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US 6493030 B1 Abstract An imaging array of active pixel sensors uses a reset amplifier in each pixel in a four transistor CMOS implementation. The reset amplifier acts as a variable resistance in the source-follower amplifier feedback circuit. The variable resistance is controlled by a range reset voltage applied to the reset amplifier thereby nulling the photodiode reset noise. The ramp reset voltage is applied to all reset amplifiers of all pixels at the same time, thereby providing for reset of the entire array at the same time, i.e., global reset.
Claims(20) 1. An active-pixel sensor including a radiation detector in a plurality of active-pixel sensors organized into a sensor array, said active-pixel sensor comprising:
a transistor amplifier having an input and an output, its input connected to said radiation detector for generating an electrical signal output having a magnitude that is a function of the charge input from the radiation detector;
a first switch connected to said transistor amplifier for impressing the electrical signal from said transistor amplifier onto an output line;
a variable resistance connected between said transistor amplifier and said radiation detector for resetting the charge input of said transistor amplifier to a predetermined signal level; and
a second switch connected to said transistor amplifier and said variable resistance for providing a current source to said transistor amplifier during reset.
2. The active-pixel sensor of
3. The active-pixel sensor of
4. The active-pixel sensor of
5. The active-pixel sensor of
6. The active-pixel sensor of
7. The active-pixel sensor of
8. The active-pixel sensor of
9. The active-pixel sensor of
10. The active-pixel sensor of
11. An active-pixel sensor including a radiation detector in a two-dimensional array of active-pixel sensors organized into rows and columns of sensors, comprising:
a transistor amplifier having an input and an output, its input connected to said radiation detector for generating an electrical signal output having a magnitude that is a function of the charge at its input generated by the radiation detector;
a first switch connected to said transistor amplifier for impressing the electrical signal of its output onto a column output line;
a variable resistance connected between said transistor amplifier and said radiation detector for resetting the charge at said transistor amplifier input to a predetermined signal level; and
a second switch connected to said transistor amplifier and said variable resistance for providing a current source to said transistor amplifier during reset.
12. The active-pixel sensor of
13. The active-pixel sensor of
14. The active-pixel sensor of
15. The active-pixel sensor of
16. The active-pixel sensor of
17. The active-pixel sensor of
18. The active-pixel sensor of
a voltage source VSRC;
a current source ISRC; and
means for connecting the voltage source VSRC to said column output line during reset of the sensor, and connecting said current source ISRC to said column output line during readout of the sensor.
19. The active-pixel sensor of
20. The active-pixel sensor of
Description This application is related to application Ser. No. 09/057,423 filed on Apr. 8, 1998 for �Compact Low-Noise Pixel Sensor with Progressive Row Reset,� and U.S. application Ser. No. 09/268,913 entitled �Low-Noise CMOS Active Pixel Sensor for Imaging Arrays With High Speed Global or Row Reset� filed on Mar. 16, 1999, which are currently pending and commonly owned with the present application. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to electronic imaging devices and, in particular, to CMOS imagers having a minimum of analog components in each pixel. 2. Description of Related Art There presently exists many alternatives to CCD sensors for generating video or still images. The various schemes can be grouped into two basic classes, depending upon whether signal amplification is performed at each pixel site or in support circuits outside the pixel array. Passive-pixel sensors perform amplification outside the array. Passive pixel sensors exhibit pixel simplicity and maximized optical fill factor. Active-pixel sensors include an amplifier at each pixel site. Active pixel sensors optimize signal transfer and sensitivity. The simplest passive pixel comprises a photodiode and an access transistor. The photo-generated charge is passively transferred from each pixel to downstream circuits. The integrated charge must, however, be efficiently transferred with low noise and non-uniformity. Since each column of pixels often share a common row or column bus for reading the signal, noise and non-uniformity suppression are typically facilitated in the �column� buffer servicing each bus. One example of a passive pixel implementation is shown in FIG. 1. It uses a buffer consisting of a transimpedance amplifier with capacitive feedback to yield reasonable sensitivity considering the large bus capacitance. Such charge-amplification was not generally practical for on-chip implementation in early MOS imaging sensors. Accordingly, alternative schemes compatible with NMOS technology were used. The basic scheme shown in FIG. 2 was mass-produced by Hitachi for camcorders. The key refinements with respect to the FIG. 1 scheme include anti-blooming control and circuitry for reducing fixed pattern noise. Though these imagers were inferior to the emerging charge coupled device (CCD) imagers available at the time, similar MOS imagers are still being offered commercially today. Subsequent efforts at improving passive-pixel imager performance have also focused on column buffer enhancements. The column buffer was improved by using an enhancement/depletion inverter amplifier to provide reasonably large amplification in a small amount of real estate. Its 40 lux sensitivity was still nearly an order of magnitude below that of competing CCD-based sensors. Others worked to enhance sensitivity and facilitate automatic gain control via charge amplification in the column buffer. More recently, the capacitive-feedback transimpedance amplifier (CIA) concept of FIG. 1 has served as a basis for further development, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,043,820 and 5,345,266. The CTIA is nearly ideal for passive-pixel readout if the problems with temporal noise pickup and fixed-pattern noise are adequately addressed. Though much progress has been made in developing passive-pixel imagers, their temporal S/N performance is still fundamentally inferior to competing CCD imagers. Their bus capacitance translates to read noise of ≈100 e-. CCDs, on the other hand, typically have read noise of 20 to 40 e- at video frame rates. The allure of producing imagers with conventional MOS fabrication technologies rather than esoteric CCD processes (which usually require many implantation steps and complex interface circuitry) encouraged the development of active-pixel sensors. In order to mitigate the noise associated with the bus capacitance, amplification was added to the pixel via the phototransistor. One such approach called a Base-Stored Image Sensor (BASIS) used a bipolar transistor in emitter follower configuration with a downstream correlated double sample to suppress random and temporal noise. By storing the photogenerated-signal on the phototransistor's base to provide charge amplification, the minimum scene illumination was reduced to 10−3 lux in a linear sensor array. However, the minimum scene illumination was higher (10−2 lux) in a two-dimensional BASIS imager having 310,000 pixels because the photoresponse non-uniformity was relatively high (≦2%). These MOS imagers had adequate sensitivity, but their pixel pitch was too large at about 13 μm. This left the problem of shrinking the pixel pitch while also reducing photoresponse non-uniformity. Since the incorporation of bipolar phototransistors is not strictly compatible with mainstream CMOS processes, some approaches have segregated photodetection and signal amplification. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,296,696 and 5,083,016, for example, describe active-pixel sensors essentially comprising a three-transistor pixel with photodiode. These implementations still exhibit inadequate performance. The '696 patent, for example, augments the basic source-follower configuration of the '016 patent with a column buffer that cancels fixed pattern noise, but adds a fourth transistor that creates a floating node vulnerable to generation of random offsets for charge-pumping and concomitant charge redistribution. The '016 patent offers a method for reducing offset errors, but not with adequate accuracy and resolution to be useful for competing with CCDs. Furthermore, these and other similar approaches require 3-4 transistors in the pixel (at least one of which is relatively large to minimize 1/f noise) in addition to the photodiode. These implementations also require off-chip signal processing for best S/N performance because none addresses the dominant source of temporal noise. In order to eliminate or greatly suppress the reset noise (kTC) generated by resetting the detector capacitance, a dedicated memory element is usually needed, either on-chip or off-chip, to store the reset voltage, to apply correlated double sampling and coherently subtract the correlated reset noise while the photo-generated voltage is being read. This basic deficiency was addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,515 by developing an active pixel sensor (APS) that uses intra-pixel charge transfer to store the reset charge at each pixel at the start of each imaging frame. The floating gate APS facilitates correlated double sampling with high efficiency by adding several transistors and relying on a photogate for signal detection. The concomitant drawbacks, however, are intractable because they increase imager cost. The former adds several transistors to each pixel and several million transistors to each imager thereby reducing production yield. The latter is not compatible with standard CMOS gate fabrication so a non-standard process must be developed. These deficiencies were tackled in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,576,763 and 5,541,402 issued to Ackland et al. and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,587,596 and 5,608,243 issued to Chi et al. Ackland addressed the image lag issues associated with the intra-pixel charge transfer means. But his approach still requires a non-standard CMOS process. Chi reduced pixel complexity by using the simplest possible active pixel comprising only a phototransistor and reset MOSFET. Chi's implementation still suffers from reset noise and compromises spectral response at longer wavelengths because the photodiode is in an n-well. It is an object of the present invention to provide an active-pixel low-noise imaging system for implementation in CMOS or in other semiconductor fabrication technologies. It is another object of the present invention to provide a low-noise amplifier for an imaging system that efficiently suppresses reset noise. It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improved electronic imaging system having an integral low-noise amplifier that reduces cost and power consumption while providing low temporal noise and low fixed pattern noise. These objects and the advantages of the present invention are accomplished by circuitry at each pixel consisting of a photodetector and four transistors. The first transistor serves as the driver of a source follower during signal read and as the driver of a transimpedance amplifier during signal reset to suppress reset noise without having to implement correlated double sampling using either on-chip or off-chip memory. The second transistor is an access MOSFET used to read the signal from each pixel and multiplex the signal outputs from an array of pixels. The third transistor is a MOSFET that resets the detector after the integrated signal has been read and the detector sense node has effectively been �pinned� by the transimpedance amplifier. The fourth transistor is a MOSFET that acts successively as a switch during signal readout and as a current source during reset. In a typical two-dimensional display, multiplexing can be performed by horizontal and vertical shift registers. Other objects and the many attendant advantages of this invention will be readily apparent upon reference to the following detailed descriptions when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures, and wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the amplifier system for a passive-pixel MOS photodiode array of the prior art; FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the amplifier system for a passive-pixel imaging sensor of the prior art; FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the amplifier system for an active-pixel imaging sensor of the prior art; FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the low-noise active-pixel of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the operation of the low-noise amplifier system of the present invention during signal reset; FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the operation of the present invention during