text:
A low voltage battery energized passive detection system generates a control signal in response to radiated heat from a human body part to open a solenoid operated valve for a predetermined limited time period. In anticipation of a reduction of available DC power, voltage level sensing circuitry disables the valve in the closed position to prevent the valve from remaining in the open position due to an insufficiency of DC power to effect closure of the valve.
1. A passive apparatus for controlling the operation of a fluid flow control valve in response to the presence of a human body part, said apparatus comprising in combination:
(a) a sensor for detecting heat irradiating from a human body part within a predetermined detection field and for producing an output signal in response to such detection;
(b) means for amplifying the output signal;
(c) means for opening the valve to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to the amplified signal;
(d) means for closing the valve after a predetermined time period;
(e) a low voltage power source for energizing said apparatus;
(f) means for determining the voltage of said power source while the valve is open;
(g) means for comparing the determined voltage with a predetermined voltage and for generating a control signal if the determined voltage is below the predetermined voltage; and
(h) means for closing the valve in response to generation of the control signal.
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for preempting opening of the valve for a set time period subsequent to closing of the valve.
3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including electrically responsive means for opening and closing the valve.
4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said electrically responsive means is a solenoid.
5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sensor is a bipolar element having a first element responsive to the ambient temperature and a second element responsive to heat irradiated from the body part and including means for generating an output signal in response to a change in temperature between the first and second elements.
6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said power source is a nine volt battery.
7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for regulating the sensitivity of said sensor.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said regulating means includes three settings.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including a wash basin and means for mounting said sensor with said wash basin.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said wash basin includes a bowl for defining at least a part of the detection field.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said wash basin includes a spout in fluid communication with the valve, whereby operation of the valve regulates fluid flow through said spout into said wash basin.
12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said wash basin includes a rear wall and wherein said sensor is mounted in said rear wall.
13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said wash basin includes a spout in fluid communication with the valve, whereby operation of the valve regulates fluid flow through said spout into said wash basin.
14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 13 including a restrictor associated with said sensor for defining at least a part of the detection field.
15. A passive method for controlling the operation of a fluid flow control valve in response to the presence of a human body part, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) detecting heat irradiating from a human body part placed within a predetermined detection field and producing an output signal in response to said step of detecting;
(b) amplifying the output signal;
(c) opening the valve to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to the amplified signal;
(d) closing the valve after a predetermined time period;
(e) energizing the control and operation of the valve with a low voltage power source;
(f) determining the voltage of the power source while the valve is open;
(g) comparing the voltage determined during said step of determining with a predetermined voltage and generating a control signal if the determined voltage is below the predetermined voltage; and
(h) closing the valve in response to generation of the control signal.
16. The method as set forth in claim 15 wherein the valve is part of a wash basin for controlling the flow of water through a spout feeding the wash basin and wherein said step of opening includes the step of evacuating water through the spout into the bowl of the wash basin.
17. The method as set forth in claim 15 including the step of regulating the threshold of the output signal.
18. The method as set forth in claim 15 wherein said step of detecting includes the step of detecting radiation in a spectral range of 5 to 15 μm.
19. The method as set forth in claim 15 wherein said step of detecting is performed in the frequency range of 0.1 to 20 Hz.
20. The method as set forth in claim 19 wherein said step of detecting includes the step of detecting radiation in a spectral range of 5 to 15 μm.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to control systems and, more particularly, to low DC voltage detection systems responsive to radiated body heat for operating fluid flow valves.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Single or multi user wash basins used in industrial or commercial environments provide a source of water on demand for cleansing a user's hands, face and other body parts. Water flow valve actuating mechanisms are often manually or foot operated lever type devices to permit relative ease of use. The manually operated lever type devices may become soiled or otherwise damaged due to dirt and other contamination present on a user's hands prior to washing. The foot operated lever type devices are often subjected to abuse.
To avoid the requirements for having a user physically actuate a valve in order to cause water flow at a wash basin, various sensors have been developed and incorporated with valve actuating mechanisms to sense the presence of a user at a wash basin. Actuating apparatus of this type have included devices for generating ultrasonic energy focused upon a detector; upon a change in the energy detected due to the presence of a user, a signal may be generated for actuating a water flow valve. In one water faucet device, the faucet is rotatable to permit automatic water flow actuation or require manual valve control as a function of the rotational position of the faucet. Various devices have been developed which include a light emitter with a corresponding detector. Upon interruption of the light path by a wash basin user, actuation of a water flow valve will occur. Audio responsive detectors for actuating water flow valves associated with water basins and the like have been developed. Infrared detector systems include a generator for generating a source of infrared energy and a detector responsive thereto. Upon interruption of the infrared energy by a user, circuitry is energized for actuating a water flow valve. Several devices have also been developed for sensing the radiant energy of a human body part and actuating a water flow valve upon such sensing.
A common characteristic of prior art related devices for sensing the presence of a user and actuating a water flow valve is that such systems are active systems. That is, a signal generator is provided with a corresponding receiver. A change in signal intensity sensed by the receiver related circuitry and in response to the presence of a user, is detected and serves as a triggering signal for actuating a valve. The requirement for transmission of a signal, in combination with signal detection circuitry, imposes a requirement for a relatively substantial power supply. Such power supply requirements in essence negate the use of low voltage small capacity batteries as the power supply.
A low voltage battery energized passive detection system generates a control signal in response to radiated heat from a human body to open a solenoid operated fluid flow valve for a limited time period. The configuration of the sensor in combination with its placement within a wash basin establishes the configuration of the effective detection field to eliminate false signals. A multi position adjustment capability will accommodate changes in ambient temperature and detection signal strength requirements. To avoid the possibility of the valve remaining open due to insufficient electrical power to effect closure of the valve, a fail safe circuit will close and disable the valve in the closed position when the voltage of the power supply drops below a predetermined value.
It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a passive detection system for detecting the presence of body heat within a defined detection field.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatically operated water basin for sensing the presence of body heat within a detection field.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a low DC power detection system responsive to the presence of a human body part for controlling actuation of water flow in a wash basin.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a flow control system for a wash basin which automatically terminates further flow upon sensing a reduced voltage power supply.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a water flow control system for wash basins having low electrical power drain and operable for an extended period of time by a low voltage low power battery source.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling water flow in a wash basin with a passive detection system responsive to the presence of human body heat within a detection field.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a method responsive to the presence of body heat for controlling the flow of water in a wash basin, for sensing a low voltage at the electrical power supply and for automatically terminating further water flow.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.
The present invention will be described with greater clarity and specificity with reference to the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1a illustrates a representative wash basin having superimposed therein the horizontal detection field;
FIG. 1b is a representation of the horizontal detection field;
FIG. 2a is a partial cross sectional view of the wash basin and showing the vertical detection field therein;
FIG. 2b illustrates the vertically reduced detection field within the wash basin;
FIG. 3 illustrates the components for implementing the detection apparatus;
FIG. 4a is a block diagram of the detection circuit;
FIG. 4b is a block diagram illustrating the electrical power source for the circuit depicted in FIG. 4a;
FIG. 5 illustrates the receiver and amplifier circuits of the detection system;
FIG. 6 illustrates the timer control of the detection system;
FIG. 7 illustrates the power output circuit of the detection system; and
FIG. 8 illustrates the battery killer circuit of the detection system.
Public wash basins of the type used predominantly in various industrial and commercial establishments require manipulation of knobs, handles or push buttons to bring about water flow. Often, each of a hot and cold water tap must be adjusted to obtain a satisfactory temperature of the outflowing water. Such ongoing contact by dirty and/or contaminated hands promotes spread of bacteria and viruses due to the final manual contact after one's hands have been washed. The transfer of bacteria and viruses will result in the spread of disease. Where such diseases are life threatening or permanently disabling, the risks of using public wash basins become intolerable.
Preferably, the act of washing one's hands or face in a wash basin available to the public should not require physical contact with any part of the wash basin or associated implements. Apparatus for automatically discharging water should discharge such water at a preset temperature and for a period of time sufficient only to complete a washing in order to conserve water. The operative elements should be actuated as a function of the proximity of the user's hands or body and means should be employed to eliminate or prevent false actuation.
Any electrically energized components must be of sufficiently low voltage and power level to eliminate any electrical hazard. As many washing facilities are remote from a ready source of electrical power, the electrical power source for the actuating unit should be a battery. To permit extended uninterrupted operation, the power requirements of the operating system should have low current consumption.
Referring to FIG. 1a, there is illustrated a top view of a representative wash basin 10. The wash basin includes a bowl 12, a drain 14 and a spout 16 for discharging water. To sense or detect the presence of the hands of a user, a detection field 20 is established primarily only within bowl 12. As illustrated in FIG. 1b, the horizontal configuration of detection field 20 is generally round or ellipsoidal in cross section and conforming to a horizontal plane through bowl 12.
The vertical configuration of detection field 20 is best illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b. A sensor 22, responsive to a heat source within detection field 20, is located in rear wall 18 of bowl 12. The vertical parameter of detection field 20 is limited at the lower half by bowl 12. The upper limit of the detection field may be mechanically limited by a restrictor 24 used in conjunction with sensor 22. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 2b, the original detection field for sensor 22 would include the volumes represented by areas 1, 2 and 3. Area 3 is eliminated by bowl 12, which bowl defines the lower perimeter of area 2. Upper area 1 may be eliminated by restrictor 24 operating in conjunction with the sensor. Accordingly, the detection field to which sensor 22 is responsive is essentially limited by the space within bowl 12 and extending in rounded manner slightly upwardly therefrom.
Such limited detection field will prevent water flow during normal movement past wash basin 10 and essentially requires a user to place his hands or other body part essentially within bowl 12 of the water basin.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a representation of the major components of the present invention which may be installed as original equipment or as retrofit equipment in a wash basin. Module 30 includes a heat sensor or infrared sensor 22 that may be penetrably mounted in rear wall 18 of a wash basin 20 (see FIG. 2a). For reasons discussed above, the parameters of the field within which sensor 22 will detect a heat source represented by a body part is limited to the volume essentially within the wash basin. The sensor produces an output signal and a module 30 may include an amplifier for amplifying the output signal. To establish a threshold of operation for sensor 22, a regulating device 32 may be incorporated. The circuit attendant the regulating device may be contained within module 30 and be connected to the regulating device via conductor 34. The regulating device permits establishment of a threshold temperature for the sensor to accommodate variations in ambient temperature. A module 36, interconnected with module 30 through an electrical conductor or cable 38, includes timing circuitry for generating a control signal to provide power to actuate a water valve controlling the water flow through spout 16. Circuitry for deactuating the water valve, along with a time delay to minimize false actuations, are also contained within module 36. Because a certain amount of power is required to deactuate or close the water valve, it is mandatory that sufficient power be available to perform this function. Accordingly, a fail safe circuit may be contained within module 36 to lock the water valve in the off or closed position when the source of power drops below a predetermined voltage (for example, 7.5 volts). A conductor 40 conveys electrical power to the water valve (not shown).
A characteristic of active detection systems is the transmission of a signal which is reflected from a triggering object to a receiver. Such transmission requires a substantial amount of power. A passive system is one in which a signal is received from the triggering element. For this reason, the power demands of a passive system are substantially less than that of an active system. Since the present invention is a passive system, and by careful circuit design, very little power is required for operation. For this reason, a conventional nine volt battery 42 may be used as a power supply. The battery is electrically connected to module 36 via a conventional clip 44 and electrical conductors 46.
Referring to FIG. 4a, there is illustrated a block diagram of the circuit and operation of detection system 50. The heat detector or sensor 22 is a dual element pyro electric heat detector specifically intended for battery operated passive detection systems. It has differentially connected dual elements which provide immunity from background radiation and acoustic acoustic noise. The spectral response of the sensor is in the range of five to fifteen μm; this is the range of the wave length of the infrared rays emitted by a human as a result of body heat. The frequency range is 0.1 to 20 Hz; such low frequency range essentially eliminates any influence from ambient or expected acoustic noise sources. The quiescent power drain of the sensor is approximately 10 μA and represents a very low current drain. The dual elements are combined with a single impedance converting amplifier specially designed to require a low voltage power supply and has a low current consumption. An output signal is provided by the sensor only upon occurrence of an imbalance of radiation impinging upon the dual elements. More particularly, the sensor contains ceramic plates sensitive to radiant heat and serving as electric dipoles permanently polarized which change polarity only upon a sudden change in voltage potential across the electrodes resulting from a sudden change of temperature. Since the sensor is not sensitive to ambient temperature, but only to a sudden change of temperature, the sensor is self adjusting and accommodates slow changes in ambient temperature. More specifically, one of the ceramic plates reacts to the ambient temperature while the other plate is subjected to heat irradiating from the human body. This change in temperature registered by the plates generates an output signal.
The output signal generated by sensor 22 is transmitted to a multistage circuit 52 including an amplifier to amplify the low level output signal generated by the sensor and a band pass filter. Means may be incorporated to permit adjustment of the threshold of the output signal received from sensor 22 and amplified by use of regulating device 32 (see FIG. 3) or the like. A signal edge detector 56 detects positive and negative variations of a magnitude greater than a predetermined threshold of the signal received from multistage circuit 52 via conductor 58. The output of the signal edge detector is transmitted through conductor 60, hold off circuit 62 and conductor 64 to valve open timer 66 when the hold off circuit is not active.
The output of the valve open timer is transmitted via conductor 68 to pulse generator 70. On receipt of the output signal, the pulse generator will activate power driver 72 via conductor 74. The power driver will provide power to an electromagnetic valve, represented by numeral 76, to open the valve and permit water flow through spout 16. The output from valve open timer 66 is also transmitted via conductor 80 to a four second timer 82. After valve 76 has been open for approximately four seconds, timer 82 will transmit a signal via conductor 84 to a battery checker 86. The function of the battery checker is to determine whether the power supply (battery) is maintaining a voltage above a predetermined level during energization of valve 76. Power driver 94 and closure of the valve require a predetermined amount of electrical power. Such power level can be translated to a minimum acceptable voltage at the power supply or battery if the characteristics of the power supply or battery are known. In the event the voltage sensed is below the predetermined value, an output is provided via conductor 88 to a battery killer circuit 90. The function of the battery killer circuit is to generate a control signal for transmission via conductor 92 to power driver 94. On energization of power driver 94, an output signal is generated and transmitted via conductor 96 to close the water valve. This procedure will ensure that the water valve will not remain open due to a power drain or low voltage at the power supply.
Valve open timer 66 also determines the time during which the valve will remain open. On completion of this time period (nominally 20 seconds), a further output signal is generated and transmitted to pulse generator 100 via conductor 102. The pulse generator will provide a signal via conductor 104 to power driver 94 to close the valve. The second output signal is also transmitted to hold off timer 106 via conductor 108. The purpose of the hold off timer is to provide a delay of approximately six seconds before the valve can be opened again. Hold off timer 106 transmits a signal to hold off circuit 62 via conductor 110 to preempt or inhibit transmission of a signal via conductor 64 to valve open timer 66 prior to expiration of the delay period.
FIG. 4b provides a representation in block diagram form of battery 42 energizing a power supply bus 112 from which a plurality of conductors extend to various components of detection system 50. The power supply is grounded, as represented by conductor 114.
FIGS. 5 through 8 illustrate the arrangement, identification of components and component values of circuitry represented by the block diagram illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b. Since a circuit designer of ordinary skill in the art could build and use these circuits as a result of the detailed information contained therein, a detailed description of the signal paths and functions of the various components need not be undertaken. Instead, certain features of these circuits will be highlighted in the discussion below. The output signal of sensor 22 (S1) appears on conductor 120. This output signal is detected and amplified by the operational amplifiers and a usable output signal is produced on conductor 122. Regulating device 32 (see also FIG. 3) provides a trilevel sensitivity adjustment to accommodate for varying degrees of sensitivity desired. This is achieved by varying the feedback across operational amplifier IC1B.
FIG. 6 illustrates the circuit for detecting the leading edge of the output signal on conductor 122, holdoff circuit 62, valve open timer 66 and pulse generators 70,100. The output of the pulse generators is transmitted via conductor 74,104 to power driver 72,94, respectively, illustrated in FIG. 7. Power applied via conductor 78 to valve 76 from power driver 72 will open the valve. Similarly, power provided on conductor 96 to valve 76 will close the valve.
A signal appearing as output MMV1 in FIG. 6 is transmitted to the circuit shown in FIG. 8. This circuit performs the function of checking the voltage of the power supply (battery). Upon determining that the voltage of the power supply is below a predetermined limit, an output signal will appear on conductor 130. This signal is transmitted to the power output circuit illustrated in FIG. 7. An output signal on conductor 130 will cause transistor T2 to conduct and the resulting signal conveyed along conductor 96 to valve 76 will turn off the valve. Moreover, the valve will be maintained off until the battery is replaced.
A presently available nine volt Lithium battery has a capacity of 1.1 Ah which corresponds with 3,960 Asec. In the quiescent state, detection system 50 draws approximately 100 μA; which corresponds with 8.64 Asec. per day (100 μA�86400 sec/day). By adding the current demands of the detection system during operation and the current drawn by the solenoid valve upon actuation, both of which are a function of the number of cycles per day, a table can be constructed to establish the useful life of the battery as a power supply. Such a table appears below:
__________________________________________________________________________CYCLES/ QUIESC. OPER.DAY CURRENT CURRENT SOLENOID TOTAL BATTERY LIFE__________________________________________________________________________40 8.64 Asec 0.084 Asec 0.48 Asec 9.204 Asec 3,960 = 430 days 9.20460 8.64 Asec 0.126 Asec 0.72 Asec 9.486 Asec 3,960 = 417 days 9.486100 8.64 Asec 0.21 Asec 1.2 Asec 10.05 Asec 3,960 = 394 days 10.05__________________________________________________________________________
It is therefore evident one can expect at least a year of use before replacement of the battery will be necessary.
While the principles of the invention have now been made clear in an illustrative embodiment, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, elements, materials and components used in the practice of the invention which are particularly adapted for specific environments and operating requirements without departing from those principles.
Patent Citations
Referenced by
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Rocky Mountain Research Station Publications
RMRS Online Publication - Journal
Articles, External Publications, and Special Reports
Scientific independence: A key to credibility
Ruggiero, Leonard F. 2007. Scientific independence: A key to credibility. In: Eco-Report. Missoula, MT: Bitterroot Ecosystem Management Research Project: 1-2,4
Independence and objectivity are key ingredients of scientific credibility, especially in research organizations that are part of a natural resource management agency like the Forest Service. Credibility, in turn, is essential to the utility of scientific information in socio-political processes. In order to develop this thesis further, a basic understanding of Forest Service organizational structure is important.
Keywords: BEMRP, Bitterroot Ecosystem Management Research Project, scientific credibility, Forest Service
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text:
Partnerships - From Concept to Reality
What is meant by the term "partnership" as used in these FAQ's?
How are these FAQ's organized?
II. Beginning Stages
III. Performing the Partnership Activities
IV. Concluding the Partnership
Note: These frequently asked questions are not intended to be legal advice regarding any specific partnership activity, but rather a way to facilitate the Department's consideration of partnership issues. Employees considering partnership legal issues should consult with their supporting Solicitor's Office attorneys early in the process, and often as the partnership is carried out.
What is meant by the term " partnership " as used in the Primer and these Frequently Asked Questions?
Partnerships have the potential to take a very wide variety of forms. The Department recognizes that almost any time that a federal or non-federal individual or entity is working together with the Department, that working relationship may be considered a partnership. However, many of these relationships, such as procurements and contracts, intergovernmental personnel assignments, and individual volunteer relationships, are covered by well-defined and well-established sets of rules. These topics are too broad to be effectively addressed in the Primer or these FAQ's. As a result, the Primer and these FAQ's use the term " partnership " to refer to situations when the Department or its agencies work together with non-federal groups or entities in a cooperative manner to foster the objectives of both parties, in circumstances other than those listed above.
How are these FAQ's organized?
The easiest way to begin to explore the legal and practical aspects of developing, executing, and closing out partnerships is to follow a basic time line: starting with the plan, idea, or proposal for a partnership; through the initial stages of development, including arranging funding, establishing agreements or other means to accomplish the goals, and addressing the practical aspects of how the partnership will perform; considering issues that arise as the partnership operates; and finishing with matters associated with wrapping up partnership activities and terminating the partnership.
The frequently asked questions in this part are organized chronologically along the lines of how a partnership would develop. The FAQ's are designed to help readers use this Primer more effectively. (See other parts for definition of Partnerships and explanations of Partnership-related concepts and authorities).


