text:
dh Announcement.
delancyhill is pleased to announce that, effective Monday, January 5, 2015, our firm has joined the practice of Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, LLP. Michelle Delancy and Marlon Hill can be reached at 305-379-3686 or visit www.hamiltonmillerlaw.com
Commercial, Criminal & Family Litigation
The Firm's litigation practices includes commercial litigation, especially in the areas of contract disputes, real estate and construction industries, criminal defense, and family dissolution matters, including child custody, support and alimony.
The Firm's immigration practice provides client counseling and preparation of applications for various visas and petitions for families, employers, business investors, and entertainment companies.
Intellectual Property
The Firm has extensive experience with intellectual property matters, including the prosecution, registration and licensing of trademarks, copyrights and patents for matters related to music, visual arts, performing arts, fashion, film, television, radio, publishing, industrial design, software, and other multimedia organizations.
Corporate Transactions
The Firm's business law practice includes the drafting and preparation of corporate governance and formation agreements, asset purchase and sale agreements, stock purchase and sales, venture capital financing, and other corporate matters for entrepreneurs, non-profit corporations, small businesses, partnerships, and joint ventures.
- музыка небес


text:
CRIME REPORT: Woman killed in North Memphis shooting
A woman was killed in a North Memphis shooting late Thursday night.
Police responded shortly after 10 p.m. to a house in the 1300 block of Bryan Street near North Hollywood. They found a 29-year-old woman lying in the driveway who had been shot.
She was taken to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis in critical condition, and she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The victim has not yet been identified by police.
No charges have been filed in the incident.
Further details were not released.
An investigation is ongoing, police said.
Man charged with murder in triple shooting at Level II nightclub
A man has been charged with murder in a Monday triple shooting outside Level II nightclub in Southeast Memphis.
Police responded to the club at 5020 American Way at about 3 a.m. A group of people were leaving Level II in a car when the suspect allegedly drove by and fired several shots.
Three men were struck. Derrick Lane, 20, and Cameron Merritt, 20, were killed.
Officers recovered twelve spent bullet casings at the scene, according to a police affidavit.
A witness later approached police and identified the suspect as a man known as "Lil Ear" and "Young Mob Ear," according to the affidavit.
Darrius Robertson, 19, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
He is being held without bond in Shelby County Jail.
Further circumstances of the shooting remained unclear Friday morning.
Man charged with reckless homicide in Frayser crash that killed infant
A man has been charged with reckless homicide in a Frayser crash that killed an infant girl on Thursday.
Police responded shortly after 9 a.m. to Baskin Street at Dove Street, where the man had driven over a curb and crashed into a small tree. An off-duty Memphis firefighter witnessed the crash, and told officers he administered first aid to the injured child, according to a police affidavit.
The infant, who has not yet been identified by police, was taken to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in critical condition. She was pronounced dead soon afterward.
The driver was taken to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis in non-critical condition, where he was arrested.
Officers reported finding an unsecured, upside-down baby seat inside the wrecked vehicle.
Atu Campbell, 24, was charged with reckless homicide, reckless driving, and violation of child restraint law.
He was also charged with violation of financial law for driving without insurance.
Bond for Campbell was set at $25,000.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Friday Photos: The Sun
Who needs an eclipse?
Who needs an eclipse?
Were we bowled over?
Brain-based works in Brick Lane.
Plus get 50% off tickets.
Fresh new art to peruse, enjoy and buy across four days.
Sprawling complex around Brick Lane.
Day-long festival addresses the issue of poverty.
If only cameras captured smells...
Four new additions to your London book shelf.
We chat to The Acid as they prepare to perform their debut London ...
Five more top projects from the city's finest fundraisers.
Tower Hamlets enforces curry house curfew.
If you've never tried natural wines, you should probably read this ...
Featuring both The Kray Twins and Prince Charles.
New painting marks 100th legal piece of street art from the Walls ...


text:
After being held for 11 days in China, the 24 crew members of a U.S. spy plane are on their way home.
A chartered Continental Airlines Boeing 737 picked up the crew from Hainan, an island in the South China Sea, and is taking them to Guam. The plane is set to land at midnight, ET, said Rear Admiral Craig Quigley.
From Guam, the 21 men and three women will transfer to a military aircraft after a four-to-five hour layover and will fly to Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Quigley said at a Pentagon briefing. The crew is expected to land at 6:30 a.m. local time or 12:30 p.m. ET and should remain in Hawaii for two or three days before returning to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington state.
Flying with the crew is a 13-member repatriation team that includes psycologists, medical doctors and military intelligence officers who intend to question the crew about the accident that led to their detainment in China, Quigley said.
China decided to release the crew on "humanitarian grounds," after receiving a letter from U.S. Ambassador to China Joseph Prueher that said America is "very sorry" for the death of the Chinese pilot and for landing on Chinese soil without permission.
A White House official told ABCNEWS the wording of the letter delivered by Prueher today was the same as the one delivered to the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing two days ago.
Working Out the Details
The Chinese decision to release the U.S. crew came after more than a week of wrangling between diplomats on both sides that resulted in a carefully worded letter, which gave room for both sides to claim victory after an 11-day diplomatic standoff.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said China and the United States were working out details for the release of the crippled EP-3E Aries II, a highly sophisticated surveillance aircraft that is currently grounded at the Lingshui air base on Hainan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi today said China would first conduct an investigation of the incident. "The Chinese side has all rights to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the foreign reconnaissance plane," he said. "We will handle the plane according to the results of the investigation."
The 24 crew members are coming home 11 days after landing on Hainan Island after colliding with a Chinese fighter jet which Pentagon sources say had repeatedly "buzzed" the U.S. plane. The American aircraft was damaged in the collision.
The Chinese pilot of the F-8 that collided with the EP-3E Aries II is missing, presumed dead.
The details of the release of the U.S. reconnaissance plane are expected to be worked out at a meeting between the two sides which has been scheduled for April 18, according to Prueher's letter.
The agenda for the meeting would include the causes of the incident, possible recommendations to avoid such incidents in the future as well as the development of a plan for the prompt return of the aircraft, the letter said.
But some U.S. officials consider the EP-3E Aries II to be junk as the Chinese are believed to have unloaded sensitive equipment from the plane. However, they believe the United States would nevertheless like to have the aircraft back as a matter of principle.
