when crushed. Flowers are white and are borne in umbrella shaped clusters. The tap root resembles a small white carrot. Poison hemlock contains alkaloids that are toxic to cattle and horses when 0.5% and 0.25% respectively of body weight are ingested. Clinical signs include death, salivation, and excitement. Treatment is rarely possible.
Remember to work with a veterinarian if you suspect a plant poisoning. Several clinical signs associated with plant toxicity can also be associated with other severe and deadly disorders. Evidence of poisonous plant ingestion, clinical signs, and diagnostic tests should be used to confirm poisoning from a toxic plant.
More information and photos of toxic plants.
About the Author
University of Minnesota Extension
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POLL: Checking for Gastric Ulcers


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2012 European Riders Rally May 18th - 20th, 2012
Riders from all over the country gather to enjoy some of the best riding in the Southeast through the foothills of Kentucky and Tennessee. There is free camping on the banks of the beautiful Cumberland River which runs through the middle of quaint downtown Burkesville, KY. There are well maintained toilet and showering facilities (bring your own towel and soap) and a covered pavilion with a fire pit. Hotel reservations are available at both the Riverfront Hotel and Alpine Lodge by calling one number (270-864-3300) for those who prefer hotels. Free shuttle from Alpine Hotel Saturday afternoon and evening. Register early as the rooms tend to fill up.
Rally riders will be treated to a complimentary lunch provided Saturday by Bloodworth Motorcycles, a free steak dinner with all the trimmings on Saturday night and a complimentary Sunday morning breakfast. Riders will also enjoy a Blue Grass Band Friday Night and a top notch live Nashville band Saturday evening, seminars on riding skills, lessons on bike maintenance, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and free coffee and lemonade all weekend.
Both guided tours and self guided rides will be offered to the old English style town of Rugby, the Maker's Mark distillery and various scenic locations in the area. It is a rider's paradise.
The rally is hosted by the BMW Motorcycle Club of Nashville. Riders may register online using the link below or send email to email@example.com. The first 200 to preregister will get a long sleeved rally shirt and rally pin. Those who register at the door will get a shirt and pin as available.
Cost: $40 to preregister ÔÇö $45 at the door ÔÇö $25 for day passes.
We're looking forward to seeing you there!


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An excerpt from www.HouseOfNames.com archives copyright © 2000 - 2018
Tuscany, including the notable surname Giannone. During the Middle Ages, as populations grew and travel between regions became more frequent, the people of Tuscany, who were originally known only by a single name, found it necessary to adopt a second name to identify themselves and their families. This process of adopting fixed hereditary surnames in Italy began in the 10th and 11th centuries, but it was not completed until the modern era. The development of Italian hereditary surnames followed general principles and were characterized by derivatives from one's given name. The patronymic surname, which is derived from the father's given name, was one of the most common name types found in the region of Tuscany. This system of name-making was widely used because it linked well with the existing Feudal System and during the Christian era, many people named their children after saints and biblical figures. The surname Giannone came from a popular variation of the well-known personal name Giovanni, or John.
Giannone Early Origins
Giannone Early History
Giannone Early History
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Giannone research. Another 39 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1685, 1328, 1500, 1520, 1563, 1568, 1649, 1646, 1748, 1700, 1753, 1770 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Giannone History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Giannone Spelling Variations
Giannone Spelling Variations
Surnames that originated in Italy are characterized by an enormous number of spelling variations. Some of these are derived from regional traditions and dialects. Northern names, for instance, often end in "o", while southern names tend to end in "i". Other variations come from the fact the medieval scribes tended to spell according to the sound of words, rather than any particular set of rules. The recorded variations of Giannone include Gianni, Giani, Ianni, Ianne, Ianno, Giannelli, Gianelli, Giannillo, Gianniello, Giannella, Gianella, Giannarelli, Giannetti, Gianetti, Gianettini, Giannetto, Gianetto, Giannitto, Giannini, Gianini, Giannino, Gianino, Iannetti, Ianetti, Iannitti, Iannacco and many more.
Giannone Early Notables (pre 1700)
Giannone Early Notables (pre 1700)
Prominent among members of the family was Lapo Gianni (died after 1328) an Italian poet who lived in Florence, eleven ballads and six songs of his remain; Donato Giannotti, a political writer and historian in Florence around 1500; Giugio Pippi di Giannuzzi, a painter and architect who assisted Raphael. When Raphael...
Another 129 words (9 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Giannone Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration
In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Giannone
Giannone Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Giannone Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
Contemporary Notables of the name Giannone (post 1700)
Contemporary Notables of the name Giannone (post 1700)
Giannone Family Crest Products
Giannone Family Crest Products
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Another bug from Capetown? (by Tony Sims)
This is http://www.nhm.ac.uk/natureplus/thread/9830
I'm no expert on S.A. spiders or any spiders at all but I guess the folks at http://www.ispot.org.za/node/175339 are so it looks very likely to be a "Silver Vleispiders (Leucauge sp) (see also http://www.ispot.org.za/node/180407 )
These ispots gave a link to http://www.arc.agric.za/vmuseum/vmuseumMain.aspx , where clicking on the 'common name' box to select silver vlei-spider gives a whole set from which it appears ours is Leucauge festiva.
(& it seems another view at http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/16088102
Hi rhossilian - looks good to me. Could you post/paste your reply above at this thread http://www.nhm.ac.uk/natureplus/thread/9830
Many thanks,


text: An exquisite leather belt is a men's wardrobe essential: find the rustic style and exceptional quality you seek in our men's leather belts at Sundance. Our collection includes a range of colors and finishes as sophisticated as they are rugged. The meticulous craftsmanship and easy-going character of our belts makes them perfect everyday belts you'll love.


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Policies create permanent underclass
A friend who owns a business in Chittenden County is hearing from his employees that they don't want to work any overtime because, if they do, the extra income will disqualify them for healthcare subsidies under Obamacare.
Again, it pays more to work and earn less.
A recent article in The Atlantic by Garance Franke-Ruta got a lot of attention highlighting the story of Nona and Aaron Cassara, a married couple actually considering divorce because they could more easily remain under the poverty thresholds and draw down more healthcare subsides if they were single.
What do all of these people have in common? They are making conscious, economic decisions to remain poor for the rest of their lives. When whole swaths of the population are prodded into making these same choices, the result is tragic - a permanent underclass in American society.
How so? Because, if it doesn't make sense to earn more money now - to take the promotion, or gain the extra experience, or create the extra opportunity to move "up the ladder" - it never will. If you've made the decision to live below the poverty thresholds with a keen eye on not violating them for fear of losing benefits, at what point will it ever make sense to break out? You're trapped. The safety net has become a spider's web.
This is why it is so upsetting, but not at all surprising, to see recent statistics from the Pew Research Center finding that 43 percent of Americans born into bottom quintile of household income ($28,900 or less) are still stuck there a generation later. This is exactly the opposite of what the United States is supposed to be about. People come here to escape these conditions.
