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'SNL' Says Goodbye to Seth Meyers With the Help of Stefon and Amy Poehler
After years behind the Weekend Update desk, the terrific Seth Meyers is leaving 'SNL' to pursue other projects. And by pursue other projects, we mean "take over as host of 'Late Night' while Jimmy Fallon ascends to 'The Tonight Show.'" Of course, something as important, popular and prominent as Meyers doesn't depart without some kind of send-off and the show sent him off in style.
'22 Jump Street' Poster: Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum Aren't 21 Anymore
There is no comedy we're looking forward to more in 2014 than the reunion of Schmidt and Jenko, and there's nothing the newly released '22 Jump Street' poster can do to change our minds. The one-sheet could be completely blank and we'd still be excited because '21 Jump Street' remains one of the funniest movies of the past few years, and with everyone back for the sequel our expectations are hight.
The Muppets Super Bowl Ad With Terry Crews is Delightful (and Weird)
Few people are as welcome on our televisions as Terry Crews and few felt creatures warm our hearts quite like the Muppets. In other words, if you want to sell us a Toyota, there are far worse spokespeople (and spokespuppets) to use. In the grand tradition of modern Super Bowl ads, the presumably very expensive spot starring these guys is online in advance of the big game, giving everyone who doesn't watch football a chance to remember how much they like the Muppets and that really funny guy who used to play sports-ball once upon a time.
And, of course, a chance to BUY TOYOTA BUY TOYOTA BUY TOYOTA.
'SNL' and the Former Porn Stars Want to Sell You Some "Lambertinis"
Sometimes, 'SNL' is at its absolute best when it decides to go fully and truly off the rails. When the show does abandon reality, it often does so in the final sketch of the night, where things are allowed to get crazier and funkier since more easily unsettled audiences tend to be asleep. Of course, this is just a long-winded way of saying that no sketch has dominated the final segments in recent years quite like the "former porn stars," which pushes the weirdness to truly strange and amazing levels.
'SNL' Takes You "Inside SoCal'
Andy Samberg's biggest contribution to the 'SNL' legacy were his digital shorts and music videos, where he took the show's format off the stage to create hilarious pre-recorded material that was primed to go viral all over the internet. With his departure, the show has continued to produce short films and recorded sketches, but Kyle Mooney and Beck Bennett's work has consistently stood out from the rest of the pack, mainly because of how different it feels from the typical 'SNL' short.
'SNL,' Jonah Hill and Michael Cera Parody 'Her' With 'Me'
'Her' may not be lighting the box office on fire, but it's undoubtedly one of the best films released in 2013 and a movie that will generate conversation and analysis for years to come. In other words, it's perfect fodder for 'SNL,' who took the film and transformed it into something far creepier and funnier than anything in the actual movie.
'SNL': Leonardo DiCaprio Crashes Jonah Hill's Opening Monologue
When Jonah Hill graced the 'SNL' stage last night, he wasn't just a very funny comic actor -- he was a two-time Oscar nominated thespian with Very Important Things to say. The only problem is that no one cared about Hill. They only cared about his 'The Wolf of Wall Street' co-star Leonardo DiCaprio and all of the cast members strategically placed in the audience made sure to let him know this.
If you think this opening monologue set-up is just an excuse to get Mr. DiCaprio himself to show up for a brief but unforgettable appearance ... you're right.
'SNL' Shows You the Early Years of Your Favorite Hip Hop Stars [VIDEO]
'SNL' always gets a lot of mileage out of celebrity impersonations, but it really shines when it take those impersonations and puts them into truly strange and unusual new circumstances, forcing you to look at your favorite (and least favorite) stars in a brand new light. Last night's mid-season premiere took the usual formula and milked it for all that it was worth, resulting in the best sketch of the night: a look back at the TV careers of various hop hop artists before they hit it big.
'Gilligan's Island' Star Russell Johnson Dead at 89
Russell Johnson, the veteran TV actor best known for playing Professor Roy Hinkley on 'Gilligan's Island,' passed away from kidney failure on Thursday. He was 89.
How 'Fast and Furious 7′ Will Handle Paul Walker's Character
In the weeks following the tragic death of Paul Walker, Universal and the crew of 'Fast and Furious 7' have been forced to drastically course correct the direction of the blockbuster franchise. With little time to mourn and countless jobs and dollars on the line, sources reveal director James Wan, writer Chris Morgan and executive Jeffrey Kirschenbaum will gracefully "retire" Walker's Brian O'Conner from the series using footage already shot for the film.


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18th birthday shirt present with print "Give me a shot I am 18 and hot" - chilli style, tees for eightteenth birthday occasions, birthday gift ideas with high quality two color tshirt print
This great custom product in red from our department Men and T-Shirt category can be printed just for you in the size and style you like. The design Give me a shot I am 18 and hot – 18th birthday shirt – chili style was created by rodriges and uploaded to Spreadshirt for you to have printed on a T-Shirt. Next to a host of other great customized designs, you can find this Give me a shot I am 18 and hot – 18th birthday shirt – chili style design in Spreadshirt's Birthdays category. If you are interested in topics like 18 or Birthday, then you'll love Give me a shot I am 18 and hot – 18th birthday shirt – chili style designs by rodriges. Spreadshirt also offers a huge selection of custom t-shirts, hoodies and accessories for the category Birthdays as well as top Drink clothing. rodriges's designs have already impressed many of our customers, so we are sure that we've got right stuff for you! Spreadshirt is your destination for great designs of all kinds – whether it's 18, Birthday or Drink. We are sure that you will find something nice in our shop, there are many amazing custom Birthdays t-shirts, hoodies, or accessories for you to find! Tags: Design ID: 3803730
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Lightweight and slim-fitting, this t-shirt is perfect for that tailored look. Throw it on under a sweater or sweatshirt, or wear it by itself with a pair of jeans or khakis.
still to fill

subset: commoncrawl


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Arcadia Argent Gold on White Vintage , OMBC8105
The Arcadia Wallpaper is a beautiful toile de jouy. It depicts utopian scenes that epitomise the truly bucolic idyll. The delightful motif places carefree characters in elaborate and dreamy ornate garden settings. The delicate pale gold colour is an authentic representation of this time-honoured classic style. Using only the finest of materials, these are wallpapers that will lift your spirits and transform your spaces into something individual and unique; beautiful papers epitomising opulence and luxury to stun and excite you. You will find them difficult not to fall in love with. Printed on 150gms non-woven substrate there are nine stunningly, beautiful wallpapers that epitomise opulence and luxury. Each is manufactured to the very highest quality using only the very finest of materials.
We would recommend ordering a sample for a true colour match.
This wallpaper is a made-to-order design for which we are unable to offer a refund or exchange. We, therefore, would recommend ordering a sample prior to placing an order for wallpaper rolls.


