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The invention relates to a composition comprising a polymer, a short and a long fiber composite that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate or thermoplastic pellet to manufacture structural members. The linear extrudate or pellet can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape, or can be a regular geometric. The polymer and short/long fiber composite containing structural members can be manufactured from the composite or pellet in an extrusion process or an injection molding process. The pellet can have a cross-section shape having a volume of at least about 12 mm3. Preferably the pellet is a right cylindrical pellet having a minimum radius of about 1.5 mm and a minimum length of 1 mm weighing at least 14 mg. The initial mixing step before extrusion of the composite material insures substantial mixing and melt contact between molten polymer and wood fiber. The extruded pellet comprises a consistent proportion of polymer, short and long fiber and water. During the extrusion, water is removed intentionally to dry the material to a maximum water content of less than about 10 wt-% based on the pellet weight. To make a structural unit, the pellet is introduced into an extruder or injection molding apparatus wherein, under conditions of temperature and pressure, the composite pellet material is shaped into a useful cross-section.
1. A polymer and wood fiber composite capable of formation into a structural member, which composite comprises:
(a) a continuous phase of a thermoplastic polymer; and
(b) about 5 to 60 wt-% of a mixed fiber comprising a blend of a collection of a first fiber having a thickness of less than about 0.5 mm and an aspect ratio of greater than about 20 with a collection of a second fiber having a maximum dimension of less than about 1 mm and an aspect ratio of about 1.8 to 10 wherein said second collection is present in an amount greater than that produced through breakage of said first collection in the extrusion processing of the composite;
wherein the mixed fiber collections are dispersed throughout a continuous polymer phase.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the polymer comprises a polyvinyl chloride homopolymer.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the polymer comprises a polyvinyl chloride copolymer.
4. The pellet of claim 1 wherein the first fiber has thickness of less than about 0.5 mm and a minimum aspect ratio of about 50.
5. The pellet of claim 1 wherein the first fiber has a minimum aspect ratio of about 100.
6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the second fiber has a fiber width of about 0.001 to 0.1 mm, a fiber length of less than about 0.01 to 1 mm and a aspect ratio of about 2 to 7.
7. The composition of claim 4 wherein the second fiber comprises a wood fiber with an aspect ratio less than 5.
8. The composition of claim 7 wherein the wood fiber comprises sawdust.
9. The composition of claim 2 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight (Mn) of about 90,000±50,000.
10. The composition of claim 2 wherein the copolymer has a molecular weight (Mn) of about 88,000±10,000.
11. The composite of claim 1 wherein the first fiber is different than the second fiber in fiber composition.
12. A composite composition, capable of extrusion into a dimensionally stable structural member, which composition comprises:
(a) about 40 to 70 wt-% of a polymer comprising vinyl chloride;
(b) about 30 to 50 wt-% of a mixed fiber, the mixed fiber comprising a first fiber collection comprising a cotton fiber, a glass fiber, a synthetic polymer fiber, or mixtures thereof, having a thickness of less than about 0.5 mm and a minimum aspect ratio of about 50 and a second fiber collection comprising wood fiber having a maximum dimension of less than about 10 mm and an aspect ratio of about 1.8 to about 10;
wherein the mixed fiber is dispersed throughout a continuous polymer phase; and
(c) less than about 10 wt-% water;
wherein the mixed fiber is dispersed throughout a continuous polymer phase.
13. The composition of claim 12 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight (Mn) of about 90,000±50,000.
14. The composition of claim 12 wherein the copolymer has a molecular weight (Mn) of about 88,000±10,000.
15. The composition of claim 12 wherein the wood fiber has a fiber width of about 0.003 to 0.1 mm, a fiber length of about 0.1 to 3 mm and a aspect ratio of about 2 to 7.
16. The composition of claim 12 wherein the concentration of water comprises about 0.01 to 3.5 wt-% of the composition.
17. The composition of claim 12 wherein the first fiber has a fiber width of about 0.003 mm to about 0.1 mm and an aspect ratio greater than about 50.
18. The composition of claim 17 wherein the aspect ratio is greater than about 100.
19. A composite pellet, capable of formation into a structural member, which pellet comprises a cylindrical extrudate having a radius of about 1 to 5 mm, a length of about 1 to 10 mm, the pellet composition comprising:
(a) a continuous phase of a thermoplastic polymer; and
(b) about 5 to 60 wt-% of a mixed fiber comprising a blend of a collection of a first fiber having an aspect ratio of greater than about 20 with a collection of a second fiber having an aspect ratio of about 1.8 to 10 wherein said second collection is present in an amount greater than that produced through breakage of said first collection in the extrusion processing of the composite pellet;
wherein the mixed fiber collections are dispersed throughout a continuous polymer phase.
20. The pellet of claim 19 wherein the polymer comprises a polyvinyl chloride homopolymer.
21. The pellet of claim 19 wherein the polymer comprises a polyvinyl chloride copolymer.
22. The pellet of claim 19 wherein the second fiber has a fiber width of about 0.003 to 0.1 mm, a fiber length of about 0.01 to 1 mm and a aspect ratio of about 2 to 7.
23. The pellet of claim 22 wherein the second fiber comprises a wood fiber with an aspect ratio less than 5.
24. The pellet of claim 23 wherein the wood fiber comprises sawdust.
25. The pellet of claim 22 wherein the first fiber has thickness of less than about 0.5 mm and a minimum aspect ratio of about 50.
26. The pellet of claim 22 wherein the first fiber has a minimum aspect ratio of about 100.
27. The pellet of claim 20 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight (Mn) of about 90,000±50,000.
28. The pellet of claim 21 wherein the copolymer has a molecular weight (Mn) of about 88,000±10,000.
29. The composite of claim 19 wherein the first fiber is different than the second fiber in fiber composition.
30. The composite of claim 29 wherein the first fiber comprises a glass fiber and the second fiber comprises a cellulosic fiber.
31. The composite of claim 11 wherein the first fiber comprises a glass fiber and the second fiber comprises a cellulosic fiber.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of Deaner et al., U.S. Ser. No. 08/224,396, filed Apr. 7, 1994, now abandoned which is a Continuation application of Deaner et al., U.S. Ser. No. 07/938,364, filed Aug. 31, 1992, now abandoned.
The invention relates to composite polymer/fiber thermoplastic materials used for the fabrication of structural members. Such a member can be any structural unit, but are preferably for use in windows and doors for residential and commercial architecture. These polymer/fiber composite materials include an fiber blend that provides optimal engineering properties. The composite can also contain an optional, intentional recycle of by-product streams, from window and door manufacture, of polymer, adhesive, paint, etc. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved composite material adapted to extrusion or injection molding processes for forming structural members that have improved properties when used in windows and doors. The composite materials of the invention can be made to manufacture structural components such as rails, jambs, stiles, sills, tracks, stop and sash, nonstructural trim elements such as grid, cove, bead, quarter round, etc.
Conventional window and door manufacture has commonly used wood and metal components in forming structural members. Commonly, residential windows are manufactured from milled wood products that are assembled with glass to form typically double hung or casement units. Wood windows while structurally sound, useful and well adapted for use in many residential installations, can deteriorate under certain circumstances. Wood windows also require painting and other periodic maintenance. Wooden windows also suffer from cost problems related to the availability of suitable wood for construction. Clear wood products are slowly becoming more scarce and are becoming more expensive as demand increases. Metal components are often combined with glass and formed into single unit sliding windows. Metal windows typically suffer from substantial energy loss during winter months.
Extruded thermoplastic materials have been used in window and door manufacture. Filled and unfilled thermoplastics have been extruded into useful seals, trim, weatherstripping, coatings and other window construction components. Thermoplastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride have been combined with wood members in manufacturing PERMASHIELD® brand windows manufactured by Andersen Corporation for many years. The technology disclosed in Zanini, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,926,729 and 3,432,883, have been utilized in the manufacturing of plastic coatings or envelopes on wooden or other structural members. Generally, the cladding or coating technology used in making PERMASHIELD® windows involves extruding a thin polyvinyl chloride coating or envelope surrounding a wooden structural member. Recent advances have made a polyvinyl chloride/cellulosic fiber composite material useful in the manufacture of structural members for windows and doors. Puppin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,768 comprise a continuous phase of polyvinyl chloride and a particular wood fiber material having preferred fiber size and aspect ratio in a thermoplastic material that provides engineering properties for structural members and for applications in window and door manufacture. These thermoplastic composite materials have become an important part of commercial manufacture of window and door components. While these materials are sufficiently strong for most structural components used in window and door manufacture, certain components require added stiffness, tensile strength, elongation at break or other engineering property not always provided by the materials disclosed in Puppin et al.
Polyvinyl chloride has been combined with wood fiber to make extruded materials. However, such materials have not successfully been used in the form of a structural member that is a direct replacement for wood. Common thermoplastic composite materials cannot provide similar thermal and structural properties to wood. These extruded materials fail to have sufficient modulus, compressive strength, coefficient of thermal expansion that matches wood to produce a direct replacement material. Further, many prior art extruded composites must be milled after extrusion to a final useful shape. Typical commodity thermoplastic compositions have achieved a modulus no greater than about 500,000. One class of composite, a polyvinyl chloride/wood flour material, poses the added problem that wood dust, which can accumulate during manufacture, tends to be explosive at certain concentrations of wood flour in the air. Most commonly, poly vinyl chloride, polystyrene and polyethylene thermoplastics have been used in such products. The prior art has used a various fiber having a large distribution of fiber sizes. No attention has been given to the improvement of engineering properties using a novel distribution of fiber sizes.
Accordingly, a substantial need exists for a composite material that can be made of polymer and fiber. The improved fiber can contain an optional, intentional recycle of a waste stream. A further need exists for a composite material that can be extruded into a shape that is a direct substitute for the equivalent milled shape in a wooden or metal structural member. This need requires a coefficient of thermal expansion that approximates wood, a material that can be extruded into reproducible stable dimensions, a high compressive strength, a low thermal transmission rate, an improved resistance to insect attack and rot while in use and a hardness and rigidity that permits sawing, milling, and fastening retention comparable to wood members.
