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MEAN Stack developer / Full Stack / Mobile
Spain - Last active: 1 day ago - Tests: 2 - Portfolio: 2
I am a full stack developer with good experience using Node.JS, Angular, Express, Jade and severals database models like Mongodb, PostgreSQL or mySQL. I developed single pages applications and REST API services. Worked with JSON and XML data models. Also, I'm considered a Junior Mobile developer that can handle very well the connection between a web app and a mobile application.
Customer Support and Satisfaction first!
Vietnam - Last active: 18 hours ago - Tests: 1 - Portfolio: 5
I am experts with 8 years experience on CMS (Joomla, Wordpress, Drupal, Magento), HTML/CSS/JS. I built a whole site, build or custom extensions (component, module, plugin, template) with MVC structure, tableless, advance SEO. See more details at here: https://www.freelancer.com/u/cooldevvn.html https://www.elance.com/s/cooldevvn/ ★ Areas Of Expertise: ★ Programming / Scripting Languages: ✔ PHP 4/ PHP 5 ✔ Shell scripting ✔ MySQL ★ PHP Frameworks: ✔ Code Igniter ✔ Zend ★ ECommerce Solutions: ✔ WOO Commerce ✔ OSCommerce, ✔ Zen cart ✔ Xcart ✔ Magento ✔ Open Cart ✔ Prestashop ★ Web designs: ✔ HTML 4/5, XHTML, DHTML, CSS 2/3, Dream Weaver, FrontPage, JavaScript, JQuery, Flash ★ Content Management Solutions: ✔ Joomla ✔ Word press ✔ Drupal ✔ Magento ★ JavaScript Frameworks: ✔ JQuery, extJs ★ API Integrations: ✔ Google Maps & Calendar, Google Adwords, Twitter, Facebook ★ Payment Gateways (3D Secure and Non-3D Secure): ✔ Authorize.net ✔ PSiGate ✔ PayPal, Plug 'n Pay, PayPal Pro ★ Payment Term: ✔ You create 50% funds after selected me as winner and release it after I showed you the first demo. ✔ You create the rest funds and release it and review after we finished the project. ★ Support: ✔ After we finished the project, if you found any bugs, then I still fix for you as free. I am glad I have a chance to work with you.
Expertise in Web Designing, PHP, ASP.Net, Andriod Apps
India - Last active: 18 hours ago - Tests: 2 - Portfolio: 3
I have expertise in Web Designing ,Php, Magento, Joomla , Wordpress, Photoshop, Coreldraw, Illustrator, Jquery Ajax along with 6 years of experience in Software Industry- Self-motivated and goal oriented. Ability to follow through with projects from inception to completion using analytical and problem solving skills. Web 2.0 Design and PSD to xHTML and External CSS(Both Tables, and Table less/DIV Based) PSD to Wordpress Theme (Every type of website) Joomla Themes, Nextgen Gallery, Virtue Mart, Shopping Cart Functionality, Plugins, Customization of plugins, javascripting, jquery. I believe in Long Term Business Relationship. Our motto is Client Satisfaction. Core Skills ============= - HTML5 / XHTML - CSS3 / AJAX /JQuery / JSON - Core PHP / Wordpress / Drupal /Joomla / Magento - ASP.Net / VB.Net / C# - MySQL / MS SQL Server - SEO & eMarketing Services - Mobile Applications / Mobile Websites - Software and Website QA 1) 24x7 support on Mobile, Chat and eMail 2) 100% original and exclusive website design layouts! 3) Fully dedicated to your project with a keen eye for detail. 4) 365 Days Maintenance ABSOLUTELY FREE!!! 5) 100% Project Completion Guarantee We provide Maintenance and Support for 365 days.
Sr. QA Analyst
United States - Last active: 2 days ago - Tests: 2
Hello, My name is Jamil Davis and I was a QA Tester for Disney Interactive, QA Specialist at Scopely and now Sr. QA Analyst for Chromatik. I've tested apps on Android, iOS, Windows Phone 8, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Amazon Fire OS, Amazon Fire TV, BlackBerry, Firefox OS, Samsung Galaxy Apps and LGTV Games. I am highly experienced in app submission requirements for all of the previously listed platforms. I am also experienced in COPPA and OFT requirements. I also currently have high knowledge in using Trello, JIRA, DevTrack, Unfuddle and TestRail for testing purposes. I really look forward to working with you on your project and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks you for your time. Best Regards, Jamil
Italian retoucher and photographer
France - Last active: 18 hours ago - Tests: 9 - Portfolio: 2
I'm a photographer and a retoucher with a specialization in beauty retouch. I've spent the last two years traveling around the world to discover different cultures, languages and people and to progress in photography, field in which I am freelance since 4 years with a specialization in retouch. My web site contains my travel blog in both english and italian as well as my photographic and retouching portfolio: http://www.artificialstage.net In 2014 I've also took graphic design and typography and calligraphy classes. I've lived 28 years in Italy and 4 in France, I'm italian mother tongue and fluent in written and verbal english and french. I've past working experiences as java developer for a IT company in France. Having worked in different domains allows me to be open and reactive and having lived in different countries helps me in understanding different ways of working and communicating.
software & web Development,database administration,web scraping
Morocco - Last active: 10 days ago - Tests: 7
No Compromise With The Quality Of the Work. I Can Ensure Quality Work. My Moto Is "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." I have 5 Years of Work Experience as Programmer & Web Designing & Development: • Development in (.NET, ASP.NET, C #, C ++) • Excel : Automating - Programming • Data entry (images to word,PDF to Excel....) • Web Designing & Development in PHP, HTML5, CSS3, PHOTOSHOP • Management Database (SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, Access) • Analysis and Design (UML) • Writing unit tests. • Bug fixes. • Customer Support.
Network/Software develper
Kenya - Last active: 2 days ago - Tests: 2
I am a developer/project leader with track record of initiating applications and applying technologies to help clients and prior employers to expand sales, strengthen competitive services, migrate systems, and increase productivity of departmental users and technical staff. I possess significant practical experience in Financial Systems, Inventory systems, Commercial Real Estate Systems, and HR and Payroll Systems. In addition, I have in-depth hands on programming languages such as C#, VB.Net, ASP.net,Crystal Reports,PHP,Java,HTML,Mysql, Oracle, SQL Server 2005, MS Access.
4+ years Software Engineer (Website & Mobile Application Development)
Pakistan - Last active: 14 days ago - Tests: 6 - Portfolio: 15
I am working as mobile application developer and also handling an organization. Experience in leading the team of mobile application development and website development. Experience: more than 4 years Skills: Objective C, , XCode SDK, SQLite, JSON, XML, REST, SOAP, PHP, Wordpress, Joomla, Magento Opecart, Woocommerce Codeigniter , Cakephp Over the last 4 year, I have developed a wide range of iPhone & iPad applications in Objective C, , SQlite using Xcode tool which apple provides in Mac OS. And I am seeking opportunities to build mobile applications specially (iPhone & iPad applications) from the ground up for you or your business.I also have extensive experience in the following areas: PHP, MySQL, OOP, and software design and testing.
- Objective-C
- CodeIgniter
- WordPress
- jQuery
- MySQL Administration
- Scrum
- Team Foundation Server
- Adobe Photoshop
- Cocos2d
Groups: Application Developers Alliance, Bluehost Developers and Designers
Associated with: Syslotix
Hardware prototyping, DSP, python programming
Poland - Last active: 2 months ago - Tests: 4 - Portfolio: 1
I am an engineer specializing in Arduino and Electronics. I'm PhD student of audio engineering. I was studying at the Faculty of Electronics and Computer Science. My core competency lies in signal processing and prototyping devices (with sensors, light, motors, audio and wireless connection). During my studies I also learned programming with C++, Python and MatLab and I developed some Android apps. Apart my basic competency (hardware design) I'm making interactive applications based on processing language for desktop and for web (using processing.js) Don't hesitate to contact me.
Web Developer, Joomla, PHP, HTML, CSS, MySQL, JS
Vietnam - Last active: 3 days ago
I've worked 7 years with Joomla and Wordpress. I've done many projects, include full-site development, template conversion ( from PSD, PNG,... file ), extension creation, extension customize, solution suggestion...


text: The Alien Trilogy wiki last edited by Mento on 09/24/14 04:45PM View full history Alien Trilogy is a science fiction first person shooter loosely based on the first three Alien movies. It was released for PlayStation and Sega Saturn in 1996, and later ported to MS-DOS in 1997.The game only loosely follows the storyline of the Alien movies. The player undertakes the role of Ellen Ripley, the main character of the movies (portrayed by Sigourney Weaver) and apart from Bishop, there are no other major characters in the game. The storyline is advanced solely through the use of detailed text-based mission briefings at the start of each level and there are short cut scenes at the end of each game that provide a small amount of closure to the events of the preceding missions.There are three sets of levels. The first is on the Colony, anologous to Aliens, the second is on the Prison, anologous to Alien 3 (which isn't canonical since in the film, the prison had no weapons) and the third in on the Derelict spaceship, anologous to Alien though most of the level scenery is invented by the creators since so little of it is seen in the film.Gameplay wise, Alien Trilogy is best described as a straightforward shooter. There are objectives that must be addressed and Aliens must be eliminated. If the player gets less than 50% in "Mission" and/or "Aliens" meters, the mission must be repeated. Though it is similar to Doom, limited use of the Y-axis can be used to look up and down, whereas in Doom there was no Y-axis aiming. Weapons are the standard set seen in Aliens, with the addition of seismic charges (which were only mentioned in the film). There's a pistol, shotgun, pulse rifle, flamethrower and smartgun to fight the enemies with.Lamps like those of the marines' and the videogame-only night vision goggles can be obtained for enhanced sight in low light areas.Alien Trilogy has a variety of scenery, ranging from cargo holds, a cryogenic chamber, and the alien nest itself. Enemies look well enough at far, but up close they become severely pixilated, especially compared to the cleaner models of Alien vs Predator for the Atari Jaguar. Explosions are quite nice and a joy to look at, but nothing special is overall present by the graphic quality.Sound effects are mostly sampled from the movie, with the PC version having slightly altered sounds for the adult aliens and occasional lines delivered by Ripley in-game (not by Sigourney Weaver though). The soundtrack is a mix of electronic and classical instruments and sound effects like aliens hissing or thunder cracking, delivering an action oriented music sheet similar to that found on Probe's own Alien 3 for the Sega Genesis and Amiga.The game has some pretty brutal death scenes when the player loses their health. For example, Ripley's head is torn off by a xenomorph, and her face is mangled by a facehugger.Alien Trilogy was developed by Probe Entertainment for the console versions and Sculptured Software oversaw the DOS port which later followed.The game was published by Acclaim and Fox Interactive.

