text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jul 21, 2009
|Filing date
|Feb 14, 2005
|Priority date
|Feb 14, 2005
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Seong Jin Koh, Gerald W. Gibson, Jr.
|Original Assignee
|Agere Systems Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (22), Referenced by (2), Classifications (12), Legal Events (8)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This invention relates generally to field emission electron sources and more particularly to field emission elements formed from a silicon-based semiconductor material and a method for forming the field emission elements.
In the technology of field emission devices and structures, an electric potential applied to or near a pointed surface of an emission element or emitter (or a plurality of such emission elements or emitters configured in an array) stimulates the emission of electrons from the pointed surface. A shape of the emitting surface, e.g. a pointed emitter tip, is selected to concentrate the electric field formed by the potential and thus maximize electron emissions into a vacuum surrounding the emitter. Increasing the electrical field intensity increases a current density of the emitted electrons, and the intensity is inversely further related to a radius of curvature of the emitting surface shape. Extremely pointed field emission tips are therefore desired.
In a field emission display, electrons emitted from the emission element are accelerated in a vacuum to impinge a phosphor screen that glows when struck by the electron. By contrast, in a cathode ray tube display, the electrons are generated by thermal emission from a heated cathode surface. In the field emission display the electrons are emitted from a "cold" cathode surface.
As illustrated in
A shape of the emission elements 10 is selected to maximize electron emission, as sharper emission elements produce more electrons and thus a brighter image. As the number of emission elements supplying electrons to each display pixel increases, the display reliability also increases, as it is known that the electron emissions from an emission element can decrease with time.
A voltage Va (greater than the voltage Vg) applied between the cathode electrode 8 and an anode electrode 24 accelerates the electrons toward a phosphor screen 25 (or other electroluminescent display device). The phosphor screen 25 and the anode electrode 24 are supported by a transparent anode substrate 26. Responsive to the impinging electrons, phosphor pixels comprising the phosphor screen 25 emit light observable from a surface 30 of the anode substrate 26. Typically, a plurality of emission elements 10 supply impinging electrons for a single pixel, wherein the plurality of emission elements 10 are insulated from other pluralities of emission elements 10, such that each plurality is independently controllable for emitting electrons that strike a single pixel.
For producing a color image, each pixel comprises a color pixel triad, further comprising a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel and a blue sub-pixel. The emission elements 10 associated with a pixel are segregated into a matrix of insulated addressable arrays, such that a first array is associated with the red sub-pixel, a second array is associated with the green sub-pixel and a third array is associated with the blue sub-pixel. To produce a blue color on the display, for example, the third emitter group is activated to emit electrons that impinge on the blue sub-pixel.
To permit operation at relatively low operating voltages, the emission elements 10 are typically constructed from a material exhibiting a low work function (such as molybdenum, where the work function is a measure of the amount of energy required for an electron to escape from the metal into the surrounding vacuum) to increase the electron emissions and shaped in the form of points 34. As can be seen from
Application of the voltage Vg between the gate electrode 16 and the cathode electrode 8 controls emission of electrons from the emission elements 10. As can be seen in
Opening/element alignment and opening size have been difficult to control in the prior art due to the extremely small geometries and tolerances associated with the openings 11 and the emission elements 10. Typically, to obtain opening/element alignment it has been necessary to employ a difficult and time-consuming masking step to form the openings 11, but slight errors in either the mask or the mask alignment relative to the substrate 14 can detrimentally affect the opening/element alignment and thus the emission of electrons. The difficulties encountered in fabricating such arrays increase significantly as the dimensions of the emitter emission elements 10 are reduced to a sub-micrometer or nanometer scale.
In addition to opening/element alignment concerns, according to the prior art the emission elements 10 are fabricated using known photolithographic masking, patterning and etching steps. This process limits element density and element quality. In particular, the density is limited by resolution of the photolithographic process. Also, since the emission elements are tapered, each occupies a larger area at a bottom surface than at a tip apex. Thus the required tapered base limits the emission element density, which lowers the image brightness. A higher element density is therefore desired to achieve a higher image brightness.
In an effort to overcome the disadvantages associated with the use of the photolithographic process for forming emitter emission elements, current research efforts form the emission elements 10 by directing a laser beam toward a substrate surface. When the laser beam strikes the surface material is removed therefrom, with the material remaining forming the emission elements 10. This process requires a laser scan over the entire substrate and thus can be time consuming. Disadvantageously, the emission elements 10 produced by the laser technique may not be uniform throughout the substrate.
Etching techniques to remove material layers from a silicon substrate are commonly used in semiconductor fabrication processes. Various dry and wet etchants are available, with each etchant offering specific etching characteristics, including material selectivity, etch uniformity and edge profile control. Plasma etching is one form of dry etching that employs a gas and plasma energy to create a chemical reaction that etches the desired material layer.
A conventional plasma etching system comprises a chamber, a vacuum system, a gas supply and a power source. After loading a silicon wafer onto a pedestal in the chamber, the vacuum system reduces the pressure and a reactive gas is supplied to the chamber. An electrode in the chamber is energized by a radio frequency power source to energize the gas to a plasma state, producing ions, electrons and radicals. A radio frequency bias applied to the substrate develops an electric field proximate the substrate to attract ions of the reactive gas to the substrate. These ions and the radicals synergistically etch the substrate according to a pattern in a mask overlying the substrate.
Selection of a specific reactive gas is based on the material to be removed during the etch process. For example, for etching a silicon dioxide material layer, CF4 and oxygen are typically used. In the energized state, the CF4 is disassociated into highly reactive carbon and fluorine radicals, in addition to a number of ions. The radicals and ions interact with the substrate, where the fluorine attacks the silicon dioxide, converting the silicon dioxide to a volatile material that is removed from the chamber by the vacuum system. Typically, the plasma etch process is performed at a temperature between about 15 and 45� C., and at a pressure between about 5 and 100 mTorr, depending on the reactor type employed for the process.