Lost in Translation
Although China's decision to release the crew came after a linguistic compromise was arrived at by both sides, both sides have different takes on the translation of the letter.


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You can now invite anyone to meet at your favorite Starbucks.
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40 year old woman | Oakland, CA, USA | Seeking men 39-48 within 3000 miles
Active within 1 hour
Looking for my soulmate, my best friend, my road dog , my protector and I will be the same for him.
This is really hard for me to "brag" or talk about myself , but here goes. I am originally from Nashville but live in Northern California now. I am a southern girl by heart in my cooking and my caring for my man. I am very laid back and like going with the flow , especially on vacation. I am very opinionated when I am passionate about something. I am also known as the girl who gives it to you straight with no chaser. I love my friends and family and I like having get togethers for any reason. I am not the total social butterfly but in known circles I am great, just a bit uncomfortable in new unknown settings. For many years I worked at large fortune 500 companies in the logistics and engineering departments. I am now following my heart and working for a non profit and serving the community. I love helping people get back on their feet. I am looking for someone who loves his family and spending time with the ones he loves. I want someone who is educated, adventurous, romantic , loves sports, humorous and ready to share life with someone. I believe that we have to be friends first because I only want to marry my best friend in life and love. Thanks for taking the time to get to know me, I am better at answering questons than writing off the cuff. If there is more you would like to know email me. If you are on here to scam someone, keep it pushing - i don't give money - i am not that desperate for love which also means if you don't have a picture i will not responded.
Cooking , Dining out , Hobbies and crafts , Movies/Videos , Museums and art , Music and concerts , Exploring new areas , Performing arts , Travel/Sightseeing , Watching sports , Wine tasting
Dancing, Walking / Hiking
I exercise 1-2 times per week.
I have Dogs
I bought a minpin for my mother 10 years ago and her name is Eboni.I have a chi named JJ (Jessie James) who is 5 years old.. He is my joy
Middle of the Road
I love going to Las Vegas for all the other reasons. I am not a big gambler, but I like doing the other stuff like jazz festivals, shows, and other great experiences I can ONLY have in Las Vegas.
Holy Names University, Oakland, CA
I like reality tv, not EVERYTHING but a good majority of these women who have issues. :-) I think it is interesting, but a lot of people can't stand it, its just as entertaining as anything else.
Spare time.. What's that.. Just kidding. I like movies, going to sports bars to watch all kinds of sports, local events, out with friends, playing computer games, watching my reality tv shows and my DVR, road trips and family time.
I am currenly reading a love story but listening to a crime story
Z{{Cta}} {{#if HasMoreInfo}} ?{{CtaSecondary}} {{/if}}
|What she is looking for
|5'1" (154cms)
|5'10" (177cms) to 6'5" (195cms)
|Body type:
|Heavyset, A few extra pounds, Stocky
|No preference
|Dark brown
|No preference
|No Way
|No Way
|Social Drinker
|Social Drinker
|Executive / Management
|No preference
|$50,001 to $75,000
|No preference
|No preference
|Have kids:
|Yes, and they live away from home (1)
|No preference
|Wants kids:
|No, but it's OK if my partner has kids
|No, No, but it's OK if my partner has kids
|Black / African descent
|Black / African descent, Latino / Hispanic, Pacific Islander, White / Caucasian, Other
|Christian / Catholic
|No preference
|Graduate degree
|Bachelors degree


text:
Overcome Life's Little Annoyances
By: Steve Calechman
- Overview
- You Split Your Pants at Work
- You Get a Blister Under a Toenail
- You Sit on Gum on the Bus
- You Lose a Contact Lens
- You Burn the Roof of Your Mouth
- You Eat Garlic Before a Meeting
- You Have Food on Your Tie
- You Keep Laughing in a Meeting
- You Get Ink on Your Shirt
- Your Hair's Sticking Up in a Spot
- You Can't Remember His Name
- You Forgot Her Birthday
- You Overcooked the Pasta
- The Cork Breaks into the Bottle
- You Can't Fall Asleep
More Guy Wisdom Lists
You Lose a Contact Lens
Put the remaining contact in whichever eye is stronger. It will take over more of the work, says Elliott Myrowitz, O.D., M.P.H., an optometrist at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. That should make you less likely to fall down a flight of steps.
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text:
I sat outside the violin lesson that afternoon while I graded math papers and wondered, "Is this worth it?" I taxied the twins to lessons once a week, encouraged them to practice every morning, and sat through many long recitals and rehearsals ...
Our family found that studying music is about so much more than simply learning songs. It takes a big commitment from the parents and the students!
He positioned the guitar to the left side of his body and held its long neck like a hunter with his prized goose. He looked straight ahead, his new dress shoes creaking as he ascended the three steps to the vast stage which consisted of one lone chair. The audience was oddly silent except for one lady who coughed. I sat there in the second row and wondered if my nine-year-old son had practiced enough. This was his first recital....
The terms "elective" and "extracurricular" are often confused, so let me define what I mean when using these words.
An elective is a course that is considered part of the academic course load that makes up your teen's high school program.
Extracurricular, on the other hand, is a term to denote activities outside the academic program.
Heart racing, your pulse beats in your ears. Taking a deep breath, you sigh and let it out again. Scanning over the papers in your hands, you check them just to make sure you've got everything. To your left paces your teammate, reciting out loud important facts about the case. A door opens behind you and your mentor walks in. It's time! You take a couple deep breaths, straighten your suit, and walk confidently into the court room.
If your teen is college bound, the 11th and 12th grade years will be consumed with researching colleges, narrowing down the list of colleges to which your teen will apply, and then completing college applications . You may even be considering an alternative college route. Along the way, questions are sure to come up. Who can you turn to for answers? The College Admissions Officer!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to teach at home? Are you new to the whole idea of homeschooling? Maybe you're in the information-gathering stage, or perhaps you're already planning to begin homeschooling after summer.
Maybe you and your husband are ready to start teaching your kindergartner, or maybe you're just curious about the whole idea. Perhaps you're taking your kids out of the public school system. If so -- fantastic! You won't regret it.