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INX Interoperable Radio Communications Technology Implemented at New Mexico State Fair.
The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, in partnership with INX, implemented and demonstrated the technology to provide interoperability capabilities during the New Mexico State Fair. The solution creates seamless radio interoperability between public safety officers and the fair's private security by using a proprietary application service to bridge radio frequencies used by different agencies. The overall solution allows hand-held radios to communicate with any voice-enabled device including two-way radios, cellular phones and desktop telephones.
"Interoperability is one of the department's top priorities," said John Martinez, Acting Deputy State Director, New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. "The State Fair is a high-profile event that attracts many people, so it's critical that we have communication systems in place to help keep fairgoers safe and secure."
"The ability for government agencies to communicate with private security personnel in a seamless, integrated manner is a valuable tool that supports the mission to protect the public," Joel Hutton, Senior Director of INX Product Development commented on the success of the deployment. "INX was excited to demonstrate the technology in a real life mobile multi agency environment. We were able to use the technology in real time in the event of an emergency."
The turnkey solution included technology and components from Cisco Systems, Cistera Networks, and Link Communication. This multi vendor solution enabled additional features and functionalities such as call recording.
"Cistera is extremely adept at solving complex interoperability dilemmas," said Greg Royal, Cistera's CTO and EVP of Cistera. "Our proprietary Quality Assurance and Compliance Solution is unique because it offers the ability to record and archive radio communication. This is extremely important, not only during a crisis, but afterwards so post-event analysis can be used for training purposes. The recordings are also valuable when facing legal or liability issues. It is just another layer of protection to verify that an organization is fulfilling its obligations during an emergency situation."
Cistera Networks makes Application Driven Telephony a reality by setting the new standard in advanced IP phone application platforms and engines for the Enterprise VoIP Telephony environment. The Cistera ConvergenceServer[TM] (CCS) uses the industry-leading Cistera Enterprise Platform for IPT to provide Unified Application Administration as well as Fault and Performance Management for enterprise IPT Application deployments. Cistera provides next-generation solutions for numerous vertical markets including education, finance, healthcare and government. Cistera Networks maximizes IP phone capabilities - taking the communications platform to an entirely new level. For more information, please visit www.cistera.com.
INX Inc. (NASDAQ:INXI) is a publicly traded network infrastructure professional services firm delivering best-of-class "Business Ready Networks" to enterprise organizations. INX offers a full suite of Advanced Technology solutions that support the entire life-cycle of IP Communications systems. We design, implement and support the IP network infrastructure for enterprise organizations including routing and switching, IP Telephony, messaging, wireless, network storage and security. Operating in a highly focused manner provides a level of expertise that enables us to better compete in the markets we serve. Our customers for enterprise-level Cisco-centric advanced technology solutions include large enterprise organizations such as corporations, public schools as well as federal, state and local governmental agencies. Because we have significant experience implementing and supporting the critical technology building blocks of IP Telephony systems and other IP Communications advanced technology solutions for enterprises, we believe we are well positioned to deliver superior solutions and services to our customers. Additional information about INX can be found on the Web at www.inxi.com.
The statements contained in this document that are not statements of historical fact, including, but not limited to, statements identified by the use of terms such as "anticipate," "appear," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "hope," "indicate," "intend," "likely," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "would," and other variations or negative expressions of these terms are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual results of the future events described in the forward-looking statements in this document could differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Recipients of this document are cautioned to consider these risks and uncertainties and to not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in the company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any statement is based.
Cisco and Cisco Systems are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems Inc. in the United States and certain other countries.
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Photo from my last trip to Lombok island. The place is so beautiful, especially Gili Nanggu.
©2011 Gregorius Suhartoyo
My images may not be reproduced in any form without my permission
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That's fascinating!Jul 14th Reply
Thank you so muchJul 19th Reply
Very beautiful photo! Makes me want to go out and shoot again!Jul 14th Reply
ThanksJul 19th Reply
So beautiful!Jul 13th Reply
Thanks a lotJul 19th Reply
Your art is very inspirational to all of us artists and at Shadowness we like to thank our amazing artists for all they do, to show our appreciation for you, your artwork has been featured in todays Daily Inspiration #1220
Amazing, Thank you so much my friendJul 19th Reply
lombok is paradise..Jul 12th Reply
Yeapp, thanks a lotJul 19th Reply
absolutely fantsticJul 12th Reply
Thank youJul 19th Reply
Wow this is good! :)Jul 12th Reply Subscriber
Thanks a lot buddyJul 19th Reply
Congratulations, SuharLeonheart!
On behalf of my fellow gallery moderators, I am happy to share the news that your beautiful creation was selected for the Daily Feature Award and is now in rotation on the front page of Shadowness!
This piece can be seen under the "star" menu at the top of every page, and it will also be featured in the next issue of "Daily Inspirations"! fb.com/shadowness
Awesome. Thanks a lot buddyJul 19th Reply
You're welcome!Jul 20th Reply
I love this one! :)Jun 20th, 2013 Reply
Thank youSep 24th, 2013 Reply
My pleasure:)Sep 25th, 2013 Reply


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这款钻石吊坠备有一颗镶入14k 白金的上丁方形钻石,配有配衬缆绳状炼项链,独一无二。
Very pleased.
Shanna, Laurinburg, NC – May 2014
Overall the pendant is a good value, especially when bought on sale. The stone is very clean, at least a VS2. I couldn't even see a feather with my loupe. The color is probably an I. The style is modern and clean and it is nice to see a style other than the old fashioned split bail. The asscher cut is a bit lost due to the small size of the stone. But overall a good "starter" solitaire.
Nicole, Plummer, MN – August 2013


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So… the straw clutching has set in. I've pretty much run out of beers I can buy in the supermarket, but there are just a few left, and this is one of them. 276 more words
Tags » Harviestoun
Come on the Toun
Recently a friend of Thinking Mens Drink, @mixedupbars, gave us a selection of beers from the Harviestoun brewery (www.harviestoun.com) to try. I'll be honest I hadn't heard of them before and had no idea about the brewery and its products. 846 more words
Atlas 77 (Schiehallion cocktail)
I recently wrote a series of beer cocktails for Harviestoun brewery and I have decided to post them here, so here is the first one! 180 more words
A Lager I Like a Lot: @HarviestounBrew - Schiehallion
At -another- leaving do for one of my colleagues (there'll only be me left at this rate) in Oxford, we decided to go back to The Standard curry house in Walton Street as it's a) great and b) got a beer menu. 217 more words
Pronounced: she-hal-i-on
One of my favourite breakfast places in London is Bill's. After the first time I went, all I ate was breakfast food for about a week after. 207 more words


text: I've been to Toronto a few times now and I must say I wish I'd known about this place on my first trip because it would be the only place I'd stay. Nearly everything about my stay was awesome. The PROS: GREAT LOCATION, not overly pricey and a really friendly staff. The room was very large and had great amenities.... More


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Sudden death of a pullet
I had one of my 5 month old pullets die suddenly today. I noticed she was acting rather strangely in the coop this morning, just standing there near the nest boxes. She is usually one of the first out in the morning and running around like a banshee. She finally came out and didn't go after any of the scratch and was walking the edges of the outdoor run looking dazed. I walked over and picked her up - which is unusual as she wasn't very tame. She seemed to have a stunned look. I took her inside and put her in a cage with some electrolytes in the water and some rice to eat. She wasn't interested in anything. She was panting, although it wasn't hot. I had to go in to work and when I returned she was dead. She was a Cookoo Maran and 5-6 months old. I didn't notice any droppings in the cage. I felt her to make sure she wasn't egg bound. She hadn't started laying yet. She seemed fine yesterday. I looked up her symptoms in "The Chicken Health Handbook", but I have a hard time with that book as all of the diseases seem to be rare or uncommon. It didn't sound like Marek's. But, I don't know. I am worried about the rest of my hens. They seem fine - but..
Has anyone had experience with a hen dying that fast?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Bonnie, sometimes chickens just die.
Really, that might be all it is. Is the rest of your flock feeling OK?
It's possible the dead bird picked up and ate something she shouldn't have, maybe a nice shiny little bit of sharp metal or a piece of glass.
Maybe she was born with some sort of birth defect.
Most chicken diseases are rare. They tend to be healthy birds, and especially when they are in a home flock and not crowded.
Are you new with chickens? I don't know if you need advice or not, but I am going to give it anyway.
Always carefully inspect any feed you give your chickens. When you open each bag, smell it for any hint of mold or spoilage. Run your hands through it and feel for heat, which is a clear indication of spoilage. Look at it closely for anything that doesn't look right.
Keep the feed well away from the water. If it gets wet, it will spoil.
Keep the water sparkling clean. Not easy to do with hens. I use self waters and suspend them so the chickens can reach the water, but most of the dirt they scratch doesn't get up that high. Then they still need to be cleaned a couple of times a day.
Heat will kill chickens. Make sure they always have good shade in the summer and that their hen house doesn't heat up in the sun.
I would not introduce new birds to my flock without keeping them in quarantine for at least a week to make sure they weren't sick.
And then.... even with excellent care, sometimes birds just die. I'm sorry you lost your baby and hope the rest of the flock is OK.
OWS, thank you for your replies. I have had chickens for 11 years, but I have never had a hen just fade that fast. The rest of my flock is fine. I keep their feed in my barn in a metal garbage can and their food never gets wet and always smells fresh when I get a new bag. They have access to three waterers.
These 4 relatively "new" hens I had were quarantined from the other birds for two weeks. I have had these new hens since they were about 2 months old and they are almost 6 months now.
I was just stymied that it was "here today - gone tomorrow", without anything obviously happening to it that I could see. They have plenty of shade and a couple of areas to hide out when we get hail in the spring.
Thank you again - I will continue to watch the rest of the flock closely.


