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A method of making a retroreflective article comprising on the top surface thereof a retroreflective sheet that comprises a monolayer of retroreflective elements wherein first portions of the monolayer are arranged in a contoured profile and second portions of the monolayer are arranged a substantially planar position.
1. A method for making a retroreflective material comprising:
(a) providing a substantially continuous, longitudinally extending retroreflective base sheet comprising a cover layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements, said base sheet having a retroreflective top surface and a bottom surface;
(b) creating a plurality of cavities on said bottom surface of said base sheet without substantially stretching it to yield (i) first portions extending generally perpendicular to the base sheet, said first portions having retroreflective elements arranged in an upwardly contoured profile and (ii) second portions having retroreflective elements arranged in a substantially planar position; and
(c) applying a filling material into said cavities to retain in place said first portions.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said cavities are created by a gathering method comprising:
(a) feeding said base sheet into an assembly having a first roll containing on its surface a multiplicity of ridges and a second roll containing on its surface a multiplicity of grooves, said ridges and grooves matching in number, general shape, and spacing; and
(b) holding the cavities in place by using at least one means selected from the group consisting of vacuum means and mechanical means.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said mechanical means used to hold said cavities in place comprises a nip roll positioned against said second roll such that said nip roll isolates a cavity in the process of being formed from the cavities already formed.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein said gathering method creates a single cavity at a time across substantially the entire width of said base sheet.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said filling material is adhered to bottom surface of said base sheet.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said cavities are filled with a polymer selected from one of the group consisting of pressure sensitive adhesive and hot melt adhesive.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said first portions are elevated about 0.05 to 10 millimeters above said second portions.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said base sheet further comprises, on its top surface, at least one of the following: a light transmissible protective layer, a light transmissible top film, and anti-skid particles partially embedded in said protective layer or in said top film.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein said base sheet is selected from one of the group consisting of cube-corner based embedded lens, cube-corner based encapsulated lens, microsphere based embedded-lens, and microsphere based encapsulated lens.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the first portions are in the form of one of the following: strips, interconnected strips, and protrusions.
11. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying a conformance layer to the bottom surface of said base sheet to yield a composite sheet before creating cavities in said base sheet.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said conformance layer is a ductile aluminum foil.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein said cavities are filled with a polymer selected from the group consisting of extruded polymer and ultraviolet light curable polymer.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said extruded polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyolefin copolymers and polyethylene acid copolymer consisting of ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA), ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), and ionically crosslinked EMAA or EAA.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein said ultraviolet light curable polymer is selected from the group consisting of methacrylic functional monomers, methacrylic functional oligomers, and combinations thereof.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said ultraviolet curable polymer is cured using a ultraviolet lamp with an irradiation in the range of about 10 to 5,000 millijoules per square centimeter and with an intensity of about 50 to 2,000 watts per square centimeter.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein said filling material is applied in excess of the volume of the cavities to create a land portion behind said second portion of said base sheet and beyond the first portions of said base sheet.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/672,143, entitled Wet Retroreflective Marking Material, filed on Jun. 27, 1996, now abandoned.
The present invention relates to methods of making profiled retroreflective articles having a retroreflective base sheet formed to have first portions arranged in an upwardly contoured profile and second portions in a substantially planar position.
Retroreflective articles have the ability to redirect substantial quantities of incident light, which otherwise would be reflected elsewhere, back towards the incident light source. This ability has led to widespread use of retroreflective articles in a variety of applications relating to traffic safety. Retroreflective sheetings are particularly useful to guide motorists under poor lighting conditions, such as, for example, under nighttime driving or under inclement weather. Examples of uses of retroreflective sheeting include, but are not limited to traffic signs, cones, and barricades.
Some skilled in the art have developed various methods of making profiled retroreflective articles using retroreflective base sheets. By "profiled," it is meant that some portion of the retroreflective base sheet is elevated from the body of the article so as to create a vertical component.
For example, Assignee's pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/895,384, filed on Jul. 16, 1997, discloses a retroreflective sheeting that has a continuous, longitudinal extending retroreflective portion and pleated retroreflective portions. Each pleated portion extends generally perpendicular to and is spaced along the longitudinal portions. As defined in the application, "pleated" means that a portion of the sheeting is doubled upon itself and bonded together by, for example, an adhesive or ultrasonic bonding. The pleats elevate a portion of the retroreflective sheet so that incident light at high entrance angles strikes the pleated portion and is retroreflected by the pleated portion. The sheeting is very useful for application on traffic barricades, such as jersey barriers or guard railings.
Publication No. WO 93/21388 discloses a method and device for producing light-reflecting surfaces, particularly for road markings. The markings have ridge-like stripes containing reflecting components, the stripes applied perpendicularly or at an angle to the traffic direction. The marking can be applied directly onto a road surface or prefabricated onto a carrier web and applied to a road surface. When a marker is made directly on the road, the method includes applying a thin coating onto a road surface, applying ridge-like profile markings across the longitudinal direction of the coating, applying light reflecting materials, such as glass beads, into the surfaces of the coating and ridge-like material while the surfaces are still soft to yield a pavement marking.
A need exists for streamlined methods to make profiled retroreflective articles for use in vertical or horizontal applications.
The present invention provides methods of making articles using retroreflective base sheets and a novel approach of elevating portions of the base sheet. The inventive articles exhibit surprisingly effective retroreflective properties, especially at very high entrance angles (e.g., 85░ or more) as well as at low entrance angles. They are well suited for use on vertical and horizontal surfaces.
In brief summary, a method of the invention comprises: (a) providing a substantially continuous, longitudinally extending retroreflective base sheet comprising a cover layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements, the base sheet having a retroreflective top surface and a bottom surface; (b) creating a plurality of cavities on the bottom surface of the base sheet without substantially stretching it to yield (i) first portions extending generally perpendicular to the base sheet, the first portions having retroreflective elements arranged in an upwardly contoured profile, and (ii) second portions having retroreflective elements arranged in a substantially planar position; and (c) applying a filling material into the cavities to retain the first portions.
Typically the inventive methods generates a plurality of first portions and second portions in a continuous sheet. Base sheets can be cube-corner based or microsphere based and are typically provided in a substantially continuous, longitudinally extending form, such as, for example, in a roll. The base sheet can be an enclosed-lens or an exposed-lens sheet. An advantage of using an enclosed-lens retroreflective sheet is that the resultant article is inherently wet retroreflective. That is, the inventive article will retroreflect under wet conditions, occurring, for example, during rainy conditions, during conditions when the rain has subsided but the article has not yet dried, or during the early morning hours when dew has collected on the inventive article. Some enclosed-lens base sheets are flexible and many can be made in desired colors. They are low profile and conform to road surfaces. They are resistant to damage from traffic and withstand exposure to water, salt, oils, ultraviolet radiation, sand abrasion, high temperatures, making them well suited for use on road surfaces. An enclosed-lens base sheet typically exhibits higher retroreflective performance compared to an exposed-lens base sheet using diffuse reflectors in the environments stated above.
The inventive methods produce articles that are particularly well suited for applications where incident light strikes at entrance angles greater than about 85░. In this document, "entrance angle" has the same definition as that defined in the United States Federal Test Method 370. In general, two axes define the entrance angle. The first axis is an axis of incident light, which is a line along which incident light travels from a light source to an indicia mark on a retroreflective base sheet. The second axis is a reference axis, which is a line perpendicular to the plane of the sheet extending from the indicia mark. Entrance angles range from −90░ to 0░ to +90░. A 0░ entrance angle occurs when the reference axis is superimposed on the axis of incident light. This situation is typically termed as "head on" because the light source is nearly perpendicular to the sample at the indicia mark. An entrance angle of 85░ and above is referred to as a "high entrance angle."
High entrance angle applications include pavement markings and applications where the incident light may be from any direction, such as horizontal signs. Illustrative examples of such horizontal signs include the legends and symbols commonly placed on pavement in parking lots to denote handicapped parking, and the arrows and lane markings placed on the pavement at an intersection.
In addition, retroreflective articles of the invention are also well suited for use on vertical surfaces, particularly those that are observed at high entrance angles, such as, but not limited to, guard rails, building walls along alleys, Jersey barriers, bridge abutments, posts, and traffic barrels. An advantage of inventive articles is that they also have the ability to retroreflect incident light nearly the full spectrum of entrance angles. This ability makes the inventive article especially well suited for use on walls and barriers along highways and other applications where a vehicle may approach the structure from a wide range of angles at which effective retroreflective brightness is desired. The inventive articles can be used on curved substrates, e.g., wrapped around traffic cones and barrels, and on curved guardrails, providing excellent retroreflective brightness along essentially the entire visible portion of the substrate.
As used in this document:
"base sheet" is a substantially continuous, longitudinally extending retroreflective sheeting having (a) a top retroreflective surface and a bottom surface, and (b) a cover layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements in the form of cube-corner elements, optionally having a specular reflector on the cube-corner elements faces, or in the form of microspheres with a reflector in optical association with the microspheres;
"cavities" mean hollow areas that correspond to the first portions and are formed on the base sheet's bottom surface;
"enclosed-lens" base sheet comprises (a) a plurality of retroreflective elements and (b) a cover layer on the front surface of the elements where incident light enters, and includes encapsulated-lens and embedded-lens base sheets;
"filling material" includes any material capable of being applied to the cavities to fill them so as to preserve their shape creating corresponding first portions;
"first portions" are regions in the base sheet where the retroreflective elements are elevated so as to be generally perpendicular or at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the base sheet;
"gathering" means forming cavities in the retroreflective base sheet without substantially stretching the base sheet;
"land" means that portion of the filling material that lies behind the base sheet's first and second portions;
"second portions" are regions in the base sheet that has not been elevated and are typically parallel to the substrate the inventive article is applied;
"substantially planar" means parallel with the substrate to which the inventive article is applied and is a characteristic of the second portions;
"upwardly contoured" means generally perpendicular to the plane of the base sheet and does not imply vertical orientation; and
"without substantially stretching" means minimal, i.e., less than about 10% elongation of the base sheet.
