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A self-presenting device includes, a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to store the member and the second form is configured to present the member, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.
1. A self-presenting device adapted for use with an interior compartment of a vehicle and for facilitating manual engagement by a user, comprising:
a manually manipulable graspable handle presenting an elongated shape, and in physical communication with a surface defined within the compartment, wherein the handle is configured to have a first form and a second form, the first and second forms present differing longitudinal profiles, such that the first form stores the member relative to, and the second form extends at least a portion of the member from the surface, so as to facilitate manual engagement by the user and enable a transfer of force between the user and compartment; and
an active material in operable communication with the handle, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon exposure to an activation signal, and the change is effective to transition the handle from the first form to the second form.
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11. A method of self-presenting a graspable handle within an interior compartment of a vehicle and facilitating manual engagement by a user, the method comprising:
activating an active material with an activation signal, wherein the active material is in operative communication with a manually manipulable handle defining an elongated shape, and is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of the activation signal, wherein the change is effective to transition the handle from a first form to a non-collapsible second form, and the first and second forms present differing handle shapes or longitudinal profiles; and
transitioning the handle from the first form to the second form, wherein the handle is in physical communication with a surface defined within the compartment, and wherein the first form is configured to store the handle and the second form is configured to deploy the handle.
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The present disclosure generally relates to stowable devices which adopt a functional geometry only upon demand and in so doing present this functional geometry to the user. These devices will be termed self-presenting devices and this disclosure particularly addresses self-presenting handles having active materials.
Motor vehicles and other transportation means such as airplanes, busses and trains have multiple handles, levers, hooks, and the like on the exterior and throughout the interior compartment. In motor vehicles, for instance, such devices have a myriad of uses, such as grab handles for assisting egress/ingress from the vehicle, hood and/or trunk-release handles, door handles, garment hooks, tailgate handles, and the like. Most, if not all, of these devices are infrequently used but are permanently fixed to the vehicle's interior and/or exterior. For example, in the case of an interior grab handle, the handle permanently occupies interior space and affects interior styling design.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved self-presenting devices that do not affect styling designs and aesthetics, and in the case of the interior compartment, devices that increase interior space.
Disclosed herein are active material enabled self-presenting devices in accordance with exemplary embodiments. In one embodiment, a self-presenting device includes, a member in physical communication with a surface, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to store the member and the second form is configured to present the member, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.
A method of self-presenting a device, including activating an active material in operative communication with a member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of a first activation signal, wherein the change in a property is effective to transition the member from a first form to a second form, and transitioning the member from the first form to the second form, wherein the member is in physical communication with a surface, and wherein the first form is configured to store the member and the second form is configured to deploy the member.
Referring now to the figures, which are exemplary embodiments and wherein the like elements are numbered alike:
Self-presenting devices and methods of their use in a vehicle are described herein. In contrast to existing handles, garment hooks, and the like, the self-presenting devices disclosed herein advantageously employ active materials. The self-presenting devices as described comprise an active material which permits the device to reversibly present itself in response to a change in a property of the active material upon receipt of an activation signal. The term �device� as used herein generally refers to any functional component. Examples include, without limitation, grab handles, garment hooks, door handles, hood releases, trunk releases, fuel-door releases, tailgate handles, and the like, found in most transportation means, and more specifically in a motor vehicle. The self-presenting devices as disclosed herein, however, have general utility beyond transportation means. The devices can be employed in other applications such as, without limitation, luggage, shipping containers, and the like, where a permanently affixed, protruding handle could advantageously be replaced by the self-presenting handle disclosed herein. The term �active material� as used herein generally refers to a material that exhibits a change in a property such as dimension, shape, phase, orientation, stiffness, and the like upon application of an activation signal. Suitable active materials include, without limitation, shape memory alloys (SMA), ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (MSMA), shape memory polymers (SMP), piezoelectric materials, electroactive polymers (EAP), magnetorheological (MR) elastomers, electrorheological (ER) elastomers, and the like. Depending on the particular active material, the activation signal can take the form of, without limitation, an electric current, an electric field (voltage), a temperature change, a magnetic field, a mechanical loading or stressing, and the like.
Also, as used herein, the terms �first�, �second�, and the like do not denote any order or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms �the�, �a�, and �an� do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The modifier �about� used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity). Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints and independently combinable
Referring now to
In an exemplary embodiment, the member 20 has a first form, i.e. structure, position, or shape, as shown in
An activation device 24 is coupled to and in operative communication with the self-presenting device 12. The activation device 24, which is operable to selectively provide an activation signal to the self-presenting device 12 and change a feature of the member 20 by changing at least one property of the active material 22. The activation signal provided by the activation device 24 can include a heat signal, a magnetic signal, an electrical signal, a pneumatic signal, a mechanical signal, and the like, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing signals, with the particular activation signal dependent on the materials and/or configuration of the active material. For instance, a heat signal may be applied for changing the property of the active material fabricated from SMA and/or SMP. An electrical signal may be applied for changing the property of the active material fabricated from EAP and/or electronic EAP's. A magnetic field may be applied (removed, or changed) for changing the property of the active material fabricated from magnetostrictive materials such as MSMA and MR elastomers.
In one embodiment, the active material enabled self-presenting device 12 can reversibly self-present by bowing the member 20. As seen in
Referring now to
In operation, shown in
In this embodiment the SMA wires 22 must be continually heated even after the member 20 is deployed in the second form to prevent reversion of the SMA wires 22 to the soft, martensitic state under which the return springs 32 would stretch the SMA wires and return the member 20 to the stored, first form position. In order to have the member 20 remain deployed even when heat is removed from the SMA wires 22, a locking mechanism 36, as shown in
Turning to
In another embodiment, which may be desirable if the force necessary to depress the locking spring 36 during deployment is excessive, would be to synchronize the operation of the SMA wires 22, 44 in both the self-presenting device 12 and the locking mechanism 36 so that both are actuated independently by their individual SMA elements. In this instance, a wedge-shape geometry is unnecessary. A parallel-sided locking mechanism will function adequately. Again, upon achieving a deployed configuration the supply of current to the SMA wires can be discontinued until stowage of the member is again desired. It is to be understood that the locking mechanism 36 as described above is an exemplary embodiment. Other embodiments of locking mechanisms that function to advantageously hold the member 20 in its presented state even after the active material is deactivated are suitable. Conversely, locking mechanisms can be used to hold the member 20 in the stowed position. Suitable locking mechanism can include, without limitation, bolts, latches, pins, and the like. When it is desired, the locking mechanism can be released and a return mechanism or a second active material component can return the member 20 to the stored position and/or present the member 20. Also, the properties of SMA, as well as other suitable active materials, will be discussed in more detail below.
Referring back to
In one embodiment, the reverse of the transition can be used to return the self-presenting device from the second form to the first form, i.e., to store the device. In other words, terminating the activation signal can be effective to reverse the change in a property of the active material, thereby returning the member from the second form to the first form. In other embodiment, for example, those involving SMA as an active material such as in
Whatever the mode of activation, it is advantageous that the member be stored when in the passive mode, therefore no power is required for the continuous storage of the self-presenting device. In other words, the only power required by the self-presenting device is for the short duration in which the member must be presented for use, such as opening of the vehicle door. If, however, for some reason the member must be presented for a longer than normal duration, or if the function of the self-presenting device is one in which prolonged deployment is required, for instance garment hooks, then a locking mechanisms can be added to the self-presenting device.
Turning now to
A method of self-presenting a device in a vehicle interior or on the vehicle exterior can comprise activating the active material in operative communication with the member, wherein the active material undergoes a change in at least one property upon receipt of the activation signal. The change in a property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form. Transitioning the member from the first form to the second form is configured to change the member from a stored position within and/or against a vehicle interior/exterior component, such as a roof line, A-pillar, or the like, to a presented position in the vehicle's interior compartment space (or outward from the exterior), wherein the member will now be accessible for use by a driver and/or passenger.
As described above, an activation device can be used to apply the activation signal to the active material(s) in an exemplary self-presenting device. The activation device can be operated in a variety of ways. For example, in one embodiment, use of a remote key fob, typically used to unlock a vehicle door, could also be configured to initiate the activation signal and present and/or expose one or more self-presenting devices. Likewise, a wireless signal transmitter in the key fob in combination with an activation device sensor could be used to automatically activate the active material when the key fob is brought into physical proximity to the self-presenting device, thereby eliminating the need to press key fob buttons. In another embodiment, the activation signal could be manually activated. For example, inserting the vehicle key into a key hole in the vehicle door, or opening the door itself, could initiate the activation signal. Similarly, a push button or the like could be disposed adjacent the self-presenting device, wherein depressing the push button activates the activation signal in order to present the device. In any of the above methods, the activation signal can be turned off by time-out of a timer in communication with the self-presenting device, or through the happening of some event, for example, closing of the vehicle door, or the vehicle being placed in gear, to deactivate the activation signal and return the member to the first form wherein the member is stored, and optionally concealed.
Activation of the active materials can also be done manually, i.e., without the use of an activation device. By utilizing particular properties of the active materials, they can be activated by a vehicle operator or passenger. For example, using SMA as the active material, which has a superelastic property and will be discussed in more detail below with the rest of the active materials, pressure on the SMA portion of the concealment flap of the self-presenting device could induce a phase change in the SMA, whereby the modulus of the flap is lowered enough to be pressed in, which would allow access to the member, e.g. interior/exterior door handle.
