text:
An apparatus (10) for automatically adjusting the viewing angle of a liquid crystal display (LCD) (12) is provided. The apparatus (10) includes a controller (26), an LCD driver (28), a memory (30), and a user interface (34). The apparatus (10) is software enabled to perform a screen flip function while concurrently adjusting the viewing angle to correspond to the new screen orientation. The viewing angle is automatically adjusted without user intervention. The apparatus (10) has particular value where the keypads (22) are located on only one side of its display (12). In this manner, the apparatus (10) can be conveniently used by both left-handed and right-handed users.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a display capable of being positioned in first and second orientations; and
a controller, operatively coupled to the display, configured to control a function that provides output to the display and to change contrast of the output of the function from a first contrast level to a second contrast level in response to the display changing position from the first orientation to the second orientation; and
a driver configured to provide to the display at least two contrast signals including a first contrast signal responsive to the display being positioned in the first orientation and a second contrast signal responsive to the display being positioned in the second orientation, the first contrast signal providing a contrast level on the display that is different from a contrast level provided on the display by the second contrast signal.
2. The apparatus of
3. The apparatus of
4. The apparatus of
5. The apparatus of
6. The apparatus of
The invention relates to liquid crystal displays and, more particularly, to a liquid crystal display for a hand-held apparatus that is adapted for use in different orientations.
The explosion in the use of hand-held electronic devices, such as organizers, pagers and cellular telephones including liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to provide text and/or graphical output to the user, has been dramatic in recent years. LCDs are desirable because of their small size and weight and low power requirements which makes them ideal for use with hand-held electronic devices. LCDs are also capable of displaying different types of images, such as characters, graphics, captured images, such as photographs, or the like. Many LCDs are reflective, meaning that they use only ambient light to illuminate the display. Others require an external light source such as a back lit computer display screen.
LCDs do have drawbacks, such as with respect to their viewing angle. The viewing angle of an LCD defines the field of view in which a user can see characters or images displayed by the LCD, relative to the display surface of the LCD. With conventional LCDs, the viewing angle is limited, and thus, characters or images on these LCDs are not visible from all possible views. Moreover, items displayed on LCDs normally exhibit asymmetrical visibility, which means that the visibility of a character or image depends not only on the angle at which the LCD is viewed, but also depends on the direction at which the LCD is viewed. The viewing angle and contrast setting of an LCD are closely related and both are controlled by a drive voltage applied to the LCD. As the applied drive voltage changes, so does the viewing angle of the LCD. Each different LCD viewing angle is associated with a different viewing angle cone for the user so that depending on the relative position of the user and LCD, there is a particular voltage that produces an optimum LCD viewing angle for providing a viewing angle cone for the user that maximizes the visibility of the characters on the screen.
Typically, a user adjustment is provided such as by a knob that controls a potentiometer or variable resistor of a contrast adjustment circuit for the LCD. Accordingly, manual operation of the control knob adjusts the drive voltage applied to the LCD for adjusting the viewing angle thereof. Other types of user/operator interfaces also are known such as with control keys for operating Windows or icon based software programs that allow for a contrast adjustment mode to be selected. In the contrast adjustment mode, different contrast settings can be selected according to user preferences. In this manner, different levels of drive voltage and thus viewing angles can be keyed into the device for changing the viewing angle of the LCD under microprocessor control. However, where the device is consistently disposed in orientations that are different but predictable relative to the user, it is undesirable to have to continually adjust the contrast setting to obtain the appropriate viewing angle for the LCD. This occurs with hand-held electronic devices that are used by both right and left-handed people, for instance.
For example, clip-on type organizers are known that can be attached to the back of a cellular telephone so that the information stored in the organizer can be shared with and/or used by the phone such as for allowing one-touch calling of a number stored in the organizer. Where the keys are asymmetrically arranged on the organizer, i.e., on one side or the other of the LCD, the user can be at a disadvantage depending on which hand they tend to hold the phone with. For instance, where the keys are arranged on the right-hand side of the LCD for use by right-handed users with the phone held in the left hand and generally facing downwardly so that the organizer LCD can be viewed, the characters are in their standard, upright readable position on the screen. However, with a left-handed user who tends to hold the phone in their right hand to keep their left hand free for punching the keys on the phone and organizer, when they turn the phone so that it faces downwardly for viewing the LCD of the organizer clipped onto the back of the phone, the keys will now be on the left hand side of the LCD with the characters appearing inverted from their standard, upright readable position. To accommodate both right and left-handed users, the orientation of the characters can be shifted or rotated 180° so that when the left-handed user views the LCD, the characters will appear in their standard, upright readable position thereon.
It is also true that the organizer LCD screen will generally be at a different orientation relative to the user depending on whether they hold the organizer in their right or left hand with the keys accessible to their free strong hand. At different orientations, the visibility of the LCD display can vary greatly because the orientations can entail different viewing angles and different viewing directions. This can be a serious problem where both right and left-handed people use the same phone and organizer, or where the phone and organizer are regularly held in either hand, during operation or when the organizer is detached due to the configuration of the phone antenna or flipped-open portion of the phone. Thus, each time a user holds the phone with the hand opposite to the one previously used, employed or where a single user uses different hands for holding the organizer alone versus when it is clipped to the phone, an adjustment will have to be made to the contrast setting and viewing angle to accommodate for the different orientations of the screen.
Accordingly, there is a need for a hand-held electronic device that allows it to be used when held in either the right or left hand of a user while keeping the visibility of the images on the LCD maximized. More particularly, a hand-held electronic device that includes keys asymmetrically arranged relative to an LCD screen thereon, and where the characters on the screen can be shifted and rotated so that they can be read in their upright position by both right and left-handed users of the device, is needed where the viewing angle of the LCD is automatically adjusted to accommodate both right and left-handed users without requiring manual adjustments to the contrast setting.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention in the form of an organizer showing a housing of the organizer including an LCD and input keys mounted to one side of the LCD and removably attached to another hand-held electronic device in the form of a cellular telephone;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the organizer detached from the cellular telephone showing characters displayed on the LCD in a predetermined orientation relative to the keys for right-handed users of the organizer;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 with the housing rotated 180° for use by left-handed users so that the keys are now disposed on the left-hand side of the LCD and the characters are rotated 180° relative to their orientation depicted in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a view of the organizer showing a screen of the LCD that allows for adjustments to the contrast setting and the orientation of the characters which automatically adjusts the LCD viewing angle to maximize the visibility of the characters thereon when the character orientation is shifted;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of control circuitry for the LCD showing a programmable controller which automatically adjusts the drive voltage applied to the LCD when a screen flip switch is operated to reorient the image displayed on the LCD;
FIG. 6 is a graph depicting the relationship of the LCD viewing angle, θ, to the LCD drive voltage, V;
FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the LCD showing a first LCD viewing angle, θ1, and a user viewing angle cone associated therewith;
FIG. 8 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 7 showing a second LCD viewing angle, θ2, and a user viewing angle cone associated therewith;
FIG. 9 is a plan view of the organizer detached from the cellular phone showing the keys on the right-hand side of the screen for use by a right-handed user;
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the organizer of FIG. 9 showing a flanged end of the housing for being plugged into the cellular phone;
FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the organizer showing an electrical connector on the flanged end and a spring clip at the other end of the organizer;
FIG. 12 is an elevational view showing the attachment of the organizer to the cellular phone;
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 12 with the organizer removably attached to the phone and showing the phone flipped open for use; and
FIG. 14 shows a flow chart diagram illustrating a method of operating the control circuitry shown in FIG. 5.
It is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus that automatically adjusts the LCD drive voltage of an electronic display to accommodate a predetermined rotation of the display. In adjusting the LCD drive voltage, the apparatus can also account for a preselected contrast setting determined by a user.
The apparatus can include an LCD, an LCD driver, a user interface, and a controller. The user interface permits a user to select a predetermined orientation of the LCD. In response to the user input, the controller directs the LCD driver to apply a drive voltage to the LCD. The drive voltage can be determined so that optimized visibility of the display is maintained despite shifting of the LCD predetermined orientation. Further, this drive voltage determination takes into account user adjustments made to the contrast setting for optimal viewing in one substantially predetermined orientation of the LCD when shifted to another substantially predetermined LCD orientation.
This arrangement permits hand-held electronic devices having keypads located asymmetrically relative to the LCD such as on one side thereof to be easily operated by either right-handed or left-handed users.
In FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 is shown including a screen 12 for displaying information to a user thereof via indicia or characters 14 in the form of text and/or graphical images thereon. As shown, the apparatus 10 is removably attached to a hand-held electronic device 16 which can use and/or share the information displayed on the screen 12 in its operation. The apparatus 10 can be used by itself or in conjunction with the device 16. In this regard, the apparatus 10 and device 16 are provided with a detachable electronic connection 18 therebetween, as will be discussed more fully hereinafter.
The apparatus 10 includes a small, lightweight housing 20 so as to be readily portable by a user from one location to another without taking up much space. In this regard, the screen 12 of the apparatus 10 is an LCD screen 12 mounted to the housing 20 which enables the overall size and weight of the apparatus 10 to be kept to a minimum. Input keys, generally designated 22, are provided on the housing 20 arranged to one side of the LCD 12. For both left and right-handed users to operate the keys 22 without having to reach across the LCD screen 12 with their strong hand, a screen flipping function is incorporated into software programming of control circuitry 24 for the apparatus 10 and the LCD 12 thereof, with the circuitry 24 being disposed in the housing 20 of the apparatus 10.