The finish line is in sight for the end of the school year! Are you busy planning summer vacations? Travel can broaden your teen's horizons better than many other ways. Whether you are planning trips to local sites and events or going further afield, they will be times your teen will remember for years to come. Travel allows your teens to see up close places they've studied or will be studying. They will appreciate their families and homes when they see the demands facing others here and abroad.
One of the greatest privileges we have is to pray -- to bring our praises and petitions before our loving and merciful God. And when we homeschool, we have many opportunities throughout the day to teach our children what it means to pray.
The shock of college costs has sent many parents scurrying to find possible sources of financial aid for their college bound teens. Let me help you as you try to sort out the various ways to pay for your teens' college expenses.
Financial aid falls into three main categories: scholarships (grants), loans, and work study programs. Many families find they need to make use of all three in order to pay for tuition, room, and board fees.
Let's say that your teen took the PSAT's, the SAT (maybe several times!), and feels that college is the next step. But what if they're still unsure about which college to attend?
At exactly this time last year, that was our scenario. The twins took all the necessary college prep classes during the high school years, took the SAT twice, visited seven different schools --- and still had no clear idea of exactly what to do!
A question I am frequently asked by homeschool groups I speak to is, "How can students acquire college credit while in high school other than by taking college courses?" One answer is through credit by examination. The term basically means credit that a college awards based on the score that students receive on a national standardized test. The major tests that fall into this category include AP (Advanced Placement), CLEP, and DSST tests. Each college has its own policy as to which tests will be accepted and what score is required to receive credit.
It is possible for students to earn high school credit prior to the 9th grade. However, certain items need to be taken into consideration.
Check your state's legal analysis to find out if your state requires a specific number of credits be taken during the 9th – 12th grade years. A couple of states are very specific about the years during which credits must be accrued. Most states, however, do not specify when credits must be earned.
Spring and summer are the seasons for state homeschool conventions. Are you planning to attend one? It will be well worth your time and money. How?
The vendor halls are chocked full of wonderful resources for you to see and handle. You'll have opportunity to talk with the publishers or their representatives about their materials. Many times you'll be able to see portions of the curriculum demonstrated or sit in on a short session that explains how to use it to its fullest advantage. If you have questions, they can be easily answered here. You'll also be able to ask other parents for recommendations and reviews.
Homeschool students have the opportunity to showcase their excellence in academics and extracurricular activities in many ways. College, job, and scholarship applications may all ask for a list of awards and honors that your teen has received. What are some ways that homeschooled teens can gain recognition for their achievements?
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text:
I have one SP2013 server, and several web applications, let's say webapp1, webapp2.
On the first one, everything's ok. I'm able to open office files, edit them etc.
But on the second one, some day, it works, the next day, doesn't work... it's a bit annoying since nobody have access to it, except me, and I'm sure I didn't connect to it and did something.
Explanations :
- The first one is set up with AD Authentication. While the 2nd one, is set up with AD Auth and FBA (in bold because this is where the problem is imo).
- The First one is set up to use HTTPS with a cert, and not the second one (because for now, it still a test one, and I'm not really able to put the same cert for 2 web apps).
How can it works one day, and not the day after ... I have no idea about how to troubleshoot this. So any help would be appreciated.
I insist that on two days without any changes, I couldn't open any office file.
I got two kind of errors :
- I open a file, it opens up Excel (for example, same with Word, and same with File I created myself, or I put in my list, or even with file format as xls). Then, day 1 : asking credentials with my custom FBA page. Day 2 : asking credentials with windows form. So If I'm currently log with FBA Account, I cannot access anything obviously since it uses windows Auth.
- I open my file, and not asking for any credentials, showing me the file (sometimes not), then I click on "Modify File", brings an error telling me that the server not respond, file doesn't exist, or w/e.
Feel free to ask for more informations or details.


text:
A portable electronic display device includes an electronic display surface having at least one display panel that displays a graphical and/or textual message, memory that stores a plurality of the messages, and one or more switches on the device that allow user selection of one of the messages. The device further includes a controller that disables the one or more switches if none of the switches are selected after a predetermined period of time after power is turned on to the display device, or if none of the switches are selected after a predetermined period of time subsequent to the last switch selection occurrence. In this manner, a person is prevented from subsequently changing the message via the one or more switches.
1. A portable electronic display device comprising:
(a) an electronic display surface including at least one display panel that displays a graphical and/or textual message;
(b) memory that stores a plurality of the messages;
(c) one or more switches on the device that allow user selection of one of the messages; and
(d) a controller that disables the one or more switches if none of the switches are selected after a predetermined period of time after power is turned on to the display device, thereby preventing a user from subsequently changing the message via the one or more switches.
2. The device according to
3. A portable electronic display device comprising:
(a) an electronic display surface including at least one display panel that displays a graphical and/or textual message;
(b) memory that stores a plurality of the messages;
(c) one or more switches on the device that allow user selection of one of the messages; and
(d) a controller that disables the one or more switches if none of the switches are selected after a predetermined period of time subsequent to the last switch selection occurrence, thereby preventing a user from subsequently changing the message via the one or more switches.
4. The device according to
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/543,021 filed Feb. 9, 2004.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic message signs and displays, and more particularly, to a portable foldable electronic display with illuminable elements. One possible use is to provide informational or emergency messages to the public.
2. Background
Police officers and emergency personnel use a variety of means (e.g. signs and displays, flares, flashing lights, flashlights) for warning approaching traffic of an accident or emergency situation. The illuminable electronic variable message sign is one of the most effective devices for warning approaching traffic and communicating appropriate instructions to the traffic. To enhance safety, it is important for police or emergency personnel to be able to dispatch and deploy a variable message sign at the accident or emergency scene as quickly as possible, as the likelihood of citizen and emergency personnel injury and/or death increases with delays in variable message sign dispatch and deployment. For optimal effectiveness, the signs are mounted so that text or graphic messages can be seen at a distance, generally elevated or optimally positioned.