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Ascentra Credit Union
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Does anyone use Explode The Code for phonics AND spelling??
01:38 AM Liked: 0
#1 of 6
01-21-2005 | Posts: 1,796
Joined: Oct 2002
I have been doing this.
I don't like it.
I have to do so much work, and I often write down the same word two or three times! Dd thinks it's funny, but I am getting frustrated, and considering buying a spelling program.
With ETC, I really have no idea what level she is spelling at. She is spelling at the ETC 5 and is using ETC 6 for phonics(which is actually too easy for her)...I will probably rush her through to ETC 7 next week.
Any suggestions,advice??
Linda KS
04:54 AM Liked: 0
#2 of 6
01-21-2005 | Posts: 722
Joined: Oct 2004
We use ETC off and on. Why are you using 2 levels at the same time? That would drive me bonkers.
My 8 year old isn't doing a formal spelling program at this time. She does copy work and dictation; her spelling words come from her spelling errors. I've heard good things about Spelling Power and we may try something like that at some point.
If your DD doesn't really need the ETC for reading, but they work well for spelling, why not just stick with the one she needs for spelling and drop the other one? Once kids have the basics on phonics, you really don't have to keep studying it. It is a subject with an end point.
I think ETC is a great first spelling program! I think for my DD she needs more practice putting it all together right now, rather than learning to spell more and harder words.
03:45 AM Liked: 0
#3 of 6
01-23-2005 | Posts: 1,796
Joined: Oct 2002
I guess it does sound funny that we would be using 2 different levels at the same time.
It came about when I switched to a classical curriculum......I was doing the same before....copywork and dictation.
Then dh thought we should do formal spelling with her, as it would also improve her writing and reading. I was about to order a spelling program, when I read on this thread(I think) that ETC could be used as a spelling program.
So I went back(oldest child syndrome I guess) to make sure I hadn't missed anything with her. So! Even though she was *doing* ETC for phonics, she was levels ahead of where I started her with spelling. Dh and I thought it would also improve her reading and writing by going all the way to ETC level 8. She *loves* ETC, so it isn't her issue.
It is always so vague with spelling/phonics programs as far as labeling a grade. So if she is doinf ETC 5 for spelling, is that considered 5th grade? If she is now using ETC 6 (7 next week) does that mean that she is doing phonics(and reading?) at the 7th grade level?
It is too confusing. I talked to dh about it, and he felt that we should go ahead and get her a spelling curriculum....costs a little more, but my time is worth more than it takes to write out all those words!!!
Thanks for replying,
Linda KS
10:36 PM Liked: 0
#4 of 6
01-23-2005 | Posts: 722
Joined: Oct 2004
ETC is not lined up to grade levels. The only place I've seen it assigned levels was in the Sonlight cat. They use ETC 1-3 for first grade and ETC 4-6 for 2nd grade. So I would say that 7-8 would be about 3rd grade.
I agree about buying what ever makes it easier for you. What spelling program are you thinking about?
12:46 AM Liked: 0
#5 of 6
01-25-2005 | Posts: 1,796
Joined: Oct 2002
Thanks Linda,
That makes sense to me. The program I am looking into is "Spelling Workout" by MCP. I've heard it is a challenging program, so I will have to check into how to go about getting her the right level.
03:24 AM Liked: 0
#6 of 6
04-17-2005 | Posts: 1,796
Joined: Oct 2002
okay, now I am looking at Megawords:THe Multisyllabic Approach to Spelling. It is the next *step* to ETC. And It continues phonics. I could drop phonics at any time. Dd is a very strong reader. But she enjoys ETC, and I ahave a feeling that she would enjoy the spelling program that follows it! It starts at 4th grade, but I think dd is ready for it. I'm going to have her finish the ETC 5&6 for spelling, then add in this program.
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Judy Blume is the enduringly popular author of more than twenty books for young readers. Over 75 million copies of her books have been sold, and the Fudge books are timeless classics. Among Ms. BlumeAs many awards are the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement and the 2004 National Book FoundationAs Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. She lives with her husband, George Cooper, in Key West, Florida.
Great gift for my daughter. I read Judy Bloom books when I was her age and fell in love with them and she will too. Great gift.
These books are timeless. I bought them for my step-daughter's tenth birthday....she started reading them that night!
This was purchased as a Xmas present and very close to the holiday so I was more concerned that it would not arrive in time, but it did. Excellent
I bought this set for my son who had never read about Fudge. I re-read them and he read them for the first time. We both enjoyed them! The boxed set of all the Fudge books plus Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great is a great gift, even for a grown-up. Or at least a grown-up who loved Judy Blume's books in their youth. Lots of laughs in these books.
great author and a great way to give the gift of reading. it is wonderful having a set, versus trying to find each one individually. better for both the giver and the reader.
This item will be delivered to you via USPS Trackable Media Mail or UPS Mail Innovations and will take from 2 days to 3 weeks from the time the item leaves our warehouse. *
Items must be returned in new or unused condition and contain all original materials included with the shipment. More details
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Evelyn A. (Lane) Englert, age 82, of Algonquin Drive, Warwick, died on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Inpatient Center in Providence. She was the wife of Walter H. Englert. … more
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text:
Take the lead and join us at the Alexandria Earth Day
Event by showing what you can do in our Upcycle Showcase. Write a poem, make an outfit or create a
piece of art! These are just a few of
the things that you can do. ACPS schools
are working through their School Steward for participation in the event. Download the 2015 It's Your Turn to
Lead! Guidelines.
Remember, It's Your Turn to Lead!
Starting on March 2, ACTion Alexandria is asking for
your ideas for making Alexandria a greener, more sustainable place to live,
work, and play. Submitted ideas will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and the
winning ideas will be awarded up to $2000 in grant money from the Dominion
will be able to submit your ideas from March 2 to April 3 at ACTion Alexandria Then tell your
friends to support your idea from April 4-April 12. Winners will be announced at the Alexandria Earth
Day Celebration!
If your organization would like to sponsor an event
in the month of April as a tie in to Earth Day, send a detailed description
with name, date time and location to firstname.lastname@example.com to be included on
our Community Events Calendar.
Find neighborhood parks?
Start a small business?
Learn about new development?
Pay my taxes or parking citation?
Report fraud, waste and abuse?
Speak at a City Council meeting?
Apply for a marriage license?
Find information for retired City employees?
Get information about permits?
Search property and sales data?
Find visitor information?
Find volunteer opportunities?
Obtain and review public documents and records?
Find information about parking?
Learn more about Verizon FiOS?
1108 Jefferson St.
Alexandria, VA 22314703.746.4343Fax: 703.838.6344E-Mail
Office Hours
8 am - 5 pm
James B. Spengler