To reiterate, although the active material enabled self-presenting devices of
As previously described, suitable active materials for the self-presenting devices include, without limitation, shape memory polymers (SMP), shape memory alloys (SMA), electroactive polymers (EAP), piezoelectric materials, ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, magnetorheological (MR) elastomers and electrorheological (ER) elastomers.
�Shape memory polymer� generally refers to a polymeric material, which exhibits a change in a property, such as an elastic modulus, a shape, a dimension, a shape orientation, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing properties upon application of an activation signal. Shape memory polymers may be thermoresponsive (i.e., the change in the property is caused by a thermal activation signal), photoresponsive (i.e., the change in the property is caused by a light-based activation signal), moisture-responsive (i.e., the change in the property is caused by a liquid activation signal such as humidity, water vapor, or water), or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.
Generally, SMP are phase segregated co-polymers comprising at least two different units, which may be described as defining different segments within the SMP, each segment contributing differently to the overall properties of the SMP. As used herein, the term �segment� refers to a block, graft, or sequence of the same or similar monomer or oligomer units, which are copolymerized to form the SMP. Each segment may be crystalline or amorphous and will have a corresponding melting point or glass transition temperature (Tg), respectively. The term �thermal transition temperature� is used herein for convenience to generically refer to either a Tg or a melting point depending on whether the segment is an amorphous segment or a crystalline segment. For SMP comprising (n) segments, the SMP is said to have a hard segment and (n−1) soft segments, wherein the hard segment has a higher thermal transition temperature than any soft segment. Thus, the SNIP has (n) thermal transition temperatures. The thermal transition temperature of the hard segment is termed the �last transition temperature�, and the lowest thermal transition temperature of the so-called �softest� segment is termed the �first transition temperature�. It is important to note that if the SMP has multiple segments characterized by the same thermal transition temperature, which is also the last transition temperature, then the SMP is said to have multiple hard segments.
When the SMP is heated above the last transition temperature, the SMP material can be imparted a permanent shape. A permanent shape for the SMP can be set or memorized by subsequently cooling the SNIP below that temperature. As used herein, the terms �original shape�, �previously defined shape�, and �permanent shape� are synonymous and are intended to be used interchangeably. A temporary shape can be set by heating the material to a temperature higher than a thermal transition temperature of any soft segment yet below the last transition temperature, applying an external stress or load to deform the SMP, and then cooling below the particular thermal transition temperature of the soft segment while maintaining the deforming external stress or load.
The permanent shape can be recovered by heating the material, with the stress or load removed, above the particular thermal transition temperature of the soft segment yet below the last transition temperature. Thus, it should be clear that by combining multiple soft segments it is possible to demonstrate multiple temporary shapes and with multiple hard segments it may be possible to demonstrate multiple permanent shapes. Similarly using a layered or composite approach, a combination of multiple SMPs will demonstrate transitions between multiple temporary and permanent shapes.
For SMP with only two segments, the temporary shape of the shape memory polymer is set at the first transition temperature, followed by cooling of the SMP, while under load, to lock in the temporary shape. The temporary shape is maintained as long as the SMP remains below the first transition temperature. The permanent shape is regained when the SMP is once again brought above the first transition temperature with the load removed. Repeating the heating, shaping, and cooling steps can repeatedly reset the temporary shape.
Most SMP exhibit a �one-way� effect, wherein the SMP exhibits one permanent shape. Upon heating the shape memory polymer above a soft segment thermal transition temperature without a stress or load, the permanent shape is achieved and the shape will not revert back to the temporary shape without the use of outside forces.
As an alternative, some shape memory polymer compositions can be prepared to exhibit a �two-way� effect, wherein the SMP exhibits two permanent shapes. These systems include at least two polymer components. For example, one component could be a first cross-linked polymer while the other component is a different cross-linked polymer. The components are combined by layer techniques, or are interpenetrating networks, wherein the two polymer components are cross-linked but not to each other. By changing the temperature, the shape memory polymer changes its shape in the direction of a first permanent shape or a second permanent shape. Each of the permanent shapes belongs to one component of the SMP. The temperature dependence of the overall shape is caused by the fact that the mechanical properties of one component (�component A�) are almost independent of the temperature in the temperature interval of interest. The mechanical properties of the other component (�component B�) are temperature dependent in the temperature interval of interest. In one embodiment, component B becomes stronger at low temperatures compared to component A, while component A is stronger at high temperatures and determines the actual shape. A two-way memory device can be prepared by setting the permanent shape of component A (�first permanent shape�), deforming the device into the permanent shape of component B (�second permanent shape�), and fixing the permanent shape of component B while applying a stress.
It should be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that it is possible to configure SMP in many different forms and shapes. Engineering the composition and structure of the polymer itself can allow for the choice of a particular temperature for a desired application. For example, depending on the particular application, the last transition temperature may be about 0� C. to about 300� C. or above. A temperature for shape recovery (i.e., a soft segment thermal transition temperature) may be greater than or equal to about −30� C. Another temperature for shape recovery may be greater than or equal to about 40� C. Another temperature for shape recovery may be greater than or equal to about 100� C. Another temperature for shape recovery may be less than or equal to about 250� C. Yet another temperature for shape recovery may be less than or equal to about 200� C. Finally, another temperature for shape recovery may be less than or equal to about 150� C.
Optionally, the SMP can be selected to provide stress-induced yielding, which may be used directly (i.e. without heating the SMP above its thermal transition temperature to �soften� it) to make the pad conform to a given surface. The maximum strain that the SMP can withstand in this case can, in some embodiments, be comparable to the case when the SMP is deformed above its thermal transition temperature.
Although reference has been, and will further be, made to thermoresponsive SMP, those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure will recognize that photoresponsive, moisture-responsive SMP and SMP activated by other methods may readily be used in addition to or substituted in place of thermoresponsive SMP. For example, instead of using heat, a temporary shape may be set in a photoresponsive SMP by irradiating the photoresponsive SMP with light of a specific wavelength (while under load) effective to form specific crosslinks and then discontinuing the irradiation while still under load. To return to the original shape, the photoresponsive SMP may be irradiated with light of the same or a different specific wavelength (with the load removed) effective to cleave the specific crosslinks. Similarly, a temporary shape can be set in a moisture-responsive SMP by exposing specific functional groups or moieties to moisture (e.g., humidity, water, water vapor, or the like) effective to absorb a specific amount of moisture, applying a load or stress to the moisture-responsive SMP, and then removing the specific amount of moisture while still under load. To return to the original shape, the moisture-responsive SMP may be exposed to moisture (with the load removed).
Suitable shape memory polymers, regardless of the particular type of SMP, can be thermoplastics, thermosets-thermoplastic copolymers, interpenetrating networks, semi-interpenetrating networks, or mixed networks. The SMP �units� or �segments� can be a single polymer or a blend of polymers. The polymers can be linear or branched elastomers with side chains or dendritic structural elements. Suitable polymer components to form a shape memory polymer include, but are not limited to, polyphosphazenes, poly(vinyl alcohols), polyamides, polyimides, polyester amides, poly(amino acid)s, polyanhydrides, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polyalkylenes, polyacrylamides, polyalkylene glycols, polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene terephthalates, polyorthoesters, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl halides, polyesters, polylactides, polyglycolides, polysiloxanes, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyether amides, polyether esters, and copolymers thereof. Examples of suitable polyacrylates include poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(isobutyl methacrylate), poly(hexyl methacrylate), poly(isodecyl methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenyl methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate), poly(isobutyl acrylate) and poly(octadecylacrylate). Examples of other suitable polymers include polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl phenol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, chlorinated polybutylene, poly(octadecyl vinyl ether), poly (ethylene vinyl acetate), polyethylene, poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyethylene/nylon (graft copolymer), polycaprolactones-polyamide (block copolymer), poly(caprolactone) diniethacrylate-n-butyl acrylate, poly(norbornyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane), polyvinylchloride, urethane/butadiene copolymers, polyurethane-containing block copolymers, styrene-butadiene block copolymers, and the like. The polymer(s) used to form the various segments in the SMPs described above are either commercially available or can be synthesized using routine chemistry. Those of skill in the art can readily prepare the polymers using known chemistry and processing techniques without undue experimentation.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, conducting polymerization of different segments using a blowing agent can form a shape memory polymer foam, for example, as may be desired for some applications. The blowing agent can be of the decomposition type (evolves a gas upon chemical decomposition) or an evaporation type (which vaporizes without chemical reaction). Exemplary blowing agents of the decomposition type include, but are not intended to be limited to, sodium bicarbonate, azide compounds, ammonium carbonate, ammonium nitrite, light metals which evolve hydrogen upon reaction with water, azodicarbonamide, N, N′ dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, and the like. Exemplary blowing agents of the evaporation type include, but are not intended to be limited to, trichloromonofluoromethane, trichlorotrifluoroethane, methylene chloride, compressed nitrogen, and the like.
Similar to shape memory polymers, shape memory alloys exist in several different temperature-dependent phases. The most commonly utilized of these phases are the so-called martensite and austenite phases. In the following discussion, the martensite phase generally refers to the more deformable, lower temperature phase whereas the austenite phase generally refers to the more rigid, higher temperature phase. When the shape memory alloy is in the martensite phase and is heated, it begins to change into the austenite phase. The temperature at which this phenomenon starts is often referred to as austenite start temperature (As). The temperature at which this phenomenon is complete is called the austenite finish temperature (Af). When the shape memory alloy is in the austenite phase and is cooled, it begins to change into the martensite phase, and the temperature at which this phenomenon starts is referred to as the martensite start temperature (Ms). The temperature at which austenite finishes transforming to martensite is called the martensite finish temperature (Mf). Generally, the shape memory alloys are softer and more easily deformable in their martensitic phase and are harder, stiffer, and/or more rigid in the austenitic phase. In view of the foregoing properties, expansion of the shape memory alloy is preferably at or below the austenite transition temperature (at or below As). Subsequent heating above the austenite transition temperature causes the expanded shape memory alloy to revert back to its permanent shape. Thus, a suitable activation signal for use with shape memory alloys is a thermal activation signal having a magnitude to cause transformations between the martensite and austenite phases.