We have found that an improved substitute for composite, wood and metal structural members and the problems relating to the recycle of waste streams in window manufacture can be solved by forming a polymer/fiber composite material into window and door structural members. We have found a threshold level of addition of high aspect ratio first fiber to short aspect ratio second fiber in a PVC composite that produces enhanced properties. The blend of long or high aspect ratio fiber and short aspect ratio fiber produces a substantial increase in tensile modulus and also improves impact energy for composites. Such improved physical properties increase the utility of such materials and the manufacture of structural members used in window and door manufacture for institutional, commercial or residential construction. Importantly, we have found that the dimensions of the discontinuous fiber in the fiber phase of a polymer fiber composite has an important impact on engineering properties.
Additionally, the use of different types of fiber having varied fiber particle sizes also has an important impact on engineering properties. We have found that blending a short aspect ratio wood fiber with a fiber of enhanced aspect ratio improves strength tensile modulus and impact energy of the composite material. We believe the interaction between the polymer phase and the fiber phase as the polymer wets, coats and becomes intimately associated with the fiber provides a composite with an internal reinforcing structure superior to prior art structures having relatively uniform fiber dimensions.
The thermoplastic polymer can be combined with a proportion of a first long fiber and a proportion of a second short fiber to form a polymer/wood fiber composite, preferably in the form of a pellet. The fiber comprises a large number of first long fiber and a large number of second short fiber providing enhanced structural properties.
We have found that the PVC and wood fiber composite can be manufactured into acceptable substitutes for wooden members if the PVC and wood material contains less than about 10 wt-%, preferably less than 3.5% of water based on pellet weight. The compositions can achieve in a final product high modulus, high compressive strength, reproducible, stable dimensions and a superior modulus of elasticity. We have also found that the successful manufacture of structural members for windows and doors requires the preliminary manufacture of the polyvinyl chloride wood fiber composite in the form of a pellet wherein the materials are intimately mixed and contacted in forming the pellet prior to the extrusion of the members from the pellet material. We have found that the intimate mixing of the polyvinyl chloride, wood fiber, second fiber and waste in the manufacture of the pellet process with associated control of moisture content produces a pelletized product that is uniquely adapted to the extrusion manufacture of PVC/wood fiber components and achieves the manufacture of a useful wood replacement product.
A variety of fibers can be used including metal fibers, synthetic fibers, natural fibers, inorganic fibers, and others. A variety of second fibers can be used. Such fibers can be manufactured from metal, natural sources, synthetic fibers, inorganic fibers, and mixtures thereof. Any source of fiber having the required particle size and aspect ratio prescribed in this application can be used as a second fiber. Metal fibers that can be used in the invention include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, copper and others. Natural fibers that can be used in the invention include fibers derived from jute, flax, hemp, ramie, cotton, kapok, coconut, palm leaf, sisal, and others. Synthetic fibers that can be used in the manufacture of the composites of the invention include cellulose acetate, acrylic fibers such as acrylonitrile, methylmethacrylate fibers, methylacrylate fibers, and a variety of other basic acrylic materials including homopolymers and copolymers of a variety of acrylic monomers; aramid fibers which comprise polyamides having about 85% or more of amide linkages directly attached to two aromatic rings, nylon fibers, polyvinylidene dinitryl polymers. Polyester including polyethylene teraphthlate, polybutylene teraphthlate, polyethylene naphthalate, rayon, polyvinylidene chloride, spandex materials such as known segmented polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers, vinyl alcohol, and modified polyvinyl alcohol polymers and others. Inorganic fibers can be used. Such fibers can be carbon fibers, silicate fibers, boron fibers, etc. Lastly, glass fibers can be used including a variety of silica glasses, borosilicate glasses, alumino-silicate glasses, etc. Such fibers can be used as manufactured but also can contain coatings and exterior fiber treatments that improve glass fiber polymer compatibility.
An important aspect of the fiber are the fiber dimensions. The long or high aspect ratio fiber has maximum dimensions of preferably 0.005 mm to 0.01 resulting in increased aspect ratio. The typical aspect ratio of the first long or high aspect ratio fiber after processing into a composite is greater than 30, preferably greater than 50 and most preferably greater than 100. Aspect ratio is typically defined as the fiber length divided by the fiber thickness. We have found that combining the short fibers disclosed below with the long fibers of this section provides a substantial improvement in engineering properties. We have found that they are substantially improved using the fiber blends disclosed herein.
FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the tensile modulus of the composite material of the invention using wood fiber and a high aspect ratio cotton linter fiber. The cotton linter has an aspect ratio of greater than about 50. Substantial proportions of the cotton linter material represented in the figure as a percentage of total composite shows an improvement in tensile modulus at 40% cotton fiber content.
FIG. 2 is a similar graphical representation of tensile modulus in a wood fiber-high aspect ratio glass fiber composite with polyvinyl chloride. The combination of glass fiber and wood fiber shows a surprisingly improved tensile modulus throughout the range of second fiber.
FIG. 3 is a similar graphical representation of a composite comprising polyvinyl chloride and a wood fiber/high aspect ratio glass fiber mixed fiber showing a surprising increase in impact especially at lower fiber levels.
The invention relates to the use of a thermoplastic polymer, a first long fiber and a second short fiber in a composite material with a controlled water content in the form of a pelletized material wherein the fiber blend is intimately contacted and wetted by the organic materials. The intimate contact and wetting between the components in the pelletizing process ensures high quality physical properties in the extruded composite materials after manufacture. Preferred materials are plasticizer free.
The polymer and fiber can be combined and formed into a pellet using a thermoplastic extrusion processes. Fiber can be introduced into pellet making process in a blend of sizes. The best appearing product with maximized structural properties are manufactured within a range of particle size and aspect ratio as set forth below. Further, large particle wood fiber can be reduced in size by grinding or other similar processes that produce a fiber similar to sawdust having the stated dimensions and aspect ratio. One further advantage of manufacturing sawdust of the desired size is that the material can be pre-dried to a reduced water content (1-10 wt-%) before introduction into the pellet or linear extrudate manufacturing process. Further, the wood fiber can be pre-pelletized into pellets of wood fiber with small amounts of binder if necessary.
During the pelletizing process for the composite pellet, the polymer and fiber mix are intimately contacted at high temperatures and pressures to insure that the fiber and polymeric material are wetted, mixed and extruded in a form such that the polymer material, on a microscopic basis, coats and flows into the pores, cavity, etc., of the fibers. The fibers are preferably substantially oriented by the extrusion process in the extrusion direction. Such substantial orientation causes overlapping of adjacent parallel fibers and polymeric coating of the oriented fibers resulting a material useful for manufacture of improved structural members with improved physical properties. The degree of orientation is about 20%, preferably 30% above random orientation which is about 45 to 50%. The structural members have substantially increased strength and tensile modulus with a coefficient of thermal expansion and a modulus of elasticity that is optimized for window and doors. The properties are a useful compromise between wood, aluminum and neat polymer.
Moisture control is an important element of manufacturing a useful linear extrudate or pellet. Depending on the equipment used and processing conditions, control of the water content of the linear extrudate or pellet can be important in forming a successful structural member substantially free of internal voids or surface blemishes. The concentration of water present in the sawdust during the formation of pellet or linear extrudate when heated can flash from the surface of the newly extruded structural member and can come as a result of a rapid volatilization, form a steam bubble deep in the interior of the extruded member which can pass from the interior through the hot thermoplastic extrudate leaving a substantial flaw. In a similar fashion, surface water can bubble and leave cracks, bubbles or other surface flaws in the extruded member.
Trees when cut depending on relative humidity and season can contain from 30 to 300 wt-% water based on fiber content. After rough cutting and finishing into sized lumber, seasoned wood can have a water content of from 20 to 30 wt-% based on fiber content. Kiln dried sized lumber cut to length can have a water content typically in the range of 8 to 12%, commonly 8 to 10 wt-% based on fiber. Some wood source, such as poplar or aspen, can have increased moisture content while some hard woods can have reduced water content.
Because of the variation in water content of wood fiber source and the sensitivity of extrudate to water content control of water to a level of less than 8 wt-% in the pellet based on pellet weight is important. Structural members extruded in non-vented extrusion process, the pellet should be as dry as possible and have a water content between 0.01 and 5%, preferably less than 3.5 wt-%. When using vented equipment in manufacturing the extruded linear member, a water content of less than 8 wt-% can be tolerated if processing conditions are such that vented extrusion equipment can dry the thermoplastic material prior to the final formation of the structural member of the extrusion head.
The pellets or linear extrudate of the invention are made by extrusion of the polymer and fiber composite through an extrusion die resulting in a linear extrudate that can be cut into a pellet shape. The pellet cross-section can be any arbitrary shape depending on the extrusion die geometry. However, we have found that a regular geometric cross-sectional shape can be useful. Such regular cross-sectional shapes include a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagonal, an oval, a circle, etc. The preferred shape of the pellet is a regular cylinder having a roughly circular or somewhat oval cross-section. The pellet volume is preferably greater than about 12 mm3. The preferred pellet is a right circular cylinder, the preferred radius of the cylinder is at least 1.5 mm with a length of at least 1 mm. Preferably, the pellet has a radius of 1 to 5 mm and a length of 1 to 10 mm. Most preferably, the cylinder has a radius of 2.3 to 2.6 mm, a length of 2.4 to 4.7 mm, a volume of 40 to 100 mm3, a weight of 40 to 130 mg and a bulk density of about 0.2 to 0.8 gm/mm3.