This dynamic also explains a lot about the much-discussed growing gap between the richest and poorest. Of course those on the bottom are earning less. We're rewarding them to earn less through the progressive social welfare systems, punishing them if they earn more through the progressive tax system, and they are responding predictably to these perverse incentives.
Government has created so many "carrots" not to generate income, and so many "sticks" for those who do, for many it just doesn't make any short-term economic sense to move solidly into the middle class. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare recently calculated that a single mother is better off earning a gross income of $29,000 with $57,327 in net income and benefits than to earn a gross income of $69,000 with a net income and benefits after taxes of $57,045. There's a significant incentive not to take the raise from $29,000 a year to $30,000. There's also a significant incentive, if you're earning $30,000 to somehow get your wages down below $29,000. Couple this with government policies that discourage employers from hiring full time workers in the first place, and we wonder why the wages of the poorest Americans appear to be stagnating? Here in Vermont, where we have the most "progressive" tax system in the nation and, by some measures, the most generous public benefits, we shouldn't be surprised to learn that, "From 2002 to 2012, Vermont's wages at the high end (80th percentile) rose 6.3 percent after adjusting for inflation. Wages at the low end (20th percentile) shrank 6.2 percent. And those in the middle (50th percentile) saw their wages grow just 2 percent over the decade." (Public Assets Institute, 11/21/13) At the beginning of the last legislative session (January, 2013), Governor Shumlin described the welfare system we have created as being "cruel and unusual." It's an apt description. A truly moral and compassionate social welfare policy is one designed to break the cycle of poverty, not perpetuate it.
Rob Roper is president of the Ethan Allen Institute. www.ethan allen.org
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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By Douglas B. Reeves
Most states have adopted the Common Core State Standards. But while the Common Core's intent is to provide more consistent educational opportunities for students, the reality is that the implementation of the standards is wildly different from one state to the next.
Some differences actually are good, as local districts surely are the source of essential educational innovations. But many other variations in the implementation appear to be based on myths that this article will challenge.
Subscribers please click here to continue reading. If you are not a subscriber, please click here to purchase this article or to obtain a subscription to ASBJ.
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Copyright © 2018, National School Boards Association. American School Board Journal is an editorially independent publication of the National School Boards Association. Opinions expressed by this magazine or any of its authors do not necessarily reflect positions of the National School Boards Association. Within the parameters of fair use, this article may be printed out and photocopied for individual use, provided this copyright notice appears on each copy. This article may not be otherwise, linked, transmitted, or reproduced in print or electronic form without the consent of the Publisher. For more information, call (703) 838-6739.
American School Board Journal. The Source for School Leaders.1680 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, USA (703) 838-6722
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text: I have always had a modest backswing and used widebody racquets to help supply me with some extra power. I have used Wilson 4.0 Hammers for years and always had one or two 2.7 Hammers sitting around somewhere. Well, a couple weeks ago I saw an ad here on TW for a Wilson K-Hammer 2.7!!! What the...?!?!?!? Seriously? After all these years, a new racquet that is widebody, head-heavy, and that powerful at a standard length? Looks great too. I had to find out, so I ordered one. First time I played with it, it felt like magic and I played better singles than I have in quite some time. Thing is, I have never seen this racquet on the Wilson website. Does anyone know the story behind it? Cause for me and my game, it is a genie in a bottle! Anybody got the dirt on this racquet?


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Im a carpenter in west wales and while opening a roof the other day this came crawling out ... can anyone identify it please?
Hi Andrew,
It's a little difficult to try and identify it from this angle. I don't suppose you took other photos or still have the specimen?
That being said, it's shape looks like we may be able to narrow it down to the Theridiidae family. How big was it roughly?
A good place to start may be by having a look at pictures of Steatoda Grossa - and see if that seems like a good fit to you.
Many thanks for your quick reply ... it was about 10mm on the back
I have som moor pics here ...
I'm now confident in saying that this looks good for a Steatoda Grossa
Not all that uncommon in Wales apparently either:


text:
Alright. Obviously This is PG13 thread in the spectrum of the VMT.
Post away folks. Quotes from The Twilight Saga that sound dirty, but aren't.
"Do you mind if Jasper comes instead"
TW pb pg 437
Moderators: Bronze Haired Girl, una
G-Faerie08 wrote:"It's incredible, isn't it, the difference between reading about something, seeing it in the pictures, and experiencing it?" TW-Paperback p. 302
"Apparently, I look a little overexcited." TW-Paperback p. 299
"You can't imagine how that feels." TW-Paperback p. 261
"It won't be so hard again." TW-Paperback p.276
Jasper<3 wrote:
What happened with Jasper was nothing, Edward, nothing! NM
porscheturbo911 wrote:Jasper<3 wrote:
What happened with Jasper was nothing, Edward, nothing! NM
Ahahahahahahaha! That made me LMFAO!!
Return to In the Twilight Zone
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INDIANAPOLIS -- The AMOA-National Dart Association plans to launch a tournament program for younger players. The first-ever NDA Junior Tournament is set for June 20-22, 2014, at the Ramada Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport at the Mall in Bloomington, MN.
The Junior Tournament will be open to contestants 20 years of age or younger. They must be NDA-sanctioned players to participate. Plans call for singles, doubles and triples events; the tournament will be leveled so that players of any skill level can compete against others of equal ability.
The association proposes to make the Junior Tournament fun for the entire family, with opportunities (including a mixed event) for junior and adult participants to play together. Attractive prizes will add to the fun, NDA said.
NDA president Judy Mehle, BMW Billiards (Loveland, CO), observed that the association has had great success with Team Dart
, and wants to make a similar program available to younger players in a family-friendly setting. "The Junior Tournament creates a wonderful opportunity for juniors and adults to play together," she said. "It is just one more way that the NDA can provide a benefit to our players."
NDA is an international trade association made up of coin-operated vending companies representing approximately 300 operating company members and 45,000 players worldwide. Formed by and for coin machine operators, its purpose is to promote the sport of electronic darting exclusively on operator-owned equipment. To this end, NDA offers a variety of programs, materials and supplies to assist its members to increase the profitability of their dart operations.
NDA and its Team Dart organization is sponsored by the Amusement and Music Operators Association, Arachnid Inc., Cyberdine d.o.o., Gaelco Darts S.L., Medalist Corp., NSM-Löwen Entertainment and Shelti/Gold Standard. Visit ndadarts.com for more information.
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THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER: Cynthia Browning -- A courageous State Rep.
The forward by Allen Nevins, in John F. Kennedy's 1956 book, "Profiles in Courage," notes, "It is an indisputable fact that in government affairs the American People value character more than they do intellect."