The invention will be further explained with reference to the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a cross section an illustrative article of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of another illustrative article of the invention; and
FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic views of illustrative methods of the invention.
These figures, which are idealized, are not to scale, and are intended to be merely illustrative and non-limiting.
FIG. 1 shows a cross section of an illustrative inventive article 60 having a retroreflective base sheet 61. On the bottom surface 61 a of sheet 61 is an optional adhesive layer (not shown) to which an optional conformance layer 62 is attached. A filling material 64 is disposed next to the conformance layer and optional adhesive layer 63 can be used for direct attachment of the article 60 to a substrate, such as, e.g., a jersey barrier or a pavement marker. The filling material is preferably a polymeric material. The article 60 has upwardly contoured, elevated, and profiled first portions 66 and second portions 67 which are substantially planar and typically parallel to a substrate on which the article is applied. A land portion 65 lies behind second portions 67 and includes material lying beyond the first portion 66. Any filling material used in the first portion itself is not considered a land portion The land portion is typically of the same material as that of filling material 64.
On the top, retroreflective surface 61 b of sheet 61 lies an optional top film 70 and an optional protective layer 69 in which skid resistant particles 68 are partially embedded. Preferably, the top film and protective layer are light transmissible, allowing incident light to enter the article and reach the retroreflective elements in the base sheet 61. If desired, the top film and protective coating may have light transmissible colorants to impart color to the inventive article. In another embodiment, the protective layer 69 lies directly on the retroreflective surface 61 b.
Aliphatic polyurethanes and aliphatic polyureas are preferred materials for the protective layer and the top film, especially in pavement marking applications because they are light transmissible, resistant to dirt build-up, flexible enough to conform to a road surface, bond to anti-skid particles, and typically do not discolor with exposure to ultraviolet light. In an application on a vertical surface, flexibility may not be as much of a concern and in addition to aliphatic polyurethane, and aliphatic polyurea acrylic, polyester, vinyl, polyethylene copolymer, or alkyd protective layers can be used.
The following cube-corner based retroreflective base sheets are illustrative of those useful for the practice of Applicants' invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,235 (Smith et al.) (hereinafter "Smith '235") discloses a flexible cube-corner base sheet having a body portion and a multitude of cube-corner elements that project from a rear side of the body portion. The body portion includes a cover layer (referred to in the patent as a "body layer") that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7ū108 Pascals. The cube-corner elements contain a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16ū108 Pascals. An example of a useful polymer for the cube-corner elements is polycarbonate. The Smith '235 patent also teaches the use of a seal film attached to portions of the cube-corner elements. The seal film maintains an air interface at the backside of the cubes to enhance retroreflectivity. This construction is typically referred to as an encapsulated lens cube-corner base sheet. An "encapsulated-lens cube-corner" base sheet comprises, generally, a body portion having a cover layer and a plurality of cube-corner elements having faces projecting from the base of the cover layer, and a sealing film attached to portions of cube-corner elements' faces to create an air interface between the sealing film and the elements.
The Smith '235 cube-corner sheeting can be made fluorescent as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,761 (Burns et al.), which discloses the use of a hindered amine light stabilizer to maintain the durability of articles containing fluorescent dyes in a cube-corner polycarbonate polymeric matrix. Sheetings using fluorescent colorants are desirable because they give enhanced visual contrast between the colored sheeting and its surrounding environment. Fluorescent colorants take light in the non-visible spectrum and re-emit it in the visible spectrum. A fluorescent base sheet is particularly useful in vertical applications, such as, for example, on a Jersey barrier.
An embedded cube-corner base sheet typically arises when no seal film is used. The base sheet comprises a body portion having a cover layer and multitude of cube-corner elements that project from the rear side of the body portion. The elements' faces are coated with a specular reflective layer, such as aluminum or silver metal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,846 (Benson Jr. et al.) discloses an ultra-flexible composite sheeting having an array of cured microstructure cube-corner elements bonded to a cover layer (referred to in the patent as an "overlay film"). The sheeting is a described to be durable, flexible sheeting that is useful for the practice of Applicants' invention.
The following microsphere-based base sheets are illustrative of those useful for the practice of Applicants' invention. The base sheets can be either exposed-lens or enclosed-lens. Enclosed-lens base sheet includes encapsulated-lens and embedded-lens sheeting. Illustrative encapsulated-lens sheeting are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,159 (McGrath). An "encapsulated-lens microsphere-based" base sheet comprises a layer of microspheres at least partially embedded in a binder containing specular or diffuse reflecting materials such that the when the binder is allowed to contact the cover layer, an air interface is formed between the cover layer and the exposed portion of the microspheres. An illustrative example of a commercially available encapsulated-lens base sheet well suited for use in this invention is 3M™ Scotchlite™ High Intensity Flexible Work Zone Sheeting Series 3810.
Illustrative embedded-lens sheeting is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,967 (Bailey). An "embedded-lens microsphere-based" base sheet comprises a layer of microspheres having a space layer on the rear surface, a reflective means in optical association with the rear surfaces of the microspheres, and a cover layer in which the front surfaces of the microspheres are embedded. Illustrative examples of commercially available embedded-lens sheeting well suited and preferred for use in this invention include, for example, 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective License Plate Sheeting Series 4780; 3M™ Scotchlite™ Engineer Grade Reflective Sheeting Series 3290; and 3M™ Scotchlite™ Flexible Reflective Sheeting Series 580.
The cover layer on microsphere-based and cube-corner based retroreflective base sheets are preferably polymeric and light transmissible, which means they transmit light in the visible spectrum, of about 400 to 700 nanometer wavelength.
If desired, additional materials can be attached to the base sheet's bottom surface. For example, a conformance layer, discussed in detail below, can be attached to the base sheet to impart conformability when the inventive article is applied to a substrate. If a conformance layer is used, it is attached conveniently to the base sheet with a pressure sensitive adhesive. Typically, a base sheet will have with it an adhesive on the bottom surface.
In some applications, a thick inventive product may be required. A thick article, on the order of 0.15 inch (about 4 millimeters) or more, as measured from the top surface of the second portions, may be desirable in applications where the inventive product is attached to a substrate by mechanical means, such as, e.g., bolting, riveting, welding, and the like.
The first portions can have a variety of different shapes and sizes. Typically, for maximum retroreflective effect at high entrance angles, the first portions are preferably oriented at nearly 90░, i.e., perpendicular, to the second portions. Although a nearly perpendicular first portion is typically preferred for retroreflective effect, it may present fabrication challenges in creating cavities with edges perpendicular (i.e., square-like) to the longitudinally extending base sheet. Applicants, however, have fabricated first portions that are nearly perpendicular where the angle between the sides of the first portions and a normal to the second portion located immediately adjacent to the first portion is about 10░ to 20░.
The shape of the first portions depends upon, among other factors, the thickness and rigidity of the base sheet. In general, a thin, flexible base sheet will form a square first portion more readily than one that is thick and rigid. For example, the microsphere-based embedded-lens base sheet of Bailey '967 readily forms a nearly perpendicular first portion whereas a cube-corner based base sheet of Smith '235 may not form them as easily. Although the first portion can be formed readily in the Bailey '967 embedded-lens sheeting, Applicants have found that use of a conformance layer, such as a ductile aluminum foil, aids in maintaining the first portion's shape during processing. The conformance layer is particularly beneficial if the base sheet has some elongation properties because, in that case, the ductile, yet sufficiently stiff conformance layer helps to keep the base sheet in the desired position until further processing steps.
FIG. 2 illustrates embodiment 80 of the invention having first portions 86 and second portions 87. The first portions are elevated about 0.05 to 10.0 millimeters (0.002 to 0.4 inches) in height above the second portions and are spaced about two 0.5 to 20 inches (about 13 to 500 millimeters). Because a variety of shapes can be used as first portions, one skilled in the art should take into consideration the ease of creating and filling the cavities that corresponds to the first portions, and the shadowing effect of one first portion to the next. In a pavement marking application, one skilled in the art should also take into consideration the effect of repeated impacts of vehicle tires on the first portions. The first portions generally run nearly perpendicular to the direction of traffic. Although FIG. 2 shows a one-dimensional array of first portions, it is within the scope of this invention to have a two-dimensional array. That is, the first portions can intersect one another giving them the appearance of an interconnected mesh from a top view. The first portions may also be in the form of discrete protrusions, such as, for example, discrete dome-shaped regions.