text:
11.01 Discipline
(a) The BOARD/Administration shall have the right to discipline; (e.g., verbal warning, and/or disciplinary suspension without pay) for good and just cause. Disciplinary action of any type taken by the BOARD/Administration shall be subject to the grievance/arbitration provisions of this Agreement.
(b) The procedures set forth in Sections 4.04 shall be applicable to the issuance of discipline.
11.02 Non-Renewal
(a) Notwithstanding any provisions of the Ohio Revised Code which requires otherwise, it is agreed and expressly understood by the BOARD and the ASSOCIATION that during the term of this AGREEMENT the language in this section shall be considered the complete and total non-renewal provisions of the School District.
(b) A recommendation by the Superintendent to the BOARD for the non-renewal of an employee's regular limited contract shall take into account the employee's ability or lack thereof, and the degree of professional competency of the employee, or the lack thereof.
(c) A full written record of evaluation of an employee's professional service shall be maintained in accordance with the evaluation procedure and such written record shall be complete prior to any recommendation for the non-renewal.
(d) Upon a decision by the Superintendent to recommend non-renewal of an employee's contract, but prior to the Superintendent's recommendation of non-renewal to the BOARD, the Superintendent shall notify the employee in writing of said non-renewal decision, which shall include the reasons for his recommendation. The employee shall have the opportunity for a conference with the Superintendent to discuss the reasons for the non-renewal recommendation. In the event the Superintendent's reasons for non-renewal are not disclosed in the employee's written evaluation record, such reasons shall have been properly documented as required by the provisions of this Agreement. (See Article VII, Section 7.03.)
(e) The Superintendent shall recommend and the BOARD shall act on a non-renewal recommendation prior to April 30 of the year in which the employee's contract expires.
(f) Within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the BOARD's written notice of non-renewal, the employee may request in the writing to the Treasurer of the BOARD a hearing with the BOARD regarding the contract non-renewal. Said employee shall be notified within ten (10) calendar days of the time, date, and place of the hearing which shall be within thirty (30) calendar days of the request.
(h) The BOARD shall issue a written decision and order to the employee within (10) calendar days of the conclusion of the hearing either affirming or vacating the BOARD's action of non-renewal. Should the BOARD vacate the non-renewal, all reference to said non-renewal shall be expunged from the employee's record.
(i) The employee shall have the right to representation by the ASSOCIATION at each step of this procedure.
(j) Upon completion of the procedures set forth in this Article, the employee may use the grievance-arbitration procedures in this Agreement to grieve procedural but not substantive/merit issues, with the arbitrator having the authority in an appropriate case to remedy procedural errors only.
11.03 Dismissal
(a) The BOARD shall also have the right to terminate the contract of an employee for just cause. The procedures to be followed in terminating the contract of an employee shall be the procedures specified in the applicable provisions of the Ohio Revised Code. The termination of an employee shall not be subject tot he grievance/arbitration provisions of this Agreement but shall be subject to the procedural appeal provisions of the Ohio Revised Code.


text:
MJM is the coolest magic store I found. Their customer services are top and they are all very kind and friendly. Love it, love it!Read More ->
I just received my first order. It was shipped promptly and I got an amazing deal on the Fickle Fire. I am looking forward to adding this to my act...Read More ->


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I don't care who you vote for, ALWAYS support our troops!
by Crockett
posted Aug 20 2012 1:10PM
So tonight an Obama supporter tried to convince me to vote for Obama next election. I don't want to start a debate on politics, but I will admit I plan on voting for Romney next election. However when I told this 22 year old gentleman that my brother and sister in law are in Afghanistan fighting for his right to preach who we should vote for he had the never to laugh in my face. I asked him, what's so funny? After a nice 10 min debate he packed up and went home. Moral of the story, I don't care who you vote for, NEVER laugh at those fighting for your country. God bless the USA! Tonight I put a punk in his place and I'm DAMN proud!
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text: Top Point Guards A Premium In NBA Draft By Steve Peloquin June 18, 2011 4:50 AM Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Point guards are at the top of most team's list for in next week's NBA Draft. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Former Duke point guard Kyrie Irving could be the first choice in the NBA Draft Ian Thomsen, of SI.com, has the story. Filed Under: kyrie irving, nba, nba draft Category: National Sports Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Leave a comment Send to a friend! Print this page Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr! Best of ESPN 1420 Recommended For You Around the Web


text:
how do you serve crackers?
A totally inconsequential question, but...
I was serving cheese and crackers yesterday. I've got a simple wood cheese tray (with built-in blade) from Crate & Barrel. The crackers ended up on a plate.
Any ideas beyond the old basket with elasticized fabric? My style is more modern, and I can't help but see that as country.
I have several "classy" baskets...one is an Indian basket...another a bamboo basket and another is a palm basket shaped like a stack of crackers.
But I am in love with the boards that Ann finds and don't mind a stack of crackers spread out on the end of one of them...
Linda C
I often put them in a basket, lined with a cloth napkin. I also have a long, skinny stainless steel tray which is perfect, or I put them in a small wooden bowl. I've seen in stores and at parties a clear plastic tray, specifically designed for holding crackers. I might want one of those....
If you're looking for something more modern (I agree the baskets with elasticized fabric say "country" to me), how about a square plate? I've been seeing a lot of square plates in stores recently. I think it's perfect for crackers, as you can line them up on the square (or rectangle). I did this the last time I served crackers, and I served two different kinds, which I alternated in columns on the square. Simple, modern and it works well.
I love to pick up odd sized decorative plates at Marshalls/Homegoods and I think they're perfect for crackers, I'm not a basket person either :-) I did recently find a stainless or chrome wire basket that I thought was nice (at Marshalls of course) and I use it with a cloth napkin for bread at the table, but I'd use it for crackers for a larger group. I also like a wire basket lined with wax/butcher paper - they do this in a restaurant I go to and I keep forgetting to buy the right kind of paper - its not regular cut-rite wax paper but stiffer. I also use a pretty Japanese soup bowl for crackers sometimes, it doesn't hold too many but its perfect for the 2 of us.
You're right, it is rather like a fitted sheet.
Hi, natal, nice to "see" you again.
Linda C
Here is a link that might be useful: basket liners
I use a basket sometimes.
For the most part I have lots of pewter and silver trays that I will arrange them on. I try to stream line my color choices of serving pieces to white, glass, pewter and silver so that I can interchange china with them. It really helps!