In this regard, the apparatus 10 utilizes a programmable microprocessor controller 26 that is programmed with the screen flipping function and to automatically adjust the viewing angle, θ, of the LCD 12, as described herein.
More particularly and with reference to FIG. 5, the circuitry 24 includes a controller 26, a memory 30, a user interface 34 and an LCD driver 28. A bus 35 couples and permits communication between the above-listed components. The LCD driver 28 can supply row and column drive signals, as well as drive voltage levels, to an LCD 12.
The controller 26 can be a 6800 series microprocessor from Motorola, Inc., executing one or more software routines to perform the functions of the circuitry 24 as described herein. The software routines can be stored in an internal memory (not shown) of the controller 26 or the memory 30.
The memory 30 can be non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), an electrically-erasable PROM (EEPROM), or the like. The memory 30 can store program instructions and data, such as user selected settings, predetermined offset drive voltage values, and LCD drive voltage values.
The user interface 34 can be any means for permitting users to select or input commands and data into the apparatus 10. The interface 34 can include the conventional push-button keys 22 for generating interrupts that cause the controller 26 to execute one or more predetermined software routines for gathering user inputs. In addition, the interface can include conventional potentiometers for setting LCD screen display characteristics, such as contrast, brightness, or the like. Alternatively, as described below in connection with FIG. 4, the user interface 34 can include a keypad used in conjunction with a graphical user interface (GUI) having scrollable menus that permit users to select various operational settings for the apparatus 10.
The LCD driver 28 can be any electronic circuit responsive to the controller 26 for generating an LCD drive voltage in accordance with the present invention. For example, the LCD driver 28 can be implemented using an LCD Segment/Common Driver, Part No. MC 141800A, from Motorola, Inc.
The bus 35 can use a conventional bus protocol, such as one available with 6800 series processors, for transferring data, commands and control signals between the components connected thereto.
The circuit structure shown in FIG. 5 is exemplary, and it should be noted that many alternative, equivalent architectures are possible for implementing the present invention. For example, the circuitry 24 can be equivalently implemented using custom circuits, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or alternative types of microprocessors and LCD drivers that are commercially available and capable of being configured to function in accordance with the invention.
Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown an exemplary method 100 of operating the circuit 24 in accordance with the present invention. In step 102, a user request to perform the screen flipping function is received at the user interface 34. As described below in greater detail, the screen flipping function essentially rotates the items displayed on the LCD 180° about the LCD screen. In addition to flipping the screen, the circuitry 24 can adjust the LCD drive voltage to approximately adjust the viewing angle for each screen flip.
Upon receiving the flip screen request, the controller 26 is alerted to the request. In response, the controller 26 can access the memory 30 to retrieve a preselected user-defined contrast setting entered via the user interface 34, as described in connection with FIG. 4. Next, in step 106, the controller 26 computes a drive voltage value by adding or subtracting an LCD voltage offset value to the retrieved contrast setting value. Alternatively, the drive voltage can be retrieved from a look-up table stored in the memory 30. In using a look-up table, the offset value and user contrast setting can be combined so that they may be used as look-up table address.
In step 108, the controller 26 can command the LCD driver 28 to adjust its output LCD drive voltage according to the LCD drive level computed or retrieved by the controller 26.
Next, in step 110, the controller 26 can command the LCD driver 28 to re-map the LCD rows and columns in order to flip the screen by 180°. In the implementation using Motorola Part No. 141800A, the screen flip can be accomplished by the controller 26 issuing a re-map column command to the driver 28, followed by a re-map row command.
The controller 26 controls the LCD drive voltage drive, V, which is generated by the LCD driver 28 for driving the LCD 12 under program control. A value representing an initial LCD drive voltage can be stored by the controller 26 in the memory 30 so that it can be retrieved by the controller 26 when the apparatus 10 is turned on. In some instances, the stored drive voltage level can be overwritten in the memory 30 by a particular contrast setting selected by a user via the user interface 34.
Accordingly, the user interface 34 includes a screen flip switch which when operated causes the controller 26 via its programming to undertake the character reorientation so that the characters 14 are shifted from the predetermined orientation currently being displayed on the screen 12. More specifically, the character reorientation involves orienting the characters 12 so that they can be read in their standard, upright position when the housing 20 is held with the input keys 22 oriented on the right side of the screen 12 as when a right hand user is holding the apparatus 10 with their left hand, leaving their right hand free to operate the keys 22, as shown in FIG. 2, or to the position of FIG. 3 where the housing 20 is rotated 180° relative to the user with the keys 22 now on the left hand side of the screen 12 so that with a left-hand user holding the housing 20 with their right hand, their left hand is free to access the keys 22 without obstructing their view of the screen 12.
The LCD screen 12 has opposite sides 38 and 40. With the screen flip switch operated so that the characters 14 appearing on the LCD screen 12 are in their upright, standard readable position relative to the user with the input keys 22 accessible for a right-hand user, the character "M" designated 15 will appear on screen half portion 13 and be closer to side 38 of the screen 12 than side 40 as shown in FIG. 2. On the other hand, when the screen flip switch is operated so that a left-handed user can hold the housing 20 with their right hand flipped 180° from its FIG. 2 position with the keys 22 accessible to their free left hand, the character 15 also will be shifted or rotated by 180° from its position of FIG. 2 so that it now appears on the other half portion 17 of the screen 12 flipped over so as to be in its standard, upright readable position closer to side 40 of the screen 12 than side 38, as shown in FIG. 3.
In accordance with the invention, at the same time the screen flip switch is actuated by a user, the controller 26 is programmed to determine an offset voltage. The offset voltage can be combined with the selected contrast setting stored in the memory 30 for being applied to the LCD 12. In this manner, the screen 12, although held in different orientations relative to the user, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, will have the characters 14 appearing thereon automatically maximized in visibility. This is because the adjusted voltage will automatically compensate for the reorientation of the screen 12 when the housing 20 is reoriented from one of the FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 positions to the other position. Thus, the visibility of the characters 14 in both of their upright positions relative to the user is automatically maximized irrespective of whether the housing 20 and thus the screen 12 mounted thereon is in the FIG. 2 or the FIG. 3 position in the apparatus 10 herein. Accordingly, the apparatus 10 herein includes circuitry where a portion thereof is for automatically adjusting the LCD drive voltage and thus its viewing angle as an incidence of the reorientation of the characters 14 on the LCD screen 12.
The visibility of the information displayed by the LCD 12 to a user at a particular location relative to the screen 12 depends on the LCD viewing angle, θ, which is generated by the LCD drive voltage, V, with which the display 12 is driven. As described, the operation of the screen flip switch adjusts the LCD drive voltage, V, to maximize visibility of the characters 14, whether in the right-hand use mode of FIG. 2 or left-hand use mode of FIG. 3. In this regard, it is assumed users will tend to utilize the apparatus 10 so that they will generally consistently be in the same reference position relative to the apparatus 10 whether held in their right hand (FIG. 2) or left hand (FIG. 3). It is also generally true that a user will not be looking straight on at the screen 12 so that their line of sight is normal thereto along line 43 as the apparatus 10 will typically be held at a slight angle therefrom. Thus, the particular hand in which the housing 20 is held by the user will make a difference as to the orientation of the screen 12 relative to the user since the housing 20 is flipped 180° between the FIG. 2 position where screen half portion 13 is closer to the user and the FIG. 3 position where screen half portion 17 is now closer. This change in the screen orientation necessitates a change in the LCD viewing angle, θ, and thus viewing cone to keep the characters 14 maximized in visibility to the user.
As can be seen in FIG. 6, the LCD viewing angle, θ, becomes larger as the drive voltage, V, increases. Each LCD viewing angle, θ, generates a different viewing angle cone for the user in which the line of sight from the user to the screen 12 should fall for maximum visibility of the characters 14 thereon. This viewing angle cone is generally bisected by the line defining the LCD viewing angle, θ, with the plane of the screen 12, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.
With the above in mind, the apparatus 24 can operate in conformity with the preferred form of the present invention as follows. When the user initiates a screen flip via interface 34, the controller 26 generates the characters 14 in an orientation that is shifted or rotated 180° from the prior orientation, as previously described. Coincident with this change, the user then physically repositions the apparatus 10 so that the viewing angle, θ, obtained by the contrast ratio previously set optimally by the user is no longer optimal. In order to maintain the user preset viewing angle, θ, stored contrast setting is offset automatically by a determination made under control of the microprocessor 26. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the voltage offset, Vo, can be determined by way of the equation:
As a general characteristic, LCDs have a known maximum viewing angle, θmax, based on their particular construction. The range of LCD viewing angles, θ, limited by θmax provided by the LCD 12 is assumed to be 180° herein, but can be other values without significantly affecting the operation of the apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention as described herein. Further, the current drive voltages, either V1, or V2 which generates θ1 or θ2, respectively, can also be known as they can be stored in the memory 30 of the control circuitry 24. Accordingly, the circuitry 24 can make use of a relatively simple calculation that allows the controller 26 to determine the drive voltage, V, to be generated by the driver 28 for driving the LCD 12 to generate the appropriate LCD viewing angle, θ, thereof to satisfy the above equation. As is apparent, the voltage offset, Vo, can be positive or negative and may be either obtained from a calculation or can be predetermined based on the particular characteristics of the LCD used in the apparatus 10. One or more offset values can be stored in a look-up table contained in the memory 30. By storing offsets corresponding to different LCDs, the circuitry 24 can be easily reconfigured in software to adapt to the characteristics of LCDs from different manufacturers. In this manner, the apparatus 10 can be implemented and manufactured with a minimum of expense, as it does not require any further hardware for the apparatus 10 that is not already provided for performing with the screen flip function.