readout; FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the column-based source supply circuit; FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the small-signal equivalent circuit for the active-pixel sensor of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a signal diagram showing representative clocking for the tapered-reset waveform. Visible imaging systems implemented in CMOS have the potential for significant reductions in cost and power requirements in components such as image sensors, drive electronics, and output signal conditioning electronics. A video camera, for example, can be configured as a single CMOS integrated circuit supported by only an oscillator and a battery. Such a CMOS imaging system requires lower voltages and dissipates less power than a CCD-based system. These improvements translate into smaller camera size, longer battery life, and applicability to many new products. Because of the advantages offered by CMOS visible imagers, there has been considerable effort to develop active-pixel sensor (APS) devices. Active-pixel sensors can provide low read noise comparable or superior to scientific grade CCD systems. The active circuit in each pixel of an APS device, however, utilizes cell �real estate� that could otherwise be used to enable imagers having optical format compatible with standard lenses and/or to maximize the sensor optical fill factor for high sensitivity. Active-pixel circuits also may increase power dissipation relative to passive-pixel alternatives, increase fixed pattern noise (possibly requiring additional circuitry to suppress the noise), and limit scalability. The low noise amplifier system of the present invention is formed by the aggregate circuitry in each pixel and the waveform generation circuits servicing the columns and rows of pixels. The signals from the active pixels are read out by a low-noise signal amplification system consisting of the active-pixel, the waveform generators, a standard column buffer and an output buffer. In addition to means for suppressing the detector's reset noise, the column buffer in the downstream electronics often performs correlated double sampling, sample-and-hold, optional video pipelining, and column amplifier offset cancellation fimctions to suppress the temporal and spatial noise that would otherwise be generated by the column buffer. The low-noise system of the present invention provides the following key functions: (1) suppression of reset noise without having to provide means for analog memory and signal subtraction for each pixel; (2) global correlated reset to minimize image distribution due to object motion; (3) high sensitivity signal readout via small sensor mode capacitance; (4) adequate amplifier bandwidth to avoid generation of fixed pattern noise due to variations in amplifier time constant and stray capacitance; (5) adequate power supply rejection to enable development of cameras-on-a-chip that do not require elaborate support electronics; and (6) compatibility with application to imaging arrays having pixel pitch as small as 5 microns when using 0.25 μm lithography. The invention has the advantages of full process compatibility with standard silicided submicron CMOS. This helps maximize yield and minimize die cost because the circuit complexity is distributed amongst the active-pixels and peripheral circuits, and exploits signal processing capability inherent to CMOS. The invention's spectral response is broad from the near-ultraviolet (400 nm) to the near-IR (>800 nm). Because the low-noise system of the present invention has only four MOSFETs in each pixel, the invention offers as-drawn optical fill factor >15% at 7 μm pixel pitch using 0.5 μm design rules in CMOS. The actual optical fill factor is somewhat larger due to lateral collection and the large diffusion length of commercial CMOS processes. A final advantage is the flexibility to collocate digital logic and signal-processing circuits due to its high immunity to electromagnetic interference. When fully implemented in a desired camera-on-a-chip architecture, the low-noise active pixel sensor (APS) can provide temporal read noise as low as 15 e- (at data rates compatible with either video imaging or still photography via electronic means), fixed pattern noise significantly below 0.1% of the maximum signal (on a par with competing CCD imagers), <0.5% non-linearity, ≧1 V signal swing for 3.3 V power supply, large charge-handling capacity, and variable sensitivity using simple serial interface updated on a frame-by-frame basis via digital interface to a host microprocessor. A prototype embodiment of the low-noise APS invention formed a visible imager comprising an array of 1032 (columns) by 776 (rows) of visible light detectors (photodetectors). The rows and columns of pixels were spaced 7 microns center-to-center using standard 0.5 μm design rules to provide 15% as-drawn optical fill factor. Subsequent layouts using 0.25 μm rules show that the invention can also provide similar fill factor at 5 μm pitch. Several columns and rows of detectors at the perimeter of the light-sensitive region were covered with metal and used to establish the dark level for off-chip signal processing. In addition, the detectors in each row were covered with color filters to produce color imagers. For example, the odd rows may begin at the left with red, green, then blue filters, and the even rows may begin with blue, red, then green filters, with these patterns repeating to fill the respective rows. A low-noise active-pixel sensor 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. Each pixel 10 in a sensor array (not shown) comprises a photodetector 12, such as a photodiode, for example, connected to the gate of a dual-driver MOSFET 14, and one leg of a reset MOSFET 16. The other leg of MOSFET 16 is connected to a leg of MOSFET 14 and a leg of MOSFET 20. MOSFET 20 acts as a current source during global reset and as a switch during pixel readout. A row select MOSFET 18 has one leg connected to MOSFET 14 and the other leg connected to columns bus 24. Column bus 24 connects all the pixels in a column of the photodetector array by way of the row select MOSFET 18 to a source supply 30. Row bus 22 connects all the pixel resets in a row to an access supply Vdd. Tapered reset supply 50 supplies an optimized active-pixel reset waveform (FIG. 9) to the gate of MOSFET 16. Photodiode 12 may be a substrate diode, for example, with the silicide cleared. In this embodiment, it is necessary to clear the silicide because it is opaque to visible light. Pixel 10 is designed as simply as possible to obtain the largest available light detecting area while providing broad spectral response, control of blooming and signal integration time, and compatibility with CMOS production processes. For maximum compatibility with standard submicron CMOS processes, photodiode 12 may be formed at the same time as the lightly doped drain (LDD) implant of n-type MOSFETs for the chosen process; this creates an n-on-p photodiode junction in the p-type substrate. Since no additional ion implantation is necessary, the process and wafer cost for active-pixel circuit 10 are the same as those of standard, high volume digital electronic products. FIG. 5 illustrates operation of the circuit of FIG. 4 during pixel reset. FIG. 6 illustrates the operation during readout. In the preferred embodiment, all the photodetectors 12 in the array are reset globally to synchronize the start of image capture. Reset is initiated by fully enabling the row select MOSFETs 18 of the pixels in the selected row, thereby connecting a low-impedance voltage source (located in source supply 30) to one leg of MOSFET 14 for all the pixels in the row. Dual purpose MOSFET 20 is biased as a current source by waveform Vbias on gate 26 so that all the pixel amplifiers in the imager are configured as transimpedance amplifiers with capacitive feedback provided by MOSFETS 14 Miller capacitance. MOSFET 14 thus acts as a transconductance, and reset MOSFET 16 acts as a resistance controlled by the tapered reset supply 50. The series resistance of MOSFET 16 is gradually increased by applying a decreasing ramp waveform (FIG. 9) to the gate of MOSFET 16 to give the feedback transconductance of MOSFET 14 the opportunity to null the reset noise (kTC) via feedback. This active-pixel implementation resets within an aperture of tens of microseconds using standard 0.5 micron CMOS technology. FIG. 6 shows the same pixel circuit configured in readout mode. The signals from photodetectors 12 are subsequently read out after the prescribed integration time, one row at a time, from bottom to the top of the array. Within each row, photodetectors 12 are read out from left to right. Readout is initiated by turning on the access MOSFETs 18 of all the photodetectors 12 in a selected row and fully turning on MOSFET 20 so that the upper leg of MOSFET 14 is now connected via row bus 22 to low-impedance voltage source Vdd. The lower leg of MOSFET 14 is connected to a current source at the periphery via column bus 24. MOSFET 14 is now a source follower driver so that the amplified signal from each row-selected photodiode 12 is efficiently transferred to column bus 24. FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment for source supply 30. Supply voltage VSRC is buffered by a unity gain amplifier 44. To facilitate configuring the active-pixels as transimpedance amplifiers for low-noise reset, the gate 42 of transistor 46 is pulsed by the supply voltage to fully turn on transistor 46 and connect VSRC to the output column bus 24. To facilitate active-pixel readout, the gate 42 of transistor 46 is pulsed low to open-circuit transistor 46. Current source 48 then supplies the active-pixels with supply current ISRC which is established by a constant voltage Vnbias. The application of the tapered reset waveform (FIG. 9) to the transimpedance amplifier enables the reset noise (kTC noise) envelope to decay before the reset switch 16 (FIG. 4) is completely opened. The invention also reduces the fixed-pattern offsets from MOSFET 14 in each pixel because the photodiode node charges to a voltage that cancels MOSFET 14 variations from pixel-to-pixel. By using a tapered reset, a row is resettable to within several tens of microseconds for full noise suppression, or a shorter time for moderate noise reduction. FIG. 8 shows the generalized small-signal equivalent circuit model for the pixel 10 during reset. This circuit allows calculation of the steady-state noise envelope at the reset node depending on reset switch resistance, Rsw. If the reset voltage is ramped down too slowly, too much time is needed to reset each row and operation at video frame rates becomes problematic. Application to digital still cameras, however, is still quite feasible. If the tapered-reset waveform is ramped down too quickly, then the kTC noise envelope will not decay sufficiently to suppress reset noise before the switch is completely opened. FIG. 8 shows the photodiode 12 node as having a voltage V1 and capacitance C1 to ground. The amplifier 14 output node has voltage V2, output capacitance C0 and output conductance G0 to ground. The capacitance C0 is associated with the entire reset access bus, most of which comes from the MOSFET 14-MOSFET 16 junction of all the rows. The transconductance of MOSFET 14, possibly degenerated by MOSFET 18, is shown as a controlled current source gmV1. The feedback capacitance, Cfb, is the parasitic Miller capacitance of MOSFET 14. Noise from MOSFET 14 is represented by current source in. Noise from MOSFET 16 (which is operated in the ohmic region) is represented by voltage source Vn. Not included in this simplified model is the noise from capacitive feedthrough of the tapered-reset waveform. Using the small-signal equivalent circuit, a simplified noise formula can be derived since: Assuming that the amplifier's dc gain, Adc, is much greater than 1, then the rms reset noise is: The tapered-clock waveform's time constant is thus appropriately selected so that the dimensionless quantity (k1+k2) is significantly >1. The reset noise is hence reduced to the much smaller quantity stemming from the transconductance amplifier's feedback capacitance. In the present invention, this feedback capacitance is the parasitic Miller capacitance of MOSFET 14. A preferred embodiment of the present invention has the approximate design values: 1000�700 format, 7 μm�7 μm pixel, gm=20 μmho; G0=0.08 μmho, Adc=300; C1=15 fF; C0=3.0 pF and Cfb=0.3 fF. The desired tapered-clock frequency of 25 kHz that is fully compatible with video rate operation hence requires Rsw=50 GΩ and an optimum tapered-clock time constant of 25 μs. This yields k1+k2=58 for the preferred embodiment, and an equivalent noise capacitance of 1.8 fF. Since the nominal detector capacitance is 15 fF and kTC noise is proportional to the square root of the relevant capacitance, the reset noise is suppressed from about 55 e- to only 14 e-. Rsw must be tailored to support any changes in line rate. Increasing the line rate hence requires lower switch resistance. The table numerically illustrates the impact on reset noise as the tapered clock time constant is appropriately shortened. At a time constant of 2.7 μsec, the reset noise degrades to 55 e-.