In 2014, I would venture to say that most Vermonters share Nevins' remarks. This brings me to the lead story in the March 20, 2014, Rutland Herald, "Stiffed by Shumlin, Democrat hits back." The Democrat that reporter Neal Goswami was referring to was Cynthia Browning, representative for Arlington/Manchester/Sandgate/Sunderland to the Vermont State Legislature.
For the record, Browning is my Arlington neighbor -- and on most political matters she and I are oceans apart.
However, on the fight she is waging against Gov. Peter Shumlin she and I are of one mind -- both on the substance of the issue and the fact that she is acting alone. And for her actions her fellow Democrats have dispatched her to the wilderness.
The issue is that the governor thumbed his nose at the Legislature by ignoring the 2011 law, Act 48, which mandated his disclosing, by January 2013, the financial cost and funding sources of his universal single-payer health care plan.
Browning could not have made it any clearer in noting the lack of courage of her Democratic colleagues in the Legislature. She was quoted in the Rutland Herald as having said, "We're approaching shunning. But if I don't hold Democrats accountable ... how will I ever have credibility when I try and hold Republicans accountable?"
Browning was even more descriptive in describing the governor's lack of following the law. She was quoted: "She called Shumlin's refusal to offer more details a 'dereliction of duty' and 'policy malpractice.'" No wonder her fellow Democrats are about to shun her. Who among them would step out of line and go against their party's chief political officer? When was courage among Democrats ever a virtue in Montpelier -- until Cynthia Browning?
The basic facts are that the governor's quest since taking office is to do away with all private health care insurance providers in Vermont and have the state be the sole insurance provider. And he is adamant to have this in place by 2017.
There is no question that Gov. Shumlin has legions of supporters that back his confiscation of the health care insurance industry. He has paid (the taxpayers did) hundreds of thousands of dollars to out-of-state consultants to justify the take-over. The problem is that with all the money spent over the past three year, no definitive cost analysis has been made public.
Not only hasn't the cost of the governor's scheme been made public, he hasn't revealed how he plans to fund the massive program. The possible taxation sources have been kept secret, known only by his inner circle.
Three years have gone by since the Legislature adopted Act 48, mandating that the governor disclose the cost and funding by 2013. Disclosure did not happen. Furthermore, the governor promised the lawmakers he would get the data on cost and funding to them months ago -- he reneged on his promise in mid-March.
According to the Rutland Herald piece: "He (Shumlin) wants to make sure his administration gets a workable plan together before releasing more details about the system."
The governor's Montpelier cohorts know that this phrase is code speak. The real meaning is not to release anything until after the November elections -- the cost and resulting tax implications could cost them the election.
Browning doesn't buy into the administration's evasiveness and "filed a public records request seeking the administration's work," according to the Rutland Herald.
Simple question, why haven't the Democratic members of the legislature joined with her in seeking the information they were entitled to under Act 48? Simple answer, because they are beholden to the governor and not to their constituents. What is so disconcerting is how this venerable body, the Vermont Legislature, can turn on one of its own who they know is attempting to do what is right.
The behavior of the Montpelier Democrats is not unlike the U.S. Senate Republicans of 1868 as noted in JFK's book, "Profiles in Courage." In 1868, the U.S. Senate was controlled by Republicans who wanted to convict President Andrew Johnson at his impeachment trial. To do so they would have required 36 guilty votes.
There was one lone Republican dissenter -- Sen. Edmund G. Ross, of Kansas. The freshman senator did not believe the facts had proven the president to be guilty and voted nay. His lone vote was the deciding factor and it cost him his political career.
Someday in the future we will be informed by the governor's army of consultants of the cost and taxes that will be required for the grand takeover to take place. Also, in the future, it may come to pass that Browning does not wish to be seated among such fainthearted political operatives -- who, pathetically, can't break out of being in lock-step with their political leader.
What is certain is that our representative has allowed character to trump political expediency. And Cynthia, if Montpelier wishes to continue to shun you, just come back home -- the character bar in Montpelier is set too low -- in fact it is well beneath you.
Don Keelan writes a bi-weekly column and lives in Arlington.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


text:
For Yanks' Daley, series against Mets special
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- Matt Daley remembers pulling on a replica Mets jersey to suit up for trips to Shea Stadium, where he'd cheer for his favorites -- Al Leiter, Mike Piazza, and especially John Franco. He'd grab seats wherever he could; sometimes in the upper deck, sometimes closer to the dugouts.
The Queens product also remembers the pain of watching from his dorm room as a Bucknell University freshman as Piazza lifted a fly ball to center field on a crisp October night in 2000. The drive fell into Bernie Williams' glove, giving the Yankees their 26th World Series championship.
"I was pretty bummed at the time, that's for sure," Daley said, with a laugh. "But now, looking back, I'm happy for the Yankees."
Daley, who grew up in Garden City, N.Y., said that it was only after he left Yankee Stadium on Tuesday that it started to sink in: he'd just participated in his first Subway Series. Daley fired three scoreless innings of relief in the Yankees' 12-7 loss to the Mets at Yankee Stadium.
"To be able to pitch in it definitely means a lot to me," Daley said. "During, I was just trying to focus on the outing and trying to get outs. But afterwards, yeah, I got home and was kind of talking to my wife [Claire] and appreciating what just happened."
CC's visit to Andrews reveals changes in knee
NEW YORK -- CC Sabathia visited with Dr. James Andrews this week for an additional opinion on his troublesome right knee, and the noted orthopedist discovered "degenerative changes" in the knee, general manager Brian Cashman told reporters at Citi Field on Wednesday.
Sabathia, who is on the 15-day disabled list, had fluid drained from his knee this week. No structural damage was found in the knee, which Sabathia had repaired in October 2010 to repair a torn meniscus.
Cashman said that Sabathia will undergo a cortisone and stem-cell injection on Thursday at Andrews' practice in Birmingham, Ala., and that there is no immediate timetable for his return. Cashman mentioned that several big leaguers, including Carlos Beltran, Andruw Jones, Hideki Matsui, Raul Ibanez and Randy Johnson, have had success with similar treatments.
"His knee stability is fine, so there's no ligament damage or anything like that," Cashman said. "His knee is stable, but he does have some degenerative changes. What does that mean? He has some cartilage breakdown that is occurring. We have current players, and we've had past players, that have dealt with this in the past."
"It's just basically getting everything to calm down in his knee," manager Joe Girardi said. "You hope it's just the 15 days for CC."
Sabathia, who is 3-4 with a 5.28 ERA in eight starts this season, said that he first felt the discomfort during a May 4 start against the Rays.
His absence marks yet another pitching injury for the Yankees, who lost Ivan Nova for the year to Tommy John surgery and will be without Michael Pineda until at least June with a Grade 1 strain of the teres major muscle behind his pitching shoulder.