To complete the screen flip process, the controller 26 adjusts the LCD drive voltage, V, and stores this setting in the memory 30 for later use. Upon request for another display flip, the entire process can be repeated. A voltage offset adjustment is made to a user preferred contrast setting rather than an absolute setting so that the circuitry 24 operates to maintain any user inputted contrast setting. In addition, the voltage offset can be combined with a predetermined drive LCD drive voltage selected to compensate for temperature in order to arrive at an optimal LCD drive voltage.
As earlier noted, the LCD screen 12 itself may not be capable of providing a large enough range of viewing angle adjustments (θmax<180°) to maintain the relationship θ1+θ2=180°. The circuitry 24 is still operable with an LCD that is limited to less than 180° in its viewing angle range as the determination 42 will use the maximum LCD viewing angle, θmax, and thus make the best case automatic adjustment instead. Accordingly, the circuitry 24 described herein generally can allow the user to avoid having to make a manual contrast adjustment each time the screen flip switch 34 is operated.
Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the relationship of the viewing angles θ1+θ2, the LCD drive voltages, V1 and V2, and associated viewing angle cones 44 and 52 can be seen. In this instance, it is assumed that the LCD 12 can provide the entire 180° range of viewing angle adjustments for maintaining the relationship of θ1+θ2=180°, so that θ1 and θ2 are supplementary angles to each other. With LCD viewing angle, θ1, it is assumed that the user has already adjusted the contrast setting by way of input keys 22, as will be more fully described hereinafter, so that the drive voltage, V1, provides the viewing cone 44 preferred by the user as shown in FIG. 7. The viewing cone 44 is defined by the vectors 46 and 48 which, in turn, are bisected by the line 50 that defines the LCD viewing angle, θ1, in conjunction with the plane of the LCD display 12.
When the screen flip switch is operated, the controller 26 determines the offset drive voltage, Vo, via circuitry portion 24 from the voltage, V1, that generates LCD viewing angle, θ1, and viewing cone 44. The controller 26 regulates the power to the LCD driver 28 so that drive voltage, V2, is applied to the display 12 for shifting the viewing angle, θ, from θ1 to θ2. In the described LCD 42 having θmax=180°, this will change the viewing cone 44 symmetrically about axis 43 to viewing cone 52, which is defined by vectors 54 and 56. The viewing cone 52 is bisected by line 58 which together with the plane of the LCD 12 defines the LCD viewing angle, θ2.
As is apparent, the viewing angle cones 44 and 52 are shifted from one another to accommodate the changing orientation of the housing 20 between the FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 positions thereof. Accordingly, one of the viewing cones 44 or 52 will be used when screen half portion 13 is closer to the user (FIG. 2) and the other of cones 44 and 52 will be used when screen half portion 17 is closer to the user (FIG. 3)so that with a user at a single reference position, their line of sight to the LCD 12 will fall within the cone 44 or 52 that is in effect thus maximizing the visibility of the characters 14 appearing on the LCD 12. This automatic changeover between cones 44 and 52 enables screen flipping via interface or switch 34 with automated contrast adjustment so as to avoid the need to make changes to the settings when one screen portion 13 or 17 is shifted from being furthest from the user to closest.
In addition, the user can adjust the cones 44 and/or 52 to their preferences via user interface 34 and the program will automatically correct the other of the cones 44 or 52 so that it too will be at the preference adjustment made by the user for maximum visibility. This is because the controller 26 bases the determination of the offset voltage, V0, from the adjusted voltage V1 or V2 stored in memory 30 so that this adjustment is worked into the automatic adjustment made to generate the other cone when the screen orientation is changed. Accordingly, the offset voltage, V0, is variable and determined by the controller 26 based on a user preferred viewing cone such as cones 44 or 52.
In the preferred and illustrated form, the apparatus 10 is shown as being a battery powered organizer 60 which can store a user's contact and calendar information. The organizer 60 can be used as a stand alone device, or in conjunction with device 16, which is shown as being a cellular telephone 62 in FIGS. 1, 12 and 13. As previously described, the housing 20 of the organizer 60 has a compact and light-weight size that enables it to be readily transported while taking up a minimum of space such as in a person's pocket or the like. As shown in FIG. 8A, the input keys or keypad 22 is asymmetrically arranged adjacent the side 40 of the LCD 12 at end portion 64 of the housing 20. The keys 22 allow a user to click through the calendar and address book functions of the organizer 60. The keys 22 have symbols thereon rather than letters or numbers so that a user can flip the organizer 60 over and still comfortably determine which keys 22 are to be utilized.
FIG. 4 shows the preference screen 66 of the commercial organizer 60 of the assignee herein. As can be seen thereon, the preference screen 66 allows the user to select various modes including LCD contrast and screen orientation modes as shown in the left hand column of the preference screen 66, at 68 and 70, respectively. At the preferences screen 66, the arrow keys 72 and 74 allow the user to move between the various modes displayed thereon. When the desired mode is reached as indicated by highlighting thereof, the user presses the enter key 76 to enter the highlighted mode. Thereafter, the arrow keys 72 and 74 are used to move through the list of options that show up on the right-hand side of the preference screen 66 across from the selected mode, and when the desired option appears, it can be selected via enter key 76.
The preference screen 66 operates as a conventional scroll-down menu having multiple levels of selections. Implementation of the screen 66 using a programmable microprocessor and a commercially-available operating system supporting a graphical user interface (GUI) can be readily accomplished by one of ordinary skill in the art.
In the contrast mode 68, the user can change the contrast setting and thus the drive voltage, V, stored in the voltage memory 30 at which the LCD 12 is driven by the driver 28 to their preferences. Thereafter, this setting will be used to make the offset voltage determination when the screen flip switch is operated, as previously described. In the orientation mode 70, the user can select either the right-hand or left-hand orientation for the characters 14 on the screen 12 depending on their preferences. Further, when the screen orientation is selected by operating the keys 72-76 which together form the afore-described screen flip switch, the offset voltage determination is also made so that the viewing cone is switched for improving the visibility of the shifted characters 14 on the reoriented housing 20 and LCD 12 thereof.
As mentioned, the organizer 60 can be attached to and used with a cell phone 62 such as the assignees commercial StarTac® cell phone 62. For this purpose, the housing 20 of the organizer 60 has a flanged end portion 78 opposite end portion 64, as best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. The flanged end portion 78 includes a pair of inwardly directed small prong members 80 and 82. Intermediate the members 80 and 82 is an electrical connector portion 84. A spring clip 86 is disposed opposite the electrical connector portion 84 on the bottom of the housing 20 at end portion 64 thereof. Referring to FIG. 9, the phone 62 is provided with small laterally spaced apertures 88 (one such aperture 88 being shown) and an accessory electrical connector portion (not shown) at one end thereof and a slotted opening 90 at the other end of the phone 62, with the opening 90 normally used to attach the auxiliary battery for the phone 62 thereto.
To attach the organizer 60 to the back of the cell phone 62, the spring clip 86 is inserted into the slotted opening 90 of the phone 62. The organizer 60 is then slid toward the opposite end of the phone in the direction of arrow 92 so that the prong members 80 and 82 can be inserted in the phone apertures 88 and the organizer electrical connector portion 84 can be plugged into the auxiliary electrical connector portion of the phone 62. The electrical connector portion 84 of the organizer 60 and the auxiliary electrical connector portion of the cellular telephone 62 together form the previously described detachable electrical connection 18.
With the organizer 60 electrically connected to the cell phone 62, phone numbers from the organizer 60 can be exported directly therefrom to the internal phone directory of the cell phone 62. The attached organizer 60 thus enables users to scroll through contact lists and, with the push of a key 22, automatically dial a phone number. In this manner, a user does not have to look up an entire phone number and then dial it as is normally the case.
Referring next to FIG. 13, the cell phone 62 includes a pivotal or flip open portion 92 thereof that includes a speaker for being placed next to a user's ear during a call. The phone 62 also includes a telescoping antenna 94. The present invention affords the user flexibility when the organizer 60 is clipped to the back of the cell phone 62 in that it is possible that with the phone portion 92 flipped open and the antenna 94 extended, it would be more convenient for the user to hold the attached organizer 60 and cell phone 62 when viewing the organizer LCD 12 in a hand that is different from the one they use when the organizer 60 is used alone. In this instance, the user can operate the screen flip switch 34 and the characters 14 on the screen 12 will remain at the preferred contrast setting that maximizes the visibility of the characters 14 to the user, as previously described.
While in the foregoing, there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the details herein given may be varied without departing from the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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text:
Milan's alleged interest in Andy Carroll is reportedly building as rumours suggest they are eyeing a possible loan deal for the England man.
Carroll caught the eye of Milan President Silvio Berlusconi's son Piersilvio, [12] after his performances for England at Euro 2012.
Whilst the Rossoneri are working to a tight budget that has seen Adriano Galliani declare more than once [13] that they are closed for business this summer, [14] the Corriere dello Sport understands movement for Carroll has been made.
This follows on from speculation that new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has given the Anfield outfit permission to try to move him on as he is not in his initial plans for the new season.
Sportmediaset are also reporting along the same lines, suggesting that the Diavolo will try to tempt Liverpool with a year-long loan offer for the 23-year-old.