One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for fabricating field emission elements within a silicon substrate. The method comprises providing a plasma etching chamber, supplying oxygen to the chamber, supplying a silicon etchant to the chamber, controlling a ratio of the oxygen to the silicon etchant and etching silicon from the silicon substrate to form the emission elements in the substrate, wherein an upper surface of the emission elements exhibits a generally convergent shape.
According to another embodiment the invention comprises a field emission display further comprising an anode, a doped silicon substrate, emission elements randomly disposed on a surface of the silicon substrate and having a convergent tip region in a direction of the anode, an insulating layer overlying the substrate, wherein the tip region of each emission element is below an upper surface of the insulating layer and a gate overlying the insulating layer, wherein openings disposed through the insulating layer and the gate expose the tip region of certain ones of the emission elements, and wherein in regions of the substrate absent openings the tip region of other ones of the emission elements remain covered by the insulating layer.
The foregoing and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
Before describing in detail the particular method and apparatus for forming field emission elements according to the present invention, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in a novel and non-obvious combination of elements and process steps. So as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, certain conventional elements and steps have been presented with lesser detail, while the drawings and the specification describe other elements and steps pertinent to understanding the invention in greater detail.
A method for forming emission elements 10 according to the present invention begins as illustrated in
A photoresist layer is deposited overlying the silicon nitride layer 54 and patterned according to known techniques to form a patterned photoresist layer 56. The pattern in the photoresist layer 56 is determined by a desired pattern for the field emission elements 10.
Using the pattern of the photoresist layer 56, the underlying silicon nitride layer 54 is etched according to known techniques (for example, using a CF4 chemistry) to form silicon nitride regions 54A (see
According to the present invention, the emission elements 10 are formed in the silicon layer 52 using a plasma etch process without the use of a photolithographic mask, thus reducing emission element fabrication costs. In addition, the present invention provides higher density and higher aspect ratio emission elements than the prior art techniques, resulting in better element uniformity and a brighter display image. During the plasma etch process, oxygen (O2) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) are supplied to the etching chamber in a ratio of oxygen to sulfur hexafluoride of about 1.5:1. Preferred flow rates are about 30 sccm for the oxygen and about 20 sccm for the sulfur hexafluoride. Hydrogen bromine (HBr) is also supplied to the etch chamber at a flow rate of about 50 sccm. In another embodiment, a chlorine-based compound (or other compounds including an element from Column VIIA of the periodic table) can be used in lieu of the hydrogen bromine and/or the sulfur hexafluoride.
During the etch process, a chamber pressure is maintained at about 30 mTorr. A radio frequency current generating about 60 W of power biases the substrate 50. A radio frequency source supplies about 1500 W to the plasma-forming electrode in the chamber.
The stated etch parameters are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art recognize that variations of up to at least 20% from the stated parameters may produce desired results, i.e., formation of the emission elements 10. Further, the etch parameters may vary due to the design of the etching tool and the conditions of the chamber.
During the etch process, oxygen radicals combine with silicon on the upper surface 53 to form silicon dioxide regions 55, also referred to as micro-masks. These silicon dioxide regions 55 are not easily etched due to the material selective nature of the etchants employed, i.e., a higher etch selectivity to silicon than to silicon dioxide. Thus the emission elements 10 are formed as regions of the silicon layer 52 adjacent the silicon dioxide regions 55 are etched, while silicon regions masked by the silicon dioxide regions 55 remain substantially intact (i.e., are etched at a much slower rate).
This phenomenon of forming the silicon dioxide regions 55 and etching regions of the silicon layer 52 that are not masked by the silicon dioxide regions 55 is referred to as micro-masking. The process occurs when the etch chemistry is such that both etching (of the silicon) and deposition (of silicon dioxide to form the silicon dioxide micro-masks) occur simultaneously at a ratio of the rate of deposition to the rate of etching determined by the reactants employed during the process.
Both the SF6 gas and the HBr gas, in an embodiment in which it is present, participate in the silicon etching process. The SF6 etches faster but is less selective to the silicon dioxide and more isotropic (i.e., the resulting etch profile lacks the perpendicularity of a substantially anisotropic etch). The combination of the fluorine and the silicon form volatile SF4 that is removed from the etch chamber. The HBr gas is more selective to the silicon dioxide and etches very anisotropically, because the bromine is less reactive than fluorine and requires a greater ion bombardment energy to form volatile SiBr4.
The ratio of SF6 to HBr determines the degree of selectivity to the silicon dioxide and the anisotropic features of the resulting etch. Some of the oxygen ions and radicals combine with the silicon to form the silicon dioxide regions 55, since silicon dioxide is not a volatile material.
The ions and radicals that etch the substrate 50 are derived from both the SF6 and the HBr (in an embodiment where it is present). The ions strike the surface of the silicon layer 52 substantially normally or anisotropically because they are attracted by the negative potential applied to the substrate 50. Further, since the ions strike the surface at about 90 degrees to the surface, they tend to drive the etch process vertically, rather than laterally, resulting in a predominantly vertical etch process, creating the emission elements 10 with a higher density than the prior art processes. The free radicals, which carry no charge, strike the silicon layer 52 from substantially all directions because they are not attracted to the substrate 50. Instead the motion of the radicals is influenced by collisions with other atoms in the chamber and therefore is essentially random in all directions. As the ions impinge the exposed silicon surface, they tend to accelerate the etch process that was begun by the radicals in the first several monolayers of the silicon layer 52.