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Dylan Pratt went deep three times Saturday, but East Tennessee State descended deeper into the Atlantic Sun Conference standings.
Pratt hit three solo home runs, including a two-out shot on an 0-2 pitch that tied the score at 7 in the ninth inning. But USC Upstate right-hander Chad Sobotka didn't allow another hit, and was rewarded with a victory thanks, in part, to Luke Weber's two-out RBI single in the 11th.
The 8-7 loss at Thomas Stadium dropped ETSU (4-10, 16-17) below .500 and into the Atlantic Sun Conference cellar — a half-game behind Jacksonville. The Buccaneers have lost five of six overall and seven of eight in the league.
It looked like the worm was turning for the Bucs after Pratt capped a five-run rally to force extra innings. Matthew Scruggs and Pratt hit back-to-back home runs to conclude a four-run seventh that trimmed the Spartans' lead to 7-6. And when Pratt completed his hat trick two innings later with the Bucs down to their last strike, the three-game series suddenly seemed destined to be salvaged.
But Gaither Bumgardner hit a one-out double in the 11th, and Luke Weber's single scored him one out later.
"Our guys — we battled so hard, and it's tough when you don't come out with the W," Pratt said. "It's tough when you make a comeback like that and get the momentum swinging your way and ... I really thought we were gonna get that one. It's a tough one to swallow."
Left-handed reliever Clinton Freeman (1-1) deserved a better fate. He allowed one run on three hits and no walks while striking out four in four innings, and made a pretty good offspeed pitch to Weber with a 2-2 count.
"I thought the at-bat that Weber had with Freeman on the mound was just a tremendous at-bat," said Upstate coach Matt Fincher, whose Spartans improved to 9-5 in the league and 24-12 overall. "I thought that East Tennessee State pitched him great. They mixed him differently than what I thought they were gonna do, and Luke was still able to barrel the ball and get the game-winning hit."
Weber finished 4-for-6 with three runs and two RBIs, though one of the hits was a misplayed pop-up on the infield. The Bucs infield officially committed two errors.
"It's disheartening to fight back like that, because we haven't had many where we were actually behind and we were able to put something together," ETSU coach Tony Skole said. "So I was really pleased with the heart our guys showed to get back in it. But we lost this game in the middle innings. ... We had an error. We drop an infield pop-up."
Pratt appeared to have powered them through it. Two of his home runs were well in excess of 400 feet, including the one in the ninth. It was still pretty much on a line when it caromed off the steal crossbeam on what will eventually be a scoreboard beyond left-center field.
"I'd fouled off two fastballs and it was 0-2," said Pratt, who is hitting .325 with 13 home runs and beginning to get his timing down since going to a more open stance that Skole suggested. "So I got up on the plate and was just gonna try to battle. I thought he might try to freeze me with one inside. I just tried to be short to the ball and got lucky and hit it pretty flush and it got out."
It wasn't a typical 0-2 swing.
"That ball was hit pretty hard wasn't it," Skole said, "especially with two outs and it's down to your last strike. ... Dylan's struggled a little bit for us this year, just in big situations. But today, he tried to put us on his back. He had some great swings. ... As anemic as we are offensively, we definitely need his bat to catch fire for us. He was very locked in today."
The Bucs won the home run battle 4-0, but Upstate out-hit them 15-8.
"Give their kids credit there in the last inning," Skole said. "The two hole, Bumgardner, hits the double, and then the good swing the kid put on a two-strike changeup into right for the game-winner for them. I thought Clinton battled his tail off to give us a chance to win that game."
Fincher didn't exactly believe his team was going to bounce back after Pratt bounced one off the scoreboard skeleton.
"It borderlines on unbelieveable," Fincher said. "You know, you think you have the game won and then Pratt turns a ball around and now the game is not won. I mentioned to my assistant, Dusty Blake, 'Boy, our guys look down. We've got real issues here.' And somehow they were able to dig deep enough to get it done."
ETSU will pitch Jake Long (2-3) against Brandon Lee (4-3) in the final game of the series today at 1:05 p.m.
"Jake will give us an opportunity to win," Skole said. "We've really backed ourselves into a corner. Pretty much every game in our league now is a must-win for us."
Notes: Scruggs was 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs. He's hit three home runs in the past two games, giving him a team-leading 15. ... Freeman reached base for the 27th straight game. ... ETSU was without Derek Niesman, who is day to day with an aching back — and one of three Bucs batting over .300. ... Paul Hoilman had been the last Buc to hit three home runs in a game. He did it at UNC Asheville in 2010.