The temperature at which the shape memory alloy remembers its high temperature form when heated can be adjusted by slight changes in the composition of the alloy and through heat treatment. In nickel-titanium shape memory alloys, for instance, it can be changed from above about 100� C. to below about −100� C. The shape recovery process occurs over a range of just a few degrees and the start or finish of the transformation can be controlled to within a degree or two depending on the desired application and alloy composition. The mechanical properties of the shape memory alloy vary greatly over the temperature range spanning their transformation, typically providing shape memory effects, superelastic effects, and high damping capacity.
Suitable shape memory alloy materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, nickel-titanium based alloys, indium-titanium based alloys, nickel-aluminum based alloys, nickel-gallium based alloys, copper based alloys (e.g., copper-zinc alloys, copper-aluminum alloys, copper-gold, and copper-tin alloys), gold-cadmium based alloys, silver-cadmium based alloys, indium-cadmium based alloys, manganese-copper based alloys, iron-platinum based alloys, iron-palladium based alloys, and the like. The alloys can be binary, ternary, or any higher order so long as the alloy composition exhibits a shape memory effect, e.g., change in shape orientation, changes in yield strength, and/or flexural modulus properties, damping capacity, superelasticity, and the like. Selection of a suitable shape memory alloy composition depends on the temperature range where the component will operate.
Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys (FSMA) are a sub-class of SMA. FSMA can behave like conventional SMA materials that have a stress or thermally induced phase transformation between martensite and austenite. Additionally FSMA are ferromagnetic and have strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy, which permit an external magnetic field to influence the orientation/fraction of field aligned martensitic variants. When the magnetic field is removed, the material may exhibit complete two-way, partial two-way or one-way shape memory. For partial or one-way shape memory, an external stimulus, temperature, magnetic field or stress may permit the material to return to its starting state. Perfect two-way shape memory may be used for proportional control with continuous power supplied. One-way shape memory is most useful for latching-type applications where a delayed return stimulus permits a latching function. External magnetic fields are generally produced via soft-magnetic core electromagnets in automotive applications, though a pair of Helmholtz coils may also be used for fast response.
Exemplary ferromagnetic shape memory alloys are nickel-manganese-gallium based alloys, iron-platinum based alloys, iron-palladium based alloys, cobalt-nickel-aluminum based alloys, cobalt-nickel-gallium based alloys. Like SMA these alloys can be binary, ternary, or any higher order so long as the alloy composition exhibits a shape memory effect, e.g., change in shape, orientation, yield strength, flexural modulus, damping capacity, superelasticity, and/or similar properties. Selection of a suitable shape memory alloy composition depends, in part, on the temperature range and the type of response in the intended application.
FSMA are alloys; often composed of Ni�Mn�Ga, that change shape due to strain induced by a magnetic field. FSMA have internal variants with different magnetic and crystallographic orientations. In a magnetic field, the proportions of these variants change, resulting in an overall shape change of the material. An FSMA actuator generally requires that the FSMA material be placed between coils of an electromagnet. Electric current running through the coil induces a magnetic field through the FSMA material, causing a change in shape.
Electroactive polymers include those polymeric materials that exhibit piezoelectric, pyroelectric, or electrostrictive properties in response to electrical or mechanical fields. An example of an electrostrictive-grafted elastomer with a piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoro-ethylene) copolymer. This combination has the ability to produce a varied amount of ferroelectric-electrostrictive molecular composite systems. These may be operated as a piezoelectric sensor or even an electrostrictive actuator.
Materials suitable for use as an electroactive polymer may include any substantially insulating polymer or rubber (or combination thereof) that deforms in response to an electrostatic force or whose deformation results in a change in electric field. Exemplary materials suitable for use as a pre-strained polymer include silicone elastomers, acrylic elastomers, polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, copolymers comprising PVDF, pressure-sensitive adhesives, fluoroelastomers, polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, and the like. Polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties may include copolymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, polymer blends comprising a silicone elastomer and an acrylic elastomer, for example.
Materials used as an electroactive polymer may be selected based on one or more material properties such as a high electrical breakdown strength, a low modulus of elasticity�(for large or small deformations), a high dielectric constant, and the like. In one embodiment, the polymer is selected such that is has an elastic modulus at most about 100 MPa. In another embodiment, the polymer is selected such that is has a maximum actuation pressure between about 0.05 MPa and about 10 MPa, and preferably between about 0.3 MPa and about 3 MPa. In another embodiment, the polymer is selected such that is has a dielectric constant between about 2 and about 20, and preferably between about 2.5 and about 12. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these ranges. Ideally, materials with a higher dielectric constant than the ranges given above would be desirable if the materials had both a high dielectric constant and a high dielectric strength. In many cases, electroactive polymers may be fabricated and implemented as thin films. Thicknesses suitable for these thin films may be below 50 micrometers.
As electroactive polymers may deflect at high strains, electrodes attached to the polymers should also deflect without compromising mechanical or electrical performance. Generally, electrodes suitable for use may be of any shape and material provided that they are able to supply a suitable voltage to, or receive a suitable voltage from, an electroactive polymer. The voltage may be either constant or varying over time. In one embodiment, the electrodes adhere to a surface of the polymer. Electrodes adhering to the polymer are preferably compliant and conform to the changing shape of the polymer. Correspondingly, the present disclosure may include compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of an electroactive polymer to which they are attached. The electrodes may be only applied to a portion of an electroactive polymer and define an active area according to their geometry. Various types of electrodes suitable for use with the present disclosure include structured electrodes comprising metal traces and charge distribution layers, textured electrodes comprising varying out of plane dimensions, conductive greases such as carbon greases or silver greases, colloidal suspensions, high aspect ratio conductive materials such as carbon fibrils and carbon nanotubes, and mixtures of ionically conductive materials.
Materials used for electrodes of the present disclosure may vary, Suitable materials used in an electrode may include graphite, carbon black, colloidal suspensions, thin metals including silver and gold, silver filled and carbon filled gels and polymers, and ionically or electronically conductive polymers. It is understood that certain electrode materials may work well with particular polymers and may not work as well for others. By way of example, carbon fibrils work well with acrylic elastomer polymers while not as well with silicone polymers.
Suitable piezoelectric materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, inorganic compounds, organic compounds, and metals. With regard to organic materials, all of the polymeric materials with non-centrosymmetric structure and large dipole moment group(s) on the main chain or on the side-chain, or on both chains within the molecules, can be used as suitable candidates for the piezoelectric film. Exemplary polymers include, for example, but are not limited to, poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate), poly (poly(vinylamine) backbone azo chromophore), and their derivatives; polyfluorocarbons, including polyvinylidenefluoride, its co-polymer vinylidene fluoride (�VDF�), co-trifluoroethylene, and their derivatives; polychlorocarbons, including poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene chloride, and their derivatives; polyacrylonitriles, and their derivatives; polycarboxylic acids, including poly(methacrylic acid), and their derivatives; polyureas, and their derivatives; polyurethanes, and their derivatives; bio-molecules such as poly-L-lactic acids and their derivatives, and cell membrane proteins, as well as phosphate bio-molecules such as phosphodilipids; polyanitines and their derivatives, and all of the derivatives of tetramines; polyamides including aromatic polyamides and polyimides, including Kapton and polyetherimide, and their derivatives; all of the membrane polymers; poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) homopolymer, and its derivatives, and random PVP-co-vinyl acetate copolymers; and all of the aromatic polymers with dipole moment groups in the main-chain or side-chains, or in both the main-chain and the side-chains, and mixtures thereof.
Piezoelectric material can also comprise metals selected from the group consisting of lead, antimony, manganese, tantalum, zirconium, niobium, lanthanum, platinum, palladium, nickel, tungsten, aluminum, strontium, titanium, barium, calcium, chromium, silver, iron, silicon, copper, alloys comprising at least one of the foregoing metals, and oxides comprising at least one of the foregoing metals. Suitable metal oxides include SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2, SrTiO3, PbTiO3, BaTiO3, FeO3, Fe3O4, ZnO, and mixtures thereof and Group VIA and IIB compounds, such as CdSe, CdS, GaAs, AgCaSe2, ZnSe, GaP, InP, ZnS, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the piezoelectric material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, lead zirconate titanate, and barium titanate, and mixtures thereof.
Magnetorheological (MR) elastomers are a group of smart materials whose modulus can be controlled by the application of an external magnetic field. MR elastomer materials include, but are not intended to be limited to, an elastic polymer matrix comprising a suspension of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles. Suitable particles include iron; iron alloys, such as those including aluminum, silicon, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, manganese and/or copper; iron oxides, including Fe2O3 and Fe3O4; iron nitride; iron carbide; carbonyl iron; nickel and alloys of nickel; cobalt and alloys of cobalt; chromium dioxide; stainless steel; silicon steel; and the like.