As the etching process begins, the upper surface 53 of the silicon layer 52 comprises a relatively flat surface. As the silicon dioxide regions 55 are formed, the etch process removes material adjacent the silicon dioxide regions 55, forming substantially rectangular vertical structures 10A as illustrated in the close-up view of
Beginning in
A chemical/mechanical polishing step (CMP) is performed to planarize an upper surface 64 of the substrate 50. See
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Using the opening 88 as a pattern, an opening 89 is formed in the aluminum layer 82, using a chlorine-based etch chemistry, for example. Through the opening 89, an opening 90 is formed in the material layer 80 and the silicon dioxide layer 66. As can be seen in
After formation of the opening 90, the photoresist layer 84 is removed. Note that a plurality of emission elements 10 are formed within each opening 90, although only a single emission element 10 is illustrated in
A physical deposition process (according to one embodiment) deposits a material layer 96 over the tip 10A through the opening 90, and deposits a conductive layer 98 over the aluminum layer 82. See
As shown in
As illustrated in
A top view of the completed structure is illustrated in
A red sub-pixel array 120 comprises a plurality of emission elements 10 that when energized emit electrons that strike a red sub-pixel for producing a red color on the phosphor screen 25. Similarly, electrons emitted from a blue sub-pixel array 122, comprising a plurality of emission elements 10, impinge a blue sub-pixel to produce a blue color and electrons emitted from a green sub-pixel array 124, comprising a plurality of emission elements 10, impinge a green sub-pixel to produce a green color. As illustrated in
An architecture and process have been described as useful for forming field emission elements in a semiconductor substrate. Specific applications and exemplary embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and discussed, which provide a basis for practicing the invention in a variety of ways and in a variety of circuit structures. Numerous variations are possible within the scope of the invention. Features and elements associated with one or more of the described embodiments are not to be construed as required elements for all embodiments. The invention is limited only by the claims that follow.
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|Micron Technology, Inc.
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|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jul 20, 2009
|Jul 19, 2011
|Agere Systems Inc.
|High-density field emission elements and a method for forming said emission elements
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|Nov 12, 2009
|Agere Systems Inc.
|High-density field emission elements and a method for forming said emission elements
|U.S. Classification
|313/495, 313/497, 313/309, 445/24, 313/311
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|May 20, 2005
Owner name: AGERE SYSTEMS INC., PENNSYLVANIA
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text:
PRZOOM - /newswire/ -
Washington, DC, United States, 2013/05/22 - Finmeccanica through its companies AgustaWestland, Alenia Aermacchi, DRS Technologies, OTO Melara, Selex ES and Telespazio takes part in ITEC. FNC IM; SIFI.MI
Finmeccanica through its companies AgustaWestland, Alenia Aermacchi, DRS Technologies, OTO Melara, Selex ES and Telespazio takes part in ITEC, the International Forum for the Military, Training, Education and Simulation sectors, showcasing the latest advanced technologies in the field of Simulation and Training.
The event is designed to foster relationships between participants and allow them to share experience and knowledge in the simulation, education and training fields. Offering a complete overview of the latest innovations in the industrial field, this event offers visitors an interesting platform to discuss the developments of a continuously evolving market, and the opportunity to exchange of views on the future requirements of simulation and formation in the military and civil fields.
In particular, Finmeccanica presents the Finmeccanica Simulation Network (SimLabs) project which connects seven Group Companies Simulation Labs, Selex ES (three labs) AleniaAermacchi, Telespazio, OTO Melara, MBDA. SimLabs was created by the working group of the same name belonging to the SET2 (Simulation for Experimentation & Test, Evaluation and Training) community of Finmeccanica MindSh[.]re, whose mission includes the exploration and the development of innovative technologies and solutions for the Group and the creation of that technological network connected with customers and institutional and academic partners, an indispensible instrument to create projects of the sort. The innovative value of SimLabs is representing one of the few examples of a federation of laboratories that do not belong to a single company and, at business level, it will give Finmeccanica the opportunity to explore advantages deriving from getting sets of simulators developed for specific different and complementary environments to work together and to create a Simulation Hosting Service to meet the requirements of governmental or military customers. In February, SimLabs was federated with Government and Armed Forces Simulation Networks (the NATO Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence at Cecchignola Rome), confirming its functionality and effectiveness through the achievement of a real time simulation involving different systems and laboratories .
At ITEC, AgustaWestland showcases three advanced training systems that help it deliver industry leading helicopter training services to its customers.For maintenance technician training AgustaWestland is showing its HeliSmart system. Advanced graphical visualization creates the helicopter systems, tools and ground equipment in a fully interactive 3D virtual environment, allowing 150 familiarisation, corrective and preventive maintenance tasks to be trained. AgustaWestland Distance Learning (AW-DL) provides access to individualised learning content wherever and whenever using PC or tablet via a Learning Portal over the World Wide Web, providing a tailored, hi-quality, immersive and effective training package. Also on show will be a Rear Crew Training Device, which forms part of AgustaWestlands Whole Crew Training Approach where RCTD/simulators/flight-training devices can be linked to allow full-crew training. Trainees operate within the VR environment whilst being fully observed by the Instructor acting as the pilot and can practice, gunnery, hoisting, external-load, obstacle awareness and aircrew skills without reliance on weather, targets or aircraft availability.
Alenia Aermacchi will exhibit within the Finmeccanica stand and will showcase its M-346 simulator and C-27J aircraft. It will also display the Eurofighter Typhoons simulator in the Italian Air Forces booth. Founded in 1961, Alenia Aermacchis Simulation Centre develops and manages flight simulators and hardware and software equipments necessary for their integration. These simulators are used to support the development of the airplanes Alenia Aermacchi produces directly or in national or international partnerships. Flight simulators, interactive piloting stations, generators of scenarios and images and relative installations of virtual reality are integrated in a distributed simulation network that carries out tests on complex and multi-platform systems that includes simulators located on both different and interconnected sites. When the aircraft is delivered to a customer and enters its operational phase, the same resources active in the development are also active in the initial training of pilots and technicians. Additionally, simulators dedicated to ground training are specifically designed and built for the customer and installed at its air bases. Such approach has proven highly effective in the Eurofighter and C-27J programmes: in both cases Alenia Aermacchis engineering simulators have been used for the initial training and to develop ad-hoc flight simulators (Eurofighter Enhanced Aircrew Cockpit Procedure Trainers and Eurofighter Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids the latter of which was developed within the ASTA programme)and C-27J Flight Simulator. Alenia Aermacchi, with over 50 years of experience in the military pilot training, has also developed an Integrated Training System (ITS) that includes mission simulators (Full Mission Simulators), Academic Training Media in addition to Training Management Tools and, naturally, the Trainers aircraft, first of which the new M-346.