If desired, a conformance layer may be applied to the bottom surface of the base sheet. The conformance layer can impart compliance to the base sheet so as to ease the formation of the first portions and can also add flexibility to the base sheet. Illustrative examples of conformance layer suitable for the practice of Applicants' invention include metal layers of aluminum, silver, and copper. Typically, the metal conformance layers are used as films or foils. An aluminum conformance layer has the advantage in that it is inexpensive and helps to release the base sheet from the ridges during the formation step of the first portions, as discussed further below. The conformance layer can also be a non-woven fibrous web or polymers such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyurethane. Preferably, the conformance layer is greater than about 0.025 millimeter (0.001 inch) thick.
In some cases when a conformance layer is used, no filling materials will be needed. For example, depending on the thickness and rigidity of the conformance layer, the size, shape, and spacing of the first portions, one skilled in the art can derive a combination of those variables where a first portion can be formed and maintained even when no filling materials are used. In such an embodiment, the inventive article contains a base sheet and a conformance layer having first and second portions. Attachment of such an embodiment to a substrate can be accomplished using an adhesive means or mechanical means. This embodiment would be useful for a vertical surface application but may not be as useful for a pavement marking application because of the repeated impact of vehicle tires.
In addition to, or in place of conformance layers, other materials may be attached to the base sheet's bottom surface to increase the stiffness of the inventive article. In some applications, a stiff article is desirable. For example, a stiff inventive product may be desired for bolting to a concrete barrier.
FIG. 3 shows an illustrative inventive method where a retroreflective base sheet 10, having a top retroreflective surface, is fed into a pair of rolls 34 and 36 such that the base sheet's top surface is in contact with roll 36. Roll 34 has a plurality of ridges 34 a projecting from its surface. Roll 36 has a plurality of grooves 36 a that are negative images of the ridges such that the grooves match the ridges in number, general shape, and spacing. Thus, the grooves 36 a are in registration with the ridges 34 a so that as the base sheet 10 is fed into the rolls, the base sheet is gathered in the grooves to form cavities 13. Typically, the ridges are smaller than the groves so as to allow the base sheet to be gathered in between the ridges and grooves. The gathering of the base sheet occurs without substantially stretching the base sheet. If any stretching of the base sheet occurs, it is typically less than about 10% of the base sheet's initial length. If desired, the surface of roll 36 can have a series of small holes (not shown) where a vacuum can be pulled to hold the base sheet and cavities in place. A reservoir 38 delivers a filling material 14 in the region between a roll 40 and the roll 36.
Excess filling material is delivered so as to create a rolling bank of filling material 14 a. By adjusting the distance between rolls 36 and 40, the pressure roll 40 exerts against the base sheet 10 and roll 36, and the viscosity of the filling material, Applicants are able to control the amount of land (shown as 65 in FIG. 1) lying behind the second portions and beyond the first portions. The land is typically a continuous portion. In some applications, the presence of the land is very useful. For example, when the filling material is an adhesive, it not only fills the cavities but also provides an adhesive layer for direct attachment to a substrate. When mechanical fastening methods are used to attach the inventive article to a substrate, thicker land portions are useful to add strength and rigidity to the article. Optionally, liner 18 is fed into the nip created between rolls 36 and 40 to prevent the filling material from adhering to undesired surfaces. The process yields a profiled and back-filled article 15.
FIG. 4 shows another illustrative method where retroreflective base sheet 10, having a top retroreflective surface and a bottom surface, and conformance layer 11 are laminated together by a pair of rolls 30 and 32 to yield composite 12. The base sheet's bottom surface contains an adhesive layer (not shown) and is exposed to meet conformance layer 11. The lamination process can be done at room temperature or an elevated temperature to increase the adhesion between the reflective sheet and the conformance layer. One skilled in the art, however, will understand the need to avoid excessive heat that may affect the physical and optical properties of base sheet 10 adversely. Physical properties include, but is not limited to, the strength of the sheet, the adhesion between the different layers in a multilayer base sheet, and the flexibility of the base sheet. Optical properties include, for example, the displacement of the reflective layer. In a microsphere-based embedded lens base sheet, the reflective layer behind the microspheres, typically an aluminum specular reflector, may be distorted from its original position if excessive heat and pressure are used during lamination. Such excessive heat exposure may impair the retroreflective performance of the base sheet.
The composite 12 is fed into a pair of rolls 34 and 36 to create cavities corresponding to the first portions. Like numbers in FIGS. 3 and 4 represent like things. The conformance layer of the composite 12 is exposed to the ridges 34 a and the base sheet's retroreflective surface is exposed to grooves 36 a. As the cavities 13 are created, they necessarily form the first portions on the retroreflective, top surface of composite 12. The cavities are held in place by roll 36, and optionally by vacuum means, so they can be filled with a filling material 14, typically a polymer, delivered through a reservoir 38. In addition to or in place of a vacuum means, mechanical means can be used to hold the base sheet in place.
For example, a nip roll can also be used to exert force on the base sheet. In FIGS. 3 and 4, a nip roll can be placed against roll 36. As the base sheet 10 or a composite 12 enters rolls 34 and 36, they are pulled into the grooves 36 a to form cavities. As a formed cavity moves towards roll 40, other cavities are being formed. During this cavity formation process the base sheet or composite gets pulled in various directions along the surface of roll 36. The use of a nip roll placed between a cavity already formed and one in the process of forming isolates the cavities and allows them to maintain their shape.
As in FIG. 3, the quantity of filling material delivered should be sufficient to cover the cavities and typically exceeds such volume thereby creating a land (shown as 65 in FIG. 1). Leaving the roll 40 is the inventive, contour profiled, filled retroreflective sheet 15. In a variation of the above methods, after the cavities are filled, the inventive article 15 remains on roll 36 after leaving roll 40. The article is then removed from roll 36. This method can be advantageous because the filling polymer 14 has additional time to cool and harden before the inventive article is removed from roll 36. Other combinations of entering and leaving the combination of rolls 34, 36, and 40 are within the scope of this invention.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, the reservoir 38 can be an extruder or a coating station designed to deliver a volume of filling polymer 14 into the cavities 13. During this process, some air can be mixed with the filling polymer. It is believed the air does not affect the inventive article's performance, such as, for example, adhesion between the filling polymer and the base sheet. In some instances, air or other gases, such as argon or helium, may be introduced deliberately to create foam thereby reducing the amount of filling polymer used. If desired, rolls 36 and 40 may be chilled to quench the filling material. The rolls 36 and 40 can also be heated for some applications, for example, in formation of the cavites. In FIG. 4, after the cavities are filled with a filling material, the retroreflective sheet 15 can be laminated with an adhesive 20. This latter step is optional and can be done separately.
In general, the types of filling material used should have good adhesion to the material that is on the bottom surface of the base sheet. In some cases, the material may be a sealing film used in forming an encapsulated base sheet. In other cases, the bottom surface of the base sheet may be a conformance layer. The filling material can be extruded or coated into the cavities and are preferably polymers. Illustrative examples of extrudable filling polymers include, for example, thermoplastics and hot melt adhesives. These polymers are processed using conventional extrusion methods well known in the art using extrusion dies. Illustrative examples of coated filling materials include, for example, pressure sensitive adhesives and UV or electron beam curable compositions.
Illustrative examples of extrudable filling materials suitable for the practice of the invention when an aluminum conformance layer is used include polyurethanes, polyesters, polyvinyl chlorides, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyolefin copolymers such as polyethylene acid copolymer consisting of ethylene methacrylic acid (EMAA), ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), and ionically crosslinked EMAA or EAA. If increased adhesion between the filling material and the conformance layer is desired, one may coat the conformance layer with an adhesion copolymer such as ethylene acrylic acid. For example in FIG. 4, conformance layer 11 may have the surface exposed to roll 30 coated, using conventional coating methods such as gravure coating, with a thin layer (on the order of less than 0.002 inch (0.05 millimeter)) of EAA. This coated surface later receives the filling material, such as polyethylene acrylic acid copolymer, yielding an article that can withstand repeated impacts from vehicle tires. A preferred adhesion copolymer promoter is commercially available from Michelman Incorporated of Cincinnati, Ohio under the product name Michem« Prime 4983R, which is a waterborne dispersion of an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer.
When no conformance layer is used, the filling material should be compatible with whatever material is at the base sheet's bottom, non-reflective surface. Illustrative examples of suitable filling materials when no metal conformance layer is used include, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), grafted copolymers based on ethylene propylene diene monomers (EPDM) and styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) forming the AES (acrylic-EPDM-styrene) class of polymers, AES polymers blended with polymers based on polyethylene acrylic acid analogues (ASA), graft copolymers based on styrene, butadiene, and acrylonitrile (ABS), polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polymers based on pressure sensitive adhesives having isooctylacrylate-acrylic acid (IOA/AA) copolymers, and block copolymers based on polystyrene and polyisoprene or polybutadiene (such as Kraton3 commercially available from the Shell Corporation) either with or without compounding with a terpene or other ester resins.