The column bus 24 is preferably monitored by a standard column buffer to read the video signal when it is available. The key requirements on the column buffer are similar to conventional designs having to handle voltage-mode signals and are well known in the art. The reset clock signal (FIG. 9), for reset circuit 10, and the clocking of source supply 30 (*FIG. 7) which facilitate active-pixel reset and readout, is generated on-chip using standard CMOS digital logic. This digital logic scheme thus enables �windowing,� wherein a user can read out the imager in various formats simply by enabling the appropriate support logic to clock the appropriate subformat. With windowing, the 1032�776 format of the prototype embodiment can be read out as one or more arbitrarily sized and positioned M�N arrays without having to read out the entire array. For example, a user might desire to change a computer-compatible �VGA� format (i.e., approximately 640�480) to either Common Interface Format (CIF; nominally 352�240) or Quarter Common Interface Format (QCIF; nominally 176�120) without having to read out all the pixels in the entire array. This feature simplifies support electronics to reduce cost and match the needs of the particular communication medium. As an example, a personal teleconference link to a remote user having only QCIF capability could be optimized to provide QCIF resolution and thus reduce bandwidth requirements throughout the teleconference link. As a further example, an imager configured on Common Interface Format (CIF) could provide full-CIF images while supplying windowed information for the portions of the image having the highest interest for signal processing and data compression. During teleconferencing the window around a person's mouth (for example) could be supplied more frequently than the entire CIF image. This scheme would reduce bandwidth requirements throughout the conference link. Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, various changes and modifications can be carried out by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. Patent Citations
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City of Tyler moves Cumberland Road extension to top of list
tyler, tx — During their regularly scheduled meeting held on July 25, the Tyler City Council approved the 2012-2013 Half Cent Work Program, which prioritizes projects that will be funded by Half Cent Sales Tax revenue for the year. A 60-day review period for public input began today with the Council action.
Topping the list of 222 projects is the extension of Cumberland Road from Old Jacksonville Road to Broadway Avenue. This project will include a four lane divided road with landscaped raised medians, a bridge over West Mud Creek and a hike and bike trail to connect north to the hike and bike trail along Grande.
"This project will serve as an east‐west connection for the southwest portion of Tyler," said Half Cent Board Chairperson Ralph Caraway. "This will give citizens better access to schools, retail, parks and new development. It will also improve emergency response times and help ease traffic congestion."
The City of Tyler utilizes a capital improvement plan (CIP) prioritization tool to rank projects on the Half Cent Program. The tool ensures that projects funded contribute to the consensus goals outlined in the Tyler 21 comprehensive plan.
The prioritization process provides an objective way for the City to compare projects that are competing for the same funding. Weighted criterion that tie directly back to community priorities set through the Tyler 21 planning process are utilized; each project is then scored based upon the degree in which it meets the intent of the principle. The weighted Tyler 21 principles make up 60 percent of the project's score and include:
• Transportation and Circulation (25 percent),
• Public Safety (25 percent),
• Existing Infrastructure (20 percent)
• Revitalization and Balanced Growth (15 percent), and
• Quality of Life (15 percent).
Additional financial, technical and regulatory criteria make up the remaining 40 percent of the project's score. These include:
• Regulatory Compliance (35 percent),
• External Funding Available (25 percent),
• Impact on the Overall Budget (20 percent), and
• Timing/Location (20 percent).
The Half Cent Sales Tax provides approximately $15 million per year in funding for capital projects. Each year, projects will be rescored and the list reprioritized to capture the ever-changing needs of the community. A call for new projects is made each year as well.
"Because of our objective ranking process, each year the plan ensures that we consider all parts and needs of the City," added Caraway. "I think that we have a system in place that is flexible, transparent and easy to understand for the citizens and the Half Cent Board."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I must say that it was a really tough choice and I did quite a bit of research before I pulled the trigger.
Here was the scenario:
I needed a new CCW because I felt like my Glock 19 was a hair too big for summer time carry. It came down to three choices for the money I had to spend. Before the question is asked on why 9mm, it's simple (I am all about shot placement and accuracy)
1. M&P 9c
2. Glock 26
3. Springfield XD 9 sc
M&P 9c-
I will say that I loved this gun. It felt great in my hands and had all the key features that I was looking for. I was so close to buying this gun, but two things held me back. The first is that fact that all the sudden these guns have been on sale lately. This is not a true indicator by no means, but it tells me something. One that it might not be selling very well. Then I started doing my research on DC and asking around some of the dealers and folks at the range. Everything came back to reliability issues with the mags and mag release button.
Link to sale price.
Glock 26-
I truly have nothing bad to say about this firearm. I love Glocks and will always have one in my collection. To me there is not firearm that is more reliable. My only issue with Glocks lately, it that they have not done anything with regard to design change. Now I realize that the old saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it", but I think a fantastic design can be improved upon. That is like Mercedes Benz never adding air conditioning or power door locks and windows over the last 100 years.
XD9 sc-
What can I say, it's a blatant rip off of the Glock design as well as a few other great designs. Almost all of the feed back has been positive and it has been reviewed as a reliable and accurate firearm.
Link to XD9 sc
My decision-
I chose the Springfield XD for a couple reasons. The first is the added safety features, I understand that for some people this does not matter, but to me it does. The second reason is that I wanted something different. That might sound stupid, but it's honest.
Now this is where it gets interesting. Once I took the XD home and field dressed it to clean off the factory grease, I was pleasantly surprised by the design and the quality of the parts. Being a Glock owner for years, I have to admit that the parts that go into an XD seem to be better quality. I challenge any Glock owner to do the same and look at the parts objectively. The first thing that jumps out at you is the spring assembly being metal as well as the trigger, and the polymer frame seems a bit more stout as well. Now I realize that this is a matter of opinion, but it was the conclusion I came up with.
Today I will take the XD to the range and put a few rounds through it. The proof is in the pudding and we shall see how it shoots. I will let you guys know my report.


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Men's Carhartt® Workwear Insulated Shoreline Jacket
Item # WX2-227132
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This item is shipped directly from the factory. To see the expected shipping date, please add to your Shopping Cart. Sorry, no express shipping available. We are unable to ship factory direct items to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or APO or FPO addresses.
- Details & Specs
Carhartt® Workwear Insulated Shoreline Rain Jacket Insulated Carhartt® rain gear seals out heat and moisture for toasty, dry interior!
For everything from fishing to camping or even walks around the lake in "iffy" weather, the Insulated Shoreline Rain Jacket from Carhartt® is your best bet when you're not sure what the weather holds! Start with the waterproof / breathable and fully-taped seams on the exterior... if you're going to get wet, it'll be the fault of an open fire hydrant or water balloon attack. Nylon lining that's quilted to polyester insulation acts as a nice buffer from those early-spring or late-fall chills, as well.