Many types of message signs are known in the art. For instance, non-illuminable caution signs that are folded to facilitate portability are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,612 (Williams); U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,249 (Kuntz); U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,866 (Leibowitz); U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,909 (Rabkin); and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2002/0005826 (Pederson). Some electronic variable message signs are permanently installed on roadways or on permanently positioned trailers and are only useful for situations in close proximity to each sign's location or for general informational purposes. Other large message signs, which are mounted in the back of highway maintenance vehicles or are mounted to tow-behind trailers for that purpose are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,698 (Nicholson et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,414,650 (Nicholson et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,996 (Nicholson et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,342 (Nicholson et al.). These signs are portable and, as such, are suited for conveying messages to motorists on a relatively temporary basis, when time allows for their deployment and local conditions allow for their setup and positioning.
The above-mentioned art has a number of shortcomings that detract from user and citizen safety. Most notably, the message signs mounted on trailers are cumbersome and difficult to set up, often requiring more than one person and long setup times incompatible with emergency situations. The signs require a large vehicle, generally a truck, for towing. If the truck cannot get to the scene of an accident, possibly due to congestion or unavailability of the tow vehicle, or the trailer cannot be utilized due to space limitations or limited positioning options at the scene of an incident, the sign is not helpful to the incident. In situations where the message signs can be deployed, their lengthy setup times prevent the signs from being deployed in a timely fashion. For the entire time the sign is being set up the first responders to the accident scene are exposed to increased danger due to uninformed approaching traffic. Many incidents are of a short duration and by the time a message sign can be deployed, the incident has been resolved. Moreover, the signs are not immediately accessible in the event of an emergency, as their large size dictates that they be stored in a remote storage facility. As a result of these shortcomings, law enforcement, first responders, and other emergency management personnel who rely on message signs for safety experience difficulty in communicating with the public on short notice.
A related significant shortcoming of the message signs is that they do not allow an operator to quickly display a stored message and/or a newly created message loaded at an incident with information specific to the current situation. The message signs fail to provide a means for programming, modifying or changing a message quickly and simply, to address specific or customized roadway or emergency messages. These deficiencies are due, in part, to the fact that the signs are complicated to program, and frequently include a tethered controller that must be kept in a locked compartment on the trailer or be integral to the sign itself in order to prevent unauthorized access to the control over a displayed message.
A further shortcoming of the current message signs is that they cannot be used independently of a trailer. By design, the signs are a component of a trailer message system. As a result, a message sign cannot be mounted directly to a vehicle or to a portable or stationary pole. In this restrictive mounting scheme, the trailer's position and orientation are both integral parts of the sign's operation, limiting the ability to rapidly deploy the message sign in an optimal position during urgent situations.
A still further shortcoming of message signs known in the art is that they fail to provide a secure means for preventing messages from being changed inadvertently or by unauthorized users without having the controls secured in a locked compartment. To be tamper resistant, it is important for a sign to have mechanical and/or electronic locking mechanisms to ensure that the intended message is not changed by unauthorized personnel.
Therefore, there is a need for a fully portable, foldable electronic display for reliably communicating messages to the public for the control of road and highway traffic, while protecting officer and citizen safety.
The present invention is a foldable electronic display device especially useful for highway traffic control and incident management, as well as other display purposes. Generally known for this use as a variable or changeable message sign, the variable message sign can display informational or emergency messages for the control of roadway and highway traffic. The electronic display consists of a plurality of electronic display panels or surfaces that together display a desired textual, visual or graphical message. The foldable electronic display is designed to be lightweight and portable and can be handled and setup easily and quickly by one person. When not in use, the display may be stowed in the luggage compartment of police cars or highway maintenance and emergency response vehicles in a folded orientation for convenient storage and easy retrieval on short notice.
One preferred embodiment of the present invention additionally offers an on-board control software lockout that prevents messages from being changed inadvertently or by unauthorized personnel so as to eliminate the need for mechanical security means limiting access to the electronic display's on-board controls.
An optional mounting bracket assures that the foldable electronic display is held in an open orientation, i.e., with all electronic display panels generally facing the intended viewer. The mounting bracket can be installed in a manner that, with the foldable electronic display installed and locked in place, the display and mounting bracket are tamperproof. This mounting system prevents unauthorized access to the mounting hardware with the electronic display locked in place.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a portable and secure foldable electronic display for providing important or emergency messages to the public. Furthermore, one individual can easily and quickly erect the foldable electronic display.
The present invention provides a portable foldable electronic display for displaying variable messages in a quickly deployable package.
The present invention provides a foldable electronic display having multiple message electronic display panels on each side of one or multiple folds with a flexible mounting system that affords a user complete flexibility in display positioning.
The present invention provides a foldable electronic display that can be programmed to display a customized message with internally stored messages using accessible on-board controls, such as switches, yet with an integral software lockout feature to prevent unauthorized changes to the display using the on-board controls.
The present invention provides a foldable electronic display that protects electronic interconnect cabling between display panels from crimping and damage.
Other objects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description of the invention and the related drawings.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. However, the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
In the drawings:
Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention.
The subject of the present invention is a portable, variably illuminable foldable electronic display, generally known in one use as a variable or changeable message sign, that provides, for example, informational or emergency messages for the control of roadway and highway traffic. The display is designed to be lightweight and portable and can be transported and setup easily and quickly by one person. When not in use, the display may be conveniently stowed in the luggage compartment of police cars or highway maintenance and emergency response vehicles in a folded orientation. The elements of the sign must allow for the display to fold, requiring a rigid structure with hinge mechanisms, the ability to communicate electronic signals across the fold line and provisions to hold the display open when in use and closed when stored. Additionally, the display will have elements allowing easy transport and mounting.
The outer enclosure frames 14 provide for the mounting of a transparent faceplate to protect the electronic message surface. Referring to both
In one preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the hinge mechanisms 18 of the present invention connect the outer enclosure frame 14 and back enclosure cover 16 of one display panel to the outer enclosure frame 14 and back enclosure cover 16 of another display panel so that the display panels 12 and 12′ may be folded together to facilitate more compact storage and easier portability. The hinge mechanism 18 may be located such that the fold takes place along front corners of the outer enclosure frames 14, minimizing the gap in the illuminable pixels. The edges 56 of the outer enclosure frames 14 are minimized to reduce the distance between the pixels and yet still allow for sealing of the foldable electronic display panels from the elements.
