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An anisotropic cross-linked PVA alignment layer for aligning nematic polymeric liquid crystal compensator films, which also provides an out-of-plane retardation. The cross-linked PVA alignment layer, when applied in sufficient thickness functions as both a negative uniaxial C-plate and causes alignment of the nematic liquid crystal molecules. The combination of the retardation provided by the alignment layer and the compensator film deposited on it provides a significant improvement in the contrast and color stability of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) at large viewing angles in which they are used.
1. A liquid crystal display assembly comprising,
a) a polarizer adjacent a lighting source, said polarizer having an oriented absorption axis,
b) a viewer side analyzer having an absorption axis substantially perpendicular to the oriented absorption axis of the polarizer adjacent the lighting source,
c) a liquid crystal cell comprising a twisted nematic liquid crystal material between the polarizer and the analyzer, and
d) at least one compensator assembly located between the polarizer and the analyzer, the compensator comprising,
i) a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film with a first surface rubbed to create an alignment layer, and
ii) a polymeric nematic liquid crystal film on the alignment layer of the rubbed crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film, said rubbed crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol layer causing a pretilt in the polymerized nematic liquid crystal film.
2. The liquid crystal display assembly of
3. The liquid crystal display assembly of
4. The liquid crystal display assembly of
5. The liquid crystal display assembly of
6. The liquid crystal display assembly of
7. The liquid crystal display assembly of
8. The liquid crystal display assembly of
9. The liquid crystal display assembly of
10. An optical compensator comprising a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film with a rubbed first surface comprising an alignment layer, said alignment layer providing a defined pretilt to an adjacent polymeric nematic liquid crystal film, said optical compensator optionally including a transparent substrate with a second surface of said crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film on said substrate.
11. The optical compensator of
12. The optical compensator of
13. The optical compensator of
14. The optical compensator of
15. The optical compensator of
16. The optical compensator of
17. The optical compensator of
18. The optical compensator of
19. The optical compensator of
20. The optical compensator of
21. An optical compensator comprising a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol wherein the crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film functions as a negative birefringent C-plate and the optical compensator is used in conjunction with a twisted nematic liquid crystal display or a vertically aligned liquid crystal display.
22. A layered assembly comprising a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film with a rubbed first surface comprising an alignment layer, said alignment layer providing a defined pretilt to an adjacent polymeric nematic liquid crystal film, said layered assembly optionally including a transparent substrate with a second surface of said crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film on said substrate wherein said layered assembly is used as a brightness enhancement film, a color filter or a circular polarizer.
23. The layered assembly of
24. The layered assembly of
25. A liquid crystal display assembly including an optical compensator comprising a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film having first and second parallel surfaces, said first surface comprising an alignment layer provided by rubbing said first surface, and a polymeric nematic liquid crystal film on said alignment layer, the optical compensator optionally including a transparent substrate in contact with the second surface of the crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film, the alignment surface of the crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film providing a pretilt to liquid crystals in the polymeric nematic liquid crystal film.
26. The liquid crystal display assembly of
27. The liquid crystal display assembly of
28. The liquid crystal display assembly of
29. The liquid crystal display assembly of
30. An optical compensator comprising a PVA film having a negative birefringence with the primary symmetry normal to the surface of the film.
31. An optical compensator comprising a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol wherein the crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol film functions as a negative birefringent C-plate and the optical compensator is used in conjunction with a twisted nematic liquid crystal display or a vertically aligned liquid crystal display.
32. A device including an electronically controlled screen display including a cross linked PVA compensator film or a PVA alignment film used in conjunction with nematic liquid crystal-based compensator films.
33. An apparatus comprising a layer of a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol material rubbed to produce planar alignment with pretilt in a polymeric nematic liquid crystal material.
34. The apparatus of
35. The apparatus of
36. The apparatus of
37. The apparatus of
38. The apparatus of
39. The apparatus of
40. The apparatus of
41. The apparatus of
42. An apparatus comprising a layer of a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol material having a negative birefringence and an optical symmetry axis normal to a surface of the layer, said apparatus including a nematic liquid crystal layer.
43. The apparatus of
44. An apparatus comprising a non-aqueous soluble substrate with a polymerized film formed from an aqueous-soluble polyvinyl alcohol material on the non-aqueous soluble substrate, the polymerized film functioning as a compensator or alignment layer for a polymerized nematic liquid crystal display.
45. A device including an electronically controlled liquid crystal display comprising a compensator assembly including a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol layer, a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol compensator, a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol alignment film or a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol brightness enhancer.
46. The device of
This invention relates to an anisotropic cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) alignment layer for fabricating nematic liquid crystal compensator films for use in liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The film has an out-of-plane optical phase retardation, allowing it to also function as a negative birefringent substantially uniaxial C-plate compensation film.
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are used to display information by utilizing the effect that the optical birefringence of the liquid crystal layer has on the polarization of light that is transmitted through said layer. By applying a voltage across the liquid crystal layer, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules is modified, changing the optical symmetry and hence optical retardation of the liquid crystal layer. This in turn modifies the polarization of the transmitted light. When the liquid crystal layer is positioned between two polarizing films, the change in polarization of the transmitted light is resolved into a difference in transmitted intensity. In this way, information is displayed on a liquid crystal display by spatially modulating the voltage on the liquid crystal, effectively changing individual spatial elements, or pixels, from transmitting to absorbing the incident light. Liquid crystal displays are made in a multitude of configurations including transmissive, being illuminated from behind by a separate light source, and reflective, whereby the ambient light that is incident on the front of the display is reflected by a layer behind the liquid crystal and intensity resolved upon passing through the single entrance/exit polarizer on the viewing surface. Liquid crystal displays have advantages over other display media in that they can display information with much lower power consumption than emissive displays, such as plasma displays. Thus, LCD's are used in display devices such as wristwatches, pocket and personal computers, calculators, aircraft cockpit displays, etc. The very long operational life in combination with very low weight and low power consumption of LCD's, along with other design advantages, have particular utility in these applications. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,801, incorporated herein by reference, provides an overview of LCD technology.
Liquid crystal displays exist in a multitude of embodiments depending upon the specific type of liquid crystal material and the configuration of the polarizers and electrodes. In its simplest form, a typical LCD comprises a liquid crystal cell, situated between two polarizer layers, the second polarizer layer commonly referred to as the analyzer layer. Many such liquid crystal displays exhibit optical performance that is very sensitive to the angle at which the display is viewed. Contrast, gray level stability, and color stability often change significantly as the view angle deviates from normal, or zero degrees. This viewing angle behavior arises because the optical symmetry of the liquid crystal layer is such that when the liquid crystal is electrically aligned to produce a specific transmission level at normal viewing, the angle dependence of the optical retardation through the liquid crystal layer causes the transmission at off-normal viewing to be either higher or lower than the commanded transmission at zero degrees. This can severely limit the use of LCDs in many desirable applications. Optical compensation films, also referred to as compensators or retarders, are commonly used to mitigate the viewing angle effects in LCDs, the specific design and geometry being dependent on the type of LCD employed.
A retarder, or compensator, denotes a film or plate-like birefringent optical element for which the refractive index along at least one of the optical axes is different from the other two. If the three refractive indices are different the material is called biaxial. If two of the indices are the same with the third being different the material is uniaxial. Further, a uniaxial material can have either positive or negative birefringence depending on whether the refractive index for light polarized normal to the uniaxial optical axis is less or greater than the refractive index for light that has a polarization component parallel to the optical axis respectively.
In the ideal case, an optical compensator is designed to have an angle dependence that is complementary to that of the liquid crystal layer, thus canceling, or compensating for the angle dependence of the liquid crystal. The angle dependence is not exactly complementary because the geometry and symmetry of the liquid crystal film varies as it is electrically driven to its various transmission state orientations. The objective of a compensator design is to provide the best overall optical effect throughout the full transmission range of the liquid crystal display. The uses of such compensators have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,953 (Yeh et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,603 (Winker et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,434 (Winker et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,963 (Gunning, III et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,352 (Koch et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,801 (Winker) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,197 (Gunning, III et al.). This application is directed to a class of compensator materials and assembled structures that are useful for twisted nematic (TN), vertically aligned (VA), and potentially other active matrix displays.
Compensators can be placed between the polarizer and the liquid crystal cell, between the analyzer and the liquid crystal cell, or in both locations. With the addition of one or more compensator layers, the contrast ratio and grey level stability is improved over a wide range of viewing angles by careful design so the compensator, which may include multiple layers of birefringent materials each having different thicknesses, optical axis orientation with respect to the liquid crystal and polarizer angles, or sign of birefringence.
Compensator films comprise either stretched films of polymer materials, or coated films of materials having significant optical anisotropy. Stretched polymer films typically are made from polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrene, or polycarbonate. Their primary applications are in passive matrix super twist nematic (STN) displays. Stretched PVA films have an optical axis orientation in the stretch direction, parallel to the surface of the film, and exhibit positive birefringence. Other materials have similar in-plane optical axis orientation but with a negative birefringence. This in-plane optical symmetry is commonly referred to as �A-plate�. Stretched films are widely used but suffer from retardation non-uniformity and are affected by high temperatures which may be encountered in certain display applications. They are also limited in the range of achievable optical symmetries and therefore cannot adequately address the requirements of many high performance LCDs.