- Insulated workwear rain coat is made of nylon shell with full-length front zipper with interior and exterior storm flaps
- Snap-detachable visored hood has adjustable draw-cord
- Insulated rain gear has storm cuffs on inner sleeves to keep out moisture and cold air
- Two chest pockets with flap closures, left chest map pocket with waterproof zip close two interior pockets with hoop and loop closures two large, lower-front pockets with zip-close and storm flaps
- Storm cuffs on inner sleeves have angled openings for greater range of motion that keep out moisture and cold air
- Elastic, drawcord hem for comfort at the waist.
State Size and Color as available in the Shopping Cart.
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User data stolen from job site Monster
Database containing information such as passwords, e-mails, and phone numbers illegally accessed. Stolen data doesn't include resumes or Social Security numbers, says Monster.
User information, including passwords, has been stolen from job site Monster, the company has announced.
Monster's database of user account information--which includes user IDs, passwords, e-mail addresses, names, phone numbers, and some demographic data--was illegally accessed and information was taken, the company said on Friday.
The information that was stolen did not include resumes or sensitive information like Social Security numbers and financial data. But someone could use the data that was breached to contact Monster users and use social engineering to trick them out of their information.
Monster is urging its users to visit the site and change their password. As a matter of policy, Monster does not send unsolicited e-mail asking users to confirm usernames and passwords or to download anything.
Job sites are a likely target during an economic downturn, security firm AppRiver said in a recent report on spam and other Internet security threats.
More information on security tips is available on the Monster security Web page.


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We want to ensure that making a return is as easy and hassle-free as possible! If for any reason you decide that your purchase just isn't for you, simply return the item within 30 days of receipt and we'll cover the return shipping when you choose our FREE Pre-Paid Return Shipping Label. Learn more about our return policy.
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Farley's East is building an urban oasis for the people of Oakland. Help us to fund this green space for the community! Read more
Farley's East is building an urban oasis for the people of Oakland. Help us to fund this green space for the community!
About this project
far·ley's [far-lee-s] –noun 1. a family owned, community-based business who's mission is to make the communities in which they do business a better places to live by providing a comfortable space with exceptional coffee and food where people can connect, create, contemplate and build community.
–noun, plural -ties.
a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.
a small PUBLIC urban park, often created by replacing several parallel parking spots with a patio, planters, trees, benches, café tables with chairs, fountain(s), artwork, sculptures and/or bicycle parking. City of Oakland Parklet Program, Walk Oakland Bike Oakland Parklet Info
Who is Farley's?
For 23 years Farley's has been a community coffee house in the Bay Area. The original Farley's opened in 1989 in San Francisco by Roger Hillyard. Farley's East, opened by Chris and Amy Hillyard, is now three years old and already establishing itself as a long-term gathering place for all types of Oakland residents and beyond.
Farley's truly lives its motto of "Community in a Cup" by sponsoring an Oakland based non-profit monthly, featuring local artists as part of Art Murmur, offering story time for youngsters, showcasing local bands and sponsoring numerous fundraising events throughout the year.
Farley's is more than a place to get a great cup of artisan coffee…it is quickly becoming an institution and an important piece of the fabric in Uptown and Oakland.
Why build the Farley's Community Parklet?
We believe that the creation the Farley's Community Parklet will extend Farley's ability to serve the community by providing a comfortable outdoor gathering place for fun and exciting activities for adults and children. Imagine people playing board games outside on a sunny day, yoga demonstrations taking place in the early morning and young children growing up in the neighborhood listening to story time. It will be a space for people to play together and build the relationships that are the foundation of a vibrant community.
Who will use the Community Parklet?
Parklets are designated as public space by the City of Oakland and thus, Farley's Parklet will truly be a new public park in Uptown. All businesses and all the public will benefit!
What does the community think about the Community Parklet?
Residents, neighboring business and neighborhood groups enthusiastically support this project. The community welcomes, embraces and intends to promote the project as an important part of the community. Not only are they passionate about the addition of a Community Parklet in Uptown, they are passionate about the contribution that Farley's makes to their neighborhood, and want to see it be extended in new, fun and innovative ways.
What is the concept/programming?
The first element of the concept is in its name…the Community Parklet. The intention is to make this a place where the community can be on stage. To support this intent, the platform will include elements such as recycled wood for benches, bicycle parking and local low-water plants.
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
Pledge $4 or more
12 backers
Free Cup of Coffee : Donate the cost of two cups of coffee and we'll give you a free cup to enjoy on the parklet.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $7 or more
46 backers
Latte Love : Donate the cost of two lattes and we'll give you one on us.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $25 or more
47 backers
Friend of Farley's : A $25 gives you a seat on the parklet opening day and a drink of your choice to enjoy while you hang out on the lawn.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $50 or more
15 backers
Lunch on the Green : A $50 pledge gets you a panini to enjoy on the green
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $100 or more
10 backers
I Heart Parklets: A $100 pledge gets you a commemorative I Heart Parklets T-Shirt.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $500 or more
1 backer
Pillar of the Community : A $500 pledge gets you free drinks on the parklet for a month a T-Shirt and a public thank you on the parklet
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
I heart Farley's : A $1000 pledge gets you everything plus a private Barista training for two.
Estimated delivery:
Funding period
- (15 days)


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Wheel to Tiller Conversion
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The house is in Kingsport, TN. Boats are on Watauga Lake and in New Bern, NC
Posts: 205
Thanks: 2
Thanked 18 Times in 16 Posts
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Before buying Irish Eyes in 2004, my wife and I considered several PSC 34s. All were wheel steered but one. My wife liked that one because of the tiller. We bought the one she liked. In the years that we have owned the boat including three 5 month trips to the Bahamas, two 3 month trips into the Chesapeake Bay, a couple of months coasting in North and South Carolina, and who knows how many weekend and week trips in North Carolina, we have never wanted a wheel. I hate to say it, but she was right. The tiller was the better choice.
So far the wheel or tiller argument has centered around the differences underway. We have never had a problem with the tiller underway, but I am sure that our hours anchored far exceed our hours sailing, and it is while anchored that the tiller really shines. We just push the tiller up out of the way, put in a rod between the Simrad TP30 autopilot socket and the rudder head locking the rudder amidships, and enjoy a completely open cockpit which we do not have to share with a pedestal and wheel.
I have been working on a prototype table, made from pine and bits of hardware from Lowes (and table top hinges from West Marine), that folds away, stores in the quarter berth, and works for drinks for six or a meal for four. Someday Ill replace it with teak My ever practical wife says pine is fine and covers it with a table cloth.
The table has three legs. The aft two clamp to the underside of the stern seat locking the table in place. The single forward leg allows people to slip their legs under the table. (Some booths in restaurants have a similar outside leg.) The three legs fold flat against the underside of the table making a package that is 2¼ thick. Unfolded, they are held in place with aluminum diagonals.
The table top has two 7 leaves that fold over the top of the table. Folded it is perfect for resting your drink and a bowl of nuts while you read a book or chat with friends. Opened to a 28 width there is room for dinner.
From time to time I take a saw or a drill to the table and change something, but the basic design has remained unchanged for a year or so.
Bill Murdoch
Irish Eyes
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Last Chance Harvey (2009)
Critics Consensus: Last Chance Harvey is an above-average story that graduates to potent romantic drama based on the chemistry and charm of its top-notch performers.
Critics Consensus: Last Chance Harvey is an above-average story that graduates to potent romantic drama based on the chemistry and charm of its top-notch performers.
Movie Info
New Yorker Harvey Shine is on the verge of losing his dead-end job as a jingle writer. Warned by his boss that he has just one more chance to deliver, Harvey goes to London for a weekend to attend his daughter's wedding but promises to be back on Monday morning to make an important meeting--or else. Harvey arrives in London only to learn his daughter has chosen to have her stepfather walk her down the aisle instead of him. Doing his best to hide his devastation, he leaves the wedding before the … More
- Rating:
- PG-13 (for brief strong language)
- Genre:
- Drama , Romance
- Directed By:
- Joel Hopkins
- Written By:
- Joel Hopkins
- In Theaters:
- Jan 16, 2009 Wide
- On DVD:
- May 5, 2009
- Box Office:
- Runtime:
as Harvey Shine
as Kate Walker
as Maggie
as Jean
as Susan
as Brian
as Marvin
as Peter Turner
as Johnnie
as Aggie
as Andrew
as Simon
as Matt
as Josh Hillman
as Scott
as Oonagh
as Jill
as Gwen
as Doctor Butler
as Melissa
as Barry
Last Chance Harvey Videos
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LoginCritic Reviews for Last Chance Harvey
All Critics (153) | Top Critics (34) | Fresh (108) | Rotten (45) | DVD (3)
To fully appreciate it, you need to be on playing-field level with Harvey and Kate. You need some miles on the love odometer.
Decently avted by Hoffman and Thompson, this is a middlebrow, TV-like melodrama that goes out of its way to show the possibility of new romances and new beginnings at any age.
Acaba conquistando gra�as � do�ura de sua hist�ria e, principalmente, em fun��o do carisma e do talento de seus sempre admir�veis protagonistas.
They don't often make romances like this, so tell your mum - or granny!
A delightful confection that leaves you with a great big smile of contentment.
The problem lies in a sloppy screenplay and direction that's too slick to be credible. Added to that, while Thompson often makes acting look natural, Hoffman these days makes natural look like acting.