The particle size should be selected so that the particles exhibit multiple magnetic domain characteristics when subjected to a magnetic field. Diameter sizes for the particles can be less than or equal to about 1,000 micrometers, with less than or equal to about 500 micrometers preferred, and less than or equal to about 100 micrometers more preferred. Also preferred is a particle diameter of greater than or equal to about 0.1 micrometer, with greater than or equal to about 0.5 more preferred, and greater than or equal to about 10 micrometers especially preferred. The particles are preferably present in an amount between about 5.0 to about 50 percent by volume of the total MR elastomer composition.
Suitable polymer matrices include, but are not limited to, poly-alpha-olefins, natural rubber, silicone, polybutadiene, polyethylene, polyisoprene, and the like.
The application and functionality of the self-presenting device will determine which active material is best suited for the particular device. Factors such as force, displacement, actuation time, and the like can be used to determine which type of active material is most appropriate. For instance, where an application requires an activation time of about 1 second or greater, a SMA or SMP can be appropriate. Where an application requires shorter activation times, an EAP or MR elastomer can be used.
As stated above, the self-presenting devices as disclosed herein advantageously employ active materials to reversibly present and store a functional component. The active material enabled self-presenting devices are lightweight, inherently robust, and lower in complexity than existing self-presenting devices with the same functionality, which can have multiple mechanical and/or electrical components prone to failure. Utilizing active materials to affect the feature changes of the member provides devices of increased simplicity, while reducing assembly volume and the energy requirements for activation due to higher energy densities. Moreover, the self-presenting devices described herein are also of low-cost and of easily adaptable design that can be integrated with limited changes to the existing vehicle interior/exterior structure.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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DJ Ayres (of The Rub): Space 'N FadersCD
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SummarySpace ' N Faders is the quintessential 80s party mix, moving from pop through r&b, house, new wave, and electro. There aren't any ironic mashups, scratch routines or silly skits, just classic dance music mixed smoothly the whole way through for optimal dance-ability. The vibe is roller rinks, laser beams and pinball machines.
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Great Lakes Corp.: Shrink bundler
Great Lakes (Schiller Park, IL) introduces the Model 708HBD-32 stainless-steel shrink blundler designed to multipack health, beauty care, and pharmaceutical products at speeds to 60 bundles/min.
The dual-lane system can shrink-wrap products in a variety of multipack configurations because of its multirow collation capabilities. System derives its compact design and clean operation from a motorized pulley-drive system. Highly compact brushless DC motors eliminate the need for separate drive motors chains and belts.
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Fox Is Flexing Saints vs Tampa Week 17 Game
The NFL has decided to flex the week 17 New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. The Game now has serious playoff implications due to the Saints loss to Carolina.
The NFL has decided to flex the week 17 New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. The Game now has serious playoff implications due to the Saints loss to Carolina.
The Cajuns deliver a New Orleans Bowl three-pete in dramatic fashion in front of another record breaking crowd.
What a fantastic weekend in New Orleans for Ragin' Cajuns fans!
Tomorrow night when the Ragin Cajuns take the field in the Superdome for the New Orleans Bowl, rumors are they will be wearing a tribute helmet sticker to Blue Dog creator and Cajun icon, artist George Rodrigue.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajun head coach Mark Hudspeth and his 8-4 football team departed for New Orleans today, preparing to play the Tulane Green Wave Saturday in the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Townsquare Media's Ryan Baniewicz was there to capture the atmosphere, talk to Hud, and get players thoughts on the fan support.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajun running back Elijah McGuire has put together an impressive true freshmen season. Leading the NCAA in average yards per carry at 8.9, the Houma native has been recognized for his outstanding play. The latest accolade is...
Justin Tucker kicked six field goals, including a 61-yarder with 38 seconds to play, and the Baltimore Ravens beat the Lions, 18-16, in Detroit on Monday night.
Game week is here and Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns will be heading down to the Big Easy on Tuesday as they get set to defend their R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl championship against the Tulane Green Wave on Saturday night.
What looks to be a friendly dancing contest between two mascots takes a turn toward the evil. Be sure to watch all the way to the end to see the final move that ends it all.
A win and you're in. The New Orleans Saints can clinch a playoff berth by virtue of beating the St. Louis Rams but to do so they'll have to do something that's proven difficult for some reason and that's winning a game on the road.


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Liverpool's China Pearl is holding a two day festival to celebrate the Year of the Snake, in a follow-up to last year's sold-out show for 2012's Year of the Dragon.
Joining forces with the Unity, arts organisation China Pearl will host the Chinese Arts Festival on March 1-2 at the Hope Place Theatre with this year's show Lady White Snake. The show will incorporate authentic music and dance.
Free Chinese cultural taster sessions will be on offer to visitors, including dance, martial arts, calligraphy and arts and crafts. The sessions will be on March 2 with Chinese tea tasting prior to the show on March 1.
Fenfen Huang, China Pearl's director, said: "Lady White Snake is an infamous story passed on through generations from the city of Hangzhou, often referred to as the Chinese Paris and capital of my province Zhejiang.
"We'll tell the story through dance, animation and poetry. It will be an exciting production, which a Chinese audience will find refreshing while a British audience will fall under its spell too."
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When a Facebook Post Goes Viral….WOW!
If you're a fan of the Moose on facebook, we really appreciate it. Thank you! We love being able to interact with listeners in as many different ways as possible. We love to share different things we're talking about on-air and on our website. Sometimes, we might share a funny picture or meme that comes our way. Sometimes, things can get a little controversial, but that's okay, too.


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246 East Berne, NY Paint, Wallpaper and Wall Coverings
Many builders, designers and DIY experts say that painting is one of the easiest tasks for a homeowner to handle. But plenty of prep work, elbow grease and finesse are involved, and if you don't have the time, ability or inclination to complete a painting job, hiring a professional is the way to go. Plus, speciality paint treatments, wallpaper and other wall coverings, such as grass cloth, are tricky. Your East Berne, NY home may need help from a New York pro to make any of those happen. You can find more paint & wall coverings in Albany, West Albany, Schenectady, Rotterdam and Colonie. More
Professional Faux Finish Artist and Decorative Painter. Modern, Olde World, Contemporary including Kitchen cabinet refinishing. Property management and consultant. Read More
Pam's Paper N Paints (518) 495-9936
As a professional paperhanger and painter I am dedicated to providing my clients with their design vision by delivering quality work, superior finishes, on time and within budget. Read More
CertaPro Painters (518) 631-4116
Proven and Trusted Experts in Painting We are your local CertaPro Painters. We pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship and integrity. We do both interior and exterior painting... Read More
Classic Wall Finishes (518) 944-0331
Classic Wall Finishes offers amazing Faux Finishes, Beautiful Venetian Plasters, Metallic Plasters, Textured Finishes, Stencil Work, Custom Artwork and Murals. All of the work is... Read More
Lawlor Family Painting (518) 817-8149
Lawlor Family Painting is a true family-owned business. We are a husband and wife team who seek to provide our clients with quality painting you can trust. We have worked on a... Read More
Hoffman Painting (518) 221-0129
Hoffman Painting is an Albany owned and operated painting business dedicated to offering the highest degree of customer service and satisfaction. Our Albany painting contractor... Read More
Fridholm Painting & Remodeling (518) 330-9507
Fridholm Painting and Remodeling appreciates your interest in our services which cover all aspects of interior and exterior painting projects, including cathedral and popcorn... Read More
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Fox Racing Digit Glove - Men's
no complaints
I got these gloves in brown and have had them on the trail about 20+ times now. I've gotten several compliments on looks, and I've taken some pretty hard falls w/them on. So far they're holding up well. I ride in warm weather, and they're ventilated enough that I don't notice them being hot. They've seen everything from sand to rocks to trees. Overall, they do the job.
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Shimano PD-M647 SPD Dual Platform Pedals
What style of cleat do these come with? ...
What style of cleat do these come with? Multi-directional?
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Wow Boy Panel Low Loft Tent Bed with SlideItem # HN-MXTX196
- Dimensions: 80L x 94.5W x 50.75H inches
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A life-like toy animal in the form of a flexible elongated core made of flexible cord is provided with fluffy hairlike material extending outward from the core by a distance that diminishes from one end of the core to the other. A simulated pair of eyes and a nose connected to the wider end of the elongated body are attached to a thin thread that may be connected to the clothing of the user.
1. A life-like toy animal comprising means whereby the animal as a whole is flexible so that it can assume different shapes and make a life-like impression, said means comprising an elongated body made of a flexible cord, and fluffy hair-like material extending from said cord by a distance that gradually diminishes from one end of the body to the other, the length of said animal being substantially greater than its thickness, said animal further comprising a pair of simulated eyes provided on said one end of the body, a simulated nose at said one end of the body, and a thin thread attached to the nose of the toy animal for connecting the animal to the clothing of the user, said thread being sufficiently long to enable movement of said animal by manipulative movement of the hands or arms of a user.
The invention relates to a life-like toy animal, that is to say a toy animal with which a user can create the amazing impression that the animal is alive although a spectator immediately becomes aware that it is a toy animal which is not actually alive.
The life-like toy animal in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the toy animal is attached to a thread that is fixed, for example on the clothing of the user or person exhibiting the animal. The thread is preferably thin and practically invisible.
Since the toy animal is attached to the thread, the user can use suitable hand movements to cause the animal to run over his hand and the impression is created that the toy animal itself is moving. The user can place the animal in his jacket sleeve, from which on a suitable movement of the arm it appears to come out of its own accord.