We have found that the interaction, on a microscopic level, between the polymer mass and the fiber is an important element of the invention. We have found that the physical properties of an extruded member are improved when the polymer melt during extrusion of the pellet or linear member thoroughly wets and penetrates or amounts with the fiber particles. The thermoplastic material comprises an exterior continuous organic polymer phase with the wood particle dispersed as a discontinuous phase in the continuous polymer phase. The material during mixing and extrusion obtains an aspect ratio of at least 1.1 and preferably between 2 and 4, optimizes orientation such as at least 20 wt-%, preferably 30% of the fibers are oriented in an extruder direction and are thoroughly mixed and wetted by the polymer such that all exterior surfaces of the wood fiber are in contact with the polymer material. This means, that any pore, crevice, crack, passage way, indentation, etc., is fully filled by thermoplastic material. Such penetration as attained by ensuring that the viscosity of the polymer melt is reduced by operations at elevated temperature and the use of sufficient pressure to force the polymer into the available internal pores, cracks and crevices in and on the surface of the wood fiber.
During the pellet or linear extrudate manufacture, substantial work is done in providing a uniform dispersion of the wood into the polymer material. Such work produces substantial orientation which when extruded into a final structural member, permits the orientation of the fibers in the structural member to be increased in the extruder direction resulting in improved structural properties.
The pellet dimensions are selected for both convenience in manufacturing and in optimizing the final properties of the extruded materials. A pellet is with dimensions substantially less than the dimensions set forth above are difficult to extrude, pelletize and handle in storage. Pellets larger than the range recited are difficult to introduce into extrusion or injection molding equipment, and are different to melt and form into a finished structural member.
Polymers that can be used for forming the polymer composites of the invention are commonly organic fiber-forming compositions that can be formed from a variety of common polymeric polymers including addition polymers, condensation polymers, natural polymers, treated polymers, thermosetting or thermoplastic resins.
Useful thermosetting resins include phenolic resins, phenol-aldehyde resins, furan resins, amino-plast resins, alkyd resins, allyl resins, epoxy resins, epoxy prepregs, polyurethane resins, thermosetting polyester resins, polyamide bis-maleimide resin, polymaleimide-epoxy resin, polymaleimide-isocyanate resin, silicone resins, cyanate resins, a cyanate-epoxy resins, a cyanate-polymaleimide resins, and a cyanate-epoxy-polymaleimide resin; thermosetting so-called "IPN" as obtained by compounding the above thermosetting resins and engineering plastics such as polyamide (Nylon), aromatic polyester, polyetherimide, polyetherether ketone, polysulfone, and polyphenyleneether, and further adding a catalyst; crosslinkable resins obtained by compounding an organic peroxide as a crosslinking agent and a radical polymerizable polyfunctional compound, a thermosetting resin and the like to resins. Because of the nature of thermosetting resins, they cannot be further heat processed without severe distortion or destruction.
Polyamide polymer can be used in the preferred polymer composite. Preferred polyimides are typically made by a two step reaction involving contacting a tetrabasic acid dianhydride with an aromatic diamine giving first a polyamic acid which is then converted by heat or catalyst into a high molecular weight, linear polyamide.
Thermoplastic resins are also useful in the composite of the invention. Useful addition polymers include poly alpha-olefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, poly 4-methyl-pentene-1, ethylene/vinyl copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene methacrylate copolymers, ethyl-methylacrylate copolymers, etc.; thermoplastic propylene polymers such as polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers, etc.; vinyl chloride polymers and copolymers; vinylidene chloride polymers and copolymers; polyvinyl alcohols, acrylic polymers made from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methylacrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide and others. Fluorocarbon resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidiene fluoride, and fluorinated ethylene-propylene resins. Styrene resins such as a polystyrene, alpha-methylstyrene, high impact polystyrene acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers and others and reinforced materials obtained by compounding glass, carbon, alumina, other fibers, fiber cloth, powder and other fillers to the above polymers of these, those having a glass transition temperature of at least 160° F. are preferred. In particular, polymers having a glass transition temperature of at least 140° F. and preferably a Tg of 180° F. or more is preferred.
A variety of condensation polymers can also be used in the manufacture of the composites of the invention including nylon (polyamide) resins such as nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 10, nylon 11, nylon 12, etc. A variety of polyester materials can be made from dibasic aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids and di or triols. Representative examples include polyethylene-teraphthlate, polybutylene teraphthlate and others.
Polycarbonates can also be used in the manufacture of the invention. Such polycarbonates are long chained linear polyesters of carbonic acid and dihydric phenols typically made by reacting phosgene (COCl2) with bisphenol A materials resulting in transparent, tough, dimensionally stable plastics. A variety of other condensation polymers are used including polyetherimide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polybenzazoles, aromatic polysulfones, polyphenylene oxides, polyether ether ketone and others.
Polyvinyl chloride is a common commodity thermoplastic polymer. Vinyl chloride monomer is made from a variety of different processes such as the reaction of acetylene and hydrogen chloride and the direct chlorination of ethylene. Polyvinyl chloride is typically manufactured by the free radical polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer resulting in a useful thermoplastic polymer. After polymerization, polyvinyl chloride is commonly combined with thermal stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, organic and inorganic pigments, fillers, biocides, processing aids, flame retardants and other commonly available additive materials. Polyvinyl chloride can also be combined with other vinyl monomers in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride copolymers. Such copolymers can be linear copolymers, branched copolymers, graft copolymers, random copolymers, regular repeating copolymers, block copolymers, etc. Monomers that can be combined with vinyl chloride to form vinyl chloride copolymers include a acrylonitrile; alpha-olefins such as ethylene, propylene, etc.; chlorinated monomers such as vinylidene chloride, chlorinated polyethylene, acrylate monomers such as acrylic acid, methylacrylate, methylmethacrylate, acrylamide, hydroxyethyl acrylate, and others; styrenic monomers such as styrene, alphamethyl styrene, vinyl toluene, etc.; vinyl acetate; and other commonly available ethylenically unsaturated monomer compositions.
Such monomers can be used in an amount of up to about 50 mol-%, the balance being vinyl chloride. Polymer blends or polymer alloys can be useful in manufacturing the pellet or linear extrudate of the invention. Such alloys typically comprise two miscible polymers blended to form a uniform composition. Scientific and commercial progress in the area of polymer blends has lead to the realization that important physical property improvements can be made not by developing new polymer material but by forming miscible polymer blends or alloys. A polymer alloy at equilibrium comprises a mixture of two amorphous polymers existing as a single phase of intimately mixed segments of the two macro molecular components. Miscible amorphous polymers form glasses upon sufficient cooling and a homogeneous or miscible polymer blend exhibits a single, composition dependent glass transition temperature (Tg). Immiscible or non-alloyed blend of polymers typically displays two or more glass transition temperatures associated with immiscible polymer phases. In the simplest cases, the properties of polymer alloys reflect a composition weighted average of properties possessed by the components. In general, however, the property dependence on composition varies in a complex way with a particular property, the nature of the components (glassy, rubbery or semi-crystalline), the thermodynamic state of the blend, and its mechanical state whether molecules and phases are oriented. Polyvinyl chloride forms a number of known polymer alloys including, for example, polyvinyl chloride/nitrile rubber; polyvinyl chloride and related chlorinated copolymers and terpolymers of polyvinyl chloride or vinylidine dichloride; polyvinyl chloride/alphamethyl styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer blends; polyvinyl chloride/polyethylene; polyvinyl chloride/chlorinated polyethylene and others.
The primary requirement for the substantially thermoplastic polymeric material is that it retain sufficient thermoplastic properties to permit melt blending with wood fiber, permit formation of linear extrudate pellets, and to permit the composition material or pellet to be extruded or injection molded in a thermoplastic process forming the rigid structural member. Polyvinyl chloride homopolymers copolymers and polymer alloys are available from a number of manufacturers including Geon, Vista, Air Products, Occidental Chemicals, etc. Preferred polyvinyl chloride materials are polyvinyl chloride homopolymer having a molecular weight (Mn) of about 90,000±50,000, most preferably about 88,000±10,000.
The polymer fiber composite compounds of the invention preferably contains a blend of a collection of short fiber and a collection of long fiber. The term short fiber typically suggests the fiber with an aspect ratio of less than about 10, preferably less than 5. The short fiber has a maximum dimension of about 1 mm, but typically fiber size is less than about 0.8 mm, typically less than or equal to 0.4 mm. We have found that short fiber used in the composite is preferably a cellulosic fiber such as fiber derived from cotton, wood, or other similar cellulosic fiber sources; inorganic filler materials such as mica or glass-like materials such as glass fiber, borosilicate glass fiber, etc. The preferred wood fiber for use in the invention is a wood fiber typically derived from forest resources as a direct product of wood processing or as a recycled or waste stream from wood manufacture.
The fiber fraction of the polymer fiber composite contains a blend of the first and second fibers as described. The second fiber having the larger aspect ratio of the two fibers in the blend cooperates with the first fiber to provide superior engineering properties. Accordingly, the second fiber is present as a proportion of the total fiber in the composite at a proportion of at least 1% by weight of the composite as a whole. The second fiber is preferably present in an amount of about 2 to about 35 wt-% of the composite most preferably about 10 to 25 wt-% of the composite. The first fiber is typically present at similar proportions. The first fiber can be present in an amount of about 5 to about 50 wt-% of the composite, preferably about 7 to 40 wt-% of the composite, most preferably about 10 to 30 wt-% of the composite. The total fiber component of the composite comprising both first and second fiber ingredients, typically comprises less than about 50 wt-% of the composite taken as a whole. Preferably, the composite comprises about 50 to 75 wt-% polymer and about 25 to 50 wt-% total fiber.