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24 must see and do's in Japan…
There is nothing cooler than getting on a plane, and going somewhere unknown. So many new experiences await you. After having lived in Japan for going on 6 years now I enjoyed going through a bunch of my photos and laughing at some of my previous experiences. So I decided to compile a little 'list of must do's' for anyone headed J-side with added bonus for any automotive gearheads.
1. Kinkakuji temple – 'The Golden Pavilion'
Yup it's a building covered in pure gold leaf. :O
2. Kiyomizudera temple
This place is crazy beautiful in the day, but by night it's just insane.
It might just be a big statue to many of us, but these things are pretty amazing works of art!
4. Visit Shibuya's 'hachiko' crossing
You will know this intersection from the movie 'Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift'. When the lights go green enjoy being swept along in a sea of people…
5. Shinjuku Metropolitan Building
Bowl on down to the Shinjuku Metropolitan Buildings and go 40 floors up to see the best views of Tokyo…
6. Go for a ride in a Japanese taxi
No I am not going insane, these things have the most amazingly soft suspension it's like being whisked around on a plush sofa. Don't go too far though or the yen will start mounting up!
8. Go for a fang on the Shinkansen
Being from little ol New Zealand where our trains might hit a maximum speed of 45kph (the old shitboxes) doing 300kph on one of these things is quite cool!
9. Check out Osaka
Get on down and have a look at the Glico bridge in Shinsaibashi. Best viewed in the evening, then go get some octopus balls aka 'takoyaki'.
10. Trip out at the vending machines
I'm not sure about your local vending machines, but Japanese ones have more selection than your local supermarket at times. If you are a typical male just stay away from them as when we are presented with more than 2 choices we can't make out minds up, so having 30 is just asking for trouble. HD touchscreen ones are just too good to not have a play with though…
11. Sample the local brews
Leave ya Budweiser, Heineken, and Coopers alone. Japanese beer is actually pretty good!
12. Freak out that all the food in the window is indeed plastic…
BUT IT'S SO REAL! If I could have bought one of em to bring home for a laugh I would have!
13. Eat something new everyday.
Do go down those little alleyways to eat in the little random food shops. You won't get ill, but you will find some of Japan's best food available. Steer clear of those family restaurants if you want proper Japanese food…Russian roulette with the menu is a fun way of eating.
Incase you are wondering this is Hiroshima Okonomiyaki. One of the best things I have ever eaten in Japan.
14. Eat the weird stuff at the conbini too!
I'm not sure what is is exactly but for 160yen you can't go too far wrong surely?
15. Find someone wearing a Kimono to snag a photo
It's the one shot you have to try and get when you go to Japan, and whether it's the real deal or not it still makes for one hell of a picture!
16. Go and meet your idols in person
I'm a self-professed car addict. So being able to meet some of Japan's most influential builders is always awesome. In this instance it's Akira Nakai of RAUH-Welt Begriff.
17. Let your hair down a little…
Japan is a serious country yes…but no one knows who the heck you are! Just don't go getting arrested or anything…
18. Do something you will never forget…
One of those things for me personally is hitting up the Ebisu Drift Matsuri at Ebisu Circuit in Fukushima. 3 days of non-stop drifting. Some of the best times of my life. This is my good buddy Alexi from Straya, cheers for taking me for a skid buddy!
19. Racequeens
If you are a car nutter, you have to check out the promo gals aka 'racequeens' that are at Japan's race meets. They are as much a part of the event as the racing itself…
Friendly, smiley, and always keen for a photo.
Ello ello
20. Go and see 'Sakura'
Nobody does cherry blossom like Japan…simple as that.
21. Bonsai gardens
The gardens in Japan's temples are usually more than 500 years old and they contain some amazing manicured trees. Even if you don't have a green thumb you will appreciate these.
22. Visit the Atomic bomb dome in Hiroshima
This was one of the most moving emotional experiences I have ever had.
I didn't ever expect to be moved like I was when I visited here.
23. Go for a ride in a drift car
If you can ride on this course – Ebisu South, then it's gonna be the most memorable ride you will ever have.
Going sideways at crazy speeds, the car filled with smoke, and the engine bouncing off the limiter will leave you speechless.
24. Check out the crazy automotive culture Japan has on offer
There are some awesome cars, and automotive cultures in Japan (far too many to list quickly) although you won't need to look far to find a good range of them. In this instance it is drift missiles. Beaten up old drift cars used for perfecting drifting technique. If you crash em no worries, it's just a beater anyway 😉
If it's the 'shiny' cars your prefer there is plenty of them around as well.
I know there is a bunch more that I have totally overlooked but ya can't do everything in one trip eh…there is always next time. 😉
12 Comments
This is a great write up, i honestly wish i could afford to move to japan and live in the culture. Breathtaking thank you.
Japan is certainly one of those places which is worth even a holiday when the funds for travel allow. Nothing better than a teaser eh
The teaser makes the idea of going into debt, the best idea I've every come up with.
It was the best decision I ever made 😉
Man I loved Japan when I went last summer, and there's an itch in my heart to go back. Not only am I a big fan of JDM cars, I love anime and manga so I guess visiting Japan held more excitement for me than others.
I was able to visit Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, stay at a ryokan onsen, and I practically tried every single food I possibly can. In terms of number 18 though…..
I happen to be a magician. I did some magic to some school students who just walked into in an ice cream shop. Their reactions were so good and so loud that pretty much every other student in that shop decided to come and watch. When I was done high fives and cheers went around to everyone, and never have I been more proud as a magician. A memory I will never, ever forget.
This was a super awesome write up. I am hoping to visit Japan very soon! Do you think its best to go with a tour guide? If so, can you recommend some? Or just wonder to find the awesomeness Japan holds. Because myself being a huge fan of the Japanese culture would love to visit as many times as possible.
in ebisu we rent a drift car or we buy it??
what cost is it??
You can buy a missile or a better condition drift car, which you can then sell on at the end of the matsuri. Andy and Emily from Powervehicles.com can give you specific information regarding anything to do with the Ebisu Drift Matsuri's.
Japan is the dream.
Where's Alexi anyway, Aaron? No updates from him for so long..
Alexi is around. Shall be catching up with him in November at Ebisu matsuri. He is kicking around withe the Doriten team a bit