subset: commoncrawl


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Plan DescriptionAn ideal starter home, this two-story is charming inside and out. The covered entry opens to the roomy two-story foyer with convenient coat closet. The volume ceiling in the living room lends to a spacious feel. The dining area and kitchen combine for efficiency and enjoy easy access to the laundry room, two-car garage, outdoors and formal dining room. A private bath and walk-in closet enhance the first floor master bedroom. Two upper level bedrooms overlook the great room and foyer from a balcony. Packed with livability, this house plan is small and affordable.
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Details and Shopping
Customer Favorite
- FP Exclusive :
- Only sold thru Free People
Distressed washed top with V neckline, 3/4 length sleeves and shirttail hem. Color blocking and stripes lend a sport feel to this ultra-comfy tee.
We the Free brings us back to our down-to-earth, All-American roots, made mostly with casual cottons that have a lightly distressed and perfectly worn in feel.
We the Free brings us back to our down-to-earth, All-American roots, made mostly with casual cottons that have a lightly distressed and perfectly worn in feel.
*50% Cotton
*50% Polyester
*Machine Wash Cold
*Made in the USA
*50% Polyester
*Machine Wash Cold
*Made in the USA
Measurements for Small:Bust (All Around): 39"
Length: 29"
Sleeve Length: 17"
Rated 4.8 out of 5Â by 16 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5Â by elsbarbie Nice shirt like the color This shirt fit TTS for me, 5'7" 125 lbs and bought size small. The color is nice... it looks like the lighter studio shots, maybe slightly darker. This reminds me of the candy tee that they had with the lighter sleeves. Very nice - I love FP tees they are made of nice material and have a distressed look. 9.15.2013
Rated 5 out of 5Â by mrjones Comfy casual top Received and wore this today. The colours are the same as in the studio pics, It fits TTS, I usually take a M. It's very soft and comfy. 9.10.2013
Rated 4 out of 5Â by momyof3 Comfy This shirt is great, I do think it's a little too big/long but it's so comfy and cute. I bought the two colors it offers and love them. 7.6.2014
Rated 4 out of 5Â by MelRose Soooo soft! I was lucky to find this on sale in a Free People store. I bought the ivory/purple combo, which is pretty (as are all the color combos in this shirt). My favorite thing about this shirt is the material - it is so super soft. I wear it with jeans and with sweats and am thinking of getting it in another color combo! 7.5.2014
Rated 5 out of 5Â by Sally_cooper LOVE THIS SHIRT !! Just received mine. It is a great quality - great fit - super comfy shirt !!!! VERY happy !! Was unsure when I ordered it, but HAPPY I did ! Highly recommend :-)))) 7.3.2014
Rated 5 out of 5Â by Highcountrygypsy Super soft. 167cms, 55kg, 88cm bust. Purchased the purple in a small for a more oversized look. Yes it is loose however looks great over dresses etc and I liked it so much I have ordered the other colours as well. Great soft, comfy basic. The purple is as pictured. Really happy with this purchase. 5.29.2014
Rated 5 out of 5Â by AliciaH28 So cozy! I'm in between a M & L and went with the large...should have sized down so it was a little more flattering...but its so soft and cozy that I'm keeping it and loving it! I got the yellow and blue and it's a little brighter in person....actually like the colors better in person :) 3.27.2014
Rated 5 out of 5Â by diasaria Perfect jersey! Soft, soft, soft...I get compliments every time I wear this shirt. I have it in all three colors, and so I obviously love it! I'm 5'9" tall 145 lbs. and got the small. 3.26.2014
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1920x1080 @ 1080p; 4 HDMI; HD tuner; 120Hz refresh rate; LED-edgelit; built-in wireless networking; SmartTV: Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, HuluPlus
TigerDirect has the Sony BRAVIA KDL-60EX645 60" LED-Edgelit LCD HDTV for a low $1348.00 after Coupon Code: "SIT83566" (Exp 2/16) cart). $80 Shipping. Tax in FL, GA, ID, IL, NC, SD, TX. With shipping included this is about $70 less than we saw on Black Friday.


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Letter: Songwriters Festival 'a treat' for participants
Aug. 24, 2013 @ 11:12 PM
To those of you who may have missed it, pencil the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival onto your calendar for next year now! I am so amazed that Cyndy Montgomery Reeves and her group of volunteers put together such an incredible variety of talent (Aug. 15-18). There were so many songwriters in so many venues it was hard to decide where to head next.
For Gatlinburg to offer residents and visitors this caliber of talent, showcased so well, was a treat, and at no cost to boot. Many thanks to Cyndy and her gang for all the hard work involved in putting this together, as well as the sponsors who helped make this unique event happen. Can't wait to see what next year brings!
Lizabeth Campbell


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MAC Satin Lipstick - Myth
594 reviews
73% would repurchase
Package Quality: 4.4
Price: $$$
Package Quality: 4.4
Price: $$$
INGREDIENTScastor oil, trioctydodecyl citrate, glyceryl triacetyl hydroxysterate, candellla wax, octydodecanol, silica, jojoba oil, beeswax, sesame oil, ozokerite, carnauba wax, cetyl ricinoleate, microcrystalline wax, ascorbyl palmitate, tocopherol, vanillin.
on 4/13/2011 10:43:00 PM
Age: 25-29
Skin: Combination, Tan, Not Sure
Hair: Black, Other, Other
Eyes: Brown
This is my go-to nude lippy when doing my smokey eye, it matches perfectly w/ my NC35 skin tone... I use MAC's prrrr lipglass over it being that it is a satin finish&can be drying to the lips, but overall i`m glad i purchased this item=)
on 4/13/2011 10:40:00 PM
Age: 18 & Under
Skin: Normal, Fair, Not Sure
Hair: Brown, Other, Other
Eyes: Green
I like this lipstick but I am very pale and it looks kind of weird on me and makes me look dead. Some times I can pull it off but it really depends on what im wearing. It looks way better on me in the summer when I'm a bit tanner, but I am so fair it is really hard. I wouldnt repurchase
on 4/13/2011 10:24:00 PM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool
Hair: Brown, Other, Medium
Eyes: Brown
Fantastic nude color! Goes with everything, but you need to make sure your lips are in good condition. This color shows any imperfections. Top it with any lip gloss for a finished look everyday!
on 4/13/2011 9:44:00 AM
Age: 18 & Under
Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Not Sure
Hair: Black, Other, Other
Eyes: Black
Hands down favorite lipstick. Absolutely love it. A great dupe is Apple Blossom by Natural Collection.
on 4/13/2011 7:10:00 AM
Age: 25-29
Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm
Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine
Eyes: Blue
This is very white-ish concealor looking but now I am blonde and less tanned this suits me again. However, as I don't like the concealor look lips I tend to put a bright gloss over this which then makes it into a pale colour but I wouldn't wear alone - prefer creme de nude for that.
on 4/12/2011 2:25:00 PM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Combination, Olive, Cool
Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium
Eyes: Brown
Myth is a great nude lipstick color if you want really really nude lips. I always apply a moisturizing lipbalm before I put on Myth because if I don't it dries out my lips and sinks into the cracks. Otherwise, it's the best nude lip color out there. It's also a great combination with smokey eyes!
on 4/10/2011 1:55:00 AM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Oily, Dark, Warm
Hair: Black, Straight, Fine
Eyes: Black
I love Myth, but not really because the color works for me. I am NC42, and this color looks ghastly on me by itself, which is fine since I love this color more as a concealer against my awful lip color which is purple on top and pink on bottom. I wear this paired with a pink lipgloss and it looks flawless, it adds a nice pearly nude tone underneath pinks which I absolutely adore! However I can't rate 5 stars because of the dryness it causes.
on 4/6/2011 9:52:00 PM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool
Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium
Eyes: Brown
i've tried a lot of nude lipsticks and this has to be my favourite, i'm never changing to another lipstick again! it's such a beautiful colour but make sure you top it off with a lipgloss such as the mac lipglass c-thru otherwise it will look too cakey and dry but the lasting power is great, it lasts really long. as for the people that are complaining about it being too dry, have you ever heard of moisturising your lips? most lipsticks look like shit on if you have dry/chapped lips anyway so make sure you keep your lips moisturised. will definately buy again but thumbs down for it being too expensive!
on 3/27/2011 11:36:00 PM
Age: 19-24
Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Not Sure
Hair: Blond, Other, Other
Eyes: Blue
okay, so the people that have complained about how light/nude this product is, i've noticed are tan or deeper toned. well first off, you wouldn't wear this alone if you are. of course it looks chalky! you need a lip liner. secondly, it is a satin so it does have more of a matte look. IF YOU PUT A MATTE ON, YOU NEED TO HYDRATE THE SKIN YOU PUT IT ON. i think a lot of people who don't like it, aren't educated enough on how to wear it, or because they are a deeper tone, that's not always the color for you. your nude would be a little darker. myth is more of a lipstick that you apply lightly.
with that said, i love it. it gives you the perfect slate for multiple nude looks. put a pink/brown/peach gloss on top and it creates a more nude shade in that tone. you don't need a lot of it. remember, swatch it on your hand before you just buy it. it's not hard to see that it's a light nude lipstick...and not for everyone. BUT IT IS THE PERFECT NUDE FOR MOST PEOPLE, IF YOU KNOW HOW TO WORK WITH IT.
on 3/25/2011 4:13:00 PM
Age: 25-29
Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral
Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse
Eyes: Green
Wish I'd returned this when I had the chance. This is SO dry, it looks and feels chalky, and the color is just gross.