Wood fiber, in terms of abundance and suitability can be derived from either soft woods or conifers or from hard woods commonly known as broad leaf deciduous trees. Soft woods are generally preferred for fiber manufacture because the resulting fibers are longer, contain high percentages of lignin and lower percentages of hemicellulose than hard woods. While soft wood is the primary source of fiber for the invention, additional fiber make-up can be derived from a number of secondary or fiber reclaim sources including bamboo, rice, sugar cane, and recycled fibers from newspapers, boxes, computer printouts, etc.
However, the primary source for wood fiber of this invention comprises the wood fiber by-product of sawing or milling soft woods commonly known as sawdust or milling tailings. Such wood fiber has a regular reproducible shape and aspect ratio. The fibers based on a random selection of about 100 fibers are commonly about 3 mm in length or smaller, about 3 mm in thickness or smaller and commonly have an aspect ratio of about 1.8 to 10. Preferably, the fibers are 0.05 to 2 mm in length, 0.01 to 1.5 mm in thickness with an aspect ratio between 2 and 7, preferably 2.5 to 6.0. The preferred fiber for use in this invention are fibers derived from processes common in the manufacture of windows and doors. Wooden members are commonly ripped or sawed to size in a cross grain direction to form appropriate lengths and widths of wood materials. The by-product of such sawing operations is a substantial quantity of sawdust. In shaping a regular shaped piece of wood into a useful milled shape, wood is commonly passed through machines which selectively removes wood from the piece leaving the useful shape. Such milling operations produces substantial quantities of sawdust or mill tailing by-products. Lastly, when shaped materials are cut to size and mitered joints, butt joints, overlapping joints, mortise and tenon joints are manufactured from pre-shaped wooden members, substantial waste trim is produced. Such large trim pieces are commonly cut and machined to convert the larger objects into wood fiber having dimensions approximating sawdust or mill tailing dimensions. The wood fiber sources of the invention can be blended regardless of particle size and used to make the composite. The fiber stream can be pre-sized to a preferred range or can be sized after blending. Further, the fiber can be pre-pelletized before use in composite manufacture.
Such sawdust material can contain substantial proportions of waste stream by-products. Such by-products include waste polyvinyl chloride or other polymer materials that have been used as coating, cladding or envelope on wooden members; recycled structural members made from thermoplastic materials; polymeric materials from coatings; adhesive components in the form of hot melt adhesives, solvent based adhesives, powdered adhesives, etc.; paints including water based paints, alkyd paints, epoxy paints, etc.; preservatives, anti-fungal agents, anti-bacterial agents, insecticides, etc., and other waste streams common in the manufacture of wooden doors and windows. The total waste stream content of the wood fiber materials is commonly less than 25 wt-% of the total wood fiber input into the polyvinyl chloride wood fiber product. Of the total waste recycle, approximately 10 wt-% of that can comprise a vinyl polymer commonly polyvinyl chloride. Commonly, the intentional recycle ranges from about 1 to about 25 wt-%, preferably about 2 to about 20 wt-%, most commonly from about 3 to about 15 wt-% of contaminants based on the sawdust.
For the purpose of this invention, the term fiber indicates a fiber source comprising fiber having particles with dimensions and aspect ratios that generally correspond to the ranges disclosed below. However, the term fiber does include some proportions of fiber that fall outside the dimensions. The major proportion of fiber, fall within the ranges disclosed. It should be understood that any fiber source comprises a broad distribution of fiber sizes and aspect ratios. The existence of some proportion of fiber outside the claimed range does not avoid the claims.
The manufacture of the dispersed fiber phase within a continuous polymer phase requires substantial mechanical input. Such input can be achieved using a variety of mixing means including preferably extruder mechanisms wherein the materials are mixed under conditions of high shear until the appropriate degree of wetting and intimate contact is achieved. After the materials are fully mixed, the moisture content can be controlled at a moisture removal station. The heated composite is exposed to atmospheric pressure or reduced pressure at elevated temperature for a sufficient period of time to remove moisture resulting in a final moisture content of about 8 wt-% or less. Lastly, the polymer fiber is aligned and extruded into a useful form.
The preferred equipment for mixing and extruding the composition and wood pellet of the invention is an industrial extruder device. Such extruders can be obtained from a variety of manufacturers including Cincinnati Millicron, etc. The fiber can be preblended or blended into the extruder contents.
The materials feed to the extruder can comprise from about 10 to 60 wt-% of mixed long and short fiber (including optimal recycled impurity) along with from about 40 to 90 wt-% of polymer preferably polyvinyl chloride polymer compositions. Preferably, about 30 to 50 wt-% mixed fiber is combined with 70 to 50 wt-% polyvinyl chloride homopolymer.
The following examples were performed to further illustrate the invention that is explained in detail above. The following information illustrates the typical production conditions and compositions and the tensile modulus of a structural member made from the pellet. The following examples and data contain a best mode.
Preparation and testing of mixed fiber length composites using cotton linter pulp, Owens Corning 497 DB 0.125 inch chopped fiber glass and American Wood Fibers 40 mesh sawdust.
Experimental Procedure:
PVC compound was blended in a Littleford laboratory blender using the following procedure: Resin (Geon 427, IV=0.92) and Morton TM 181 (tin mercaptide heat stabilizer) were added to the blender and allowed to mix until the temperature reached 130 degrees F. The blender was stopped and the remaining ingredients found in Table 1 were added and blended until the temperature reached 195 degrees F. The powdered PVC compound was mixed with 40 mesh sawdust and either cotton linter fiber or fiber glass. The formulations of the PVC compound and the ratios of the fibers are shown on the top of Table 1. As a control, samples were run with the base resin and fiber glass only.
TABLE__________________________________________________________________________FIBER SIZES USED IN THE EXPERIMENTAL WORK COTTON FIBERGLASS WOOD WOOD Long Long Short (35 Mesh) Short (18 Mesh) Length Diameter Length Diameter Length Diameter Length Diameter__________________________________________________________________________ 0.3-0.5 0.000592 0.11189 0.000608 × 5 0.000605 0.1217 0.000532 × 2 0.000608 0.1185 0.000410 0.1169 0.000942 0.1232 0.000653 0.1220 0.001171 0.1220 0.000516 0.1232 0.000302 0.1256 0.000329Average 0.4 0.000613 1.45 0.57 3.84 0.73Aspect Ratio* 653 207 2.81 9.00__________________________________________________________________________
Cotton linter fiber was obtained from Buckeye Cellulose Corporation of Memphis, Tenn. The fiber was used as obtained and had a moisture content of 4 percent. The 40 mesh sawdust was obtained from American Wood Fibers of Schofield, Wis. The sawdust had a moisture content of 6 percent. Fiber ratios reported are on a dry fiber basis. Fiber glass used in this experiment is Owens Corning 497 DB obtained from the manufacture. Cotton linter fibers and fiber glass used in this experiment have an aspect ratio (length/wide) of greater than 100, the sawdust has a ratio of less than 3.
Cotton linter samples were compounded on the Brabender Prep Mixer, equipped with roller blades, for 12 minutes at 30 rpm and 185 degrees centigrade. Fluxed material from the Prep Mixer was ground in a Cumberland rotary grinder and extruded on the Brabender laboratory (35 mm parallel twin screw) extruder. Cotton linter samples were reground and run a second pass. Extrusion conditions were as follows: 15 rpm, temperatures of 195, 185, 180, 175, 180 degrees centigrade for zones 1-5 respectively. The 100 percent sawdust filled and fiber glass filled samples were directly extruded without being compounded in the mixer.
Samples were retained from both extrusion passes for Instron physical testing using standard test method #2 (0.0500 inches/minute crosshead speed, 2 inch gauge length extensometer, and 1124 pound load cell). Samples were allowed to equilibrate at ambient conditions for 24 hours before Instron testing. Results of the testing are found in Table 1. Gardner impact testing (ASTM Method D3029) was done on one inch wide strips at room temperature using an 0.87 pound weight and a 0.5 inch diameter impactor.
Results of the Instron physical property testing is found in Table 1. FIG. 1, which illustrates tensile modulus versus percent cotton linter fiber, depicts the break point in physical properties at the 20 percent long fiber concentration. FIG. 2, tensile modulus versus glass fiber concentration, shows a similar trend with an improvement in the graph containing 40% wood fiber. FIG. 3, impact energy versus percent fiber glass, portrays the same trends of a threshold level of addition. The increased impact energy at (e.g.) 15%-30% glass and 40% wood fiber is surprising. There is a corresponding threshold value for both high aspect ratio fibers. Composites samples with long fiber concentration of greater than 20 percent exhibit a high percentage the enhanced properties of the composites containing a greater fraction of long fiber. Composites with less than 20 percent of the long fiber are closer to the physical property characteristics of the pure sawdust composites.