Another suitable filling material, useful whether or not a conformance layer is used, falls in the class of hot-melt adhesives, which may be thermoplastic or thermoset. Generally, a hot-melt adhesive uses components including solventless polymers and additives such as tackifying resins and plasticizers. The components are processed so as to flow or creep under stress. Typically, they are processed using extrusion methods. U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,491 (Rouyer et al.) discloses a method of packaging an adhesive composition, in particular a thermoplastic or thermoset hot-melt adhesive. Rouyer's hot-melt composition and method of making are useful for the practice of Applicants' invention. When Rouyer's hot-melt adhesive is used in the present invention, it can be extruded directly to the base sheet's bottom surface filling the cavities. Depending on the chemistry of the hot melt adhesive, it may be cured by ultraviolet light or electron beam.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,539,033 and 5,550,175 (both Bredahl et al.), disclose solvent-free processes to prepare non-thermosettable pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) useful for the practice of Applicants' invention. The process uses a continuous, compounding device that has a sequence of alternating conveying and processing zones. The process described allows for processing of non-thermoplastic themoplastic hydrocarbon elastomers and tackifiers, without using organic solvents or low molecular weight plasticizing agents, both of which reduce the viscosity of the composition to render it processable. Bredahl '033 discloses a wide variety of non-thermoplastic hydrocarbon elastomers and tackifiers used in his patent. Examples of the elastomers include natural rubber, butyl rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM), polybutadine, poly-(alpha-olefin), and styrene-butadiene random copolymer rubber. Examples of useful tackifiers include rosin and rosin derivatives, hydrocarbon tackifier resins, aromatic hydrocarbon resins, and terpene resins, all of which are used from 10 to 200 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the elastomer.
In another method, the filling material can be an ultraviolet (UV) light curable polymer resin. For example in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reservoir 38 can be a station supplying an UV curable resin 14 to fill the cavities 13. The resin can be supplied using various coating methods, such as die coating, bar coating, or roll coating. Illustrative examples of UV curable resin suitable for the practice of the invention include methacrylic functional monomers, methacrylic functional oligomers, and combinations thereof. Once the UV curable resin is supplied to the cavities, it can be cured using conventional UV lamps (not shown). The composition of the UV curable resin determines the amount of UV light irradiation and the light intensity needed. Suitable amount of irradiation for the types of resin listed above is about 10 millijoules per square centimeter (mJ/cm2) to 5,000 mJ/cm2. Suitable light intensity is about 50 watts per square centimeter (W/cm2) to 2,000 W/cm2.
Although the method described thus far has focused mainly on creating cavities from the bottom surface of the base sheet, Applicants have found that the top retroreflective surface may also need protection. Extra protection of the inventive article is particularly useful when it is used as a pavement marking and is also useful in vertical applications, such as on jersey barriers, barrels, cones, telephone poles, and the like.
As FIG. 1 shows, on the top retroreflective surface 61 b of base sheet 61, there is an optional top film 70, which provides additional protection to base sheet 61. The top film 70 is typically a light-transmissible polymer film of about 0.001 to 0.010 inch (0.025 to 0.25 millimeter) thick, preferably about 0.003 to 0.005 inch (about 0.075 to 0.15 millimeter) thick. The top film 70 is further protected by a protective coating 69.
The protective coating provides abrasion and dirt resistance. It lies on or near the retroreflective surface of the base sheet and is preferably light transmissible. Because the protective coating is typically directly exposed to sunlight, it may contain ultraviolet light absorbers. The coating may also contain other components, such as fungicides and light transmissible colorants. Illustrative examples of a protective coating include, but are not limited to, ceramer coatings and polyurethane coatings. Typically, the protective coating is applied to the base sheet using conventional coating techniques, such as, for example, notch bar coating, spray coating, gravure coating, and knife coating.
As used herein, "ceramer" refers to a solution comprising surface-modified colloidal silica particles dispersed in a free-radically polymerizable organic liquid. Advantages of the coating include the ability to withstand outdoor conditions with excellent resistance to moisture, light and heat; resistance to abrasion; resistance to chemical attack and discoloration by automobile engine oil and carbon black (for example, carbon black of tires); and desirable optical properties such as transparency. In a first step, a ceramer precursor coating composition is applied to the basesheet's retroreflective surface. The coating composition comprises about 20 weight percent (wt %) to about 80 wt % of ethylenically unsaturated monomers; about 10 wt % to about 50 wt % of acrylate functionalized colloidal silica; and about 5 wt % to about 40 wt % of N,N-disubstituted acrylamide monomer or N-substituted-N-vinyl-amide monomer. The percentages are weight percents of the total weight of the ceramer coating composition. The composition is then cured to form a retroreflective article having an abrasion-resistant, light transmissive ceramer coating. The ceramer composition can be applied by any of a number of methods known in the art, including spraying, rolling, dip coating, or knife coating. U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,050 (Bilkadi) discloses the use of a ceramer on pavement markers and retroreflective sheetings.
Polyurethane coatings can be water-based, i.e., substantially solvent free, or solvent based. Polyurethanes generally have good adhesion to anti-skid particles, which are partially embedded in the protective coatings. Preferred urethanes are aliphatic polyurethanes, because they adhere strongly to the base sheet and are resistant to environmental weathering, including dirt build-up and discoloration from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
An illustrative example of a crosslinked water-based polyurethane protective coating suitable for use in the invention comprises NEOREZ R-960 Brand polyurethane resin crosslinked with Neocryl CX100 Brand crosslinking agent, both available from Zeneca Resins Company. Other water-based systems and crosslinking agents may be used in formulating a protective coating.
An illustrative example of a non-water-based urethane suitable for use in the present invention comprises a polyol mixture, a polyisocyanate, and a catalyst. The polyol mixture is a first component in the polyurethane formulation and preferably comprises polyols and solvents. The polyols contain OH groups and useful polyols include, for example, polycaprolactone triols and unsaturated polyester diols. The polyester diol adds flexibility to the polyurethane protective layer. It also aids in film forming. That is to say, a polyurethane solution containing a sufficient quantity of the polyester diol does not bead up but instead coats out readily to form a film when conventional coating methods, such as notch bar coating and knife coating, are used.
As part of the polyol mixture, the solvents suitable for use in the polyurethane formulation include, for example, acetone and xylene. They make up about 20 weight percent of the polyol mixture. It is believed that the solvents, particularly acetone, prevent the polyols from crystallizing.
A blend of the polycaprolactone triol polyols can be used. Union Carbide Company supplies several commercially available polycaprolactone triols: Tone 301 having a molecular weight of about 300 and Tone 310 having a molecular weight of about 960. Preferably, the blend has an average molecular weight of from about 300 to 600, an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from about 100 to 220, and an average of about 3 hydroxyl groups per polyol. The lower molecular weight triol imparts rigidity to the polyurethane, whereas the higher molecular weight triol is used to lower the elastic modulus.
The second major component of a non-water-based polyurethane is an isocyanate, which contains NCO groups. Useful isocyanates include isophorone diisocyanate; 4,4′-methylene-bis-cyclohexyl diisocyanate tetramethylene diisocyanate; 1,3 and 1,4 cyclohexyl diisocyanate; 1,6 hexamethylene diisocyanate; isomers of tetramethylxylene diisocyanate. A useful polyisocyanate is isocyanate terminated polymers derived from polyols and difunctional aliphatic isocyanates. A preferred polyisocyanate is an adduct of 1,6 hexamethylene diisocyanate, such as Desmodur N-100 Brand available from Bayer Company, Industrial Coatings Division.
A preferred polyurethane formulation contains an equivalent ratio of NCO groups of the polyisocyanate to the OH groups of the polyol solution from greater than about 1.05. A catalyst is often used to initiate the reaction between the polyol and the polyisocyanate components. A preferred catalyst is dibutyl tin dilaurate. The polyurethane protective layer has approximately about 0.001 inch to 0.005 inch (0.025 to 0.13 millimeters) dry coating thickness. Preferably, the coating is about 0.002 inch (0.05 millimeters) thick to provide sufficient abrasion and dirt resistance, and to adequately hold the skid resistant particles.
The combination of triols and diols in a polyurethane formulation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,973 (Sengupta et al.) and such a formulation is useful for the practice of Applicants' invention.
Anti-skid particles are a common component of many pavement marking articles to increase the skid resistance of the pavement marker and have been used extensively in the art. They can be placed anywhere on the surface of the article where there is contact with the tires of the vehicles.
Typically, anti-skid particles can be randomly sprinkled on to the protective layer of the retroreflective sheet while it is uncured. For example, the protective layer solution can be coated on to the base sheet's retroreflective surface and prior to the solution drying and curing, the anti-skids particle can be sprinkled to the wet solution. With the weight of gravity aiding the anti-skid particles, they are able to achieve some sinking into the uncured coating. As the coating cures, the anti-skid particles become partially embedded into the protective layer.
Retroreflective articles of the present invention may be used advantageously in a number of different applications, particularly in wet conditions and where light is incident at high entrance angles. The articles are well suited for use as a pavement marking or horizontal sign. Because of their high retroreflectivity at both high and low entrance angles, the articles are also well-suited for vertical applications, such as use on Jersey barricades or guard rails; for curved surfaces applications such as traffic barrels, tubes, and cones; for vehicle surfaces; and for other applications where the exceptional effective entrance angularity of the article will be advantageous. For example, many embodiments of sheeting of the invention can provide effective retroreflection over nearly all entrance angles. As a result, when the sheeting is wrapped around an object such as a telephone pole or barrel, the entire surface of the sheeting that is within a motorist's line of sight can provide effective retroreflection including portions on the surface of the article that are curving away from the observer. This ability increases the effective retroreflective area, providing a more visible marking and thereby enhancing safety. In addition, a single marking such as a stripe on a guard rail, Jersey barrier, or wall that is parallel to a first road and perpendicular to a second road that intersects the first road on the opposite side of the first road from the second road can provide very bright and effective retroreflective response visible to drivers of vehicles on both the first and second roads.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the retroreflective article is visible from any direction, as the reflectivity is high regardless of the direction of approach of the viewer to the article. This omni-directional feature makes the invention particularly well suited for horizontal signing applications, intersection markings, etc. where vehicles may approach from a number of angles.