As discussed above, in one preferred embodiment, two display panels may fold such that the illuminable faces of the first display panel 12 and the second display panel 12′ are facing one another. This provides greater protection of each display panel of the electronic message surface during transport and storage than the protection provided by the transparent faceplate alone. Alternatively, two display panels may fold such that the back enclosure cover 16 of each display panel are touching, are facing one another, or such that the electronic message surface of one display panel is against the back of the other display panel of the display. For certain applications, it may be desirable to only use one display panel of the electronic message surface. In such applications, the unused panel serves as a protective cover and may or may not have illuminable elements. It is also possible to have illuminable electronic message surfaces on the front display panels 12 and 12′ and back surfaces on the back enclosure cover 16 of the foldable electronic display.
The structure or frame of one preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in the drawings has both outer enclosure frames 14 and back enclosure covers 16. The frame members 14, 16 are preferably formed of aluminum. However, other types of enclosure configurations and materials could be used, such as vacuum formed plastic enclosures or extruded aluminum. The important criteria is for the frame members 14, 16 to be rigid, lightweight, support a display surface, and allow for mounting of hinges to facilitate folding of the display 10. There are other possible configurations and combinations of frame members 14 and 16 known to those skilled in the art that will provide the same function and utility for the foldable electronic display.
Many hinge mechanisms 18 exist that would be consistent with the intent of the present invention. Any mechanism used to adjoin a plurality of display panels of the foldable electronic display 10 that will allow the unit to be used in an open orientation and will allow foldable electronic display 10 to be stored in a folded orientation can be used. Further, preferred hinges will allow the display panels to be maintained relative to each other so that the gap at the fold line 20 between the display panels is at a minimum. Hinges 18 of the type that attach to the edge of the display 10 as shown in the figures as well as hinges that attach along the fold line 20 can be used. The preferred hinges have a center of rotation that is precisely located at the closest corners of the display surface edge of each display panel of the display 10, allowing for a minimum gap between the sections, and thus, a minimum gap in the text of the display 10. The hinge mechanism 18 which is used to facilitate folding along a vertical line in one preferred embodiment may also be utilized in a horizontally pivoting configuration, or in combination with a horizontally pivoting configuration (e.g. a four-way fold) or with multiple vertical or horizontal pivoting configurations. Examples of these alternative configurations are shown in
One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises two display panels that fold with the fold line 20 vertically oriented, as shown in
While the size and weight of the frame may vary considerably, the frame members 14, 16 are generally designed to provide optimum visibility on the road, and ease of handling by a user in the display's 10 folded state as well as in its open orientation. In this regard, the display 10 is truly portable and can be erected and folded with ease, by a single individual, in a minimal amount of time. The diverse features of the present invention may be included on message signs and other electronic displays of smaller or significantly larger proportions.
In one preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a pair of carrying handles 48 shown in
In a typical manufacturing process, a window is attached to each display panel of the outer enclosure frame 14, and hinge mechanisms 18 are attached to connect the respective display panels of the outer enclosure frame 14. Local controller boards 4, communication and option boards 94, connectors, display boards 6, and wiring harnesses 5 are assembled into the back enclosure covers 16. The back enclosure covers 16 are then attached to the outer enclosure frames 14 and latches 62 are installed, forming a completed foldable electronic display 10. Alternative modes of design and manufacture can be suitably employed with similar outcome and benefits.
Referring to
The foldable electronic display 10, having previously been desirably positioned within the confines of the mounting bracket, is secured when one or more rotating retaining plates 26 are in the "closed" position 30. (See the rightmost rotating retaining plate 26 in
In one preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 22 comprises two rotating retaining plates 26. The rotating retaining plates 26 and retaining supports 24 with vertical retaining lips 65 are located such that when the foldable electronic display 10 is attached to the mounting bracket 22, at least one rotating retaining plate 26 and one retaining support 24 are located on each display panel of the foldable electronic display's 10 fold line 20.
In operation, the mounting bracket's retaining supports 24 act as a shelf to hold the foldable electronic display 10 against gravity and the mounting bracket's rotating retaining plate 26 and the vertical retaining lips 65 hold the foldable electronic display 10 against the surface of the mounting bracket 22. Additionally, the at least one rotating retaining plate 26 or vertical retaining lips 65 on each side of the foldable electronic display's 10 fold line 20 assure the unit is held in a desirably open orientation with the electronic display panels 12 and 12′ generally oriented towards the viewer. The hinge mechanisms 18, which are positioned between the rotating retaining plates 26 and/or the retaining supports 24 on the mounting bracket, and in one preferred embodiment extend beyond the enclosure of the electronic display 10, prevent the display 10 from sliding out from the side of the mounting bracket 22.
A user who is mounting the foldable electronic display 10 to the mounting bracket 22 will position one edge of the foldable electronic display 10 on the retaining support 24 inside of the vertical retaining features 65 with the hinge mechanism between the supports 24 and then push the opposite edge of the foldable electronic display 10 under the rotating retaining plates 26 while they are in the "open" position 32. The rotating retaining plates 26 are then rotated into the "closed" position 30 to secure the foldable electronic display 10. The user may optionally lock the rotating retaining plate 26 in the "down" position 30 with a conventional padlock 33 through a hole 95 and 95′ through both the mounting bracket 22 and the rotating retaining plate 26 shown in
The top of the display 10 can be secured via other means besides rotating retaining plates 26. The retaining plates 26 may slide or the retaining plates can be fixed on a slightly flexible tab on the mounting bracket 22 thus providing a "snap-fit" means of securing the display 10 to the mounting bracket. The goal is to secure the foldable display 10 in a manner that allows easy mounting and removal, and holds the display in an open orientation when mounted. Regardless of the mechanism used for the retaining plates 26, they can be viewed generically as having an engaged or closed position, and a disengaged or open position. Additionally, locking mechanisms may be provided to lock the display 10 to the mounting bracket 22 to help prevent unauthorized removal or theft of the display.