TABLE 1__________________________________________________________________________STABILIZER TM 181 TM 181 TM 181 TM 181 TM 181MANUFACTURE Morton Morton Morton Morton MortonFORM Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid LiquidPHR 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50Witco CA STEARATE 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50Allied Signal AC 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20629 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50Rohm & Haas K 120N 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00Henkle HOB 7162 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00Henkle VGE 1884Wood Fiber 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%(40 Mesh- 0.4 mm) 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%% Long Fiber COTTON COTTON COTTON COTTON COTTONLONG FIBERTRIAL # 6 7 8 9 10Mean 1 st PassModulus 1145353 1118116 1131603 1045883 1028063% Strain 0.86 1.03 1.03 1.11 1.13Max Stress 7345 7457 7136 6777 6263Toughness 36.05 47.47 46.40 48.60 48.78Impact Energy 1p 17.2 14.2 12.2 9.6 7.7Impact Energy 2p 12.8 12 12.1 9.1 8.3__________________________________________________________________________
TABLE 2__________________________________________________________________________STABILIZER TM 181 TM 181 TM 181 TM 181 TM 181 TM 181 TM 181MANUFACTURE Morton Morton Morton Morton Morton Morton MortonFORM Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid LiquidPHR 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50Witco CA STEARATE 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50Allied Signal AC 629 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20Rohm & Haas K 120N 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50Henkle HOB 7162 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00Henkle VGE 1884 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00Wood Fiber 0.4 mm 0% 30% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%% Long Fiber 40% 30% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%LONG FIBER GLASS GLASS GLASS GLASS GLASS GLASS NONETRIAL # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7Instron Modulus 1885736 1659249 1393888 1396054 1271453 1291333 1341020% Strain 1.10 1.28 1.33 1.17 1.13 1.01 0.73Max Stress 12670 12070 9950 9044 7780 7305 6264Impact Energy 1p 100 63.3 27.6 14.8 17.2 12.8 9.5St. Dev 60.2 1.5 1.1 1.2 0.3 0.4Imact Energy 2p__________________________________________________________________________STABILIZER TM 181 TM 181 TM 181 TM 181 TM 181 TM 181MANUFACTURE Morton Morton Morton Morton Morton MortonFORM Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid LiquidPHR 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50Witco CA STEARATE 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50Allied Signal AC 629 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20Rohm & Haas K 120N 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50Henkle HOB 7162 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00Henkle VGE 1884 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00Wood Fiber 0.4 mm% Long Fiber 30% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%LONG FIBER GLASS GLASS GLASS GLASS GLASS NONETRIAL # 8 9 10 11 12 13Instron Modulus 1317668 1009488 857185 729975 582300 494232% Strain 0.98 1.41 1.78 1.96 2.54Max Stress 10358 10105 9580 8393 8140 7215Impact Energy 1p 22.1 12.7 9.1 6.1 18.6 80St. Dev 3 0.7 1.9 2.1 3.2Imact Energy 2p__________________________________________________________________________
The foregoing disclosure provides an explanation of the compositions and properties of the mixed fiber containing thermoplastic material. Many alterations, variations and modifications of the invention arising in the extruded material can be made by substitution of equivalent materials, rearrangement of the compositions, variations of the proportions, etc. Accordingly, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
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An active repeater for a star-configured communications network includes a threshold detector for collision detection. Whenever two or more terminals simultaneously feed data into a repeater, a threshold sensitive collision detector is triggered to logically isolate the data from the output of the repeater and to logically substitute a predetermined collision signal therefor, thereby causing the competing terminals to reset to retry the transmissions at randomly selected later times
Hak Talepleri(8)
1. A star-configured communications network have a plurality of terminals (12), and a plurality of bidirectional communication channels (14) for transmitting data to and from said terminals; including
collision detection means (32) coupled to said communication channels for supplying a collision signal to said terminals in lieu of data whenever more than one of said terminals is attempting to transmit data via said network at the same time, thereby providing for statistical contention control of said network.
2. A network as claimed in Claim 1, further including
a plurality of transceivers (15) for interfacing said terminals to respective ones of said communication channels, and
a repeater (13) for said network,
said repeater being coupled to said communication channels and including said collision detection means, whereby said repeater feeds repeatered data or a collision signal to said transceivers whenever data are being received via any of said communication channels and depending on whether such data is being received via only one or more than one of said communication channels, respectively.
3. A network as claimed in Claim 2 wherein
said communication channels are optical links, and
said transceivers and said repeater include electrical/optical transformation means for interfacing said terminals and said repeater, respectively, to said optical links.
4. A network as ·claim in Claim 2 or 3, wherein
said repeater (13) includes a plurality of dedicated receivers (21) for amplifying and filtering data received via respective ones of said channels, output means for feeding signals back into said channels for re-transmission to said transceivers, and a threshold sensitive data detector (35) for isolating said output means from said receivers in the absence of data;
said collision detection mean includes a collision signal generator (38) for supplying a predetermined collision signal, logic means (41, 43, 44, 45) for selectively coupling said data detector or said collision signal generator to said output means and a threshold sensitive collision detector (32) for applying a control signal to said logic means;
the thresholds of said data detector and of said collision detector being selected so that said logic means responds to the control signal from said collision detector to feed data to said output means whenever only one of said receivers is receiving data, and to feed said collision signal to said output means whenever more than one of said receivers is receiving data.
5. A network as claimed in any of Claims 2-4, wherein
said receivers have output stages which are interconnected at a summing node (31); and
said data detector and said collision detector have inlets which are coupled to said summing node to determine when data are being applied to said receivers and to determine when data is being applied to more than one of said receivers, respectively.
6. A network as claimed in Claim 3 or any claim dependent therefrom,
each of said optical links includes a pair of optical waveguides,
said receivers include electrical/optical transformation means for interfacing said repeater to one of the waveguides of each of said optical links, and
said output means include electrical/optical transformation means for interfacing said repeater to the other waveguide of each of said optical links.
7. A network as claimed in Claim 5 or 6, wherein
said theshold detector and said collision detector have predetermined voltage thresholds, and
the inlets of said threshold detector and said collision detector are coupled to said summing node by means which develop a voltage that is a function of the number of said receivers that are receiving data at any given time.
8. A network as claimed in Claim 7 including
a low pass filter (46) coupled between said collision detector and said logic means for filtering said control signal, thereby suppressing false collision signalling.
Patent Atýflarý
Patent Harici Atýflar
Referans veren:
Yasal Etkinlikler
Orijinal Resim

subset: commoncrawl


text: Escape to Healing Springs Spa Leave the world behind at Healing Springs Spa. In the heart of Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa, guests can enjoy a soothing escape designed to help rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. Our current British Columbia spa vacation packages include: Grand Indulgence at Healing Springs Spa Allow five hours - $435 Immerse yourself in the soothing waters of our private Healing Springs Pool followed by a velvety body glow; your choice of a 25-minute Relaxation or Reflexology Massage; Healing Springs Spa Facial; Spa Manicure; Spa Pedicure; and leisurely spa lunch. Revel in five hours of luxurious treatments. A total value of $485. Half Day at Healing Springs Spa Allow four hours - $299 Indulge yourself with a 55-minute Relaxation or Reflexology Massage; Refresh Skin Care Treatment; Spa Manicure; Spa Pedicure; and leisurely spa lunch. A total value of $354. Blissful Retreat Allow three hours - $295 Beginning with a revitalizing soak in the natural mineral hot springs waters of our private Healing Springs Pool, followed by a beneficial Moor Mud Treatment; your choice of a 55-minute Relaxation or Reflexology Treatment, and a spa lunch. A total value of $325. Time for Two Celebration Allow two hours - $440 couple Indulge yourselves with a romantic soak in our private Healing Springs Pool; followed by an energizing Moor Mud Treatment; a 25-minute Relaxation or Reflexology Massage; our delicious chocolate-coated fruit and a sparkling beverage. A total value of $500. Head to Toe Allow 1.75 hours - $230 A treat from top to bottom, after a full body mask of Canadian moor mud is applied, while you rest in your warm cocoon, your treatment provider further pampers you with our refresh facial, customized to your unique skincare needs. Completed with the appliction of deeply hydrating body butter and relaxing foot massage. A total value of $300. Mother's Glow Allow 2.5 hours - $265 Mothers-to-be (past the first trimester) will enjoy a 55-minute pregnacy massage using our specialty pillows, allowing a level of relaxation your body will not have enjoyed in months! A belly facial will aid in the reduction of any stretch marks to be followed by a Spa Pedicure and a nourishing spa lunch. A total value of $300. * All prices quotated on this page and thoroughout the website are in canadian dollars. Girlfriends Spa Package Includes room accommodation see our Specials & Packages page for more details. To schedule your spa appointment, please email the Healing Springs Spa , call 604-796-4746 or fill out the online Spa Appointment form.


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Former Texas Tech men's basketball player Clark Lammert has been named the Big 12 Male Sportsperson of the Year, the conference office announced Thursday.
The Big 12 Conference released its annual Academic All-Big 12 Team on Thursday with 32 Red Raiders making the list.
Clark Lammert and Bradley Marquez were named Male Student-Athlete of the Year Wednesday while Derryn Hebert garnered Female Student-Athlete of the Year honors as part of the 2015 TECHspy Awards.
Cloud County point guard Devon Thomas has signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Texas Tech University, announced head coach Tubby Smith.
Texas Tech head men's basketball coach Tubby Smith has been selected as the 2015 honoree at the NABC and NCAA Office of Inclusion's "Celebration of Champions" event in conjunction with the Final Four slated for Sunday from 3-5 p.m. at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Ind.


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FOX Boss: Britney Spears 'Feisty,' Demi Lovato A 'Spitfire' On The X Factor - ARTICLE
"The X Factor" returns for its second season this fall and according to FOX's President of Entertainment, Britney Spears will bring a spirited touch to the judges table.
"I think they're gonna be surprised just how feisty she is," FOX boss Kevin Reilly told reporters during the executive session at the FOX portion of the Television Critics Association summer tour, in response to a question from Access Hollywood.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Verdict Is In! Judges Of Reality Television
"She is not afraid to lay it on the line," he continued of Spears' judging style. "She's tough. She knows what she's doing. She's been around, she's seen it all and she definitely lays it on the line."
Reilly warned that Spears is not alone in her fiery approach.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Pop Princess Britney Spears
"I think we've got a real spitfire with Demi [Lovato], who literally day 1, took on Simon [Cowell]," he said. "So I think we have some really good chemistry going there."
Reilly also said the announcement on who will host the second season could be coming very soon.
"We're pretty close," he added. "It could happen next week, it could happen in two weeks."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Former Disney Darling Demi Lovato
When asked about reports that the show may move to the two-host format, something Cowell previously mentioned, Reilly said "The X Factor" judge and boss hasn't made that decision yet.
"He's played with both formulas. I really can't say for sure. I think that's gonna be about who he finally selects and does he like the feel of it," Reilly said.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Britney Spears' Early Years — A Look Back!
"The X Factor" premieres Wednesday September 12 on FOX.