Undemanding, observant and beautifully performed, this is Richard Curtis-lite with added reassurance: no challenging questions here.
Nimble dialogue, a brace of insightful moments and a slightly chocolate-box view of our city, lend 'Last Chance Harvey' a warmth and wisdom which outshine the more timeworn elements of the screenplay.
Hoffman and Thompson prove you can never be too old to make memories and their romance is certainly one to remember.
Watching them dance effortlessly through this film is a reminder that two actors at the absolute top of their game can weave magic even in a slightly predictable example of a wholly formulaic genre.
This bittersweet, autumnal heartwarmer about two middle-aged people getting a last chance at love and happiness exceeded my personal tolerance factor for gloop and gush - but not by too much.
Last Chance Harvey is a funny little thing - a perfectly sincere July-to-September romance with barely an ounce of irony in its DNA, just a lot of optimism and good-humoured smiling. It's refreshing, in its unforced way.
But while the film tilts progressively further towards the chick-flick (most notably with a clich�-of-clich�s trying-on-dresses-to-music scene), some witty moments make this a high-living title in a low-rent market.
Last Chance Harvey deserves supreme praise for being a vessel that allows cinemagoers to bask in two wonderful turns by Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson.
It's always nice to see pros at work. But while there's nothing wrong with unabashed fluff, you'd expect something more substantial from two such seasoned campaigners.
Hoffman's undimmed star power papers over the script cracks in an otherwise polished vehicle for his and Thompson's talents.
Last Chance Harvey is an absolute gem of a movie and the perfect antidote to all the big budget vehicles that are on release right now. Magical.
It fails to be as likeable, despite being beautifully acted by Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson.
While not the most believable of screen couples, the pair's acting chops mean you won't notice that too much while the plot chugs along at a reasonable pace, helped by some occasionally amusing gags.
This good-natured London-set rom-com for the over-40s is delightfully performed and gently amusing, but it can't shake its need for schmaltz and sentimentality.
Audience Reviews for Last Chance Harvey
Two of life's failures, convincingly portrayed by Hoffman and Thompson, collide in London to discover that perhaps they aren't such consummate failures after all. An actor's showcase, the leads are the workhorses that really sell this little intimate film about two people who are at the party but somehow not in it.
MoreSuper Reviewer
Last Chance Harvey is a charming, highly predictable, and impeccably acted vehicle for the charisma and chemistry of Hoffman and Thompson. Almost every scene rings truly to life, with a wry and melancholy empathy.
A sixty-ish man facing total family and career meltdown, and a fifty-something old maid who has given up on love is NOT promising fare for a wide, multi-generational audience. This film will likely only appeal to viewers who have need of progressive lenses. However, the sunny sincerity and touching human moments make this film work - mostly. Viewers will need to come to the film with modest expectations - it's a comedy with very few laughs (instead it provides mostly wistful smiles), and a romantic film with no sex or even sexual tension.
On the negative side, this film feels like it should have ended at the one hour mark when the family is reconciled at the wedding reception. It takes some artificial, convenient plot points like apparent heart attacks to stretch out the last half hour to any kind of complete film experience.
This film is worth seeing for the performances of Hoffman and Thompson and the sensitive and well observed 'slice of life' writing. .
Super Reviewer
I actually thought this was going to be a very light, breezy comedy in the vein of Nancy Meyers, so imagine the disappointment when I find Last Chance Harvey is incredibly uncomfortable. Dustin Hoffman plays Harvey, a loser who's ignored and pushed aside at work and by his family, but he's a loser you can't root for or empathize with since he's so bitter and obnoxious. You even start to wonder if the world is just punishing him for his terrible attitude.
But director and writer Joel Hopkins is a clever guy. As soon as Emma Thompson enters the picture (literally), everything changes. The mood's lighter, funnier, warmer. That's certainly a nice touch that mirrors all that Harvey feels upon meeting Kate.
Last Chance Harvey also has a fantastic script and two incredible actors in the lead roles. Thompson is such an illuminating presence. I am a little biased, though; she reminds me of my mother. Hoffman's wedding speech is one of the most touching scenes I've seen in a long time. Eileen Atkins and Bronagh Gallagher are great in bit parts that offer comic relief.
Super Reviewer
At times it does start to feel like Last Chance Harvey is going to go over well charted territory and straight into cliche but it just manages to pull itself away. That and the fact its two main stars are Dustin Hoffman & Emma Thompson make it an instantly likable film. Likable but not amazing. I did find myself screaming at the TV a couple of times but it was mainly down to the terrible continuity. As they are walking along the river, they keep doubling back, one step forward, 50 steps back, surely even someone who is unfamiliar with London can see that, oh and Paddington station to the Southbank on foot does not take 5 minutes!!!! Rant over, this is a very sweet film that is worth checking out.
MoreSuper Reviewer
Last Chance Harvey Quotes
- Harvey Shine:
- Today is tomorrow.
Discussion Forum
Discuss Last Chance Harvey on our Movie forum!


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5 bed, 3 full bath. Beautiful home - North Merced, close to UC Merced and Merced College, quiet and safe neighborhood. More info |
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Reader comments are listed below. Comments are currently closed and new comments are no longer being accepted.
"Between 2008 and 2009 the benefits tab jumped by 11% to £165 billion ($264 billion). Revenue plummeted... A huge gap opened between spending and receipts"
Which party was in power and responsible for this god-awful mess?
Oh yeah Labour was completely responsible for the entire global financial crisis and therefore all those people ending up on JSA...
There is a lesson here for Mr Miliband. Gordon Brown had what he thought was a coherent wealth redistribution strategy. Having abolished boom & bust, he would use the rock solid revenue stream from City taxes to re-distribute wealth to lower income families via Child Tax Credit (a Benefit, not a tax credit, since you don't have to work to qualify) and Working Tax Credit (effectively, a wage subsidy). The strategy fell apart when Bust made its inevitable comeback, leaving the UK with a legacy of wage subsidies and benefits totalling £30Bn pa and no income stream to fund them. The outcome is that wages are lower than they should be, people on average - not low - incomes qualify for wage subsidies, firms which could not remain in business without these subsidies continue to exist and employees have less incentive to move to better paid jobs, all funded by the taxes of competitive companies and Government borrowing, completely distorting the efficient allocation of capital. Meanwhile, Mr Miliband promotes the need for a high wage economy, lambasts firms which pay low wages whilst supporting a wage subsidy system paid for out of taxation. It's an incoherent mess. A start could be made by freezing working tax credit indefinitely whilst increasing the minimum wage and continuing to raise the threshold at which tax begins to be paid and by abolishing Child Tax Credit for new claimants, to discourage those who can't afford it from pro-creation. It will take 10 years to roll back from this.
Dear TE, i am confused. In this article you state that debt is 76% of GDP while in another article this week (Fixing Europe's Banks) you state it is 89%. Which is it? I think its the latter.
Patent trolls: Why no one likes them
Business and finance
Pensions reform: Into the unknown
Buttonwood's notebook
Health policy: Shot in the right direction
Democracy in America
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French children's rights: A rap on the knuckles
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Sports Rehab
Bob Haynie & Terry Ford Weeknights from 6-10PM on 105.7 The FAN.
Email Bob: firstname.lastname@example.com
Email Terry: email@example.com
Call: 410-583-1057 | Text: THEFAN (843326)
Bob Haynie: Wells Is The Man Against Rutgers
Wells put the team on his back late in the second half as the Maryland Terrapins earned a 60-50 victory at the Louis Brown Athletic Center.
Sports Rehab: Ken Singleton talking AL East Baseball
Former Oriole and current YES Network analyst Ken Singleton joined Sports Rehab to preview the Orioles and the rest of American League East teams.
105.7 The Fan–02/27/2015
Sports Rehab: Former Terp Deon Long talking his career at Maryland
Former Maryland wide receiver and NFL hopeful Deon Long joined Sports Rehab to discuss his career at Maryland and his performance at the NFL combine.
105.7 The Fan–02/27/2015
Sports Rehab: Ryan Wilson talking NFL
Ryan Wilson from CBS Sports.com joined Sports Rehab to talk NFL off season news.
105.7 The Fan–02/26/2015
Sports Rehab: Brent Harris talking Orioles Spring Training
Brent Harris of Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic joined Sports Rehab to talk about the Orioles as they get ready for the 2015 season.
105.7 The Fan–02/26/2015
Bob Haynie: Wells And Trimble Lead The Way For Maryland
With Trimble at the point and Wells as the swingman, the Terps will have a fighting chance once they get to the Big Dance.
Sports Rehab: Jim Duquette talking Orioles Spring Training
Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio joined Sports Rehab to talk about Orioles Spring Training and preview this coming 2015 MLB season.
Bob Haynie: Maryland Survives Nebraska
On Thursday night, the Terps and Nebraska Cornhuskers played a nail-biter at The XFINITY Center that wasn't decided until the final minute.
Bob Haynie: Orioles Look For Fourth-Straight Winning Season
The Baltimore Orioles won the American League's Eastern Division Championship in 2014 by 12 games in what was their finest season in 17 years.
Sports Rehab: Rob Neyer Talks Spring Training
Rob Neyer for FoxSports.com joined Sports Rehab to discuss what teams are going to be in the hunt as pitchers and catchers are beginning to report to Spring Training.