text:
Steve Brennan
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Windows Help
It's free to register, to post a question or to start / join a discussion
Vista SP2 components?
« previous 1 2
Likes # 0
Posted June 18, 2009 at 9:09AM
I'm always wary of service packs and SP2 is a huge download without many obvious benefits beyond SP1 - reading postings there's been a few problems too - not unusual.
I've read in one of the mags (maybe PCA, I read others too) that system start up time is improved and this IS an attraction. Can other users confirm a quicker start up time in everyday use?
If so, and/or if there are any other useful components, is it possible to download just these components instead of the full service pack?
Alternatively, will Vista SP2 be available from MS like XP SP1 used to be?
Likes # 0
Posted June 20, 2009 at 9:41AM
Yes I had already read your other thread on update file sizes - quite a shocker.
Files often have the icon shown in the very top left corner of the %SystemRoot%\system32\SHELL32.dll library - they appear in a number of folders within documents and I've half-heartedly tried to get the original style back. But I don't knowing how without researching the task.
I often change individual Folder icons - and this works without problem - but I need to be able to do that for a large number at one go. For instance in my 'Photos' main folder - displaying a self-selected camera icon - I have a load of photo folders alphabetically arranged and each folder now has this default Windows folder. It doesn't really matter too much but modern styles are less jarring on the eye! And I hate not being able to control my computer!
Any help would be much welcomed.
Likes # 0
Posted June 20, 2009 at 1:51PM
Erm... your folders, now I'm no expert at all on this, but do you mean the Icons you choose from right clicking a folder and selecting properties/customize and selecting an icon from the list isn't working ? and you just get that default square with half a dozen coloured blobs in it.
I think you mean there's more to it than that, BUT I had a problem of one desktop icon always reverting to that, just looking for the thread on it now.
Likes # 0
Posted June 20, 2009 at 1:53PM
This was it,
click here
I never did solve the problem, but since all the updates and SP2 it's been fine, never reverted once.
Likes # 0
Posted June 20, 2009 at 9:00PM
Yes it's as you've described it - right click, Properties, 'Customize'tab, Change Icon, etc. and as in the topic thread. Weird eh?
I have some 'proper' program icons, for instance, in the 'Start' button, 'All Programs' sections - all listed alphabetically.
But then going down from the bottom of those, again alphabetically, I have 'Accessories', 'Administrative Tools' etc. right down to 'Zoner Photo Studio' and the icons are all these crummy, little, default style ones.
If I do a 'Change Icon' sequence, some icons will stick, others don't. For example, the blue question mark from the Shell32.dll will stick but a simple yellow folder - the one to the right of the 'dotty' odd one in the same dll - won't work. Some will, some won't but I still don't know how to effect a block change even if I can find a suitable icon which would stay!
Not to worry - if there's no other solution than Service Pack 2 - I'll just live with it. And yet it didn't used to be that way....
Did a patch screw up the system in the first place I wonder - that happened to me with 'Sleep' mode. Mine used to work a treat until I applied a routine Microsoft patch ages ago. After that it never worked reliably again and I discontinued using the 'Sleep' mode.
Other than SP2 I've applied every patch Microsoft have offered/recommended.
Likes # 0
Posted June 21, 2009 at 11:46AM
If you regularly update then SP2 may not be all that big,as only missing files will be installed i.e. I downloaded SP2 last week and only 99MB was needed
Likes # 0
Posted June 21, 2009 at 12:45PM
Yes I expected only part of the pack would be needed but the complete download would be necessary, surely, for Windows to select the relevant parts during installation?
And in the 99 Meg file block your system installed there would probably be stuff that's of no relevance for me - like HD support.
I really only want the bits which would be useful for ME, not everything that Microsoft offers when I have no need and no likelihood of a future need...
Likes # 0
Posted June 21, 2009 at 6:16PM
Never taken much note of the start menu tbh, but mine is as you describe, proper icons until you get to accessories, then all beige coloured folders. Never thought of changing these icons.
My problem was with the desktop shortcut reverting. I'm one of those who has a desktop full of icons... all logically arranged of course :)
Agree about MS patches and updates. One nearly from nearly two years back stopped a Bluetooth mouse working. I could restore back and all was well, so disabled that update but MS "incorporated" it into another one a while later.
Sleep... it works OK BUT, on resuming, the CPU is never idle, it's constantly "hunting" between aroun 3 and 30%, haven't a clue what it's doing, but it's enough to keep the fan on most of the time, which on a laptop defeats the object somewhat of saving power. Having a good moan aren't we ?
Likes # 0
Posted June 21, 2009 at 10:59PM
Yes I know what you mean about sleep - mine would go off OK but was a bu**er to wake up successfully.
In 'Accessories' and following I have all those odd folders and yet I'm sure they changed fairly recently from the traditional yellow ones. Annoying but I've had far worse!! These odd ones are dotted around in all kinds of places they didn't use to be. I'll get them sorted one day!
There's a fix for the lost desktop shortcut which I can't now find the details of - I think it was from PCA Help forums or the magazine - you probably already have it???
A good moan sometimes help relieve frustration and stops you feeling quite so paranoid that it's only you who has the problem....
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$32.95 Missing Link Windshield Neck Dickie - WSRB
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Missing Link Scooter Head & Neck Wear
At Dennis Kirk, you will find the best selection of Missing Link Scooter Head & Neck Wear. We carry more Missing Link products than any other aftermarket vendor and have them all at the lowest guaranteed prices. Not only that, but we have them all in-stock and ready to ship to you today. Dennis Kirk has been the leader in the powersports industry since 1969, so you can rest assured that we have your back when it comes to bringing you the best Scooter Head & Neck Wear from Missing Link. All orders over $89 receive Free shipping. Plus we have a no-hassle return policy, so you can shop with complete confidence at Dennis Kirk!


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This app has been deleted or is hidden to the public.
There is extremely limited to no information about this app.
We don't even have a name, hence why we are displaying SteamDB Unknown App "AppID".
|App ID
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|SteamDB Unknown App 246210
|Last Record Update
|(November 5, 2014 – 02:05:10 UTC)
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text:
Systemic deer repellent experiences?
OK, so I just got off the phone with Amar, the inventor years ago of the systemic deer tablets you let soak up into a plants roots. His partnership 'dissolved' and the other guy started Repellex, which can't use the original formula so instead uses capsacian or hot pepper. Amar is still selling the original formula under the name Natura Products. A few web postings report the original formula is superior to the new product. I am starting a side by side test, but was wondering if anyone has used either product and what their results were?
I'm not sure about the product mentioned above but I used Liquid Fence this year. We live in an area over run by dear. At one point I counted 18 in my yard at one time (I live on less than an acre!!!). I have had huge problems with deer eating everything. This year I planted 171 shrubs, 13 small trees, 60+ clematis and too many perennials to count. I used liquid fence this year and NOTHING has been eaten. Hostas, rhododendrons, 59 hydrangeas, roses. Nothing.
At one point I found a deer right next to my rhododendrons and the deer was eating weeds!! The ONLY plant that got eaten this year was a Limelight Hydrangea that I planted and forgot to spray. All my neighbors have had their yards devoured.
I spray heavy at 1st, I saturate the plants but I only do it once a month. It even lasts through rain.
I know that I will need to switch up the products as the deer get used to it but for now I am vey happy. Also, deer hunting season started this past weekend and the bow hunter using my yard has already taken 3 :)
Finally, whenever I read glowing reviews about a product I get suspicious that the person is a paid reviewer from the company. I can honestly say that I have no relation with this company. I am a pretty frequent poster here at Garden Web.
We have used Liquid Fence for years on the farm and it still works incredibly well. The deer cannot tolerate the smell, which thank goodness disappears in 48 hours for us humans. We have gardens and trees/shrubs and make sure we apply every 3 weeks. Expensive but effective.
I'm a Liquid fence girl too.It is expensive but worth it's weight. Don't buy the "ready to use".In my opinion, it's not mixed strong enough. Buy the concentrate.It lasts awhile & you can mix it a hair stronger, if you need to, but I find you don't. It's all natural & doesn't wash off in the rain. I to have never used the product you mentioned, but have heard of it.


text: Web exclusive! Redefining your luggage collection, this expandable piece of luggage will change the way you travel. Price: Price pending Featured in blue Available in 22", 27", and 30" 22" measurements: 22" x 14" x 11" 27" measurements: 27" x 18" x 13" 30" measurements: 30" x 19" x 14" Custom diamond weave nylon dura-blend material 4 spinner wheels for mobility on every surface Uprights expandable for additional packing capacity Fully featured interior and multiple pockets for organized packing Imported More