Think you know your Italian football? Share your knowledge, tips and comments to win cash prizes in OLBG's tipster competition [15] - £11,000 to be won monthly!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Posted at: 03/04/2013 11:31 AM
Updated at: 03/04/2013 12:32 PM
By: KOB.com staff
Photo from Albuquerque Fire Dept.
Albuquerque fire and rescue is responded to a rollover accident at I-40 and Carlisle on Monday morning.
Several eastbound lanes of I-40 were closed and the freeway was down to one lane between 2nd and Carlisle.
Police say two victims were removed from the car and were taken to UNM Hospital with minor injuries.
One woman was removed from a second car and taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Traffic is still flowing slowly in the area.
>Check current traffic conditions


text:
By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2005 Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff used today's Pentagon briefing as a forum to publicly thank U.S. servicemembers for their role in the successful Iraqi elections and ongoing progress in the global war on terror.
Both Rumsfeld and Marine Gen. Peter Pace expressed optimism that millions of Iraqis put their fears aside and went to the polls Jan. 30 to take part in their country's national elections.
Rumsfeld said he believes the widespread participation "sent a strong message to extremists" and is likely to embolden Iraqis who now realize that so many of their countrymen share their dreams of democracy.
This, the secretary said, will likely increase their support for the new Iraqi government, regardless of who wins, versus the insurgency committed to weakening it.
Rumsfeld said the elections also helped establish "a better understanding of America and its role in the world" in helping spread democracy where oppression reigned.
"The U.S. and our coalition partners have brought freedom to 50 million people in Iraq and Afghanistan," the secretary said. "What is happening in Afghanistan and Iraq will one day be seen as historic victories for the war against extremists."
But none of these achievements would have been possible, Rumsfeld said, if not "for the courage and bravery of American men and women in uniform and the sacrifices they have made for freedom."
He expressed special appreciation to those who have lost a loved one or friend in the global war on terror, as well as those wounded in combat, along with their families who are helping them through the healing process.
"The sacrifices that you and your loved ones have made have historic meaning," Rumsfeld told them. "We are already seeing the importance of those contributions. You have helped bring a new beginning to those in some of the most violent regions of the world. You have helped them turn away from extremism that fuel attacks on civilized people.
"And one day," Rumsfeld continued, "the people of Afghanistan and Iraq will find a way to say thank you, as I do. And each of you and your loved ones will look back with pride at what has been achieved because of those sacrifices."
"Ours is a safer world and a better world because the service of the men and women in uniform," he concluded.
Pace echoed Rumsfeld's sentiments. He called the Afghan and Iraqi elections, as well as the president's Feb. 2 State of the Union address, when a women whose father had been killed by Saddam Hussein embraced the mother of a fallen soldier, among the "very, very special days" of his tenure as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
"It gives me immense pride to stand here in uniform to represent the hundreds of thousands of U.S. servicemen and women who are serving today, who can take pride in our part in facilitating the opportunity for the millions of people in Afghanistan and Iraq to vote," he said.
"Along with the secretary, I would like to thank all those who are in uniform who are serving and are sacrificing, and to their families and their employers," Pace said. Together, he said, they are helping ensure "that people around the world can live freely and pick their own form of government."
Related Articles:Secretary of Defense Message to the Armed Forces on the Iraqi ElectionsOne State of the Union Moment


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What causes skin lesion?
Skin lesions have a wide variety of causes. The most common causes of skin lesions are injury, aging, infectious diseases, allergies, and small infections of the skin or hair follicles. Chronic diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders can cause skin lesions. Skin cancer or precancerous changes also appear as skin lesions.
Common causes of skin lesions
Changes in the appearance of the skin can result from common conditions such as:
- Acne
- Boils and carbuncles
- Folliculitis
- Freckles
- Nevi (moles) and other benign skin growths
- Skin tags
Injury-related causes of skin lesions
Skin lesions may be caused by physical injury including:
- Bruises
- Burns, including sunburn
- Excessive exposure to sun or wind
- Extreme cold
- Cuts or scrapes
- Insect bites or stings
- Keloid (exuberant scar formation)
Age-related causes of skin lesions
Skin lesions may be caused by processes related to aging including:
- Age spots (often called liver spots, harmless discolorations that appear with advancing age)
- Easy bruising
- Fragile skin
- Xerosis (dry skin)
Illness-related causes of skin lesions
Skin lesions may be caused by another illness including:
- Bacterial infection, such as scarlet fever, or meningococcal meningitis, a serious condition caused by group A Streptococcus, can cause a skin rash
- Systemic illness, such as diabetes, can lead to changes in skin color or texture, as well as sores and other lesions due to poor wound healing and poor circulation
- Viral infection, such as varicella-zoster, can cause skin lesions at many stages of life (chickenpox in children and shingles in adults)
Allergy-related causes of skin lesions
Skin lesions can also be caused by allergies including:
- Allergies to medications
- Contact dermatitis such as a reaction to nickel in jewelry
- Food allergies
Serious or life-threatening causes of skin lesions
In some cases, skin lesions may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting.
- Serious allergy can result in hives or a rash and may be associated with anaphylaxis and swelling of the mouth or throat
- Skin cancers and precancerous changes are a cause of skin lesions
Infections that may spread throughout the body are often marked by swollen and reddened skin along the lines of veins in a leg or arm
Questions for diagnosing the cause of skin lesions
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your skin lesions including:
- When did you first notice the lesions?
- Did you start any new medications or try any new types of food immediately before the lesion formed?
- Do you have any other skin lesions?
- Do you have any other symptoms?
- Does the lesion itch or burn?
- Does the lesion have a discharge such as pus?
- Has the lesion changed in size, shape or color?
- Have you had similar lesions before?
- Does anything relieve or worsen the symptoms?
What are the potential complications of skin lesion?
The complications of skin lesions depend on the cause. Direct complications of skin lesions often include permanent changes in the skin, such as a scar. Complications of certain lesions, such as melanoma or a rash accompanying a serious infection, can be serious, even life threatening.
Because some skin lesions can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
- Adverse effects of treatment
- Altered pigmentation
- Cosmetic disfigurement
- Meningitis (infection or inflammation of the sac around the brain and spinal cord)
- Organ failure or dysfunction
- Progression of symptoms
- Scarring
- Spread of cancer
- Spread of infection
- Domino FJ (Ed.) Five Minute Clinical Consult. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2013.
- Skin rashes and other changes. FamilyDoctor.org. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/545.html.
- Rashes. Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003220.htm.
- Ferri FF (Ed.) Ferri's Fast Facts in Dermatology. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2011.
What is a skin lesion?
A skin lesion is any change in the normal character of your skin. A skin lesion may occur on any part of your body and cover a tiny or large area. Skin lesions can be singular or multiple, confined to one specific area of your body or distributed widely. Skin lesions include rash, cysts, pus-filled sacs, blisters, swelling, discolorations, bumps, hardening, or any other change in or on your ski... Read more about skin lesionintroduction
What other symptoms might occur with skin lesion?
Skin lesions may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that frequently affect the skin may also involve other body systems.


text: Bookmarks DrowsinessPrint-Friendly Sleepiness - during the day; Hypersomnia; SomnolenceNavigatorDrowsiness refers to feeling abnormally sleepy during the day. People who are drowsy may fall asleep in inappropriate situations or at inappropriate times.I Would Like to Learn About:Expand All Collapse All Considerations Excessive daytime sleepiness (without a known cause) may be a sign of a sleep disorder.Depression, anxiety, stress, and boredom can all contribute to excessive sleepiness. But these conditions more often cause fatigue and apathy.DepressionDepression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for shor...Read Article Now Book Mark Article AnxietyStress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stres...Read Article Now Book Mark Article StressStress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stres...Read Article Now Book Mark Article ApathyFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Drowsiness may be due to the following:Chronic pain Diabetes Having to work long hours or different shifts (nights, weekends) Changes in blood sodium levels (hyponatremia /hypernatremia) HyponatremiaHyponatremia is a condition in which the amount of sodium (salt) in the blood is lower than normal.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines (tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antihistamines) Not sleeping for long enough Sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea syndrome and narcolepsy) Sleep apneaWith obstructive sleep apnea, your breathing pauses while you are asleep because your airway has become narrowed or partly blocked.Read Article Now Book Mark Article NarcolepsyNarcolepsy is a nervous system problem that causes extreme sleepiness and attacks of daytime sleep.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Too much calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia) HypercalcemiaHypercalcemia is too much calcium in the blood.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)HypothyroidismHypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Home Care You can relieve drowsiness by treating the cause of the problem. First, determine whether your drowsiness is due to depression, anxiety, boredom, or stress. If you are not sure, talk with your health care provider.For drowsiness due to medicines, talk to your health care provider about switching or stopping your medicines. Never stop taking or change your medicine without first talking to your health care provider. What to Expect at Your Office Visit The doctor will examine you to determine the cause of your drowsiness and ask about your sleep patterns and health. Questions may include:How well do you sleep? How much do you sleep? Do you snore? Do you fall asleep during the day when do not plan to nap (such as when watching TV or reading)? If so, do you awake feeling refreshed? How often does this happen Are you depressed, anxious, stressed or bored What medicines do you take? What have you done to try to relieve the drowsiness? How well did it work? What other symptoms do you have?Tests that may be done include:Blood tests (such as a CBC and blood differential, blood sugar level, electrolytes, and thyroid hormone levels) CBCA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The tota...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Blood differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...Read Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan of the head CT scan of the headA cranial computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Electroencephalogram EEG ElectroencephalogramAn electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test to measure the electrical activity of the brain.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Sleep studies Sleep studiesPolysomnography is a sleep study. This test records certain body functions as you as you sleep, or try to sleep. Polysomnography is used to diagnos...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Urine tests (such as a urinalysis)UrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment depends on the cause of your drowsiness.Related Information FatigueDepression - overv...Stress and your he... DepressionAnxiety disorders...Open ReferencesReferencesGriggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 403. Mahowald MW. Disorders of sleep. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 412..BACK TO TOP Review Date: 4/21/2013 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.