The reason I'm reviewing it so poorly is because I feel that we could all do so much better for the price. In order to avoid having this ash out your lips and make your face lose its color, you have to work with it a lot.....I don't want to work with a $15 lipstick. I want to apply it and be done. Besides, ANY color can end up looking the way you want it to if you toy with it enough....why not just save yourself the time and buy a product that does what you want in one go?
In order to get this color right, you have to apply it with a brush and not straight from the tube or it'll go on way too thick. You'd probably want to apply it over a nice moisturizing base as well, because it's a very dry formula and it always causes my lips to crack and peel. Yuck.
This is a difficult color to pull off. I'm not going to be daft and say that it won't work for some people, but I think it's a bad color for most. Even the lady at the MAC counter told me that I'd want to apply a good gloss over it to get some of the color back in my lips. So again I ask, what is the point of this product?
I never reach for this and I regret buying it. I wanted to like it because it's so popular, but it's just not for me. Doesn't suit my tastes.
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Kilninver Primary is a small rural school on the west coast of Argyll. There are 24 pupils in P1-7 and 8 in the pre 5 unit. Welcome to our website! Please browse through the pages to see what we have been learning recently.
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The present invention provides methods for modifying surfaces made from metal alloy and/or UHMWPE, preferably surfaces which are frictionally engaged, e.g., in an orthopaedic implant. The methods of the present invention reduce the coefficient of friction of the metal alloy component, reduce the shearing of fibrils from the UHMWPE component, and reduce sub-surface fatigue in the UHMWPE component. The method involves solvent immersion of the UHMWPE component to remove short chains of polyethylene at or near the surface of the component, and to swell and toughen the subsurface of the component. The method also involves firmly coating the surface of the metal alloy component with an adherent layer of diamond-like carbon ("DLC") by creating a metal-silicide interface at the surface of the metal alloy to permit firmer adhesion of DLC. Although the methods of the present invention are particularly useful in orthopaedic applications, the methods also can be used to treat similar components used in other applications.
1. An orthopaedic implant comprising a metal alloy component comprising
an amorphous carbon coating in frictional contact with a surface of a second component, said surface comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, wherein said surface is substantially undamaged due to swelling and said surface is devoid of polyethylene fibrils that shear off during frictional wear for about one million cycles against a polished CoCr pin at a stress level equivalent to that induced by normal body loads at a total hip interface, wherein said surface is treated by a processing comprising:
immersing said surface in an organic solvent for a first amount of time and at a temperature sufficient to dissolve polyethylene fibrils that frictionally shear off during said frictional wear but insufficient to result in damage due to swelling of said ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, said organic solvent being selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon, an alicyclic hydrocarbon, an aliphatic hydrocarbon, and a mixture thereof; and
exposing said ultra high molecular weight polyethylene component to a sufficient vacuum for a second amount of time sufficient to remove residual solvent
wherein said metal alloy component is coated with amorphous carbon by a process comprising:
heating said metal alloy component to a first temperature;
in a vacuum, condensing onto said metal alloy component silicon in an amount sufficient to form an inner bonding layer of metal-silicide cohesively bonded to an outer layer of silicon;
substantially simultaneously bombarding said outer layer with a first energetic beam of ions under conditions comprising a first energy, a first ion density, and a first amount of time, wherein said conditions and said first temperature are sufficient to form said inner bonding layer cohesively bonded to said outer layer;
condensing a carbon precursor onto said outer layer at a second temperature, a pressure, and for a second amount of time sufficient to form a film of precursor molecules on said outer layer, wherein said second temperature and said pressure are sufficiently low that said carbon precursor is not vaporized off of said component;
substantially simultaneously bombarding said carbon precursor with a second energetic beam of ions at a second energy, a second ion density, and for a third amount of time sufficient to form an inner layer of silicon carbide cohesively bonded to an outer coating of amorphous carbon.
2. An orthopaedic component comprising a surface comprising ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene,
wherein said component is substantially undamaged due to swelling and said surface is devoid of polyethylene fibrils that shear off during frictional wear for about one million cycles against a polished CoCr pin at a stress level equivalent to that induced by normal body loads at a total hip interface
wherein said orthopaedic implant comprises a metal alloy component comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, nickel, titanium, zirconium, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, platinum, palladium, and combinations thereof, wherein said metal alloy component is coated with amorphous carbon by a process comprising:
heating said metal alloy component to a first temperature;
in a vacuum, condensing onto said metal alloy component silicon in an amount sufficient to form an inner bonding layer of metal-silicide cohesively bonded to an outer layer of said silicon;
substantially simultaneously bombarding said outer layer with a first energetic beam of ions under conditions comprising a first energy, a first ion density, and a first amount of time, wherein said conditions and said first temperature are sufficient to form said inner bonding layer cohesively bonded to said outer layer;
condensing a carbon precursor onto said outer layer at a second temperature, a pressure, and for a second amount of time sufficient to form a film of precursor molecules on said outer layer, wherein said second temperature and said pressure are sufficiently low that said carbon precursor is not vaporized off of said component;
substantially simultaneously bombarding said carbon precursor with a second energetic beam of ions at a second energy, a second ion density, and for a third amount of time sufficient to form an inner layer of silicon carbide cohesively bonded to an outer coating of amorphous carbon.
3. An orthopaedic implant comprising a metal alloy component comprising an amorphous carbon coating in frictional contact with a surface of a second component, said surface comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, wherein said surface is substantially undamaged due to swelling and said surface is devoid of polyethylene fibrils that shear off during frictional wear for about one million cycles against a polished CoCr pin at a stress level equivalent to that induced by normal body loads at a total hip interface wherein said amorphous carbon coating further comprises nitrogen ions implanted therein.
4. An orthopaedic implant comprising a metal alloy component comprising
an amorphous carbon coating in frictional contact with a surface of a second component, said surface comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, wherein said surface is substantially undamaged due to swelling and said surface is devoid of polyethylene fibrils that shear off during frictional wear for about one million cycles against a polished CoCr pin at a stress level equivalent to that induced by normal body loads at a total hip interface, wherein said surface is treated by a process comprising:
immersing said surface in an organic solvent for a first amount of time and at a temperature sufficient to dissolve polyethylene fibrils that frictionally shear off during said frictional wear but insufficient to result in damage due to swelling of said ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, said organic solvent being selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon, an alicyclic hydrocarbon, an aliphatic hydrocarbon, and a mixture thereof; and
exposing said ultra high molecular weight polyethylene component to a sufficient vacuum for a second amount of time sufficient to remove residual solvent
wherein said amorphous carbon coating further comprises nitrogen ions implanted therein.
This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/722,871 filed Sep. 25, 1996 now abandoned which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/408,151 filed Mar. 21, 1995 now abandoned which is a divisional of Ser. No. 08/220,234 filed Mar. 29, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,719.
The present invention relates to decreasing frictional wear and degradation in products, typically orthopaedic implants, in which components made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) come into frictional contact with components, e.g., made of a metal alloy, such as cobalt-chromium.
The replacement of destroyed or damaged human joints is one of the great achievements of twentieth century orthopaedic surgery. However, total joint prostheses, composed of various combinations of metal, ceramic, and polymeric components, continue to suffer from distressingly limited service lives. For example, the current generation of high-load bearing prostheses for the hip and knee have a typical lifetime on the order of 6-12 years. Generally, failed implants can be replaced once or twice, which means that current technology provides a solution for—at most—about 25 years.
With human life expectancies steadily increasing, there is a driving need to increase significantly the effective lifetime of a single implant. One of the problems encountered in designing such prostheses is the difficulty of finding materials which are both biocompatible and also durable enough to replace a human joint. In use, a human joint is exposed to substantial, repetitive loads and frictional stresses.
Although the geometric details may vary, a natural human hip, knee, or shoulder joint generally includes: (a) a more-or-less spherical ball; (b) an attachment to a long bone; and, (c) a hemispherical socket (the "acetabular cup") in a contiguous bony structure which retains the spherical ball so that the long bone may pivot and articulate. In a healthy joint, nature minimizes the friction between the joint components and prevents bone-on-bone wear and destruction by using mating porous cartilaginous layers that provide "squeeze-film" synovial fluid lubrication. This lubrication results in a low coefficient of friction on the order of 0.02.
When a human joint has been destroyed or damaged by disease or injury, surgical replacement (arthroplasty) normally is required. A total joint replacement includes components that simulate a natural human joint, typically: (a) a more-or-less spherical ceramic or metal ball, often made of cobalt-chromium alloy; (b) attached to a "stem," which generally is implanted into the core of the adjacent long bone; and (c) a hemispherical socket which takes the place of the acetabular cup and retains the spherical ball. This hemispherical socket typically is a metal cup affixed into the joint socket by mechanical attachments and "lined" with UHMWPE so that the ball can rotate within the socket, and so that the stem, via the ball, can pivot and articulate.
One of the difficulties in constructing any device for implantation into the human body is the need to avoid an adverse immune response. The possibility of an adverse immune response is reduced when certain synthetic materials are used. Cobalt-chromium alloy, titanium, and UHMWPE are examples of such synthetic materials. Unfortunately, the use of UHMWPE in the bearing of a total joint replacement may be the cause of at least one type of failure of such devices.
Three basic problems may cause a total joint replacement to fail or to have a limited service life. The first problem, which manifests itself at the bone-stem interface, is not the focus of the present application. Because the elastic modulus of the stem greatly exceeds that of the bone, flexural loading caused by walking creates local cyclic stress concentrations due to the non-compliance of the stem. These stresses can be intense and even severe enough to cause death of local bone cells. If this occurs, pockets of non-support are created, and the stem may loosen or fail.