An alternative approach for LCD compensation films uses films of polymerized liquid crystals. These may be films of liquid crystal polymers that are melt cast onto a suitable substrate and then solidify upon cooling, or films of polymerizable liquid crystal materials, commonly described as reactive mesogens, provided in a solvent and formed into films, dried, and then polymerized either using photopolymerization or thermal polymerization. The liquid crystal films may consist of nematic (rod-like) liquid crystal molecules, having positive birefringence, or discotic (disk-shaped) liquid crystals, having negative birefringence. The substrates for these films are prepared by various means to induce the desired alignment or orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the film. The most common method for achieving this alignment is to gently rub the surface of a suitable alignment layer using a rayon cloth. Alternatively, alignment may be induced by photoalignment where a preferred orientation direction is imparted through the interaction with linearly polarized ultraviolet light. Further, the liquid crystal coating solution may also be modified to provide a range of optical symmetries within the liquid crystal layer, for example by the addition of a chiral component to a nematic solution to produce a twist in the orientation of the molecules in the film or to modify the orientation of the liquid crystal at the air interface.
Liquid crystal films may have a multitude of optical symmetries. For example, nematic films may be formed in the following symmetries:
For an A-plate the liquid crystal molecules are all oriented parallel to each other and in the plane of the film, the direction of the long axes of the molecules determining the optical axis direction. There may be a very small tilt of a few degrees between the substrate and the first layer of molecules, but the molecules at the air interface are oriented substantially parallel to the interface.
O-plate compensator films are formed using nematic liquid crystals, but the average value of the angle of the optical axis with respect to the surface is usually substantial, ranging from 25 to 60 degrees. The term O-plate refers to this oblique orientation of the optical axis.
O-plates may have several geometries. They may include configurations where the orientation of the optical axis is substantially constant throughout its thickness. Splayed O-plates have a varying tilt, ranging from a few degrees at the alignment surface to nearly 90 degrees at the air interface. Finally, chiral additives may be included in the coating formulation so that the orientation of the liquid crystals develops a thickness dependent twist in combination with a constant or splayed tilt. Reference herein to �O-plates� can include all of these variations.
Discotic liquid crystal films form via the stacking of negatively birefringent disc shaped liquid crystal molecules. Discotic films occur in various configurations, including uniformly stacked discotic molecules with no tilt between the substrate and the air interface (referred to as a C-plate orientation), or alternatively, in splay configurations where the tilt of the molecules varies from a few degrees at the substrate to nearly 90 degrees at the air interface.
It is important to recognize that the optical properties of nematic and discotic films are vastly different from each other due to their different intrinsic optical symmetries. Consequently, compensator designs that use nematic liquid crystal films are very different from those using discotic liquid crystal films, and are not obvious from each other. Additionally, the optical performance of displays that are compensated using either nematic or discotic films also exhibit significant differences. For example, discotic based films result in compensators for TN displays that have contrast characteristics that are relatively symmetric at both vertical and horizontal viewing angles, but have a pronounced color shift towards yellow with increasing viewing angle. However, nematic based compensators for TN displays typically exhibit lower contrast in one viewing direction but maintain accurate color as viewing angle is increased.
C-plate compensators are films having their optical axes normal to the surface. Most C-plate compensators that are commonly in use for LCDs have negative birefringence. They may include films formed using discotic liquid crystals that are aligned to have uniform orientation throughout the film thickness, films of rigid rod polyimide materials, biaxially stretched films of polystyrene, thick layers of cellulose triacetate (TAC), or multilayer structures of very thin alternating high and low refractive index materials. Negative birefringent C-plate films are useful as components in compensators for TN, VA and other displays types and may be used alone or in combination with other compensation films.
An important characteristic of a liquid crystal alignment film is its ability to readily orient the liquid crystal film in a specific direction, and also to generate a �pretilt� for the aligned liquid crystal. Referring to
Most liquid crystal compensators incorporate an alignment layer coated onto a transparent substrate. Typical transparent substrates are polycarbonate or TAC. Polycarbonate can withstand higher temperatures but is expensive. TAC is less expensive and is the preferred material for most production applications. However, because the acceptable process temperature for TAC is limited by the possibility of heat deformation of the substrate, limits are imposed on the type of alignment materials and the process conditions which may be used such as drying method and temperature. Standard polyimide alignment materials typically require a high curing temperature and is therefore preferably avoided. In addition, the solvents used with most polyimide alignment layers will damage the underlying TAC substrate.
While a particular class of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been developed as an alignment film for discotic liquid crystal compensators (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,631,051 and 6,726,965) the use of PVA as an alignment film for achieving planar nematic alignment with pretilt has not been described. In particular Ito, et al (U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,965) teaches that rubbed PVA may align a nematic liquid crystal in a vertically aligned orientation, not in a planar orientation. However, as also pointed out by Ito, �Discotic liquid crystal molecules are completely different from rod-like liquid crystal molecules in molecular structures and in optical characteristics. Most of the orientation layers having a function of aligning rod-like liquid crystal molecules are not effective in aligning discotic liquid crystal molecules.� Similarly, the ability of PVA to align discotic liquid crystals, or to align a nematic crystal in a vertically aligned state, does not teach its use for producing planar alignment With pretilt in a nematic liquid crystal film. Ito also teaches that a compensator having positive birefringence is not effective in compensating the wide viewing angle characteristics of a twisted nematic display, which is a further subject of the current invention.
This invention includes the use of a cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as an alignment film that, upon rubbing, has the capability to produce planar alignment, with pretilt, of nematic liquid crystal molecules. PVA materials are inexpensive, and can be used as the alignment layer for fabrication of compensator assemblies, such as O-plate, splay O-plate, splay/twist-O-plate and A-plate compensators. This material can also be used for aligning cholesteric films and can be used as alignment layers for the liquid crystal material within the active cells of TN and STN LCD's. The cross-linked PVA has the unique property of being capable of aligning a nematic liquid crystal with sufficient pretilt to enable single-domain liquid crystal-based compensation films.
An additional feature of this invention is that films of the PVA material incorporating features of the invention are observed to exhibit small out-of-plane negative, substantially uniaxial birefringence (approx. −0.005). Therefore, a PVA film of sufficient thickness can be used as a negative C-plate compensator, either as stand-alone components or as an alignment film for a nematic liquid crystal based compensator film.
The small out of plane negative substantially uniaxial birefringence produces a retardation of appropriately 10 nm for each 251 μm of physical thickness. Therefore, one can pick the retardation desired for an assembly by varying the thickness of the film. A cross-linked PVA film of sufficient thickness, usually greater than about 10 μm, on a transparent substrate may be used as a uniaxial negative C-plate compensator. This PVA film may exhibit some small degree of biaxial symmetry but may be used in various compensator film combinations that require a negative C-plate component. On the other hand, PVA alignment films having a thickness of less than about 10 μm can be treated as substantially isotropic films in compensator designs.
A TAC substrate film can introduce some negative C-plate character to a compensator structure. However, TAC for inclusion in a coated compensator structure is commonly available in only certain thicknesses that might not provide sufficient retardation for a specific compensator design and thick optical quality TAC substrates are expensive. Additional negative C-plate retardation can be achieved through the use of a thick PVA film incorporating features of the invention. Examples of compensator structures that benefit from the use of thick PVA alignment films are combinations of PVA with positive birefringent splay O-plates for TN displays, and thick PVA alignment films combined with positive birefringent A-plates for vertically aligned (VA) displays.
An alignment layer or film incorporating features of the invention comprises a cross-linked PVA film formulated such that, upon rubbing of a first surface of that film, it is capable of aligning nematic liquid crystal molecules (including those having a chiral additive to induce twist) in a film on the alignment layer with pretilt for use as LCD compensator films such as A-plates, O-plates, splay O-plates, twist/splay O-plates, A-plates and cholesteric films. The PVA film has applications as both an alignment layer and, when thicker than about 10 μm, functioning as a negative birefringent C-plate component of an optical compensator for liquid crystal displays. It may also be used as the internal alignment layers for TN, STN, and other LCD's employing nematic or chiral liquid crystals. The cross-linked PVA alignment layer is also useful for the fabrication of multiple layer liquid crystal compensators because it can be coated via solvent casting onto a previously formed polymerized liquid crystal compensator layer without dissolving the previously coated layer. This enables the fabrication of a multilayer liquid crystal film structure through successive coating of alignment and liquid crystal film layers, thus avoiding the need to laminate multiple films. This is not feasible with commonly used polyimide alignment materials because the solvents commonly used for polyimides would dissolve a previously coated polymerized liquid crystal film layer.
The broad applicability of various aspects of the invention is demonstrated by the examples provided below.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a highly polar and hydrophilic synthetic resin, is produced by polymerization of vinyl acetate followed by hydrolysis (saponification) of polyvinyl acetate (PVAC). The saponification rate is defined as the degree of hydrolysis in PVA and signifies the extent of conversion of the PVAC to the PVA. The degree of polymerization determines the molecular weight and viscosity of the PVA in solution. Degree of hydrolysis and molecular weight affects the water sensitivity and water solubility of PVA films. Further, PVA can be cross-linked to further increase its water resistance. Glyoxal, urea-formaldehyde, and melamine-formaldehyde are examples of commonly used cross-linking agents.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), particularly crosslinked PVA, is a transparent anisotropic material. Films of PVA exhibit a uniaxial negative birefringence and/or biaxial behavior (substantially uniaxial with substantially negative C-plate symmetry). Polyvinyl alcohol, doped with a cross-linking agent, when used as a substitute for a polyimide alignment layer, has been found by applicant to produce a lower cost, more easily formed liquid crystal film-based compensator assembly. A unique feature of the PVA material disclosed herein is its ability to align nematic liquid crystal molecules with pretilt, enabling its use as an alignment film or substrate for a polymerized liquid crystal film. In addition, referring to the C-plate 607, 622 of
Combining an A-plate with the thick PVA alignment layer, having a thickness adequate to create a retardation of about 200 nm to at least about 400 nm, creates a compensator structure that improves the performance of a vertically aligned liquid crystal display. The negatively birefringent C-plate symmetry (optical axis perpendicular to the film surface) of a thick PVA alignment layer improves contrast in both the horizontal and vertical directions of a vertically aligned liquid crystal display. More recently, liquid crystal �microdisplays�, including liquid crystals on silicon (LCOS) displays have been developed for rear projection televisions. Combining an A-plate with the PVA alignment layer creates a compensator that improves the performance of the liquid crystal projection system by increasing the overall optical contrast.