OTO Melara developed simulation systems for land platforms such as VBM IFV, DARDO IFV. The aim of these simulators is to facilitate integration of the platforms inside Command and Control (C2) operating network. The system, integrated in an HLA environment, is composed of a platform simulator and its real C2 components. This means that every connection protocol with the C2 network is correctly replicated. Even though simulators has been mainly developed for testing the C2 network functionalities, thanks to their good level of fidelity comparing with real systems, they can easily adapted to be used as trainers for military personnel. The DRACO is the land platform derived from the 76/62 multipurpose Naval Gun. The gun is used, for naval application, in the following roles: Anti Air Warfare, Shore Bombardment, Anti Surface Warfare. The DRACO system offers, for the land application, the same multirole capability by combining remarkable range, accuracy, firing power of the 76 mm gun, with the advantages offered by the improved 76 mm warheads and new generation fuses (3AP). The high performance in anti air warfare are moreover enhanced by using DART guided ammunition. OTO Melara developed a software which helps to define the design requirements and evaluate the performance of the system inside different scenarios. We will show 3D animation of a selected scenario implementation.
Selex ES, with a wide range of systems and solutions for simulation and training, is particularly involved in this sector. At the exhibition, the company showcases a selection of systems for avionics components which includes the integrated Aircraft maintenance trainer, able to allow service engineers to study the modern aircraft, making them able to recognize the cognitive processes necessary to operate and repair the modern military aircraft; the Avionics Systems trainer, to study and repair avionics systems on board; MARS (Multimode Airborne Radar Simulator), a software that provides a real-time simulation of the major air to air (A/A) and air to surface (A/G) radar systems. The product, designed to be easily integrated into various flight simulators, is currently used in the Eurofighter flight simulators. For the avionics sector the Fighter Mission Desktop trainer is also shown. It is a reconfigurable simulation tool offering a complete sensor simulation displayed in realistic environments. Finally the MALE Battlelab is presented: a modular cost effective solution for the development, testing and missions simulation for UAVs. In the field of land complex systems the Integration test bed of Forza NEC is showcased. It is a spread centre for experimentation, consisting of numerous military centers networked, geographically distributed and characterized by a completely integrated and interoperable environment. Selex ES also displays the virtual shooting range, a solution for the training of law enforcement and security for all those organizations which have to improve the ability to use weapons. On the communication simulation domain, the company shows the NCSE, Network Communication Simulation Environment. It is a solution allowing the simulation of any system: from sensors to mobile networks and infrastructure, in order to evaluate the scalability, survivability, availability, and the network reliability before they are made operational. The company also introduces the Swave HH, a portable radio channel for secure tactical communications, and the LRT-350, a computer specifically designed for vehicular applications which particularly well performs computational power, which is essential for C2N (Command, Control and Navigation) applications. Selex ES is also into the stand of the Italian Carabinieri with the Sicote system which is employed for the Support to the investigation and control of territory.
Telespazio, a joint venture between Finmeccanica (67%) and Thales (33%), will attend at ITEC 2013 with its subsidiary Telespazio VEGA Deutschland. The company will present its joint Simulation capabilities and especially focus on training solutions for individual, classroom and distance learning which facilitate initial, conversion, and refresher training for pilots, operators and maintenance technicians, like for example the Virtual Maintenance Trainer for the NH90 helicopter or the Cockpit Procedure Trainer for the CH53-GA helicopter. The company, with its strong heritage in delivering training solutions, focusses on bespoke solutions to meet todays and future customers needs. With its Equipment Emulation Technology it builds simulation-based training systems with features such as learning management, computer-guidance and remote coaching.
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text:
Raleigh Green Gables: What to do with all that schoolwork
Posted October 6, 2015
Updated October 8, 2015
Editor's Note: Does your kitchen counter feature a pile of school work from just the first few weeks of school? Leah Friedman, a mom of two and owner of Raleigh Green Gables, gives you permission to dump most of it.
Just before school started in August, my daughter and I went through old artwork from school and tossed what she did not want. We ended up getting rid of about two-thirds of her art pile.
We did it to prepare for the upcoming school year. My daughter loves making art, so I know more work will be coming home! And, guess what? My daughter was perfectly fine watching it all go into the recycling bin.
Schools send home a ton of paper from tests to art to worksheets. And for some reason, many parents feel guilty about recycling it. I would invite you to stop the guilty feelings. Your kids don't need all that paper. Your house, which is already overflowing in stuff, does not need it.
Plus, old paper grows mildew. Yuck!
Think about this: Do you have papers from your school days? I am going to guess most will say no. (At least, I hope so.) And, look at you. You've turned out perfectly OK without having your second grade spelling tests.
If you recycle/toss all those papers from school, your kids will be just fine, too. Trust me. They may even thank you one day when they are cleaning out the house, so you can downsize!
I am not saying throw out everything. If there is a piece of art your child is particularly proud of, keep it. I framed several pieces of art created by my children and hung it in their rooms. It makes for cute and cheap decorations.
I also keep a pile of small, card-like artwork. My children then give them to friends as birthday cards. They write a sweet message and put their name on it, and voila! -- as Fancy Nancy would say -- you never have to buy a birthday card for a child's party.
As for the schoolwork, I have ONE plastic bin for each child where I keep significant work such as a journal where they wrote about their summer vacation. I think that will be funny to read with them when they are 18 and headed off to college. (I may make them take the bin with them to their dorm, and they can decide whether to keep it or throw it out.)
But they only get ONE bin for all 12 years of school. If we get to fourth grade, and it's full, that means we will revisit and thin it out to make sure 11th grade calculus tests with perfect scores will fit.
So stop feeling guilty about throwing out school papers. That is a story you have made up in your head. It's time to respect your children and honor their work by recycling most of it and keeping only important items in ONE bin.
Leah is the mom of two, professional organizer and owner of Raleigh Green Gables.


text:
By Elyse Kaner
Staff Writer
Time to dust off your dancing shoes. Or if you don't care to waltz or polka, perhaps listening to concertina music is more to your liking.