The two other basic problems, which are coupled, are the subject of the present application. One of these problems, known as ball-cup friction and wear, results from frictional wear between the hemispherical bearing (which is "lined" with UHMWPE) and the polished spherical ceramic or metal ball attached to the stem. The other problem, known as sub-surface fatigue, results from brittleness of the UHMWPE bearing and the resulting tendency of the UHMWPE bearing to fail under reciprocating applied loads.
For many years, the acetabular cup in joint implants has been "lined" with UHMWPE, or other materials, in order to decrease the coefficient of friction of the socket or bearing. Unfortunately, clinical experience has shown that, at least when UHMWPE is used to line the bearing, either the surface of the UHMWPE "bearing" and/or the surface of the metal/ceramic ball ultimately is destroyed by friction-induced wear. Alternately, the acetabular cup loosens after a period of use, greatly increasing ball-cup friction and wear.
Some insight into the cause of failure due to ball-cup friction and wear has been gleaned from histological studies of the surrounding tissue. These histological studies show that the surrounding distressed tissue typically contains extremely small particles of UHMWPE which range from sub-micrometers to a few micrometers in size. Larger particles of UHMWPE appear to be tolerated by the body, as is the solid bulk of the UHMWPE bearing. However, the body apparently does not tolerate smaller particles of UHMWPE. In fact, these small particles of UHMWPE cause powerful histiocytic reactions by which the body unsuccessfully attempts to eliminate the foreign material. Agents released in this process attack the neighboring bone to cause "wear debris-induced osteolysis" which, in turn, leads to a loss of fixation and loosening of the prosthesis due to "remodeling" of the bone.
The first step in the generation of the small particles of UHMWPE appears to be the formation of a very thin layer of polyethylene between the spherical ball and the UHMWPE lining of the bearing. This thin film of polyethylene adheres to the "ball" and serves as a soft, shearable, solid lubricant composed of millions of submicrometer particles. Adhesive wear between the ball and the bearing produces strong, adhesive junctions on the ball. When exposed to further friction, fibrils of the polymer shear off of these adhesive junctions and are drawn into slender connecting ligaments, eventually producing ligament rupture.
This ligament rupture apparently produces the lubricous, extremely small particles of UHMWPE which eventually migrate to the bone-acetabular cup bond line. The reason for migration of these particles into the "crevice" between the ball and the cup are the microcurrents that are generated in the synovial fluid by joint motion. Once a sufficient number of small particles enter the bone-cup crevice, the bone tissue begins to degrade and the joint replacement eventually loosens and fails.
One way to reduce friction between the metal and UHMWPE components would be to coat one or both of the components with diamond-like carbon (DLC), which is chemically inert, biocompatible, and is known to have a low coefficient of friction. Unfortunately, the very properties of DLC that make it a desirable coating for parts that will be frictionally engaged make it difficult to achieve strong adhesion of the DLC coating to the substrate, particularly where deposition temperatures must be low. This limited adhesion problem can be exacerbated by very high compressive stress, such as that found in a plasma-deposited DLC (up to 8 GPa). Therefore, some have concluded that DLC—or at least plasma-deposited DLC—cannot be used in orthopaedic applications.
Energetic ion beam-associated DLC has a far lower residual stress than plasma-deposited DLC, and is a better candidate for a high integrity DLC. The substrate material to which all forms of carbon adhere most successfully is silicon. This is because strong covalent Si—C bonds are easily formed between the coating and the silicon substrate. Some have attempted to improve the adhesion of DLC to other materials, such as metal alloys, by forming an interposed silicon bond-coat to which the DLC will adhere more strongly.
Unfortunately, this simple approach does not result in adhesion that survives in applications, such as orthopaedic applications, where the DLC coating is subjected to substantial friction and stress. The simple formation of a silicon bond-coat on a metal alloy appears to create another relatively weak interface between the silicon and the metal or alloy.
Therefore a method is needed by which a DLC coating can be strongly adhered to a metal surface, and by which the shearing of polymer fibrils from an UHMWPE component can be prevented. The method would be most efficient if it rendered the UHMWPE compound less brittle so that sub-surface fatigue failure was reduced.
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a mixed prospective and cross sectional side view of the wear test machine used in the following experiments.
FIG. 2 is a chat of the number of wear cycles against the volume (mm3) lost during those cycles.
The present invention provides a method for modifying the surfaces involved, typically a metal alloy spherical ball and an UHMWPE bearing, to reduce: (1) frictional wear between such surfaces; (2) shearing of fibrils from the UHMWPE bearing; and (3) sub-surface fatigue in the UHMWPE component. The method involves solvent immersion of the UHMWPE component to remove short chains of polyethylene at or near the surface of the component, and to swell and strengthen the subsurface of the component. The method also involves treating the metal alloy spherical ball to create a metal-silicide interface which permits firmer adhesion of DLC and thereby reduces the coefficient of friction of said surfaces. Although the methods of the present invention are particularly useful in orthopaedic applications, the methods also can be used to treat similar components used in other applications.
The present invention has two aspects. The first aspect is solvent immersion treatment of the UHMWPE component. The second aspect is a method for creating strong adhesion of the DLC coating to the spherical ball.
Solvent immersion according to the present invention may be used to treat any UHMWPE component that will be exposed to friction during use in order to increase the life of such a component. Solvent immersion particularly is useful in connection with medical devices, and most particularly with medical devices such as total joint replacements, which contain UHMWPE bearings that will be exposed to friction during use.
Methods of manufacturing components made of UHMWPE are known. The process of the present invention preferably is performed after the component has been formed, but before insertion into an end product, such as the metal cup of a total joint prosthesis. The apparatus used to immerse the UHMWPE component is not critical to the present invention. For example, if desired, the UHMWPE component may be immersed in the solvent using a simple hand-held instrument.
A preferred solvent for immersion according to the present invention is decahydronaphthalene (C10H18, anhydrous), also known as Decalin™. However, other organic solvents which are capable of dissolving short chain polyethylenes and of swelling the microstructure of the component also may be used. Such solvents include aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and o-dichlorobenzene; other alicyclic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane and tetrahydronaphthalene, also known as Tetralin™; and, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-paraffin, isoparaffin, and mixtures thereof.
The solvent chosen should be placed in an appropriate container for immersion of the UHMWPE component under controlled conditions of time and temperature. The solvent should be heated to a temperature that will maximize the dissolution of short polyethylene chains, typically between about 30-100� C. A temperature of between about 30-50� C. is preferred because temperatures above about 50� C. result in excessive swelling of the polymer. Once a stable solvent temperature has been reached, the UHMWPE component should be immersed and retained in the solvent for a period sufficient to dissolve any short chain polyethylenes and to swell the microstructure of the component. This typically should require about 30-180 seconds, preferably about 30 seconds. The time of immersion generally should decrease as the temperature of the solvent is increased.
After the UHMWPE component has been immersed in the solvent for an appropriate period of time, the component should be removed from the solvent and allowed to dry. A "naked" UHMWPE component generally should be dried for about 24 hours at room temperature. The conditions under which the UHMWPE component is dried are not critical; however, if the UHMWPE component has areas that are difficult to dry, some relatively mild form of heat or air flow may be helpful to dry the component.
After the UHMWPE component has been dried, the UHMWPE component should be placed in a standard vacuum chamber and exposed to a vacuum of between about 10−110−5 torr, preferably about 10−3 torr, for a time sufficient to remove residual solvent, preferably at least 8 hours. Thereafter, the UHMWPE component is ready for assembly into an end product and/or for any further treatment(s) that may be required before use, e.g., sterilization.
The method for treating a metal alloy to provide a diamond-like coating (DLC) uses ion beam assisted deposition of silicon, followed by deposition of DLC. This method is believed to form strong interatomic bonds across the DLC coating-substrate interface. In order to knit the successive layers of metal-silicon-DLC together effectively, it is necessary to supply a bond-interface for the metal-silicon bond as well as for the silicon-DLC bond. Without limiting the present invention, it is believed that the present method achieves this result by forming strong interatomic bonds having a character that is intermediate between the type of bond that exists between the atoms in the metal and the type of bonds in the silicon. Preferably, a metal substrate is used that forms a strongly-cohesive silicide—that is, an intermetallic compound in which the bonding is partially metallic and partially covalent. Metal substrates that form strongly-cohesive silicides include cobalt, nickel, titanium, zirconium, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, platinum, and palladium. Silicon also is known to react with carbon atoms in DLC to form silicon carbide. Thus, the gradient formed by the process described herein is metal/metal-silicide/silicon/silicon-carbide/DLC. The type of bonds found in this gradient are believed to be intermetallic bonds in the metal alloy substrate; partially metallic and partially covalent bonds between the metal and silicon in the layer of metal silicide; primarily covalent but somewhat metallic bonds in the layer of silicon, which cohesively bonds to the layer of metal silicide; covalent bonds between the silicon and carbon atoms in the DLC in a layer of silicon-carbide; and, covalent bonds in the layer of DLC, which cohesively bonds to the layer of silicon-carbide.
After conventional cleaning of the component to remove superficial contaminants, such as grease, the component is placed in a vacuum chamber that has been evacuated to a base pressure of preferably less than 10−5 torr. The component then is bombarded with ions, preferably argon ions, at an energy range between about 10-100 keV, preferably around 10 keV. This ion bombardment provides an effective means to remove some of the remaining adsorbed atoms from the surface.
The component is heated, preferably to a temperature of about 300� C., or, if the material is temperature sensitive, to the highest acceptable temperature acceptable for that material. Silicon then is deposited onto the component using known means. A preferable means is to position the workpiece directly over the volatilization hearth which is maintained at a preferred temperature of about 750� C. (1382� F.), until a preferred coating thickness of between 100-200 nm has been achieved. The thickness of the coating may be monitored by standard methods, e.g., using the frequency charge of a quartz crystal oscillator.