105.7 The Fan–02/18/2015
Sports Rehab: Ryan Wilson On The NFL Off-Season
Ryan Wilson of CBSSports.com joined Sports Rehab to talk NFL scouting combine and free agency rumors around the league.
105.7 The Fan–02/17/2015
Sports Rehab: Steve Melewski Talks Orioles Baseball
Steve Melewski of MASN Sports joined Sports Rehab to talk about the Orioles as Spring Training starts in a few days.
105.7 The Fan–02/17/2015


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12 Downing Street
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
12 Downing Street is one of the buildings situated on Downing Street in the City of Westminster in London, England.
Under the current government, the building is being used to house the Prime Minister's Press Office, Strategic Communications Unit and Research and Information Unit. The Chief Whip has his offices in 9 Downing Street.
Other residences in Downing Street are 10 Downing Street, official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury (a position that has been held by the Prime Minister since the early 20th century), and 11 Downing Street, official residence of the Second Lord of the Treasury who in recent years has also held the title of Chancellor of the Exchequer.
External links[edit]
- 12 Downing Street section at the Survey of London online. However, this refers to an earlier 12 Downing Street.
Coordinates: 51°30′12.2″N 0°07′41.1″W / 51.503389°N 0.128083°W
This article about a London building or structure is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |


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By Dave Glenn and staff, ACCSports.com
December 15, 2003
TALLAHASSEE It was hard to determine who enjoyed the recent announcement
of the Bowl Championship Series pairings the most.
You might suspect it was LSU coach Nick Saban, whose Tigers leap-frogged Human
Poll No. 1 Southern Cal through the magic of computer wizardry. The Tigers
jumped into the BCS No. 2 position, securing a spot in the Sugar Bowl national
title game.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops also would qualify, after his team tuned up for the national championship game with a 28-point loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 title contest. The Sooners managed to retain their No. 1 BCS ranking, courtesy of the computer rankings and their strength of schedule component.
But the smart money in ACC country was that the man who enjoyed the hardiest celebration was Big East commissioner and BCS chairman Mike Tranghese. On a night when much of the nation howled over the injustice of the flawed system that's used to determine the national championship matchup, Tranghese was able to stick it to the ACC and Miami with one deft move.
Tranghese's parting shot as the outgoing BCS czar was saddling the Orange Bowl with an unwanted Florida State-Miami rematch on Jan. 1, despite assurances to both schools that it would never happen. Though he didn't have the authority to act alone in the decision, a bit of good fortune helped him drum up enough support from the BCS conference commissioners to make sure it happened that way.
I've been doing this for 30 years, and I'm not in the business of hurting kids and coaches, Tranghese said in response to pointed questions about his role in the process. I didn't sit in the room and orchestrate this rematch. There are six (conference commissioners) in the room, and if anybody thinks I'm powerful enough to control it, they are mistaken. It was a collective decision.
With LSU-Oklahoma set in New Orleans, and the Rose Bowl snapping up USC to face Michigan, the Big 12-tied Fiesta Bowl used its preferred pick to pluck Ohio State from the BCS at-large pool to meet Kansas State.
That left the Orange Bowl no option but to take the Seminoles and Hurricanes, automatic qualifiers as the ACC and Big East champions. At that point, Orange Bowl CEO Keith Tribble requested that the BCS commissioners, in consultation with ABC and the four bowls, consider adjusting the matchups. It marked the first time in the six-year history of the BCS that the final provision of the selection process, which allows adjustments in the interest of creating the most exciting and interesting postseason matchups possible, came into play.
Tribble's desire to pair Miami against Ohio State in a rematch of last season's controversial national championship game a scenario that would have left FSU to face Kansas State in the Fiesta was doomed all along.
From the moment Tranghese failed to support the Big East's lame duck BCS representative, Miami, he didn't have any trouble drumming up enough support to stick the Hurricanes and Seminoles together for what will be the second of three meetings over an 11-month stretch. FSU and Miami also are scheduled to meet on Labor Day, ushering in the newly expanded ACC with a nationally televised Monday night game.
Tranghese's motive? You need look no further than the Big East schools' pending lawsuit, which still is fumbling its way through the Connecticut court system. That creative but horribly flawed piece of legal maneuvering named the ACC and its member schools as defendants following the defections of Miami and Virginia Tech and, more recently, Boston College to the Greensboro-based headquarters of commissioner John Swofford.
How Tranghese was able to generate enough support, without blatantly showing his bias, was equally interesting. According to sources in the know, here's how it went down.
It began with a healthy dose of animus, aimed at the Orange Bowl and dating to last season's BCS selections. That's when Tribble used the first pick to replace BCS No. 1 Miami (he had no interest in four-loss ACC champ FSU) and his preferred pick to stomp on the Rose Bowl's traditional Big Ten-Pac-10 matchup, pitting Southern Cal against Iowa. Consequently, Tranghese had instant allies in Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany and his Pac-10 counterpart Tom Hansen.
Then Fiesta Bowl president John Junker's decision to tab defending national champion Ohio State fit nicely into the plan. The Buckeyes discreetly made it clear that they wanted no part of a rematch with the Hurricanes. At the same time, Florida State athletic director Dave Hart was lobbying the Rose Bowl with vigor, in an attempt to get Bobby Bowden into the game he's always had to admire from afar. Hart would have been almost as pleased if Junker had chosen the Seminoles for the Fiesta.
Explaining his decision to select the Buckeyes, Junker said it merely amounted to wanting to pit K-State against the highest-ranked BCS opponent. The Big Ten runner-up Buckeyes met that qualification as the No. 6 team, after No. 5 Texas was locked out of the deal by virtue of K-State's upset of Oklahoma. Regardless, it would be naive to assume that Delany did not lobby on Ohio State's behalf, to be assured of the $21.5 million payout that goes along with having two BCS teams. Reportedly, a prevailing sentiment that FSU fans would not buy enough tickets to a non-championship game also was a consideration.
Big 12 commissioner Kevin Weiberg also undoubtedly liked the matchup. Not only did he have a streaking K-State club in a BCS game for the first time, assuring a sellout, but the Wildcats have a real shot at dumping the offensively anemic defending national champions. The league's $21.5 million payout share just made it all the better.
With Tranghese able to count on the support of Delany, Hansen and Weiberg for his case of maintaining the original bowl picks, Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive's opinion was as irrelevant as Swofford's.
That left ABC Sports, the money-brokers in the BCS deal, in a lose-lose situation. Executive producer Loren Matthews may not have wanted another FSU-Miami matchup, but because ABC has regular-season football contracts with the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-10, it wasn't positioned to appease all parties. Matthews had no choice but to defer to the BCS commissioners.
Tribble, of the Orange Bowl, said he completely understood ABC's position. He wasn't pleased with the results of the review process, but he did his best to put on a happy face when it was over. That's always one of the things bowl officials do best.
We felt it was in the best interest of the BCS system for a Florida State team to have an opportunity to play Kansas State, Tribble said. The commissioners (of the other conferences) did listen to it but decided it was best not to do anything. We obviously signed onto the BCS. We know the rules, and we will abide by it, and we'll move on and have a great game.
It was ironic, really, how it all played out at the end of what was one of the wildest, most competitive seasons in college football.
The BCS' convoluted computations played their part, determining that LSU's schedule was stronger than USC's, despite non-conference wins over Louisiana Monroe, Arizona, Western Illinois and Louisiana Tech. Who would have imagined that, given the Trojans' slate of Auburn, BYU, Hawaii and Notre Dame? As it turned out, the die was cast for Tranghese to play his hand after Syracuse crushed Notre Dame and Boise State upended Hawaii, delivering the Trojans to the Rose.
So while the nation clamors for a college football playoff or at least abolishing the current system it's left with two BCS games void of significance beyond a narrow scope.
If the unsightly BCS equation wasn't enough, ugly politics came into play. Only Tranghese and a few others were able to find beauty in that.
Devils, Heels Remain TV Darlings
GREENSBORO Despite the end of its streak of ACC regular-season titles, Duke remains the king of the league, at least as far as TV executives are concerned (see chart below).
The Blue Devils continue to dominate the airwaves. All 29 regular-season Duke games this season will be televised somewhere, and 26 of the team's games will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, CBS or Fox Sports Net. That number includes two bonus appearances the Blue Devils earned by advancing to the championship game of the Great Alaska Shootout earlier this season. Last year, Duke had nine more games broadcast nationally than its closest competitor in the ACC.
Despite the massive exposure, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski hasn't always been happy with the way TV impacts his team. Last year, he complained that Saturday night and Sunday games scheduled at those times and on those days for marketing reasons, of course increased the risk of burnout among his players.
It was so good to play on a Saturday afternoon, Krzyzewski said after one game. We had not had a Saturday night or a Sunday to where kids could just get away from the game for over a month. It made me think of how much I'd like to return to playing on Saturdays, just for the sake of the kids. You play on Sundays all the time, and there really isn't adequate time to have these kids just get away from the game a little bit.
This year, North Carolina is second among ACC schools in television appearances, nine behind the Devils. Carolina continues to be a powerful drawing card in the eyes of TV executives, despite the fact that the Tar Heels have finished near the bottom of the ACC standings for two years in a row. UNC tied for second in TV appearances last season, and it added three more national TV games this year, thanks in large part to the excitement surrounding new coach Roy Williams.