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A Brownfield woman remains behind bars on state jail felony charges
after a feud over $10 escalated to the savage vandalism of another
woman's car.
Wine lovers near and far can get a Taste of Terry County this weekend
as the Brownfield Chamber of Commerce hosts its third vineyard festival
to pay tribute to one of our community's fastest growing industries.
is the first festival following Terry County's designation as the
official Grape Capitol of Texas by the state legislature in June.
It's tough all over.
That sums up the news out of the
Terry County Appraisal District as recently announced certified values
show a sharp decline in local tax bases.


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Job ID: 2010-15342
# Positions: 1
Location: US-VA-Arlington
Posted Date: 4/13/2011
Division: DeVry University
Department: Faculty
Employment Type: Temporary Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
About DeVry University:
About DeVry University
Founded in 1931, DeVry University is one of the largest, private sector universities in North America, with more than 76,000 students enrolled in the United States and Canada. The university's mission is to foster student learning through high-quality, career-oriented education integrating technology, business, science and the arts. With more than 90 locations, DeVry University delivers practitioner-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs [1] onsite and online that meet the needs of a diverse and geographically dispersed student population. Home to five colleges of study, including Business & Management, Engineering & Information Sciences, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Media Arts & Technology, DeVry University's outstanding faculty members, work in the fields that they teach, providing students with real-world experiences that prepare them for high-growth careers.
DeVry University is institutionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncahlc.org [2]. DeVry University, a part of DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), is based in Downers Grove, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, find us on Twitter @DeVryUniv, Facebook /DEVRYUNIVERSITY or visit newsroom.devry.edu. [3]
This position is responsible for teaching BIOS-270 (Foundations of Microbiology and Chemistry with Lab). This course introduces basic foundations of chemistry and microbiology using an integrated approach for conceptual and teamwork strategies. Coursework emphasizes practical aspects of the two disciplines through total integration and problem-solving approaches. Basic, organic and biochemistry, including cellular structure and function; characteristics, classification, physiology and pathology of microorganisms; and applied and environmental microbiology are included. The qualified Instructor will be responsible for a variety of tasks such as: developing new strategies to teach the course, preparing handouts, exams and assignments and maintaining positive classroom relationships with students.
This position will be based out of our Arlington (Crystal City), VA Campus.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Develop strategies to teach the course content including instructional objectives, assignments, textbooks, weight of grades and delivery methods.
2. Develop and provide to students with an approved DeVry University syllabus that follows a template established by the local campus. And, successfully delivers each course covering the terminal course objectives indicated in the Curriculum Guide.
3. Organize, prepare and regularly revise/update all materials for the courses they are responsible for teaching.
4. Model exceptional verbal and written communication.
5. Organize and sequence topics in a logical progression and paces the delivery to meet the needs of the course requirements.
6. Utilize related technology (such as PowerPoint, remote access to syllabi and grades, classroom projection systems, course related software, website content, online courses or course components with interactive capabilities) to enhance learning.
7. Establish positive classroom relationships with students by being actively engaged in the classroom and lab. Provides opportunities for in-class discussions and questions and displays enthusiasm about the students, the subject matter, and the learning process.
8. Incorporate higher-level learning (i.e. application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation) by giving students opportunities to develop information literacy and problem-solving skills, and by connecting their current study to lab assignments and previous/future study in the related disciplines.
9. Ensure that the content and level of material included on exams has been adequately covered in class.
10. Design assignments and tests to conform to the objectives of the Curriculum Guide.
Master's degree required with at least 18 graduate credit hours in a related field. Minimum of 3 years related industry and/or academic experience. Prior teaching experience is required. Must have required subject matter expertise, outstanding oral and written communication skills, excellent motivational and instructional skills and ablility to facilitate diverse groups. Candidates need to be able to teach in an online and classroom learning environment. The successful candidate must have the ability to assist students in the design, development, implementation, and management of small to mid-sized team projects. Most of our campus classes meet only once per week but all courses are integrated with a supporting website called eCollege. Faculty and students are required to use the website throughout the week between class meetings.
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. Thank you for applying for this outstanding opportunity today.


