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A system for guiding a missile to a target is disclosed which includes a signal processor for generating error signals in response to a signal being received from the target. The processor includes four channels for receiving a target signal. An arithmatic circuit compares the amplitude of the target signal on each channel with the average amplitude of the other three channels and generates an error signal for guiding the missile.
1. A missile guidance system comprising:
detector means having n detecting sections for receiving a signal from a target and generating output signals from any of said sections in response to said target signal;
arithmatic means coupled to said detector means said arithmatic means having n channels corresponding to said detector means sections, said arithmatic means for summing a signal of any channel with the average of signals on said other n-1 channels and providing an output signal from said channel having a signal greater than the average of said other signals; and
command generating means coupled to said arithmatic means for providing output signals to steer said missile to said target in response to said arithmatic means.
2. A missile guidance system, comprising:
quadrant detector means for receiving a signal from a target, each of said quadrants for generating an output signal in response to said target signal;
arithmatic means having four channels respectively coupled to said quadrants of said quadrant detector said first channel for summing a first signal on said first channel and the average of the sum of signals on said other three channels and providing a signal from said channel having a signal greater than the average of said sum;
threshold means having four channels being respectively coupled to said channels of said arithmatic means, for providing an arithmatic signal whenever said signals from said means exceed a predetermined threshold;
reset means coupled to said threshold means, said reset means being responsive to a timing signal;
flip-flop means having four channels coupled to said reset means for providing a first signal in response to said threshold means, said flip-flop means being reset by said reset means and for providing a second signal in response to said threshold means; and
means coupled to said pulse stretching means for providing steering signals.
This invention relates generally to missile guidance systems for tracking a laser light illuminated target. In particular, this invention relates to a guidance system for receiving signals of reflected laser energy from a target and generating eight missile command steering signals.
Guiding a missile to a target by illuminating the target with laser energy and utilizing the reflected laser energy to generate missile commands is generally known in the prior art. Typically, field personnel illuminate a target with laser energy and nearby aircraft, carrying guided missiles, scan the terrain and locate the laser illuminated target by the reflected laser energy. An infrared detector on the missile nose cone is directed at the target and the missile is fired at the target when the target is within the range of the missile. The missile is guided to the target by error signals generated by a laser signal processor.
Generally, an optical system receives the laser energy reflected by the target and that laser light is focused to a small spot on an infrared quadrant detector. The infrared quadrant detector provides an output signal from the quadrant or quadrants upon which the spot of laser radiation falls. An analog processor coupled to the ouput terminals of the quadrant determines the location of the radiation spot and an error signal is generated. Appropriate missile steering commands are generated in response to the error signals. One such guidance system is commonly called a "bang-bang" seeker system which generates a steering command to direct the missile so that the small spot moves to a second, diagonally opposite quadrant on the quadrant detector. As the spot is detected on the second quadrant, new error signals are generated which results in spot moving back to the first quadrant. Steering commands are thus generated, until impact of the missile, in a fashion that the missile oscillates about a center line from the missile to the target.
One such "bang-bang" seeker system utilizes a "paired sum differencing" circuit which determines whether the radiation spot lies in the upper or lower half of the field of view of a quadrant detector and the relative strengths of those signals are compared. The system also determines whether the spot lies in the right half or left half of the field of view and the relative strengths of those signals. Thus, in a paired sum differencing system, every steering command consists of a combination of an up-down signal and a right-left signal. With such a seeker system, only four possible steering commands are generated irrespective of the location of the radiation spot relative to the center of the quadrant array. Since the noise of all four channels is processed for one output signal, there is four times the noise and the signal-to-noise ratio is degraded by a factor of 0.5 from that of a single channel output signal having only noise from one channel.
Another bang-bang seeker system is the "diagonal differencing" system which generates steering commands by comparing the signal strengths of the radiation centroid in diagonally opposite quadrants and generates commands which steer the missile toward the quadrant having the smaller signal. Since only two channels are involved in each decision, the long range signal-to-noise ratio is degraded to a factor of 0.707 of the maximum obtainable value from a single channel. When the radiation centroid of the spot is well-removed from the center of the quadrant array, the spot falls in one and possibly two quadrants which results in eight possible steering commands being generated. When the centroid of the radiation spot lies close to the quadrant array center only four diagonally opposed steering commands can be generated since two or more quadrants receive the infrared energy. Also, as the missile approaches the laser illuminated target the laser beam subtends a greater angle on the optics. Thus, as the missile approaches the target the radiation spot on the quadrant detector grows in diameter. The spot growth creates an ambiguous region since the spot falls on several quadrants. To minimize the spot growth problem, some systems utilize two processing schemes, one for long range and one for short range. The long range processor uses the output of the individual channels or quadrants to generate steering commands since the spot lies entirely in one quadrant of the detector. The short range processor weighs the signal strength in diagonally opposite channels when the missile is close to the target and the spot size has grown so that the radiation spot falls on two quadrants.
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a simple, reliable and accurate guidance system for guiding a missile to target.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a bang-bang seeker guidance system which has a signal-to-noise factor of 0.866 over that of a single channel.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a bang-bang seeker guidance system that provides eight steering commands in both the inner and outer zones of a quadrant detector.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a missile guidance system that provides more refined missile steering signals.
In accordance with the foregoing objects, a missile guidance system includes an arithmatic circuit for receiving a plurality of input signals on a plurality of channels, respectively, each channel defining a section of space. The signal on each channel is compared with the average of the sum of the signals on the remaining channels. The arithmatic circuit provides an output signal from the channel or channels having the greatest signals.
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the steering commands generated by one of the prior art missile guidance systems;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the steering commands generated by another prior art missile guidance system;
FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of a missile guidance system utilizing the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the steering commands generated by the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an arithmatic circuit transformation for a quadrant detector according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an arithmatic transformation for a detector having n sections;
FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of an arithmatic circuit.
Referring more specifically to the drawings, a prior art processor utilizing a "bang-bang" seeker system generates steering commands illustrated in FIG. 1. The herein described system includes a paired sum differencing circuit. The detector 10 has four quadrants A, B, C and D in a clockwise direction commencing at the upper lefthand quadrant. The lines 11 and 12 are the boundary lines between the four quadrants. The square 13 represents the inner zone of the quadrant detector while the area outside the square 13 represents the outer zone. The significance of the distinction of inner-outer zones is developed below in FIG. 2.
The laser energy reflected by a target is focused to a small spot on the infrared detector 10 by suitable optics, not shown. The quadrant receiving the radiation provides an output signal to the paired sum differencing circuit coupled to the detector 10. The vectors 14, 15, 16 and 17 represent the steering commands generated by the processor if the radiation spot falls within the respective quadrants A, B, C, or D. For example, if the radiation spot falls entirely within quadrant A of the detector 10, a positive elevation error signal and a negative azimuth error signal are generated. This results in a negative elevation steering command and a positive azimuth steering command signal being generated, illustrated here as a diagonal vector 14. When the center of the spot is within its radius of the center of the detector 10, output signals occur at all four quadrants. Thus, there is no useful steering information generated and the seeker has a "dead zone" which is equal to the spot radius. In certain situations, such as the terminal phase of missile guidance, the dead zone may be undesirably large.