The ease of coloring this sheeting also makes it particularly useful for horizontal signs. Transparent color layers may be applied onto the sheeting in a graphic pattern so that the retroreflected light has nearly the same coloration and pattern as is seen in a daytime viewing. It is especially useful if the ink is applied beneath the protective layer so as to be protected from road abrasion. This feature is particularly important as commonly used inks are thin, and can thus be quickly worn away by road traffic if left exposed.
Material of the invention may be wound upon itself into a roll form. The projections made by the first are not substantial enough to interfere with wind-up.
The invention will be further explained by the following illustrative examples, which are intended to be non-limiting.
A 3M™ Scotchlite™ Preclear Reflective License Plate Sheeting Series 4780A retroreflective base sheet, available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, St. Paul, Minn., was laminated to a 0.003 inch (0.076 millimeter) 1100-0 aluminum foil from A. J. Oster Company using conventional squeeze roll lamination techniques at room temperature to yield a composite. The composite sheeting was directed into a forming-backfilling apparatus, which comprised a pair of rolls to gather the composite without substantially elongating it. Roll 1 had a plurality of ridges extending from its surface. Roll 2 had a plurality of grooves that matched in number, spacing, and general shape of the ridges. Referring to FIG. 3 for illustrative purposes, Rolls 1 and 2 in this example correspond to roll 34 and 36 respectively in the figure.
The composite was fed into the apparatus with the base sheet retroreflective surface in direct contact with Roll 2 containing grooves and the aluminum foil side contacting Roll 1 containing the ridges. The grooves and ridges gather the composite and create cavities therein. The line was run at 10 feet per minute (about 3 meters per minute). Holes were drilled in the areas between the grooves of Roll 2, and a compound vacuum pump from Kinney Vacuum Company under product name Kinney Tri-Star model number KTC 112 was used to draw air through the holes creating a vacuum to hold the base sheet flat against Roll 2.
After the cavities were formed, extruded resin was fed between Roll 2 and a third roll, labeled as Roll 3, to fill the cavities forming corresponding first portions. Excess extruded resin in the gap between Rolls 2 and 3 formed a rolling bank of extruded resin. The extruded filling polymer used is commercially available from Dow Chemical Company under the product name Primacor 5980, which is an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer (EAA). The extrusion temperatures resulted in a melt temperature of about 400░ F. This resin was picked because it has good adhesion to metals such as aluminum. After forming the cavities and filling them, a polyester carrier film was fed into the nip created between Rolls 2 and 3. The polyester film was allowed to contact the surface of Roll 3 and serves primarily to prevent the filling material to from adhering to the surface of Roll 3. Roll 3 was chilled with cooling water to help solidify the filling polymer. Referring again to FIG. 3 for illustrative purposes, Roll 3 in this example correspond to roll 40 in the figure.
A 3M™ Scotchlite™ Flexible Reflective Sheeting Series 580 (an embedded-lens base sheet having a retroreflective top surface and a bottom surface) with its adhesive located on the bottom exposed, was laminated to a 0.075 millimeter aluminum foil conformance layer. The lamination occurred at room temperature using a conventional squeeze roll lamination process to yield a composite. The base sheet 580 is commercially available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) Company, located in St. Paul, Minn., USA. The aluminum foil is commercially available from Toyo Aluminum Co., Ltd., located in Japan under the product number A1N30 H-O.
On the bottom surface of the base sheet, cavities, in the form of discrete protrusions were created. These cavities correspond to first portions on the top surface of the 580 base sheet. An ultraviolet (UV) curable resin was coated into the cavities using conventional coating techniques, such as die coating. There was enough UV curable resin to fill at least the cavities. The resin was cured using a metal halide UV lamp commercially available from Eye Graphics Co., Ltd., under the product number ECS-151U. The amount of irradiation used was about 600 millijoules per square centimeter at an intensity of about 850 watts per square centimeter. The height of the first portions was about 2 millimeters, as measured from the top surface of the base sheet at the second portions. The first portions were discrete spaced about 10 millimeters apart from one another.
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Recently my boyfriend, Jim, and I moved into a new house. Coming from both our parent's homes to a huge house was daunting to say the least. Neither of us had an apartment first so we hadn't really acquired any essential tools needed to fill an entire house. Because of this our kitchen began in a very basic state. We ended up having to use what camping supplies we had gathered over the years to stock our kitchen with pots and pans. Considering these were bargain purchases (for use when camping, why spend a lot?!) it was hard to cook even the simplest of meals without burning something or scraping off cheap Teflon.
Why am I saying this? Well, my mother knew we needed new pans so she took it upon herself to order me a whole kitchen full in a brand that I had been coveting since the moment I saw it advertised 3 years ago. GreenPans.
Some of you may know of them, but most probably don't. If you watch any HSN I'm sure you've seen them. The first cookware to use Thermolon non-stick coating, the GreenPan line is ceramic based and doesn't contain any PTFE – the chemical found in traditional degradable coating – or the eco-hazzard chemical PFOA.
I am not here to hock any goods, but I was shocked when I used it for the first time. I had invited my parents over for an Indian dinner (and to watch the new episode of The Office). When I realized that my basic camping skillet couldn't accommodate 4 portions of chicken tikka masala, I quickly sent Jim to Target to pick up a GreenPan skillet (for some reason they carry GreenPans). He came back with a 12 inch skillet (a staple in any kitchen). I threw the ingredients in and watched as an even layer of simmering bubbles formed across the pan. It heated so perfectly even that even the very edges were bubbling away. When I poured in the cream even the droplets that lightly splashed onto the sides of the pan beaded up like rain on a ducks back. It was an amazing sight. It is, truly, a safe to use non-stick pan.
What's even better is that fact that you don't have to use any butter or oil when cooking. The pans are so non-stick that food literally slides around in the pan. I cooked a whole batch of fried potatoes and blissfully watched as they cooked in no oil (I did end up adding oil in the end to make them extra crispy, but they cooked through without any).
Well, my set of new pans arrived today and I unpackaged the goods. A few days ago HSN ran a special on GreenPans with chef Todd English. So, this set is aptly called the Todd English Collection. Mom did order me a 2 quart "bumper pan" to increase the collection that included a 12 inch roasting pan with lid, a 4 quart sauce pan with lid, a 10 inch skillet, and an 8 inch skillet. The skillet propped up in the back of the photo is my original 12 inch from Target.
Speaking of my big skillet, let me tell you why these pans are extra unique. Unbeknownst to most people, most (if not all) non-stick pans are not supposed to go above 500º F. That's about medium heat on most stoves. Anyone that toasts their pans above 500º is essentially breaking down the coating (releasing some of its chemicals) and wearing out the pans prematurely. GreenPans can withstand up to 850º F meaning high heat is no longer off limits. I hadn't really realized how hot they actually get until I noticed my plastic pancake turner melting onto the bottom of my brand new GreenPan. Fear not though, one swipe with a plastic scouring pad removed all traces of melted plastic from the pan. Whew!
I really didn't expect these pans to out perform what I had imagined they were capable of doing, but they did. I can't recommend them enough. Check out HSN's GreenPan Collection or all of the available GreenPans at Target if you need to replace any of your current pans. Also, don't forget to check out GreenPans' website to find out more about Thermolon Technology and what GreenPan is doing to reduce carbon emissions.

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Dorothy Luetta DeNoon
Dorothy Luetta DeNoon, age 83, of Carrollton passed away peacefully in her home Sunday night, Nov. 28, 2010, following a lengthy illness.
Born Aug. 28, 1927, in Akron, she was a daughter of the late Reverend Ambert Ray and Etta (Blake) Sands.
She was a member of the former Church of the First Born Church in Carrollton, started by her father the late Ambert R. Sands. She was very active in the church and was the past director of the Singing Christians of Carrollton. She was a housewife and worked at 5 &10 stores in Akron and Carrollton. She enjoyed singing with the Christian Women's Choral group and square dancing with Burliques of Minerva. She attended Four Square Church in Carrollton.
She is survived by her husband, Fred E. DeNoon, whom she married June 9, 1952; four sons, Charles D. (Barbara Skinner) DeNoon of Carrollton, Larry (Pat Mohn) DeNoon of Minerva, John DeNoon of Lehigh Acres, FL, and Fred M. DeNoon of Carrollton; a daughter, Kathleen (DeNoon) Franks of Carrollton; a brother, Jim (Carol) Sands of Lehigh Acres, FL; a sister, Freda (Saling) Frase of Louisville; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Ora Deloris Sands and one grandson, Jeremiah DeNoon.
The family would like to thank Hospice, the staff at Carroll Healthcare Center and Carroll County Meals on Wheels.
Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. in Allmon-Dugger-Cotton Funeral Home in Carrollton. Burial will follow in Herrington Bethel United Methodist Church cemetery in Mechanicstown. Lunch will follow committal service in the church basement. Calling hours are Dec. 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home.
©2010 The Free Press Standard
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Tone-shaping mic preamp.
The Warm Audio WA12 is a mic preamp that not only boosts singlas, but also adds a bit of character to your sound. A lot of preamps on the market do a good job of raising the volume of mics and instruments. Unfortunately, many pres are doing only that, raising volume. Many of the "Super clean" designs of today tend to leave the the signal exiting the preamp sounding much the same as it did entering it. That's where the WA12 steps in. If you are looking for a preamp to improve and shape your signal then you will most definitely love the WA12. The WA12 is designed to transform plain instruments and vocals into exciting tone. If your mixes lack depth, struggle to sound alive, or are just missing that professional touch you've always wanted, then give the WA12 a try.