The surprising effect is then still further enhanced if the toy animal is in fact not an exact natural reproduction of a living animal. Otherwise the spectator could think that it was possibly actually a living animal. For this reason, an elongated fluffy tail is preferred as a toy animal. A further advantage in the case of the use of a fluffy tail as a toy animal is due to the fact that only a minimum amount of skill with the fingers is necessary in order to make the fluffy tail "come alive".
Finally, it is also advantageous if the fluffy tail has a very flexible cord as a core, from which the fluffy hairs stand out. As a result, the fluffy tail as a whole becomes flexible so that it can assume different shapes and makes a still more life-like impression.
The nature of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawing which shows a preferred embodiment of the toy animal.
In the drawing, a toy animal is shown comprising a fluffy tail 2 consisting of fluffy hair 4 and a very flexible cord 6 as a core. For producing the tail 2, a so-called chenille can be used. The hair of a length of such a chenille material is cut to have a maximum length near one end, i.e. the head end, and a minimum length at the opposite end of the tail 2. At the head end, there is affixed a piece of paper 8 or plastic material on which two black points are printed to form the eyes of the animal. Also at the head end, the hair of the chenille is cut or pressed to form a nose 10.
On the nose 10, is affixed a thread 12 which is very thin, practically invisible, however, sufficiently strong to serve the purpose described above.
It will be understood that modifications may be made in the particular features of the animal which have been described above for illustrative purposes without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
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"All of her observations are unfailingly original and provocative." Art Documentation
The content of the book suits my needs.
The physical condition of it did not meet my expectations. I find myself considering the purchase of it in hard back. Read more
This book was very good from an art student point of view. It is very revealing of some subtle changes that took place early in the 20th century and became part of the... Read morePublished on November 22, 2000 by Martin Wallace


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National Security Analyst General Jack Keane: Al-Qaeda Is Now Spreading In North Africa
General Jack Keane is a retired four-star general and former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army. General Keane talks with America's Morning News about the attack on the U.S. embassy in Libya, saying "The word scandal is appropriate, the fact that our consulate was not defended properly." He is also a national security analyst for Fox News.
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TRNE's America's Morning News Adds Extra Hour and New Markets for 2015
Category: TRN Central Media
(Central Point, OR) December 17, 2014 - Talk Radio Network Entertainment is proud to announce a number of new affiliates who have added America's Morning News to their roster of excellent News Talk programming.
Shame, the barrier between decency and depravity, is MIA in the USA
Category: TRN Central Politics
Shelly came over the other day and confided to me sheepishly that she had shamed her little girl, Cindy. That morning, they had pulled into the Starbucks to order breakfast. Twice the eight-year-old refused to order, "Not hungry." Then, on the way to brother's ball game, the little girl asked, "May I have some of your sandwich, Mommy?" to which Shelly replied, "Of course."
WND: America's newest hero: Meet the real Cliven Bundy
Category: TRN Central Media
Dianne Linderman, host of "Everything That Matters", interviews 67-year-old Nevada rancher, Cliven Bundy, who is in a shocking stand off with the federal government. WND, "America's News Network", published an article about Dianne's interview.
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The Monica Crowley Show: Joe Lhota, NYC Mayoral Hopeful, on Stop, Question, and Frisk, the Economy and the Campaign
Category: TRN Central Politics
Monica Crowley interviews Republican Primary Candidate for Mayor of New York City, Joe Lhota to discuss the campaign, the economy, and the challenges facing NYC and the nation as a whole.
Science Fantastic: The Big C, Professor Michio Kaku talks with Guest George Johnson about America's #2 Killer, Cancer
Category: TRN Central Science
Michio Kaku interviews George Johnson, author of 'The Cancer Chronicles: Unlocking Medicine's Deepest Mystery'.
The Jerry Doyle Show: Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Buck McKeon, Joins Jerry to Discuss Closed Door Hearing on Action in Syria
Category: TRN Central Politics
Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Buck McKeon, was in the closed door meeting with the President yesterday to hear his pitch for an attack in Syria. Today he joins Jerry to tell him what happened.
Yesterday the President met with key members of Congress to make his pitch for an attack on Syria – Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Buck McKeon was in that room and joins us to tell Jerry what happened, what he told President Obama and does he feel Obama is listening to ANYONE else with a different opinion or does dissent need not apply…..
AMN: The Part-Time Economy, Dr. Peter Morici on the Forces Driving Part-time Employment
Category: TRN Central Economy
Dr. Peter Morici, is a professor in the Department of Logistics, Business and Public Policy in the Robert H. Smith School of Business at University of Maryland. FOLLOW ON TWITTER: @PMorici1.
He joins us to discuss his piece on the upcoming jobs numbers we can expect: Part-Time Positions Dominate Jobs Picture.
AMN: Congressional Reporter Seung Min Kim Reports on the Upcoming Senate Resolution
Category: Host Headlines
Seung Min Kim is a Congressional Reporter at POLITICO. Senate leaders are working on a revised resolution authorizing U.S. strikes in Syria that puts President Barack Obama on a short leash in responding to the alleged use of chemical weapons by Bashar Assad's forces.
Obama has Backed this Nation into a Corner on Syria - Ron Johnson (R-WI)
Category: TRN Central News
Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin joined us to discuss Syria, the President's leadership, and urging Congress to authorize military action against Assad's forces.
AMN: Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) Calls the Vote on Syria a Vote on Obama's Leadership
Category: TRN Central News
Congressman Mike Turner of Ohio joined us to speak about President Obama's deliberations over attacking Syria. Will he consult Congress? What is the rest of Capitol Hill anticipating?


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(CNN) -- Here's a look at Boko Haram, a militant Islamic group working out of Nigeria, whose purpose is to institute Sharia, or Islamic law.
Facts: In the local Hausa dialect, Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden."
The group also refers to itself as Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad, meaning "People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad."
Boko Haram militants mainly inhabit areas in the northern states of Nigeria, specifically Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, Borno and Kaduna.
Originally, Boko Haram was referred to locally as the Nigerian Taliban because of their religious similarities to the Taliban.
Boko Haram does not engage in Nigeria's political system out of an adherence to a fundamentalist form of Islam, which forbids participation unless the system is based on Sharia, or Islamic law.
Boko Haram militants targeted and robbed banks in 2011.
Boko Haram-related violence has killed more than 4,000 people.
Timeline: 2002 - The group, which may have existed since the late 1990s, organizes under the Muslim cleric Mohammed Yusuf. It is centered in Maiduguri, the capital of the northeastern state of Borno.
December 2003 - The first known attack by Boko Haram includes roughly 200 militants, who attack multiple police stations in the state of Yobe, near the Niger border.
July 2009 - The Boko Haram uprising begins in Bauchi and spreads to the states of Borno, Kano and Yobe. The militant group kills scores of police officers. A joint military task force responds, leaving more than 700 Boko Haram members dead and its operational mosque destroyed. The uprising ends when police capture the group's leader, Mohammed Yusuf. His deputy, Abubakar Shekau, reportedly dies in the uprising. Yusuf later dies in police custody; police say he is shot during an attempted escape, but Boko Haram claims it is an extrajudicial execution.
August 2009 - Senior Boko Haram militant, Sanni Umaru, releases a statement claiming to be the new leader.
July 2010 - Boko Haram releases a video statement in which Yusuf's deputy who allegedly died the previous year, Abubakar Shekau, claims to be the leader of the group.
September 7, 2010 - In the state of Bauchi, 50 Boko Haram militants attack a prison, killing five people and releasing more than 700 inmates.
May 29, 2011 - The day of President Goodluck Jonathan's inauguration, Boko Haram detonates three IEDs near a military barracks in the city of Bauchi in Bauchi State. At least 10 people die in the attack.
July 7, 2011 - Boko Haram warns Muslims to avoid Christians, public servants and public buildings, and anything related to politics, "This is a government that is not Islamic. Therefore, all its employees - Muslims or non-Muslims - are infidels."
August 25, 2011 - Twelve people die after Boko Haram militants attack a police station and two banks in the city of Gombi in Adamawa.
August 26, 2011 - Boko Haram attacks the United Nations compound in Abuja. A car bomb kills 23 people and injures more than 75 others.
November 4, 2011 - More than 100 die in multiple attacks in Yobo, Damaturu and Borno states. Boko Haram militants utilize IEDs and vehicle-borne IEDs to target security forces and their offices, markets and 11 churches.
January 2012 - A newly formed splinter group, known as Ansaru, announces Abu Usmatul Al-Ansari as its leader.
January 20, 2012 - More than 200 people are killed when Boko Haram launches coordinated attacks targeting police, military, a prison and other targets in the city of Kano in Kano State.
August 23, 2012 - Unverified media reports claim that Boko Haram has begun peace talks with the Nigerian government. Boko Haram spokesman Abu Qa Qa warns the media against making any more claims, "We are telling the government to understand that if it is not ready to embrace Sharia and the Quran as the guiding book from which the laws of the land derive, there shall be no peace... [and media agencies] should understand that for us there is no difference between those fighting with guns and with the pen."
February 19, 2013 - Militants alleging to be Boko Haram kidnap a French family of seven in a national park in northern Cameroon; however, the affiliation with Boko Haram can not be verified. The family is later released.
April 2013 - President Goodluck Jonathan states he has appointed a team to explore the possibility of amnesty for Islamist militants. Shekau responds in an audio statement: "Surprisingly the Nigerian government is talking about granting us amnesty. What wrong have we done? On the contrary, it is we that should grant you pardon."