The algorithm which describes the steering commands, S, generated by a processor of the paired sum differencing type is
S = SAZ + Sel,
where SAZ is the azimuth signal, and SEL is the elevation signal which results in a diagonal vector such as 14-17.
The azimuth component of each steering command is:
The elevation component of each steering command is:
Thus for each steering command S there are four signals that must be utilized.
Since the signal from each quadrant of the detector 10 must be utilized to generate a missile steering command, the noise from all four quadrants is also contained in each steering signal. The long range signal-to-noise ratio is given by ##EQU1## where S is the signal amplitude and NA is the noise amplitude associated with one channel represented by quadrant A, NB is the noise amplitude associated with quadrant B, etc., and NA = NB = NC = ND = N1.
Thus, it is apparent that the signal-to-noise ratio is degraded to 50% of the signal-to-noise ratio of any individual channel as represented by N1.
Elements or components in subsequent figures that are the same or similar to elements or components in FIG. 1 will have the same reference designation numerals.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the steering commands generated by a prior art "bang-bang" seeker having a diagonal differencing circuit are herein described. The detector 10 has four quadrants A, B, C and D. The square 13 represents the inner zone having a side length of 2r where r represents the radius of the radiation spot on the detector 10.
The algorithm which defines the steering command, S, generated by a processor utilizing a diagonal differencing circuit is
S = δAC + δBD, where δAC is the diagonal steering component between quadrants A and C, and δBD is the diagonal steering component between quadrants B and D.
The processor algorithm which describes the first diagonal component, δAC, of a command signal is
δAC = A - C,
where A is a signal received on quadrant A and C is the signal received in quadrant C of the detector 10.
The algorithm which describes the second diagonal component (δBD) of a command signal is:
δBD = B-D,
where B is a signal received on quadrant B and D is a signal received on quadrant D.
The diagonal differencing scheme compares signal strengths in diagonally opposite quadrants and generates steering commands which steer the missile toward the quadrant having the smaller signal.
Steering signals are generated as follows:
Positive azimuth: if δAD is positive or δBC is negative;
Negative azimuth: if δAD is negative or δBC is positive;
Positive elevation: if δAD is positive or δBC is positive; and
Negative elevation: if δAD is negative or δBC is negative.
Eight steering commands are possible if the centroid of the radiation spot falls in the outer zone of the quadrant detector 10. For example, if the spot's centroid lies entirely in quadrant A, a command to steer toward the diagonally opposite quadrant C is generated. Since there are four quadrants, there are four possible diagonal steering commands. If the spot lies in two quadrants such as A and B, two steering commands toward diagonally opposite quadrants, i.e., C and D, are generated. The vector sum of these two steering commands is a vector along a line parallel to the boundary between the two quadrants A and B. Since there are four boundary lines, there is a possibility of four commands when the radiation spot falls in the outer zones of two quadrants. Thus eight different steering commands are possible when the centroid of the spot lies in the outer zone of the detector array.
As described above, the inner zone 13 consists of a square centered about the quadrant detector and having sides with a length of 2r and r is the radius of the radiation spot on the detector 10. If the centroid of the spot lies within the inner zone, at least three quadrants are illuminated and two steering commands are always generated so that the net command is directed along one of the lines 11 or 12 dividing the array. The direction of the net command is determined by the location of the spot's centroid in relation to a line drawn at 45� through the center of the array. For example, if the centroid of the spot falls in the A quadrant of the detector 10 between the 45� line and the boundary line 12, the resultant steering vector will be along the boundary line 12.
Therefore, it can be seen that there are only four possible steering commands if the spot falls entirely within the inner zone. If the spot is centered over the center of the detector array 10, i.e. δAD = δBC = 0 then the error signals are zero and no steering commands are generated.
The long range signal-to-noise ratio is given by ##EQU2## Thus it is apparent that the signal-to-noise ratio of a diagonal differencing circuit is degraded by only 30% over the signal-to-noise ratio of a single channel.
Referring now to FIG. 3, first embodiment of a laser analog processor according to the present invention is described. The primary function of a laser signal processor is to process the four quadrant detector return signals throughout the missile flight and generated bang-bang steering commands for an auto pilot to guide the missile. For performing these primary functions, the signal processor is composed of two major subsystems an analog processor, herein described, and a digital processor which is not described herein. The processor includes an optic system 20 for receiving laser energy and focusing that energy to a small spot on an infrared quadrant detector 10. Each quadrant of the quadrant detector 10 provides an input means for separate video channels hereinafter designated as channels, A, B, C and D. The quadrant detector 10 is illustrated as a circular array 20 with the quadrants being numbered clockwise from the upper left hand quadrant. Detector quadrant 10A, is coupled to a preamplifier 21a which in turn is coupled to a first video amplifier 22a. The preamplifier 21a amplifies the output current from quadrant A. The output of the first video amplifier 22a is coupled to the first input channel of the arithmatic circuit 23.
Channel B includes a preamplifier 21b coupled between quadrant B and a video amplifier 22b. Channel C includes a preamplifier 21c coupled between quadrant C and a video amplifier 22c. Channel D includes a preamplifier 21d coupled between quadrant D and a video amplifier 22d. The preamplifiers 21b-21d are similar to the preamplifier 21a. The video amplifiers 22b-22d are similar to the video amplififer 22a. The output terminals of the video amplifiers 22b-22d are coupled to the arithmatic circuit 23.
The arithmatic circuit 23 provides four output terminals, one for each channel, and the output signals are designated as A', B', C' and D'. Channel A of the arithmatic circuit 23 is coupled to a second video amplifier 24a. Channels B, C and D of the arithmatic circuit 23 are coupled to second video amplifiers 24b, 24c and 24d, respectively. The arithmatic circuit 23 is a three-channel average differencing circuit which selects those channels having the greatest signal amplitudes for generating a steering command. The algorithms which describe the function of the arithmatic circuit 23 are: ##EQU3## where A, B, C and D are the input signals from the video amplifiers 22a-22d and A', B', C' and D' are the output signals.
Briefly, the operation of the arithmatic circuit 23 is as follows. When the image is centered, i.e., all quadrants receive the same input signals, the three-channel average difference output signals are zero and no steering information is generated. However, for small displacements in the image, positive steering signals are generated by only one channel. For example, if the energy in quadrant A increases by δ over the energy in the diametrically opposite quadrant D, the output signals from the arithmatic circuit 23 are: ##EQU4## since the adapter threshold is set such that only positive signals from the arithmatic circuit 23 are passed by the comparator circuits 25, then only the A' signal crosses the positive threshold. The threshold crossing of the channel A threshold results in a negative elevation command and a positive azimuth command being generated, i.e. toward quadrant C. The combined elevation and azimuth commands drive the seeker in a 45� direction to center the target centroid within the field of view. In cases where the image displacement is such that positive signals are generated by more than one channel, the steering signals will be derived by the vector sum of the outputs.