Either way, the 34th annual Concertina Bowl promises to be an uplifting, fun event with 12 nonstop hours of musical entertainment coming to Blainbrook's Brook Hall, Jan. 28 from noon to midnight.
Gary Brueggen, billed as Wisconsin's Concertina Kid, returns with his band Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen as the headliner. Brueggen, who hails from the LaCrosse area, is a 2008 Concertina Hall of Fame inductee.
"They look good on stage," said event organizer Art Ohotto of Fridley. "Everything about them is good."
Brueggen started playing concertina at the age of 10. He grew up in a family of concertina players. Now in his 30th year of performing, he plays throughout the United States and on Caribbean cruises. He has performed as far away as Germany and the Czech Republic
Blaine/Coon Rapids Knights of Columbus Council No. 5141 presents
The 34th annual Concertina Bowl
A reunion of music lovers
Jan. 28, noon to midnight
Adults $9.50, Students 18 & less $5, Kids under 12 Free
Brookhall at Blainbrook, 12000 Highway 65, Blaine
For more information, call 763-784-7204
"There will be a little of something for everybody," Brueggen said of the upcoming Concertina Bowl, ticking off a list of showy tunes audience members will hear. The "Chromatic Polka," "Champagne Polka," "Roller Coaster," "In the Mood," various country and '50s and '60s tunes, for instance.
"We love to travel," he said about his band. "We love to play. We love performing for people – making sure they're getting their money's worth for the events."
Concertina Bowl's special guest performer is Josh Eidsor, at 14 years old, a master concertina player.
"He reads the music better than most of us read the funny papers," Ohotto said.
Josh, who lives in Shoreview, has been playing the concertina for three years, but he has taken piano lessons since the age of seven.
"What jump-started him was being able to read music," said his mother Beth Eidsor.
In addition to soloing, Josh will play a few numbers with his grandfather Don Borash, also a concertina player.
But you're certain to hear more than polkas and waltzes at this squeeze-box jam session that spans two rooms. Playing on more than 40 different concertinas, the musicians also perform classical music, fox trots and whatever moves them.
Or, if you have one, bring your own concertina and share your talent.
Bob Novak, of Lake Elmo and builder of the Echo concertina, presents a concertina display as well. It's a place where people can buy, sell or trade their instruments. New or used. Mike Smieja, who restores and repairs concertinas, and George Hebaus, expert tuning and repairman, will be on hand, too.
Food and beverages are available for sale. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day. At 1:30 p.m. a cash prize of $34 will be awarded.
The music bowl used to draw as many as 750 concertina aficionados. The number has decreased to about 450 attendees in the last two years. The event draws people from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Washington, Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska and Ontario, Canada, according to Ohotto. Many return year after year.
Unfortunately, many of the older players have headed to the great concertina bowl in the sky, Ohotto said. Still, he continues to head and promote the bowl.
"I've got a love affair with the concertina and I want to do everything I can to build it," he said.
The event is sponsored by Blaine/Coon Rapids Knights of Columbus Council #5141.
Elyse Kaner is at [email protected]


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Chip-sealing set for Mitchell streets Tuesday
The City of Mitchell Street Department will chip-seal the following streets beginning at 7 a.m. today:
• 700-800 block of West Second;
• 700 block of S. Minnesota Street;
• Austen Street;
• Home Federal Avenue;
• 100-200 blocks of McCabe Avenue;
• 200 to 1200 blocks of West Norway Avenue; and
• 1900 block of South Langdon Street.
All vehicles need to be removed from the street by 7 a.m. Refrain from parking on the street until all work is completed. In case of inclement weather, the schedule may be changed.
— Source: Mitchell Street Department


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Discussion in 'The National Football League' started by Wolf, Mar 14, 2010.
Tennessee and Pittsburgh (sept 2009 game) is on the NFL network right now
Chiefs @Ravens (Sept 2009 game) are on NFLN at 1:30
Did our first matchup with the titans make it to nfl replay during the season?
they have the Bears at Packers on now
Cutler is doing his best Steve Francis so far (LZ was right) turnover,turnover windmill dunk (game Cutler has turned it over twice already by 2nd period)
One would think that a game which featured so much ill will between the teams would be a safe bet to draw big ratings.
they have 49ers-Vikings on right now (the one where Brett threw the last minute TD)(it is in 3rd quarter right now)
after that they have Jets-Titans game
Sure did. Remember watching the craziness in full during the week after.
and the cfl starts in about 2 months... yayyyy lol go bombers!!!!
also the Arena league just got going.
Don't knock it. They wear pads and run, pass, catch and tackle.
NE and Denver on right now in the throwback jerseys
Geeze Denver .... and those uniforms
refs are a close 2nd
Still not as bad as some of those Seattle uniforms I saw in the season. I have vomited prettier things than those uni's.
Separate names with a comma.


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Update: Sue has now confirmed that the duology will be in hardcover.
Original Story: Sue Rostoni has announced on the StarWars.com forums that Paul S. Kemp will be writing two new Star Wars novels in the future.
We've signed Paul Kemp up for a duology — I don't have any other information I can reveal at this time. We're not sure of the pub dates yet….nor the format (hardcover or paperback)… so no questions as I have no answers.
Kemp had announced earlier this week on Twitter that he had signed the contract for a new (hardcover, according to the tweet) duology, but did not reveal that it was a Star Wars tie-in at the time. This contract sets Kemp up for four Star Wars titles in the future. He is currently writing Riptide (the sequel to his first Star Wars novel, Crosscurrent), as well as Deceived, a tie-in for The Old Republic. Both of those titles are due out in 2011.
We will keep you updated on more information as it is released.
Source: StarWars.com


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Rate of 4.99%, 7.99%, 14.49% or 15.49% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Example: A 180-month term of a $40,000 purchase, at a 4.99% rate requires monthly payments of $316.11. A 144-month term of a $40,000 purchase, at a 15.49% rate requires monthly payments of $613.02. Program minimum amount financed is $10,000 and minimum 0-10% down payment required. Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank.