David Phelps and Vidal Nuno already have been promoted from the bullpen to the rotation, with right-hander Chase Whitley set to take Sabathia's place in the rotation for Thursday's Subway Series finale against the Mets. Whitley will be added to the roster on Thursday.
"The big thing for me with him is, as much as he can, he gets through that first inning to calm himself down," Girardi said of Whitley. "I don't care who you are and how highly touted you are, that first time you walk on a Major League field, there's a lot of emotions and a lot of adrenaline."
Girardi sees signs of Soriano emerging
NEW YORK -- Alfonso Soriano has always been one of the more streaky hitters around the league. He has been in a bit of a valley of late, but Yankees manager Joe Girardi senses some signs that Soriano is beginning to climb toward another peak.
"It seems like he's starting to swing the bat better again," Girardi said. "For me, he's always been a guy that's a little bit streaky. We know that. He had some hits the last couple of days. We could use it."
Soriano was 1-for-5 with a run-scoring single in the Yankees' 12-7 loss to the Mets on Tuesday, and has three hits in his last nine at-bats after residing in a 3-for-20 funk earlier this month.
"We've been scoring runs lately," Girardi said. "Lately, we've been having a hard time shutting the other team down. We'll take as many [runs] as we can get."
Bombers bits
• Beltran (right elbow bone spur) is receiving treatment after having a cortisone injection earlier this week. Beltran also took one-handed swings with his left arm, but is resting his right arm. He is hoping to avoid surgery, and the Yankees plan to reevaluate Beltran in the next few days.
"I think to be fair, you have to give the cortisone shot a couple of days before you make a determination," Girardi said. "Is that enough treatment to get through this? If not, then you might have to go a different direction."
• On this date in 1996, Dwight Gooden pitched the eighth no-hitter in franchise history, defeating the Mariners, 2-0, at Yankee Stadium. Gooden threw 134 pitches in the contest (74 for strikes), walking six and striking out five.
Also on this date in 1967, Mickey Mantle hit his 500th home run, a seventh-inning shot off the Orioles' Stu Miller. Mantle limped around the basepaths, his homer providing the margin of victory in a 6-5 Mother's Day win at Yankee Stadium.
Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Brain Teasers
The Perfect Murder
Fun: (2.92) Difficulty: (2.67) Puzzle ID: #3650
Submitted By: PeaceJo
Submitted By: PeaceJo
Situation Situation puzzles (sometimes called lateral thinking puzzles) are ones where you need to ask lots of yes or no questions to figure out what happened in the situation. These are good puzzles for groups where one person knows the puzzle and answers the questions.
Edward carefully plotted the murder of his enemy. One winter's day he strangled her in the bedroom, then faked a burglary. He ransacked the house, scattered possessions and broke through the patio doors. He set the burglar alarm downstairs before driving to the local golf course to establish his alibi. Two hours later, when Edward was in the middle of his golf game with three colleagues, the burglar alarm went off and the police were alerted. They found the house apparently broken into and the woman strangled. No animals or electrical devices were found which could have set the alarm off, so it looked as though an intruder had set off the alarm before killing the poor woman. Edward was never arrested or charged. The police inspector long suspected Edward, but there was one question which he could not fathom: How did the suspect get the burglar alarm to go off so conveniently? Can you work it out?
AnswerEdward placed a tray on the edge of the kitchen table. He put some pans on one side of the tray and ice cubes on the other side. When the ice eventually melted, the weight of the pans caused the tray to fall off the table. The pans bounced on the floor and the alarm was activated. To the police, the tray, pans and water looked to be part of the general disturbance in the kitchen.
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text:
4: The total number of top-five finishes recorded in 406 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts by Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins. In fact, that number doubled from two to four on Sunday, when drivers David Ragan and David Gilliland finished 1-2 at in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. Three of Front Row's top fives have come at Talladega, the other at its sister restrictor-plate superspeedway, Daytona. Before Sunday, Gilliland had scored the team's previous best result of third in the 2011 Daytona 500.
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text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Sep 4, 2007
|Filing date
|Oct 12, 2004
|Priority date
|Oct 9, 1998
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Frederick Johannes Bruwer
|Original Assignee
|Azoteq Pty Ltd.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (37), Classifications (25), Legal Events (7)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Application No. 09/806,860, filed Jul. 2, 2001, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,900, which is a U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/ZA99/00107, filed Oct. 8, 1999, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/169,395, filed Oct. 9, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,089.
The present invention relates to new intelligent electrical user interface structures that includes capacitive sensor technology. The invention further relates, in one embodiment, to intelligent switches having embedded therein a microchip for use with a variety of electrical devices to add heretofore unknown functionality to existing electrical devices. The invention also relates, according to another embodiment, user interfaces with capacitive sensing technology that differentiates between proximity and physical contact events in order to achieve a higher level of interpretation of the user actions by the switch and specifically to provide information to the user about the product, the state of the product or guidance towards possible (likely) next actions. In another embodiment, the invention relates to low current switches controlled by microchips of the present invention for use in building lighting systems.
In conventional flashlights, manually-operated mechanical switches function to turn the flashlight "on" and "off". When turned "on", battery power is applied through the closed switch to a light bulb; the amount of power then consumed depends on how long the switch is closed. In the typical flashlight, the effective life of the battery is only a few hours at most. Should the operator, after using the flashlight to find his/her way in the dark or for any other purpose, then fail to turn it off, the batteries will, in a very short time, become exhausted. Should the flashlight be left in a turned-on and exhausted condition for a prolonged period, the batteries may then leak and exude corrosive electrolyte that is damaging to the contact which engages the battery terminal as well as the casing of the flashlight.
When the flashlight is designed for use by a young child the likelihood is greater that the flashlight will be mishandled, because a young child is prone to be careless and forgets to turn the flashlight "off" after it has served its purpose. Because of this, a flashlight may be left "on" for days, if not weeks, and as a result of internal corrosion may no longer be in working order when the exhausted batteries are replaced.
Flashlights designed for young children are sometimes in a lantern format, with a casing made of strong plastic material that is virtually unbreakable, the light bulb being mounted within a reflector at the front end of the casing and being covered by a lens from which a light beam is projected. A U-shaped handle is attached to the upper end of the casing, with mechanical on-off slide switch being mounted on the handle, so that a child grasping the handle can readily manipulate the slide actuator with his/her thumb.
With a switch of this type on top of a flashlight handle, when the slide actuator is pushed forward by the thumb, the switch "mechanically" closes the circuit and the flashlight is turned "on" and remains "on" until the slide actuator is pulled back to the "off" position and the circuit is opened. It is this type of switch in the hands of a child that is most likely to be inadvertently left "on."
To avoid this problem, many flashlights include, in addition to a slide switch, a push button switch which keeps the flashlight turned on only when finger pressure is applied to the push button. It is difficult for a young child who wishes, say to illuminate a dark corner in the basement of his home for about 30 seconds, to keep a push button depressed for this period. It is therefore more likely that the child will actuate the slide switch to its permanently-on position, for this requires only a momentary monetary finger motion.