April 19, 2013 - Boko Haram battles with multinational security forces from Niger, Nigeria and Chad in the city of Baga in Borno State, leaving nearly 200 people dead, including many civilians. Shekau releases a video in May saying Boko Haram is not responsible for the civilian deaths.
May 15, 2013 - Nigeria's Ministry of Defence announces a military offensive has begun in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe to "rid the nation's border territories of terrorist bases and activities."
June 4, 2013 - President Jonathan approves the proscription of Boko Haram and splinter group Ansaru as terrorist organizations.
June 2013 - Boko Haram targets churches in various states on three Sundays in a row, leaving more than 50 people dead.
August 14, 2013 - The Ministry of Defence announces the death of Boko Haram's second-in-command, Momodu Baba (known as Abu Saad).
August 19, 2013 - Nigeria's chief army spokesperson claims Shekau may have died after an attack on June 30, but the claim is never verified.
September 17, 2013 - Boko Haram gunmen dress in military uniforms and stage a fake checkpoint near Benisheik in Borno, executing travelers and burning vehicles, leaving at least 143 people dead.
September 25, 2013 - A man claiming to be Shekau appears in a video and says that he is, in fact, alive and well. However, his identity is not verified.
November 13, 2013 - The U.S. State Department adds Boko Haram and Ansaru to its list of terrorist organizations.
January 26, 2014 - At least 45 are killed in a market in Kawuri in Borno after Boko Haram militants open fire.
February 11, 2014 - At least 23 people are killed when suspected Boko Haram militants torch houses in the village of Konduga, according to the governor of Borno state.
April 14, 2014 - Boko Haram militants kidnap approximately 276 teenage girls from a boarding school in Chibok in Borno. Officials there say some of the girls were able to escape.
May 5, 2014 - In a video statement, a man claiming to be Shekau says, "I abducted your girls. I will sell them in the market, by Allah...there is a market for selling humans. Allah says I should sell. He commands me to sell. I will sell women. I sell women."
May 13, 2014 - Hundreds of Boko Haram militants storm three villages in the state of Borno. Villagers resist, killing more than 200 Boko Haram fighters.
May 20, 2014 - Twin blasts in the city of Jos kill 118 people at a market. Nigerian authorities decline to say who is responsible.
May 21, 2014 - The White House announces that the United States has sent 80 troops to Chad to help search for the kidnapped schoolgirls.
May 22, 2014 - The U.N. Security Council adds Boko Haram to its sanctions list.
June 3-4, 2014 - Hundreds of people are killed in raids by Boko Haram Islamic militants in the state of Borno, with some sources putting the death toll at 400 to 500.
June 7-8, 2014 - Suspected Boko Haram militants kidnap at least 20 young women over a weekend in the northeastern Nigeria village of Garkin Fulani, 8 kilometers from a town where more than 200 schoolgirls were taken nearly two months earlier.
June 18-22, 2014 - Boko Haram militants hold the village of Kummabza in Borno state, northeastern Nigeria, hostage for four days. They abduct more than 60 females, including children, and kill 30 men in the raid.
July 7, 2014 - Sources say sixty-three women and girls kidnapped by Boko Haram last month from the Kummabza village in northern Borno state, have escaped from their captors and returned to their village. Boko Haram is still believed to be holding about 200 schoolgirls abducted April 14 from a boarding school in the town of Chibok.
July 17-20, 2014 - Boko Haram raids the Nigerian town of Damboa. By the time the raid ends, 66 residents have been killed and more than 15,000 have fled.
October 16, 2014 - The Nigerian government announces they've reached a ceasefire agreement with the Islamist terror group that includes the promised release of more than 200 kidnapped schoolgirls.
November 1, 2014 - In a video, the group's leader denies the Nigerian government's claim of a ceasefire.


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I am developing an app(for Froyo and upwards) in which one of the functionalities is to auto answer a call as soon as it is received. I've searched a lot on this topic - some say it is not allowed, some have found a workaround to it. They're using
com.android.internal.telephony.ITelephony which Eclipse says does not exist(..sort of, I get that bulb and red cross). Can you suggest something? If you know any links/code for this please, please post it here!


text: When it comes to marketing, modern-day businesses seem to be pre-occupied with online techniques and digital media. While these represent important components of any successful marketing campaign, it is important to remember that an integrated strategy that incorporates offline disciplines offers the best possible chance of long-term success. With this in mind, you should consider how printed materials and similar offline products can be created to promote your brand and venture. In terms of offline print materials, banners are particularly effective. Not only can they be created to incorporate striking imagery and bold colours, but they can also be placed anywhere within a predetermined location. Let's look at the three most important considerations when creating a marketing banner:


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Southern Vermont College is seeking clinical experts with a love of teaching. Our students include Mountaineer Scholars who are part of an initiative to support the progress of vulnerable students before and through their college experience. Faculty openings available for Fall 2014 semester are to teach second and third year BSN students an introductory clinical course and a course focused on care of elders in medical-surgical settings. Additional opportunities will be available in Spring 2015.
Minimum required qualifications include a MSN, recent and relevant clinical experience, teaching expertise, and eligibility for RN licensure in the state of Vermont.
Please contact Dr. Mary Botter, PhD, RN, Chair, Division of Nursing, for further information (802-447-6347).
Don't drink your holiday calories!
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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND--(Marketwire - Dec 11, 2012) -
Barry Callebaut /Barry Callebaut to acquire the Cocoa Ingredients Division from Petra Foods,Singapore. Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media / Analysts conference call / webcast today at 09:00am CET
World's leading chocolate manufacturer to significantly strengthen itspositionin cocoa processing
* Excellent strategic fit at the core of Barry Callebaut's cocoa and
chocolate business, supporting the company's overall growth
* Supporting further chocolate growth by stepping up the integrated
cocoa sourcing and processing activities
* Strengthening current and future outsourcing and partnership
* Boosting sales volume in fast growing emerging markets, mainly in
Asia and Latin America, by 65% to almost one-third of Group sales
* Becoming a pro-active market player in the fast growing cocoa
powder market
* Adding Asia as a strong cocoa sourcing base besides West Africa
* Total consideration will be USD 950 million on a cash/debt-free basis,
to be financed by a bridge loan from banks that will be replaced within
12 months by the issuance of a combination of equity and debt
* Transaction will be subject to approval by Petra Foods' shareholders as
well as by regulatory authorities; closing expected in summer 2013
Zurich/Switzerland, December 12, 2012 - Barry Callebaut, the world'sleadingmanufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, has reached anagreement with Petra Foods Ltd., Singapore to acquire their CocoaIngredientsDivision. Petra Foods' Cocoa Ingredients Division is the largest cocoaproductssupplier in Asia with a global sales volume of 265,000 MT and 47,000 MT ofco-manufacturing volumes for large accounts, sales revenue of USD 1.3 billion(CHF1.1 billion) and 1,700 employees in fiscal year 2011 (ended December 31,2011).The business has a significant global footprint across four continents with405,000 MT of bean-grinding capacity in seven processing facilities, andfoursales offices. The integration of Petra Foods' Cocoa Ingredients Divisionwillmake Barry Callebaut the largest global cocoa processor. The transactionalsoincludes a long-term agreement with Petra Foods' branded consumer divisiontosupply it with cocoa products covering 75% of its total needs. Thetransactionis subject to approval by Petra Foods' shareholders as well as regulatoryauthorities. The closing of the transaction is expected in summer 2013.
Excellent strategic fit - supporting future global growth
Andreas Jacobs, Chairman of Barry Callebaut, said: "This acquisition is anexcellent strategic fit that will support our future global growth. Theintegration of Petra Foods' Cocoa Ingredients Division into our Group isexpected to strengthen Barry Callebaut's earnings per share. Thissignificanttransaction will allow us to continue our expansion strategy in all regionsandcapture additional opportunities through outsourcing and partnershipagreementsas well as in Gourmet."
Juergen Steinemann, Barry Callebaut's Chief Executive Officer, added: "Theacquisition marks a major step forward in the implementation of our four-pillargrowth strategy. A stronger integrated position in sustainable cocoasourcingand processing is important to keep growing our chocolate business over-proportionally, especially in emerging markets. The deal also allows us tobecome a strategic supplier of specialty cocoa powders and meet the growingintegrated value chain requirements of our customers and partners.Moreover,Barry Callebaut will gain valuable know-how and become even more globalthanksto all the new colleagues whom we will welcome with open arms upon closingtheplanned transaction."
The acquisition is in line with Barry Callebaut's strategy for futuregrowthbased on the four pillars 1) Expansion, 2) Innovation, 3) Cost Leadershipand4) Sustainable Cocoa:
* First, the acquisition will strengthen Barry Callebaut's cocoa
position, which is crucial for supporting the company's attractive
industrial chocolate growth and expanding its offering to industrial
chocolate, outsourcing and gourmet customers. In addition, the
acquisition will boost Barry Callebaut's sales volume in the fast
growing emerging markets of Asia and Latin America by 65%. Their share
of reported sales volume will therefore grow to 31% from 24%. The
markets for cocoa powder are growing fast (by 2-5% per annum), mostly
driven by emerging markets and increasing demand for a broad range of
applications, such as cocoa-based beverages, compounds, fillings,
bakery products and ice cream.
* Second, the transaction will significantly expand Barry Callebaut's
cocoa processing and cake & powder blending expertise and give it
valuable market and management know-how in Asia.