An additional benefit of a cross-linked PVA film incorporating features of the invention is that polyvinyl alcohol is water-soluble and therefore a TAC substrate is not affected by the alignment film solvent. Further, the PVA can be cured and cross-linked at low temperatures that are compatible with coating on TAC. Cross linking fully hydrolyzed PVA then decreases the solubility of the PVA film in water, making the assembled structure more water resistant. The PVA can be readily applied, and the compensator fabricated using standard coating techniques such as conventional web coating methods. One skilled in the art will recognize that various cross-linking agents may be used. However, a preferred cross-linking agent is CYMEL� 350 resin (Cytec Industries, Inc.), which is a highly methylated, monomeric melamine formaldehyde resin.
The PVA alignment layer is inexpensive, and can be used instead of polyimide for fabricating various components of an LCD, including nematic liquid crystal based compensators or as the liquid crystal alignment layer within the liquid crystal cell. The PVA alignment layer is useful for fabricating compensators comprising multiple polymerized liquid crystal A-plate and O-plate compensators since it can be cast onto an already aligned compensator layer without dissolving the previously deposited compensator layers, thus also acting as a capping layer and allowing for multiple adjacent A-plate and O-plate layers to be fabricated monolithically, without lamination. Additionally, the PVA alignment layer when deposited as a thick film within a multiple layer polymerized liquid crystal compensator structure, can act as a negative birefringent C-plate compensator layer. Eliminating or reducing the need for polyimide and film transfer lamination significantly reduces material and labor costs, reduces defects due to film transfer lamination and, as a result, increases production yields and the production rate. These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
An illustrative embodiment of the invention is described below using solvent casting techniques to deposit obliquely oriented (e.g., O-plate) compensator elements on a transparent substrate (e.g. glass or plastic) with an alignment layer.
1) An optically transparent substrate is provided 205. The substrate can be either glass or plastic and may be one of the plates that form the display's liquid crystal cell. Typical glass substrates are comprised of silicate or soda lime glass, with approximate thickness of 0.5 to 1.1 millimeters (mm). Typical plastic substrates can vary in thickness from approximately 40 to 200 micrometers (μm). Alternatively, plastic substrates may be comprised of any suitable polymer material such as Triacetyl cellulose (TAC).
2) A liquid crystal alignment layer is formed from a cross-linkable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer material deposited onto the substrate 210. The term �deposit� is intended to include any convenient deposition or coating technique in which a layer is formed in-place on a substrate and is also intended to encompass situations in which the material is deposited onto one or more intermediate layers which are on the substrate. However it is not intended to include other techniques such as lamination, in which a pre-formed layer is bonded to a substrate.
In a preferred embodiment, the PVA layer is solvent cast onto the substrate using standard techniques for film forming. The PVA material is first dissolved in a solvent to form a solution, a thin film of which is then applied to the surface of the substrate. After the solvent is evaporated, a thin film PVA layer material remains on the substrate. For example, a layer of PVA may be applied at room temperature and heated at a temperature of between 80� C. and 120� C. for 5 to 60 minutes to remove the solvent and crosslink the PVA, producing a layer of from about 0.3 to about 200 μm in thickness. However, thicker films up to about 600 μm or greater may also be used without severely effecting the utility of the film. In web coating processes, the drying process can be significantly accelerated.
Suitable solvents include water, alcohol and combinations thereof. Other coating techniques which are compatible with the inventive method include spin-coating, Meier-rod or doctor-bar coating, meniscus coating, and various continuous web coating methods shown in art.
3) One surface of the PVA film is buffed or rubbed to form an alignment layer 215. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that buffing or rubbing is a standard method for creating an alignment surface on polyimide films for the purpose of orienting the direction of a liquid crystal layer. This process is applied to the crosslinked PVA film to induce liquid crystal alignment. Further, when buffed the crosslinked PVA film has the unique characteristic of providing pretilt for the subsequently applied liquid crystal layer. This pretilt feature causes nematic liquid crystals at the surface of the alignment film to have a tilt in the orientation of their principal axis of several degrees (2-10 degrees) from the surface of the alignment film. This insures that the liquid crystal film forms in a single crystalline domain over the area of the compensator.
In one embodiment, a buffing cloth comprised of a rayon pile approximately 1.8 mm in height, attached to the outer surface of a 4 inch diameter aluminum cylinder rotating at a speed of approximately 200 to 1,000 revolutions-per-minute is applied to the film. As it rotates, the cylinder moves horizontally across the surface of the alignment layer at a speed of approximately 0.5 to 5.0 centimeters-per-second. The height of the aluminum cylinder above the alignment layer surface is preferably adjusted so that the pile touches the surface of the alignment layer and is deflected by the alignment layer a distance of approximately 0.2 to 0.6 mm.
4) A thin film of polymerizable nematic liquid crystal material is deposited on the buffed alignment layer 220. For certain subsequent operations, the liquid crystal material can contain a photoinitiator such as, for example, approximately 0.5% of Irgacure 651 (available from Ciba-Geigy). Polymerizable liquid crystal materials having a nematic phase suitable for use in the inventive method include, but are not limited to, acrylates, epoxides, and vinyl ethers. The chemical structure of the polymerizable liquid crystal material is selected so that it has an intrinsic pretilt angle θ at its air interface of between 25� and 85� when it is in its nematic phase. That surface of the thin film liquid crystal immediately adjacent to the underlying alignment layer is referred to as the alignment-layer interface; the surface of the liquid crystal thin film exposed to the air is referred to as its air interface. In one embodiment, the polymerizable liquid crystal material RM257 (available from E.M. Industries) is solvent cast onto the alignment layer using cyclohexanone as a solvent so that a thin film layer of RM257 of approximately 1 μm is formed.
The temperature of the thin film liquid crystal material is adjusted to achieve a uniform specified orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, e.g., the angle orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, at the alignment surface and throughout the thickness of the film. In one embodiment, the liquid crystal film prepared in step 2) is heated to approximately 90� C. for approximately 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending upon the specific solvent used. Those of ordinary skill in the field will recognize that the specific temperature and time required for this operation is dependent, among other factors, on the liquid crystal material used, its thickness, and the desired pretilt angle, as well as the specific coating process. For example, the time required to achieve the intended liquid crystal alignment can be significantly shorter in web coating processes using forced air drying and heating. In practice, the temperature range for this step can range from room temperature (about 28� C.) to approximately 100� C.
6) The liquid crystal thin film is polymerized in an oxygen-free environment by illuminating it with ultraviolet radiation 230. Oxygen will inhibit the polymerization process and may be excluded by purging the area containing the film with dry nitrogen gas. For example, the liquid crystal film of step 5) is illuminated with ultraviolet light at a wavelength of about 360 nanometers (nm) at approximately 10 milliwatts-per-cm2 intensity for approximately 5 minutes. However, the time can be adjusted to produce the designed level of polymerization. As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the concentration of photoinitiator, the intensity of ultraviolet light, and the duration of exposure are interdependent and subject to modification�the goal being to achieve a high degree of conversion (greater than 80%) of the reactive liquid crystal material.
The exact thicknesses and orientations of the layers can vary. However, the parameters chosen for the purpose of this illustration are as follows:
While Table 1 lists the characteristics of a preferred arrangement, other combinations may be used. For example, the absorption axis of the rear polarizer may vary from about 41� to about 48�, the absorption axis of the front polarizer may vary from about 135� to about 139�, the thicknesses of the O-plate may vary from about 0.6 μm to about 1.5 μm, and the thicknesses of the alignment layer may vary from about 1 μm to about 80 μm.
TAC films, which may be used in thicknesses from about 30 μm to about 120 μm thick, exhibit nearly zero in-plane retardance and a negative out-of-plane retardance from about 30 nm to about 120 nm contributing to the total retardation characteristics of the compensator. While TAC is a preferred substrate, other typical material, such as glass plates can also be used as substrates. If an isotropic substrate is used, the necessary negative C-plate retardation component may be obtained by using a suitably thick layer of PVA.
Other compensator embodiments using the features of this invention can be used to improve the viewing angle characteristics of other types of liquid crystal displays. For example, a multidomain vertically aligned (VA) liquid crystal display is known to exhibit an improved viewing angle when a compensator having a large negative birefringent C-plate character (retardation preferably 200 nm-400 nm) together with a positively birefringent A-plate film having low retardation (retardation of 50-200 nm, preferably 80-120 nm) is added. Such a configuration will extend the region of high contrast to large viewing angles with contrast ratios of 500:1 at a viewing angle of about �40� and 100:1 at viewing angles up to about �60� as shown in
The PVA film of the invention may also be used as an alignment film and as a retardation component for polymerized liquid crystal films that are used as brightness enhancement films for liquid crystal displays. Polymerized liquid crystal brightness enhancement films use layers of cholesteric liquid crystal materials to transmit a first circular polarization and reflect the other circular polarization. The reflected light is then reflected with polarization change from the rear structure of the display backlight so that it can then be transmitted through the brightness enhancement film. A quarterwave plate on the exit surface of the brightness enhancement film changes the transmitted circular polarization to linear polarization, which is then transmitted through the liquid crystal display polarizer. A brightness enhancement film of this design exhibits a noticeable color change with increasing viewing angle. This can be minimized using the compensator design described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,886, incorporated herein by reference, which comprises a negative C-plate compensator combined with an A-plate film. U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,886, describes a device that includes a layer of cholesteric material of the type which transmits light having a first circular helicity and reflects light having a second circular helicity. A quarter-wave plate positioned on a first side of the layer of cholesteric material converts the transmitted light having the first circular helicity into linearly polarized light. A compensator including a positively birefringent C-plate layer is disposed between the layer of cholesteric material and the quarter-wave plate. The compensator reduces undesirable phase effects in the transmitted light introduced by the layer of cholesteric material. The PVA materials and structures described herein may be used as the alignment film for the cholesteric brightness enhancement film, and also as the alignment film, and C-plate component for the brightness enhancement film compensator.