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R-Min? More like D-Bag!
As Jonanna and Ray have pointed out below, although it's effing incredible Obama's our new president, local elections across the country left a lot to be desired.
Take Michele Bachmann, who just achieved a close victory over Democratic-endorsed, adorably-named Elwyn Tinklenberg in Minnesota's Congressional election, and is the first official recipient of the Bitch blog's Douchebag Decree, our new public service informing readers of douchebaggery near and far.
For those unfamiliar with this harpy of a politician, she's pro-life, pro-creationism, and against marriage between anything that's not a man and a woman (or a church and a state). She's a total Palin prototype—lending credence to the theory these political hockey moms are factory-manufactured by the dozens in the barren plains of North Dakota and then released, one by one, to the different corners of the nation in order to destroy it.
Bachmann's name hit national press most recently this past October when she gaffed on Hardball with Chris Matthews, suggesting certain congress members (specifically implicating that uppity Barack Obama) were anti-American. For a quick recap of the blunder and hasty backtracking, here's our favorite commentator with the skinny:
Although expected to lose the election after such a polarizing faux pas (Tinklenberg's donations skyrocketed almost overnight), Bachmann unfortunately managed to pull ahead by a scant 3% lead in Tuesday's election. Seeing as Bachmann's passé McCarthyism wasn't enough to convince District 6 in Minnesota of her inherent skeeziness, we may have to dig deeper into her arsenal of douchebag-qualifying characteristics to justify her "Decree" nomination. But not too deep.
Besides supporting creationism and homeschooling, Bachmann is a veteran pro-life activist, and is featured on the Susan B. Anthony List, "a political action committee helping pro-life women gain election to Congress." Bachmann proposed a Minnesota constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage not once, but twice (it failed to get on the ballot), staging huge anti-gay protests and rallying the evangelical vote in the process. She often cites the detrimental effect gay marriage would have on children, saying in 2005:
Little children will be forced to learn that homosexuality is normal and natural and perhaps they should try it…It will take away the civil rights of little children to be protected in their innocence, but also the rights of parents to control their kids' education and threaten their deeply held religious beliefs.
Yeah, she went there. She said civil rights.
Then there's this soundbite from 2005, when in regards to multicultural diversity, Bachmann stated, "Let's appreciate and value everyone's cultures. But guess what? Not all cultures are equal. Not all values are equal." The clip in all its racist, Eurocentric glory is here:
Bachmann, you may be a congresswoman for a painful two years, but you shall retain your douchbag status now and forever more.
If you don't have a subscription to award-winning 80-page quarterly Bitch magazine, it's definitely time to start one.
Comments19 comments have been made. Post a comment.
If I had a nickel for every mental cartoon I've made about a sweet, humble old man named Elwyn Tinklenberg who spends his time shining his shoes and cradling his puppy until one day he falls victim to a wrathful Bachmann beastie and her good old-fashioned witch hunt...
--a native and current resident of Minnesota
I'm sorry if this just seems
I'm sorry if this just seems nitpicky, but not all homeschoolers are wackos. Really. Many I know homeschool because they see government schools as being far too conservative.
But yes, this woman is appalling.
I concur ...
... My cousin homeschools her son and she is not particularly "evangelical" or "conservative" Christian at all. In fact, her and her family are currently attending a Congregational/United Church of Christ kind of denomination.
What I would like to see, is some sort of feature regarding the stereotyping/marginalizing of home-schooling parents. Not all of them are Conservative, "Evangelical," Pentecostal Christian parents (the ones that homeschool their children to ensure that the Bible is taught to them, along with the required curriculums). Many are home-schooling their children as a "last-resort" because other schooling situations proved to be unsuitable for them (Including too-conservative curriculums that are taught in some school systems. Abstinence-only sex ed, anyone? Not to mention some questionable disciplinary actions, like corporal punishment, that some conservative schools reserve the right to practice, lawsuits be damned). These parents deserve some consideration, too. Home schooling should be an option free from scrutiny, marginalization and judgementality - a CHOICE and a reasonable option, for that matter.
You should read...
the Bitch article by Maya Schenwar "Learning Curve
Radical "unschooling" moms are changing the stay-at-home landscape." My links are not working on this site but you can use the search engine on this page to easily find it.
one more...
yeah. bundling homeschooling into a bigoted right wing set of ideals is unfair and uncool. just sayin'... i am a radical anarcho-feminist who homeschools/unschools because of the racist, classist, patriotic, misogynist crap that is part of compulsory education and public schooling... not to teach it at home!
It was super lazy of me to simply drop the word "homeschooling" without further describing Bachmann's policies on public education or distinguishing it from the many progressive homeschool institutions and families behind them (here's the link to Maya Schenwar's article). By mentioning "creationism" and "homeschooling" in the same breath, I meant to imply Bachmann's brand of homeschooling was more along the lines of "dinosaurs existed 5,000 years ago" rather than "the US government obviously doesn't give a schtank about the state of public education and I want something better for my child."
The City Pages article I linked to further goes into Bachmann's involvement in education around page 3. She began a charter school (the only school her children attended outside of home) but resigned after it was suspected that the publicly-funded school was actually pretty religious. Thanks for the comments though, and I'm glad this conversation was started.
Kjerstin Johnson, editor-in-chief
Did someone say "Comments Policy"?
the barren plains of North Dakota
I grew up in the barren plains of ND, and I can attest to the fact that they are NOT a breeding ground for right-wing assholes. I understand that SD and ND are the necktie of the Bible belt, but not everyone is a nut job. My accent is similar to Palin, but my political beliefs and ideals are polar opposites.
Big time Obama Supporter Sen. Tom Daschle is from SD
Plus he was the Democrat's U.S. Majority Senitor Leader.
If anything...
I don't find the term "douchebag" as disturbing as the need to minimize hockey moms by implying they are created in factories. While I don't fully understand the reasons some may have for supporting people like Ms. Bachmann, I do believe that if I ever want to try to influence those people to consider other options I need to at least believe they are human beings with complex thought processes like everyone else. I don't see how linking Ms. Bachmann to others in a way that implies that anyone who would support her is a thoughtless android really helps to strengthen the point that *Ms. Bachmann* is scary. In some ways I think it hurts the conversation.
yeah, but what about...
homeschool, homeschool, homeschool...hello?? did you hear what this woman just said?
she's not just some nut - she's an elected representative of the state of Minnesota. it is seriously disturbing that someone so BLATANTLY racist and eurocentric could be elected to a government office TODAY, by any state.
and yeah, i get the homeschool thing - my siblings were homeschooled and it wasn't some kind of creationism brainwashing project - but we should be up in arms about this lunatic getting any kind of credibility
I had occasion in the past
I had occasion in the past few days to go take a look at an official transcript of the U.S. Constitution (here: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html) and no where did I see the right to innocence defined therein.
I have to say that while I agree with the post I'm a little concerned about the inherent misogyny in using the word douchebag. Smart people realize that douche is just another way of saying irrigate but in mainstream culture most people associate douching with female genitals and do we really need another word with negative connotations that tracks back to female biology floating around out there? Seriously, I kind of expect better from the magazine that recently ran an article on trying to get the phrase "you guys" for referring to mixed sex groups out of your vocabulary.
Rethink "Douchebag"
I agree that "douchebag" is an inappropriate epithet for a feminist . It belongs in a male chauvinist lexicon as the use of the term as an insult is rooted in disgust for "dirty" female genitalia, as noted.
Why not substitute the yiddish epithet "schmuck"? It also means "jerk", but is literally translated as "penis".
on "douchebag"
I love Bitch, and I'm a proud queer who doesn't usually have an issue with reclaiming language... but "douchebag" leaves me uneasy, and I am disappointed that Bitch is using it. I am open to discussion on this point, so I'd really love to hear the thoughts of people who use the word without qualms... but I think that it's unfortunate that a word so closely associated with women's bodies is being used as an epithet by a feminist organization. I know that douching is not a healthy thing for women, and that the douchebag is a device that catches the flow from the douching process, and that we aren't advocating that for female-bodied folks... but honestly, I don't think that most people think about it at that level of detail. My hunch is that for the vast majority of folks who hear and use the term "douchebag," they think douching... vaginas... gross!
So, anyone willing to defend the use of "douchebag?" I'm really interested in having that conversation...
That said, I wholeheartedly agree with the premise of the d-bag award... just not the naming.
D-Bag is perfect
I get what you are saying about "douchbag" as an offensive term that suggests the dirtiness of female genitalia. But, if you think about it, douchbags and douching are themselves the gross part.
The vagina has its own natural system of cleaning and regulation that douching often disturbs. Douches come in pretty packages, but are bad for women...just like Michelle Bachman. Douching is also a product of the whole culture of selling things to women to clean their dirty secret places, which is quite offensive...just like Michelle Bachman.
I could go on.
I agree, I was taught that vaginas are the only part of the human body that cleans itself. Doesn't need cleaning, then when I started meeting a few Americans, and finally moving here, all of a sudden there is a thing that you squirt up into your vagina, to clean the only part of your body that doesn't need cleaning! Seems absurd to me. Douche just comes from the word "shower" in several European languages. So to me.. douchbag is nothing more than a "shower bag", but for some reason has turned into a funny-sounding word that you can call people.