The output terminal of the second video amplifier 24a is coupled to one input terminal of a comparator 25a. The other input signal to the comparator 25a is supplied by a positive reference voltage (VRef) at terminal 26. The comparator 25a provides an output signal pulse whenever the threshold level set by the reference voltage has been exceeded by the signal A', from the second video amplifier 24a. The output terminal of the comparator 25a is connected to one input terminal of an AND gate 27b. A comparator 25b is coupled between the second video amplifier 24b and one input terminal of an AND gate 27b. A comparator 25c is connected between the second video amplifier 24c and input terminal of an AND gate 27c. A comparator 25d is coupled between the second video amplifier 24d and one input terminal of an AND gate 27d. The comparators 25b-25d are similar to the comparator 25a. The second input terminals of the comparators 25b-25d are also coupled to the positive reference voltage at terminal 26. The second input terminals of the AND gates 27a-27d receive a clock pulse from a circuit not shown for passing the comparator output pulse. The output terminals of the AND gates 27a-27d are coupled to the input terminals of a pulse stretching circuit 28. The pulse stretching circuit 28 is implemented by using a bank of four high-speed flip-flops, one flip-flop for each channel. All the flip-flops are set up on a pulse being received from any of the AND gates 27a- 27d. The pulse-stretching circuit 28 stores a signal indicating that one or more quadrant thresholds have been crossed.
The four output channels of the pulse stretching circuit 28 are coupled to a logic/servo interface circuit 29 which provides the azimuth steering command signal and the elevation steering command signal to the servo electronics (not shown). The logic/servo interface 29 converts the four quadrant pulse digital signals to orthogonal elevation and azimuth steering signals. For example, to generate the azimuth steering signal, namely, AZ = (B OR D) (A OR C), the outputs of channels A and C are logically ORed and the resultant subtracted from the logical OR of channels B and D. A similar mechanization is used to generate the elevation steering signal, i.e., EL = (A OR B) (C OR D). Hence, if a signal appears on channel A, a positive elevation command and a negative azimuth command will be generated. Also, if output signals occur in more than one channel, the vector sum of the outputs, as defined by the azimuth and elevation steering equations, will be utilized to generate the steering signals.
The operation of the invention according to FIG. 3 is now described. As discussed above, the primary functions of a laser signal processor are to provide automatically tracking of a target by a laser target return pulse and the generation of steering commands to the missile.
An infrared signal is detected by one or more of the quadrants A, B, C or D, of the quadrant detector 10, which signal is applied to the preamplifiers 21a-22d and then to the first video amplifiers 22a-22d.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a three quadrant average differencing circuit may be represented as the following transform. The input signals to the four channels are represented by A, B, C and D while A', B', C' and D' represent the output signals. Although only channel A is discussed, channels B, C and D are similar to channel A. Channel A includes first and second summing networks 50a and 51a, respectively. The summing network 50a has two input terminals and one output terminal. The first input terminal is coupled to the channel A of quadrant 10 while the second input terminal is coupled to the output of the second summing network 51a. The output of the summing network 50a provides the A' output signal of the differencing circuit. The summing network 50a subtracts the output signal of the summing network 51a from the input signal on channel A and thereby provides the A' signal output.
The second summing network 51a has input terminals for receiving the channels B, C and D signals from their respective quadrants on the quadrant detector 10. These three input signals are added together and divided by three to arrive at an average signal which will be supplied to the first summing network 50a.
This signal processing scheme compares the signal on any quadrant to the average of the signals occurring in the other three quadrants and from the following equation of signal-to-noise ratio, it can be seen that the signal-to-noise degradation factor is 0.866: ##EQU5## where S is the long range signal and NA -ND represents the noise amplitude of channels A-D, respectively. Since the noise associated with three of the quadrants is weighted by a factor of one third, the signal-to-noise degradation is therefore improved over either the paired sum differencing techniques and the diagonal differencing techniques discussed above.
Another improvement of the present invention over prior systems is that more refined steering information is provided for guiding the missile during the terminal stage of the flight and this advantage is depicted in FIG. 5. As discussed above, the signal processor using the diagonal differencing technique, provides eight possible steering commands when the centroid of the spot lies in the outer zone of the quadrant detector. As the centroid of the spot traversed into the inner zone, only four steering commands could be generated. It should be recalled that the inner zone was a square centered about the center of the quadrant detector and having sides equal to twice the radius of the spot centroid. With the present invention, the dividing line between steering commands occurs a distance of plus or minus 0.4r from the dividing line between quadrants due to the one third averaging factor. For example, a centroid falling across detector quadrants B and C and covering 0.4r of the distance both above and below the division line between the quadrants will generate a steering command along that division line. If the spot centroid falls outside of the 0.4 r distance from the dividing line and in the B quadrant, then a steering command corresponding to the vector B will be generated. The division line between steering commands remains parallel to the dividing line between detector quadrants until the centroid of the spot comes within a distance or from the edge of the third quadrant. As the spot moves closer toward the center of the array, the division line between steering commands also moves toward the center of the array. Thus, eight possible steering commands are generated in the inner zone as well as the outer zone of the quadrant detector.
FIG. 6 depicts the transformation for the Kth channel of an n section detector. The Kth channel includes first and second summing circuits 50K and 51K, respectively. The first summing circuit 50K has two input terminals and an output terminal. The first input terminal is coupled to the K channel detector and the output terminal provides the K' output from the circuit. The second summing circuit 51K provides N-1 input terminals for coupling to the detector channels other than the K channel. The average of all the input signals to the second summing circuit 51K is the output from the second summing network 51K and is coupled to the second input terminal of the first summing circuit 50K.
An implementation of a four channel arithmatic circuit is now described in FIG. 7. Channel A includes a coupling capacitor 60a being connected between an input terminal 61a and the base of a transistor 62a. A biasing resistor 63a is coupled between the base of transistor 62a and a reference level voltage. The emitter is coupled to a current source 65 by a biasing resistor 66a. The collector is coupled to a decoupling network 67 by a biasing resistor 68a. The collector of the transistor 62a is also connected to the base of a buffer transistor 69a. The collector of the NPN transistor 69a is connected to a reference voltage. The emitter of transistor 69a is coupled to the decoupling network 67 via a biasing resistor 70a and to an output terminal via a coupling capacitor 71a.
Channels B, C and D are identical to channel A and will therefore not be discussed.
The current source 65 includes a PNP transistor 72 having the emitter electrode coupled to a positive voltage by series connected biasing resistor 73 and a decoupling resistor 74. The collector is connected to the emitter biasing resistors of transistors 62a-62d of channels A-D, respectively. The base of the transistor 72 is coupled to a reference voltage by a biasing resistor 75. A biasing resistor 76 connects the resistor 74 to the base of transistor 72. A decoupling capacitor 77 is connected between the junction of resistors 73 and 74 and the reference voltage.