The mounting bracket may also be mounted such that the rotating retaining plate 26 is on the bottom and the retaining support 24 is on the top. Standard mounting holes 31 on the mounting bracket 22 are located off the horizontal center of the overall mounting bracket as shown in
The mounting bracket 22 of
In one preferred embodiment shown in
With the mounting bracket 22 secured to the pole 36 in this example by way of the U-bolts 38 and its associated nuts or fasteners 40, the foldable electronic display 10 is attached to the mounting bracket 22 and the display 10 acts as a cover over the mounting bracket's 22 recessed pocket 42. Access to the U-bolt nuts 40 or alternate fasteners is therefore prohibited. Finally, by locking the folding electronic display 10 in place as shown in
The mode of operation for mounting is as follows. The operator mounts the mounting bracket 22 with hardware. The mounting bracket is bolted to a pole 36 or other surface, held with U bolts 38, strapped to the pole or attached with a multitude of other fastening devices. The hardware is installed so that the removable fasteners 40 (e.g., nuts on the U bolts or nuts on carriage bolts) are on the foldable electronic display side of the mounting bracket 22 in the recessed pocket 42. The unit is installed on the mounting bracket 22. The removable hardware is mounted in the recessed pocket 42 of the mounting bracket 22. Installing the display on the mounting bracket 22 covers the pocket 42 that holds the fasteners 40 and totally encloses the fasteners in a compartment that is not accessible to an unauthorized user.
This method of securing the foldable electronic display 10 can be used with other types of displays or message signs as well. The method can be generically described as a mounting method that allows the user to install a unit and keep it tamper proof with at least one lock by using the unit as a cover over the mounting system's hardware. The mounting system includes a mounted unit, a mounting plate and the hardware that attaches it to a pole or other surface. This mounting method also allows the user to relocate the unit easily from one location to another.
Having the display fold into multiple display panels requires the local controller's 4 signals to be communicated to the multiple display boards 6 of each display panel of the electronic display. The electronic block diagram can be seen in
In one preferred embodiment, the first section 52 of the daisy chain type wiring harness 44 contains wires for delivering power from a power source to one display panel. The power comes into the unit via the connector 46 and is transferred to the local controller 4 with wires. Power is then conveyed to additional display panels through the remaining sections of the wiring harness 54 and additional connectors 46′. The power wires are either connected for multiple runs within the connector, or on connectors external to the connector residing within the electronic display. The sections of the wiring harness 54 of the wiring harness 44 between the display panels also contain data communication wires that interconnect each of the display panels. The data is processed by the local controller 4 and fed into the daisy chain data wires with wires from the local controller 4 to the connector 46.
In operation, the user configures the display panels of the foldable electronic display in their operable and typically fully-opened orientation and connects the wiring harness 44 (if not already in place) between each of the multiple display panels. When connected and powered, a physical data communications connection is established between the circuitry within each of the display panels. Furthermore, the first display connector 46 of the wiring harness 44, which allows connection to the power wires, is then connected to a suitable power source, typically a vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle or an external power supply with connector 43. By externally routing the wiring harness 44 around the fold area 20 and thus allowing more freedom of movement, damage to the wiring harness 44 is eliminated due to bends of small radius. In this way, the present invention protects against wear, degradation, crimping and breakage which would otherwise result from repeated bending of the electronic cabling interconnecting circuitry routed through the area of the fold 20. A flush pocket 45 with a cover 60 (
In the event electronic connective cabling is compromised, the externally located wiring harness 44 enables simple and inexpensive replacement, eliminating the need to return the foldable electronic display 10 to the factory for repair.
While a daisy chain type wiring harness 44 external to the foldable electronic display's 10 fold line 20 is featured in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, an internal wiring harness or alternative means of communication, without an external harness 44, may be utilized consistent with the intent of the present invention.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, text and graphical messages are formed on the electronic message surfaces 12, 12′ by illuminating certain illuminable pixel elements contained within an array of illuminable pixel elements. Message formation on the display panels using illuminable pixel elements, described herein, is well known to those in the art of electronic displays and the precise method of forming the array of pixel elements is not critical to the present invention as any number of methods known in the art can be used. Pixel elements, in one preferred embodiment, are mounted on electronic circuit boards well known to those in the art. This is done in a conventional manner of electronic circuit board design and construction. The pixel elements of the display panels of each electronic message surface 12, 12′ may be one of many types including plasma, liquid crystal, incandescent, or preferably, LED. For traffic applications, a pixel density of approximately one pixel per inch is acceptable. However, the pixel density can be much higher or lower to ensure that the foldable electronic display 10 is clear in its intended application.
Each pixel element may be accessed with a column and row addressing scheme well known to those in the art. Pixel elements may be arranged in logical sets, and whose column and row addressing is consistent with the technology of the controlling signals driving the pixels. By scanning across all columns for concurrently accessed row, any individual pixel may be controlled independently. Multiple sets, contiguously placed, give the appearance of one large array structure. Text or graphic data may be parsed along logical pixel grouping boundaries and displayed accordingly.
Text or graphic messages may be created on a PC, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) 7, laptop, or other electronic computer shown in
In one preferred embodiment, the software interface for message creation on the foldable electronic display using an electronic computer makes the programming of the electronic display message simple and intuitive.
There are two levels of complexity in the program to place messages on the electronic display. When the program is started, it will start up in the first level of simplified complexity, known as the instaMESSSAGE View (
To display an instaMESSAGE on the electronic display, first create a message using the instructions disclosed in the second level of complexity section of this disclosure. The message will display in the preview screen 100 of the software. The message that displays in the preview screen is exactly the message that will be displayed on the electronic display 10. Connect the electronic display to the computer via a serial cable 9, infrared link or radio frequency link 11 (Bluetooth or 802.11.) Click on the 'Display Now' button 104 to load the message to the electronic display.
The second level of complexity, labeled the "Message Management View" allows the user to perform all of the functions from the first level and also view, locate, retrieve and edit pre-existing messages from the computer. This view allows the user to load multiple messages to the electronic display's primary memory or first memory and to store default messages to the second memory of the display. It is entered by clicking the "Switch to Message Management View" button 102. Refer to
On the left part of the message management view there is a set of file lists. The file list on the left marked "Messages in PC" 120 shows the files or messages stored on the electronic computer and the location they are stored. In the right box marked "instALERT Stored Messages" 130 are the files or messages that are currently stored in the electronic display 10 or messages that will eventually be sent to the display. Select messages to be stored in the electronic display's primary memory from the list on the left. Click "Add >>" 128 for each message to be added the electronic display message list or "Remove<<" 134 for each message to be removed from the electronic display. As messages are added, a counter 126 keeps track of the total. When the capacity of the electronic display's first or second memory is reached, the shading behind the message count number turns red or the software does not let the user add any more messages to the list to indicate that the limit has been reached. This first or second memory limit is set at 24, simply to keep the number of messages in the electronic display manageable. It could be more or less with simple software modifications. Connect the electronic display to the computer via a serial cable 9, infrared link or radio frequency link 11. To load the selected messages into the primary memory of the electronic display, press the "Load To iA" button 124. The messages will download to the electronic display. To load default messages (messages stored in a second memory location that can be accessed at any time if signs are inadvertently lost) to the electronic display, move messages into the "instALERT stored messages" window 130 as done for the primary memory messages, but simultaneously press the Shift key on the electronic computer keyboard and click the right mouse button on the "Load to iA" button 124.