It is evident from the preceding descriptions and embodiments that the PVA materials and structures described herein may be used for a wide range of liquid crystal display arrangements as summarized in Table 2. Compensator embodiments such as those listed in Table 2 incorporating cross-linked PVA films can also be used in other liquid crystal devices (including beam steering and phase compensation devices) as well as other structures incorporating compensator films shown in the prior art.
Described below is a procedure used to prepare a PVA solution and film from that solution for purposes set forth herein.
Reagent grade 98% hydrolyzed PVA with average molecular weight of 18,000, p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate, a catalyst for the cross-linking reaction, and glacial acetic acid (99.8%) were obtained from Aldrich chemical. Cross-linking agent Cymel 350 (highly methylated, monomeric melamine formaldehyde) was obtained from Cytec Industries Inc.
One hundred grams of PVA were added to deionized water at room temperature to prepare a solution with a total solids content of 20%. The vial containing the mixture was placed in a hot water bath (90� C.-100� C.) and was stirred until the solution became clear. The PVA solution was cooled down to room temperature.
11.11 g of Cymel 350 were dissolved in deionized water at room temperature to make a 50% solution. P-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (3.889 g) was dissolving in deionized water to make a 10% solution of Cymel at room temperature. Glacial acetic acid (10.44 g) was used as received.
The PVA solution and Cymel solution were mixed at room temperature until the PVA/Cymel mixture became clear. The catalyst solution was added to the clear PVA/Cymel solution at room temperature and mixed until the mixture became clear. The glacial acetic acid was then added into the PVA/Cymel350/catalyst mixture and mixed until the solution once more became clear. This solution was then placed in a hot water bath (90� C.-100� C.) and stirred for 1 hour. The solution was cooled down to room temperature. This hot water bath procedure was found to extend the shelf life of the coating solution. Any bubbles trapped in the solution were removed by applying a vacuum to the solution prior to casting the PVA film.
The alignment layer was produced by casting a film, using known techniques, of the above described PVA solution onto a surface of a rigid substrate (glass or Tri Acetyl Cellulose) followed by curing for 30 minutes at 110� C. The alignment layer surface was then rubbed to produce an alignment film which provides a pretilt angle between 2� and 6�. The rubbed surface was cleaned with a low tack adhesive film to remove any contaminant left during the rubbing process. A thin film of a polymerizable liquid crystal monomer such as RM 257, a reactive nematic liquid crystal available from Merck, can then be cast by known techniques onto the alignment layer and dried and cured by heating.
In a typical web casting procedure a roll of transparent substrate material, such as TAC, is continuously advanced through a coating system at a rate of from about 1 to about 100 meters/min. A PVA (molecular weight range from 14,000 to 50,000) solution (approximately 20% PVA in H2O doped with a cross linking agent) is continuously applied to a first surface of the moving transparent substrate. The solvent is removed and the PVA cross linked by exposure to a flowing stream of 100� C. air. CYMEL 350 (2% w) is an example of a suitable cross-linking agent. As described above, the PVA solution may also include a catalyst, such as p-toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate, a clarifying agent such as acetic acid, as well as adhesion enhancing agents in concentrations recommended by the manufacturers of those compounds. The crosslinked PVA film is then rubbed and a polymerizable nematic liquid crystal functioning as a splayed O-plate is applied over the cured, cross-linked, rubbed PVA film. The process can then be repeated to apply the same or a similar arrangement to the second surface of the transparent substrate. The PVA alignment layer is also useful for fabrication of compensators having multiple O-plate and A-plate layers since it can be cast onto an already aligned and polymerized compensator layer without dissolving that layer, thus acting as a capping layer and allowing for multiple adjacent A-plate and O-plate layers to be fabricated monolithically, without lamination.
Adhesion of the PVA material to the TAC can also be enhanced by first treating the TAC surface with an alkali solution, for example a 0.1 to 3.0 N solution of KOH or NaOH, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 N. The temperature of the solution is preferably in the range of room temperature to 90� C., more preferably in the range of 40 to 70� C. Another approach to increasing adhesion between the cross-linked PVA material and the TAC is to add up to about 20%w of gelatin to the PVA solution.
While the use of a crosslinked PVA film as an alignment device in a compensator assembly has been described in regard to a particular assembly, component arrangement, dimensions and material concentrations, the invention described herein is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein as one skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the teachings set forth herein, the described invention may be applied in different manners and for other uses. For example, applications of the PVA films described herein include, but are not limited to, numerous devices which include an electronically controlled screen display such as television screens and monitors, cell phones, computer displays including lap tops, desk top and portable computer screens, digital cameras, panel displays on equipment, liquid crystal electrooptical devices, beam steering optics, wavefront correction systems and related or similar devices. Also while use with polymerizable liquid crystal materials applied from solvent solutions is disclosed, it is also contemplated that assemblies which utilize the polymerized PVA films can also be used in conjunction with prior polmerized liquid crystal films which can be melt cast to form the assembly.
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BlackBerry Bold 9790 review
The BlackBerry Bold 9790 is the latest addition to RIM's premium 'Bold' range, combining a full QWERTY keyboard, with a touchscreen and of course BlackBerry Messenger and BlackBerry email.
The Bold 9790 has up to two days of battery charge, making it perhaps a little more convenient for business use than some of the Android phones, such as the Wildfire S, which can see battery drained by the end of the day with moderate usage.
A more expensive range than the Curve at around £360 SIM free, is the Bold worth the extra pennies?
How does the Bold 9790 compare to the existing Bold 9900 and is there anything to tempt newcomers to RIM's operating BlackBerry OS 7 operating system?
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Theatre L'Homme Dieu announces Hoch as new executive director
Theatre L'Homme Dieu in Alexandria has announced the appointment of Joanna Hoch as the executive director. Hoch recently came from Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP) in Somerville, Massachusetts where she served as the manager of Patron Services and Education Projects.
Prior to ASP, Hoch was the general manager at the Weathervane Theatre, an Actors' Equity Association summer-stock theater in Whitefield, New Hampshire, where she led the theater each year for 10 summers.
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Stanford University
On March 16, 2015, the Hoover Institution and the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation hosted a talk about Modern American Conservatism at the Hoover Institution in Washington, D.C.
The Spring 2015 issue of Education Next is dedicated to revisiting on its 50th anniversary Daniel Patrick Moynihan's 1965 report "The Negro Family: The Case for National Action" (generally referred to as the Moynihan Report). The issue features articles by leading scholars that document changes in family structure over the last 50 years and discuss the policy approaches that might be undertaken to address the social problems that have accompanied these changes.
Bob Pozen, Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, discussed his work on "Unfunded Retiree Healthcare: The Elephant in the Room."
On March 2, 2015, Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) and the Hoover Institution hosted a book reception for the book Free Market Environmentalism for the Next Generation, by Terry L. Anderson and Donald R. Leal, at the Hoover Institution in Washington, DC.
Douglas Irwin, the John Sloan Dickey Third Century Professor in the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College, discussed "Lessons from U.S. Trade Policy History."
On Friday, February 13, the White House will host a daylong summit on cybersecurity and consumer protection. The summit, part of the larger Stanford Cyber Initiative launched in November 2014, will bring together leaders from the federal government, business sector, law enforcement, and consumer advocates, as well as Stanford faculty and students currently researching cybersecurity issues.
Kevin Warsh, distinguished visiting fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution and lecturer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, discussed his recent experience in being appointed by the Bank of England to review its practices and procedures relating to transparency in monetary policy.
On February 9 and 10, 2015, the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in coordination with Stanford's Center for Latin American Studies will host an international bilingual conference on "Juan Domingo Perón in Exile" based on the Perón Papers at the Hoover Archives under the direction of Hoover's Herbert S. Klein and Professor José Carlos Chiaramonte of the University of Buenos Aires.
The Hoover Institution and the Genesis Prize Foundation hosted a conversation entitled "Democratic Leadership, Israel, and the Middle East 2015" from 5 to 7:30 p.m. eastern time.


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Philosophical 'Smokefall' Lacks a Dramatic Through Line
Noah Haidle's "Smokefall," at South Coast Repertory in a co-production with Chicago's Goodman Theatre, is a loosely sketched comment on the randomness of an unforgiving universe.
Philosophical 'Smokefall' Lacks a Dramatic Through Line
Noah Haidle's "Smokefall," at South Coast Repertory in a co-production with Chicago's Goodman Theatre, is a loosely sketched comment on the randomness of an unforgiving universe.
Bertolt Brecht's powerful parable of morality and human society, set in a fanciful version of the city of Szechuan, is marvelously realized by director Charles Otte and his talented ensemble of actors.
'End of the Rainbow' Looks at Judy Garland's Last Days
As Judy Garland in Peter Quilter's "End of the Rainbow," at the Ahmanson Theatre, Tracie Bennett eerily recalls the pain of the diva's last days but misses her admirable qualities.
'The Belle of Belfast' Depicts Personal Fallout from Political Fighting
The effects of the hostilities in Northern Ireland during the 1980s is given an anguished, irreverent, often hilarious treatment in the world premiere of Nate Rufus Edelman's powerful anti-war work.
L.A. Review: The Book of Mormon
The "Book of Mormon" national tour hits Los Angeles' Pantages Theatre with a joyous production fronted by Gavin Creel and Jared Gertner, and musicals will never be quite the same.
Jefferson Mays Gives Tour de Force in 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder'
In Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak's delightful new musical "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder," at the Old Globe, a commoner murders his way up the ranks of the aristocracy.