The decoupling network 67 includes capacitors 80 and 81, connected in parallel to each other, and coupled between the bias resistors 68a-68d and the reference voltage. Capacitors 82 and 83, connected in parallel to each other, are connected between the bias resistors 70a-70d and the reference voltage. A resistor 84 is coupled between the junction of capacitors 80 and 81 and the junction of capacitors 82 and 83.
In operation, an input signal, VA, is applied to the channel A input terminal of the circuit of FIG. 7. An emitter current IEA is induced in transistor 62a such that ##EQU6## where RE is the equivalent emitter resistance of the transistor 62a and R63a is the resistance of the resistor 63a. The current, IEA, is divided symmetrically between the other three transistors, 63b, 63c and 63d so that: ##EQU7## The voltages at the output terminals of the arithmatic circuit are then: ##EQU8## where R68a is the resistance of the resistor 68a. The case where inputs are applied to all four channels simultaneously can be handled by superposition to give ##EQU9## which is the desired relation. For the circuit shown RE ≈ 15Ω and therefore k = 0.77.
It should be apparent from the foregoing that the present invention provides a simple and reliable missile guidance system which provides for more accurate steering commands.
Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, nevertheless, various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains are deemed to lie within the purview of the invention.
Patent Citations
Referenced by
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Healthcare's Big Data Problem
There are opportunities for immediate financial benefits as well. Rush has built a surveillance application that allows executives to look at all claims across the network and see if they were paid as expected. "It allows us to calculate an expected payment," Estes explains. "This application allows us to aggregate all the issues and work with payers on behalf of all our members at the same time. For instance, here are the 200 claims we found that were not paid in the right way. That is a big benefit to any physician practice because it doesn't force them to chase underpays one by one."
Such underpays are small individually but big in the aggregate, he stresses. In addition, executives can look into productivity and outcomes both organizationwide and on the individual level. More important over time will be its ability to allow executives to monitor growth in terms of new patients over time, and per capita cost.
"Those will be two things important for me to focus on," Estes says. "If we want to take population management and get ready for
ACOs, whatever those end up being, or direct contracting or direct-to-consumer work, we need to focus on clinical data and change how care is delivered to reduce costs and improve outcomes."
Graduating from process to prevention
Ryan Leslie says success with population health strategies will hinge on enabling effective decision-making by clinicians, both in real time and for planning purposes. Leslie is vice president of analytics and health economics at Seton Healthcare Family, a 10-hospital system based in Austin, Texas, which has been working recently with IBM on the problem. Using the same software components that run the famous Watson computer of Jeopardy! fame, Seton is helping its clinicians identify patients who would benefit most from extra attention following discharge. The program started with congestive heart failure patients, and Leslie hopes to expand to other disease states.
"A lot of it is about enabling decision-making," he says. "It's taking the whole universe of information we have and cutting out what's extraneous and giving clinicians the information they need to make decisions."
Taking unstructured clinical information and connecting that with billing or administrative information and social demographic information, "you start connecting all those things together and you get a more complete picture of the patient as a person, rather than as a recipient of a bill," he says. "That's been the exciting thing recently. You realize that a patients' success or failure may not have to do with the care plan details or the clinical attributes of the patient as much as the social attributes."
Comments are moderated. Please be patient.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Source : http://www.hamburgschools.org/cms/lib/NY19000277/Centricity/Domain/383/Homers%20Odyssey.pptx
The Odyssey - Elida High School PPT
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Source : http://www.home.elida.k12.oh.us/userfiles/119/Classes/243/The%20Odyssey.ppt
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Source : http://nzr.mvnu.edu/faculty/trearick/english/rearick/World_Lit_I/The%20Odyssey.ppt
The Odyssey - Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District PPT
Presentation Summary : The Odyssey What is an Epic? A long narrative poem about a legendary hero who represents the cultural values of a nation. formal and dignified tone.
Source : http://www.emsisd.com/cms/lib/TX21000533/Centricity/Domain/1328/odysseyoverview.ppt
THE ODYSSEY - Delaware Valley Regional High School / Home Page PPT
Presentation Summary : What makes a hero? Write a response. HOMER DO NOW DISCUSSION WHAT MAKES A HERO? What is an odyssey? a long wandering and eventful journey HOMER All we know about the ...
Source : http://www.dvrhs.org/cms/lib2/NJ01001243/Centricity/Domain/69/THE%20ODYSSEYpp.ppt
from the Odyssey, Part One by Homer translated by Robert ... PPT
Presentation Summary : from the Odyssey, Part One by Homer translated by Robert Fitzgerald Feature Menu Introducing the Selection Literary Focus: Epic Heroes and Conflict
Source : http://mcgavockenglish1.wikispaces.com/file/view/Holt+Odyssey.ppt


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Do kitchen appliances really need to match??
I'm hoping you guys can help resolve an ongoing discussion in my house. My wife and I are in the middle of our dream kitchen remodel and are choosing appliances. We both love to cook and have been really involved in the new kitchen design. Until now, we've agreed on everything...but she insists that we get the same brand of all major appliances so it all "matches." I'd rather go for the best in each category. I like the Miele dishwasher, the Viking 36" range, a Bosch wall oven, the Subzero built-in. She want's Miele across the board. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see a whole lot of difference in the appearance of stainless steel that it would even be noticeable if the brands are different. I'd rather get the best appliances going. If anyone out there has any experience either way please help!!! We could use the advice...
I think the question needs to be answered from the right perspective. What are you trying to do with the kitchen? Are you trying to create a kitchen that only you will ever cook in, i.e. you do not intend to ever sell the house until it will need to be redone again? Or are you concerned with the possibility that you might sell in the next couple years? And what kind of neighborhood are you in? You should consider the likelihood of any buyer ripping it all out. I've heard of a celebrity that did over a kitchen to sell the house, then the buyer, another celeb, ripped it all out. However, the closer you get to middle class areas, the less likely this will occur. Also, the person to really ask is a realtor, because they go in and out of homes all the time and take note of what sells and what does not. We have a neighbor that we plan on asking before we make final decisions.
I was having part of this discussion with our architect this weekend, and my wife and I have ahd it, between only us and with various others. Having various manufacturers seems quite fine from those I have spoken to. If it is your dream kitchen, then fulfill your dream, imo. Personally, I am a fan of the Wolf cooktops, and after that am not too picky except I really don't care for the Bosch dishwasher we have right now. When it's on, noises come out from the sink drain, which shares common drainage piping with the diswahser, so that it soudns as if two dogs are right outside fighting. The first time I heard it I went to the window and looked for the dogs.
Also note that the real expensive appliances do not seem to add much to value. We looked at a house that had $20,000 in ovens, and appliances all over, great freezer drawers, etc., but none of them added a dime to the value of the home. The a lack of the good brands may hurt you come time to sell, but the exotic great stuff won't increase the price over the merely good brands. Finally, I have heard good comments recently on Liebherr Refrigerators.