The component preferably is simultaneously bombarded with an energetic beam of ions, preferably argon ions, at an energy range between 500 eV to 100 keV, preferably between 10-20 keV, in order to form a layer of metal silicide at the metal-silicon interface. Although argon ions are preferred, other suitable ions may be used, such as nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, silicon, methane, helium, or neon, having an energy between 500 eV to 100 keV, preferably 10-30 keV. The ion-to-atom ratio should be sufficient, preferably at least 1 ion to 10 silicon atoms, to form a layer of metal silicide at the metal-silicon interface.
Thereafter, the component is cooled to about 80� C., preferably without removing the component from the vacuum chamber, and the diamond-like carbon (DLC) is deposited, preferably using energetic ion beam deposition techniques. The DLC preferably should be deposited by vaporizing a precursor, such as polyphenyl ether, and condensing the precursor onto the surface of the component using known means. At the same time, the component should be bombarded, either in a continuous or interrupted fashion, with an energetic beam of ions. Preferable ions are nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, silicon, methane, helium, or neon, having an energy between 500 eV to 100 keV, preferably 10-30 keV. The procedure is continued until a thickness of DLC between about 100 nm-10 microns is achieved.
The wear test machine used in the following examples provided a versatile means for material wear testing. The machine, which is shown in FIG. 1, was capable of applying user defined load profiles in a temperature controlled environment. Briefly, the wear test machine included a reciprocating table 10 controlled by a drive 11. On the reciprocating table 10 was a water bath 12 which held the plate 14 to be tested. A pin 16, described more fully below, was retained stationary adjacent to or abutting the plate 14 or sample to be tested. The movement and weight exerted on the plate 14 by the pin 16 was controlled by a force transducer 18 and a dead weight 20, as described more fully below.
Reciprocating Motion
Linear reciprocating motion was accomplished by means of the DC servo motor drive 11 (configured in velocity mode) directly coupled to a ball screw driven rail table 10. Stroke length was determined by two magnetic control switches mounted on the front of the machine. A trapezoidal velocity profile was sent to the motor as a voltage from a Mackintosh IIci equipped with a data acquisition board and software using a LabVIEW software development system (National Instruments, Austin, Tex.). This trapezoidal velocity profile was under closed loop control using the magnetic control switches as position feedback. The speed of reciprocation was controlled by the magnitude of the trapezoidal voltage signal sent from the Mac IIci.
Load Profiles
Static loads were applied using dead weights 20 placed on the end of a stainless steel beam 22. The normal force on the pin 16 was calculated to be 1.9 times the weight of the dead weights 20 on the end of the beam 22. The maximum static normal force was 43.7 pounds (194.4 N) on the pin [23 pounds (102.3 N) located at the end of the beam 22].
Force Measurements
Frictional force recordings between the pin and the plate were obtained from a piezoelectric, voltage mode force transducer. Since the capacity of the force transducer was 100 lbs (444.8 N), very small force measurements could be inaccurate. Normal force recordings on the pin 16 were obtained from a piezoelectric, voltage mode force transducer 18. Its capacity also was 100 lbs (444.8 N).
Cycle Count
The number of cycles was counted in two places. On the Mac IIci, a software counter was incremented each time the left magnetic control switch was closed. As a hardware backup mechanism, a separate magnetic switch (which used the same power supply as the control switches) was located on the back of the wear machine to increment an electronic counter.
The temperature of the wear environment could be regulated by means of a water bath 12 which surrounded the stainless steel wear chamber 24. The water bath 12 was heated by a stainless steel immersion heater controlled by a temperature controller. Water temperature was measured with an RTD probe placed in the bath.
Since it was desirable for the wear machine to operate overnight and on weekends without supervision, a number of safety mechanisms were used.
Software Control
The computer program which drove the system had a "stop switch" on the screen which enabled the program to be manually stopped at any time. Also, the program continually sampled from two additional magnetic stop switches inside the reciprocating rail table. Therefore, in the event of the stroke length being exceeded, one of these switches would close and the program would be stopped. These two stop switches were located slightly outside of the desired stroke length of the wear test (which was determined by the two magnetic control switches previously discussed).
Hardware Control
Located outside of these stop switches were two industrial mechanical push button switches placed in series between the main power source and the motor drives. These switches normally were closed.
If the reciprocating table 10 traveled too far beyond the desired stroke length of the wear test, one of the magnetic stop switches closed, which caused the computer program to send zero volts to both DC motors 11, stopping the wear test. However, a very small voltage still was sent to the motors 11 from the computer, to which the velocity-configured motor 11 could respond. Therefore, the wear chamber 24 continued slowly to drift and soon engaged one mechanical stop switch. This engagement turned off the main power to the motors 11.
Evaluation of Wear
Evaluation of wear resistance and the associated coefficient of sliding friction was performed under realistic environmental but static loading conditions. Two types of wear were measured. First, the wear represented by loss of the coating from the substrate, which was quantified in terms of the number of cycles required to expose the substrate, or major portions thereof. This determination was most effectively made by microscopic observation, rather than by weight loss.
In cases where no coating was involved, it was useful to monitor weight loss; however, it was imperative to compensate for environmental fluid uptake (gain in mass) of the wear sample by using a dummy sample presoaked and exposed to the test bath simultaneously alongside the wear specimen. To ensure that trends observed in the data represented by a steady state situation, data was obtained over a period approaching 106 cycles (corresponding to about one year of normal ambulation). Later tests completed about 1.25�106 cycles.
Simulation of Joint Environment
The environment of a natural joint (with synovial fluid) was simulated using bovine serum. Pin/plate materials were chosen based on a judgment that the constraints of the total joint design cause a localized sector of the femoral ball to describe a wide path within the socket of the acetabular component. Eventually, as seen in joint simulator experiments, a millimeter or more of polymer may be worn away, with no measurable loss of material by the metal or ceramic ball. Therefore, these tests utilized metal, ceramic, or coated metal pins run against coated or uncoated polymeric plates.
The virgin UHMWPE that was used in the following examples was obtained from Westlakes Plastic, Lenni, Pa. For purposes of the present study, gamma-ray sterilization was not performed. If such sterilization had been performed, then the sterilization process should have produced a marginal improvement of mechanical performance, as a consequence of cross-linking. Because the surfaces of polyethylene is scratched easily, all of the surfaces and materials were kept scrupulously clean using a laminar air-flow cabinet. A Struers Rotopol polisher with a Pedamat head was used to polish the samples according to the procedure given in Table I:
The alloy was manufactured by Carpenter Technology, Houston, Tex., and had the following composition: cobalt 70/chromium 30, with a minor addition of molybdenum. After machining, the 10 mm diameter test pins were contoured at one end to a radius of 20 mm and polished by standard metallurgical techniques. The curvature was designed to prevent the edge of the pin from cutting into the surface of the polyethylene flat.
Wear testing was performed using the wear test machine described above. The temperature was maintained within the test chamber at 23�1� C. by means of an external water bath 12. The chamber containing the sample plate 14 was reciprocated beneath the stationary pin 16 at 1 Hz over a sliding distance of 50.8 mm per cycle; both sliding speed and distance approximate that which obtains during service within a total hip joint. Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum and alumina pins 16 were machined to a 20 mm radius (similar to that of typical femoral balls) and polished metallographically to obtain a surface finish of less than 0.05 um Ra.
Samples were soaked in pairs (wear specimen plus dummy) for one week in bovine serum buffered with sodium azide in a 0.1 vol. % solution, the latter to prevent bacterial growth. Subsequent wear testing was performed in the same solution, and the soaked control specimen was used to correct for fluid weight gain in the wear sample. Samples were weighed periodically during testing, and corresponding associated friction coefficients (ratio of linear force to normal load) were measured during sliding.
The desired test load, and that used for most experiments, corresponded to a stress level induced by normal body loads at a total hip interface. Since the articulating pin-on-plate wear surfaces did not conform to the degree of the actual prosthesis, the required equivalent stress loads were lower. In particular, using the measured plastic impression within a UHMWPE plate as a measure of contact area, the approximate equivalent (stress) load was 33.4N.
Tests generally were run for 106 cycles, with wear defined in terms of cumulative mass (volume) loss. Samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at the conclusion of the test.
The polished samples were treated with Decalin™ for between 30 seconds at 120� C. and 3 minutes at 50� C., as shown in Table II. The higher temperature resulted in excessive swelling of the polymer. From the following results, it was concluded that it might be possible to use Decalin™ at room temperature to achieve adequate selective dissolution of the low molecular weight polyethylene fraction.
For CoCr-DLC against Decalin™-treated polyethylene, as well as for CoCr-DLC against untreated polyethylene, wear virtually was zero for more than one million cycles; however, major wear was observed for CoCr against untreated UHMWPE. In addition, it was observed that wear of CoCr on highly polished UHMWPE only occurred following an incubation period of approximately 500,000 cycles, versus the immediate wear measured for CoCr against rough polished (commercial quality finish) polyethylene. Unfortunately, once wear begins, the wear can be so rapid that the cumulative wear volumes for rough and smooth surfaces are essentially equal by approximately 1.5 million cycles. Therefore, the advantage achieved by polishing alone is short-lived, and ultimately inconsequential, due to the devastating wear rate associated with fibrillar pullout/failure.
In both cases, wear surfaces exhibited fibrillar pullout and microfailure. These observations are quantified in FIG. 2, which shows actual wear rate and wear factors (wear volume normalized for load) for all cases. These wear rates and wear factors for the CoCr-UHMWPE cases are in close agreement with data generated under similar conditions and reported in H. A. McKellop, et al., "Wear Characteristics of UHMWPE," J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 12 (1978) 895.
For the minimal wear cases, a groove caused by creep deformation was produced in the plates, but no weight loss was measured. At 106 cycles, sliding contact surfaces of the Decalin™-treated UHMWPE had become gently undulating, with fine-scale, very flat deformation (but not wear) markings superimposed on the undulations. The original surface was flat (no undulations) and covered with fine-scale polish markings. The latter contrasts with the original polished surface of untreated polyethylene, which was characterized by fibrillar structures similar to those observed during equilibrium wear.