The user can also download the messages from the electronic display into the electronic computer for review and editing. Press "Read from iA" button 122 and the messages in the primary memory on the electronic display will load into electronic computer and be visible in the "instALERT Stored Messages" window 130. The list can be edited and the messages saved on the electronic computer or reloaded to the electronic display 10 with any changes desired. To read the default messages in the second memory from the display, simultaneously press the Shift key on the electronic computer keyboard and click the right mouse button on the "Read from iA" button 122. The messages in the second memory on the electronic display will load into the "instALERT Stored Messages" window 130. The list can be edited and the messages saved on the electronic computer or reloaded to the electronic display with any changes desired.
To create a new message, the operator determines the message to display, such as "SLOW/ACCIDENT AHEAD/TAKE NEXT EXIT." Refer to
Click on the 'Screen 1' tab. On each tab there is a group of tools that will allow configuration of the message. The first tool is the text lines and size tool 108. This tool selects the size of text for each line of the message from three sizes: small (2 dots for each line) for three lines of text, medium (3 dots for each line) for two lines of text, or large (8 dots for the single line) for one line of text. There are also selections for one small and one medium line of text, either with the medium line above or below the small line. As the different text size choices are made, the text boxes 110 for the user to fill in change accordingly, both in the number of boxes corresponding to the number of lines and the size of the box corresponding to the size of the text.
For the first screen of this example, click on the "Screen 1" tab. Choose the large text by clicking on the column showing 8 dots. The display will now show one text box in which to type the first screen. In the box, type "SLOW." As the text is typed, it will show up in the preview screen 100. The preview screen displays the text exactly as it will show on the electronic display. Go to the "Display Duration" window 112 and move the slider bar to the 3 seconds notch, for example, which will make this screen display for 3 seconds. Finally, select any display effects for this screen of the display using the "Flash Rate" window 114 to select options such as flashing on-off or reversing—normal and the rate of flashing or reversing.
For the second screen of this example, click on the "Screen 2" tab. Choose the medium text by clicking on the column showing 3 dots for each line. The display will now show two text boxes in which to type the second screen. In the top box, type "ACCIDENT." In the bottom box, type "AHEAD." Click the text center justify button 138 to center the text. Alternately, the left or right justify buttons 138 can be selected to manipulate the text position to the left or right. As for screen 1, select screen duration and desired display effects for this screen.
For the third screen of this example, click on the "Screen 3" tab. Choose the small text by clicking on the column showing 2 dots for each line. The display will now show three text boxes in which to type the third screen. In the top box, type "TAKE." In the middle box, type "NEXT." In the bottom box, type "EXIT." Click the text center justify button to center the text. Alternately, the left or right justify buttons can be selected to manipulate the text position. As for the other screens select screen duration and desired display effects for this screen.
It can be understood that there could be an unlimited number of sequenced screens making up a complete message. For purposes of this disclosure, we have limited the example to three.
By using the play buttons 140, the message can be previewed in the preview screen 100 at the bottom of the screen, until the preview is stopped by clicking the "stop" button. Each screen can be individually reviewed by clicking on the screen tab for each screen.
To save a message click the 'Save' button 142 on any of the screen tabs, or choose the 'Save' or 'Save As' options under the 'File' menu. The 'Save As' screen will appear prompting the user to type a file name and select a location to store the file on the electronic computer. The user enters a name and clicks the 'Save' button.
The software contains the following features for making message creation and editing easy. The Cut, Copy and Paste buttons 144 work like other windows applications. When pressed, the current screen will be cut, copied, or pasted over. For example, to move the screen 1 to screen 3 the user will do the following:
The user can make each screen flash while it is displaying using the "Flash Rate" window 114 selections as discussed previously. The first way of doing this is On/Off/On, which will display the screen for the length of time chosen in Flash Rate and then display a blank screen for the same time period. For example, if a message is displayed with a flash rate of � second, the screen will be on for � second, then it will be off for � second until it hits the Display duration. If you display duration is 1 second, then it will flash on and off twice.
The second way of flashing is On/Inverted/On, which will display the screen for the length of time chosen in Flash Rate and then display an inverted version of the screen for the same time period. During the reversed time the inverted screen turns on all pixels not used in the message during the on time, creating a positive/negative image. For example, if a message is displayed with a flash rate of � second, the screen will be on for � second, then it will be inverted for � second until the display duration time is met. Again, if the display duration is 1 second, then it will flash on and reverse twice.
The software also allows the user to manually invert the sign to preview the appearance or to manually create a reversed image with the "Invert Display" button 116. It also has a "Clear Screen" button 118 to start the message screen over with a blank screen.
The Battery level tool allows the software to display the battery level of the electronic display's power source. Click Tools, Battery Level (
The Brightness Setting tool controls the brightness of the electronic display. Brighter is better for sunnier days, and dimmer is better for battery life. At night, the dimmest setting is ideal and will make the battery last longer. This manual setting overrides the display's automatic brightness control that adjusts the display brightness according to the surrounding ambient light automatically. The manual override stays in effect until the power is removed from the sign. Click Tools, Brightness Setting (
The Efficiency Rating Tool shows the estimated efficiency rating for the message currently being created or edited. The more pixels illuminated in a message and the longer the duration of illumination the less efficient the display will be in using the available battery power. The goal for the user is to get the maximum efficiency rating while communicating the necessary information, which translates into the longest possible duration for the power supply before recharging. Click Tools, Efficiency Rating (
The electronic display also allows the creation of a message with graphics. Graphical messages are drawn with the computer mouse. Click on the display screen on the software to enter Graphics Mode. Once the software enters graphics mode, the user can no longer edit any of the three screens using the text entry tools. A notice,
To preview how the message will look on the sign with the display durations, flash rates and screen sequences, do so by pressing the PLAY button. The speed the signs will display varies with the individual computer speed and settings. Actual timing on the electronic display is more accurate, and play mode is only intended to give a good idea of how the full message will appear.