I think matching appliances are the way to go.. For the kitchen in our new house, we went with Stainless steel, and all Frigidaire. I think it just looks better if they are all the same style and brand.
I would go with your strategy galexy - best in each category. Besides, if you all invest in one brand, if that brand goes out of business down the road, you'll end up with the whole kitchen of unsupported/unserviceable appliances.
I would think that from an aesthetic perspective you'd at least want to get appliances that don't clash horribly. But I'd agree with you that you should get the best fridge, the best cook top, the best oven, etc. If you can find one brand that does all of that for you, great, but I would want to pick and choose my pieces.
The big thing, though, is your marriage! Ultimately, with the brand your wife likes, I don't think you're going to get bad appliances and you'll learn how to use them effectively...so if she's set on it, maybe it'll work out alright.
The Jfoods have designed three kitchens for personal use and my wife designs kitchen for a living. This is an easy decision and is the first time I have heard anyone willing to sacrifice quality for color, especially with stainless. Having all of the same manufacturer is a detriment to seller versus a help.
There is no single manufacturer that makes the best of all appliances.
Take a look at high quality (just some examples):
Fridge - Sub-zero, GE Monogram, maybe Viking
Cooktop - Viking, Wolf
Range - Viking, Wolf, DDS
Wall ovens - Dacor, Bosch, Viking
DW - Miele, Bosch
You will NEVER have to explain why you have the top of the line with every single product, you will have to explain why you do have a Miele Fridge.
I also think your choices are absolutely outstanding. You are in AAA land.
The only comment I will make is the Bosch double-wall ovens. Depending on how tall you and your wife are, there is a tendency for the Bosch to have the exhaust fan about 4'6" above the floor. If either of you are ~5' you will have this exhaust blow right in your face when it is engaged and you walk by the oven. No applince dealer that I know will give you that tid-bit. I believe Dacor has the exhaust on the bottom. Since Mrs Jfood is 5' I hear about it every time she walks by our Bosch ovens. Just a thought.
The Miele is as quiet as a sleeping mouse, the Viking is my power machine and the sub-Zero and the GE are within a smidgen of eveness on the best.
If your wife is concerned about the variant in colrs of the stainless, think about your cabinet maker making panels to have them buit in. This can be done for the Sub, the Miele and a compactor is you go that route. The only stainless will then be the frisge and the ovens.
Good luck
re: jfood
I feel compelled to mention with the GE Monogram line... look at the GE Profile line as well. A friend who worked for GE's tech support some years ago said the only difference between some of the Monogram and Profile products were minor aesthetic differences and a couple thousand dollars.
re: JK Grence the Cosmic Jester
It also depends whether they make them or license the logo. Some GE products never saw theinside of a GE factory (my Monogram double wall oven was made by Bosch)
The other major diff, other than price is the Mono can go flush with the cabinets on the fridge and I do not think the Profile does, but juts a few inches. Both can be fitted with cabinet face panels though.
re: Barbraluvstennis
After my research I came to the conclusion:
Viking Ranges = good
Viking Fridges = not good at all - try and find a good review where someone had had one for years
Edit: Forgot to say this research was a year ago when re-modelling my kitchen and was based on the two models I was considering.
re: Barbraluvstennis
jood owns a viking cooktop (he loves), owns none of those appliances, has not been in the kitchen re-decorating mode in several years, so it would be unfair to choose without first hand knowledge.
re: rtmonty
...and YOU, unlike the questioner, really chose "the best" appliances in each category.
I think this person is going to ultimately be very disappointed. Both the Viking range and the subzero fridge are objects of much hair-tearing among many who have them installed in their kitchens. I recommend taking to heart the Consumer Reports on these products. A good friend of mine with a Viking range has the repairman just about every eight weeks.... Not fun.
re: ChefJune
Have you heard similar repair woes on the cooktop?
I have a 36" Viking cooktop with downdraft for 5 years. Only one repair call in that time. Are the issues only on the range as you have heard?
We have a Viking range, a Magic Chef refrigerator, a KitchenAid dishwasher and a Whirlpool TrashMasher compactor that was not new when I bought this house 18 1/2 years ago. The first three are one-at-a-time replacements for the appliances that came in this house. Because ours is a century-plus-old house in a historic district, we were not seduced by the current craze for stainless steel appliances, but rather chose almond/bisque. IMHO, down the road (a few years or more than a few years), stainless will scream "early 21st century" the way avocado and harvest gold have been screaming "late '70s" for the last two decades. Our mismatched appliances did not prevent our house from being on Historic Boulder's Holiday Tour of Homes a couple of years ago.
re: ClaireWalter
I doubt stainless will ever be as bad as avocado, and harvest gold have become in regards to color.
For myself who spent many years in professional kitchens, it was the look I wanted, and had to have. I find stainless looks professional, and is very easy to clean.
To each their own though...
re: ClaireWalter
If that's the case, the built-in and stainless kitchen we installed in 1985 will be glad to be called a screamin' stainless 21st century kitchen. Good taste and style never goes out of vogue.
re: ClaireWalter
I know what you mean, but proper stainless has been the choice of professional chefs for decades. It will never go out of fashion, simply because it was never in fashion. Our kitchen is as close to a restaurant kitchen as we could make it and still keep it functioning in a home. I love my stainless cabinets and work surfaces.
I agree that the stainless look appliances you see in so many condos these days are all doomed to the big trash heap in the sky - or in our case, in Michigan.
My sister decided to go for the matching, all Kitchen Aid appliances. Years ago, I too would've gotten the single branded kitchen; but now would prefer and have the "best of" kitchen. (However, my luggage is a matching set.) Maybe you two can compromise? Go with two or three matching appliances and have a couple that are the "best of"? Although it won't be 100% matching, at least some of it will.
re: foodstorm
I guess Im lucky, Ive got the best of both worlds, a kitchen that looks great, and is fully functional for the hours of time I spend in their cooking each weekend. As a former cook used to working with the best commercial equiptment, I wanted style, and function.
I think if the colour (i.e., stainless) is all coordinated that the brand totally doesn't matter. Get the appliances that do what you want, and use them often. :)
I'm with the "best of breed" strategy all the way ... the stainless is matchy enough. If anyone comes in your kitchen & proceeds to squint at the labels on your appliances, I would invite that person to come back later ... much later ;)
re: MMRuth
Me too, but only because I'm a dinnerware collector & want to know who made something interesting ;)
re: foiegras
Yes - that's exactly it. We were at a hotel this weekend and I noticed that the Bernardaud china they used is the same one on which we were served our room service breakfast 11 years ago, the morning after we were married - I liked it then and I like it now!
Think of it this way: Are you going to wear those appliances, or are you going to cook with 'em.
If you said "cook", then just buy the best in each category.
We went for what works best within our budget, not matching looks.
I find kitchens with matching appliances slightly weird.
One factor not mentioned so far is the different life expectancies of the various appliances. The dishwasher will probably conk out first but after enough years that a replacement of the same brand is unlikely to match.