It is known to provide a flashlight with a delayed action switch which automatically turns off after a pre-determined interval. The Mallory U.S. Pat. No. 3,535,282 discloses a flashlight that is automatically turned off by a delayed action mechanical switch assembly that includes a compression spring housed in a bellows having a leaky valve, so that when a switch is turned on manually, this action serves to mechanically compress the bellows which after a pre-determined interval acts to turn off the switch.
A similar delayed action is obtained in a flashlight for children marketed by Playskool Company, this delayed action being realized by a resistance-capacitance timing network which applies a bias to a solid-state transistor switch after 30 seconds or so to cut off the transistor and shut off the flashlight. Also included in the prior art, is a flashlight previously sold by Fisher-Price using an electronic timing circuit to simply turn off the flashlight after about 20 minutes.
It is also known, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,147, to provide a mechanical switch assembly for a flashlight which includes a suction cup as a delayed action element whereby the flashlight, when momentarily actuated by an operator, functions to connect a battery power supply to a light bulb, and which maintains this connection for a pre-determined interval determined by the memory characteristics of the suction cup, after which the connection is automatically broken.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,538 discloses a flashlight having the usual components of a battery, and on-off mechanical switch, a bulb, and a hand-held housing, to which there is added a timing means and a circuit-breaking means responsive to the timing means for cutting off the flow of current to the bulb, which further has a by-pass means, preferably child-proof, to direct electric current to the light bulb regardless of the state of the timing means. The patent also provides for the operation of the device may be further enhanced by making the by-pass means a mechanical switch connected so as to leave it in series with the mechanical on-off switch. Furthermore, the patent discloses a lock or other "child-proofing" mechanism may be provided to ensure that the by-pass is disabled when the flashlight is switched off.
Most conventional flashlights, like those described above, are actuated by mechanical push or slide button-type switches requiring, of course, mechanical implementation by an operator. Over time, the switch suffers "wear and tear" which impairs operation of the flashlight as a result of, for example, repeated activations by the operator and/or due to the fact that the switch has been left "on" for a prolonged period of time. In addition, such mechanical switches are vulnerable to the effects of corrosion and oxidation and can cause said switches to deteriorate and to become non-functioning. In addition, these prior art devices having these mechanical switches are generally "dumb", i.e. they do not provide the user with convenient, reliable, and affordable functionalities which today's consumers now demand and expect.
The prior art switches typically provide two basic functions in prior art flashlights. First, the mechanical switches act as actual conductors for completing power circuits and providing current during operation of the devices. Depending upon the type of bulb and wiring employed, the intensity of electrical current which must be conducted by the switch is generally quite high leading to, after prolonged use, failure. Second, these mechanical switches must function as an interface between the device and its operator, i.e. the man-machine-interface ("MMI") and necessarily requires repeated mechanical activations of the switch which over time mechanically deteriorate.
Also, currently the electrical switches used in buildings/houses for control of lighting systems are of the conventional type of switches which must conduct, i.e. close the circuit, upon command, thus also providing the MMI. These prior art switches suffer from the same disadvantages as the switches described above in relation to portable electronic devices, like flashlights. Moreover, the switches are relatively dumb in most cases and do not provide the user with a variety of functions, e.g. but not limited to timing means to enable a user, for example, a shop owner or home owner to designate a predetermined shut off or turn on point in time.
There is a need for inexpensive, reliable, and simple intelligent electronic devices which provide increased functionality and energy conservation.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a microchip controlled switch to manage both the current conducting functions and the MMI functions in an electronic device, such as a flashlight, on a low current basis i.e. without the MMI device having to conduct or switch high current. According to one aspect of the invention, the MMI functions are controlled by very low current signals, using touch pads, or carbon coated membrane type switches. These low current signal switches of the present invention can be smaller, more reliable, less costly, easier to seal and less vulnerable to the effects of corrosion and oxidation. Moreover, since the switch is a solid state component, it is, according to the present invention, possible to control the functions of the device in an intelligent manner by the same microchip which provides the MMI functions. Thus, by practicing the teachings of the present invention, more reliable, intelligent, and efficient electrical devices can be obtained which are cheaper and easier to manufacture than prior art devices.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a microchip which can be embedded in a battery that will lend intelligence to the battery and thus, the device it is inserted into, so that many functions, including but not limited to, delayed switching, dimming, automatic shut off, and intermittent activation may be inexpensively realized in an existing (non intelligent) product, for example a prior art flashlight.
According to a further embodiment, the invention provides a power saving microchip which, when operatively associated with an electronic device, will adjust the average electric current through a current switch, provide an on and off sequence which, for example, but not limited to, in the case of a flashlight, can be determined by an operator and may represent either a flash code sequence or a simple on/off oscillation, provide an indication of battery strength, and/or provide a gradual oscillating current flow to lengthen the life of the operating switch and the power source.
According to one embodiment of the invention, an intelligent flashlight, having a microchip controlled switch is provided comprising a microchip for controlling the on/off function and at least one other function of the flashlight. According to a further embodiment of the invention, an intelligent flashlight having a microchip controlled switch is provided comprising an input means for sending activating/deactivating signals to the microchip, and a microchip for controlling the on/off function and at least one other function of the flashlight. According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided an intelligent flashlight having a microchip controlled switch comprising an input means for selecting one function of the flashlight, a microchip for controlling at least the on/off function and one other function of the flashlight, wherein the microchip control circuit may further comprise a control-reset means, a clock means, a current switch, and/or any one or combination of the same.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a battery for use with an electrical device comprising a microchip embedded in the battery. According to still a further embodiment of the invention, a battery for use with an electronic device is provided comprising a microchip embedded in the battery wherein said microchip is adapted such that an input means external to the microchip can select the on/off function and at least one other function of the electronic device.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an intelligent battery for use with an electronic device, the battery having positive and negative terminal ends and comprising a microchip embedded in the battery, preferably in the positive terminal end, for controlling on/off functions and at least one other function of the electronic device.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a portable microchip device for use in serial connection with a power source, e.g. an exhaustible power source, and an electronic device powered by said source wherein said electronic device has an input means for activating and deactivating said power source, and said microchip comprising a means for controlling the on/off function and at least one other function of the electronic device upon receipt of a signal from said input means through said power source.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a microchip adapted to control lighting in buildings. According to this embodiment, the normal switch on the wall that currently functions as both a power-switch, i.e. conduction of electricity, and MMI can be eliminated, thus eliminating the normal high voltage and high current dangerous wiring to the switch and from the switch to the load or light. Utilizing the present invention, these switches can be replaced with connecting means suitable for low current DC requirements.