'Fuddy Meers' Just Isn't Funny
Long Beach Playhouse has a disaster on its hands with David Lindsay-Abaire's first play, "Fuddy Meers," a Christopher Durang–like comedy that stubbornly refuses to come to life.
'To Be Young, Gifted and Black' Belongs More to the Page Than the Stage
Though this biographical collage about Lorraine Hansberry is historically interesting, "To Be Young, Gifted and Black," from Actors Co-op, only comes alive during play excerpts.
Jon Robin Baitz's incisive drama "The Paris Letter" gets a strong production from the Group Rep under Jules Aaron's admirably clear and coherent direction.
LA Review: 'Very Still and Hard to See'
Steve Yockey's eerie excursion into the surreal and the supernatural, "Very Still and Hard to See," at the Production Company, combines comedy with menace.


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Hi, I tried all day to debug this problem and am hoping someone here can help. After I installed ArcSoft Total Media Theatre I was able to play Dvds on either my computer's primary monitor (DVI to LCD) or the secondary LCD TV (HDMI). However, after rebooting my Vista system I lost the ability to play DVDs on the LCD TV monitor - but only with the Total Media Theatre. With Windows Media Player DVDs continue to play fine on both monitors. Total Media Theatre now only plays fine on the primary monitor.
Some more details:
- I have the latest nvidia drivers installed on my robust and new video card.
-Everything played fine on both LCDs before the reboot.
-I did a reinstall of everything, and all worked great until a reboot.
-Everything besides movies displays correctly on both LCDs.
I tried using HP Media Smart player too, which came with my pc, and appears to use Cyberlink as it's player. I experienced the same problem with that player as well.
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Discover a selection of top forums smbx requests on the internet. Come to share your passion on forums smbx requests and meet other fans of smbx requests. Then, why don't you create your own forum of smbx requests ?
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Beasley elbowed in chest during first Heat practice
MIAMI -- Michael Beasley's first official practice with the Miami Heat ended quickly.
Beasley was struck in the chest by an inadvertent elbow during a defensive drill about 45 minutes into Miami's first summer-league workout session Wednesday, and the No. 2 overall pick in last week's NBA draft was taken to a doctor for observation.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said the move was strictly precautionary and should not affect Beasley's availability for Miami's five-games-in-five-days run through the Orlando summer league, which opens Monday.
"He took a shot to the chest," Spoelstra said. "He probably could have finished if it was the regular season or something like that, but we just wanted to be safe."
Spoelstra said he wasn't absolutely certain which Heat summer player was the one that struck Beasley.
"I looked and one minute he was there and the next minute he was gone," Heat guard Daequan Cook said. "I have no idea what happened."
The team did not immediately release an update on the extent of Beasley's injury or what sort of tests were being performed on the rookie, who averaged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds last season for Kansas State.
"He was very eager to learn what we were doing, especially defensively what we wanted to get accomplished in this practice," Spoelstra said. "When he gets back out here, he'll be fine and when we get up to Orlando, he'll be fine."
Beasley was gone by the time practice was open to reporters and not available for comment. His agent, Joel Bell, did not return a phone message.
There was one piece of good news on Wednesday for Beasley. He signed his rookie scale contract with the Heat, one that will pay him at much as $4.3 million this coming season.
Later Wednesday, Miami also announced the signings of center David Padgett and guard Jason Richards. Padgett shot 67 percent from the floor this past season at Louisville, and Richards led Division I with 293 assists as a senior at Davidson, which lost to eventual NCAA champion Kansas in the Midwest regional final.
"It seems like the best situation and the best opportunity for me, so I'm taking advantage of it," Padgett said.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
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The Hudson River Valley Ramble is an annual event series that celebrates the history, culture and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, as well as the amazing landscape, communities, and trails throughout the region. Every September, 'Ramblers' come not only from the Hudson Valley region and New York State, but from other regions of the country as well to discover the riches our Valley has to offer.
Thank you to our sponsoring organizations, event leaders, and most of all the Ramble participants who made the 2014 Hudson River Valley Ramble a fantastic success! The 16th Annual Ramble will take place on September 5/6, 12/13, 19/20, & 26/27, 2015!
To learn about sponsorship opportunities
To view a digital version of the 2014 Hudson River Valley Ramble booklet, click here.
To download a PDF of the 2014 Ramble booklet please click here


text: Let mom know how much you care with this sterling silver heart pendant with "Mom" written in 14K yellow gold. This heart pendant also features sparkling diamond accents and bright created emeralds for an unforgettable look. Price: Price pending Colorful created emeralds and .04 ct. t.w. diamond accents "Mom" written in 14K yellow gold Sterling silver heart-shape design polished to perfection Ct. t.w. = carat total weight All diamond weights are approximate Variance must be plus or minus .05 carat Diamond grades may vary Some styles include single-cut diamonds Photos may be enlarged to show detail Imported More


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Birmingham Brummies pulled off a shock 46-44 win on Wednesday night after a solid team performance saw them stun the reigning National League champions.
Birmingham claimed their first victory of the National League era as they snatched a dramatic 46-44 over Cradley at Perry Barr.
Phil Morris is urging Birmingham fans to be patient with the new-look Brummies.
Birmingham boss Graham Drury says his riders shouldn't read too much into their opening-night defeat by Cradley.
Cradley Heath raced into an imposing 16-point lead over Birmingham Brummies inside six races.
Birmingham Brummies's Tom Perry admits it will be strange racing against his parent club tonight - but he can't wait to get going at Perry Barr
Friendship will go out the window as soon as the tapes rise on tomorrow's opening night clash between Birmingham Brummies and Cradley.
Alex Wilson has accepted an offer to become a fully- fledged asset at Birmingham Brummies as the club put the early pieces in place for their rebuilding programme.
Birmingham Brummies reserve Harvie Banks revealed he almost signed for Perry Barr co-tenants Cradley Heath last season.
Motorcross rider Robert Parker will get his first taste of league speedway with Birmingham Brummies this season.
Birmingham Brummies owner Tony Mole has praised club staff for getting the Perry Barr track in good shape for tomorrow's press and practice.
Tom Perry will start the season just with the Birmingham Brummies, believing that riding in just one league is exactly what his career needs.
New Birmingham Brummies signing Adam Kirby is on target with his weight loss campaign just days before the season starts.
Birmingham Brummies have scrapped plans for a reserve team in the Midland Development League.
World Cup star Danny King will return to Birmingham Brummies in a coaching role.
The new Birmingham Brummies team will take to the track for the first time together at their Press and Practice day on March 11 and fans are welcome to attend by making a donation on entry.
Birmingham boss Graham Drury has taken a swipe at some top international riders and labelled them 'prima-donnas'.
Birmingham Brummies owner Tony Mole says fans are in for a treat this season with National League racing every bit as exciting as the Elite League.
Tom Perry has been unveiled as Birmingham Brummies skipper by promoter Tony Mole in front of a packed Perry Barr audience.
Graham Drury has been named as the man to lead Birmingham Brummies into the 2015 National League.
Tony Mole last night finalised a deal with a new team manager to lead Birmingham Brummies into a new era.
Tony Mole has revealed he has 'absolutely no idea' how the Birmingham Brummies will do in the new National League.
Adam Kirby has joined Birmingham Brummies after showing caretaker boss Phil Morris the right attitude.
Tony Mole is refusing to rule out a return to Birmingham Brummies for ex-boss Graham Drury.
Alex Wilson makes his senior speedway debut with Birmingham Brummies next season.
Tom Perry has completed a surprise move to Birmingham Brummies from rivals Cradley Heath.
Adam Ellis has revealed that Birmingham Brummies was his first choice of club when he became available for National League racing.
Jack Lee will not be returning to Birmingham Brummies to take charge of the team for their relaunch in March.
Birmingham Brummies are confirmed starters at the tapes for the return of speedway to Perry Barr following the collapse of the club last summer.
Tony Mole has revealed how Phil Morris is helping him with team building at Birmingham Brummies until a new boss is appointed.
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CHS Football Class of 2015 Headed to Missouri, Furman, Tennessee Tech, and Cumberland
Thanks to all those that attended our parent meeting on Feb. 12th....please see and print the information below if you were not there
2015 Rising CHS Rising Freshman Information
2015 Parent/Player General Information
Our Lift-a-Thon has Begun!!
20 names and addresses on spreadheet are due by Thursday Feb. 26th to qualify for T-shirt. See info/instructions below


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Osama bin Laden stood out not just because of his height but because of his serious, conservative demeanour, according to a Taiwan man who says the Al Qaeda leader was a student in his judo classes in Saudi Arabia.
Topics: terrorism, unrest-conflict-and-war, september-11-attacks, saudi-arabia, pakistan, united-states
Posted| Updated
At least 200 people reported injured in clashes with pro-government gangs in a Bahraini village as the Gulf state's king declares a state of emergency.
Topics: world-politics, unrest-conflict-and-war, bahrain, iran-islamic-republic-of, saudi-arabia
Posted| Updated
The United States has warned Gulf states to respect the rights of the people of Bahrain, after troops from nations including Saudi Arabia crossed into the violence-wracked kingdom.
Topics: unrest-conflict-and-war, bahrain, kuwait, oman, qatar, saudi-arabia
Saudi Arabia warned potential protesters that a ban on marches would be enforced, signalling the small protests by the Shiite minority in the oil-producing east would no longer be tolerated.
Topics: unrest-conflict-and-war, world-politics, saudi-arabia
Posted| Updated
Toppled Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak is receiving medical treatment for cancer in Saudi Arabia, according to a report in the Egyptian state-owned Al-Akhbar newspaper.
Topics: world-politics, government-and-politics, health, diseases-and-disorders, cancer, egypt, saudi-arabia
A Saudi student accused of plotting to blow up the home of former US president George W Bush has appeared in a Texas court.