Another vote for best in each category. We moved into a house w/ different brands of appliances (Bosch oven & dishwasher, GE Monogram stove) and needed a fridge and microwave. We picked the best that we could afford & that fit into the space. For aesthetics, tried our best to match color schemes (for us, black w/ stainless) and handle/knob shapes/design. Not perfectly matched but works.
I am in the high end residential construction business. It's rare to find clients who want all matching appliances. Most people (myself included) that we work for like to get exactly what they want in each appliance rather than getting something because it matches something else.
I had the same problem a few months ago, while most people I talked to said I should get all appliances from the same company. Now, I really , really wanted a Viking kitchen, but wasn't willing to spend a million dollars on it....Here is how I got out of it- I only purchased a range, a chimney hood and a fridge from Viking. The dishwasher will be Bosch, built in like a cabinet so nobody can tell what it is. Also, I put a small wine fridge and a microwave (didn't buy them yet, but it will not be the expensive brands)in an island, on the side, so they are not very visible. I hope to be happy with this arrangement ( I will know in the summer!)
re: BraegHeneffe
That's just silly. Sure, all the ads and displays feature matching appliances because the vendors want to sell you everything, but you buy what works for you. Obviously you want some degree of consistency, so go all stainless or black or white, but to have the same brand on everything is pointless.
High end houses here and in my old neighborhood featured best-of-class appliances, not matching brands. Finishes need to match if they are not concealed with fronts that resemble cabinets. So, knock yourself out with a Viking cooktop; Miele dishwasher and Subzero fridge. If they are all stainless steel, or built-in, no worries.
Experience in what? How to back you up in a disagreement with your wife? No thanks. But good luck.
After much research, I got a Dacor dual-fuel range (Epicure, stainless steel). I love it and it functions great. Moreover, everyone who comes in the kitchen sees it immediately and comments on how nice it is. The only problem is that now my wife wants to replace the entire kitchen with matching Dacor products. (I thought I was only buying one appliance!)
re: MarcoP
Only buy the appliances after researching them. The name on the front means nothing. If the matching dacor fridge has an ongoing problem with the motor going out, and you still buy it because it "matches," then you only have yourself to blame. buy the appliances becasue they are good, and they do what you need them to do, not because they look similar, or the brand name matches. The name tage on your appliance does not perform any functions- and more often than not, it was not MADE by the company that glued its name tag on the front anyway.
Our kitchen is Bosch dishwasher, Kenmore stove, Whirlpool fridge, no name microwave. We bought them one by one as the appliances that came with the house died, and it never would have occured to me that they were supposed to be same manufacturer so they'd 'match' since they're all stainless front to begin with. We just wanted something that seemed like it would be good quality at our target price point.
Personally, I don't get the 'match' thing.
Did you ever see pictures of Julia Child's Kitchen?
Black Fridge!, Stainless Wall ovens! White Coffeemaker!
Of course you want the kitchen to be aesthetically pleasing to you, but I think function is the deciding factor. But this comment is coming from the girl who outfitted a bathroom with all Kohler products except for (-the nerve!) the Grohe handshower.
Function function function!
re: pletty
Everyone knows that "matchy-matchy" is a Faux Pas. Just ask Tim Gunn, LOL
(hey, I got away with that comeback a few times when someone "expressed surprise" at the fact that I have a Wolf this and a Miele that and a GE (okay okay, it was because I couldn't afford the Gaggenau that I wanted!) pair of whatsits! Not to mention the "odd couple" washer and dryer, although both purchased at the same time.)
re: pletty
I wonder how galexy01 came out. That was his only post. I have a most unmatchy kitchen but it does go together at least in my mind. I love Julia's kitchen. I can understand some people just have a different aesthetic and need that sense of matching and continuity.


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The villa is located near the top of a ravishing Tuscan hill, about 500 mt high in the Florence country and it is world famous for producing wine and olive oil.
Is equipped with a private swimming pool (10 x 5 metres) fully equipped with night-time illumination.
Only 20 meters from the Villa there is our dependance 'Il Glicine'. This structure is inclusive of air-contioning and composed by a room with two extra beds, a little kitchen and a bathroom with shower. From the charming terrace, you can enjoy the wonderful panorama of the Florence valley.
Dependance 'Glicine' can be rented for 450€ per week.
As you walk up the street leading to the villa, you can run with the glance at an always wider landscape of the Tuscan country.
This Tuscan valley owns an enchanting millennial history; still nowadays you can appreciate forests broken by the ancient hemmed-in stone walls villages and the old grapevine and olive cultivated farms.
The silvery green gentle foliage of the olive groves and the dense green of the wood trees highlight the villa's lawns.
All around the villa, air is pure and clear, it is quiet and peaceful.
If you are fond of gastronomic tourism and you are a wine lover it's possible to choose among trattorias, little restaurants or glamourous ones, reachable from the villa within twenty minutes. You can visit farms or wineries where you can buy wine, oil and other local products. The kind owners of Villa Ginestra will arrange for you suggestions and directions along the site.
In spring and summer you can have dinner or lunch taking advantage of the swimming pool area. Walking out straight from the villa, you can have long promenades dipped into the enchanting Tuscan country.
If you love country and trekking you can make excursions in the Chianti paths and in the near little and charming villages.
Originally established as roman settlement the city became the centre of medieval European trade. Under the heel of the Medici family, it was the cradle of Renaissance. Florence was capital in the Kingdom of Italy and it is still one of the most charming town in the world.
The city lies in the hearth of Tuscany amidst the Chianti's hills. It is one of the best preserved medieval architectural estate and its districts are still retained.
In July the traditional Palio takes place.
The park is located in the north of Florence, on the slopes of Monte Morello, and preserves the great beauty of the Tuscan hills. Olive groves, churches and rural farms prove the ancient culture that spreads from Calenzano to Fiesole.
Cousine and typical products
The area of "Parco di Cercina" hills is covered in the cultivation of vineyards and olive trees.
Vacationing in this place allows you to enjoy a relaxing holiday surrounded by nature. Here there is a wide range of typical restaurants where you can taste Tuscan cuisine based on meat and fish. Great Chianti wines produced in this area will provide that extra special touch.
Nearby there aren't any other houses so your glance will be able to run free and enjoy a wide view made of far hills and the Florence's valley.
It will seem to have a walk getting through the time and to have the chance to feel a different style holiday.
Villa Ginestra is located in a land full of art, culture and breathtaking views.
- Suitability:
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets considered
Guestbook comments from the owner
We really enjoyed spending our holiday here.
Your Villa is absolutely great with it's wonderful view to Florence and the beautiful tuscanian landscape.