* Third, the acquisition will strengthen Barry Callebaut's cost
leadership in cocoa processing by enlarging its footprint in
cost-competitive production countries, partially replacing future
investments in production capacities, and enabling product flow
* Fourth, Barry Callebaut will be able to strengthen and further
diversify its cocoa sourcing and processing activities in origin
countries by creating a second strong sourcing base in Asia, besides
West Africa.
Financial impact of the transaction - creating value for all stakeholdersThe planned acquisition will create value for all stakeholders. The totalconsideration will be USD 950 million on a cash/debt-free basis[1]. Thebookvalue of the net assets of the business to be acquired amounts to USD 784million (CHF 737 million) as of September 30, 2012[2].
It is planned to integrate Petra Foods' Cocoa Ingredients Division, whichishighly complementary in terms of business, products and geographies, intoBarryCallebaut. The run-rate synergy potential has been calculated to amount toCHF30 to 35 million, to be fully achieved four years after closing thetransaction.These synergies will result from an enhanced purchasing platform, optimizedproduct flows and overhead costs. To achieve these synergies, the groupestimates one-off costs at CHF 10 to 15 million, to be incurred equallybetweenthe first two years post transaction. Additionally the Group estimates one-offtransaction costs of approximately CHF 10 million.
The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings per share on areportedbasis in the second full year of consolidation (fiscal year 2014/15).
Barry Callebaut mid-term guidance as of consolidationAs of consolidation Barry Callebaut envisages the following targets: 6-8%volumegrowth on average per year until 2015/16 and an EBIT per tonne restored toBarryCallebaut's pre-acquisition level by the end of the same period, barringanymajor unforeseen events.
Barry Callebaut will fund the transaction through a bridge loan from banks.Thebridge loan will be replaced within 12 months by the issuance of acombinationof equity and debt. The transaction has the full support of Jacobs HoldingAG,Barry Callebaut's majority shareholder.
Credit Suisse acted as exclusive financial advisor to Barry Callebaut onthistransaction.
[1]Adjustments to the consideration will be made at the date of completionrelated to - amongst others - net debt and net working capital.
[2]Based on figures officially disclosed by Petra Foods Limited pertainingtoits Cocoa Ingredients Division while the final scope of the transactionslightlydiffers and the values are subject to adjustments at the completion of thetransaction.
Key figures (in CHF million)
| |Barry Callebaut |Petra Foods' Cocoa Ingredients |
| | |Division* |
| |Fiscal year 2011/12 |Fiscal year |9 months(2) |
| |(as of August |2011(1) |(up to Sept |
| |31, 2012) |(as of Dec |30, 2012) |
| | |31, 2011) | |
|Third-party sales |1,379 |265 |188 |
|volume (in kMT) | | | |
|Third-party sales |4,830 |1,132 |732 |
|revenue | | | |
|% margin |9.0% |5.2% |4.5% |
|% margin |7.3% |3.9% |2.8% |
|EBIT per tonne |CHF 256 |CHF 165 |CHF 109 |
|Net segment assets |N/A |614 |737 |
|No of employees |6,100 |1,700 |
|Global footprint |46 production |* 7 production sites: Indonesia,|
| |facilities | Malaysia, Thailand; France, |
| | | Germany; Brazil, Mexico |
| | |* 4 sales offices: Singapore, |
| | | Philippines; Netherlands; USA |
* The key figures shown in the table above are figures officially disclosedbyPetra Food Limited pertaining to its Cocoa Ingredients Division while thefinalscope of the transaction slightly differs.
(1) Fiscal year 2011 segment results as reported, converted ataverage2011 FX rate of CHF 0.8869 per USD.
(2) Q3 (9M) Fiscal year 2012 segment results as reported, convertedataverage 9M Sep 2012 FX rate of CHF 0.9403 per USD. For ease of reference,thisrate has also been used to translate the net segment assets for bothperiods.
More information on this acquisition will be provided today during aconferencecall / audio webcast for media, analysts & institutional investors at09:00amCET.
All dial-in and access details as well as the presentation can be found ontheBarry Callebaut website. The presentation will be available as of 08:30amCET.
Barry Callebaut (www.barry-callebaut.com):
With annual sales of about CHF 4.8 billion (EUR 4.0 billion / USD 5.2billion)for fiscal year 2011/12, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut is the world'sleadingmanufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate - from the cocoa bean tothefinest chocolate product. Barry Callebaut is present in 30 countries,operatesaround 45 production facilities and employs a diverse and dedicatedworkforce ofabout 6,000 people. Barry Callebaut serves the entire food industryfocusing onindustrial food manufacturers, artisans and professional users of chocolate(such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs or bakers), the latter with its twoglobalbrands Callebaut(®) and Cacao Barry(®). Barry Callebaut is theglobal leader in cocoa and chocolate innovations and provides acomprehensive range of services in the fields of product development,processing, training and marketing. Cost leadership is another importantreason why global as well as local foodmanufacturers work together with Barry Callebaut. Through its broad rangeofsustainability initiatives and research activities, the company works withfarmers, farmer organizations and other partners to help ensure futuresuppliesof cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods.
Petra Foods' Cocoa Ingredients Division
(www.petrafoods.com/business_cocoa_ingredients.html):Headquartered in Singapore, Petra Foods Limited ("Petra Foods") is one oftheworld's major manufacturers and suppliers of cocoa ingredients, as well asaleading regional player in branded consumer confectionery products.
Petra Foods is built upon two complementary business divisions:
* Cocoa Ingredients - One of the world's major manufacturers and
suppliers of premium cocoa ingredients, namely cocoa liquor, cocoa
butter and cocoa powder, which form the basis for the chocolate
products consumed by millions each day; and
* Branded Consumer - One of the leading players in Southeast Asia, it
markets and distributes its own brands of chocolate and sugar
confectionery products to consumers and enjoys market leadership in
Petra Foods has been listed on the Mainboard of the SGX-ST (Singapore)sinceNovember 2004.
Petra Foods entered the cocoa ingredients business in 1988. The CocoaIngredients Division has a strong heritage with a track record of organicandacquisition-led growth.
With sales revenue of approximately USD 1.3 billion (CHF 1.1 billion) infiscalyear 2011 and about 1,700 employees, Petra Foods' Cocoa IngredientsDivision isthe largest cocoa ingredients supplier in Asia.
It provides highly customized premium cocoa ingredients (cocoa liquor,cocoabutter, cocoa powder) to international food and beverage companies aroundtheworld. The products are marketed internationally under the Delfi brand andinEurope under the Nord Cacao brand.
It has a significant global footprint with 405,000 MT grinding capacity in7locations (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand; France, Germany; Brazil, Mexico)andoperates 4 sales offices (Singapore, Philippines; Netherlands, USA).Strategically located close to the largest consuming markets Petra Foods'CocoaIngredients Division serves customers in more than 60 countries in aflexible,expedient and cost-effective manner.
The complete news release can be downloaded from the following link:
Media/Analysts conference call / webcast :http://www.barry-callebaut.com/50?view=category,event=9543
Press Release (PDF):http://hugin.info/100441/R/1664196/539853.pdf
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf ofThomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Barry Callebaut via Thomson Reuters ONE
- Finance
- Investment & Company Information
- Barry Callebaut
for investors and financial analysts:
Evelyn Nassar
Head of Investor Relations
Barry Callebaut AG
Phone: +41 43 204 04 23
Email Contact
for the media:
Raphael Wermuth
Head of Media Relations
Barry Callebaut AG
Phone: +41 43 204 04 58
Email Contact
for the media in Asia-Pacific:
Stephanie Batot
Executive Director
Grayling Asia
Phone: +65 9822 2231
Email Contact


text:
Alumni Hang at NAMM 2015
Thursday / January 22, 2015 / 6:00 p.m.
The Berklee Center in LA will be hosting a get together for all those Berklee alumni attending or working the NAMM show.Buy Tickets
The Scott Tarulli Group
Thursday / January 22, 2015 / 7:30 p.m.David Friend Recital Hall
Guitarist and Berklee faculty member Scott Tarulli will play original music from his latest album, Anytime, Anywhere, as well as some new material.
Admission: Free
Eli Gauden
Friday / January 23, 2015 / 7:00 p.m.Oliver Colvin Recital Hall
Norwegian singer-songwriter Eli Gauden performs a set of original songs and covers in a combination of folk, pop, and jazz styles.
Admission: Free
Sam Haiman Band / The Interlopers / DSJR
Saturday / January 24, 2015 / 8:00 p.m.Cafe 939
The Sam Haiman Band performs their mix of Asbury rock, Texas blues, and Laurel Canyon folk. The Interlopers and David Stewart Jr. also perform.Buy Tickets
The Bad Plus
Saturday / January 24, 2015 / 8:00 p.m.Berklee Performance Center
Widely heralded for its innovative reworkings of rock, indie, electronica, and modernist classical music, the Bad Plus now turns to Ornette Coleman's landmark 1972 album Science Fiction to honor the great master of free jazz.Buy Tickets
Annual Berklee LA Alumni Brunch (2015)
Sunday / January 25, 2015 / 11:00 a.m.Fairmont Miramar Hotel
The Annual Los Angeles Alumni Brunch is our community's flagship event. With more than 500 attendees in 2014, the brunch has grown to become the largest alumni gathering Berklee offers. It's not to be missed.Buy Tickets
Berklee Online: Degree Completion Info Session
Monday / January 26, 2015 / 10:00 a.m.Sherman Oaks Galleria
Join Debbie Cavalier, CEO of Berklee Online and Berklee alumna, for an informative presentation on the degree completion opportunities that are now available to Berklee students.