Topics: terrorism, world-politics, law-crime-and-justice, courts-and-trials, unrest-conflict-and-war, united-states, saudi-arabia
A Saudi national has been arrested in Texas for allegedly trying to make a bomb and target the home of former president George W Bush.
Topics: terrorism, law-crime-and-justice, crime, unrest-conflict-and-war, united-states, saudi-arabia
OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia has signed a cooperation agreement with France on peaceful nuclear energy development to help meet the kingdom's rising energy demand, an official statement said.
Topics: nuclear-energy, alternative-energy, nuclear-issues, government-and-politics, world-politics, saudi-arabia, france
There are reports that Tunisia's deposed president, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, is in a coma in a Saudi Arabian hospital after suffering a stroke.
Topics: world-politics, saudi-arabia, tunisia
Posted| Updated
Japan forward Shinji Okazaki gets caught up in the goal with Saudi Arabia's Kamel al-Mussa after scoring a goal during their 2011 Asian Cup group B football match at Al-Rayyan Stadium in the Qatari capital Doha on January 17, 2011.
Topics: soccer, sport, qatar, japan, saudi-arabia
Posted| Updated
Japan routed Saudi Arabia 5-0 to set up an Asian Cup quarter-final clash with hosts Qatar, while Jordan joined them in the last eight by coming from behind to defeat neighbours Syria 2-1.
Topics: soccer, sport, qatar, japan, jordan, saudi-arabia, syrian-arab-republic
Posted| Updated
Saudi Arabia's Osama Hawsawi (l) and Saud Kariri (r) comfort goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah after losing their 2011 Asian Cup Group B match against Jordan at Al Rayyan stadium in Doha in January 13, 2011.
Topics: soccer, sport, qatar, saudi-arabia
Posted| Updated
Jordan has dumped three-times champions Saudi Arabia out of the Asian Cup 1-0 courtesy of a goalkeeping howler by Waleed Abdullah.
Topics: soccer, sport, qatar, jordan, saudi-arabia
Posted| Updated
Saudi Arabian football chiefs sacked coach Jose Peseiro immediately after his demoralised side slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of unfancied Asian Cup outsiders Syria.
Topics: soccer, sport, saudi-arabia, qatar
Posted| Updated
Three-time champion Japan escaped with a point after a last-minute equaliser against Jordan but Saudi Arabia was stunned by Syria in Group B at the Asian Cup.
Topics: soccer, sport, qatar, japan, jordan, saudi-arabia, syrian-arab-republic
Posted| Updated
An Israeli bird expert has called on Saudi Arabia to release a vulture that has been captured amid speculation it was on a spying mission for Israel.
Topics: security-intelligence, animals, saudi-arabia, israel
Posted| Updated
Israeli academics say suggestions a vulture captured in Saudi Arabia could have been used as a spy for Israel are absurd.
Topics: offbeat, security-intelligence, human-interest, science-and-technology, animal-science, birds, saudi-arabia, israel
Saudi Arabia is the key source of funding for radical Islamist groups including Al Qaeda, the Taliban and Hamas, according to US diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks.
Topics: world-politics, government-and-politics, information-and-communication, internet-culture, unrest-conflict-and-war, terrorism, saudi-arabia, qatar, united-states
Posted| Updated
Saudi Arabia and Israel don't agree on much. But when it comes to Iran, it's a different story.
Topics: world-politics, unrest-conflict-and-war, terrorism, iran-islamic-republic-of, egypt, israel, jordan, kuwait, saudi-arabia
Posted| Updated
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia urged the United States to attack Iran to destroy its nuclear program, according to US documents leaked by WikiLeaks and published by daily newspapers.
Topics: world-politics, security-intelligence, nuclear-issues, internet-culture, unrest-conflict-and-war, saudi-arabia, iran-islamic-republic-of, united-states
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) said it had captured 149 Al Qaeda militants in recent months who were raising money and recruiting members to carry out attacks inside the kingdom, with links to other militants in Somalia and Yemen.
Topics: terrorism, world-politics, unrest-conflict-and-war, saudi-arabia
Saudi Arabia has arrested 149 suspected Al Qaeda-linked militants in 19 separate cells planning attacks on state officials, foreigners and journalists, according to the interior ministry.
Topics: terrorism, world-politics, saudi-arabia
Indonesia has demanded an inquiry into reports that a maid working in Saudi Arabia was killed by her employers and her body dumped by the roadside.
Topics: murder-and-manslaughter, world-politics, law-crime-and-justice, crime, saudi-arabia, indonesia
Posted| Updated
Muslim pilgrims wash themselves at a park in the Saudi holy city of Mecca on November 18, 2010 as some 2.5 million pilgrims rushed to wrap up their rituals for the hajj.
Topics: islam, community-and-society, religion-and-beliefs, saudi-arabia
Posted| Updated
Thousands of tents housing Muslim pilgrims fill the landscape in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca, on November 17, 2010, as more than two million pilgrims launched into the final rituals of the Hajj ahead of their massive exodus from Islam's holiest city.
Topics: community-and-society, religion-and-beliefs, saudi-arabia


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Farkie.com: For Freelance Writers Who Want a Steady Income and the Potential to Earn More
With the freedom that comes with freelance writing/blogging comes the uncertainty of income. Some are fortunate enough to have clients who provide consistent work at premium rates, but others have to constantly be on the prowl for work just to make ends meet.
Update: As of March Farkie.com has moved and re branded to Lolwot.com
At the end of the day, we all want to have a reliable source of income and to earn more.
The obvious thing to do is to always look for work to replace gigs that have ended. While it can be touch and go, this strategy works as long as you're determined – and smart – in your job search.
But there's a new kid on the block that can help ease this burden: LolWot.com. Read More


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*Latest Youtube app installed.
*Please wait few minutes for the video to buffer.
All the streaming links in this app are publicly available over the internet. Please contact us if you found any copyright violations in this app.
Mathrubhumi News
Motorola FM Radio
This application has been designed to work on the Moto G (all generations) as well as the Moto E. You will need a wired headset to act as the FM antenna.
Jeevan tv, live news
FM Mob -Pakistan FM Radio
All the stations are available for FREE by FM Mob.
Some of the live radios include:
- Radio karachi
- Lahore Radios
- City FM 89-Pakistan
- Desi Radio
- Mast FM
- Radio Buraq-Urdu
- Radio One FM 91
- Radio pakistan 101
- Mirpur FM
- Radio Pakistan NBS
- Samaa FM Pakistan
- Star FM Pakistan
- Pakistan Radio Live
- Dhak Dhak Radio of Pakistan
- Streams Pakistan
- Power 99 FM
- City 89 FM
- Radio FM 101
- Apna 107 FM
- Radioactive 96 FM
- Dhak Dhak Radio
- Josh FM 99
- NBS Pakistan 639 AM
- Radio Buraq 104 FM
- Spice 107 FM
- Samaa FM 107.4
- Aaj FM
- FM Karachi Radio
- Radio 93 FM
- Hamara FM 98
- Hot FM 105
- 7 Sur Hit FM
- Radio Pakmanzil
- Samaa FM 104.7
- Riphah FM 102.2
- Funny Paki Radio
- Voice Asia Radio
- FM 101 Hyderabad
- FM 95 Lahore
- FM 100 Pakistan
- Hot FM 105 Karachi
- FM 100 Islamabad
- Radio Asia Live
- Hot FM Chitral
- Hot FM Dadu
- Hot FM Hyderabad
- Hot FM Karachi
- Hot FM Badin
- Hot FM Jacobadad
- MAST FM Karachi
- MAST FM Lahore
- MAST FM Multan
- MAST FM Faisalabad
- Radio Dilber Charsadda FM93
- Radio Dilber Sawabi FM94
Darshana Live
Safari TV
Live TV
That means for example that - if you receive your local station (e.g. sports event) at home on your Media Center - you can stream this live show to your android! Not confined by home or country!
Here's how to:
1. Setup your Remote Potato Server - it's a free download here: http://myfrem.net/download.html . This is absolutely required to run this app.
2. Test the connection out for free: make sure it works with the free Remote Media Center (RMC) app, downloadable from google play.
3. If you are satisfied with step 2: Get Remote Media Center Live TV - and try with SD channels at home in this app!
Also has the ability to download videos/recorded tv and live tv. And (beta:) transcoding on the server for later playback.
* This version of RMC is ad free!
* RMC streams media which can consume lots of bandwidth especially WHEN using high quality settings - be sure you have a good data plan before you start using 3G and 4G connections to stream your video.
* Number of TV channels you can watch simultanuously is limited by the number of androids, free tuners and processing power you have!
* For best Live TV results, you need a fast android and fast PC server.
* DRM-protected content is not supported.
* See myfrem.nl/forum of http://22.214.171.124/forum for discussion and FAQ.
* On google TV you can use ES File manager as a player.
* Do not use while driving or other activities that might become dangerous.
* Be aware that live TV makes use of (temporary) recordings that show up in "Recorded TV'.
This product/app is Google Cast™ Ready for which an in-app purchase is necessary.
Google Cast Ready and the Google Cast Ready Badge are trademarks of Google Inc.
Radio Mango
More features:
Enjoy Radio Mango Live from anywhere in the world.
Get updated about the news and happenings in and around your country.
Find out the details of your favourite Radio shows in one touch.
Option to share your favourite FM with your friends.
Malayalam Radio and News
This app brings you over 15 live Malayalam radio channels and includes leading Malayalam dailies and newspapers for your news consumption.
Maxima FM Radio
Also you can used as radio alarm!
Foward put your alarm for you get up with gallo maximo!
*It's recommended use wifi for listen the radio.
Spirit1: Real FM Radio
The focus of Spirit is on AOSP ROMs. If you don't know what AOSP is, Spirit is likely not the app for you, and you should stick with the stock FM app. Further details: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50954346&postcount=7641
Satisfaction guaranteed or full refund. Cancel any time on request, within 30 days. To cancel, email firstname.lastname@example.com with at least your name, email of purchase, and/or order ID or email receipt.