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Miller says state could build West Coast port to ship coalFeb 27, 2014 By Eric Blom, Staff Writer
State Rep. Dave Miller thought West Coast ports were not shipping enough Wyoming coal, so he had an idea: Have the state build its own.
Miller brought his plan to the Wyoming Legislature, and it looks to have a head of steam behind it. The Riverton Republican believes Wyoming's coal industry could grow if it sold more coal to Asia, but ports on the West Coast lack capacity to ship enough of the product.
"In order to keep our revenue stream strong, we need to export our coal," he said in an interview before the legislative session started.
Severance tax on coal production produces a large portion of the state's revenue, he said.
The bill passed the state House of Representatives unanimously and was referred to the Senate. The upper chamber's Minerals Committee voted Monday to support the measure, but the full Senate has yet to take it up.
State Sen. Eli Bebout, R-Riverton, cosponsored the bill.
Private industry already is making plans to ship coal from several northwestern ports, but concerns about environmental issues have hampered those efforts.
Wyoming's Infrastructure Authority's purpose is to promote consumption of the state's energy products by planning, financing and building electricity transmission facilities and advanced coal technology plants. Miller's bill would allow it to develop "coal distribution facilities, including coal ports."
To build a piece of infrastructure, such as a port, the authority would issue a bond to raise money. Then, it would plan and build the facility. Afterward, the authority would pay back the bond holders with revenue the new infrastructure generates.
Wyoming produced less coal in 2013 than 2012, Miller said, and he blamed the drop on increased Environmental Protection Agency restrictions on coal-fired power plants on the U.S.
County, state and federal officials are reviewing current plans to ship coal from two ports in Washington state and one in Oregon. The vetting process could take two years for some of the facilities, but projections are for the three ports to ship 110 million tons of Wyoming coal to Asia, mostly through Bellingham, Wash.
Elected officials and environmentalists in Washington, Oregon and Montana in the past year have raised concerns with federal officials about environmental impacts of moving coal in trains from Wyoming and Montana to the West Coast. In line with those concerns, the federal Surface Transportation Board decided in December that BNSF Railway could require coal shippers to reduce coal dust during rail shipping. In June, however, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided against a broad environmental impact study on shipping coal from Washington, instead performing more-limited investigations.
Miller does not expect Wyoming actually to build the port because he thinks the prospect of the state owning a port would spur private companies to construct one and make money from it.
"I fully expect the private sector to step up, just because they don't want government involved in projects like that," he said. "They finally would find out a way to do it with their own money."
Wyoming now exports about 4 million tons of coal annually, Miller said, but he hopes a new port would ship 50 million to 100 million tons of the state's coal.
Increased tax revenue would benefit many state programs in Fremont County, such as K-12 schools, Central Wyoming College, and the Wyoming Life Resource Center in Lander, he said.


text: If i buy a saiga & do the conversion, where do i get the parts from ? i want to do the short barrel, pistol grip & folding stock. I know i'll have to do the nfa paperwork, right now i'm just trying to get a cost idea. Would it be cheaper to buy one already done ? If so, who sells them besides redjacket. They seem a little high to me.


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Will Power set the top time for Friday following a drier second practice session on the streets of Detroit's Belle Isle, just 0.0988s ahead of Justin Wilson.
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After heavy rain in the morning left the first practice session of the day in Detroit blighted by standing water, it was a much drier picture for the later afternoon second practice on the streets of Belle Isle.
Following disappointment at Indianapolis last weekend, Will Power resumed normal service by putting Penske top of the timesheets with a lap of 1:12.8355s (102.313mph), less then a tenth of a second ahead of Justin Wilson who had clearly rebounded from his minor mishap in the earlier session.
Power was clearly enjoying himself: "It's insane how hard you've got to push to be quick. It's great. There's no straights, there's no corners, and I had a lot of fun actually," he said.
For Wilson, it was good to be back at a circuit where he won the last time there was an IndyCar race here. "It seems like 2008 was a long time ago. We're back with new cars, new teams and new set-ups but the same track - I think we know what it takes to get around this place," he said. "It's always good to be back at Detroit. We've had a good day."
The one hour session saw two red flags, one early for Scott Dixon spinning through turn 13 and stopping in the middle of the track in the opening minutes, and the second just before the end for a sin and stoppage by Simona de Silvestro in the same sector.
"I spun in the first part of the second session. The car just felt really light on grip, and we struggled that session," explained Dixon. "I think we were decent enough to stay in the top five or six but we had a time in the car to be about third. Overall we're struggling with grip and balance."
One feature of the session was some close encounters with the local wildlife, with Rubens Barrichello being forced to swerve at speed to avoid a squirrel that encroached onto the track. Another squirrel leapt out in front of Sebastien Bourdais and wasn't so lucky.
Saturday sees another one hour practice session at 9am ET (2pm BST) ahead of qualifying at 11.45am (4.45pm BST). The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix takes place on Sunday afternoon at 3.45pm (8.45pm BST) after a final early morning half-hour warm-up opportunity.
Full practice 2 times available


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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The head of the agency overseeing the Ohio Capitol grounds says a Holocaust memorial approved by the governor may not be appropriate for the site.
Former state Sen. Richard Finan of Cincinnati is president of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board. The Columbus Dispatch reports Tuesday (http://bit.ly/HQBkPH ) that he says the memorial may not fit outside a Statehouse completed in 1861 and restored to its Civil War-era look in 1996. He also has concerns other groups may request other memorials.
A bill signed Friday by Gov. John Kasich calls for the memorial. The state is funding preliminary site work and private money will fund the rest.
The bill also adds the Capitol Square board to the Ohio Arts Council, allowing them to jointly determine the memorial's location and design.
Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com


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It was fast-paced as the speakers rotated to each group and then came together at the end to see the plans for the future of Salomon Farm Park.
Saloman Farm is 170 acres of a working farm, complete with livestock, as was intended when the Salomon family donated the land and buildings to the parks department. This is one of the jewels of the parks system with a farmers market, walking path (nearby YMCA) and a pond bordering DuPont Road.