-- Jolie Lash
Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Jennifer Lopez Talks What To Expect When You're Expecting & Reacts To Britney Spears Joining The X Factor
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They kept Joe Flacco safe from harm. Given the chance to keep blasting away, they eventually opened holes for Ray Rice.
This is the offensive line the Ravens have been waiting for all season. After the revamped lineup — with Bryant McKinnie off the bench and in at left tackle, Michael Oher from left to right tackle and Kelechi Osemele from right tackle to left guard — debuted in the first round of the playoffs with an effective performance in the win over the Colts, the line took it to another level on Saturday. And that level wasn't just the increased altitude in Denver.
In the previous meeting with the Broncos, the blowout loss in Baltimore last month, Denver harassed Flacco, recording three sacks and numerous pressures. On Saturday, the Broncos sacked him once, but Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil were largely kept away from the Ravens quarterback. Flacco had time and room to step into his throws. When the Ravens were perilously close to their own goal line and he had to pass out of the end zone, the line allowed him to do so with barely a hint of danger.
Marshal Yanda was particularly effective pulling into the hole to clear the way for Rice, as Yanda did on Rice's third-quarter touchdown. Yanda blasted Broncos linebacker Keith Brooking out of the way, knocking him down in the end zone so Rice could score. Then, at the end of the first overtime, Yanda hustled downfield when Rice's rush was stalled and pushed the pile of running back and tacklers ahead for a Ravens first down, giving Baltimore 2 or 3 more yards on an 11-yard run. That set up the Ravens at the Denver 34, and after three more plays picked up 5 yards, Justin Tucker kicked the game-winning field goal.
Nearly as importantly, the line didn't draw drive-stalling penalties. The Ravens had just one false-start call and no holding penalties.
So, it may have taken a while to get here, but the Ravens have to be thrilled to have an O-line that makes them say, O-yes.
Ravens' O-line worth the wait
They kept Joe Flacco safe from harm. Given the chance to keep blasting away, they eventually opened holes for Ray Rice.


text:
Going to a Nats game? You may want to have alternative transportation plans if it runs late
Apr 19, 2011, 9:38 AM EDT
I lived in the D.C. area for three years and one of the things I loved the most about it was Metro. As far as subway systems go it's clean, easy-to-navigate and altogether swell. The only problem — which was way bigger for me when I was 23 than it would be now — is that it closes at around midnight, so if you're going to a late show or event, you're on your own for the ride home.
Most Washington Nationals games end well before midnight, but some don't. Rain delays. Extended extra-inning affairs. For those sorts of contingencies, the city of Washington pays Metro overtime to run late to accommodate the baseball crowd. But that may not last:
During past seasons, the city covered the costs of bringing in extra trains if there was a long rain delay or an epic 18-inning contest that caused a game to end past Metro's normal operating hours. But that agreement is unique. All of the other sports teams and concert venues in our area pay Metro for any late-night service. Council Member Tommy Wells says he would like to see the Nationals pick up the tab, which Metro says costs $90,000 per hour.
This service benefits the Nationals first and foremost. Having it there encourages and allows their fans to come to the ballpark in comfort, allows them so buy hot dogs and beer and big foam fingers, knowing that they have a ride home. I can't see why the Nationals shouldn't pay for late service like everyone else does.
- okobojicat - Apr 19, 2011 at 9:52 AM
While i understand Wells' argument, the thing is none of the other sports have unexpected late nights. The Redskins almost always play during the day and if they do play at night, its a one-time thing and usually everyone is out of the stadium by 1am.
Any concerts or events that run late (or open early) its easy plan to set aside those costs. For baseball, its almost impossible because to plan when it is necessary to run late service because the Nationals won't know until the game hits its rain delay or extra innings.
All that said, if The Nats have to keep it open for 10 extra hours all year, which I think would probably be more than necessary, that's the price of two major league minimum players. If the Nat's can't spare that to ensure their fans can get to a game, then they have much bigger issues.
- kellyb9 - Apr 19, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Thats only one subway/train. If people need to make connections to get out to the 'burbs than it'll be a lot more than 10 hours a year.
- ptho16 - Apr 19, 2011 at 10:02 AM
This is only an issue during the week, metro runs until 3 am weekends.
- natstowngreg - Apr 19, 2011 at 5:06 PM
True, but Metro is considering cutbacks in weekend service, to help close its budget deficit.
- BC - Apr 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM
The Nats should pick it up. Not that I'd encourage it, but there are a lot of fans that will go to the game and pound down a half dozen beers or more knowing they're not driving home and have a safe ride on the train. Having them then deal with an unexpected crazy cab fare doesn't seem right. And let's face it, you're not walking home at 2am in Washington. Or Boston or Chicago or Philly or New York, or wherever.
- Alex K - Apr 19, 2011 at 11:32 AM
You can walk home from Wrigley at 2 am. The Cell, totally different story, however.
- Kevin S. - Apr 19, 2011 at 9:21 PM
Nothing wrong with walking around New York at 2 AM.
- Old Gator - Apr 19, 2011 at 11:49 AM
I have horrible claustrophobia. I wouldn't…uh…those shadows…all…that noise…there are, are…things up in the rafters…get me out of here! Aaaaaaaaaggggghhhhhh…..
- 18thstreet - Apr 19, 2011 at 1:34 PM
Heck, the city already built them a stadium that they rent for $2M a year, and built them parking garages (and the team gets to keep all the money made there). I think the city should also pay the cost of their infield.
There's no reason — NONE — why the team shouldn't pay for the cost of extra hours of Metro. There's a lot of poor people in this city; the polling was quite clear that none of them wanted this team. Crap like this is why they were right.
- natstowngreg - Apr 19, 2011 at 5:04 PM
Agreed, the Nats should help out. Though keep in mind, the Lerners are the same owners who didn't pay the rent for months because they claimed DC had not completed the park exactly to their specs. Councilman Wells should not hold his breath.
I've been through the late-ending game scenario a couple of times; they give you 15-20 mins to get to the Navy Yard station. For most of us who arrive by Metro (and live in the 'burbs), the motivation to move quickly is strong.
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Owner's Manuals
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May 16
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longa or lychee sorbet needed
- w
- wasabi
Just picked up some cans of lychee and longans to tide me over until fresh ones are available later in the summer. I've had lychee sorbet before and want some feedback on any recipes tried, successfully or unsuccessfully.
any good recipes out there?
Just curious: where do you live? Here in SF many markets seem to have just gotten a great shipment of lychee. Someone else posted last week, and I just bought some Saturday the New May Wah in the Richmond. Yum! These greenish ones are better than the more widely known red ones; you can tell by the smell. Just a heads up not to wait too long if you're in the Bay Area.
re: nooodles
argh, i know it's become cliche to say this...but i do wish i lived in the bay area. unfortunately, i'm 4,000 feet above sea level in Utah and lychees and longans are just barely trickling into the asian markets here. slim pickings to say the least. but every purveyor said that we should get them in full swing by july. until then, canned fun. :)
We're starting to get lychees. The greenish/yellow/red ones are out (Mani-something they're called). I'm still waiting for the bright red ones (forget their names) and longans. The farmers keep saying it's not going to be a great year for lychees, but we'll see.
I put a link to an article in the Miami Herald with recipes for various ice creams and sorbets (the fig one is amazing). You'll have to create an account to get access. Funny that the recipe here is for canned lychees so it should work for you.
re: lax2mia
Last week I bought lychees at Berkeley Bowl, about $4 per pound. They are mostly greenish, with a little pink. They are imorted from China.
They have the smallest seed I've ever known in a lychee, and are very sweet and delicious.
Apparently they are available (and somewhat cheaper) in the local Chinatowns.
re: Joel Teller
The ones I got in San Francisco were $3 a pound, and reportedly from Taiwan. They're, IMO, sweeter and more flavorful than their bright red counterparts. With the red ones, I find that one in every handful tends to be brown or sour. In my whole bag of these little green ones, I found maybe three that weren't great. Even then, none were downright sour.
It seems like a lot of people in the Bay Area have been buying these up. Hopefully the supply will continue for awhile! They're great!


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Show Daily - Update from Orlando
From The Floor
SeaWorld Orlando, Oceaneering Unveil New Ride Vehicle
SeaWorld Orlando, in conjunction with Oceaneering Entertainment Systems (Booth #1054), on Tuesday showcased for the first time the new ride vehicle that will be used in SeaWorld's "Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin" attraction, due out spring 2013.
SeaWorld officials said the eight-passenger vehicle (two rows of four) is a brand- new concept for the industry.
"This is the world's first motion-based, completely trackless ride-simulation technology," said Brian Morrow, creative director for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. "Riders are able to make a choice along the ride experience between intense and non-intense."
SeaWorld is still keeping broader details about the ride experience under wraps, but Morrow said there will be multiple programs loaded into the ride vehicle that will provide "a wide range of unpredictability." He continued: "Inside those different ride paths, there are various things you may or may not see each time."
The ride will be part of a larger "realm" that re-creates the glacial rift of Antarctica, Morrow said.
"This is not a dark ride—in fact, we don't know what to call it. We made up some words, but we stopped using them because they didn't make sense," he joked. "We're doing something that's never been done in the industry. This ride is all around you. It's not scene by scene; it's world by world."
www.seaworldorlando.com; www.oceaneering.com
Rocky Mountain Shows New Coach for Silver Dollar City's 'Outlaw Run'
On Tuesday, Rocky Mountain Construction Group (Booth #3860) and Silver Dollar City theme park unveiled the custom-designed, plum-red Western Missouri Stagecoach car that will be used on the park's new $10 million wooden coaster, "Outlaw Run," set to open in March 2013.
On hand for the event was Pete Herschend, executive vice president and vice chairman of Herschend Entertainment (HFE), which owns Silver Dollar City; Joel Manby, president and CEO of HFE; Brad Thomas, general manager of Silver Dollar City; and Fred Grubb, president and co-owner of Rocky Mountain Construction, which is building the ride.