If you're an average phone user, & don't know what Android "rooting" is, Spirit will likely not offer you much more than your stock FM app. If your phone does not have a stock FM app, it is unlikely that Spirit will work on it.
Spirit is mostly for Android enthusiasts who "root" & "ROM" their phones. But it also works on many stock, "store bought" phones.
Spirit Unlocked includes:
- Digital audio features supported ONLY on: ROOTED Non-stock AOSP International Galaxy S/S2/S3/Note/Note2/Player, HTC One/OneXL/OneS/Evo 4G LTE/Xperia T and most Sony 2012+ devices.
- RDS data display in App, Lock-screen & Notification window. RT, PS, PTY, PI & AF RadioText RT, Program Service PS, Program Type PTY, Program ID PI & Alternate Frequency AF.
- Lock-screen & Wired Headset Media Button support for mute, preset, seek, volume & record.
- Many settings: Audio, UI, AF, Digital & Debug categories.
- Unlimited Presets & Preset Lists.
FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31983089
! IMPOSSIBLE Devices: ALL Nexus & MANY Samsung & other devices have FM purposely & unfixably disabled in hardware. No app can EVER fix that. Email for refund & explanation of Google's false "compatability" checking. NO FM for GALAXY S4/S5, Note3/Note4, Tab, All US Galaxy S/Note class phones, Motorola flagships, and MANY more
I understand the price may seem high, but this is a niche app with 10,000 hours of work required over 3+ years. How many other "Real FM Radio" apps are on Google Play ? Almost none.
Why ? Because Android FM is extremely difficult. Google doesn't support FM radio and carriers suppress it. Intensive reverse engineering is required. In the over 3 years since Spirit was first created, nobody else has been "crazy" enough to attempt to compete in this niche (OTA radio) within a niche (AOSP ROMs) or without (all phones with usable FM).
Spirit is not a throwaway game app you play for a few days. How many hours will you spend listening to FM radio in the next several years ?
How much can you save on data plans by listening to free, over the air radio versus streaming ?
If you care about app quality, note CNet article "We're not paying enough for apps": http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=23568502&postcount=2523
I'm one developer and Spirit is my only substantial app and income. I'm trying to do a job Google said they couldn't for lack of developer resources. :)
Your support for Spirit is appreciated.
For tons of further info, and links to free test versions, please see my XDA section: http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/spirit-fm
Thanks !
Kerala Radio Stations
More than 20 Malayalam Radio Channels.Also best App for keralites live abroad...
Also for those who miss kerala...... ;)...
Easy to use..
Feel free to give Feedback...
This App does not stream any of the channel.All the streaming links are from third parties available free on the internet. If any one found that we are violating by broadcasting any copyright protected channel email us the channel name, we will remove the channel from our apps based on your email request. email@example.com
Ayyada - Mallu Movie Dialogues
This application exclusively for all Malayalam movie lovers. Ayyada contains a collection of famous malayalam movie photo comment dialogues of all times.
You can express your comments using these famous movie photo comment dialogues by simply clicking it and sharing on social networks like WhatsApp,Facebook,Google+ and all social networking applications installed in the mobile.
watch the video for more details on how the application works.
Hope everyone will like this simple application.please provide reviews and suggestions.
Note : If you ever set any application as default to share image like WhatsApp, you can always clear the default by going to
Settings - > Apps(Applications) - > Choose the App you selected as default (like WhatsApp) - > click on Clear Defaults
This will reset the default behavior.now you will be able to choose any application when sharing the image.
ChannelLive Mobile
ChannelLive.TV provides South Indian TV channels and movies to viewers all over the world. We bring dynamic content, great quality at an attractive Price. Users can watch their favorite movies, shows, TV programs live as well as on demand from their favorite South Indian TV:
- TAMIL: Star Vijay, Sun TV, Jaya TV, Kalaignar TV, Sri Sankara TV, Puthai Thalaimurai and many more
- TELUGU: Gemini TV, Gemini Movies, Gemini Comedy, MAA, MAA Music, MAA Gold, Bhakthi TV, TV5 and many more
- Kannada and Malayalam Packages
ChannelLive.TV offers flexible packages to suit your individual needs. Be it music, news, movies, serials or entertainment, there is something for everyone.
So why wait? Install, browse and watch it.
Malayalam Songs
Use Update Songs / Search Song from menu to get all songs. The application will initially download just 100 songs, so do search song from menu to find your favourite songs.
We have over 19000 song information and 3200 song videos across 4500 different movies.
Malayalam Songs is an attempt to list all the greatest songs in an easy to enjoy way. Malayalam Song lists songs from Malayalam Film Industry. You could browse song by Name, Movie and Artists.
We have an amazing collection of rare songs and videos all in one place. An application for the people of Kerala (Gods Own Country). Why search on Youtube or search engines when you can find the song quickly with all informations, straight on your mobile.


text:
Was £20.00
Now £10.00
Now £6.00
70% Off
Save a total of £14.00
Out of stock
Galaxy Space Agent Ball Launcher
Item No.1710203091
Protect the galaxy with curve-shot blasting. The Koosh Galaxy Space Agent ball launcher lets you fire exciting curve shots. Use the selector to choose whether your shot curves left, curves right or goes straight ahead. The launcher comes with 3 Koosh balls for fast-paced fun. Blast off with Koosh.
This item is available for
UK Home Delivery Free (UK orders over £30) or £3.99
Delivered within 4 working days
Next or Named Day Delivery
7 days a week between 8am - 6pm
Monday to Friday - order by 7pm - £4.99
Saturday & Sunday - order by 6pm - £4.99
Next or Named Evening Delivery
7 days a week between 6pm - 10pm
Monday to Sunday - order by 10pm - £6.99
Collect from store the next day - FREE
Order before 7pm for next day collection after 12pm midday
Show participating stores
Full Delivery details
- Age: 5+
- Protect the galaxy with your easy-to-use ball launcher!
- Blast exciting curve shots
- Blast 3 ways: curving right, curving left or straight ahead
- Soft, active fun
- Launcher comes with 3 foam balls and instructions
- Warning: Choking hazard due to small parts - Not suitable for children under 3 years


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VIDEO: Wilson Ramos 1-on-1
Feb 25, 2015, 1:08 PM EDT
Mark sat down with Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos on Tuesday for a one-on-one interview at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla. Ramos is of course excited to be working with what many expect to be the best starting rotation in Major League Baseball. Ramos also shares some goals of his own, including staying healthy which…
VIDEO: Zuckerman on Desmond arriving in Viera
Feb 25, 2015, 4:00 AM EDT
Ian Desmond reported to Viera to join his Nationals teammates this week after an offseason that included widespread trade rumors. Now the three-time Silver Slugger enters the final year of his contract knowing he will not be traded, but with plenty of questions about his future. In this video, Mark reports from Nats spring training…
VIDEO: Zimmerman on moving to 1B
Feb 25, 2015, 1:05 AM EDT
Ryan Zimmerman is a veteran of the game of baseball, as the 30 year old is now entering his 11th (!) season in the majors. This spring, however, things have changed, as the Face of the Franchise has moved across the diamond to take over for Adam LaRoche at first base. Zimmerman stopped to chat…
VIDEO: Storen on closer role, Clippard
Feb 24, 2015, 6:00 AM EDT
Mark sat down with Drew Storen on Monday in Viera, Fla., as he looks forward to the 2015 season knowing he will be the Nationals' closer. For Storen, that's a change from the last two years where Rafael Soriano held down the role when the season began. Storen is happy to be back in the…
VIDEO: Who will be the odd-man out?