The PDA software has all of the features found in the electronic computer software except for the creation of graphical messages. Graphical messages, created on an electronic computer can be stored, previewed and loaded to the electronic display from the PDA. The PDA has a message tab which allows the user to create a message in the same way as done on the electronic computer software. It offers the number of screen selection, the current screen selection, multiple text rows and sizes, text justification, screen duration and flash rate. It also allows previews of the massage and a "Display Now" button to send the message directly to the electronic display with any one of the previously disclosed communication methods. The software also allows the user to "Get Current Display" which downloads the message that is currently being displayed on the electronic display. This is beneficial if a user is in their car while the electronic display is mounted on the back of the vehicle out of their field of vision.
On the PDA software "File Management" tab, the user can select messages from the PDAs memory to edit, display now on the electronic display or create a list of messages to send to the first or second memory of the electronic display. It also allows the user to download the messages currently stored on the electronic display, either in the first or second memory location.
On the PDA software "tools" tab, the user can check the battery level, check and set the brightness level and scroll through the messages, just as the switches on the electronic display will do. There is no software lockout of the scroll buttons on the PDA as there is on the on-board controls.
The message data may be transferred via a communication link, such as a serial connection from a programming device, to a local controller 4 integral to the foldable electronic display, typically a microprocessor or microcontroller, where it is parsed and displayed. The communication link may be, for example, a cable 9 with a connector 47 to the electronic display 10 (
Multiple text or graphic message data may be downloaded to the local controller 4 and stored in RAM or flash memory. The untethered programming device 7, 8 of the present invention allows a plurality of preprogrammed messages to be conveniently created, reviewed or modified both with or without the foldable electronic display 10 connected. With the foldable message display connected with the wire communication link 9 or wireless communication link 11 these messages may be uploaded to the primary memory or first memory. On-board controls 64 (
In this way, the foldable electronic display 10 may not require an external programming device once it is configured, providing a user with complete flexibility. It will be understood that as used herein, the phrase "predetermined textual and graphic messages" refers to both factory preprogrammed and user-created custom messages. Such messages include, for example, "ACCIDENT AHEAD", "SPEED LIMT_MPH", "MAINTAIN SPEED", "DUI CHECK", "HEAVY PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC", and graphics such as arrows or pictures or multicolored images.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned local controller 4 may contain software that "locks out" or ignores user inputs from the displays on-board controls 64. The software logic of this feature is shown in
In operation, a user may apply power to the display 10 whereupon the local controller software would initiate a software timer 80. In one preferred embodiment, for a time period less than a predetermined amount, the software allows a user to select among the various previously stored text and graphical messages by activating on-board controls 64. After the programmed time period has elapsed after start up (for example, five minutes of inactivity from the time the power is applied or the last on-board control 64 is pressed), the software locks out a user's request to change the text and graphical messages by ignoring their control inputs, typically, of the switch closure type. This low cost, automatic lock out feature allows users to leave the foldable electronic display 10 unattended without locking the unit's on-board controls 64 by mechanical means. The display 10 can be "reset", re-enabling the on-board controls, by turning power to the unit off and back on again. The source providing power to the foldable electronic display 10 can be secured to not allow unauthorized users to operate or tamper with the power to an unattended display, and most individuals who desire to tamper with the display will not know to turn power to the unit off and back on again to re-enable the on-board controls. The automatic lock out feature is particularly useful for crowd control (e.g., fairs, sporting events) where the controls may be generally within reach of the public.
The foldable electronic display 10 enables law enforcement, public works personnel, security officers, first responders, emergency management personnel, and other users to accurately and promptly communicate with the public. The foldable electronic display 10 can be used to quickly display a stored message and/or a newly created message uploaded into the primary memory at an incident. As such, the present invention is ideal for work zones, speed zones, residential areas, transportation hubs, and sporting events (e.g., crowd control), among others. In an alternate embodiment, the display 10 can be adapted to include a high density display matrix of illuminable pixel elements such that the unit essentially comprises a folding television display.
The foldable electronic display 10 enables a variety of textual and graphic messages, relating to, for example, motorist speed, Amber Alerts, accidents, DUI checkpoints, directions, road conditions, and public emergencies (e.g., security level) to be accessed and displayed without the need for a user or his/her vehicle to remain in proximity to the display 10 during operation thereof. In this way, the self-standing and remotely operable display of the present invention affords the user complete flexibility in display positioning. When not in use, the display 10 may be stowed in the luggage compartment of a vehicle in a folded orientation, for easy retrieval on short notice.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to one preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alterations in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
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It is Good Friday and I think about the death of Christ, my own death to self...many times in my life to find a new life within...
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All my life I have been on a journey...searching, ever searching for a new and better me, for peace and joy, for love and friendship, for my own paradise.
Someone recently gave me a little piece of artwork with a quote by Marcel Proust "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." This spoke to me so profoundly.
I had been living in Georgia for over 15 years, the last 3 of them wanting desperately to get out, for various reasons. I finally decided to move to Napa, CA...and did so early September 2005. Napa is a beautiful place, and the people there are wonderful. Yet, for some reason during the almost 5 months I lived there something in my gut did not feel right. I went through a very tough time, personally, while there and yet came out better for having done so. I learned more about myself, my family and friends. And I made some new friends while there.
I decided that I needed to return to Georgia, where thank God, my house had not sold. I moved back to my home in Alpharetta, where I am also near my friends here, my church and parish community…where I have lots of love and support.
I am still not sure this is where I need to be for the rest of my life, but I have the above quote in front of me daily.
Me and Bear (my sweet dog) are happy and content to be here right now. I thank God for the blessings in my life, including those of lessons learned through not so easy times. I am especially grateful for my friends here, in California and other areas of the United States and Ireland…and my companion Bear.
Bless you all this Easter, and each day of the year.
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