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MOSSURIL, Mozambique (TrustLaw) – In the sleepy, fishing town of Mossuril, in northern Mozambique, six-year-old girls sneak into video halls and bars at night to sell their bodies, putting themselves at risk of sexually transmitted infections and, later, life-threatening pregnancies.
"Since the cost of life has skyrocketed, you find kids the age of six in nightclubs looking for men just to make ends meet," Luisa Raquel dos Anjos, who educates members of her local community about sexual and reproductive health, said.
"They start having sex with adults. They get involved in drugs and alcohol."
In the shade of a mango tree, dos Anjos demonstrated condom use on male and female plastic models. The 50-odd village girls and women seated at her feet exploded with laughter.
But a serious message was also conveyed. Only 12 per cent of women of reproductive age in Mozambique use contraception.
Globally, the two leading causes of death of women of reproductive age are HIV/AIDS and complications of pregnancy and childbirth, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
"Girls are dying in this country because they are getting pregnant and infected too early," Patricia Guzman, UNFPA's Mozambique representative, said.
Delaying their sexual debut and increasing the use of contraceptives is key to saving their lives.
The exchange of sex for money or other economic benefits is so common among girls in Mozambique, they even have a special name in Portuguese for the older ones: "catorzinhas" (little fourteens).
"Those are girls of 14, 15 or16, who have a boyfriend the same age and also have an old man. In general, the old man is married to another woman," Debora Nandja, UNFPA's national programme officer for adolescent and young people, said.
"She's looking for an old man to support her with money. You can see the girl loves the boyfriend but she sells her body to the old man."
Such relationships contribute significantly to the spread of HIV/AIDS, which is three times higher among girls aged 15 to 24, at 11 percent, than among boys of the same age.
UNFPA and the government are among those working on a project called Geracao Biz (Busy Generation), which provides young people with information about sexual and reproductive health issues and encourages safe behaviour.
There are 9,000 young activists across the country who educate their age mates about sex and other social issues in schools and in the local community.
"As peer educators, we try to show young girls they have rights and they can choose when to start to have sex and with who," one activist, Margarida Leila, 20, said at a youth-friendly clinic in Mavalane, on the outskirts of the capital Maputo.
"We have early pregnancies because we don't know how to negotiate safer sex. Women think that men are the ones who can decide in the relationship."
A girl is considered ready to start having sex as soon as she begins her periods.
"You have the first menstruation, you go through the rites, and then from that moment you are entitled to become a mother and a wife," said Zulmira Rodrigues, a specialist for culture with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
"If the girl is 10 years old, 12 years old and undergoes the initiation rites, she's seen as fit to fulfil adult sexual reproductive duties."
Although the legal age of marriage is 18, child marriage is part of Mozambique's traditional culture.
"When girls turn 14, they marry and drop out of school," Mario Paciano, the local government's director of education, youth and technology in Mossuril, said.
The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child considers marriage before the age of 18 a human rights violation but most girls in Mozambique marry at 17.5 years old.
Poverty is one of the drivers of child marriage.
"You can imagine in a family where there are 11 kids and their sole income is traditional fishing, the sooner they leave (home), the better, because they reduce the burden on the family," Amancio Vilankulo, a UNFPA communications officer with UNFPA in Mozambique, said.
But child marriage only perpetuates the cycle, trapping the girl and her children deeper into poverty, ignorance and poor health, experts say.
In a society where there is a lot of intergenerational conflict over women's roles and aspirations, Geracao Biz provides young girls with the space and information to make their own decisions about their sexual behaviour.
"We talk with young people about getting education and what kind of changes you can make if you go to school," Nandja of UNFPA, said.
"We talk about the kind of women you want to be."


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(Sacramento) Equality California is proud to announce its sponsorship of five bills in the 2013-14 legislative session focused on reducing discrimination and improving the health and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Californians.
"This legislative package is broad and fundamental," said John O'Connor, EQCA executive director. "With these bills, we will end an unfair tax that singles out LGBT families, improve access to health care for our community and ensure that California taxpayers are not underwriting discrimination by youth-based organizations."
The Youth Equality Act (SB 323), authored by Sen. Ricardo Lara, would remove a special state tax exemption for youth organizations that fail to comply with California's longstanding public policy against discrimination. This bill will encourage organizations such as the Boy Scouts to end their exclusion of LGBT people from leadership and membership.
The Health Insurance Tax Parity Act (AB 362), authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, exempts from state taxation additional income that employees may receive to to offset the federal income taxes they must pay when covering their domestic partner or same-sex spouse under an employer-provided health care plan. This inequity currently results from the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, which does not recognize same-sex partners and spouses. Several employers in California, including Facebook, Google and the City and County of San Francisco, have stepped up to offset the cost for their LGBT employees, and this legislation would remove state tax liability for the value of such compensation.
The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Collection Act (SB 280), coauthored by Sen. Lara and Sen. Ted Lieu, will address one of the biggest barriers to effective health care for LGBT Californians — the lack of accurate data on LGBT Californians means that too often, state services are allocated based on scant information about the size, geography and diversity of the LGBT population.
The LGBT Cultural Competency for Health Care Providers Act (AB 496), authored by Assemblymember Richard Gordon, works to improve health care delivery for LGBT people by increasing the cultural training of health care providers, such as doctors and dentists. Many LGBT people report delaying care or avoiding the health care system altogether due to lack of understanding of LGBT issues by their providers.
The Gender Identity: Name Changes and Birth/Death Certificates Act (AB 1121), authored by Assemblymember Toni Atkins, and cosponsored by the Transgender Law Center, simplifies the expensive and burdensome processes required to legally change a person's name and gender in California. The bill would remove the costly newspaper publication requirement for name changes that can be unaffordable for low-income transgender people and can put their privacy and safety at risk. In addition, the bill would protect the dignity of transgender Californians by ensuring that their gender identity is recognized and honored upon death.
"We are proud to work with five outstanding legislators this session," said O'Connor. "Together, we will continue to advance our mission of full equality for LGBT people and nothing less."
Links to the bills and fact sheets are available at eqca.org/legislation.
Equality California (EQCA) is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy organization in California. Over the past decade, Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to a state with some of the most comprehensive human rights protections in the nation. Equality California has partnered with legislators to successfully sponsor more than 90 pieces of pro-equality legislation. EQCA continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, electoral work, public education and community empowerment. www.eqca.org
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& Equality California PAC
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This hotel has undergone significant renovations since our visit.
We will update our photos and review as soon as we can.
Photos and Review by Oyster.com Investigators
Sprawling resort on Grand Bahama's best piece of real estate
Grand Lucayan dates back to the 1960s and is in one of the most prominent tourist and cruise ship destinations in the Bahamas -- along Lucayan Beach and across the street from the busy Port Lucaya Marketplace and the Marina, which is home to lots of cruises, fishing charters, and the UNESCO dive and dolphin encounter center.
Grand Lucayan, along with its neighboring sister hotel Reef Village, forms a 748-room resort complex. The Grand Lucayan is divided among the large, Art Deco-style Breakers Cay building, the Lanai Suites, and the quiet all-suite Lighthouse Pointe complex. (The property has been rebranded a number of times and ended its affiliation with Radisson in the fall of 2012 to become independent.) With such a wide range of lodging options, couples, families with small children, conventioneers, and wedding parties can all find their niche here.
It can take 20 minutes to walk from the Reef Club on one end of the property all the way down to Lighthouse Pointe. It's a fairly pleasant walk along the landscaped, palm-shadded, and flower-lined network of paths between the buildings, though a bit of a schlep to get, say, from a room in the Breakers Cay building to the gym at Lighthouse Pointe, or from Lighthouse Pointe to Breakers Cay for the breakfast buffet at the Willy Broadleaf restaurant. If you're hauling a stroller or have mobility challenges, all the back-and-forth can be a problem.
Grand Lucayan is somewhat chaotic during the day, especially when the cruisers take to the beach. On the other hand, many guests complain about the lack of on-site evening entertainment. Most of the action is at the nearby casino and the bars within Port Lucaya Marketplace, across the street from the resort.
Competent and comprehensive, but in such a large resort it's not particularly doting
While service at Grand Lucayan doesn't match the level of attentiveness experienced at smaller resorts like The One & Only Ocean Club, staff is universally friendly, helpful and professional. Given the size of the resort complex, expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
The island's best-located resort -- on a beautiful beach and across the street from the main shopping and nightlife complex
Grand Lucayan is located in the liveliest part of Grand Bahama, Port Lucaya. Given the size and scale of the Grand Lucayan complex, and adding in the thousands of cruise ship passengers roaming the Isle of Capri Casino on the grounds, strolling the fairly bustling Port Lucaya Marketplace across the street, or setting off for a booze cruise or a dolphin encounter from the man-made marina and you have one of the most crowded tourist havens in the Caribbean.
Long, picturesque beachfront that's chock full of activities (and other tourists)
Grand Lucayan has arguably the best beach of any hotel on Grand Bahama (though the island offers even better spots, like the remote Gold Beach).
Standard rooms have comfortable beds but cramped bathrooms with disappointing showers; plenty of upgrade options, however.
The hotel's rooms are spacious, clean, and bright, but vary greatly in style depending on which building you're booked into. The largest building, 540-room Breakers Cay, is the most centrally located and has the resort's nicest rooms, including the two-bedroom Prime Minister's suite on the top (10th) floor, replete with a stunning wraparound terrace and private office. The more remote Lightouse Pointe and Lanai Suites are quieter and more spacious -- better suited toward honeymooners, or families looking for extra space -- but their décor is surprisingly sparse.
Superb gym, an extensive tennis facility, and a popular casino -- more than most other resorts in the area
Two infinity pools and a lap pool
Three pools stretch along Grand Lucayan's beachfront, and a kid-friendly zero-entry pool with a waterslide is a short walk away at Reef Village.
Two par-72 golf courses are a five-minute shuttle ride away at the Lucayan Golf Club.
The 18-hole Lucayan Course, designed by Dick Wilson, opened in 1962 and has played host to the Bahama National Open tournament. The 18-hole, links-style Reef Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and has hosted PGA Senior Tour events.
Connecting rooms, a great beach, Camp Lucaya Kids' Club, a pool with a waterslide, and kid-friendly dining options make this a great choice for families.
Grand Lucayan is the most family-friendly resort complex on Grand Bahama. It offers myriad activities, a convenient location, a great beach, four pools, and tons of dining options both on-site and across the street at the Lucaya Marketplace (where you can find cheap, familiar eats like Quiznos and Domino's).
Dining options abound, but the better food is outside the resort, across the street at Lucaya Marketplace or on the beach. Don't miss Billy Joe's!
In the high season Grand Lucayan operates a buffet restaurant, an Asian restaurant, a fine dining Mediterranean restaurant, an upscale Caribbean restaurant, and an outdoor grill. There is also a pool bar, a cigar bar, and a cafe with pastries and sandwiches.
It's the top lodging on Grand Bahama -- immaculate grounds; great beds; convenient, scenic location. It has a wide range of rooms, features, and dining options, but it can feel a bit impersonal.
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Impress your restaurant patrons with the exceptional quality and elegance of new premium cloth-like disposable valet guest-towel designed with the look and feel of real cloth. Each guest towel is noticeably softer and bulkier than standard guest towels, providing the ultimate in absorbency, hand feel, and overall quality. Best of all, there are no hidden costs such as linen service fees, replacement fees, or laundering costs. Each napkin is used only once offering a clean, disposable napkin solution.Up to 2 color printing provides greater flexibility in meeting customer needs. This product contains 100% virgin fibers.
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Award Sponsor: Raymar ArtJudge: Robert LemlerRising Son by Peter Fiore36 x 36 OilJudge's Comments: I am knocked out by this painting. It has a clarity of atmosphere that is very appealing. The strong complimentary colors, sharp value contrasts, interesting brushwork and well suggested detail make this painting very striking! Don't miss the beautiful variation in the color temperature of the snow... - Robert Lemler
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Published at PO Box 96 124 W. St. Clair Romeo, MI 48065. Phone: (586)752-3524 Fax: (586)752-0548
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You are Viewing an Archived IssuePosted: 09/04/13
Starkweather will offer
new fall creative classes
by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer
Learn everything from illustrating and music theory to painting acrylic masterpieces with palette knives this fall.
The Starkweather Arts Center has produced a fall 2013 schedule of creative classes, with sessions available as soon as mid-September and as late as December.
Tracey Ladd, Starkweather Arts Center director, said the center is offering the classes as another way of encouraging art education and appreciation.
"We'd like to provide the community with a high-quality experience with art and creating art," she said. "It's really just looking at our mission as a non-profit organization and trying to come up with the programming that is really going to make an impact in the community."
Classes are broken into youth, adult and special need sessions for ages 13 and up. There is also a Friday workshop series that rotates the subject and instructor from week to week.
Ladd said classes are held during the day or in the evening to try and accommodate for all schedule types.
"We do have evening classes, and that's for everyone who works during the day but still wants to take an art class," she said.
The classes include subjects like figure drawing, watercolor, music theory and collage printing. The Friday series ranges from sketching to creating a mandala, a tool used for meditation.
Private group lessons are also available, which Ladd said can be for anything from a Scout troop to a ladies night out. Groups can call ahead to set up a private lesson.
Ladd said artists of any level, whether they're just starting out or advanced, can attend any of the classes. She said the center wants to promote a laid-back atmosphere for its students.
"A lot of our instructors are very welcoming to beginners as well as all skill levels," Ladd said. "We have a wonderful group of teachers who are very accommodating."
Materials are included in most classes, but some adult classes include a materials fee on top of the class cost. Ladd suggested calling the art center or going online to obtain material lists.
"Some of them it's very simple, it could be paper, graphite and erasers," she said.
A discount is offered to members of the Starkweather Arts Center. Membership is $25 for individuals and $35 for families.
The schedule can be found on the art center's website or by stopping in at the center. Registration can be completed at the art center, online, mailing in a registration form or by calling, and must be done at least two days prior to the class.
For more information, call (586) 752-5700 or visit www.starkweatherarts.com. The Starkweather Arts Center is located at 219 N. Main Street in Romeo.