The team was led by Al Moll, director of the city parks department, along with people with expertise in their fields. We learned the wonderful old red barn is fully refurbished and is home of many receptions and parties. We heard about the trails, gardens, wetlands and farming equipment of the '30s and '40s kept in running order at the farm, with intentions of expanding it even more.
Regarding trees in our city, which we had 52,000, and more than 20 percent, or 14,000, were stricken by the emerald ash borer. Treatment and removal of these trees are being triaged according to worst cases and available funds.
We were also reminded that we can "twin" with our city in planting trees in our park strips by going half, or $75, for each tree planted.
Another wonderful asset is the Community Center downtown, which sponsors activities for both young and old year around.
A new free service was also introduced to neighborhoods that assists homeowners in finding trustworthycontractors and businesses for home-improvement needs. This service is particularly valuable in that so many of our citizens get scammed each year. To learn more about this free service, call company owner Tony Messuri at 676-2032 or go to www.thehomeownershelper.com.
The "round robin format" for NWAP meetings is popular because it allows for smaller groups, and easier ability to hear and ask questions of each speaker. But it is more time-consuming, which resulted in our meeting running overtime and made our reports shorter than usual. We hope you can be with us Thursday night, when we return to our regular meeting style with Ricky Kemery, horticulture educator at Allen County's Purdue Cooperative Extension office, just in time for spring planting tips and gardening ideas.
You can always contact us through www.neighborhoodlink.com/NWAP, and we hope you join us for coffee and refreshments at our March meeting.
More Information
NWAP meetingWhat: The Northwest Area Partnership of neighborhoods monthly meeting
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday March 21
Where: Northridge Baptist Church, 1300 E. Cook Road
Write a Your Neighbor column
The column allows a nonprofit group to tell the community about the organization, its programs or an upcoming activity. To submit a column, email neighbors@ news-sentinel.com.


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NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Menlo Park, CA, United States, 2009/01/20 - Crescendos AppBeat DC optimizes Ringleader Digitals ad serving architecture, ensuring high performance, availability and scalability - CrescendoNetworks.com.
Crescendo Networks, Ltd., the recognized performance leader in Web application acceleration and optimization, today announced that Ringleader Digital, the only third-party mobile ad serving network, is using AppBeat DC to ensure high levels of performance, availability and scalability from its mobile ad serving architecture for advertisers and publishers worldwide.
Ringleader Digital extends the online advertising experience to mobile by enabling seamless advertising across multiple environments while also providing the analytics to track mobile advertising campaign performance in real time. Ringleader Digital provides publishers and advertisers with new levels of mobile advertising campaign control, flexibility and measurement to optimize the value of each mobile campaign.
Ringleader Digitals Media Stamp technology is driving the next generation of mobile advertising by providing advertisers and publishers with unprecedented targeting and analytics, said Rick Landsman, CTO of Ringleader Digital. To maintain high levels of performance, fault tolerance and scalability to support our customers robust campaign results information, we selected Crescendos AppBeat DC. The solution helps to ensure unparalleled performance and provides the flexibility that we need to support our rapid growth.
Crescendos AppBeat DC provides high availability, scalability, acceleration and optimization for Web applications. Unlike competing solutions, AppBeat DC leverages the industrys only purpose-built platform, uniquely designed for maximum performance and feature concurrency. By offloading servers from process-intensive tasks and optimizing the delivery of the application to users, AppBeat DC significantly improves overall application performance, security and availability while reducing datacenter costs.
Ringleader Digital will continue to experience massive growth as the mobile advertising market expands, and with growth comes immense stress on its ad serving infrastructure, said Adoram Gaash, CEO of Crescendo Networks. By implementing AppBeat DC, Ringleader Digital is able to scale and capitalize on that growth without worrying about the performance, availability and future scalability of its ad serving network. Ultimately, its about ensuring a quality user experience for the mobile user, and we help Ringleader Digital deliver that.
About Crescendo Networks
Crescendo Networks (crescendonetworks.com) is the recognized performance leader for accelerating and optimizing the delivery of business-critical, Web-enabled applications. The companys unique multi-tier application architecture dramatically improves the operation of today's demanding application infrastructure. The worlds largest corporations and fastest growing Web properties rely on Crescendo for the application performance and efficiency needed to ensure usability, facilitate rapid business growth, lower IT costs and capture additional revenue.
Crescendo Networks, the Crescendo Networks Logo and AppBeat are trademarks or registered trademarks of Crescendo Networks in the U.S. and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Written by / Agency / Source: Crescendo Networks
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A preliminary hearing for the two suspects in last year's Ontario triple was continued to next month.
Steven Carter and Micheal Hall were present and in custody Thursday in the West Valley Courthouse in Rancho Cucamonga, but not all the lawyers were prepared for the scheduled hearing.
Judge Cara D. Hutson re-scheduled the hearing, where testimony and evidence will be presented, for April 10.
On Nov. 26 three people were found dead at a residence in the 1000 block of South Magnolia Avenue in Ontario.
Brandon Perez, who lived at the residence, was killed when three men burst in shortly after midnight, police said. Two of the invaders were also killed in the ensuing gunbattle.
Police officers responded to the Ontario home after receiving a report that an unconscious man – later identified as Aaron Philip Andrews, of Upland – was in the driveway with a gunshot wound.
Police officers also found Albert Lamar Thomas, of Ontario inside the house.
Carter and Hall, both of Upland were arrested shortly after. They have both been charged with three counts of murder.
Gang enhancements were added to the three charges of murder of which Carter is accused.


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Carey Mulligan: No booze at awards
Carey Mulligan is determined to stay off the booze for the rest of awards season.
The British actress revealed she drank too much at last year's Independent Film Awards in London, where she won the Best Actress gong for her role as schoolgirl Jenny in the film An Education.
"I was at the Independent Film Awards in London and I was hammered," she said at the Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills.
"I didn't think I was going to win, so I was like 'ah whatever'. Then I got up there and it was lucky I kept it very short and got off the stage, so since then I've been very well behaved."