text: Michael Devore Paintings Michael Devore is a realistic painting artist who is known for contemporary paintings. He was trained in Read More Pieter Wagemans Flower Oil Paintings Pieter Wagemans is a famous artist who is known for floral oil paintings. His paintings of Read More Darren Baker Realistic Paintings Darren Baker paintings are known for amazing realism and natural look. His contemporary portraits of sportsmen and Read More Pramod Kurlekar Figurative Paintings Pramod Kurlekar is a figurative painting artist from India. He was born in 1978 in Satara. Read More Zhao Chun Chinese Oil Paintings Zhao Chun is a Chinese oil painting artist who is known for his series of Miao woman Read More Yury Nikolaev Russain Still Life Paintings Yury Nikolaev is a Russian artist who is known for realistic still life paintings. His paintings Read More Tulio Dias Realistic Landscape Paintings Tulio Dias is one of the best landscape painting artists of all time. He is a Read More Anna Rose Realistic Female Paintings Anna Rose is a popular artist who is known for realistic female paintings. Anna Rose paintings Read More Frida Kahlo Paintings And Self Portraits Frida Kahlo de Rivera is a Mexican artist who is one among the best women artists of Read More Janet Ternoff New York City Paintings Janet Ternoff is a realistic artist who creates amazing New York city paintings. She is a Read More Terry Isaac Realistic Wildlife Paintings Terry Isaac is a famous wildlife painting artist from Oregon. His paintings of humming birds, tigers, Read More Giuseppe Muscio Hyper Realistic Paintings Giuseppe Muscio is a famous Italian artist who is known for hyper realistic oil paintings of Read More 1234Next ›Last »


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12/9/2012 (1 year ago)
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
For some, there is no need to buy Christmas presents this year. This December 21 marks the conclusion of the 5,125-year "Long Count" Mayan calendar. People the world over are stocking up on doomsday supplies as they did in the year 2000. There are reports of panic shopping in China and Russia, along with an explosion in sales of survival shelters in America.
In the French Pyrenees, in the tiny town of Bugarach, population 179, has attempted to prevent pandemonium by banning UFO watchers and light aircraft from the flat topped mount Pic de Bugarach. According to New Age lore, the area is an "alien garage" where extraterrestrials are waiting to abandon Earth, taking a lucky few humans with them.
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
12/9/2012 (1 year ago)
Published in Americas
Keywords: Maya, apocalypse, NASA, panic, comet
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The fact that the Mayans NEVER predicted the end of the world falls on deaf ears to the frightened faithful. As such, the cause of Armageddon remains especially vague. Some predict a celestial collision between Earth and the mythical planet Nibiru, a.k.a. "Planet X."
NASA has been aggressively seeking to dispel doomsday fears. It says there is no evidence Nibiru exists, and rumors it could be hiding behind the sun are unfounded.
"It can't hide behind the sun forever, and we would've seen it years ago," a NASA scientist said.
Other predictions include a crash with a comet or the annihilation of civilization by a giant solar storm.
"We've gone from one a month to one a day," Ron Hubbard, an American manufacturer of hi-tech underground survival shelters. "I don't have an opinion on the Mayan calendar but, when astrophysicists come to me, buy my shelters and tell me to be prepared for solar flares, radiation, EMPs (electromagnetic pulses) ... I'm going underground on the 19th and coming out on the 23rd. It's just in case anybody's right."
In the French Pyrenees, in the tiny town of Bugarach, population 179, has attempted to prevent pandemonium by banning UFO watchers and light aircraft from the flat topped mount Pic de Bugarach. According to New Age lore, the area is an "alien garage" where extraterrestrials are waiting to abandon Earth, taking a lucky few humans with them.
In Russia, in Omutninsk, in Kirov region, people are rushing to buy kerosene and supplies after a newspaper article, supposedly written by a Tibetan monk, confirmed the end of the world.
"I don't believe in the end of the world," Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian Prime Minister declared. Then he added, "At least, not this year."
Even in China, which has no history of preoccupation with doomsday, a wave of paranoia about the apocalypse can be traced to the 2009 Hollywood blockbuster "2012." The film was a smash hit in China, as viewers were seduced by a plot that saw the Chinese military building arks to save humanity.
A post on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter, predicted that there will be three days of darkness when the apocalypse arrives. Thusly, a wave of panic buying of candles has been reported in Sichuan province.
"At first, we had no idea why. But then we heard someone muttering about the continuous darkness," one grocery store owner said.
In Mexico, where the ancient Mayan civilization at onetime flourished, the end time has been seen as an opportunity. The country has organized hundreds of Maya-themed events, and tourism is expected to have doubled this year.
While viewed by some as wacky, many are taking the hysteria very seriously.
NASA astronomer David Morrison is among those who are not amused. "At least once a week I get a message from a young person, as young as 11, who says they are ill and/or contemplating suicide because of the coming doomsday. I think its evil for people to propagate rumors on the internet to frighten children."
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By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
Keenly aware of the fate of his predecessor, radio marketing director Carlos Mejia Orellana stabbing death, Father Ismael Moreno says his human rights work in Honduras will continue - unabated. With Orellana's murder still unsolved seven months later, Father ... continue reading
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
In dry, unemotional voices, three cartel hit men reenacted the horrific massacre of 43 Mexican students for investigators. Using twigs and trash bags, the killers told investigators how they layered the victims "like a grill" before bathing them in gasoline and ... continue reading
By Adriana Brasileiro, Thomson Reuters Foundation
On Aug. 26, Jandira Magdalena dos Santos Cruz, 27, got into a white car at a bus station in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. She was supposed to be taken to a clandestine abortion clinic to terminate a 16-week pregnancy. She never came home. RIO DE JANEIRO ... continue reading
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
While the world-and especially the United States-remains fixated on the brutal actions and conquests of the Islamic State, few are looking closer to home to see such brutality, sometimes on a larger and more horrifying scale. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - ... continue reading
By Adriana Brasileiro, Thomson Reuters Foundation
South America's biggest and wealthiest city may run out of water by mid-November if it doesn't rain soon. SAO PAULO (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - São Paulo, a Brazilian megacity of 20 million people, is suffering its worst drought in at least 80 years, with key ... continue reading
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
Dilma Rousseff, Brazil's leftist president, was re-elected on October 26, after one of Brazil's closest election races since it become a democracy about 30 years ago. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Rousseff had 51.6% of the vote in the run-off election, while ... continue reading
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
Details are beginning to emerge in a terrorist attack in the Canadian capital of Ottawa. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was "murdered in cold blood" as he stood guard at Canada's National War Memorial. The suspected gunman, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau was later shot and ... continue reading
By Robert Mullen (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
There have been multiple gunmen and gunshots in Canada's capital of Ottawa, and at least one Canadian service man was shot in what may be-but is unconfirmed-a terrorist attack. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The shootings occurred just before 10 a.m. ET on ... continue reading
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
Bermuda is set to be hit by a strong storm on October 17, Hurricane Gonzalo, one of the most powerful on record to hit the island. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Schools on the island were closed on October 16, and many residents boarded up the windows of their ... continue reading
By Catholic Online - (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
After a lengthy investigation, a joint operation between the United States and Colombia successfully led to 11 arrests across the South American nation in a large sex trafficking ring. The ring used teenaged girls and boys, one victim as young as 11 and kept ... continue reading


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Larry Zelvin will step down in mid-August as head of the Department of Homeland Security's hub for monitoring and responding to cyber threats, a DHS spokesman told FCW.