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Abstract vintage seamless flower pattern with orchid.© incomible - See portfolio
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A method and apparatus for magnetically levitating and further steering of an intraluminal device, such as a swallowable microelectronic capsule, for monitoring bodily functions is provided. The method comprises diamagnetically-stabilized levitation, followed by dynamic modification of the external magnetic field producing the said levitation, so that the levitating intraluminal device can be steered in desired direction. The said intraluminal device contains appropriate sensors and reports in real time the forces and pressures exerted on it, as well as its position, so that the levitation and the steering can be dynamically adjusted using appropriate dynamic control of external magnetic devices such as solenoids.
1. A method of controlling the intraluminal position of a capsule in an animal, the method comprising the steps of:
magnetically levitating the capsule; and
controlling the capsule by an external magnetic field that levitates the capsule so that the capsule can be steered within lumens of internal organs of the animal or affixed at a stationary position within the lumens of the internal organs of the animal.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. The method of
11. The method of
12. Apparatus for monitoring one or more physiological characteristics or parameters in a patient's gastrointestinal tract, comprising:
a magnetic field generator positioned outside the patient's body for producing a magnetic field inside the person's gastrointestinal tract; and
a capsule comprising diamagnetic material of sufficient mass to stabilize the capsule in the magnetic field at a desired position in the gastrointestinal tract.
13. The apparatus of
14. The apparatus of
a controller having output to the magnetic field generator; and
the magnetic field generator being responsive to the output from the controller to vary the magnetic field and control the position of the capsule in the gastrointestinal tract.
15. The apparatus of
a sensor responsive to the position of the capsule to produce position signals representing the position of the capsule; and
the controller being responsive to the position signals to control the position of the capsule in the gastrointestinal tract.
16. The apparatus of
17. The apparatus of
18. The apparatus of
19. A diamagnetially levitatable intraluminal microelectronic capsule, comprising:
a housing of a size and shape suitable for swallowing by a human being;
a magnet carried by or forming part of the housing;
diamagnetic material carried by or forming part of the housing; and
a therapeutic or diagnostic element carried by or forming part of the housing.
20. The diamagnetially levitatable intraluminal microelectronic capsule of
21. The diamagnetially levitatable intraluminal microelectronic capsule of
a transmitter carried by the housing for transmitting the sensor output to an external receiver.
22. The diamagnetially levitatable intraluminal microelectronic capsule of
23. The diamagnetically levitatable intraluminal microelectronic capsule of
This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent applications 60/643,392 filed Jan. 11, 2005 and 60/719,887 filed Sep. 23, 2005, the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention is related to apparatus and methods for intraluminal inspection of internal organs of a human or animal body, and more specifically to affixing or positioning and further controlling or steering autonomous microelectronic capsules equipped with one or more sensors for monitoring postion of the capsule in lumens of internal organs and with one or more sensors for sensing one or more physiological condition(s) in the internal organs and with means for communicating such position and physiological information or data to receiver means outside the body.
The possibility for using smart pills or miniature microelectronic capsules which have the capability to transmit diagnostic data from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has been the subject of increasing scholarly and practical interest. Alternatively to the capsule endoscopy concept, new smart pill designs do not necessarily have to include imaging modality, since many other physiological, electrical, chemical, and mechanical phenomena in internal organs in general, or in the gut in particular (for example, pH, pressure, intraluminal impedance, etc.) could be investigated using this-non-invasive technique.
Examples of magnetically driven capsules used in human body diagnosis and treatment include: Ueda, U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,260, which describes a capsule type endoscope that carries a video camera, transmitter, receiver and magnet. The transmitter and receiver communicate with an exterior transmitter and receiver to deliver video images to a display. An exterior magnetic force generator with a capsule locating sensor and controller controls magnetic force on the magnet and hence on the capsule. Temperature and pH sensors may be carried on the capsule. Jin, U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,165, describes a navigation system and navigatable capsules which are useful for remote-controlled imaging, biopsy and programmable drug release within the body of an animal. The components of the system comprise a capsule dimensioned and shaped to move within the body. An anisotropic magnetic component is mechanically coupled to the capsule to move or orient the body in relation to an applied magnetic field, and a magnetic field generating system external of the body generates a three dimensionally oriented magnetic field within the body to move or orient capsule. Wakefield, 2004, US Pat App. 20040199054, discloses a general concept of magnetically propelled capsule endoscopy, including the concept of using magnets for movement and directional control and position sensors. It envisions control by an externally-generated magnetic field.
However, the issue of controlled affixing (holding) or steering such microelectronic capsules to and from particular positions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has not been satisfactorily resolved by these teachings.
Diamagnetically-stabilized magnetic levitation is utilized as part of this invention to affix and/or steer autonomous devices, such as swallowed microelectronic capsules, in the lumens of internal organs. A set of external solenoids circumferentially arranged around a human body that contains the swallowed capsule can significantly ease the requirements for levitating and further controlling the said capsule by (1) moving the said solenoids, (2) moving the patient with respect to said solenoids, or (3) manipulating the electrical current through said solenoids in a controlled fashion, in order to steer and move the capsule in the internal organs of interest.
The capsule can provide the necessary feedback for its own location control by continuously reporting one or more of the following parameters: the pressure exerted upon it, its acceleration (which practically would reflect the extent of the impact of gravitational forces on the capsule), its velocity, and its position. Any or all of these feedback parameters of pressure, acceleration, velocity, and position can be used for assessing and controlling the location of the capsule and for assessing the gravitational and motility forces exerted upon it, so that necessary steering, movement, and stability control of the capsule by the external magnetic field can be accomplished. The capsule is affixed, i.e., held in position, by diamagnetic levitation, and steering is accomplished by changing the external magnetic field exerted on the levitating capsule. When a location of the capsule is determined to be not where it is desired to be, the magnetic field of the solenoid in relation to the capsule can be varied in a manner that steers and moves the capsule to such desired location and then affixed or held in that desired location.
The capsule references cited above do not disclose any concept of the capsule itself being levitated nor do they disclose any concept of or means for affixing or positioning the capsule at a particular location or any precise control of position and steering of the capsule. For example, in a large-lumen organ, with the simple magnetic control envisioned in Wakefield for example, and in the absence of levitation, the capsule would lean to one side of the wall of the lumen, and steering it within the lumen would be impossible. Full capsule control, including affixing the capsule at a particular location and holding it there for a controlled period of time, is theoretically possible with simple magnetic levitation. Some simple magnetic levitation techniques, however, require low temperatures and superconductors, which would not be practical for applications in intraluminal capsule endoscopy. In contrast, the method for diamagnetic levitation disclosed here overcomes this problem, achieving intraluminal positioning of a capsule in the body using a small permanent magnet located inside the capsule with a diamagnetic shell.
There is also provided in accordance with an aspect of the invention a diamagnetially levitatable intraluminal microelectronic capsule, comprising a housing of a size and shape suitable for swallowing by a human being, a magnet carried by or forming part of the housing, diamagnetic material carried by or forming part of the housing; and a therapeutic or diagnostic element carried by or forming part of the housing.
A small permanent magnet used in this invention may be mounted within a capsule or can be part of the capsule, the shell of which is made of appropriate diamagnetic material, or contains a layer of such material with an appropriate thickness. Alternatively, the wall of the organ in which the monitoring is to occur can serve as a diamagnetic material facilitating the levitation. The capsule of the present invention is controlled by an external magnetic field produced by solenoids. The topology of this field is manipulated by changing the current through the solenoids or by changing the relative position between the solenoids and the patient, rather than by moving permanent magnets with respect to each other using a screw.
There will now be described preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the Figures, by way of example, in which:
The word �solenoid� is used here according to its general meaning of a long coil through which electric current flows, thereby establishing a magnetic field with a North and South poles on each end of the said solenoid. Levitation is the process by which an object is suspended against any force acting upon it (in the case considered here, namely gravity or peristalsis), in a stable position by a force without physical contact. Changing the position of the applied force causing the levitation can bring about the controlled movement of the levitating body.
Referring to
In order to provide meaningful and sufficiently long testing or monitoring function within the lumen of some internal organs (for example, but not limited to, impedance, pH, or pressure monitoring in the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, the colon, and/or the rectum), the capsule is either affixed at a particular location, or/and it has to be steered to a particular location or to multiple locations in a controlled fashion. Prior art invasive ways to control the motion and the position of the capsule are generally less desirable than the non-invasive control and steering provided by this invention. Relying only on the naturally existing propulsive peristalsis of the GI tract is at least sometimes insufficient to cause the capsule to be at a certain diagnostically and clinically important position for a long and controlled period of time.
To solve this problem, the capsule of this invention can be affixed at a given location using diamagnetically stabilized magnetic/electromagnetic levitation using solenoids 32, 34 (
Motion control using diamagnetic levitation is used for positioning and steering the capsule in this invention. M. Simon and his coworkers have reported, for example in A. K. Geim, M. D. Simon, M. I. Boamfa, L. O. Heflinger, �Magnet Levitation at your Fingertips,� Nature, vol. 400, pp. 323-324, 1999 and M. D. Simon, L. O. Heflinger, A. K. Geim, �Diamagnetically stabilized magnetic levitation,� American Journal of Physics, vol. 69(6), pp. 702-13, 2001 (hereafter �Simon�), an important advance in magnetic levitation with the application of the stabilizing effect of diamagnets surrounding a miniature magnetic cylinder. Essentially, the intrinsically unstable equilibrium when applying an external magnetic force to lift a magnetic object, such as the magnet in the capsule, can be stabilized by the repulsive forces created by diamagnetic materials (known as diamagnets) surrounding the magnetic object to effectively levitate the object. This principle is used in this invention to position and steer a diagnostic capsule 10 in an internal organ, such as in the gastrointestinal tract.
The wall 30 of an internal organ (e.g., the esophagus, see
Thus, a real-time feedback of both the peristaltic force and the gravitational force influencing the pill or capsule 10 inside the esophagus 30 can be transmitted to a receiver for logging and/or processing outside the patient's body. Using this feedback, the topology of the external magnetic field can be manipulated by any one or a combination of three different mechanisms: (1) moving the external solenoids with respect to the body of the patient; (2) moving the position of the patient with respect to the external solenoids; and (3) by changing the electrical currents in the respective solenoids, thus changing the topology of the magnetic fields created by them so that the capsule stays in place, or, alternatively, is displaced in a controlled fashion to a new location in which levitational stability is achieved (
The computer operator 60 controls the positions of the solenoids 52, 54 with respect to the levitating capsule 10 and/or the respective electric currents through the solenoids 52, 54. With a gradual control of the positions of the solenoids 52, 54 and/or of the currents through them, the topology of the magnetic field levitating the capsule 10 changes, so that the capsule levitation position changes. This change in the topology of the external magnetic field can be achieved by (1) dynamic re-positioning of the external solenoids; (2) dynamic re-positioning of the patient with respect to the said external solenoids; or (3) dynamic change in the currents flowing through the solenoids. Persons having ordinary skill in the art know how to control movements of magnets with respect to persons or vice versa and how to control electric current flow through solenoids, as well as how to use actual positions from the capsule as feedback to actuate such controls to steer or position the capsule, once they understand the principles of this invention.
Since the peristaltic force is dynamically added to the gravitational force, the required magnetic force to overcome the peristaltic and gravitational forces to levitate the capsule is higher than the one reported by Simon. Therefore, the external solenoid is preferably 2-3 times larger or more powerful than that reported by Simon. In the worst case scenario, a maximal propulsive peristaltic pressure of 300 mmHg with the patient standing should be anticipated. Considering a surface area over which this peristaltic pressure is applied to be 4π(0.0052)/2=0.000157 m2 for a capsule size, for example, as shown in
Following the derivations proposed by Simon, the total energy of the magnet at equilibrium can be given with:
Alternatively, the capsule or pill itself can be produced of a stronger diamagnet than bismuth such as pyrolytic graphite. For steering the levitating capsule, a more elaborate external setup is needed, involving rotating and/or linearly moving the solenoids in the vicinity of the patient and encompassing the capsule as shown in
Levitating the capsule in the esophagus, as illustrated in
The position and navigation sensors or accelerometers, RF transmitter and receiver, battery, crystal, and other sensors used in the capsule 10 can be any suitable devices. The accelerometers may be one-axis accelerometers as well as two-axis or three-axis accelerometers, for force, velocity, and position determination. While there are many kinds of small or MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) accelerometers and other small accelerometers that would work for this invention, such as piezo film, electromechanical servo, piezoelectric, liquid tilt, bulk micromachined piezoresistive, capacitive, micromachined capacitive, and others that are well-known and readily available, MEMS capacitive accelerometers may be used, such as the ADXL202E capacitive MEMS accelerometer available from Analog Devices, Inc., Norwood, Mass., which is believed to have some of the better attributes and characteristics for this application. Based on measuring principles, MEMS accelerometers can be segregated into two different types: piezoresistive and capacitive. In piezoresistive-based accelerometers, silicon resistors, which change electrical resistance in response to applied mechanical load, are connected in a Wheatstone bridge to produce a voltage proportional to the acceleration of the proof mass attached to the sensor housing. In contrast, in capacitive accelerometers acceleration is measured by the change in capacitance due to a moving plate attached to the proof mass. Capacitive accelerometers are more popular than piezoresistive designs due to several advantages they have, including high sensitivity, high resolution, low noise, low drift, stable DC characteristics, low power dissipation, and low temperature drift. For esophageal applications, a resolution of at least 6.88 cm/s2 (10% of the minimal acceleration value in the esophagus) is essential, i.e. the accelerometer has to detect acceleration levels as low as 6.88 cm/s2. This, along with the obvious power supply and dimension limits narrows the technological availability to our application. Hence, a miniature-sized capacitive MEMS accelerometer, featuring low power consumption and high resolution, is a suitable candidate for the pill 10, as for example the ADXL202E capacitive MEMS accelerometer from Analog Devices (Norwood, Mass.), which features also a low cost, an advantage that might become important if more than one pill has to be swallowed by the patient over a certain time period in order to provide averaged estimates of the bolus transit in the esophagus. Also, pressure, pH, and impedance sensors can be any suitable devices that are available commercially, for example, but not for limitation, from Sandhill Scientific, Inc., Highlands Ranch, Colo. USA, or that are described in other publications, for example, the impedance sensors described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,870 issued to Silny et al. The impedance sensors may be longitudinal or split ring sensors as described for example in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/163,342, filed Oct. 15, 2005, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In a split ring sensor, the poles or electrodes of the sensor are separated and located around the circumference of a capsule.
To remotely monitor physiological parameters in real-time in the esophagus, a reliable and effective wireless radio frequency (RF) link has to be established. Since the size of the transmitter is important due to the limited space in the capsule, a monolithically integrated transmitter chip is favored. For example, the MAX1472 ASK transmitter from Maxim (Sunnyvale, Calif.) may be used. The MAX1472 is a crystal-referenced phase-locked-loop (PLL) transmitter which operates in the 300 MHz to 450 MHz frequency range (VHF/UHF). The transmitter is available in a 3 mm�3 mm SOT23 package and is capable of delivering +10 dBm output power with a current consumption of less than 9.1 mA. A small-loop antenna fabricated out of a copper trace on the PC board can be employed to emit the modulated signal, and with a careful design of the matching network, maximum performance of the transmitter may be achieved. In addition, the transmitter can be directly coupled to the output of the sensors, which reduces the cost and saves additional space by avoiding the conditioning circuitry. An ASK superheterodyne receiver such as MAX1470 or MAX1473 may be used to receive the transmitted data and send it to a data logger or one or more of the controllers.