Carey, nominated for Best Actress at this year's Oscars, has clearly enjoyed this year's awards season and meeting some of her movie heroes.
"I'm really thrilled. It's been wild but great," she said.
"I've just accidentally bumped a***s with Quentin Tarantino, so that's a surreal thing to happen! I've been following Kathryn Bigelow around quite a lot but I don't know if she's noticed and it's been lovely meeting Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren and Sandra Bullock.
"They've all been unbelievably kind and not intimidating. They could be a nightmare if they wanted to because they're so good, but they're lovely."


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Maximizing time spent right in your own stores is an investment that always pays off. By Jim Callahan. One of the common traits among top quartile chains is that we all invest a lot of hours in our businesses. For all of us, there is a finite number of hours that we can work and
Archives for July 2012
Connecting With Your Customers
Easter Candy Sales
C-stores can prepare in advance for Easter candy sales in 2013 with the help of Mars Chocolate North America. About 78% of Americans celebrate Easter, and it's the second most popular holiday for chocolates and candy. Chocolate comprises 91% of Easter basket contents, so it's important to promote chocolate products in your c-store that time
Ultramar Offers New Gift Card Program
Ultramar works with Fanbox to give consumers new gift card services at all of its Canadian locations. Fanbox, a leader in relational technology and loyalty programs, developed a gift card program for Ultramar service stations and convenience stores across Canada, which totals 800 corporate and partner stations. The program developed by Fanbox was launched across
Marathon Petroleum Files For IPO
Marathon Petroleum Corp.'s pipeline unit MPLX LP filed with U.S. regulators to raise up to $365 million in an initial public offering (IPO), Reuters reported. The limited partnership, recently formed by the refiner to own, operate, develop and acquire pipelines and other midstream assets, plans to list its common units on the New York Stock
Walgreens June Sales Decrease 6.8%
Customer traffic in comparable stores decreased 2.3% while basket size increased 1.3%. Walgreens has announced June sales of $5.63 billion, a decrease of 6.8% from $6.04 billion for the same month in fiscal 2011. Compared with prior months during this calendar year, June sales comparisons were significantly impacted by calendar day shifts and an increase
Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco Offer Gas Giveaways
Seasonal promotion features chance to win 'gas for life.' Leading gas station chains Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco are encouraging travelers to hit the road this summer through a seasonal promotion that offers drivers the opportunity to win free gas for life, among more than 6,000 other prizes. With automobiles as the primary means of
Anheuser-Busch InBev Buys Grupo Modelo
Anheuser-Busch InBev is acquiring the rest of Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo, the maker of Corona beer, in a deal valued at $20.1 billion, BusinessWeek reported. A-B InBev, which already owns a 50% stake in Modelo, plans to purchase the remaining stock for $9.15 per share. Under the terms of the deal, Grupo Modelo—which brews and
Lawson's Enters U.S. Market
Japan's second largest c-store chain hits the U.S. market this summer. Lawson, Japan's second largest convenience store chain, comes to the U.S. this Saturday as the company opens its first two stores in Waikiki, Hawaii. According to Pacific Business News, the two stores will be by the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and the Moana Surfrider on
American Express Announces EMV Plans
First compliance deadline set for April 2013. American Express issuer is joining MasterCard, Visa and Discover in integrating EMV chip-based contact, contactless and mobile payments for its American Express-branded cards in the U.S., Contactless News Online reported. Merchants, processors and issuers of AmEx cards will need to comply with its requirements and deadlines: • April
TA Hosts Recipe Challenge For Drivers
Professional drivers get creative and submit their favorite recipes to TravelCenters of America for its UltraChef contest. Professional drivers can show off their chef skills in TravelCenter of America's second UltraChef One Million Point Recipe contest to earn points, prizes and recognition. TA wants professional drivers in the UltraONE Driver Rewards program to submit their
The Carlyle Group Buys Sunoco's Philadelphia Refinery
"We believe the changing nature of the energy paradigm in the U.S., coupled with a redefined operating model, can truly benefit this refinery," says Carlyle managing director. Sunoco Inc.'s Philadelphia refinery, which was facing potential closure at the end of July, has been saved by The Carlyle Group. The Washington-based private-equity manager announced plans Monday
18+ DOVE Ice Cream Truck
Mars Chocolate North America announced that 10 fan-selected cities will receive a visit from the special-edition "Adults Only" DOVE Ice Cream Truck, loaded with DOVE products to help adults relive their childhood ice cream memories. The truck will make stops throughout the U.S. between late June and early August, all of which were chosen by
7-Eleven Celebrates 85 Years In Business
7-Eleven hands out free Slurpee drinks for its 85th birthday, along with a big summer sweepstakes of offers for customers. 7-Eleven prepares for its birthday on July 11, where participating stores in the U.S. and Canada will give away free 7.11-ounce Slurpee drinks between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Slurpee drinks are a summer tradition
Premium Beverage Handles
C-stores can add upscale appeal to their coffee, tea and other beverage dispensers by adding the new Crystal Handle from Tomlinson Industries. The handles are made from a durable crystal-clear resin, and can be used with any S, SP or MS Series faucet. Existing faucets can be converted to use Tomlinson's premium handles, or the
Seattle Bans Plastic Bags
More U.S. cities go green and ban the use of plastic bags in retail outlets. The ban on plastic bags continues as Seattle bans single-use plastic shopping bags at all businesses in the city, according to an Examiner report. The ban went into effect on Sunday, as was approved by the Seattle City Council in December.
NOCO Express Opens 34th Store
NOCO Express 'excited' to open its first store in Steuben County, NY-area NOCO Express, a family-owned and operated gas and c-store chain based in Tonawanda, N.Y., celebrated the grand opening of its newest location in Wayland, N.Y. This past June, NOCO purchased the former Acorn Markets. Today marked the grand opening of the store under
RYO Regulation Passed
House members voted 373 to 52 in favor of the bill and Senate members voted 74 to 19 to pass the legislation. On Friday, June 29, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate voted to pass a transportation bill that included commercial RYO regulation, the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported. The