Although likewise characterized by zero measured wear for at least 1.25�106 cycles, the contact mircotopography for smooth-polished DLC against CoCr-DLC had a markedly different appearance. Undulations were not so apparent, and material appeared to have been pulled out of the surface. However, high magnification study of these structures indicated that they were fairly flat, unlike the sharply-peaked, tensile-failure, fibrillar structures observed for uncoated CoCr against UHMWPE. This suggested that the forum landmarks probably did not yet correspond to wear (detachment from the substrate).
The results of the test, given in Table II, show that after 106 cycles, no fibrils were present at the wear surface of Decalin™ treated polyethylene:
Similar results were obtained at 1.25�106 cycles.
A DLC coating of approximately 1 micron in thickness was prepared by nitrogen ion bombardment of a polyphenyl ether precursor. The alloy was cleaned in isopropyl alcohol prior to coating. Isopropyl alcohol was chosen because it leaves few, if any, residues. Wear testing revealed that, under some circumstances, there could be a loss of adhesion of the coating.
A later batch of four CoCr pins was treated using a bond-coat of silicon. Silicon was chosen because (a) DLC is known to adhere better to silicon that any other substrate, which is attributed to strong SiC bonds formed at the interface, and (b) cobalt and, to a lesser extent, chromium are known to form silicides (CoSi, CoSi2, CrSi2) at the interface if the temperature exceeds about 300� C. This solid state reaction is known to be enhanced by ion assisted deposition, probably because energetic ions disrupt the surface oxide or other barriers to interdiffusion at the metal-silicon interface.
Therefore, a coating process was chosen which was an argon ion-assisted deposition of approximately 100 nm of silicon at 300� C. The silicon was evaporated from an electron-beam heated hearth and the thickness was controlled by means of a quartz crystal film thickness monitor (Intellimetrics Ltd.). DLC was deposited, in a separate run. After initial ion bombardment in the vacuum chamber to remove the remaining adsorbed atoms from the surface, the alloy was heated to a temperature of 300� C. The DLC thickness achieved was approximately 0.5 microns.
In prolonged wear tests, at a contact pressure of 6.9 MPa against UHMWPE under serum, i.e., load and environmental conditions equivalent to walking, no decohesion or loss of DLC was observed after 1.25 million reciprocated wear cycles.
DLC coated CoCr against polyethylene clearly represents a considerable advantage over uncoated CoCr against polyethylene. Moreover, pretreatment of the UHMWPE with Decalin™ provides additional wear resistance. Clearly, the pre-wear damage mechanisms have been altered, and it is believed that wear may be further postponed and, possibly, reduced in rate once it begins by use of the present methods.
From the appearance of the DLC-UHMWPE contact surface, it appears that localized adhesion takes place as the DLC rider passes over the polyethylene surface, possibly pulling out the soft (lower molecular weight) constituent on a gradual cyclic basis. However, the adhesive contact force is insufficient to fail the pulled out microstructure, at least before 1.25�106 cycles. The prewear structures shown above do not resemble the individual "mountain peak" topography associated with submicrometer particle production; therefore, it is possible that a different particle generation mechanism, hence a different particle size distribution, will prevail. Since osteolytic destruction of the bone-biomaterial interface is induced principally by submicrometer particles, the production of larger average size particles may result in reduced osteolytic destruction. The possibility for improvement seems greatest for DLC against solvent-immersed UHMWPE. Here, soft-phase fibrillation was eliminated, there is a high likelihood that wear can be postponed further, that the eventual wear mechanism and rate will be altered, and that the wear particle size distribution will correspond to larger particles, i.e., on the order of the hard semicrystalline domains. Moreover, since Decalin™ penetrates a significant fraction of a millimeter into the UHMWPE, these effects should persist throughout the wear process.
One of skill in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiment described herein is meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the invention, which is defined in the following claims.
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71. O for Openness – Mr. Open Relationship
His face had not changed very much from last time I saw him, but he was getting fat, which made him look even shorter.
I could not remember what made me think Mr. Open Relationship was quite charming. It was not until he started talking did my memory come back.
Yes, it is his confidence and the way he looks at you when he talks – makes you feel warm and fuzzy.
As is routine, we both gave each other a rundown of our past. The sweet part of this is that you get to hear some confession you had always wanted to hear, something like "I always felt that there was a special connection between us," or "I've been thinking about you since you left."
After catching up, we moved to the present and he asked tentatively in the middle of our conversation, "What do you think of open relationships?"
Where did that question come from?
"What do I think of open relationship? I have tried that before. I think it takes skill and wisdom to handle it," I said. I made an effort to look serious, as if I were analyzing a work project. "I would agree to it if either I didn't love him that much or very, very much. The amount of love is very specific."
Then we laughed at my analysis.
"You haven't changed. You were always the most open-minded one among the group."
But I have changed.
Learning from past experience, I had started interpreting being "open-minded" differently, especially when talking about men and potential sex.
Sometimes being open-minded is just a fancy way of saying "slut".
Many years ago, I would not have minded being thought of as a slut, but now I realized that I did not need to be a slut to prove I was open-minded.
And, I do think an open relationship is a beautiful arrangement between two very "open-minded" persons.
Tags: confidence, Date 1, fatter, Ginger, Mr. Open Relationship, Ms. Shanghai, open relationships, open-minded, shorter, warm and fuzzy
Would you ever have an open relationship? Under what circumstances would you agree?
With divorce rates at about 50%, are open relationships the way to go? What do you think?


text:
Event: Global Warming: Is It Real?
Start Time:Thursday, November 14, 2013 3:30 pm
End Time:Thursday, November 14, 2013 5:00 pm
Event Website:View Event Website
Event Type:Presentation
Location:Colvard Student Union Bill R. Foster Ballroom
Sponsor:Maroon Edition
Contact:Dr. Bill Cooke at 662-325-1393
Info:"Global Warming -- Is It Real? What Causes It? What, If Anything, Can We Do?" will feature Maroon Edition author of "Physics for Future Presidents: The Science Behind the Headlines" Richard A. Muller discussing global warming issues. Contact Dr. Bill Cooke at email@example.com, or Dr. Mark Novotny at email@example.com for more information.
Last Modified:11/5/2013 12:33 pm


text:
Italy's 2014 World Cup qualifier against Denmark will be played at San Siro on October 16, announced the Federation.
The FIGC confirmed Cesare Prandelli's men are to be hosted by the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan.
This is the first time that the Azzurri have played in the 'Scala del Calcio' since a 0-0 European qualifier against France on September 8, 2007.
Italy are in qualifying Group B for the World Cup along with the Czech Republic, Denmark, Bulgaria, Armenia and Malta.
They will open their campaign on September 7 in Bulgaria and then welcome Malta to the Stadio Braglia in Modena on September 11.
This venue was chosen as a sign of solidarity to those in the Emilia-Romagna area affected by the recent earthquake.
The qualifiers conclude at home to Armenia on October 15, 2013.
Think you know your Italian football? Share your knowledge, tips and comments to win cash prizes in OLBG's tipster competition - £11,000 to be won monthly!


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American Idol
Eliminated American Idol 2012 Contestant Skylar Laine Was James Durbin's Pick to Win
Country cutie Skylar Laine may not have been surprised when she was voted off American Idol last week, but Season 10 alum James Durbin sure was.
James told MTV that he was shocked at Skylar's departure last week. And he knows all too well how she feels! A fan favorite from last year's Idol, James' elimination during the Top 4 surprised many fans.
"I'm disappointed," he said. "She was my pick to win... She actually has a stage presence. She puts on a show. That's what I try to do as much as possible, that's what I evoke, and that's what inspires me."
James also respects Skylar's devotion to the country music genre. "She loves Miranda, she loves Reba, and she loves Jason Aldean, and that's perfect for her. That's her audience that she's aiming at, and that's the kind of music I could see her making," he said.
Indeed, our girl Skylar has big plans to move to Nashville and give it a go, and she's received another major Idol alum's blessing: Carrie Underwood reportedly encouraged her by saying that the country music world already has open arms for Skylar Laine.
Source: MTV
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text: Prev | Next The Herald-Dispatch file photo Hawkshaw Hawkins is a Huntington native and Grand Ole Opry star who was killed in a 1963 plane crash with Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas. He will be inducted into the 2009 class of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. Gallery: Famous West Virginians Jun. 20, 2012 @ 12:00 AM 2012/The Herald-Dispatch West Virginia was once considered home for many famous faces. Here are some of the famous people with ties to West Virginia. (u'nobuy',)


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Democratic Republic of Congo
Action Pour la Réconciliation, Paix et Développement (Action for Reconciliation, Peace, and Development) (ACREPADE)
To promote the right for Pygmies to own land in the villages of Penzele, Kalamba, and Bikoro of Equateur Province. ACREPADE will organize workshops in each of the villages to discuss the obstacles to indigenous land ownership and devise strategies to reach this objective. ACREPADE will also organize radio broadcasts throughout the state and community radio stations in Mbandaka to educate Equateur residents about the situation facing the indigenous people.
American Center for International Labor Solidarity
To enhance the capacity of worker organizations to defend worker and human rights in target sectors. The Solidarity Center will support the organization of three distinct technical groups that will prepare policy documents for a three-day national conference for 71 labor representatives and select academic, government, and civil society partners.
American Center for International Labor Solidarity
To promote worker and trade union participation in national and provincial governance and policy formulation. The Solidarity Center will support national and provincial union representatives, workers, and civil society partners to meet with government agencies to exchange views to devise and negotiate national and provincial policy and programs. They will also enhance the capacity of worker organizations to curb child, forced, and debt labor in the Katangan mining sector.