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George Noble Mitchell, 84, of Carmi, Illinois, died Thursday, March 05, 2015, at his home.
Cheryl L. Nelson, 60 of Carmi, passed away Thursday morning March 5, 2015 at Deaconess VNA Plus Hospice in Evansville. She was born September 18, 1954 in Columbia, SC, the daughter of Hal and Norma (Holtzclaw) Nelson.
The headlines would suggest Europe is under siege: Thousands of Germans march against the continent's "Islamization." French readers flock to read a novel about a Muslim president who imposes Sharia law on their country. Commentators warn darkly...
CBS has revealed a first glimpse of Melissa Benoist as
A NASA spacecraft for the first time has arrived at a dwarf planet to begin a 16-month exploration.
A sex discrimination trial against one of Silicon Valley's most prestigious venture capital firms is providing a rare peek into the elite investment companies vying to fund the next Google and Amazon.
- Events Calendar


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(I'm from the murder capital, where we murder for capital)
Lyric Meaning
The hook is written by Kanye West (which can be seen in the making of video), who is from Chicago. Chicago has been the "murder capital" of the US several times. The designation is given to the city with the most murders, not the highest murder rate per 100,000 people. Chicago was the murder capital of the US in 1998, 2001, 2003, 2012. It is this dubious distinction that Kanye is referring to.
While Jay-Z was capitalizing on the "crack epidemic" of that late '80s and early '90s, New York had one of the highest murder rates in the USA. These murders were often motivated by money (or "capital")
Kanye later uses this line in "Murder to Excellence" off him and Jay's collaborative album Watch The Throne as well
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Miley Cyrus Cozies Up To Stella Maxwell While Topless — Sexy Pic
Too hot! Miley Cyrus just can not keep her clothes on when cameras are around. The 'Wrecking Ball' singer took to Instagram to share a steamy topless pic with her girlfriend Stella Maxwell from their recent 'W' magazine photo shoot.
It's no shock anymore to see Miley Cyrus, 22, naked, but her newest topless pics might be her sexiest ones yet! The former Disney star is stripping down again, this time for a photo shoot for W magazine that features Miley with her new girlfriend, Victoria's Secret model Stella Maxwell, 24. Read on to see the sexy pic!
Click here to read more
Miley Cyrus Sports Sexy, Long Platinum Hair In New Viva Glam Ad
Blonde bombshell! Miley Cyrus appears in a new MAC Cosmetics ad for her Viva Glam collection rocking a platinum wig, red lips and a sexy, strapless crop top! Read about her new MAC makeup products below!
Miley Cyrus, 22, looks sexy and vintage in a pin-up style ad for MAC Cosmetics, which she posted on Instagram on July 30. Wearing her new shade of lipstick, Miley looks classic and hot. It kind of makes us miss her with long hair!
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Miley Cyrus & Stella Maxwell: Eloping? Friends Fear They'll Marry in Las Vegas — Report
Is Miley Cyrus trading in wrecking balls for wedding bells? Her relationship with Stella Maxwell has gotten so serious, their friends are reportedly concerned that they just might run away to Las Vegas and get married!
Has Miley Cyrus, 22, found the one? After dating guys like Liam Hemsworth, 25, and Patrick Schwarzenegger, 21, Miley might have found true love with Victoria's Secret model Stella Maxwell, 24. Though they've been item for a reportedly short time, they're already an exclusive couple! In fact, that a new report claims their friends wouldn't be surprised if they suddenly eloped!
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Miley Cyrus Planning Special 'PDA' Filled Night With Stella Maxwell At MTV VMAs
The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards are going to be wild, considering Miley Cyrus is hosting the show. But HollywoodLife.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned it'll also be 'hot' because Miley plans on engaging in a lot of sexy PDA with her girlfriend, Stella Maxwell. Find out all the details!
Miley Cyrus, 22, hasn't been dating Stella Maxwell, 24, for very long, but she's ready to put their relationship on full display at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards on August 30. Viewers can "expect a lot of PDA" from the sexy couple, HollywoodLife.com has EXCLUSIVELY learned. Will that involve foam fingers? Here's what we know.
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Miley Cyrus Looks Smokin' In First VMA Promo Clip — Watch
Miley Cyrus' first VMA promo is here! The singer will be hosting the highly-anticipated show, and looks hotter than ever in this new clip. Check it out!
Is it time for the MTV Video Music Awards yet?! We are totally dying over the news that Miley Cyrus, 22, is hosting the awards shows, and she got us even more pumped up in this first promo. Watch here!
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Which Celebrity Squad Do You Belong In? — Quiz
If you could be a celebrity for a day, who would you hang out with?! If it's too hard for you to decide, we can help! Take this quiz to find out which star's famous squad you would fit in best with!
Taylor Swift might be in the middle of a pretty bitter feud with Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry…but luckily she has a band of fabulous friends to always back her up! And she's not the only one with a squad we're envious of. Click to take our quiz and find out which group YOU'D fit in!
Click here to read more
Miley Cyrus Poses Fully Nude On The Beach In Racy Yet Silly Instagram
She's at it again! Miley Cyrus combined her two biggest loves on July 22: going fully nude and playing around in photoshop! Her Instagram of her trip to the beach was both sexy and hilarious!
Miley Cyrus, 22, isn't afraid to get naked here and there. And she's definitely okay with showing it all off to the world! When she hit the beach on July 22, she stripped down to nothing but her birthday suit, but added her usual photoshop craziness to the mix when she posted a photo of it to Instagram. Miley strategically covered herself up in the funniest fashion!
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Miley Cyrus Finally Waxes Her Long Armpit Hair — See Painful Pic
UM — ouch!!! You know how Miley Cyrus has been growing out her armpit hair for months? Well, she just waxed it off AND posted a pic of the painful moment to Instagram!
Miley Cyrus, you never seize to amaze us! The 22-year-old singer had a pretty wild night on July 21 — she and her gal pal Katy Weaver got together to finally wax her armpit hair! Just as the wax was being ripped off her skin, Miley snapped a pic (obviously) — brace yourselves and check out the cringeworthy pic!
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Miley Cyrus Set To Host 2015 VMAs — See Her Wacky Message
YESSS! Miley Cyrus announced that she will be hosting the 2015 VMAs in the best/most bizarre Instagram post on July 20. We know one thing for certain — this will be the most epic VMAs ever!
It's her party, Miley Cyrus can do what she wants! What better way to tell the world she's hosting the MTV Video Music Awards than to dress up like an alien and share it on Instagram? The 22-year-old Bangerz singer confirmed she will host the Aug. 30 show in a wacky Instagram post on July 20, and needless to say… we can't wait!
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Taylor Swift 'Already Over' Miley Cyrus' 'Stupid' Instagram Diss
Taylor Swift has had enough of Miley Cyrus' shenanigans. While the face-swap picture Miley posted of Taylor and Justin Bieber was supposed to be funny, HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY learned the singer was not impressed — she's over Miley and her 'stupid' diss!
Over it! Taylor Swift, 25, isn't playing any games with Miley Cyrus, 22, anymore. After Miley's silly Instagram diss, a source EXCLUSIVELY told HollywoodLife.com Taylor doesn't want to be involved with Miley in any way, shape, or form! Even though the two aren't necessarily friends, Taylor wants Miley to keep her name out of her mouth!
Click here to read more
Taylor Swift Reacts To Miley Cyrus' Odd Instagram Edit: She's 'Embarrassing'
And the drama continues! Miley Cyrus posted one of her weird IG edits, and this time, Taylor Swift was the pun of her joke but it turns out, Tay does NOT think it's funny. An insider told HollywoodLife exactly how Swifty feels about Miley!
Miley Cyrus, 22, has a ton of fans but guess what? Taylor Swift, 25, is not one of them right now! Miley posted a fan-made photo on July 15 of Taylor and Justin Bieber, 21, where their faces were swapped and she wrote "cute lesbian couple." Taylor shot back with a snarky comment and now, HollywoodLife.com has just learned that Tay thinks Miley is "a little embarrassing" — find out more!
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Miley Cyrus Dissing Taylor Swift? Fans Explode Over Their Strange Instagram Convo
Is there bad blood brewing between Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift? Fans are freaking out over their recent back-and-forth on Instagram, after Miley may have dissed the 'Blank Space' singer!
Uh oh. Could we have a new celebrity feud on our hands? Miley Cyrus, 22, posted an Instagram photo on July 15 with Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber's faces swapped. Taylor, 25, responded, and now fans are going wild with speculation that Miley's possible diss has kickstarted beef between the two singers!
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Aug. 12, 2011
Albuquerque, N.M. --- "There are no boundaries to making this program successful."