Feb 23, 2015, 1:08 PM EDT
In Mark's latest report from Nationals spring training in Viera, Fla., he looks at who could be the odd-man out of their star-studded rotation. Right now there are six players vying for five spots, meaning someone will likely get bumped to the bullpen within the next few weeks. In this video Mark has reaction from Max…
VIDEO: Scherzer joins Nats in Viera
Feb 21, 2015, 1:45 PM EDT
Max Scherzer arrived at Nats' spring training on Thursday ready to join what many expect to be the best rotation in the major leagues. The $210 million man is no stranger to that sort of hype, but did his best to downplay it. CSN was there with a camera as Scherzer was introduced and Mark…
VIDEO: Nats report to Viera
Feb 20, 2015, 1:36 PM EDT
Nationals pitchers and catchers reported to Viera, Fla. on Thursday ready to get started for the 2015 season after an eventful winter. Mark is down there and caught up with a few players including Gio Gonzalez and Drew Storen. In this video, Mark also adds some analysis of the first day of 2015 spring training.…
2015 outlook: Toronto Blue Jays
Feb 15, 2015, 2:15 PM EDTComments Off
2014 record: 83-79, 3rd place in AL East Manager: John Gibbons, 8th season (2004-08, 2013-present) Estimated 2015 payroll: $121 million Key additions: 3B Josh Donaldson, C Russell Martin, LF Michael Saunders Key losses: OF Melky Cabrera, 3B Brett Lawrie, 1B Adam Lind, RP Casey Janssen, OF Colby Rasmus, RP Sergio Santos Projected lineup SS Jose Reyes C…
2015 promos include Werth Chia pet, Star Wars day
Feb 13, 2015, 4:42 PM EDT
The Nationals have released their promotional schedule for the 2015 season and on it are a few items that should get fans excited to go out to the park this summer. There will be a Star Wars day, bobbleheads to commemorate the team's 10th anniversary, a players' pets calendar, as well as a Chia pet…
2015 outlook: Tampa Bay Rays
Feb 13, 2015, 2:11 PM EDT
2014 record: 77-85, 4th place in AL East Manager: Kevin Cash, 1st season Estimated 2015 payroll: $75 million Key additions: OF Steven Souza, Jr., SS Asdrubal Cabrera, DH Jon Jaso, RP Kevin Jepsen, RP Erensto Frieri Key losses: OF Wil Myers, 2B/OF Ben Zobrist, manager Joe Maddon, GM Andrew Friedman, SS Yunel Escobar, OF Matt Joyce,…
Nats, Florida reach 30-year spring training agreement
Feb 11, 2015, 11:04 PM EDT
As part of their negotiations to build a new joint spring training site in West Palm Beach, the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros have reached an agreement with the state of Florida that will keep them there for the next 30 years. For the Nats, in particular, staying there is no surprise. For them to…
2015 outlook: San Francisco Giants
Feb 11, 2015, 5:13 PM EDT
2014 record: 88-74, 2nd place in NL West Manager: Bruce Bochy, 9th season Estimated 2015 payroll: $163.8 million Key additions: 3B Casey McGehee, OF Nori Aoki Key losses: 3B Pablo Sandoval, 1B/OF Michael Morse Projected lineup CF Angel Pagan 2B Joe Panik 1B Brandon Belt C Buster Posey RF Hunter Pence 3B Casey McGehee LF Nori…
Report: Marlins get '17 All-Star game
Feb 10, 2015, 9:58 PM EDT
The hopes of Washington landing the 2017 MLB All-Star Game appear to have vanished, as The Miami Herald has reported the '17 Midsummer Classic will take place at Marlins Park. Marlins' beat writer Clark Spencer says the team and Major League Baseball are expected to make an announcement before the end of the week. The…
2015 outlook: St. Louis Cardinals
Feb 9, 2015, 5:20 PM EDT
2014 record: 90-72, 1st place in NL Central Manager: Mike Matheny, 4th season Estimated 2015 payroll: $121 million Key additions: OF Jason Heyward, RP Jordan Walden, INF Mark Reynolds, RP Matt Belisle Key losses: OF Oscar Taveras, SP Shelby Miller, C A.J. Pierzynski, 2B Daniel Descalso, SP Justin Masterson, RP Jason Motte Projected lineup 3B Matt…
Roster preview: Casey Janssen
Feb 8, 2015, 9:52 AM EDT
Age on Opening Day 2015: 33 How acquired: Signed as free agent, Jan. 2015 2015 salary: $3.5 million 2014 stats: 50 G, 45.2 IP, 47 H, 22 R, 20 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 28 K, 1.182 WHIP, 25 SV, 5 BS, 3-3, 3.94 ERA, 4.14 FIP, 0.1 WAR 2015 storyline: Casey Janssen comes to…
2015 outlook: Philadelphia Phillies
Feb 7, 2015, 4:20 PM EDT
2014 record: 73-89, 5th place in NL East Manager: Ryne Sandberg, 3rd season Estimated 2015 payroll: $140 million Key additions: SP Aaron Harang, OF Jeff Francoeur, UT Odubel Herrera, SP Chad Billingsley, OF Jordan Danks, RP Kevin Slowey Key losses: SS Jimmy Rollins, SP A.J. Burnett, OF Marlon Byrd, RP Mike Adams, C Wil Nieves Projected lineup CF Ben Revere C…
Roster preview: Gio Gonzalez
Feb 6, 2015, 6:00 AM EDT
Age on Opening Day 2015: 29 How acquired: Trade with Oakland, Dec. 2011 2015 salary: $11 million 2014 stats: 27 GS, 158.2 IP, 134 H, 66 R, 63 ER, 10 HR, 56 BB, 162 K, 1.197 WHIP, 10-10, 3.57 ERA, 3.02 FIP, 3.1 WAR 2015 storyline: Gio Gonzalez comes back for his fourth year for…
2015 outlook: New York Yankees
Feb 5, 2015, 3:21 PM EDT
2014 record: 84-78, 2nd place in AL East Manager: Joe Girardi, 8th season Estimated 2015 payroll: $214.3 million Key additions: RP Andrew Miller, SS Didi Gregorious, DH Garrett Jones, SP Nathan Eovaldi Key losses: SS Derek Jeter, CL David Roberston, OF Ichiro Suzuki, 3B Martin Prado, SP Brandon McCarthy, SP Hiroki Kuroda Projected lineup LF Brett Gardner 3B Chase…
Roster preview: Doug Fister
Feb 5, 2015, 6:00 AM EDT
Age on Opening Day 2015: 31 How acquired: Trade, Dec. 2013 2015 salary: $11.4 million 2014 stats: 25 GS, 164 IP, 153 H, 52 R, 44 ER, 18 HR, 24 BB, 98 K, 1.079 WHIP, 16-6, 2.41 ERA, 3.93 FIP, 1.3 WAR 2015 storyline: Doug Fister enters 2015 – his second season with the Nationals…
Manfred: D.C. and Baltimore are "distinct" markets
Feb 4, 2015, 6:29 PM EDT
Updated at 8:30 p.m. New MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said Wednesday he views Washington and Baltimore as two "distinct" markets and thus wouldn't have a problem awarding future All-Star Games to both cities without a gap in time between the two. During a tour of the Nationals Youth Academy in Southeast Washington, the newly minted…
2015 outlook: Minnesota Twins
Feb 3, 2015, 2:02 PM EDT
2014 record: 70-92, 5th place in AL Central Manager: Paul Molitor, 1st year Estimated 2015 payroll: $108 million Key additions: OF Torii Hunter, RHP Ervin Santana, RHP Tim Stauffer Key losses: 1B Chris Parmelee Projected lineup SS Danny Santana 2B Brian Dozier 1B Joe Mauer DH Kennys Vargas RF Torii Hunter 3B Trevor Plouffe LF Oswaldo Arcia C Kurt…
Roster preview: Nate McLouth
Feb 1, 2015, 9:51 AM EDT
Age on Opening Day 2015: 33 How acquired: Signed as a free agent, Dec. 2013 2015 salary: $5 million 2014 stats: 79 G, 162 PA, 10 R, 24 H, 6 2B, 0 3B, HR, 7 RBI, 4 SB, 16 BB, 35 SO, .173 AVG, .280 OBP, .237 SLG, .517 OPS, 2 E, -0.6 WAR 2015 storyline: After a…
2015 outlook: Los Angeles Dodgers
Jan 31, 2015, 2:03 PM EDT
2014 record: 94-68, 1st place in NL West Manager: Don Mattingly, 5th season Estimated 2015 payroll: $264 million Key additions: SS Jimmy Rollins, 2B Howie Kendrick, C Yasmani Grandal, SP Brandon McCarthy, SP Brett Anderson, RP Joel Peralta Key losses: SS Hanley Ramirez, 2B Dee Gordon, SP Josh Beckett, SP Dan Haren, SP Chad Billingsley Projected lineup SS Jimmy Rollins LF Carl…
Roster preview: Kevin Frandsen
Jan 31, 2015, 6:00 AM EDT
Age on Opening Day 2015: 32 How acquired: Signed as a free agent, March 2014 2015 salary: $1 million 2014 stats: 105 G, 236 PA, 17 R, 57 H, 8 2B, 0 3B, HR, 17 RBI, 0 SB, 6 BB, 26 SO, .259 AVG, .299 OBP, .309 SLG, .608 OPS, 2 E, -0.4 WAR 2015 storyline: Kevin Frandsen returns to the Nationals in 2015 as…
2015 outlook: Los Angeles Angels
Jan 30, 2015, 2:36 PM EDT
2014 record: 98-64, 1st place in AL West Manager: Mike Scioscia, 16th season Estimated 2015 payroll: $148 million Key additions: DH Matt Joyce, 2B Josh Rutledge, LHP Andrew Heaney, RP Ryan Mattheus Key losses: 2B Howie Kendrick, RP Sean Burnett, RP Jason Grilli Projected lineup RF Kole Calhoun DH Matt Joyce CF Mike Trout 1B Albert Pujols LF Josh Hamilton 3B David Freese…
As ESPN-980 AM's Nats Insider, Mark makes daily appearances on the station's various shows. Here's the 2015 schedule (subject to change)...
MON: 12:45 p.m.
TUE: 2:30 p.m.
WED: 4:30 p.m.
THU: 2:30 p.m.
FRI: 5:30 p.m.
SAT: 10:30 a.m.
*All times Eastern. You can also listen to the station on 94.3 FM, 92.7 FM and online at ESPN980.com. Click here for past audio clips.
Follow us on Twitter
- Nats cut two more, reducing healthy roster to 27
- Is this a preview of Nats' Opening Day lineup?
- Rendon will begin season on DL with sprained MCL
- Frandsen released, Gwynn Jr. sent to minors
- Johnson, den Dekker adjust quickly to Nats
- Blevins' awkward 24 hours ends with K of Harper
- Werth crosses big hurdle in shoulder rehab
- Nats face Mets in final Viera game of the spring
- PHOTO: New Mets pitcher faces Nats one day after they traded him
- Rendon seeking 3rd opinion on injured knee


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Just bought gladiolus bulbs...plant now?
Hi All,
I just bought a ton of gladiolus bulbs on clearance. Should I plant these now? Wait until the fall?
I just got my first few "clearance gladiolus" about two weeks ago. They are already up and growing (8 of 10 made it).
If it freezes in NJ in the winter, you will probably need to dig them up in the fall for safe over-wintering (not plant them). I would think that planting now is better that trying to store them for almost a full year.
I've grown glads for years but never at this new property. It took all Summer to get some landscaping done and I wanted to wait until it was completed to plant the glads. We slid in to the Fall season and it was starting to get chilly out so I just decided to plant them a month ago (October; I live in Northern Virginia), figuring they'd just sprout next year. I should also say that I always leave glads in the ground and only dig them up about every 3 years to harvest the 'babies'. Well - these things are sprouting right now (November 4). Any suggestions? Rescue them? Let them go?