Association des Jeunes Femmes de Maniema - Association of Young Women in Maniema (AJFMa)
To promote peace and access to justice in the rural communities in southern Maniema. AJFMa will mobilize the Kasongo court to organize in situ trials in the villages of Rudika, Mulangabala, and Kirungu to bring the judiciary and the rural residents of southern Maniema closer together and provide women alternatives to the gender biased dispute resolution institutions found in rural Maniema.
Association Mwanga
To promote greater government accountability in the management of natural resources and respect for community interests in Maniema Province. Mwanga will advocate for an equitable and accountable system in the management of Maniema's forests that respects the rights of Maniema's rural communities
Association pour le Developpement des Initiatives Feminines (Association for the Development of Women's Initiatives) (ADIF)
To oppose the practice of state predation on communities in Kailo, Pangi, and Kibombo territories of Maniema. ADIF will defend the rights of rural women against illegal taxation by local authorities and develop sustainable community-based women-led organizations to advocate for the respect of the rule of law in the local administrations.
Association pour les Victimes de la Répression en Afrique (Association for Victims of Oppression in Africa) (AVRA)
To promote accountability and respect for the rule of law in the customary tribunals in Kindu and Kailo. AVRA will help facilitate the development of mechanisms to formalize the working relationship and collaboration between the customary tribunals and the state criminal courts.
Baraza la Haki za Binadamu (Space for Human Rights) (BHB)
To promote accountability and responsibility in the Congolese national police force in Equateur province. BHB will inform rural communities of Lisala, Mbandaka, and Gemena about their rights; monitor and report police misconduct; and initiate legal action against police officers who consistently fail to comply with the law and abuse the rights of Congolese citizens.
Bureau Islamique pour les Droits de l'Homme (Islamic Office for Human Rights) (BIDH)
To promote greater participation of Maniema's Muslim community in the democratic process. BIDH will begin with a three-day workshop for 25 participants to produce a common approach for the Muslim community in Maniema and organize a series of two-day meetings each quarter for 20 people to evaluate the state of the government institutions in Maniema and their responsiveness to Muslim concerns.
Centre des Droits de l'Homme et du Droit Humanitaire (Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law) (CDH)
To protect the freedom of expression for Congolese citizens. CDH will hold six seminars in Lubumbashi, Likasi, Kasumbalesa, Kolwezi, Kamina, and Kalemie on freedom of expression for all Congolese citizens and the right to objective information in the media.
Centre d'Etudes et de Formation Populaires pour les Droits de l'Homme (Study and Training Center for Human Rights) (CEFOP)
To promote citizen action to denounce sexual violence and press charges against perpetrators of sexual violence in a court of law. CEFOP will organize analysis sessions on the new laws on sexual violence in Eastern Kasai, Mbuji Mayi, and Mwene Ditu to promote greater legal protection for victims of sexual violence. The sessions will involve participants from the justice system, the media, religious organizations, women's organizations, and health providers.
Centre d'Etudes Juridiques Appliquées (Center for Applied Legal Studies) (CEJA)
To promote accountability and respect for the rule of law in North Kivu Province. CEJA will provide legal assistance to victims of sexual violence to encourage greater trust in the justice system. CEJA will also continue its training course for paralegals with an emphasis on citizen checks and balances over government action, broadcast the radio show "Point of View," publish its quarterly newsletter Racines, and distribute its human rights monitoring report.
Centre de Recherche sur l'Environnement, la Democratie, et les Droits de l'Homme (Research Center on the Environment, Democracy, and Human Rights) (CREDDHO)
To promote citizen participation in the monitoring of provincial and local government in North Kivu. CREDDHO will hold a four-day workshop on legislative lobbying and good governance monitoring in Kiwanja. CREDDHO will also collect draft resolutions affecting the social and economic interests of local constituents and organize brain-storming sessions with CREDDHO's legal officers and two provincial parliament members for their possible endorsement within the provincial assembly.
Comité d'Action pour le Développement Intégral (Action Committee for Complete Development) (CADI)
To contribute to the reduction of illegal trade and taxation in markets and ports in South Kivu. CADI will organize a five-day training session on good governance in the management of markets, ports, borders, and roads with 100 participants from the towns of Uvira and Fizi territories, including Uvira, Kigongo, Runingu, Kiliba, Sange, Luvungi, Lubarika, Kahungwe, Makobola, Swima, Mboko, Braka, and Fizi.
Groupe Chrétien d'Appui aux Orphelins et personnes vulnérables pour la promotion de la paix (Christian Support Group for Orphans and Vulnerable Persons for Peace) (GAO)
To promote participation of young people and young adults in the democratization process. GAO will organize workshops on youth participation in community action and engagement in democratic processes and develop sustainable dialogue between young people in Bukavu's poorest slum, Essence Major Vunga, and the five elected parliament members representing the city of Bukavu.
Groupe Lotus
To contribute to the reduction of violence in the rural areas of Oriental Province . Groupe Lotus will organize four-day workshops with 15 traditional authorities, 15 public administrators, 10 religious leaders, and 10 influential public figures in 12 urban and rural centers to discuss the recent amendments to the national land laws, the place traditional customs hold under the law, and strategies for conflict resolution by reconciling the differences between customary practice and national law.
Groupe Lufalanga
To promote nonviolent approaches to advocacy in Mangobo and Kabundu communes. Group Lufalanga will work with youth associations to develop organizational and advocacy skills to express the interests of their communities and avoid political manipulation.
Haki za Binadamu (HBM)
To stimulate greater government involvement in the enforcement of constitutional laws regulating transparent and responsible artisanal mining. HBM will advocate for greater controls in the development and regulation of artisanal mining cooperatives with environmental safeguards and better working conditions to protect the rights of miners who currently work in very dangerous and precarious conditions.
Jeunes Paysans en Action (JPA)
To promote participation and public discourse on political issues in rural communities in Bas Congo. JPA will organize an extensive information campaign on citizenship and civic duty throughout Kasangulu territory in Bas Congo. The campaign will include radio and television announcements, posters, and banners to mobilize the public; training sessions in secondary schools focusing on democracy, governance, and human rights; and discussion sessions in schools and villages throughout Kasangulu territory.
Les Amis de Nelson Mandela pour les Droits de l'Homme (Friends of Nelson Mandela) (ANMDH)
To promote public vigilance in the fight against arbitrary arrest and detention. ANMDH will conduct regular visits to jails and prisons to identify cases of arbitrary and illegal detentions and make them the object of lobbying efforts, press releases, interviews, and monthly reports. ANMDH will also organize local watchdog committees who will lobby authorities and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) for the timely payment of salaries for police and military personnel.
Ligue des Electeurs (League of Voters)
To reinforce the commitment of the Congolese government to create and support a national independent electoral commission. Ligue des Electeurs will mobilize public opinion and advocate for the creation of an independent national electoral commission.
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)
To increase the information available in the Congo on citizens' views on matters of national interest such as Congolese expectations of newly elected leaders, peaceful coexistence in a post-conflict environment, decentralization reform, and livelihood issues. NDI will conduct a series of focus groups on the attitudes, interests, and concerns of Congolese throughout the country. NDI will then work with local partners to disseminate the focus group results to political parties, civic groups, government authorities, and the international community.
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)
To foster a common understanding of the status and role of the opposition within a democratic polity. NDI will organize a series of roundtable discussions in Kinshasa and the province of Bas-Congo for political party leaders to identify major concerns regarding the state of democracy. NDI will also organize workshops on dialogue in post-transition environments in Kinshasa, bringing together leadership of the National Assembly, presidential advisors and leaders of major political parties, and civic and religious bodies.
Organisation pour la Sédentarisation, l'Alphabétisation et la Promotion des Pygmées ( Organisation for the Sedentarization, Education, and Advancement of Pygmies) (OSAPY)
To contribute to the formal recognition of the Pygmy chiefdoms as interlocutors in the parliament of Oriental Province. OSAPY will build the capacity of Pygmy communities to gain access to the political decision-making process and lobby for legislative revisions. OSAPY will conduct a training workshop to enable Pygmy leaders to advocate for full application of the electoral law, granting them access to the national senate and a voice in the parliament of Oriental Province.
Promotion de la Democratie et Protection des Droits Humains (Democracy and Human Rights Protection) (PDH)
To promote improved working conditions for judicial officials. PDH will organize a seminar for 60 judges and court officials on efforts underway to fight against corruption and obstacles to fair and speedy justice within the judicial system of North Kivu. PDH will also broadcast messages on corruption in the courts twice a month over state-run radio RTNC-Goma.
Promotion et Appui aux Initiatives Feminines (Promotion and Support for Women's Initiatives) (PAIF)
To encourage women to participate in decision-making processes. PAIF will organize field visits to monitor human rights violations and lobby local village chiefs for the rights of women to participate in decision making. PAIF will also hold four three-day workshops on the future for women in politics in the aftermath of the 2006 and 2007 elections.
Radio Canal Revelation (RCR)
To promote the participation of rural communities in the democratic process and social reconstruction of Iturian society. RCR will generate a dynamic exchange on the link between rural development and justice, and afford rural residents an opportunity to record local debates about democracy issues at the local level for broadcast to a larger audience.
Radio Maendeleo
To improve public understanding of democracy and human rights issues. Radio Maendeleo will broadcast at least one civic education program a month focusing on elections, human rights, and local governance from one of its 50 radio clubs for a total of 50 broadcasts per year and host a training workshop for journalists and radio club activists on strategies for covering human rights and good governance issues.
Radio Nyota ya Asubuyi - Morning Star Radio (RNA)
To promote good governance and strong and responsible citizen participation in favor of the rule of law in northern Maniema. RNA will use its radio programming and radio listening clubs to educate local residents about their duties and rights as citizens while also shedding light on the exploitative practices of the provincial mining industry, logging companies, and local administrators.