That's always been the mentality of Lobo men's soccer head coach, Jeremy Fishbein. While the program strives first and foremost to draw talent from the state of New Mexico, the coaching staff has a no-holds-bars policy when it comes to regional, national and even international recruiting.
Another policy that the Lobo program lives by is building bridges between players who might otherwise just consider one another rivals. One of the goals of their annual Elite Camp is to round up young men with a flair for the game of soccer from all across the country, and facilitate friendships amongst them and their teammates.
And the 2011 roster undoubtedly adheres to both of those policies.
The roster - which includes two international freshmen in Adrian Mora Delgado of Alajuela, Costa Rica and Mathew Gibbons of Rotorua, New Zealand - clearly demonstrates the program's tenacity in recruiting overseas. But it also showcases, perhaps a bit more subtly, the inherent ability that New Mexico seems to have for turning rivalries into friendships.
Both members of their respective U-17 national teams, Gibbons and Delgado went faced off against one another in the first round of the 2009 Nigerian World Cup in Nigeria, not knowing one another, and clearly not knowing that one day they'd both find a home in New Mexico with the Lobos.
Delgado played 11 years with Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, helping his U-13, U-15 and U-17 teams to UNOFUT Tournament Champion titles. He played in multiple tournaments with the Costa Rican National Team in addition to the '09 Cup, during which he faced Gibbons in game one of pool play. While Costa Rica shouldered 4-2 and 4-3 losses to Turkey and Burkina Faso respectively, they held New Zealand to a one-all tie at the end of the match.
Now that the two are teammates, it seems somewhat fitting that the contest culminated in a 1-1 tie, although a decisive winner may have made for some friendly intersquad competition between the two. But the tie score is just the beginning of the similar experiences that the two players had in Nigeria, primarily off the pitch.
Gibbons, who hails from Rotorau, New Zealand, had a slightly different on-field experience, as the New Zealand national team tied both Turkey and Burkina Faso before advancing into the second round of the tournament to face host team Nigeria in an unfortunate 5-0 loss. But both players agree that their off-field experiences were the same - and changed them for the better.
"It was a great experience, you know being in the World Cup is like the highest goal you can reach in soccer, so it was just amazing to represent my country," Delgado said. "But Nigeria was kind of sad. I saw the conditions that they [Nigerians] live in. They don't have portable water, they don't have electricity, so at night, everything is completely dark.
"In some ways, the World Cup was kind of happiness for them," he continued. "It was like a dream come true for them. It made me appreciate all of the things I had in Costa Rica."
Gibbons agreed in all respects.
"I would say the fans in Nigeria were what made my experience the most memorable," he said. "The locals went crazy, we had like 20,000 plus at our games, just packed out stadiums, and even when our buses would just drive through the city, we had kids chasing after us like we were national heroes or something."
Gibbons also enjoyed the opportunity to match up against the best talent from around the world in his age bracket, which is something that the Lobo Elite Camp aims to accomplish on a smaller scale.
"It [the World Cup] gave us an idea of where the rest of the world is at, especially people our age," he explained. "You see international pros on TV and stuff, but to see real players our age from around the world let us gauge where we were at."
Having had the experience of playing in the World Cup immediately gives the two new teammates a point of commonality, but being from different parts of the world allows the two to relate to one another in a different type of way.
"It's nice to meet another guy who has a different culture, different foods and different traditions, it's nice to have him here," Delgado admitted.
"It's hard to come into a new place with a group of players who have been together for awhile," Gibbons added. "But it's nice to have someone who's in a similar situation also joining up this year."
Bringing in two international players who have World Cup experience speaks volumes for the Lobo program in and of itself. But the fact that the program has once again lived up to its reputation of building bridges between players just provides more testament to the fact that UNM is one of the most unique athletic institutions in the country.


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Snakehead fishing on the Potomac: Show no mercy, says D.C. angler
This is one way to kill a snakehead fish.
Good morning and welcome to Snakehead Fishing Boot Camp! I'm your first mate, Hurricalfe, a man with virtually no nautical experience and an irrational fear of Potomac River sharks. Your captain today will be Steve Chaconas of the National Bass Guide Service, SEOPA / MDOWA, a death-dealing Ahab to local snakeheads with more than 100 Channa argus pelts in his trophy case. Say hello, Chaconas!
The captain says that 10 percent of the folks that pay for his guiding services choose to hunt snakeheads exclusively. (Photo gallery.) Congratulations: You are in that lucky 10 percent. But before we get started, I just want to make sure we all have our head in the right place.
Would you like to contribute to this story? Join the discussion.
More in "Environment"
RecommendedRecent Facebook Activity
Best of TBD In case you missed it
Food truck frenzyBilled as the biggest food truck assembly to ever happen in D.C., "Curbside Cookoff: Trucko De Mayo" took place on Saturday with at least 40 vendors.
TBD Blogs What you need to read
@TBD Arts
Tonight: JD McPherson's 'Signs and Signifiers'
@TBD On Foot
A close reading of a D.C. commute
Only On 7
Leon Harris and Alison Starling weeknights on ABC7For all the breaking stories happening in your neighborhood and developing stories happening around the world, join Leon Harris and Alison Starling weeknights on ABC7 News at 5 and 11.
Photo Galleries Pictures from around the region
PHOTOS: Capital Pride parade, festival
Maine Avenue Fish Market: Fresh fish for sale under a D.C. bridge
National Puppy Day photos: Celebrating the sweetness of dogs


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COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A former employee of the South Carolina agency that polices workplace safety has received $120,000 to settle a dispute over his firing.
The State newspaper reports that the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation admits no wrongdoing in its settlement with Mark Kelly, who was fired in fall 2011. The State obtained the December settlement through a public records request.
At the agency, Kelly investigated complaints against nurses. The 52-year-old is now a consultant.
He claimed he was fired for comments he made about faith and patriotism that agency leaders considered contrary to a goal of encouraging diversity.
Then-LLR director Catherine Templeton said he was fired for intimidation and harassment, not for his beliefs. Templeton is now director of the state's public health and environmental control agency.
Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com
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SKECHERS SKCH Plus 3 - Ring MeSKU: #8251181
Product Information
- Go for that urban look this season with the uniquely designed SKCH Plus 3 - Ring Me boot.
- Premium leather upper with hook-and-loop closures for easy on-and-off wear and a secure fit.
- Soft synthetic lining ensures an abrasion-free environment for all-day wear.
- Lightly cushioned footbed massages the foot with each and every step.
- Flexible rubber outsole delivers long-lasting durability.
- Imported.
- Measurements:
- Heel Height: 3 in
- Weight: 14 oz
- Shaft: 6 in
- Product measurements were taken using size 5, width B - Medium. Please note that measurements may vary by size.


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Candids of Mischa out and about in Soho have been added.
You are always beautiful, I love that face serious
A great big wish for good job
A kiss with great affection
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I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice about visiting Disneyland this September. The question is to Halloween or not?
First off some background. We are a family of 4 with 2 kids ages 7 (DS) and 5 (DD). We live in Australia but our trip to Disneyland is not "once in a lifetime" as we did go 5 years ago (DD was a baby) and myself and hubby have been a few times before that. (we love it!)
I have booked flights already (the prices are too hard to resist) and the dates correspond to our school holidays.
Option 1: Disneyland from Sept 17th to 21st - 5 day park hoppers, 5 nights at the Grand Californian (with the 3 for 5 deals). We fly in on the 17th, early morning and hope to do a short day in the sunshine and then early bed to cope with jet-lag. We then have a week in San Francisco to catch up with friends and come back on the last day to do Legoland before we fly out that night.
Option 2: San Francisco first then Disneyland from Sept 24th - 1st Oct with 5 park days (Fri, Sat, Sun, Tue, Thu), Monday at Legoland (not open Tue or Wed) and a day where we don't go into the parks. We fly out on Thursday the 1st, at night.
Option 1 we had planned and booked the Grand Californian but then when we saw that Halloween at the park started on 25th September then we thought Option 2 might be better way to go.
So do you think it would be better to see Disneyland plain (with a few rides closed) or all decked out for Halloween?
Any comments / ideas appreciated!
PS: Halloween is not big in Australia and our kids have never done "trick or treat" but they have seen A Nightmare before Christmas...


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This disclosure describes a portable, separable unit containing heart monitor and defibrillator portions. Both units have separate, rechargeable power supplies. This enables separate operation of the monitor portion when it is removed from the combined unit housing. Switch means within the monitor portion are automatically operated when the latter is placed in the main console thereby interrupting flow of power between the monitor power supply and the various monitor circuits. Additional switch means within the defibrillator portion can then be operated to bypass the interruptive effect of the automatic switch means and enable the monitor circuits to again be powered by its respective power supply.