I do truly like your great text! Could you compose the definition essay for example? Because I know that an experienced custom sociology essays service could create essays of supreme quality.
That woman is on crack.
France is being taken over by a muslim ethic?!? Um...
I really think that alone should put her on the waiting list for a very secure mental hospital.
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A model's life can be ruff.
Just ask Mikey, an 11-year-old pug and professional model, who graces the cover of the June issue of Real Simple magazine.
After striking poses, the wrinkly pooch scoured the floor of the photo studio, sniffed the legs of some modern furniture and poked his little nose around the photo props. How do we know this? Because the magazine's team attached a camera to the dog's collar so he could record all the behind-the-scenes action from his low level. Watch the video below for a peek from Instagram, and for the full (and even more adorable!) version, click here.
Should the modeling gigs dry up, we've decided that Mikey's next career should be with the Secret Service. A dog this curious would be an asset to the President's security detail! (As long as he gets along with Sunny and Bo, that is.)
Mikey's new issue of Real Simple magazine is on newsstands now.
The Daily Treat: See Real Simple's Latest Cover Shoot from a Pug's-Eye View
updated 05/09/2014 AT 04:45 PM EDT
•originally published 05/09/2014 AT 01:00 PM EDT


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MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University men's basketball team is hosting a meet the team night prior to the start of its 2012-13 season, head coach Shane Murphy announced this week.
On Wednesday, Oct. 24, the Tigers will host a scrimmage at the Christen Family Recreation/Wellness Center on the DWU campus and give fans the opportunity to meet the players following the scrimmage. At 7:30 p.m., the 2012-13 Dakota Wesleyan men's basketball team will scrimmage a TIBBS Basketball team made up of all former college basketball players. Included on the roster are former Tiger basketball players Chase Walder, Preston Broughton and Kevin Talley.
Following the scrimmage, fans are encouraged to stick around and talk to this year's team and get autographs and pictures. There will also be DWU basketball apparel available for sale.
The scrimmage is free and open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. The Tigers officially open the 2012-13 season Friday, Nov. 2, when they host Mayville State University at 8 p.m. as part of the DWU Fulton State Bank Classic at the Corn Palace.


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The process of backing up is making copies of data which may be used to restore the original after a data loss event.
The primary purpose is to recover data after its loss, be it by data deletion or corruption.
The secondary purpose of backups is to recover data from an earlier time, according to a user-defined data retention policy, typically configured within a backup application for how long copies of data are required.


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Please tell me your opinion on which hotel(s) would be best for our situation...
Just hubby and I going to Disneyland. Our legs aren't what they used to be, so every step we can save is very important. Ideally we'd like a hotel within walking distance so we don't have to bother with a shuttle, but some hotels like Ho Jo seem SO far away when your legs hurt! We'd rather stay in a nicer than average place with not so many kids running up and down the hallways. The Disney hotels are so expensive-- and it looks like you have to walk just as far as a non-Disney hotel unless you stay at the Grand Californian.
I'm leaning towards Hilton Anaheim, but am also considering Anabella Hotel or Clarion Hotel. I would appreciate your thoughts on this!
Also, I'm looking at a package deal with GetAwayToday or CSAA. Has anyone had problems with those package plans?
Thanks in advance,


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THREE BOTTLE HORSESHOE WINE RACKS (Item #W81501)
The horseshoe wine rack stores up to three wine bottles at a downward angle so the cork doesn't dry out. Features a stylish look with a convenient space saving design. Made of a durable metal construction. No Assembly required. Size: 16.13" H x 6.25" L x 6.88" W. Available in Black and Bronze.
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1 Foreign Language Elective: Two semesters of the same language.
2 Fine Arts Elective: Choose from: ART* E101, ART* E102, ART* E103, MUS* E 101 or THR* E102
3 Science Elective: Chemistry or Physics.
4 Humanities Elective: English 200 level Literature, ENG* E281 not accepted.
5 Open Elective: Social Science, choose one from: Economics, POL* E101, POL* E111, GEO* E111.
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Earnings for Social Media Managers in the United States come in at around $46K per year on average. Final cash compensation to Social Media Managers varies from around $27K to approximately $71K; choice pay grades include potential for bonuses and profit sharing as high as $7K and $5K, respectively. Career length and the particular city each impact pay for this group, with the former having the largest influence. Health benefits are not enjoyed by everyone in this line of work, and roughly a fourth lack any coverage at all. Medical benefits are reported by a fair number and dental coverage is claimed by the greater part. There are more female Social Media Managers who answered the questionnaire than male, making up 66 percent. Most Social Media Managers report high levels of job satisfaction. The numbers in this rundown were provided by PayScale's salary survey participants.
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The role of traditional marketing managers has expanded in recent years as the prevalence of social media has begun to affect the corporate world in a myriad of ways. As a result, the need for social media managers abounds, and qualified personnel are sought after who can readily identify appropriate markets to target and the best ways to reach them. Undoubtedly, social media applications like Facebook and Twitter will continue to dominate, so companies need the knowledge and experience of a social media manager who can engage with online audiences on a regular basis and assist all departments and employees company-wide on how an effective social media strategy can work for the entire corporation.Read More...
The role of a social media manager is really twofold. On one hand, this individual will work to help build a company's brand awareness through online channels by developing and executing the most appropriate social media strategy. By the very nature of the job demands, social media managers must be creative and resourceful and able to find ways to optimize existing content for social channels and campaigns. A familiarity with the various social media platforms and computers is an absolute must, as all social media activity takes place online. Like traditional marketing managers, those in charge of social media must have a degree in marketing or a similar concentration, along with outstanding skills in the areas of writing, copy editing, and proof reading.
On the other hand, a social media manager will also be assisting many individuals within an organization, including other managers, corporate officers, and entry-level employees, about the importance and operation of social media on all business levels. A successful social media campaign can only work if there is awareness and cooperation throughout the organization, so the social media manager will be in charge of leading training programs to help educate others. Ultimately, social media managers will be responsible for monitoring Web 2.0 activities across the entire spectrum of the company, guiding participants on integration and best practices while encouraging successful participation.
Some of the best aspects of the job of a social media manager come with the flexibility and freedom the position offers. Virtually companies of all sizes, from small mom-and-pop storefronts to international conglomerates, need to spread the word about their brand and create awareness about the services they have to offer. By its very nature, social media is a round-the-clock operation, so any individual in the field can work a variety of hours, in an office, or via telecommunication. The future of this position continues to unfold, and as new platforms of social media develop, individuals with the skills to stay on top of the advances will be in demand.
Social Media Managers report using a deep pool of skills on the job. Most notably, skills in Strategic Marketing, Web Analytics, Project Management, and Content Management are correlated to pay that is above average, with boosts between 4 percent and 14 percent. Skills that pay less than market rate include Graphic Design, Web Content Management, and Web Marketing. It is often found that people who know Social Media Marketing are also skilled in Marketing Communications and Blogging.
Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.
For Social Media Managers, experience does not seem to be a major factor in determining pay. Survey participants with less than five years' experience pocket $41K on average, but those with five to 10 years of experience enjoy a much bigger median of $54K. Social Media Managers bring in $59K after working for 10 to 20 years. People who have worked for more than 20 years report a median income of $61K, which is barely higher than the median for folks with 10 to 20 years of experience.
Home to some of the best pay for Social Media Managers, San Francisco offers exceptional salaries, 25 percent above the national average. Social Media Managers will also find cushy salaries in New York (+16 percent), Seattle (+16 percent), Washington (+14 percent), and Phoenix (+7 percent). Austin ranks last in the field for pay, reporting salaries 11 percent below the national average. Atlanta and St. Louis are a couple other places where companies are known to pay below the median — salaries are 9 percent lower and 5 percent lower, respectively.
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20 million hours and over $150 million dollars spent.
That's the impact of identity theft on its victims who number around 1.7 million people. Find out more about the fastest growing form of consumer fraud including:
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The last thing a business needs in a crisis is to suffer a privacy breach.
Learn security's role in crisis management planning.
One simple policy can make document security processes easy to follow for all employees.
Here's why a shred-all policy makes sense
Keeping a clean desk boosts productivity and improves legislative compliance.
Steps to implement a clean desk policy.
Most companies have never reviewed their information security and have no idea where they're vulnerable.
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Abstract available in
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Description (OCR text may contain errors)
Sept. 3, 1935.
F. H. LANDON CONTAINER Filed June 2, 1933 Patented Sept. 3, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.
My invention relates to improvements in containers or cans, particularly small cans of such size that they may be grasped with one hand only and tilted to pour out the contents.
The main object of the invention is to provide a can of such size and configuration that it may be conveniently and firmly grasped in one hand Without danger of slipping, even though the sides are wet or oily.
A contributory object is to provide a can of oval cross section and of a size to fit the hand, and having on opposite sides, two areas slightly concave or dished-in, so that a more positive hold may be assured than where the object to be grasped is convex.
A further object is to provide a can of this character having a nozzle on the oval top near one end of the oval so that when oil, for example, or other liquid is poured out, all of said oil will be discharged without turning the can completely upside down.
In the accompanying drawing I have illustrated one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. l is a perspective view of the can;
Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof; and
Fig. 3 is an end elevation thereof.