Manby hailed the ride as groundbreaking, and Thomas noted it will set three marks for wooden coasters: world's second-fastest, at 68 mph; steepest drop, at 81 degrees; and three inversions, taking riders completely upside down.
Herschend told the Show Daily it was Rocky Mountain's skill and commitment that made it HFE's choice to build the ride, and noted that "Outlaw Run" is perfect for Silver Dollar City. "With steel, you can get quite a bit of expansion and contraction," Herschend said. "But wood absorbs all of that, and that makes a wooden coaster just perfect for the park's location in the Ozark Mountains."
www.silverdollarcity.com; www.rockymtnconstruction.com
One Systems Offers High-Tech Speaker System
New Expo exhibitor One Systems (Booth #6073), based in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, announced the debut of its Crossfield Array-2 high-intelligibility direct-weather-capable speaker system.
Perfect for large venues like amusement parks and sports venues, the system boasts pristine sound quality and high intelligibility at great distances.
"The new One Systems Crossfield Array-2 is a very compact yet high-output speaker system that's designed for use in large open spaces and designed to cover adjacent areas and stadiums and very large-scale sports venues where it has to cover from the press box to the bleachers to the other side of the field 500-800 feet away … it will deliver very high sound pressure level," said Mike Torlone, the company's marketing and sales manager.
The Crossfield can be oriented vertically or horizontally to ensure the best coverage, and One Systems has a variety of hardware options for suspending the system appropriately for the venue or event.
Pacific Lights Provides Weatherproof Digital Signage
Pacific Lights Inc. (Booth #1833), an outdoor products company, displayed its new MirageVision Weatherproof TVSign for attendees at IAAPA Attractions Expo. Pacific Lights took an existing high-end TV and made it brighter, sharper, and weatherproof for outdoor use. This particular model can display regular TV programming while simultaneously displaying facility marketing, such as food specials or discounts, along the side of the screen.
"These can be taken outdoors, rained on, put in direct sunlight, and still have an incredible view," said Michael Yslas, a representative for the product.
"The new concept is the digital signage that is extremely affordable, extremely easy, the software already comes with it. And anybody can actually make their own digital content; it's that simple," said Yslas.
PDC Touts Green Screen Social Media App
Precision Dynamics Corporation, or PDC (Booth #2654), an automatic wristband identification company, debuted its new Green Screen Social Media Application this week. The marketing tool, compatible with Apple, Windows, and Android tablets, allows visitors sporting PDC's RFID-enabled wristbands to e-mail, text, or post branded pictures and product links directly to their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media outlets.
First, guests associate their RFID-enabled wristbands with their social media accounts. After an event photographer captures a photo using a green screen and tablet camera, the photo size and background can be customized. When associated with the RFID wristband, the photo is then uploaded to the guest's Facebook or other social media outlet of choice.
IAAPA attendees can experience a live demonstration of the application at PDC's booth.
Colorvision Feels the Force on Show Floor
In celebration of its 35th anniversary, Colorvision—Amazing Pictures (Booth #4203) is bringing some special guests to its booth this week. On Tuesday, famous "Star Wars" characters Darth Vader and R2-D2 posed with attendees. On Wednesday, Total Nonstop Action wrestlers Christy Hemme, Matt Morgan, Samoa Joe, and SoCal Val will be in attendance. And on Thursday, the famous Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be on hand.
All three of these are licenses Colorvision works with across its many platforms, said Mark Simmons, the company's president/CEO/owner. Colorvision provides guest photography for attractions around the world. This week, the company is showcasing its new mobile app that allows guests to "subscribe" for the day; the app then allows them to see all of the photos taken of them from all around the park immediately. www.amazingpictures.com
The Gravity Group Takes 'Hades' on a Roll
At a Tuesday press conference on the trade show floor, The Gravity Group (Booth #5507) announced a major and surprising enhancement to "Hades" at Mount Olympus Theme Park in Wisconsin Dells. In 2013, the coaster becomes "Hades 360" and will sport a complete upside-down roll.
The roll will be located near the circuit's turnaround, which is after the coaster rises from its underground journey inside a 700-foot tunnel before descending back into the tunnel for its return voyage. Nick Laskaris, co-owner of Mt. Olympus, said he's wanted to do a wooden roll for years, and when asked if he was fazed by the continued problems that dogged another wooden coaster with a loop built a few years ago, he responded, "Not at all—it didn't deter me a bit. Anyway, that was actually steel and this one's wooden, and we'll just make it better!"
Larry Bill, partner and engineer with The Gravity Group, told the Show Daily, "We've been limited in being able to do this until we had a train that could handle it. We'll completely rebuild that section of coaster where 'Hades' comes out of the tunnel." www.thegravitygroup.com
Arihant Brings Water Disco to U.S. and Europe
Arihant Industrial Corp. Ltd., (Booth #3254), a water attraction manufacturer based in India, announced on Tuesday it is introducing its popular Aqua Disc attraction to the European and U.S.markets.
The attraction is a UFO-themed water disco that combines water effects, music, and lights for a fully immersive dancing experience. "From the part of the world we are in it's pretty hot in water parks all year round," said Pranay A. Safari, Arihant's director of marketing. "This is a very popular attraction in India and a lot of parks in Asia where people like dancing."
The concept marries a family attraction with a place to cool down, he said, adding that there are seating areas for those who just want to relax and keep cool.
SkyRide Experience from SimEx Soars and Excites
SimEx-Iwerks (Booth #2247), provider of immersive 3-D and 4-D attractions and films, promoted its new 6-D Vertical Theater System at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 on Tuesday.
The 180-seat theater features seats that move, recline, and rumble along with the special effects of a movie for a more immersive experience. The theater design, suitable for kids and adults of all ages, is also capable of incorporating special effects from snow to bubbles, wind to fire, scent to water spray, as well as lasers, strobes, FX lighting, and more.
"It has an IMAX feel, but with motion," said Richard Needham, creative director at SimEx-Iwerks. "The seats feel like a magic carpet ride. The safety rails and floors can fall away so you feel like you're soaring."
Needham says the theater design is especially complementary to travelogue-style films, and that with the theater's unique tiered seat design, every member of the audience sits the same distance from the screen. www.simex-iwerks.com
Water Park Toys Shows New Types of Cannons
Water Park Toys (Booth #5456) of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, debuted three new water cannons at IAAPA Attractions Expo. These easy-to-install cannons don't require power or pumps; kids just crank the handle and the water is drawn from the main water sources. "You can retrofit them to any facility, new or old, without cutting up the concrete," said company president Craig White, adding that they can be placed in a variety of locations. "You can put it in a pool; you can put it on the edge of a pool and draw the water from the adjacent water source. You can even put it on a dock, up to four or five feet above water, they can draw the water from that source."
Parks can use Water Park Toys' stock themes, or order custom character or logo designs. The cannons come in a standard version, a shorter version for smaller kids, and a model that shoots the water from the top of the cannon, creating a rain effect.
Intercard Debuts Three New Products for FECs
Intercard (Booth #1015), a cash management solutions company based in St. Louis, Missouri, announced three new systems ideal for family entertainment centers.
The iPlanner, an online reservation system, allows guests to book space and specific resources (laser tag vests, etc.) for events. What sets the system apart, according to Jason Mitchell, the North American sales representative for the company, is that administrators, users, and frontline staff are all using the same system, so it can identify any conflicts and offer solutions.
Points for Play is an e-ticket payment option that lets people use their points or tickets toward items like food, additional play, and merchandise. "It opens a new doorway for companies that are trying to incentivize their guests to play their redemption games," Mitchell said, adding that those who might not want a redemption prize to take home might instead want to use their points for more play, food, or merchandise.
iTeller is an automated teller with barcode scanner that allows guests to redeem coupons from marketing e-blasts or QR codes. "The customer just brings that single-use coupon back to your facility, scans it on the barcode scanner on the automatic teller, and it dispenses the card with their awarded value. There's no longer a need to go to an employee or a counter or a POS station to claim your redeption prize," he said. Plus, the back-of-house can track the redemption of those coupons. "You can find out if these promotions you send out are actually working for your business," he said. www.intercardinc.com


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Council blocks out payday loan sites
Posted: December 24, 2013|
ACCESS to payday loan websites has been blocked from all 10,000 Nottinghamshire County Council computers, laptops and other devices.
The move, which also covers computers accessible to the public in the county's 60 libraries, is aimed at protecting people from mounting up unsustainable debts.
In total, 80 payday loan company websites have had access from council computers removed.
Other online content to be blocked includes websites promoting criminal activity and weapons, porn, hate speeches and illegal file sharing.
Related content
Council leader Alan Rhodes said: "The spiralling cost of living is hitting people hard, with increasing numbers taking desperate action to see them through to payday.
"With the arrival of colder weather and Christmas approaching, the pressure on household budgets is at its greatest, meaning people are more likely to resort to the offer of quick cash from payday loan firms. By blocking access to these sites, we hope we can limit the number of people tempted to turn to these lenders to pay for Christmas."


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by NRA Staff
International free pistol competition calls for the finest in accuracy, as even the nine-ring at 50 meters is a four-inch circle. But to win, shooters have to stay within the much smaller 10 ring. Keeping 60 shots on target over the course of the two-hour competition requires a special pistol. While shooters behind the former Iron Curtain have relied on a number of different handguns in competition, the vintage Russian MC55-1 pistol still musters a loyal following and was seen in the winner's circle in 1998 as Franck Dumoulin captured the 1998 World Cup Final. Cased in a wooden container with tools and spare parts, the single-shot .22-cal. MC55-1 has a Martini falling-block action and an intricate trigger mechanism that can be adjusted for weight, sear engagement and trigger shoe position. Free pistol is a shooting sport in which the trigger can be adjusted as low as the shooter desires, and there are no limits on pistol size or weight. Recently donated to the National Firearms Museum, this excellent-condition MC55-1 is now part of the Olympic arms display.
