4 Tips in Choosing Black Granite Countertops

The glamorous digital photography on top, is section of 4 Tips in Choosing Black Granite Countertops document which is classified within Home Decoration, stone, soapstone, slabs and posted at March 22nd, 2017 04:27:08 AM by Georgio Armanno. We always effort to show a picture with HD resolution or at least with perfect images. Thank you for visiting.

Granite has been used for many function since long time ago, vary of color also available to be chosen. Black granite countertops are one of granite that most often chosen for kitchen countertops, if you are looking for this black granite, is sure you pay attention on few tips here.

These few tips here will help you when choosing black granite for the use of kitchen countertops for your kitchen set.

1. Theme of the kitchen area. Well, every people have their own desire when decorate and design the kitchen area. If your kitchen theme is modern, these modern black granite countertops will be very suitable for you. Minimalist and contemporary also can be suited with this kind of granite. So you do not have to worry if your kitchen theme is minimalist or contemporary.

2. Types of granite countertops. There are two types of granite countertops that you can install; there are slab granite and tiles. You can consider tiles if you do not want the slab as you kitchen countertops.

3. Cost range of the granite countertops. When you decide to use black granite for your kitchen countertops, surely you will consider about the cost range. By considering the cost range, you are able to estimate the budget and make sure the area have to be paid attention carefully. So, your cost estimation can be suitable with the budget you have or maybe less because granite is prestige material.

4. Installation of black granite. If you go to the store at your hometown, there will be installation service; you can ask them to install it and get the perfect installation than you do it by yourself. But if you really want to install it by yourself, you can do it and make sure you get the advice from the professional when you do the installation and ask some guidance for the correct installation.

Well, those few tips might help you when you choose black granite countertops for your kitchen countertops. If you still doubt to choose these granite countertops, consider about the durability and the resistance of heat, scratches, and stains also protect against mold and mildew.

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In recent years, it has been required to decrease heat energy during the toner fixing process for the purpose of higher printing speed, expansion of usable paper types, and decrease of an environmental load. In order to decrease the heat energy during the toner fixing process, it is requested a technology enabling to improve low-temperature fixability of an electrostatic image developing toner (hereafter, it is simply called as “a toner”). As one of the achieving technologies, it is known a method to introduce a crystalline resin such as a crystalline polyester resin having a sharp-melting property in a binder resin.
For example, Patent document 1 (JP-A No. 2006-251564) discloses a toner having a binder resin which contains a crystalline polyester resin and an amorphous resin. By using a binder resin mixed with a crystalline polyester resin and an amorphous resin, the crystalline component of the crystalline polyester resin will be melted when the temperature of the heat fixing process is above the melting point of the crystalline polyester resin. This melted crystalline component will move into the amorphous resin component to result in promoting heat melting of the amorphous resin. Thus, it is possible to achieve low-temperature fixing.
However, the viscosity of the toner will be rapidly decreased by the presence of the crystalline polyester resin in the toner particles at the heat fixing process. As a result, the image formed with the melted toner will be broken, and a part of the image may be transferred to a fixing member (it is called as a high-temperature offset phenomenon), or it may produce a problem of fixing-separation failure in which an image support substrate is wound to the fixing member due to the lack of releasing property.
In order to solve the above-described problems, Patent document 2 (JP-A No. 2005-234046) discloses a toner using a crystalline polyester resin together with two or more kinds of releasing agents. According to the method disclosed in Patent document 2, the toner has: a core layer containing a crystalline polyester resin and two or more kinds of releasing agents having a different melting point; and a shell layer containing an amorphous polymer. It is said that this toner enables to achieve a wide range of temperature for separation and to achieve low-temperature fixing.
However, by an increased demand for expansion of usable paper types such as thin-paper handling, a sufficient fixing-separation property has not been ensured. Further, there is a problem in which crystalline sizes of the wax and the crystalline polyester resin are diverse, and this will induce deterioration of uniform glossiness and will generate gloss unevenness.


Destruction of the locus coeruleus or the dorsal NE bundle does not alter the release of punished responding by ethanol and chlordiazepoxide.
The hypothetical involvement of central noradrenergic projections in the manifestation of "anxiety" and the "anti-anxiety" effects of alcohol and benzodiazepines was tested in an operant conflict situation by examining the effects of destruction of this noradrenergic system on response rates. Rats were trained on a Geller-Seifter conflict test [9] modified for incremental shock [21], in which two food-reinforced lever press components were separated by a time-out. Responses during the "food-alone" component (RI) were reinforced on a random interval schedule-30 sec; responses during the "time-out" component were never reinforced; and responses during the conflict component (CONFLICT) were continuously reinforced with both food and shock. This shock strength increased incrementally with each successive shock during the conflict period. Each session consisted of two cycles of a 5 min RI period, a two min time out, and a two min CONFLICT period presented in succession. Both ethanol (0.5 to 1.0 g/kg) and chlordiazepoxide (5 and 10 mg/kg) produced a significant increase in punished responding during the CONFLICT component. Ethanol, but not chlordiazepoxide (CDP) also significantly decreased responding during the RI component. Virtual total destruction of the dorsal noradrenergic projection with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), or destruction of the locus coeruleus itself, failed to significantly alter baseline responding or the release of punished responding to ethanol or CDP. These results do not support the hypothesis that the locus coeruleus projections have an essential role in "anxiety" or in the "anxiety-reducing" properties of ethanol or the benzodiazepines.