text: i'm getting ready to buy a new case and thought it would be nice to go ahead and pick up another shaft while i was at it. i know i can get a black dot for 130 on ebay but i figured there was probably a better option out there. i'm shooting a meucci hp2 with red dot now, and my next shaft would have to have at least a 13 inch pro taper. thanks for any feedback. also its on a 3/16 18 pin if it makes a difference


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From the inception of J Street, I and other conservatives have argued that its "pro-Israel" label was false. Both in actions and in words it has revealed itself to be in league with Israel's foes. It has fanned the flames of delegitimization efforts. It has incorporated Hamas's talking points as its own. It has supported candidates most hostile to Israel and to a robust U.S.-Israel relationship.
In case you had any doubt (but really, who but Ron Kampeas does?), this report should clear things up. "J Street co-founder, advisory board member, and international socialite Daniel Levy" helped escort Richard Goldstone around Capitol Hill, and it was his " New America Foundation that hosted a high-caliber lunch for Goldstone."
According to the report, Levy was on an all-star panel of Israel-haters last May ("with Abdel al-Bari Atwan, the editor in chief of al-Quds al-Arabi, NAF Strategic Program Director Steve Clemons, surreal Hamas apologist and one-stater Allister Sparks, and accused terrorist Basheer Nafi") when he shared this:
One can be a utilitarian two-stater, in other words think that the practical pragmatic way forward is two states. This is my understanding of the current Hamas position. One can be an ideological two-stater, someone who believes in exclusively the Palestinian self-determination and in Zionism; I don't believe that it's impossible to have a progressive Zionism. Or one can be a one-stater. But in either of those outcomes we're going to live next door to each other or in a one state disposition. And that means wrapping one's head around the humanity of both sides. I believe the way Jewish history was in 1948 excused — for me, it was good enough for me — an act that was wrong. I don't expect Palestinians to think that. I have no reason — there's no reason a Palestinian should think there was justice in the creation of Israel.
His remarks also apparently included the assertion that it was "'natural' for Gazans to want to attack Israelis." I await the denial by Soros Street, the production of the complete transcript, and then the emergence of the pro-J Street spin squad to explain that Levy didn't really mean what he said. Or J Street doesn't believe this. Or whatever. But I think those who have given money to J Street or accepted endorsements or cash from it under the pretense that it was a pro-Israel group were defrauded. And I think J Street is kaput.


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EEES has a Departmental Advisory Board and three Professional Advisory Boards
Dr. Sally Benson, Stanford University
Mr. Steve Cawood, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood Inc.
Dr. Stephen Graef, Private Consultant/Renewable Water Resourcs (retired)
Dr. Bob Hatcher, University of Tennessee
Dr. William R. Heatley, Jr., Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Mr. Stephen T. Henry, USDA-NRCS
Dr. Alice Murray, Savannah River National Laboratory
Dr. Deborah Swackhamer, University of Minnesota
Ms. Chris Peralta Thompson, Tennessee Department of Environment and Convervation
Mr. Stephen Henry (Chair), USDA-NRCS
Mr. J. P. Johns, Woolpert LLP
Dr. Nhuan (John) P. Ngheim, USDA ARS
Dr. Lalit Verma, University of Arkansas
Mr. Wendell Voiselle, DSM Nutritional Products
Mr. James M. Cashwell, Olin Corporation
Dr. Stephen Graef (Chair), Stephen Graef LLC
Dr. Nancy Love, University of Michigan
Dr. Sean Scuras, Tetra Tech
Mr. Morgan Young, Black & Veatch
Mr. Larry Haynes, Duke Energy
Mr. Larry Camper, Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Dr. Scott Reboul, Savannah River National Laboratory
Dr. Nolan Hertel, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Alice Murray (Chair), Savannah River National Laboratory
Open the original version of this page.
Usablenet Assistive is a UsableNet product. Usablenet Assistive Main Page.