One of the nation's most diverse firearms collections, with thousands of guns on exhibition, the National Firearms Museum is open daily at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va., with no admission charge (donations accepted). For more information, call (703) 267-1000 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com. Visit the museum's online galleries at www.nramuseum.org.
National Firearms Museum
The NRA National Firearms Museum is home to the finest firearms collection in the world. Through 15 galleries spanning more than six centuries, this spectacular showcase offers the unique opportunity to view some of America's most significant firearm treasures.


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Thank you. Amanda passed along your comment and I've fixed the post.
Amy Wang, acting Clark County editor
Hi Henry-
Thanks for your comment. The amount cited, 400 IU, is for children, (as the post says) - they should not get as big a dose as adults.
Hi Karin:
Thanks for posting this! We'd love to see your byline on it, though - under your photo, it says "Display name not set." You can go into your profile - where you uploaded your mug - to add your OregonLive user name. Questions? Contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com or 503-294-5911.
Amy Wang
Assistant bureau chief, Clackamas County news
Thanks for pointing out the typo. It has been fixed.
Amy Wang, staff editor
Thanks for the comment - we'll look into that.
Todd, thanks for posting. Every family is different and will have a different definition of what constitutes a family-friendly restaurant. I personally wouldn't take my kids to Jake's because I view that as a place to relax without kids. Anyway, off the top of my head, here are three westside restaurants where we've had good experiences with the kids: JoPa (Northwest/Italian), Thai Herbs, The Village Hut (BBQ). Try them out and see what you think.
bytesmiths -
Thanks for pointing out the error. We will fix the post.
Thanks for the catch. We'll correct.
Pamela - Wok Wednesday, that's it! Thank you. My kids love tofu and chicken, so that's perfect.
camel123: Thanks for the tip on beans. I've always thought they were too time-consuming to cook them from scratch but your advice makes it sound like I can fit them in if I just plan ahead a little.
Momsicle: I used to find lasagna really intimidating, too - the Barilla recipe saved me. Though the noodles are no-boil, I do recommend soaking them in a bowl of lukewarm water while you prepare the filling - they soften up nicely and become a lot easier to work with.
I love the pizza naan idea. Here are a couple similar ideas:
- When I was in middle school, the most popular cafeteria item was "pizza bagels" - plain bagels cut in half, topped with sauce and cheese and toasted in the oven.
- My brother and I used to make mini-pizzas with English muffins in our toaster oven. I was tickled to see that the cook at my kids' daycare center uses English muffins too on pizza day. It saves a lot of time not only in preparing lunch but also in serving kids in seven classrooms.
Thanks for reading Omamas!
Clint -
I don't know. Probably best to contact Nancy Hauth directly and ask her.
Thanks for the comments and the additional links, jaehwan!
Thanks for the heads up. That link should be fixed now.
Colin Baugh of Suzuki + Chou Communimedia, which represents Chipotle Mexican Grill, sends this e-mail:
"Earlier this month they introduced a new kid's menu in their 10 Portland-area restaurants and are offering free kid's meals on Sundays through Aug. 1.
"Here's the skinny:
"As part of the launch, when parents purchase a burrito, salad, burrito bowl (a burrito without the tortilla) or order of tacos, kids get a free Kid's Meal."
Kids meals include meat or cheese quesadillas, single tacos, and build-a-taco kits. All are under $5. Sides include beans, rice, chips, organic white and chocolate milk, apple juice and soda.
The point of this post was restaurants, as in places where you go primarily for the dining experience (and Bullwinkle's, as fun as it is, does not count as a restaurant). No, it's not always fun for a kid to sit while the adults talk about what's on the menu, but kids need to learn that life isn't about them all the time. Sometimes the parents get to pick where to go/what to do, and the kids just have to deal. (And yes, sometimes parents just need to get a sitter.)
I did say these are places where my kids have had fun. My 5-year-old loved the sushi place and has asked to go back. Same with dim sum. Try taking your kids, they might surprise you.
Keep hearing good things about Grandma Leeth's. Will have to check that out one of these days.
Thanks to reader Cheyenne Miller for her suggestion:
"There is a photo studio called Little Pixels where they do a new birthday party geared toward girls called fashion show photo shoot. The girls all dress up and pretend to be models, go down a runway and have a real photo shoot. My little girl had her party there last month. The runway is a pink and shaggy hall runner, and the whole thing was VERY girly and glamorous! My daughter had a great time and still looks at her photos all the time. Their website is www.littlepixels.net if you want to check it out. Click on kid's parties. It was very fun and I thought it was a really original idea for a party."
(Little Pixels' address is 4611 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy.)
I'm Margie's editor -- I just tried the link and it worked. You might try it again.
Jwells, thanks for letting us know about the misspelling. It is fixed now.
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for your comment. It depends on what kind of motherhood book you're looking for...can you be more specific?
Hi darcforest,
Thanks for flagging that unintentional omission! We have scheduled a tour of Adventist's maternity unit and will add it to the guide soon.


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Final score: Cleveland Cavaliers 112, Orlando Magic 102
Analysis: In winning Game 5 to stay alive in this Eastern Conference finals series, the Cavs made key adjustments. At the same time, LeBron James delivered another epic performance by posting a triple-double. He also got plenty of perimeter help from Mo Williams (24 points, 6-of-9 on threes) and Daniel Gibson (3-of-4 on threes).
The go-getter: James came through for the Cavs with 37 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. James accounted for 32 consecutive Cleveland points by either scoring or having an assist (29 consecutive in the fourth). With his team's back against the wall, the league MVP took over.
The brick-layer: Just as he did in Game 2, Rafer Alston (Orlando) vanished. He shot 1-of-10 from the field overall, going 1-of-7 from 3-point range. The scary part about all this is Alston, who scored 26 points in Orlando's Game 4 win, made his first shot Thursday only to miss his last nine.
The stunning stats: Orlando is known for its 3-point shooting, but Cleveland not only made one three than the Magic (9-to-8), but also shot a higher percentage (50 percent to 32 percent) from long range.
The play: With Cavaliers leading by six with 2:22 remaining in the game, James drove the ball at Dwight Howard, made the shot and drew a foul to foul him out. James completed the 3-point play to give Cleveland a 102-93 lead.
What's next: Game 6 Saturday in Orlando, 8:30 p.m.
What to expect: The Cavaliers may be without starting two-guard Delonte West, who left the game late in the fourth quarter with a hip pointer. West will likely gut it out, but Orlando knows the Cavaliers are going to go that spread offense in which James gets the ball at the free throw line. How the Magic adjust to that will play a major role in what happens in Game 6.


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Supporters of expanding Medicaid are scheduled to hold a rally at the Statehouse this afternoon. Republican Governor John Kasich plans to appear.
Kasich proposed extending Medicaid coverage to more low-income Ohioans, but majority Republicans in the legislature dropped the plan from the state budget bill. Roughly 366 thousand Ohioans would be eligible for coverage beginning in 2014 if the state expands Medicaid.


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View post on imgur.com
Guys does this say Greg or Corey pic.twitter.com/e6XeARecSe
— Greg Dorris (@GregDorris) July 23, 2015
This message couldn't wait... big changes are coming to DJX! Monday at 8am...Posted by 99/7 DJX "Today's Hit Music" on Saturday, July 25, 2015
The squad is ready for Catfish: The TV Show tonight.Posted by Catfish: The TV Show on Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Tonight on Catfish: The TV Show...Posted by Catfish: The TV Show on Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Get More: Catfish: The TV Show, Full Episodes
Wow true enough I got #catfish but I learned alot and will protect who I let in my life much better but God is Good all the time 1 Godschild
— R. Prophet (@RProphet) July 23, 2015
Please continue to follow my journey regardless..love is real!! God 1st. Holla at me on ig @iamrprophet and http://t.co/MckVdziLYZ updates
— R. Prophet (@RProphet) July 23, 2015
NEW FLIP CUP GAME For THICK GIRLS ;)Posted by Bryan Silva on Thursday, March 26, 2015
"Stop the World, I'm gettin' on!" GUYS WE MADE THE FRONT PAGE!!!! GET OUT AND BUY THOSE PAPERS!!!!Posted by Jordan Dos Santos on Monday, July 20, 2015
Alright, WHO DID IT?! This car was pulled out of good ole Lake Salinda here in Salem today. The other side has "MAN WHORE" on it. Sad that she/he cannot spell.Furthermore, who does the car belong to? lolPosted by Kristina Voyles on Tuesday, July 14, 2015
#cheetergate #salemindiana #youvebeencatfished #manwhore pic.twitter.com/x3hRJuzmOY
— Lindsay (@LinZardDaily) July 18, 2015
Posted by Indiana DNR Law District 8 on Tuesday, July 14, 2015


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Oh NO GX gives you a stack dump? That's unheard of. Did you at least try the game with a different loader? Seems like a lot of trouble to go through to wait for them to fix it when you could load it with another loader.
I don't think that's your problem though.


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Enter the Search for "America's Most Deserving Dad!"
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
Calling all moms and kids with stand-out dads! Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast has just launched their search for "America's Most Deserving Dad," with the grand prize winner receiving a 2012 Jeep Wrangler, a one-week stay for six in a luxurious Destin beach house, round-trip airfare, and a $500 shopping spree to the Destin Commons.
To enter, contestants must create a video no longer than 1 minute that explains why their dad or husband is most deserving of this year's lavish grand prize! Comedic acts, tearjerkers, and knee slappers are encouraged, as creativity and originality are they key from making it past the initial public voting round and into the top 10. Video submissions will be accepted through May 20, and voting begins the next day. For more info, visit the Facebook page for Florida's Emerald Coast. Goody luck!Add a Comment
Tags: American's Most Deserving dad, contests, Father's Day, Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast CVB | Categories: Giveaways, GoodyBlog, Time for Fun