Zelvin, a former Navy captain, has been director of DHS's National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center since June 2012. Before that he was director of incident management on the president's National Security Staff, now known as the National Security Council Staff.
Zelvin has been the NCCIC's public face, appearing at cybersecurity conferences to meet with industry experts and on Capitol Hill to testify on behalf of the Obama administration.
Last month he joined a chorus of administration officials calling on Congress to pass cybersecurity legislation, telling FCW that DHS's statutory authority on cybersecurity needs clarifying.
Posted by Sean Lyngaas on Jul 22, 2014 at 2:23 PM
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GSA's administrator talks with FCW about short-term hiring, long-term planning and Robert Frost.
Without a future vision and an appetite for risk, reforms lead down a rabbit hole. There is a better way.
VA's top tech official says he is balancing risks while trying to keep the department's online services open for business.
After five years on the job, the founding director of the Office of Government Information Services believes that a deeper understanding and acceptance of FOIA is seeping into the federal government.
The September attack, made public Nov. 10, potentially puts customer and employee personal information at risk, including addresses, Social Security numbers and emails.
The General Services Administration's Matthew Goodrich predicts more agency-driven authorizations and previews a new two-year road map.
Archie Mackie became product director of enterprise computing at the Army PEO EIS in June. In a Nov. 7 interview with FCW, he explained why the Army is cautious but hopeful in its adoption of the cloud.
While IT procurement and design are already quite centralized under the Office of Information and Technology, sources tell FCW that telemedicine IT and app development at the Veterans Health Administration will be rolled up under the OI&T as well.
Steve Kelman argues that the best place to improve federal procurements is at the beginning.
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Local Opinions & News from Residents of Maui, Hawaii
Hotel Wailea is one of the few places in South Maui that isn't overhyped, but we have a feeling that's about to change. Situated 300 feet above the ocean with panoramic views of Molokini Crater, Kaho'olawe, Lana'i and West Maui Mountains, Hotel Wailea offers a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of huge corporate resorts withContinue Reading
The Hokulani Golf Villas is the premier South Maui neighborhood, it holds the reputation as Kihei's only gated golf course community. Besides the exquisite construction and top of the line finishes, the community is located in Maui's newest resort district, Kailea. The golf villas are a golfer's paradise as it is entirely encircled by the Maui Nui Golf Club.Continue Reading
A trip to Maui generally means you're doing something right… whether you're here to get married, celebrate a loved one's birthday, heighten your skills during a yoga retreat or are simply here to explore the sights and sounds of paradise on a tropical island, a Maui vacation is full of everything you need to ensure well-deserved relaxation, rejuvenation, beauty and bliss.Continue Reading
What's the Problem? Basically, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are now found in 90% of our processed foods and 100% of the grain fed to the non-organic meat we consume, may be bad for ...Continue Reading


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UHV outstanding nursing students prepared for new challenges - 11/26/2014
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UHV student service organization donates money to United Way - 11/26/2014
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On the trail with Columbia Sportswear's GPS PAL
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- Gretchen Holzgang
- Copy editor- Portland Business Journal
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For a company whose business is built on staying active, it's no surprise that Columbia Sportswear Co. has expanded its own core apparel business to include technology to enhance the outdoor experience.
The newest addition to Columbia's tech portfolio is GPS PAL, an outdoors app designed to appeal to Columbia's tech-savvy, active customer base.
Created in partnership with ISITE Design and available for both iPhone and Android systems, GPS PAL is essentially an interactive journal that allows users to track routes while hiking, walking or running, and to add photos, videos and notes to the log.
In the spirit of "trying stuff," I took the app out for a hike in Forest Park this past weekend.
The app mapped my route, in addition to collecting stats like my average speed, distance and net elevation. Being an outdoorsy person, and one who has been let down by apps in the past, I was particularly pleased with how accurately the app was able to follow me on the trail.
Unlike other GPS apps, GPS PAL allowed me to make notes, take photos and record video — all without leaving the app — as well as automatically recording the geographical locations of the photos I took along the way, so far my favorite feature on this app.
Data from each "track," (as it's called in the app) can be synced to the Web, and in true 21st Century, social-media style, shared.
As a runner who spends a lot of my time hitting the pavement or the trail, I'm excited to try this app out on a run as well. And I expect my own Twitter followers can look forward to some mid-run videos and photos in the near future, too.
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417 Third Avenue Albany, Georgia 31701(229) 312-1000
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THURSDAY, Jan. 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A patient's own bone marrow stem cells might someday be used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, a new study suggests.
The phase 1 study to assess the safety of the treatment included 30 patients, aged 21 to 65, with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis or the even more dangerous extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. They received standard tuberculosis antibiotic treatment and an infusion of about 10 million of their own bone marrow stem cells.
A comparison group of 30 patients with either type of tuberculosis received standard treatment only.
After 18 months, 16 patients treated with bone marrow stem cells were cured, compared with five patients in the standard group, the study authors said. The most common side effects in the stem cell group were high cholesterol (14 patients), nausea (11), and lymphopenia (low white blood cell count) or diarrhea (10).
There were no serious side effects, according to the study, which was published Jan. 8 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
Conventional treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis uses a combination of antibiotics that can cause harmful side effects in patients, study leader Markus Maeurer, a professor at Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden, said in a journal news release.
"Our new approach, using the patients' own bone marrow stromal cells, is safe and could help overcome the body's excessive inflammatory response, repair and regenerate inflammation-induced damage to lung tissue, and lead to improved cure rates," Maeurer said in the news release.
Longer follow-up with more patients is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the stem cell therapy, he said.
About 450,000 people in Eastern Europe, Asia and South Africa have multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and about half of them will not respond to existing treatments, according to the World Health Organization.
More information
The American Lung Association has more about multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
SOURCE: The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, news release, Jan. 8, 2014
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Students of a private university in Manesar have designed a car which runs solely on solar power.An 11-student team spent over 20 months on the project, starting at the beginning of last year.
The national capital has been facing severe power shortage during peak summer months and the power regulator is of the view that solar energy can bridge the gap.
Solar power use could soon become a lot more popular as researchers have created a radical polymer called PTMA, which is 10x more electrically conductive than common semi-conducting polymers.
Owners of electric vehicles have already gone gas-free.Now, a growing number of drivers in the U.S.are powering their cars with sunlight.
To augment solar power generation in the state and overcome the power crisis, the Punjab government on Friday announced a tie up with US global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin.
The solar park will be set up under open offer to supply power to meet the state's renewable power obligations.
Ireda expects to disburse nearly Rs 12,500 crore in next three years and to raise the share of total lending for solar-related projects to over 60%.
To become a renewable energy generator, a person will have to apply to their area's discom for a connection to the renewable energy system.


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