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From per adult/week
The Club Med Resort of Da Balaia has 372 rooms divided between 3 hotels connected by glass passages. The "La Tour" hotel is on 12 floors and faces the pool. The "Pyramide" hotel is the 5-floor main building with 2-floor wings, near the tennis courts. The "Golf" hotel: 7 floors some distance from the centre of the Resort near the golf Clubhouse.All buildings have elevators
A spacious Deluxe room, generous comfort in an elegant atmosphere, with a pleasant furnished terrace. On several floors of the "Golf" or in the Tower hotel
A room with simple comfort to live Club Med in all freedom, located in the "Golf" hotel and with the benefits of a fully-equipped balcony.
Consider the advantages of our other rooms, the Hotel Club Room, in the "La Tour" and "Pyramide" hotels, with fully-equipped terrace, this room offers you views of the park, or the Sea View Hotel Club Room, in the "La Tour" and "Pyramide" hotels, with fully-equiped terrace, this room offers you panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean.
A spacious and elegant suite with its fully-equipped terrace where you will be able to enjoy top of the range comfort with view of the gardens or the pitch and putt.
On several floors of the "Golf" hotel. Or consider the advantages of an exclusive Sea View Suite, unique in the resort, with a panoramic view of the sea from your balcony in the heart of the resort and located on the 4th floor in the main building of the "La Tour" hotel and on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th and 5th floors of the "Pyramide" hotel.
Price is per adult, based on double occupancy (room category based on availability).
Membership fees of $60/adult are not included in the price calendar.
Prices and availability updated 12 hours ago
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- 10
- people in the U.S. have this name View Priscilla Ziegler on Whitepages
Meaning & Origins
Of New Testament origin: from a post-classical Latin personal name, a feminine diminutive of the Roman family name Priscus 'ancient'. Priscilla was the name of a woman with whom St Paul stayed at Corinth (Acts 18:3), referred to elsewhere as Prisca. The name was in regular use in the late 16th century and enjoyed a modest vogue in the 19th century.
|513th in the U.S.
German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): occupational name for a tiler, from an agent derivative of Middle High German ziegel 'roof tile' (Old High German ziagal, from Latin tegula), German Ziegel. In the Middle Ages the term came to denote bricks as well as tiles, and so in some cases the term may have denoted a brickmaker or bricklayer rather than a tiler.
|1,304th in the U.S.
Nicknames & variations
Priscila, Priscella, Priscille, Prisciliano, Prisciliana, Priscill, Prisilla, Priscillia, Priscilia, Prisila
Ziegenfuss, Zieger, Ziegenhorn, Ziegenbein, Zieg, Ziegelbauer, Ziegenhagen, Ziegel, Ziegert, Ziegenfus


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Door opens to playing time for Duke KR-S DeVon Edwards
While it's not the manner in which he wanted to get the chance, Duke redshirt freshman DeVon Edwards finds himself with an increasing role for the Blue Devils this week.
Freshman safety Deondre Singleton is serving a one-game suspension for missing academic obligations. Freshman wide receiver and kick returner Johnell Barnes broke his hand in a Sept. 29 fight at Shooters II.
Because of their off-field issues, Edwards is taking over Barnes' kick-return duties and could see more playing time on defense with Singleton out when Duke plays Navy on Saturday (12:30 p.m., WRAL) at Wallace Wade Stadium.
"You never know what can happen," Edwards said.
After redshirting last season, Edwards has returned one kick this season for the Blue Devils while serving as a reserve at cornerback and safety on defense.
This week in practice, he's taking repetitions as Duke's top kick returner with sophomore running back Shaquille Powell as the secondary returner.
While Barnes has averaged 20.4 yards per return, Cutcliffe said Edwards is a threat as well.
"He is a dynamic runner with the football," Cutcliffe said. "He is very good with the football. He is explosive, he's fast and he's quick."
Cutcliffe said a glance at game film from Edwards' days at Alcovy High School in Covington, Ga., is convincing enough. Edwards averaged 41 yards per kickoff return and brought four back for touchdowns.
"They stopped kicking it to him," Cutcliffe said with a chuckle.
Edwards' previous special teams experience could help him his return role as well. Before being moved to returner, he played up front on the kick-return team.
"I play the front line so I know what happens up front," Edwards said. "That will give me a better chance for a read before I hit the hole."
On defense, Duke will get starting safety Dwayne Norman back this week. Before Duke's bye week, Norman missed the 38-31 win over Troy on Sept. 28 with a leg injury.
Corbin McCarthy and Jeremy Cash will start at the other safety positions.
With Singleton, who started in place of Norman, out, Edwards may get more playing time there in a reserve role. After playing cornerback in spring practice and preseason camp, Edwards was asked to learn the safety positions in late August.
Cutcliffe is happy with his progress.
"We moved him from corner to safety and he's getting more and more comfortable back there," Cutcliffe said.
Edwards is glad to do whatever he can to help Duke.
"The more everybody knows," Edwards said, "the better for the defense."


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For the typical American Catholic, seeing Cardinal Tim Dolan, the country's top bishop, give the closing prayer at the GOP convention was the big political event of the summer. But for Catholics who know how the church really operates in Washington, something far more significant went down last week: John Carr retired.
For the past quarter-century, Carr has been the most important policy adviser to the country's Catholic bishops, their Karl Rove on everything from health care to clergy sex abuse. He describes himself as "a 62-year-old, white, round, church bureaucrat," but Carr's career is a road map for how Catholicism and politics have mixed in Washington for a generation.


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As part of Road Trip 2015, CNET visits Mcity, a 32-acre fake city in Michigan designed to test self-driving cars' navigation and communication abilities -- and to keep research from migrating to Silicon Valley.
As the tech industry eyes ways to improve its diversity, the social network publishes an internal training course on "managing unconscious bias."
For Road Trip 2015, CNET travels to Vietnam to explore how its citizens are beefing up their technical know-how for the digital age.
Technically Incorrect: A British artist plugs his iPhone into a train power outlet. An officer of the law doesn't like that.
Want to be a smarter player? The 32-panel Adidas miCoach Smart Ball is filled with Bluetooth sensors which help by giving you immediate feedback on your kick's speed, power and curve.
Exposure to traffic noises doesn't just make us madder. It may also make us fatter, according to a new study from Sweden.
An avowed techie enjoys slowing down and taking in crumbling buildings, faded western towns and colorful freight engines from the window of a train from Albuquerque to New York City.
Commentary: A slow rail journey from Albuquerque to New York City gives Crave writer Amanda Kooser plenty of time to contemplate how trains fit into a world where so many people prize velocity.
In its biggest acquisition yet, LinkedIn will bring Lynda.com's library of online courses to the professional network's 300 million members.
A 13-year-old boy walks home along railway tracks. The train driver allegedly sounds his horn. The boy doesn't hear.


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As promised, below a beautiful sketch, featuring the bespoke harness by Mathieu Mirano, Gaga wore in the "Back Onstage" scene of the video.
The harness took 4 days to complete and is made from burnt duct tape, safety pins, and Swarovski crystals.
"Everything about it custom, including the chain, which we created and customized for Gaga", Mathieu told me when I asked him about the piece: "Also, the entire harness can be taken apart and reconfigured. We created the harness in a way where it can be customized and styled however we wanted it to be. All the straps and cups are interchangeable and able to be switched around".
Brandon Maxwell and Mathieu Mirano's inspiration behind the bespoke accessory was Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer, World War I courtesan, and convicted war spy:
"It was meant to invoke a more "broken down" version of Mata Hari. Very lower east side New York City stripper. Pairing it with the archival Galliano gown gave the perfect juxtaposition of concept, having something light and airy come together with something more hardcore and edgy".
Photo credit: courtesy of Mathieu Mirano