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Description (OCR text may contain errors)
EJnited States Patent Sa er et al. 1 Feb. 11, 1975 [54] PORTABLE AND SEPARABLE HEART 3,564,152 2/1971 Kurz ZOO/51.1
MONITOR AND HEART DEFIBRILLATOR FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS APPARATUS 246,619 12/1960 Australia l28/2.06 G [75] Inventors; Lawrence Saper, Westwood; George 250,557 11/1966 Austria 128/2.06 R
Heller, Glen Rock; David Hitchcolf, Westwood, all of NJ. Primary Examiner-William E. Kamm Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kenyon & Kenyon Reilly [73] Asstgnee. Datascope Corp., Paramus, NJ. Carr & Chapin [22] Filed: May 1, 1974 a 211 Appl. No.: 465,897 [57] ABSTRACT This disclosure describes a portable, separable unit containing heart monitor and defibrillator portions. [521 U.S. Cl 128/2.06 R, 128/419 D, 20%67l/l64ld Both units have separate, rechargeable power [5]] lm CI A6) 5 /04 supplies. This enables separate operation of the moni- 58] Fie'ld A 2 06 B tor portion when it is removed from the combined unit 28/2 06 F G I housing. Switch means within the monitor portion are 51 61 automatically operated when the latter is placed in the 61 61 6] 7161 76 5 main console thereby interrupting flow of power be- 34O'/274' tween the monitor power supply and the various monitor circuits. Additional switch means within the defibrillator portion can then be operated to bypass the [56] References Cited interruptive effect of the automatic switch means and UNITED STATES PATENTS enable the monitor circuits to again be powered by its 2,693,510 1 l/l954 Luebking 6t ill respective power 3,442,269 5/1969 Druz 128/419 D 3,514,626 5/1970 P116161, Jr 307/140 7 Claims, 4 a mg gur s 1 7*4 I 8* 2V as i #18 6'2 C l I 34C. 36: I 22 7b 1 1 24-4 l I I l 32 62$ I ta,
1 2d 3 3661 b h PORTABLE AND SEPARABLE HEART MONITOR AND HEART DEFIBRILLATOR APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to combination heart monitor-heart defibrillator units and more particularly one where the monitor and the defibrillator operate in one portable console or as separate portable units.
B. Description of the Prior Art Treatment of cardiac arrhythmias with electric countershock requires two capabilities:
I. a means for ascertaining the rhythm of the heart so that suitable diagnosis can be performed, and
2. a means for delivering to the heart electrical energy of proper amount, strength and duration.
The first is accomplished by providing an electrocardiagram either on a cathode-ray oscilloscope or on a strip of recording tape with the latter function provided by a defibrillator.
Originally, the monitor and the defibrillator functions were provided by separate instruments with separate power supplies, and not necessarily of the same manufacture. Subsequently manufacturers began to combine the monitor and the defibrillator functions into a unitary, portable but inseparable package with a single power supply.
In practice, however, the monitor is used much more frequently and for longer periods of time than the defibrillator. For example, the monitor is always used initially to enable diagnosis of the cardiac dysrhythmia but the condition diagnosed may not require use of the defibrillator. Generally the monitor will continue in use until the patient reaches a facility for permanent care, and during transport it is often desirable to have the monitor travel with the patient. If the monitor and the defibrillator are inseparable within a single package, the instrument although portable is often too cumbersome to place on or near the conveying stretcher or too awkward to use conveniently. Further, the defibrillator may be needed constantly at the emergency facility so that transport in a combined unit would be further undesirable.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a portable monitor-defibrillator combination in a single housing with the monitor removable from the main housing for use as a independent instrument.
It is a further object of this invention to provide separate rechargeable power supplies within the monitor and defibrillator, respectively, enabling portable operation alone or together.
It is still another object of this invention to provide master power controlling means in the main housing which enables power to be supplied through the defibrillator during those times when the monitor is within the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings for a better understanding of the nature and objects of the invention. The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the objects of the invention and its principles, and are not to be construed as restrictions or limitations on its scope. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention with the monitor portion removed and shown separately.
2 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention with the monitor portion positioned in the main console.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the invention. I
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of 'the'back monitor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. I shows the heart monitor-heart defibrillator combination 10, with the heart monitor portion 12 removed from the main console 14. The heart monitor is preferably a battery powered, self-contained unit which nests in compartment 16 of the main console. Once removed from the compartment 16 the monitor, sinceit can be battery powered, can provide a portable means for monitoring a patients heart thus facilitating diagnosis in remote locations. The defibrillator, likewise is battery operated and is of a construction which makes it, alone or in combination with the heart monitor, a highly portable device. The details of the electrical circuits which comprise each of the monitor and defibrillator portions are not the subjects of this invention and will not be discussed herein.
The monitor unit 12 once removed from the housing operates on its own self-contained batteryunit. The batteries employed, typically, might be of the nickelend of the cadmium variety which are rechargeable and which can provide continuous operation for several hours. The defibrillator is preferably battery operated employing similar type batteries and having suitable capacity for permitting numerous energy discharges of suitable watt-second capacity.
FIG. 3 shows in schematic, functional form the configuration required to allow the monitor unit to operate on its own power supply when removed from the monitor-defibrillator combination and then to operate on its own supply when it is replaced in its compartment 16 within the console 14.
The batteries 18 and 20 internal to the monitor unit each have one terminal thereof 22 and 24 respectively, connected to common or ground potential 26. Their respecive high sides, 28 and 30, are connected to corresponding poles a and b of a double pole-double throw switch 32 which is shown schematically as separate units but which in fact is one switch.
Referring to FIG. 4, switch 32 preferably a spring loaded, button type is positioned on the back panel 35 of the monitor unit. The button, 31, protrudes outwardly therefrom so that when the unit 12 is positioned into the compartment 16, the button is depressed into the body of the monitor unit. The switch in the depressed state is shown in FIG. 3, i.e., the wipers 33 a and b are connected to the open contacts 32 c and d. When the unit 12 is removed'from the compartment, the spring action of the switch extends the button and draws the wipers to the normally closed contacts 32 e and f.
In addition, the respective high sides of each of the batteries are electrically connected to terminals 34 a and b on the female portion 34 of an interface connector. The female portion 34, of the connector is mounted on the back panel 35 of the monitor unit 12. The corresponding male portion 36 is mounted on the rear wall of the compartment 16 such that it engages the female portion when the monitor unit 12 is positioned into the compartment 16.
Contacts c and d of switch 32 do not have electrical leads connected thereto and are thus considered as the open positions. Contacts e and f are connected to female connector contacts 34 c and d respectively. Additionally the latter two contacts, since they carry the power supplied by batteries 18 and 20, are connected to the remaining electrical circuits within the monitor unit shown functionally by black box" 37.
As noted earlier, positioned on the back wall of compartment 16 is a male connector 36 which is located so as to mate with the female connector 34 when the monitor unit is positioned in the console. Contacts 36 a and b, which mate with female contacts 34 a and b are connected to the poles a and b of a second switch 38 mounted on the front panel of the console 14. This is a double pole triple throw switch, shown schematically as implementing two separate functions.
Switch 38 has an of position, and d; a Monitor Only" position, e and g and an ON" position,fand h. Switch contacts e and f are electrically connected to each other and to male connector contact 360, while switch contacts g and h are connected to each other and to male connector contact 36d.
Operation When the monitor unit 42 is inserted in the compartment 16 such that the female and male portions 34 and 36, of the connector are mated, again, button 31 of switch 32 positioned on the back panel of the monitor unit contacts the back end'of the compartment such that it is depressed. With the switch button depressed as noted earlier the switch wiper arms 33a and 33b are positioned as shown in FIG. 3, i.e., connected to the open contacts c and d.
With the switch in this position, the only path by which electrical power supplied by batteries 18 and 20 can reach the monitor circuits 37 is via the electrical connections to the female connector 34, through the interface connector 34-36, then via the connections to the console switch. With the console switch 38 in the OFF position power would be interrupted to the monitor unit. By positioning the console switch in either the Monitor Only position or the ON position power is distributed by switch 38 to the leads returning to the interface connector from where it is then routed to the monitor circuits 37.
Switch 38 has two ON positions as far as the monitor unit is concerned. The reason for the redundancy is that switch 38 can contain a third pole-contact set (not shown) which would be used to supply power to the defibrillator circuits. This third set would be wired such that only when the switch 38 is in the ON position would power be supplied to the defibrillator circuits.
. 4 The Monitor'Only position allows the monitor unit to be used alone while placed in the console.
When the monitor unit is removed from-the monitordefibrillator console, the button which has been depressed because of the close proximity-between the back panel 35 of the monitor and the corresponding wall of the compartment, is no longer depressed with wipers 33a and b, because of the switch spring action, returning to contacts e and f. Now the monitor batteries are connected through switch 32 to the various circuits 37 providing suitable operation of the monitor unit as a separate instrument.
It is to be appreciated that changes in the above embodiment can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
l. A portable unit including heart monitor and heart defibrillator portions which comprises:
a. a removable heart-monitoring portion having a self-contained power supply, said monitoring portion capable of monitoring a patients heart, while positioned in said unit or removed therefrom;
b. first switch means for interrupting the flow of electric power between said power supply and electrical circuits within said monitor portion when said monitoring portion is positioned in said unit;
0. second switch means within said defibrillator; and
d. means for electrically connecting said power supply and said electrical circuits within said monitoring portion to said second switch means, said second switch means operable to connect said power supply to said electrical circuits.
2. The unit of claim 1 where said first switch means is automatic and is operable when said monitoring portion is positioned in said unit.
3. The unit of claim 2 where said first switch means is a spring loaded, button type switch.
4. The unit of claim 1 where said second switch means includes a first and second ON position, where said first ON position allows only said monitor unit to have said electric power supplied thereto.
5. The unit of claim 1 where said heart-defibrillator portion has its own self-contained power supply for energizing said defibrillator portion with or without said heart monitor portion removed.
6. The unit of claim 5 where both of said power supplies are batteries and rechargeable.
7. The unit of claim 1 where said power supply is a battery and is rechargeable.
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Across the street from Union Station, and connected to the Eaton Centre by an underground walkway
Located in Toronto's Financial District, and blocks away from the Distillery District and Entertainment District, The Fairmont Royal York sits across the street from Union Station and is connected to the station, Air Canada Centre, a sports arena, Eaton Centre, a large shopping mall, and the Hockey Hall of Fame, by underground PATH walkways.