Admission: Free
Ian DePriest: Piano Talk
Monday / January 26, 2015 / 4:00 p.m.Oliver Colvin Recital Hall
Singer-songwriter Ian DePriest gives an intimate acoustic performance of his songs as well as a selection of covers of artists who have inspired him.
Admission: Free
Composition Department Faculty Concert
Monday / January 26, 2015 / 7:30 p.m.David Friend Recital Hall
A presentation of faculty compositions.
Admission: Free
Paul-Eirik Melhus Senior Recital
Tuesday / January 27, 2015 / 1:00 p.m.Cafe 939
Tenor saxophonist Paul-Eirik Melhus's performance is a culmination his experiences in Boston and a musical reflection of his years at Berklee. As a fan of both visual and performance art, he will showcase original compositions as well as visual elements by local artists.
Admission: Free
Barbara Schucko's Recital
Tuesday / January 27, 2015 / 4:00 p.m.Berk Recital Hall
Singer and composer Barbara Schucko presents original music and arrangements of rock tunes, recreating part of her musical journey from Brazil to Boston.
Admission: Free
Sylvie Leys: New Year
Tuesday / January 27, 2015 / 7:00 p.m.Oliver Colvin Recital Hall
Tenor saxophonist Sylvie Leys plays a mix of new compositions and free improvisation.
Admission: Free
Spajazzy: La Musica
Tuesday / January 27, 2015 / 7:30 p.m.David Friend Recital Hall
Ranging from a duo setting to a full band, faculty members Sergio Bellotti and Tino D'Agostino, also known as Spajazzy, will present a collection of originals from their acclaimed album featuring Mike Stern, as well as renditions of classics rearranged for these particular ensembles.
Admission: Free
Kaleidoscope: An Open-Genre Battle of the Bands
Tuesday / January 27, 2015 / 8:00 p.m.Berklee Performance Center
Berklee's Songwriting Department will be hosting Berklee's first Battle of the Bands at the Berklee Performance Center.Buy Tickets
Caleb Hawley / Barnaby Bright / Susan Cattaneo
Tuesday / January 27, 2015 / 8:00 p.m.Cafe 939
Caleb Hawley, an American soul singer-songwriter, performs along with troubadours Barnaby Bright and Berklee faculty member Susan Cattaneo.Buy Tickets
Juan José Flores Loaiza: Proyecto Alebrije
Tuesday / January 27, 2015 / 10:00 p.m.Berklee Dining Hall
Proyecto Alebrije brings together bolero, son Jarocho, canto cardenche, huapango, and many other musical styles. This project blends folkloric Mexican items with blues, rock, jazz, and a capella arrangements to spread Mexican heritage and culture at Berklee.
Admission: Free
An Afternoon Of Fusion with Adam Rafowitz
Wednesday / January 28, 2015 / 1:00 p.m.Cafe 939
Guitarist Adam Rafowitz performs electric music in a variety of styles including jazz and progressive metal.
Admission: Free
Vid Jamnik: Kaleidoscope
Wednesday / January 28, 2015 / 4:00 p.m.Oliver Colvin Recital Hall
Vibraphonist Vid Jamnik and his quintet present a diverse program of original music in the jazz idiom.
Admission: Free
Wednesday / January 28, 2015 / 4:00 p.m.Berk Recital Hall
Vocalist Vasilisa Moroz presents Unibird, a solo project combining dream pop and indietronica with a jazz flavor. This recital will feature original compositions and arrangements of covers.
Admission: Free
Angie and Friends: The Journey
Wednesday / January 28, 2015 / 7:00 p.m.Berk Recital Hall
Vietnamese vocalist Thu "Angie" Nguyen performs her first Berklee recital with a program of neo-soul, funk, and blues rock, all with Eastern influences.
Admission: Free


text:
- Video
- Dec 12, 2012
Tesla Model S burnout: short, sweet and sort of silent
below, go ahead and shorten it up by skipping six seconds of b-roll at the beginning). Still, if you've ever wanted to see a Tesla Model S spin out and smoke some tires, then be jealous of Road & Track west coast editor Jason Cammisa, who decided to see if electrons can go in circles recently in Palm Springs.We'll keep this short, since the video in question is only 22 seconds long (and if you watch it
Yes, we're jealous.
Yes, we're jealous.
Tesla Model S Information
18 Comments


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Join the 'Creatine' group to help and get support from people like you.
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Our support group for Creatine has 37 questions and 20 members. Updated 5 Dec 2014.
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text: Politics Joe Biden: "Spread Your Legs, You're Gonna Be Frisked" The vice president makes Sen. Heidi Heitkamp's swearing in, um, memorable. Dorsey Shaw BuzzFeed Staff posted January 3, 2013 2:34pm EST Follow Video available at: http://buzzfeed-video1.s3.amazonaws.com/video/2013/01/03/biden2-502x376.mp4. Check out more articles on BuzzFeed.com! More ▾ Facebook Conversations Next On BuzzFeed News › Rand Paul Will Bring Up The Senate Debate Over Police... Next On BuzzFeed News › Hundreds Of Pakistani Santas Marched In Defiance Of... Saving... Saving... Saving... Rebuzzed! This post has been added to your Feed I know, right? And there's more where that came from. Totally! And there's plenty more to love! Broken hearted? Maybe you'll like something over here instead? I know, right? Will your friends agree? Share this Link Joe Biden: "Spread Your Legs, You're Gonna Be Frisked" http://www.buzzfeed.com/dorsey/joe-biden-spread... The vice president makes Sen. Heidi Heitkamp's swearing in, um, memorable. Your link was successfully shared! EDIT More Buzz Retro Joe Biden Is Clearly The Best Joe Biden × Obama And Biden Have Said Military Action Without Congressional Approval Is Unconstitutional × Biden Beats The Drum On Syria × Morning Joe's Moving Farewell To Anthony Weiner × Related Links × Note: once you save these links, they will no longer update automatically. 1. 2. 3. 4. Save Changes Cancel Facebook Conversations


text:
Hall of Fame baseball player Tony Gwynn's death was shocking for many people, dead at 54.
Gwynn shined through his 20-year career with the San Diego Padres. He was diagnosed with a salivary gland cancer back in 2010. I'm sure the first thing comes to mind is- chewing tobacco led to his cancer.
Some reports say he had mouth cancer, the type of cancer he had was not in the mouth.
"He had a salivary gland tumor basically that started in his parotid gland which is the largest salivary gland and it's on the side of your face in the cheek area where they have lumps," said Oncologist Dr. Donald Richards of Texas Oncology at Trinity Mother Frances.
It's reported Gwynn's death was linked to chewing tobacco throughout his career, but doctors say Gwynn did not have mouth cancer.
Dr. Richards says most salivary gland tumors are benign. "Apparently he had episodes of recurrent tumors that appeared to transform in to much more of an aggressive histology."
We asked Dr. Richards if chewing tobacco has any association with salivary gland cancer. "Salivary gland cancers aren't as strongly linked to tobacco use as some other types of cancers."
From batting in the Major League to battling cancer it sparks concern on any playing field on whether chewing tobacco is linked to the cancer Gwynn had.
The head baseball coach at UT Tyler Chris Bertrand says chewing is rooted in the game and a big part of culture. "I think the biggest thing is you have to educate people on what the risks are and what the dangers are." And coach Bertrand says he makes that part of his game. "At the end of the day it's a personal decision, but we feel that's our main role, and it is to make sure they understand if you make that decision to continue to do it, these are the risks that you are running."


text:
Since we first told you about Tabula Rasa's Operation Immortality, it has grown quite a bit. All sorts of top athletes, artists and musicians have signed onto the project to have their DNA digitized and sent into space through the Immortality Drive. This special hard drive will travel with Richard Garriott to the International Space Station on October 12th and stay there in the event that humanity needs a restart.
Originally, this project was to end on August 31st, for anyone interested in participating. However, we're happy to report that this deadline has now been extended until September 29th, 2008. This gives you even more time to vote on mankind's greatest achievements, send a personal message from the website or win a chance to have your digitized DNA included on the Immortality Drive. So if you still haven't taken part in this historical event, you might want to head on over to the project's website and give it a shot.
No comments yet. :(
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Posted on Dec 28th 2014 12:00PM


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10 Good Things That Happened in 2014
To combat all the other terrible things that happened.Jessica Roy
To combat all the other terrible things that happened.Jessica Roy
Many don't buy the U.S. government's explanation.Margaret Hartmann
One woman showed us the way everyone feels at the holidays.Lisa Miller
"Well, I got my check! Although this will affect my residuals, unfortunately."Abraham Riesman and Lane Brown and Nate Jones
"A pretend version of the way that human beings interact with each other is not interesting to me."Ruth Baron
The partner of Diller, Scofidio + Renfro gives Wendy Goodman a tour of his New York City apartment.Wendy Goodman
The support of collectors can mean everything.Carl Swanson
CEO Michael Lynton says that it was not Sony's decision to cancel The Interview.Vulture
"We cannot have a society where some dictator someplace can start imposing censorship on the United States."Vulture
After a month (or so), our limited-run art-world web circus comes to an end.
Sorry, dudes.Vulture
It's official: "The North Korean government is responsible."
Actually, it's about ethics in death threats.
Bad news for teachers.Vulture
The North Korea–linked hackers are pleased as punch The Interview got canceled.
We've now done ten issues of "Reasons to Love," and we're not nearly done counting.