Solidarité Pour la Promotion Sociale et la Paix (SOPROP)
To promote government-constituent dialogue and action in response to continued violations of human rights. SOPROP will organize fourteen training sessions for elected officials and community leaders to create seven joint Commissions for Good Governance and help public officials follow through on agreed upon objectives. SOPROP will continue to investigate and document human rights abuse and will also help to establish Citizen Justice Police Commissions to respond to human rights violations.
Solidarite pour l'Eclosion de la Democratie au Congo - Solidarity for the Emergence of Democracy in Congo (SEDC)
To promote participation of young people and young adults in the democratization process. SEDC will design and implement civic education and political advocacy programs to empower young people in the Kisangani commune of Mangobo, which is known for violent gang activity.
Synergie pour l'Assistance Juridique (Synergy for Legal Assistance) (SAJ)
To promote greater government action to end the culture of impunity, especially for victims of sexual violence in North Kivu. SAJ will organize five training sessions for court officials to ensure that they have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities in regards to Congo's newly adopted law on sexual violence. SAJ will also meet regularly with the community-based groups to monitor and report on cases of sexual violence in North Kivu.
Umoja Wa Wanawake Wakulima (UWAKI – Maniema)
To reduce the practice of predatory taxation on farming communities in Kailo, Pangi, Kasongo, and Kabambare territories of Maniema Province. UWAKI will work with local business associations to mobilize rural women to oppose the illegal taxation of local market activities in southern and western Maniema.
Union of Religious and Secular Development Associations of Kimbanseke (UACDK)
To increase the cooperation between local representatives of political parties and community leaders in the interests of Kimbanseke Commune. UACDK will work with community, religious, and youth leaders; local heads of political parties; and representatives of other civil society groups to analyze causes of intolerance and develop a strategy for concrete action.
Unité de Production des Programmes d'Education Civique (Unit for the Production of Civic Education Programs) (UPEC)
To encourage citizen engagement among disillusioned voters, especially young people. UPEC will produce educational radio and television programming involving political actors in the newly elected national and provincial government in Kinshasa. The themes of the programs will include tolerance and fair play in politics. UPEC will also include a special series on public participation in the decision-making process in the management of the municipal infrastructure.
Voix du Handicapé pour les Droits de l'Homme - Voice of the Handicapped for Human Rights (VHDH)
To promote the rights of the handicapped against discrimination in the workplace and when seeking employment. VHDH will investigate working conditions in the public and private sector and lobby the Minister of Labor to incorporate the group's findings in her decision making on handicapped legislation and policies concerning the workplace.
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Eugene T. Cook, Cox JD/MBA '11, and Erin C. Callahan, JD '11, are finalizing a campus-wide fund raising campaign, SupPort-au-Prince, designed to assist with Haitian disaster relief. The effort, involving all SMU graduate programs, will mobilize the student body and raise awareness for worthy organizations including 2 Life 18, an organization handling the logistics and distribution of supplies and personnel; North Care, an organization acting as an "umbrella" for smaller efforts within Haiti; and Fishers of Men, the largest evangelical church in Haiti and a strategic location for bringing in supplies and manpower. The Fishers property stands as one of the only largely undamaged facilities in Haiti, and has been converted to a 10,000 person tent city that serves as a base for displaced Haitians, and medical efforts that serve the larger Haitian population. This effort includes volunteers from a diverse background, including Jewish and Muslim doctors.
Through private donations, the SMU grad students have already chartered a plane and purchased one load of supplies. Luckily, the SupPort-au-Prince endeavor was able to transport supplies directly to the family of a fellow law student whose home was destroyed by the quake. The students' goals now are to focus on raising awareness, funds and goodwill for Haiti on the campus and in the larger metropolitan area. These efforts will conclude with a fundraising event inviting local businesses, law firms and other professionals.
Support-Au-Prince in association with the Women-in-Law Society kick off a two week fundraising effort on February 5, 2010 at Sambuca in Uptown from 5:00-7:00 pm. Proceeds from the Grad Mixer will go directly to charities on the ground in Haiti and is supported by all SMU Grad Campuses.
For more information on WIL, visit: http://www.law.smu.edu/Student-Organizations#Women%20in%20Law


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More winter weather could disrupt travel, power
Snow's back in the forecast, starting as soon as Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
But Wednesday promises to be particularly unpleasant.
An arctic air mass was moving into the region Monday night. Snow is expected to start today, with anywhere from 2 to 6 inches possibly falling from northern Mississippi east into much of North Carolina through Wednesday.
"On Wednesday, we'll see a transition to a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain toward afternoon and probably into overnight," said Shawna Cokley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Raleigh. The roads might prove difficult, especially with icier conditions, she said, "so plan accordingly."
Significant snow and light ice accumulations are possible in the Northwest Piedmont, while some snow and potentially damaging ice accumulations are a concern along and east of U.S. 1.
Snow and ice could severely disrupt travel on Wednesday and Thursday. Power outages and property damage are possible because of the weight of ice felling power lines.
Thursday should see the back edge of the system, with more showery rain and maybe some snow. By that night, the weather should be clear of our area.
Temperatures are expected to be around freezing on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a warm-up, of sorts, on Thursday when we see a high of 39 degrees.
It remains to be seen how the weather might affect local schools and other government services.
Durham Public Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools on Monday were in wait-and-see mode and hadn't made any firm decisions about their schedules.
Follow on Twitter at @HS_WesPlatt. Connect on Facebook at facebook.com/wesplattheraldsun.


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Born as a "homebody" as my zodiac dictates, I miss home and the times I get to clean and redecorate my room, find old stuffs from the past, wake up late and sleep whenever I wanted, watch television until the wee hours of morning, eat whatever there is in the fridge, and be merry. 😌
But my life, the way I chose it, was more of those stolen moments — when I get to live in the outside world and build families among people not related to me by blood; Those times that being at home is something I appreciate more and more each day cause I'll never get to stay there most of the time.
I have a high respect for the "housewife" but my world as I see it now will never be the one that my mom chose for herself. I understand her in all those awkward loving she's giving us, and how she wakes up early in the morning to prepare breakfast and sleep so late because she has to wait for each one of us to be in bed. I love her in spite of those times I had to sit for four long hours listening to her before I leave for school or those moments when she argue with us for all sort of things. I've seen her doing the toughest job among us and I envy her sometimes because she got to live her own schedule the way she wanted.
But that's life. That's how her routine lasted for 25 years and I love her for being the best mother and a full-time housewife to my dad. Through her, I get to see what I wanted — to be a lot less dramatically insane outside.
We choose our lives. It's your choice whether to be happy with the choices you've made.
In Tagalog, "Ginusto mo yan kaya panindigan mo."


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Holiday Cookies
Hi everyone.
I am gearing up for my annual holiday cookie baking marathon.
My friend and I make 6 - 8 different types of cookies each year, pack them up beautifully and hand them out as gifts.
We have a few faves that we make every year, but I am always looking for new great recipes.
What are some of your fave Holiday cookies to eat/receive/make?
Two of mine are the Mexican Wedding Cakes (aka: pecan balls) and Russian Tea Cakes.
Look forward to reading your responses :)
Thank you!
I did a search for holiday cookies and this didn't come up for some reason.
Exactly what I was looking for.
I am not sure whether you are interested in bar cookies, but in the December issue of Fine Cooking magazine they have an article on bar cookies. I made two of the recipes (cranberry streusel bars and turtle bars) for an election night party. People went crazy for them- I saw one guy grab three of them on his way out the door! They were very tasty (due in large part to alarming quantities of butter), not very time consuming, and can be made ahead (I made them on Sunday). I plan on adding them to my holiday rotation.
re: chocodile
those sound great! Thank you.
Can you post your recipes for the Mexican Wedding Balls and Russian Tea Cakes. Sounds Great!
There was an incredible thread on Xmas cookies last year, with recipes
(I miss Sir Gawain!)
be sure to click on the photo link of the first post . . .


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I really love chocolate….I mean I REALLY LOVE CHOCOLATE…good chocolate, that is. I don't mess around with cheap chocolate that tastes merely sweet and white chocolate isn't chocolate so don't even try to put it into the chocolate category.
Now, I like my chocolate in many forms: hot chocolate, pudding, ice cream, pot de crème, candy, cookies, cakes, truffles, pies, bars and brownies. And I have been baking with chocolate and eating homemade chocolate desserts for many, many years as I come from a long line of chocolate loving women.
I remember my mom whipping up a pan of brownies right before bed some nights when we really needed a chocolate fix. We'd sit in pajamas waiting for them to come out of the oven, have a warm, chocolaty brownie and glass of milk, then go brush our teeth and go to bed.
That's actually my favorite time to have a warm brownie; right before bed.
Now, it all got a bit more complicated a few years ago when I figured out that I couldn't eat gluten, but I've been sorting it out and concocting and converting recipes with gluten free ingredients and I've had great success with this.
Now, brownies are simple recipes, but it can be difficult finding the combination of ingredients that gives you just the right texture and taste. Of course, everyone has a different idea of what a brownie should be. Some like cakey brownies and others like chewy brownies and I like fudgy, gooey brownies.
I've been working to figure out a recipe that gave me the exact fudgy, melty brownie I like, and I think I finally got it.
Anna's Brownie Recipe
1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons), melted
½ cup of cocoa
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
½ cup cornstarch
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
1/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cups chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix melted butter with cocoa. Add sugar, vanilla and eggs and stir until well mixed. Add cornstarch. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
Scoop batter into a buttered 8 inch square pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on your oven. Do not over bake. This makes for dry, crumbly brownies, and you don't want that.
These are great right out of the oven, warm and melty and topped with vanilla ice cream! Sometimes we add warm caramel sauce or maple toasted coconut chips (from the co-op) too for an extra special dessert…delish!
Now, be warned, these brownies are rich. That's what makes them so great with ice cream. So, if you don't like rich, gooey, melty brownies, these brownies are not for you.
And the best part (for me and others like me) is there is no gluten in them, but those who are not bothered by gluten won't even notice the difference. The cornstarch gives the brownies a silky, rich, delicious texture.