According to another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a battery comprising an energy storage section, a processor, e.g. a microchip and first and second terminal ends. The first terminal end being connected to the energy storage section, the second terminal end being connected to the processor, and the processor being connected to the second terminal end and the energy storage section. The processor controls the connection of the second terminal end to the energy storage section.
According to another embodiment, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus which includes an electrical device, comprising a power supply, an activating/deactivating means, and a processor. The activating/deactivating means is connected to the processor and the processor is connected to the power supply. The processor controls the on/off function of the device and at least one other function of the device in response to signals received from the activation/deactivation means.
The present invention, according to a still further embodiment, provides a flashlight comprising a light source, an energy storage means, a switch means, and a processor means. The switch means being in communication with the processor means and the processor means being in communication with the energy storage means which is ultimately in communication with the light source. The processor controls the activation/deactivation of the light source and, in some embodiments, further functions of the flashlight, in response to signals received from the switch means.
While the present invention is primarily described in this application with respect to either a flashlight or a battery therefore, the embodiments discussed herein should not be considered limitative of the invention, and many other variations of the use of the intelligent devices of the present invention will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.
According to one embodiment or aspect of the present invention, and referring to
Referring to
The microchip 103, and other microchips of the present invention, can have its/their intelligence embedded in combinational or sequential logic, a PLA or ROM type structure feeding into a state machine or a true microcontroller type structure. The memory for the above will normally be non-volatile, but should there be a need for selectable options, EE or flash memory structures may be used.
The structure and operational parameters of such a microchip 103 are explained in greater detail below with respect to
If, for example, an emergency notification function is desired, the flashlight may be designed to alternately flash on and off every second. First, the operator activates input 102 into the appropriate position to indicate such a function is desired. During the "on" segment of the flashing routine, control/reset means 201 commands current switch 202 to close and let current flow through to load 105, thereby causing, in the case of a flashlight, the bulb to illuminate. Simultaneously, control/reset means 201 uses the timing means 203 as a clock for timing. After control/reset means 201 determines one second has elapsed, control/reset means 201 instructs current switch 202 to open and interrupt the current flow through to load 105, and bulb illumination is discontinued. It is important to note that both control/reset means 201 and current switch 202 are still active and fully powered; however, current delivery is now latent with respect to load 105. When another second has elapsed, a command is passed from control/reset means 201 which again allows current to be delivered through current switch 202 to load 105, and in the case of a flashlight, bulb illumination is immediately resumed. The device continues an alternating current delivery routine until either the operator switches the setting of the activating input switch 102 to the "off" position, or until the conditions pre-programmed into the microchip, e.g. into the control/reset means 201, are satisfied and current delivery is permanently discontinued.
Similar operating routines can be employed to generate other conspicuous flashing functions such as the generation of the universal distress signal S.O.S. in Morse code. Again, such a function would require that the microchip, e.g. control/reset means 201, be pre-programmed with the appropriate code for creating such a signal, and to permit current transmission from switch 202 to load 105 in accordance with the code with the assistance of timing means 203. For example, it may be desirable to have an S.O.S. sequence wherein flashes representing each individual letter are separated by time intervals ranging from one-half (�) second to one (1) full second, while the interval between each letter in the code comprises two (2) full seconds. After a certain number of repetitions of the routine, again determined by the operator or as pre-programmed within the microchip, e.g. within the control/reset means 201, the signal is discontinued.
As shown in
Referring now to
A block diagram showing microchip 103 for use, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, in association with a carbon coated membrane, a touch pad switch, or a low current type switch 106 is now explained in greater detail in respect to
As shown in
Referring to
When the charging capacitor 205 starts to become depleted, control/reset means 201 will recognize this state and reopen the current switch 203, thus briefly prohibiting the flow of current to load 105, in order to remove the voltage drop from load 105 and allow capacitor 205 to recharge and begin a new cycle. In a flashlight application, the time period wherein current flow from current switch 202 is discontinued can be such that the dead period of the light is not easily or not at all detectable by the human eye. In the case of a high current usage load, such as a flashlight, it means the ratio of the capacitance of the capacitor having to power the microchip and the current consumption of the microchip, must be such that the capacitor can power the microchip for a long time relative to the charging time (202 open). This will enable the flashlight's "off" time to be short and the "on" time to be long, thus not creating a detectable or intrusive switching of the flashlight to the user.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, e.g. in relation to another product of low current consumption, such as a FM radio, the designer may opt for a capacitive (reservoir) device externally to the microchip (see
According to another embodiment of the present invention, an output may be provided to indicate a condition, e.g. a battery is in good or bad condition. It may also be suitable to assist in locating a device, e.g. but not limited to a flashlight, in the dark. This may be a separate output pin or may be, according to another embodiment, shared with the MMI switch input. (See
According to a further specific embodiment of the invention, referring to
With an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
Each of the embodiments explained with respect to
The architecture of the two embodiments of the present invention shown in
According to some embodiments of the present invention, more intelligent devices include many other useful functions pre-programmed within the microchip, e.g. in control/reset means 201 and may, e.g. be assisted by a timing means 203. Referring to
Secondly, referring to
Thirdly, referring to
As can be seen by
The control/reset means included in the inventive microchips of the present invention may and in some instances, depending upon the application, should in addition to the many possible user functions described above, include means for adjusting the average current over a switch and/or a means for providing a gradual "on"/"off" current flow, so that the operator does not appreciably perceive the increase and decrease in light provided by the device. These features allow for an ongoing variable level of lighting as desired by an operator, and may also lengthen the life span of the activation switch, the bulb, and the power source. Moreover, several functions can now be added to an existing device, like a flashlight, through the use of a battery having embedded therein a microchip according to the present invention.
In another embodiment of the invention, the microchip is adapted to control lighting in buildings. The normal switch on the wall that currently functions as both a power-switch and MMI can be replaced by a low current switching device like a membrane switch, touch pad or carbon coated switching device. Since very low currents are required by the MMI switch (device) that replaces the normal wall mounted (A/C) switch, it is possible to replace the normal high voltage/current (dangerous) wiring to the switch and from the switch to the lead (light), with connectivity means suitable to the new low current DC requirements. As such, in the case of normal A/C wiring (110V/220V), the dangerous wiring can now be restricted to the roof or ceiling and all switches (MMI's) can inherently be safe. This may make the expensive and regulated safety piping required for the wiring of electricity to wall switches redundant.
In a specific embodiment, the traditional wiring between the light and the wall switch is replaced by flexible current conducting tape that can be taped from the roof and down the wall to the required location. In another embodiment, the connections can be made by current conducting paint or similar substances. In both cases above, it can be painted over with normal paint to conceal it. This makes changing the location of a wall switch or the addition of another switch very easy.
The microchip according to the present invention can be located in the power fitting of the light. The microchip having the low current (MMI) input and a power switch to block or transfer the energy to the load (light, fan, air conditioner). It reacts to the inputs received to activate or disable, or control other functions, of whatever device it is controlling.