The Tar Heels also continued a pattern of not scheduling home games when their students are out of school on breaks. Over the past two seasons, UNC will have played three home games without its students on campus. The next-lowest total in the league is Duke with eight, and Virginia will have played 16 games without students over two years.
Another big gainer this season is Wake Forest, coming off its first outright
ACC regular-season championship in 41 years. Compared to last season, the Deacons
have the same number of TV games overall, but they improved with five more of
those games on the major networks:
ESPN, ABC or CBS. In addition, Wake dropped a number of bad starting times,
which we (on the advice of coaches and administrators) define as home games
that start after 8:59 p.m. on weekdays or after 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Last season, partly because of the league's new Sunday deal with Fox Sports, Wake played seven games that were difficult games for alumni to attend: Sunday evening games or late games on a weeknight. This season, the Deacons have only two such games.
Maryland coach Gary Williams complained last season that Fox's Sunday night package focused too much on a few ACC teams, including the Terrapins, and that he hoped the network would spread the games more evenly in the future. Maryland ended up with five awkward starting times this season, a number that was down from a year ago.
Our fans were not real comfortable with it, because Sunday night is a night where you have to go to work the next day, Williams said. I like the idea that Fox has come in, and it's national exposure and things like that, but hopefully they're splitting it up better.
Wake and Maryland appear to have transferred many of those unwanted starting times to N.C. State, which will have seven bad starts among 16 home games this season. Three of those bad starting times will happen in a row for the Wolfpack, meaning that it will not play a good home game from Feb. 10 until March 3.
The biggest falloff happened at Virginia. Overall, the Cavaliers have about the same number of TV games, but last season they played 10 games on ESPN, ABC or CBS. This season, they're scheduled for only two. Maybe that's why Pete Gillen always has been one to give the networks the benefit of the doubt.
As long as we've got a little bit of time in between games, we don't mind (awkward starting times), Gillen said. It's great national exposure, so I think that's good for the league and good for the players. I like (Sunday games) because I think Fox does an excellent job. You can't have it both ways. If you get national exposure and the league gets money, you've got to deal with (what) TV wants.
Nobody in the ACC can complain more than Clemson and Florida State, and the Tigers and Seminoles aren't at all worried about burnout, starting times or their fans' Monday mornings at work. Is there anyone left who doesn't believe that the most difficult jobs in the league are rebuilding those programs?
Compared to last season, the two teams will double their major network exposure this season to two games. Over the past two seasons, Clemson and FSU will have been scheduled for ESPN, ABC or CBS three times combined. The next-lowest total for any one ACC team over that span is eight (N.C. State). Not even counting the postseason, Duke will have 27.
(The ACC) is the best basketball league in America, first-year Clemson coach Oliver Purnell said in the preseason, with its exposure, with its tradition, with the television package.
Little did Purnell know at the time, but he was talking mainly about everyone else.
ACC TV Time
No./Team | Home | Bad | Brk. | TV | Nat. |
1. Duke | 15 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 26 (15) |
2. North Carolina | 15 | 4 | 2 | 26 | 17 (11) |
3. Maryland | 16 | 5 | 6 | 27 | 14 (6) |
3. Wake Forest | 15 | 2 | 5 | 21 | 14 (7) |
5. Georgia Tech | 15 | 2 | 6 | 26 | 13 (8) |
6. N.C. State | 16 | 7 | 5 | 23 | 12 (3) |
7. Virginia | 17 | 3 | 8 | 20 | 8 (2) |
8. Florida State | 17 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 5 (1) |
9. Clemson | 16 | 2 | 6 | 20 | 5 (1) |
Bad home games after 8:59 p.m. on weekdays or after 5 p.m. on Sundays
Brk. home games while students are on break
TV overall televised games during 2003-04 season
Nat. number of those games broadcast nationally on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, CBS or Fox Sports Net; in parentheses is number on ESPN, ABC or CBS
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Travel job blog
You don't really hear of internships in the UK travel industry; which is strange as they are commonly available and seen as beneficial to the travel industry in continental Europe and other parts of the World. There is a wealth of untapped talent out there who are extremely keen to get some travel industry experience. I can't count the amount of times we have to politely turn away strong candidates who are looking for that opportunity in the industry, so the list of benefits in hiring interns might persuade you to start an program:
New perspectives on processes/challenging the norm. Interns challenge processes and bring fresh, new ideas to the company and potentially to the travel industry. I recall my first travel industry job back in 1997 in the sales & marketing department of a large international airline and questioning why we are not emailing our frequent flyers rather than sending out expensive print - the rest is history!
Technologically advanced. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIN, Pinterest - Young professionals have grown up with social media and computer programmes. Whilst you might think you are a dab-hand yourself, you can always learn from the Y generation.
Help with projects. I know I have an ever growing list of 'must-do' projects but due to time constraints they are always lingering at the bottom of my 'to-do-list'. The potential intern is wanting meaningful experience that they can add to their CV. With the correct guidance, they can help you close off more projects than you might imagine.
Opportunity to assess a potential employees suitability. An internship is a fantastic way to see how much potential they have in the your travel business. In addition, you can see how they work with your company culture and interact with others in the organisation. Many interns become permanent employees so this allows you to assess their skills and work ethic before you take that step.
Fresh blood. All too often with recruitment assignments, we are told candidate must have experience in their given area of the industry. Many experienced candidates from other industries are looking for a career/industry change and these individuals can bring to the table new and fresh ideas that could help improve your business and potentially the wider UK travel industry.
Brand advocates. Hiring an intern can possibly spread the word about your company, not just as a potential employer but also an advocate for your product.
Tips- Know the legal bits - for the finer details relating to the employment rights for interns in the travel industry visit - https://www.gov.uk/employment-rights-for-interns
If you are looking to recruit an intern, please feel free to get in contact with James Roberts @Progressive Personnel - /uk/team/
I recently read that more than half of employers have rejected an applicant due to social media posts. The CareerBuilder study found 55% of employers who research job applicants on social media claim that they've seen something that caused them not to hire the candidate. Nearly half of recruiters currently use social networking sites to source information on potential employees. Drinking and drug habits topped the list of 'what put recruiters off' with 45% saying it had put candidates in a negative light while 39% have stopped considering applicants who have bad-mouthed their previous employers and ex colleagues. Inappropriate photos (38%) was another factor that ruled out some candidates. This made me recall that back in August, the HR Director of a large travel company in the US told me that they had withdrawn an employment offer to a senior learning & development candidate who had applied directly. It transpired that this decision was taken after they did an 'internet search' and discovered, rather surprisingly that the person had been making remarks online and visible to all. I wasn't given access to the content, but they must have been deemed severe enough for an employment offer to be withdrawn. On another occasion, we heard of a client researching a candidate whose Facebook profile was 'public'. On this occasion, the prospective employee had posted a status which berated her previous employer in an explicit fashion. Once again these thoughtless remarks lead to the potential employer losing all interest. As a result of the above, I thought it might be an idea to suggest a list of Do' and Dont's: DO
There are two sets of criteria that applicants for travel jobs must satisfy. Firstly, they must hold the necessary qualifications and experience to undertake the tasks required of the post. Secondly, they must possess the personal qualities and attributes required to fulfil the role. These criteria are laid out in two key documents that should be sent out to every applicant as part of your recruitment process: the job description and the job specification.
When they receive the job description and job specification, applicants for your vacant travel job can decide whether or not they meet your criteria. This will help unsuitable applicants to self-select out of the application process. It will also enable suitably qualified applicants to present themselves in the best possible manner in their CVs and at interview.
The Importance of Current Job Descriptions and Job Specifications:
Every time a travel job vacancy arises within your company, it is worth reviewing the job description and job specification for the role. Job descriptions and job specifications can become out of date over time. Allocated tasks may change, with new duties added and outdated responsibilities removed. The skills required for travel jobs may evolve. For example, ICT skills will become more important if new technology is introduced by the company. In order to attract talented candidates for your vacant travel jobs, your job descriptions and job specifications must be as accurate as possible.
Job Descriptions for Travel Jobs:
Within each job description you should list the key duties and responsibilities that require to be carried out by the postholder. The most straightforward method of doing this is compiling a bullet-pointed list. While it should cover the main tasks allocated to the post, the list of duties and responsibilities does not need to be exhaustive. If you try to list everything a postholder may have to do, the job description could run to several pages. Even then, you are unlikely to think of every possible eventuality. To keep the job description at a reasonable length, you should group tasks by generic headings. To cover any tasks that are not set out in your list, include a general statement at the end of the job description indicating that the postholder will be expected to carry out any reasonable tasks assigned to him by his line manager.
Each job description should include a brief organisation chart that illustrates which post the travel job reports to and any subordinates for whom the postholder has line management responsibility.
Job Specifications for Travel Jobs:
A candidate's personal qualities and attributes can make a significant difference to how she will perform in a travel job. Essential personal qualities and attributes should be written down in the job specification. For example, many travel jobs require individuals to have excellent interpersonal skills because they will be dealing with people every day. Lack of interpersonal skills could lead to conflict and tension between the postholder and customers.
Each company has its own values and ethos. To ensure that you recruit people who share your company's values, relevant attitudes and behaviours should be outlined in the job specification for each job within the company. If your company prioritises first-class customer service, every job specification should include a requirement that postholders understand the importance of delivering a high-quality service and are customer focussed.