When the position and trajectory of the capsule 10 (or the levitating magnet 16 inside) is measured and conveyed to a control system, the field of the electromagnets can be continuously adjusted via feedback control systems to keep the capsule in the desired position. A feedback control system to levitate a magnet is commercially available from G. Marsden, of Art-Tec, Maine, USA, and see �Levitation! Float objects in a servo controlled magnetic field,� Nuts & Volts Magazine, pp. 58-61, September, 2003. A Hall Effect sensor tracks the position of the levitating magnet. The Hall Effect sensor produces an electrical signal based on the strength of the perpendicular component of the local magnetic field. As the distance between the sensor and the magnet increases, the signal produced by the sensor becomes weaker. The signal from the sensor controls the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal, which in turn controls the current supplied to the electromagnet. The components of the kit are primarily a Honeywell Hall Effect Sensor, a PWM control, Motor Control IC and Solenoid. To calculate the forces when dealing with non-uniform magnetic fields and permanent magnets, a Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) system such as the Maxwell 3D (Ansoft, Pittsburgh, Pa.) may be used. Maxwell 3D is an interactive software package that uses finite element analysis to solve 3D magnetostatic problems. For the situation where the patient is in the supine position (
In a dual sensor system as shown in
The purpose of the dual sensor design is to minimize the capsule deviation from the equilibrium position, in such way that the magnetic field inside the capsule approaches (B1+Bm). In
Since the capsule is free to rotate inside the body, the orientation of sensor 70 is a potential problem. If a Hall Effect sensor is used, it is preferred for it to face the coil directly, so that it would detect the magnetic field along the z-axis. The self-orientation of the magnet, a natural phenomenon for aligning its dipole moment with the coil field, is the solution to this problem. If the magnet 16 is physically affixed to the capsule, it would bring the capsule 10, and hence the sensor 70, to face the desired direction. Data from the sensor 70 is communicated to the control system 78 through the transmitter 18. Since the coil 32 will produce a much greater magnetic field, keeping sensor 72 between the coil 32 and the body 36 may not be feasible, considering the limited magnetic range of the sensor 72. Sensor 72 can be placed on the other side of the coil 32, on the centre axis of the coil 32, as shown in
In the supine position of the patient 36, and the capsule 10 is being levitated when there is no contraction, the capsule 10 is directly under the electromagnet 52 with the magnetic force equal to the gravitational force. During a contraction when the patient 36 is in the supine position, the capsule 10 (if located in the esophagus) is pushed towards the stomach, until the horizontal component of the magnetic force equals the lateral peristaltic force. The maximum peristaltic force (for the supine position) during a contraction in the worst case is 1.65N. Since the gravitational force (0.108N) is much smaller compared to the peristaltic force, the magnetic force is almost horizontal in order to balance out both forces, meaning that levitation is re-established with the capsule 10 far down the esophagus. When a second electromagnet 54 is introduced on the back side of the patient, the lateral peristaltic force is balanced out by the horizontal components of the magnetic forces. However, the magnetic forces are not symmetrical because of the presence of the gravitational force. Since the peristaltic force varies for every contraction, the strength of the magnetic field produced by the electromagnets 52, 54 is different every time, and the contribution of each electromagnet is different due to the asymmetrical nature of the forces. Controlling the asymmetrical strength of the electromagnets in this situation is more difficult than for the patient in the upright position.
If the patient 36 is positioned upright, the peristaltic force and the gravitational force will be in the same direction. This would allow the magnetic forces to be symmetrical. Levitating the capsule when the patient is in the upright position is similar to the levitation demonstrated in
In one embodiment the design may use resistive electromagnets made out of copper wire. Even with the additional costs of a power supply with precision regulation and a cooling system, resistive electromagnets are generally much cheaper and simpler to build than superconducting magnets. Soft iron cores are used to concentrate the magnetic field generated. A cylindrical magnet with a diameter of 9.55 mm and a height of 5 mm may be used for levitation. It is larger and heavier than the spherical magnet used in the supine case, but the extra weight is much smaller compared to the peristaltic force. The trade-off of using a larger levitating magnet is the size reduction of the electromagnets required to achieve levitation. The electromagnets are separated into inner and outer coils, similar to those of MRI.
It is desired to use a setup of electromagnets that can produce an upward force of about 1.5 N on the levitating magnet 16 to counter the gravitational and peristaltic forces. The electromagnets will not be running at full capacity most of the time since the duration and frequency of contractions are not high. This means that the current flowing through the coils will be significantly lower when there are no contractions. A design using two coils on either side of the capsule 10 may be used. Each coil 32, 34 has an inner and outer coil, with the inner coils facing each other and between the outer coils. The point of levitation is determined based on the fact that the levitating magnet is most stable just above the inflection point of the magnetic field magnitude. With the origin set at the midpoint between the two pole faces, the inflection point is about to be 150 mm below the origin.
In one embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the inner and outer coils may be (90�90)=8,100 mm2 and (120�120)=14,400 mm2 respectively (a ratio of 9:16). The current of each inner coil may be 144,000 amp-turns based on trials. To keep things simple, the wire current (in amps) and the wire gauge of the inner and outer coils may be the same. Hence each outer coil has a current of (144,000�16/9)=256,000 amp-turns. The magnitude of magnetic force acting on the levitating magnet is 1.62 N. The force components are as follows: FX=−0.229 N, Fy=0.00555 N, and FZ=1.60 N. The upward force of 1.60 N is enough to guarantee that the capsule will not be lost during a contraction. The small x-component shows that the levitating magnet will be unstable in the x-direction. Feedback control systems and/or diamagnetism can be used for stabilization.
The magnetic field produced by the electromagnets is about 2.1 T at the pole faces of the inner coils, and 0.5 T at the point of levitation. The selection of wire gauge determines the current, power dissipation, mass, and heating rate of an electromagnet. Suitable operating parameters may be obtained from principles applied for the design of MRI magnets.
The concept of using two magnetic sensors 70, 72 can be implemented for the design for the upright position. An additional sensor outside the body 36 may be required because of the introduction of the electromagnets on the back side of the patient. The control circuit 78 may vary the currents of the inner coils only, in which case, since the purpose of the sensors 72 outside the body is to detect the change in magnetic field produced by the electromagnets, the sensors 72 should be closer to the inner coils than to the outer coils. Hence, the sensors 72 should be placed between the body 36 and the electromagnets (at the pole faces of the inner coils). The magnetic field at those locations is substantial and magnetic sensors will not be capable of measuring the field. A magnetic measurement device capable of measuring great field with considerable precision, such as a NMR gaussmeter may be required.
The magnetic field produced by the electromagnets is much smaller when there is no contraction. The currents in the outer coils will decrease significantly after a contraction and will remain at the low level until the next contraction. A contraction can be detected with a pressure sensor mounted at each hemispherical end 20 of the capsule 10. When there is a contraction, the pressure at one end of the capsule increases considerably. Depending on the pressure exerted on the capsule 10, the currents of the outer coils can be increased accordingly to maintain levitation.
For use of the capsule 10 in the colon, additional considerations apply. The maximum peristaltic force is greater in the colon compared to in the esophagus. Colonic pressure activities are complex and variable. They can be categorized into several patterns, with high-amplitude propagated contraction (HAPC) producing the highest peristaltic force. HAPC is not frequent but its duration is relatively long. A study has shown that for a sample of healthy subjects, an average of four HAPCs unrelated to bowel movement, urination, or flatus, occurred in a 24-h period. The average pressure amplitude of a HAPC is 28.7 kPa. The highest average pressure amplitude of non-HAPC colonic activities is only 11.6 kPa, just slightly higher than that of esophageal contractions.
The maximum peristaltic force on the capsule in the colon is =4.51 N during a HAPC and =1.82 N during other types of colonic contractions. Considering other types of colonic contractions only, the electromagnets will require slight enlargement compared to the design for esophageal use, which is already capable of handling 1.6 N. The size of the electromagnets would have to be increased by at least four times (if not more since the relationship between the size of electromagnets and the force generated is complex and not directly proportional) if the levitation system were designed to handle HAPC in the colon. However, since HAPC does not occur often (roughly once every 6 hours), taking the risk of losing the capsule due to HAPC and starting over again may be a better trade-off compared to the cost of increasing the size of electromagnets significantly. Since the colon has bendings and uneven surface, navigating a capsule within it requires better control and steering than for the esophagus.
In one embodiment, considering the dimensions of the capsule, and a maximal intraluminal pressure of 300 mmHg exerted on it, the magnet-containing capsule can be levitated using an external solenoid with a diameter of about 60 cm, provided that the cylindrical shell of the capsule surrounding the miniature magnet, which is in the shell or part of the shell, is of a strong diamagnetic material, such as bismuth or pyrolytic graphite.
Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed here without departing from the invention.
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