The microchip may be adapted to contain the high current/voltage switch or control an external switching device or relay. The microchip may also, as in the other embodiments discussed, have some intelligence to control functions like dimming, delayed shut off, timed activation/deactivation, timed cycles, flashing sequences and gradual on/off switching. The microchip may also be adopted, as in a specific flashlight embodiment discussed, to provide a location/emergency signal for lighting/flashing an LED.
The power input 101 in
In a specific embodiment, Ic pin 1406 can normally be high and a closure of input means 1402, e.g. any of the low current switching devices described above, can be detected as Ic pin 1405 also goes too high. To flash the LED 1404 the microchip will reverse the polarities so that Ic pin 1405 becomes high with regards to Ic pin 1406. During this time, it may not be possible to monitor the closure of the input 1402 switch and the LED 1404 may not shine should the input 1402 be closed. In another embodiment, microchip 1403 is able to detect closure of input 1402 before reversing the voltage polarity as discussed and if it detects closure, it does not proceed with reversing the polarity.
Reference 1407 denotes an MMI wall unit, and reference 1408 denotes a high voltage roof unit.
In another embodiment, the microchips 1403 and 1503 are adapted to receive commands not only via the MMI input also over the load power (electricity) wiring. This would allow a central controller 1506 to send out various commands to various power points, controlled by a microchip according to this ivention, by using address information of specific microchips or using global (to all) commands.
Referring again to
Assume for the sake of example that the switch 102 is used to turn the microchip on in the sense that a flashlight is turned on. A switch 110 may then be used at any time to turn the flashlight off, by appropriately controlling operation of the microchip. This is a conventional approach to controlling operation of the microchip. As an alternative the operation of the switch 102 can be sensed by means of a timing device 112. The timing device is started when the switch 102 is closed and after a short time period, say on the order of 5 seconds or less, which is measured by the timing device, the mode or function of the switch 102 changes so that, upon further actuation of the switch 102, the switch duplicates the function of the switch 110 which can therefore be dispensed with. Thus, initially the switch 102 functions as an on-switch while, a short period after its actuation, the switch 102 functions as an off-switch. It follows that with minor modifications to the circuitry of the microchip a single switch can exhibit multi-mode capabilities with the different modes being distinguished from each other or being exhibited on a time basis or, if necessary, on any other basis.
Multimode capabilities can for example be incorporated in a microchip wherein the function of a switch is also linked to time. In this sense the word "function" means the action which ensues or results upon the detection of the closure of the switch. For example a single switch may, from an off state of a flashlight, enable (a) the switching on of the flashlight and (b) the selection of one of a number of various modes like dimming level, flashing rate/sequence etc. when the switch is closed a number of times.
If however a certain time is allowed to pass (say five seconds) without any further closure of the switch taking place (indicating a mode has been selected), the function resulting from the next closure may be changed. Thus instead of selecting another mode, the closure may be interpreted as an "off" command.
In other words a sequence of switch closures within five seconds of each other will continue to step the microchip through a number of predefined modes. However should at any stage a time of more than five seconds elapse between consecutive presses or closures of the switch then the next switch operation will switch the flashlight off rather than stepping the microchip to another mode.
Clearly these characteristics are not confined to the use of the chip with a flashlight for the chip can be used with other applications to vary the mode of operation thereof in an analogous way. Thus, for the flashlight, the function of the switch will affect the operation of the flashlight in a manner which is dependent on the time period between successive actuations of the switch. More generally, in any electrical device which is controlled by means of the microchip the operation of the device will be regulated by the function which is exhibited by a switch which is in communication with the microchip. The switch function in turn is dependent on the duration of a time period between successive operations of the switch.
Other modes can also be exhibited by a single switch. For example, depending on requirement, a switch can be used for on and off operation, for initiating the transmission of an emergency signal, for initiating the gradual dimming of a flashlight or the like. The scope of the invention is not limited in this regard.
In the preceding description reference has been made to a touch sensor and to a non-latching push button or latching MMI switch. These components and technologies relating thereto may be combined in certain embodiments to achieve specific operational features that may be attractive to the user in that certain comforts or user friendliness may be facilitated.
In certain embodiments the touch sensor interface/switch 106 (see
It is then also feasible to define a user interface that accepts both touch sensor signals as well as electromechanical switch and specifically push button switch signals. The signals may be used to select the same functions or in some embodiments the different MMI technologies may be used to select different functions or operational modes.
In a specific embodiment in accordance with the general concepts of this invention, a module comprises the energy consuming load 105 (for example a bulb, LED or other light generating element), and the microchip 103, which in accordance with principles already described controls the various functions or operational modes at least in response to signals received from the touch sensor and (traditional) switch interfaces as well as a find-in-the-dark (FITD) indication. The FITD indication may be the energy consuming load 105 or another separate element creating a visible, audible or other human detectable signal that would assist a person to locate a product containing the abovementioned elements or the MMI switch in particular, for example in the dark.
An example, that is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of this invention, may be an interior light for passenger convenience of an automobile or other transportation vehicle such as a boat or a plane.
In one embodiment the interior (courtesy) light is interfaced with the user (MMI) via either a touch sensor and/or an electromechanical switch, such as a push-to-make (push button) type switch, hereinafter called a pb switch. The interior light can be placed in various operational modes and functions under control of the microchip 103: for example the arrangement may provide an automatic delayed shut off function; and a FITD indicator function that also gives an indication of inputs which are received via the MMI interface and which enables the selection of an operational mode based on the various activation and/or deactivation (of the MMI switch) time sequences.
In another embodiment of this example the module comprising the light generating element, the microchip 103 and the FITD indicator have at least a pb MMI as well as a touch sensor MMI. The latter may be a capacitive technology based sensor as is known in the art (See for example the disclosures in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,730,165 and 6,466,036). This touch sensor is capable of giving an indication of, for example, a human hand being in the proximity of the sensor even if no physical contact between the sensor and the hand is made.
As an example of possible operation, the microchip 103 may use the signals received from the touch sensor indicating proximity of part of the body of the user, such as a hand, to activate the FITD indicator in a way that is different from when no proximity detection is occurring. Thus the FITD indicator that is normally off or flashing with a low duty cycle or activated in a low energy mode, may be activated in a constant on mode of a higher energy level. It is also possible in an embodiment to control the energy level, and hence the intensity of light or sound of the FITD indicator in some relationships to the proximity distance, say the closer the hand, the brighter or more intense is the FITD indicator. The FITD indicator may be part of the button to be pressed when activating the pb switch.
This proximity based FITD indication may continue for a period of time and may be discontinued a certain period of time after the proximity signal has disappeared. Of course the operation may be simpler and the proximity signal may be an indication upon which the microchip activates the FITD indicator for a predetermined period, at a predetermined level or only while the user is within a given proximity and the proximity signal is present.