It is vital that the personal qualities and attributes listed in the job specification are limited to those that are essential for the role. This will help the company avoid allegations of discrimination. Indirect discrimination can creep in to job specifications when unnecessary requirements are imposed on applicants. For example, if a job specification states that candidates must have ten years experience in a role, this may discriminate against younger applicants unless this figure can be justified.
Time invested revising and updating the job descriptions and job specifications for vacant travel jobs will pay dividends when you attract top-quality candidates.
Around three quarters of employees working in the travel industry feel underpaid. There are many travel jobs that attract relatively low rates of pay, such as kitchen assistants, domestics and waiting staff. While wage rates for these travel jobs need to remain competitive to enable employers to offer the best deals to customers, the quality of service provided by the people in these posts can have a significant impact on customer satisfaction. In addition, turnover of staff in frontline travel jobs can increase expenditure on recruitment activity, which pushes costs up. Employers in the travel industry should put strategies in place to motivate and retain workers in low paid jobs.
Hire the Right Person for the Role:
The starting point in motivating and encouraging employees in frontline travel jobs is to recruit the right person for the role. If you want someone to remain in the post for a number of years, there is little point employing a student who is looking for work during the summer break and who will move back to college or university once term begins again. However, if you know that the work on offer is seasonal, students and transient workers may be a good fit for the travel jobs on offer.
You should seek references and carry out pre-employment checks for all new employees, no matter how low paid the role. This will help you to avoid a situation where you have to dismiss employees with a history of poor performance or behaviours.
Get to Know Your Employees:
By understanding what motivates each employee, line managers can tailor their approach to get the best out of each team member. Some employees in frontline travel jobs will be motivated solely by money, in which case managers can increase motivation by maximising their earning potential. For example, they can ensure that busy periods mean extra hours for the existing team members rather than bringing in additional part-time workers. However, other employees will be motivated by non-monetary rewards, such as recognition and flexibility. It is important that the line manager tailor her approach to encourage and motivate every employee.
Develop Two-Way Communication:
By keeping employees informed about developments in the business and seeking their input on how working practices can be improved, you can help to create a feeling of loyalty to the business. Employees in frontline travel jobs often have valuable insight in to how the business can improve.
Recognise Hard Work:
Praise from a line manager can encourage employees in frontline travel jobs to go the extra mile. When employees understand that extra effort is recognised, they are often prepared to work harder. For some line managers in the travel industry, offering praise for a job well done is a natural part of their management style. However, for others some training may be required to help them develop the necessary skills to offer positive feedback and recognition.
Be Flexible:
Employers can generate trust and loyalty by offering as much flexibility as possible for employees in frontline travel jobs. This may include permitting some employees to work flexible shift patterns, if the nature of the work allows. For example, if housekeeping staff work alone and need to complete a four hour shift within a six hour period, allowing employees to be flexible about when they begin and end their shifts could be more convenient for them and benefit the business by increasing loyalty and reducing staff turnover.
Career Development:
Where there are career development opportunities within the company, ensure that these travel jobs are offered to high-performing frontline staff. When employees know that their efforts in their current roles can help them to secure promoted posts, they are more likely to give of their best.
If you have itchy feet and want to see the world, but you are on a limited budget, you may think that international travel is outwith your reach. However, you can expand your list of possible destinations by turning your hobby in to a job that will allow you to earn as you travel.
Travel Jobs for Foodies:
If food is your passion, there are a number of travel jobs open to you. The most obvious option is to secure work in the kitchens of hotels or restaurants in your chosen destinations. Cooking is a skill that travels well and appetising food is always in demand. Depending on your proficiency, you could secure employment as a kitchen assistant, sous chef, team leader or chef. You could even work your way up the hierarchy as you gain skills and experience.
However, food and drink enthusiasts have other travel jobs open to them. For example, you could use your passion for food or drink to become a tour guide. Drawing on your knowledge of the food or drink available in well-known culinary destinations, you can develop tours that provide holidaymakers with useful information on the area together with visits to local producers. As a gastronomic tour guide, you can visit some of your favourite locations while educating others about your hobby.
Travel Jobs for Sports Enthusiasts:
If you are proficient in a sport, you can use your hobby to earn while you travel. Many tourists are looking for active holidays. They want to ski, golf or scuba dive rather than laze on a beach. By using your experience and knowledge of your favourite sport, you can work your way around the world teaching others the necessary skills. For some sports, you will need to undertake instructor training before you can be hired. But this can be a small price to pay for the privilege of participating in your hobby on a daily basis while exploring new destinations.
If you are a keen walker, you could lead treks in destinations that you want to visit. Guided walks are extremely popular as the leader does much of the planning and organising for participants, who simply need to turn up and walk.
Travel Jobs for Entertainers:
If you love to sing, dance or act, you can find opportunities to hone your talent and perform to a live audience on a daily basis on board cruise ships. The entertainment offered by cruise ships covers everything from orchestras to steel bands, jazz singers to pop groups, full-scale musical numbers to stand-up comedy. When you take a travel job on board a cruise ship, you will wake up in a new location every morning.
Travel Jobs for Socialisers:
If you are an outgoing person who loves to socialise and meet new people, you could pay for your travel by working as a holiday rep. The key duties of a holiday rep are to plan and promote activities that customers will enjoy. You will also be expected to solve any issues that come along, such as problems with accommodation. You are likely to enjoy being a holiday rep if you find a tour company offering holidays to people with similar interests to yourself. If you enjoy visiting pubs and nightclubs, look for a tour operator which organises holidays in well-known clubbing destinations. Alternatively, if you enjoy history and museums, seek out a tour operator catering for culture vultures.
If you want to see more of the world but need to earn cash in order to travel, think of what you enjoy doing most. There may be a way that your hobby can help to pay for your international travel.
10th October 2014
29th September 2014
3rd April 2013


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The location is convenient, the manager was knowledgeable and respectful, the price is very affordable and the property is super clean.
Patricia from DeSoto, TXThe facility is always clean and neat, the owner/managers are so kind and friendly to me when I come in, they are like friends. I would not take my storage business anywhere else.
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Phyllis from El Paso, TXAt the location which my two storage's are on Lamar blvd in Arlington, Texas the manager Michael is absolutely marvelous in customer service and diligent in satisfying every need the customer has. I am extremely pleased with his services and will continue to remain a customer at this storage facility.
David from Arlington, TXJulie is so kind! She helped daughter back in May with her move in and the paperwork, as I could not be there due to a conflict with family Memorial. She also was very helpful with the move out over the weekend of Sept. 12. Thank you Julie, you are so nice, and my daughter thinks so too!
Wesley from Sammamish, WAThis is an excellent facility with great people. They always were responsive to my inquiries and needs. I was not expecting to receive such great service. They are to be commended. I would recommend this storage property to all.
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Ayite from Richardson, TXThe woman I dealt with at the little Rd location was always extremely helpful & kind! If I ever need to rent a storage building again this is the location I will use because of her customer service!!! :)
Chris from Arlington, TXRoberto, the manager onsite at the location where I am storing, was excellent. He was very friendly and helpful. 5 star service hands down.
Matt from Mesa, AZKelly was very professional and helpful. My husband and I are very happy with our Uncle Bob's experience!
Lisa from Dallas, TX
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"Did the Father in sending Christ, and did Christ in coming into the world to make atonement for sin, do this with the design or for the purpose of saving only the elect or all men? That is the question and that only is the question."
Dr. Rick Patrick, Pastor First Baptist Church Sylacauga, Alabama Not only do Traditionalists have certain theological positions that distinguish us from our more Calvinistic brothers and sisters, but we also pursue various ministry practices that logically arise from such beliefs. Restoring the widespread use of such practices in Southern Baptist life will strengthen our […]
Now, because God knows it doesn't mean God has caused it. There was a man named Halley, who studied about a comet. He knew exactly when the comet was going to appear. Now knowing when the comet was going to appear didn't mean that he made it appear. Halley's Comet just appeared right on time because he had foreknowledge that the comet would appear…and God's foreknowledge of my salvation does not mean that God gives me irresistible grace and I'm a part of a special elect group, and that He did not die for the whole world.
Now friend, coerced love is a contradiction in terms. There's no such thing as forced love.
If God offers His love and His love is not received, that doesn't mean God has failed, that means man has failed. God is love!


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There are few foods I love more than Pho. I have only been diagnosed with Celiac for a few months. It's tricky but places like Sa Pa make it easy! The broths are delicious and it's reasonably priced. There's no better winter meal for the $!
Loved the Pho. The staff here are so wonderful! Thanks for making me feel welcome.
Great gluten free rice bowls and sauces. Almost the whole menu is gf. Delicious and I have never been ill after eating here often.
Had a really nice lunch here of house cured salmon on bed of rice noodles and vegetables. Reasonably priced for quality of the good under $10 with beverage.. Lunch only. Vietnamese owner owns Kingston Station restaurant. Told me they deliberately set out to make items without gluten and the only gluten item was the sandwich bread for the bahn mei.. Noodles in Pho and in Salads are Rice Noodles They use Gluten Free Soy and The asian pork meatballs are soy free as is the salmon. No MSG. They haven't advertised the gluten free menu so I would continue to ask but the staff was helpful on the day I was there.
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