Once an industrial park, Toronto's Entertainment District is now a bustling home to nightclubs, theaters, such as Roy Thomson Hall where the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performs, and Rogers Centre, the Blue Jays' stadium. The nearby Financial District is composed of skyscrapers housing law firms, corporate headquarters, and offices and the Distillery District is one of Toronto's historic gems. The district got it's name from the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, formerly in operation in the area as the largest distillery in the world. Claiming the largest sample of Victorian-era architecture in North America, the Distillery District recently came out of a redevelopment which included the institution of numerous shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
The glamorous Fairmont Royal York is one of Toronto's grand dames, with hand-painted ceilings and crystal chandeliers that harken back to the hotel's opening as the Royal York in 1929. Some rooms are on the small side (not uncommon in a historic hotel), and the beds and furniture look a little generic for a luxury property. But the location is as good as it gets: The hotel is connected by underground PATH walkways to Union Station, Air Canada Centre, Eaton Centre, and the Hockey Hall of Fame, and is blocks from shopping on Yonge Street.
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New Carrboro charter school names first principal
CARRBORO – Tamara Thomas has been named principal of the proposed Howard and Lillian Lee Scholars public charter school, which is expected to open in Carrboro in August 2013. It is managed by National Heritage Academies, which operates five charter schools in North Carolina.
Before joining Lee Scholars, Thomas worked for two years as principal at PreEminent Charter School in Raleigh and as principal at Research Triangle Charter Academy in Durham.
She has a bachelor's degree in music theory, history and performance from Hamilton College, a master's in music therapy from New York University School of Education and a master's in school administration and supervision from Mercy College.
Coretta Sharpless named assistant principal of Northside Elementary
CHAPEL HILL – At its Dec. 6 meeting, the Board of Education approved the hiring of Coretta Sharpless as assistant principal of the new Northside Elementary. Sharpless is an experienced educational leader who truly celebrates both the past and the future of Northside – she grew up in the same neighborhood and now has a chance to return in a state of the art school that is expected to be a community hub.
Sharpless has served in multiple roles in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools since 2003 including as an assistant principal, assistant principal intern, teacher, gifted education specialist, intervention specialist, grade level chair and student support team chair. Previously, she worked with Alamance-Burlington City Schools for six years.
Sharpless earned her Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from N.C. Central University. She also completed a Gifted Education Certification at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Prior to college, Sharpless attended our own Estes Hills Elementary, Phillips Middle and Chapel Hill High. She will remain at Estes Hills Elementary until another administrator is hired.
Hill Center recognized for nonprofit impact
DURHAM – The Hill Center of Durham, with a model K-12 school program, professional development and training for teachers and administrators, has won recognition from the Social Impact Exchange.
The SIE launched a broad index of nonprofits that have shown results and potential to grow. The Hill Center was named part of the new S&I 100 index. The center's website in the index can be found at socialimpactexchange.org/organization/hill-center-inc.
The SIE was started by the Growth Philanthropy Network in partnership with Duke University.
Research Triangle Charter Academy winter concert tonight
DURHAM – The Research Triangle Charter Academy will host a 2012 Winter Band Showcase and Concert at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
The show is expected to feature performances from the RTCA Eagle Regiment Marching Band (grades 3-8), the RTCA Eagle Essence Auxiliary Team (dance and flag/color guard), the RTCA Advanced and Beginning concert bands and The Brass Eagles small brass ensemble, which includes members from RTCA and N.C. Central University.
Admission is free, but guests are asked to support a clothing drive for Jamaican victims of Hurricane Sandy by bringing new, old or used clothing to the show.
The school is at 2418 Ellis Rd.
Citizen Schools showcase tonight at Neal Middle School
DURHAM – Participants in Citizen Schools at Neal Middle School will race robots on an Olympic-style track, host an art gallery walk and perform a martial arts tournament today as part of their WOW! Showcase.
The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school at 201 Baptist Road.
Citizen Schools is a national nonprofit organization that runs programs at Neal Middle School for 150 students and for 90 students at Lowe's Grove Middle. The program provides academic support and hands-on learning projects.
This showcase is an opportunity for students to "teach back" what they've been learning.
Scholarships available for summer immersion programs
Magellan Study Abroad is accepting applications from high school students around the country who want scholarships of at least $2,000 to participate in 30-day summer immersion programs. Scholarship applications are accepted until Jan. 31, 2013.
For information, send email to email@example.com. On the Web, visit magellanstudyabroad.com.
Got news for Class Notes? Send information to K-12 education reporter Wes Platt at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 919-419-6684. Follow on Twitter at @wplattheraldsun. Connect on facebook at facebook.com/wesplattheraldsun.


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Richards out to prosper from Brewers goal rush
Posted: October 12, 2012|
JUSTIN Richards is all too aware that he and his fellow Burton Albion strikers will ultimately sink or swim this season on the number of goals they score — and knows they have to grasp every opportunity they get with both hands.
Richards was handed only his third start of the season in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Morecambe and, despite completing his first 90 minutes of the campaign, was left a little frustrated that he was unable to find the target in a game of few chances.
The Birmingham-born frontman, who turns 32 on Tuesday, said: "I'm delighted to have got 90 minutes in, you know, it's good to be back playing and starting from the beginning.
"It's just unfortunate I didn't get many looks at goal, you know, but I'll take it."
Richards has scored just once so far this season — the joint fewest, along with Adi Yussuf, of the Brewers' five strikers — but has had fewer opportunities in terms of minutes on the pitch than the majority of the others.
As well as his three starts, he has made seven substitute appearances, compared to Yussuf (three starts and eight substitute appearances), top scorer Calvin Zola (seven and one), Billy Kee (seven and four) and Matt Paterson (eight and three).
On the bench for the first two games of the season, Richards was impressive, alongside Kee, in the 6-2 Pirelli Stadium demolition of AFC Wimbledon on August 21.
He started again four days later, but Albion suffered a 1-0 defeat against Fleetwood Town at the Pirelli Stadium and, after the Brewers upset Leicester City 4-2 in the second round of the Capital One Cup with boss Gary Rowett employing a 4-5-1 formation with Zola up front, Richards found himself behind the big Congolese striker — as well as Paterson and Kee.
However, far from sulking, the striker has vowed to get his head down in his bid to win a place in Albion's starting line-up.
He said: "That's football isn't it?
"At the end of the day, the manager's got a job to do and the team to pick and, you know, he's gonna pick a team that he feels can win that game.
"If I'm not in that team, obviously I've got to try and work hard to be in that team.
"All the strikers here have shown they're capable of scoring goals, so it's probably a good luxury for the manager to have.
"He knows that he can call on players and they're gonna go out there and at least try and do the business for him.
"The manager picks the team and if those 11 players go out there and do the business then, obviously, they're setting their claims down to keep the shirt.
"Like me today, I'm hoping that I'm in the 11 for the next game, so it's just about trying to go out there whenever you get your opportunity and try and perform."
Richards knows how important it is for strikers to find the net when they are given a chance, but hopes he did enough at the Globe Arena to retain his place when one of his former clubs — Bristol Rovers — visit the Pirelli Stadium tomorrow.
"We'll see if I've done enough to be in the line-up again next week," he said.
"I'm obviously disappointed not to get on the scoresheet, but it's one of those.
"I was part of a team that's kept a clean sheet and got a point up here so hopefully I will be.
"I guess I'd say I need a run in the side to get the match sharpness back but, as a striker, anything can fall to you in the box and then you score and you feel like you're back then.
"It's just about getting out there really, just being on the pitch, and obviously just trying to build some type of form and consistency.
"The only way you do that is if you're playing. Every striker needs to be banging the goals in, so you've just got to keep going and hopefully you get those chances to play."
Richards, who scored 12 goals in his first season at the club following his move from Albion's League Two rivals Port Vale, also says the Brewers are giving him the best chance to be as sharp as possible for when he does get his chances.
He said: "You've got to look after yourself and stay sharp for when you do get the chance, but the set-up at the club's good in regards to keeping players fit and doing the right stuff.
"You can't ask for any more really, it's all there for you to be ready to play when you do get the call."
While Richards has not been as involved as he would have liked, he has been impressed with Albion's start to the season — and the four points and two clean sheets they have picked up from two tough away games.
Speaking after the 0-0 draw at Morecambe, he said: "Yeah, it was a tough battle.
"It's a hard place to come, especially after a really long week.
"I mean, obviously, having gone down to Southend and won down there, to then come up here on the Saturday — its been a long week — but I think it was a good point at the end of the day.
"We kept a clean sheet, they never really looked like scoring, so you can't really grumble with that.
"If someone had offered us two clean sheets and four points from the two games at the start of the week then I think we probably would have taken it.
"Obviously, you wanna win every game that you turn up for, but at the end of the day we've kept a clean sheet and if we'd have nicked one, we would have won another game.
"There weren't too many clear-cut chances, not at all.
"Morecambe are a good side, they're good at home, they've always been there or thereabouts over the last few years, so it's a hard place to come and pick up points.
"Having kept them to minimal chances, we've got to be happy with that.
"The manager is trying to build from a solid foundation and I think that's stood us in good stead when we're playing away from home.
"The first thing is to be hard to beat and then if we can build on that and nick three points then that's what we'll do."