If the user then proceeds and activates the pb MMI switch, the FITD indicator in a preferred embodiment may be deactivated or switched to another level or functional mode under control of the microchip, and the main energy consuming load may be activated by this pb switch activation. The microchip controlling the operational modes may, in a preferred case, be integrated with the microchip interpreting the MMI signals and realizing the touch sensor implementation.
Both the touch sensor and the pb switch signals may be interpreted in terms of time duration of activation and/or deactivation signals and/or sequences of signals.
In simple terms the physical switch (pb) surface that a user must press, may glow (in the dark) when the user brings his/her hand close to the switch. Specific illumination of the pb switch, under these conditions, assists the user in the location of the switch that must be activated in order to start operation. The pb switch in a specific embodiment must still be pressed to activate the light or main energy consuming load.
The FITD indicator may also be active (at a higher level) after an automatic shut-off has occurred or at least for a short period thereafter.
In another embodiment the activation by proximity results in a different operational mode or for a different time duration than activation by the pb switch.
In a specific embodiment the switching circuit including a module which houses or comprises the pb switch, the touch sensor, the microchip, the energy consuming load and a FITD indicator that is active when the load is not activated by the user. All the elements may be in close proximity of each other. In another embodiment the elements are each attached to and/or enclosed in the module which may be of any suitable shape or form which depends, at least, on the specific application.
The energy consuming load may for example, but not limited to, be an electric motor, a light generating element or a heat generating unit. The power source may be mains power or an exhaustible power source such as a battery or a fuel cell.
In a further embodiment, in accordance with a preceding description, the microchip controls an automatic delayed shut-off function resulting in the load being deactivated a predetermined period after it was activated. The microchip also gives a warning of such imminent shut-off a short period prior to the shut-off. This advance auto shut-off warning may be a single indication, a reduction in power and/or a sequence or repetitive sequence of warning indications. In a specific embodiment the microchip accepts a proximity signal as enough or sufficient indication that the user wishes to extend operation. This may be specifically during or after the warning signals have been activated. In simple terms, for example, once the warning has been given that auto-shut-off is imminent, but before auto-shut-down occurs, the user can reset the auto-off timer by the wave of a hand past the sensor and an actuation of the pb switch is then not necessarily required to extend the period of operation. Feedback may be given to the user that the extension of operation has been accepted by varying operation of the load or some other indication. An example may be that during the advance auto-off warning period the power to the load is reduced and upon resetting the timer, the original power level is restored. In a variation of this embodiment the FITD indicator that operates in response to the proximity signal(s) also gives an indication of the power source level. For example an activating/deactivating sequence or varying colors may be used to indicate the power level.
The combined touch sensor and pb switch technology may also be used in a headlamp or flashlight technology. Again proximity may activate the load or FITD indicator. The load may for example be activated at a reduced power level, or any activation may only be for a very short period of time. In some embodiments the proximity or touch sensor may be used for some commands but not for others, for example in a specific embodiment the touch sensor may not activate or deactivate the flashlight but it can cancel an imminent auto-shut-down. The same techniques can be implemented for the interior light (or map light) in a vehicle.
It is also possible that the pb switch can affect or activate functions concerning the general operation of the touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor may be forced to adjust its calibration by activations of the pb switch.
In another embodiment a power source (battery) level indicator may be activated whilst a proximity signal is active. This may enable a person to immediately notice the battery level when a product such as an electric tooth brush, shaver, flashlight or other battery operated product is picked up. Again, this indication may be switched off after a period of time. It is also possible that a low power indication or warning is given only when a proximity detection is made, to specifically stand out, when the proximity sensor is triggered.
In a further embodiment the electronics for the proximity touch sensor and a find-in-the-dark indicator are embedded in the casing of a traditional switch mechanism. This may be for example a switch for the defrosting of a window in a vehicle, a turn signal indicator activation mechanism or a window wiper activation lever. When the proximity of a body part (e.g. finger) or another element is detected, the find-in-the-dark indicator is activated in a mode different from normal. For example, it may be normally off and upon the proximity detection the find-in-the-dark indicator may be activated; or it may normally be on in a low mode and upon the proximity detection, the find-in-the-dark indicator may be activated in a higher power or more prominent mode. The find-in-the-dark indicator may be specifically designed to illuminate the contact area of the switch in the vicinity where the user must physically make contact to activate the switch. In some cases, e.g. a lever used to operate a wiper or turn signal indicator, the illumination may be on a front side of the lever to be visible, whilst the contact from the user may be from the bottom, top, side, back or any other direction. An important aspect is that the location of a specific selection mechanism, which enables a specific function to be activated, is indicated to the user before the mechanism is actuated. Alternatively expressed the specific function to be activated by a specific selection mechanism is indicated to the user before the function is selected. This may help prevent accidental activation of a wiper when a turn signal was desired and vice versa. Of course another indication (e.g. audio) may also be used to alert the user as to what switch is being approached or in proximity of a body part. In each instance a second indicator can be used in place of the FITD, or in addition to the FITD. The second indicator is under the control of the microchip and is used to give the user information about a switch near, or combined with, the proximity detection sensor.
It is also proposed that the proximity switch be used to guide the user towards a button or a sequence of buttons likely to be operated next. For example if a radio is installed with this invention and in an off state, the detection of a user finger in proximity of the radio will illuminate the on switch and possibly no other switch, whereas a proximity detection when already on, will illuminate the off switch or volume control switch but not the on switch. In a sense this invention will intuitively lead the user through the next logical options when the switches are approached.
It is also possible for a function or load be temporally selected, say whilst the proximity detection is made, but to activate the load permanently or for an extended period of time even if the proximity detection is cancelled, the pb switch must be operated.
The aforementioned functions also apply to a mains system with a mains switch fitted with a find-in-the-dark indicator and touch sensor interface or with mains and the system as described previously (
It is also possible for the touch sensor proximity interface plus electronics to control some of the other described functions to be built into a traditional type switch that is for example typically found in a car or in a house. In some embodiments the touch sensor may switch the load on but not off or vice versa.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that further changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as claimed.
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Owner name: AZOTEQ PTY LTD., SOUTH AFRICA
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text:
This is an annoying thing about newspapers: I discover browsing through yesterdays paper at the coffee shop that there is an excellent editorial cartoonist at the Star Tribune — he had a surprisingly anti-religious cartoon in the 11 June newspaper. I get online to look it up, and discover that the Star Tribune effectively buries everything other than the today's newspaper, so I can't find it! Can anyone out there help me out? It's by L.K. Hanson, 11 June, on page A13 of the Opinion section — I'm looking forward to the outraged letters to the editor that will follow.
I can find examples of Hanson's work on the web, but I wanted this specific cartoon…although it's true that the more of his work I see, the more I like it. So why does the Strib make it so hard to see it?
Found, on Hanson's Facebook page!
I like it.