The can is made preferably of the usual sheet metal, having an oval bottom l l and an oval top 7 l2, with any well known form of seam connecting them to the side wall. The top has an opening in it, provided preferably with a screw threaded nozzle 13 and a cap it. Said nozzle is located on the long axis of the ellipse and near one end thereof so that the outlet is very near the side wall of the can. Thus, when the can is tilted to pour out the contents, said can may be completely emptied without turning it upside down. In other words, substantially no pocket is formed in which some of the contents may be caught and retained.
The shape of the can is such that it may be readily grasped in one hand, one half of the oval or ellipse being of such size as to fit the average hand conveniently, with the thumb on one side and the fingers on the other side. In order to insure a firm grip and prevent slipping, the opposite sides of the can are dished-in at I5. These portions or areas are concave not only vertically but horizontally. See the dotted lines in Fig. 3. In other words, they are more or less spherical.
While the container may be used for any suitable product, it is intended primarily for dis- 5 pensing lubricating oil such as is used in the crank cases of automobiles. The can being of comparatively small size, it could be filled with lubricating oil and carried in the car as an emergency supply, and poured into the crank case by the driver. Such cans are apt to be a little oily on the outside, and therefore quite slippery, but the concave areas on opposite sides, while they are comparatively shallow, are nevertheless deep enough to afiord what is in effect a positive grip 15 on the can.
The half or more of the can which is gripped in the hand and comprising a half ellipse or more, fits the hand very conveniently. It is immaterial whether the remaining half of the can is an exact duplicate of the portion grasped in the hand or whether it is otherwise shaped, inasmuch as the pouring outlet is located on the side remote from that grasped in the hand. In other Words, the can is never grasped on the side having the outlet as it is not nearly as convenient to pour out the contents when holding it in this manner and there is in addition the possibility that the liquid may run down the side of the can over the hand.
I claim:
A dispensing can for lubricating oil having a cross section of greater length than width and having a circumference too large to permit said can to be encircled by the hand, dished-in portions on opposite sides of the short axis to furnish a convenient and firm hold for the thumb and fingers of the hand, said dished-in portions being of substantially oval form and concave not only vertically but horizontally, the side wall of said container curving from one of said dished-in portions to the other in substantially a half ellipse, to substantially fit the hand, and a pouring outlet in the top near the end of the long axis, remote from the part to be grasped by the hand.
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Learn more about Why we do and What we do.
AIESEC is the largest youth-run organisation which enables young people to develop and explore leadership potential to have a positive impact on society.
Learn more about AIESEC.
Learn more about our structure.
We believe teenagers should challenge beyond their limit and explore their own potential into infinity. That is why we organize AIESEC conferences and exchange programmes in which students can get global exposure.
Learn more about our exchange programmes.
Learn more about AIESEC conferences.
AIESEC-LC-HKU has altogether seven departments and two leadership programmes to continuously provide an environment for our future world leaders.
Learn more about our departments.
Learn more about our leadership programmes.
"In an era of globalization, AIESEC's programmes have helped young people around the world to develop a broader understanding of culture, socio-economic and business management issues."
"The [AIESEC] experience is unique and different from other student activities because of its overseas experience… I recommend it to you without reservation."
"In our experience AIESEC students possess exactly the qualities we are looking for: international and intercultural awareness, integrity, intuition and communication skills. We are always happy to have talented, committed and open-minded AIESEC students on internships with us and to share their spirit which enriches the corporate culture tremendously."


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For the lack of words to describe The Tower Kitchen – I would say that it is like a physical mantra. This restaurant design has been completed by the collaboration of Khosla Associates and TSK Design. Their collaboration has given this beautiful restaurant its unique personality and identity. This hospitality design is located in Bangalore, India.
Red – that's the color dominating the space. It is bold and strong like fire creating reflection all over the place. The entire restaurant interiors speak about strong personality – domination but above all like a mantra, able to transform the space into a place where fine dining means undeniable warmth and comfort – not necessarily strict and rigid.
Despite its strong personality – design-wise – it was able to create transformation of the amazing restaurant as a whole to accommodate its clients who just wanted a space to gather around and enjoy the food. (Via)


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Mike Portnoy
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Posts: 18
Re: Mike Portnoy
i, as well, expected more positive feedback on mike portnoy.
dream theater as a whole definitely does have an amazing amount of talent (with the exception of the singer). i actualy find it amazing that so many people have so much negative feedback on him.
dream theater does not rip off rush. there may be one or two songs that sound alike, or whatever, but, as a whole, it cant be said that dream theater rips off rush. when was the last time rush did an overture? and a honky-tonk breakdown? ive heard it said many times that neal peart is one of the only people who could outplay mike portnoy. he cant. mike portnoy could play rush songs, but i cant imagine peart playing DT songs. and dream theater as a whole has a much better sound, and is way more technical. (with the exception of the singers... both of which could... use work?)
and, i completely agree with whats posted above me, with the exception of the statement: "I guess Peart is a much better musician, but Mike is a better drummer." Mike is a better drummer. however, he is also the better musician. mike portnoy writes at least half of the lyrics and a third of the music on all of the dream theater albums. he also plays with neal morse, transatlantic, and liquid tension experiment. aside from that, in many DT songs they blend so many different types and styles of music. mike portnoy is an incredibly diverse drummer, and can play a variety of styles without a problem.
peart definitely is an amazing drummer and has potential, but portnoy tops him.
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Cooking and Baking
I lived in Austin, TX for a couple of years and have since moved back to Portland, OR. The one thing I haven't been able to find and/or replicate is Polvo's chili con queso. Or any chili con queso, really. Maudie's, Matt's El Rancho and Polvo's were my three favorites - but I am really craving any chili con queso recipe that DOES NOT include velveeta and/or Rotel. I want the real deal. What cheeses? What techinque? I would love some direction. Thanks!
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See all news Sightseeing Tallinn Card Transport and accommodation Eat and drink Events and culture Statistics Convention Tourist office marketing news Media coverage News archive
30.04.2012 33 hours of non-stop museum fun
33 hours of non-stop museum fun30.04.2012
Region's biggest sea centre the Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam in Estonian) gears up to open to public on May 12. To accommodate all the interested museum visitors, Seaplane Harbour stays open 33 hours nonstop for the first weekend.
The museum's display, that comprises of more than a couple of hundred large exhibits, revitalises the colourful history of Estonia.
British built submarine Lembit weighing 600 tones, is the centrepiece of the new museum.
Another exciting attraction is a full-scale replica of Short Type 184, a British pre-World War II seaplane, which was also used by the Estonian armed forces. Short Type 184 has earned its place in military history by being the first aircraft ever to attack an enemy's ship with an air-launched torpedo.
Simulators mimicking a flight above Tallinn, around-the-world journey in a yellow submarine, navigating on the Tallinn bay making this museum heaven for kids or adventurous adults.
Seaplane Harbour operates in architecturally unique hangars built almost a century ago, in 1916 and 1917, as a part of Peter the Great sea fortress. These hangars are the World's first reinforced concrete shell structures of such a great size.
On the outdoor area visitors can tour a collection of historic ships, including the Suur Tõll, Europe's largest steam-powered icebreaker.
Entrance to the whole complex will be free with Tallinn Card.
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It was feared the penalty, incurred after Pompey finally came out of administration, would be carried over to next term.
But Portsmouth, who had already been condemned to relegation, merely slipped from 22nd to the foot of League One.
The decision means the club, now under the ownership of the Pompey Supporters' Trust, will kick off in League Two next season on a level playing field.
Whittingham said: "It's what we were all hoping for.
"We want to start next season on an even keel because it gives you a chance."


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Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University / Course Descriptions / Nursing Courses (NUR) / NUR3094 Maternity and Women's Health Nursing [4].
NUR3094 Maternity and Women's Health Nursing [4].
A study of the care of the childbearing family throughout the maternity cycle. Special emphasis is given to health promotion, health maintenance, health restoration and cultural values as they relate to women's health issues. Health needs specific to elderly women are included.
Co-requisite: NUR3090 (Clinical).
Catalog Links


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Christians who attended the first citywide meeting of Destin Residents Against the Adult Cabaret — DRAAC on Jan. 22 at the Funky Blues Shack, are turning to the power of prayer to fight the proposed strip club.
Organizers didn't want to be singled out, but all are welcome to join in "to call on the name of the Lord," according to Jeremiah 33:3, which states "call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
CLICK HERE to read what was discussed on Monday.
At the last citywide meeting, the Rev. Mike Hesse of Immanuel Anglican Church announced the prayer walks and said that some of the "best ideas come from lay people." The walks are interdenominational and will be held Fridays from Feb. 15 to March 29 beginning at 3:33 p.m.
Hesse also offered his opinion on the question could marchers carry signs. He said they should be who they are — Christians who love Destin and wish to convey that message in love.
It is to be a true prayer walk, with no signs.
Seven Fridays is modeled after the battle of Jericho where God brought down the walls of the city after the Hebrew people marched around the city for seven days (Joshua, Chapter 6). A flyer for the event states that according to Zechariah 4:6, "missionaries always call for prayer walks across dark foreign lands in which they are starting to work."
If you would like to participate, meet at Safe Harbor Presbyterian Church at the corner of Airport Road and Main Street. The walk will be down the north side of Airport Road to the crosswalk near the 90-degree curve and then back up the south side to the church.
"When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him," the flyer states, quoting Isaiah 59:19.