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"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6
Are you hungering and thirsting for righteousness as you seek to have your marriage touched and restored by your Heavenly Father? Are you seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness? We, as believers, are to seek first the Lord's righteousness. Have you ever seen a new believer at your church? They want to learn as much as they can. They come to all the church services. They read the Bible constantly, wanting to grow in the Lord. Do you remember when you accepted the Lord?
The above paragraph was the beginning of my teaching on Monday evening at our Pompano Rejoice Bible Study. I promised the many standers who came to Bible Study that I would finish my teaching about righteousness as every stander should pursue and strive for it. There is a promise in Matthew 5:6 (above) which says: you will be filled when you hunger and thirst for righteousness.
The standers who came to our Pompano Bible study were blessed as they heard about three restored marriages.
As we opened in singing, a woman grabbed me and started sobbing. I did not know immediately what was wrong. She then said, "My husband has come home after 12 years and I have brought him to meet you!" She handed me a bouquet of flowers which included five beautiful red roses. (You must listen to our Bible study to understand the meaning of the flowers.) I asked her if she wanted to share her praise report and she said, "Yes!" After the song finished, I announced to everyone that a restored marriage had just walked in and they came to praise the Lord.
I then asked if anyone wanted to share a testimony. The first testimony to our group was that one of our faithful standers for 13 years was able to praise the Lord that she got remarried to her husband by a pastor on June 19 at their home as her husband, Jimmy, has been sick and homebound. Her husband called and planned everything. Everyone was praising the Lord for their remarriage. Please pray for a total healing for Jimmy's body, soul and spirit.
Then the couple who talked to me came to the podium and shared their testimony. Her husband has been home for a month, but while Vivian was sharing, her husband took the mike and also shared briefly. To God be the glory! I asked if we have another other praise report or another restored marriage and a young prodigal husband who has attended our last two meetings came up and shared his testimony of returning home a few months ago. Our Bible study was blessed to see hearts and lives being transformed. Never give up on your marriage as God is in the marriage restoration business. You can download a complete audio file of last night's Bible Study from our Rejoice Pompano webpage by clicking here.
The first scripture in this devotional, Matthew 5:6, is one of the most important verses in the Sermon on the Mount. The scripture below, which is Matthew 6:33, actually summarizes the Sermon on the Mount which says:
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
Jesus was telling the Disciples to continually seek holiness living in righteousness and then material things would be given to them. As Jesus said, "Your Heavenly Father cares for even the birds!"
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:26
What is the meaning of righteousness?
- In the Nelson's Reference Companion it says:To inherent or imputed guiltlessness before God; acting in accord to God's laws
- In theVine's Complete Expository Dictionary the meaning says: It is the character or quality of being right or just.
A new stander, at the end of the evening, accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of her life. The scripture below describes what happened to her Monday evening.
Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:20b-21
How can you learn to live this life of righteousness? Paul wrote the book of Romans to the believers at Rome by writing the gospel that he had been preaching for 25 years. He wanted to explain his message and theology. In the first chapter, Paul explains how the righteous will live:
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:16-17
You can only demonstrate the Lord Jesus Christ's righteousness by obeying His commands. This is done by striving daily to be more like Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit and showing the Lord's love toward everyone.
I pray that you will seek and grow in the basic requirements for all godly living which is to "hunger and thirst for righteousness." The enemy goes after each of us in different ways to keep us from praying and talking to the Lord daily, reading and studying the Word of God, walking in His righteousness, or believing in God's power, strength, grace, and mercy for us.
Examine yourself today and choose to strive to become like Noah or Abraham, when God had a divine plan and purpose for them. They had to choose to be obedient, listen to God's voice and believe. They did not listen to others, who did not believe them. We have the Holy Spirit, so you must listen for His voice of instructions and hunger and thirst for the Lord's righteousness. You will never be the same!
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7
And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir." Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:3-6
Charlyne Steinkamp
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
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Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8


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Friday, January 29, 2010
© Copyright 2015 Newton Citizen
The Newton Citizen Poll is a compilation of opinions submitted by readers. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Citizen newspapers. If you agree or disagree with something you read here, you may respond by e-mailing firstname.lastname@example.com. Please keep your comments brief.
"I don't understand with all the taxes we pay on property why jail inmates cannot eat properly. I understand that they are in jail, but I also understand that the county gets anywhere from $150 to $180 a day to take care of them."
The inmates receive a minimum of 2800 calories or more per day. Each inmate receives three meals a day at a cost of $1.70 per meal. Our average cost to care for the inmates at our facility is currently $45.00 a day for basic needs, excluding medical. As the Detention Administrator of this facility I take pride in running a clean professionally ran operation. I would invite any citizen or government official to visit our facility and see firsthand the care we give to anyone that is placed into our custody or visits our facility .-- Detention Administrator Capt. Sammy Banks
"More affordable housing in Newton? Great idea! Then we can have more ghettos and that will lead to more crime. Like we don't have enough already?"
"Well, it appears Mr. Whatley hasn't gotten the message from the people -- 'No Frills Government.' You said it was the best decision at the time ... Let's review -- 1. Out of town location when you could stay in town and save on room and food expense: 2. Not lowest bid. Your decision-making should worry the citizens of Covington! I wonder, would you have made the same decision if it was your money and you were on a fixed budget. And no, we the voters are not stupid as you suggest, we know what a retreat is. Enjoy yours on our money. Hopefully it will be your last as a councilman ... "
"Mike Whatley, you should not try and pop and speak. For one, the people (your bosses) are tired of stupid responses and idiotic excuses for every issue that politicians have. No one needs to go out of town to have a 'retreat.' Times are too tough. Many government employees are being let go or furloughed just to save a few dollars so you and your cronies can 'get away' and do the work you need to do in town. Spend, spend, spend is all anyone out there hears these days. You need to take a step back, open those ears and listen to the people that really run this city and county (the people). Let their money go. It is for use on really needed projects. Not a trip for you. This is our money. We let you use it. We can always take that power away from you on Election Day. And I think I will start that campaign."
"'The day the Bush administration took over from President Bill Clinton in 2001, America enjoyed a $236 billion budget surplus -- with a projected 10-year surplus of $5.6 trillion. When the Bush administration left office, it handed President Obama a $1.3 trillion deficit -- and projected shortfalls of $8 trillion for the next decade.' The $133 billion T.A.R.P. was signed by Bush. The entire projected 10-year cost of our involvement in Iraq is $1 trillion, or $100 billion a year. Wonder why we are in the economic situation that exists now? Look at the last 10 years. Decisions in 2009 by the current administration were made to keep us out of deep depression and bread lines. Facts -- truth ... not misinformation. Amazes me how quickly people forget ... Keep watching FOX news channel and believing the misinformation and hate they spin ... "
"I have not lived in Newton County very long. I moved here last year to be closer to my daughter and grandchildren. I do not understand the manner in which the city of Covington and Newton County decide how tax money is spent. All during the year, especially when school starts, supplies and donations are given to DFACS for children in foster care. Apparently not enough money is allocated to pay for these children's basic needs. While this is happening, a very large sum of tax money is being given to the adults at the Chamber of Commerce who can easily pay $55 a person to attend a meeting. I cannot understand an affluent adult in good conscience taking this money when the poorest of children's needs are not being met, and also when just plain citizens give from their pockets to purchase safety vests for our law enforcement. Perhaps a lifelong resident of the county will write this paper and explain this to me."
"It is pretty sad when the pro-choice agenda condemns CBS for selling an ad to a group with different ideas than theirs. Reminds me of what Obama does to people who disagree with him and his agenda. At least the pro-choice people don't try to 'bribe' people to change their minds and principles. It really worked on the senator from Nebraska and from Louisiana. When is Obama going to become more transparent and accountable for his actions since taking office over a year ago? How long is he going to continue blaming Bush for all the problems Americans are now facing? He needs to wake up and start fulfilling the promises he made on the campaign trail. He needs to focus on jobs; improving the economy; protecting us from terrorist attacks; no tax increases; and then a workable health care system that both sides of the aisle can agree to vote on and pass. If things do not change and Obama gets his priorities straight, we will show him and his congress in November -- what real change is by replacing those in Congress who are up for reelection and are not listening to their constituents."
"Isn't it interesting that J.C. Henderson says he couldn't afford him a lawyer so he wanted a public defender. Now all of a sudden he hired ... John Strauss. Where did this money come from? I would be interested to know the answer to that."
"I was calling about the guy in Atlanta wanting to start his own basketball league with just white players. My take on it is simple -- his money is going to be spent for the players. Let him buy who he wants to. As far as race is concerned, what about BET -- how many white people do they have on that? What about the Ms. Black America pageant? How many white people do they have on that?"
"Get ready Newton County employees for another round of furloughs, layoffs, pay cuts. Rumor has it the Fire Department alone must cut 5 percent. Which means layoffs and more made-up holidays to be able to take more money from the county employees. The Fire Department has problems with retention already. The county offers no pension like other fire departments. Hopefully after the upcoming budget the firefighters will not go somewhere else."
"Re: City Council's Retreat All the 'bonding' that creates alliances within the City Council could be created at a one-day retreat somewhere in Covington, perhaps at a hotel as suggested by Mr. Sigman in his statements to the news media. The focus has been on money spent outside the county and on the cost of retreat hotel rooms. How about the $5,000 to be spent on a facilitator from Conyers? Isn't the mayor capable of being the facilitator, enumerating out good points and problems ... resulting in possible solutions? Do we have to have a Conyers facilitator just because other cities adopted this practice several years ago? Are we sheep?"
"It might be interesting to do a follow-up on the mayor's office ... pictures, costs, etc."
"It might be interesting to do series on our Newton County industries. Most of us don't even know what is here. I've always been interested, for instance, in the perfume factory that makes the bottles. Do the French workers actually go back to France every six months? How many work in that factory? Pictures, human interest, contributions to the community for all the series! Fun!"
More like this story
- Newton Poll - 02/06/2010 ( February 5, 2010 )
- Whatley slams media for retreat coverage ( January 21, 2010 )
- Council to hold retreat at Brasstown ( December 22, 2009 )
- County retreat set for Burge ( February 8, 2010 )
- Monastery offers variety of retreats for 2011 ( January 8, 2011 )