Q:

windows 7 copy files pointed to by shortcuts

I have a bunch of shortcuts to files that are in various places on my hard drive.  The physical files need to be backed up.  Any ideas on how to script this?
Thanks,
Scott

A:

$files = gci ~\Desktop\*.lnk | %{$sh = New-Object -COM WScript.Shell}{$sh.CreateShortcut($_.fullname).Targetpath}


package berlin.meshnet.cjdns.model;

import android.content.res.Resources;

import berlin.meshnet.cjdns.R;

/**
 * Immutable model object for a connectivity protocol.
 */
public class Protocol {

    public final Interface transportInterface;

    public final Link link;

    public Protocol(Interface transportInterface, Link link) {
        this.transportInterface = transportInterface;
        this.link = link;
    }

    /**
     * Formats the protocol description.
     */
    public static String formatDescription(Resources res, Protocol protocol) {
        String interfaceString = null;
        String linkString = null;
        switch (protocol.transportInterface) {
            case udp:
                interfaceString = res.getString(R.string.interface_udp);
                break;
            case eth:
                interfaceString = res.getString(R.string.interface_eth);
                break;
        }
        switch (protocol.link) {
            case wifiDirect:
                linkString = res.getString(R.string.link_wifi_direct);
                break;
            case bluetooth:
                linkString = res.getString(R.string.link_bluetooth);
                break;
            case overlay:
                linkString = res.getString(R.string.link_overlay);
                break;
        }
        return res.getString(R.string.protocol_description, interfaceString, linkString);
    }

    /**
     * The list of transport interfaces.
     */
    public enum Interface {
        udp,
        eth
    }

    /**
     * The list of physical links.
     */
    public enum Link {
        wifiDirect,
        bluetooth,
        overlay
    }
}


Relationships between nursing and women's studies.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between nursing and women's studies units in institutions of higher education that have both units. A mailed survey was completed by 173 units (97 nursing and 76 women's studies) in 38 states. Seventy-eight per cent of the nursing units and 75 per cent of the women's studies units reported some type of relationship with the counterpart. Collaborative activities included courses, guest lectures, joint sponsorship of seminars, research, and many other activities. Barriers to collaboration that were identified included different geographic locations and other structural barriers, as well as units' negative views of each other, and problems unique to nursing. Recommendations to foster communication and collaboration between nursing and women's studies units are discussed.


The Scoop: North Market's Dublin Satellite Adds Four New Food Vendors

Erin Edwards Dining Editor, Columbus Monthly

Monday

Feb 10, 2020 at 10:05 AM

The new merchants include a cheesemonger, bakery/flower shop, taqueria and Mediterranean eatery.

The North Market Development Authority, the nonprofit that operates the historic Short North market, announced four new merchants today for its forthcoming North Market Bridge Park, which is expected to open this summer.

Two of the North Market’s Spruce Street vendors, Dos Hermanos and Black Radish Creamery, have secured stalls at the Dublin market. In addition, Flowers & Bread and Falafel Kitchen will join as newcomers to the market family.

"This group of merchants embody what North Market stands for: local, fresh, authentic and diverse," said Rick Harrison Wolfe, the market’s executive director, in a press release.

Located at 6736 Longshore St., the Bridge Park market will feature an open layout with 22,000 square feet of space for 18 merchant stalls (including pop-up vendors) and another 10,000 square feet of back-of-house space with loading docks.

In November, the NMDA announced North Market Bridge Park’s first five merchants, including: Coastal Local Seafood, Dough Mama, The Dublin Farmer’s Daughter from Copia Farm, Market Bar and Momo Ghar. Additional vendors will be announced at a later date.

Here’s more information about the four vendors announced today:

First launched as a food truck in 2012, Dos Hermanos joined the North Market in 2015, serving Oaxacan-style street food such as tacos, tamales and more. In addition to their market stall, owners Lisa and Vicente Gutierrez operate two food trucks, a taco cart, drop-off catering services and a concession stand in the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Anne and John Reese of Black Radish, named Columbus Monthly Tastemakers in 2017, will offer Ohio-made artisanal products, including their own handcrafted cheeses and fruit preserves, at their second retail location. “A cut-to-order style cheese counter with a seasonally curated selection of American and imported cheeses will be prominent. We're also adding an enhanced cheese-centric food menu,” Anne Reese said in the announcement.
Flowers & Bread currently operates a café, artisanal bakery and flower shop in Clintonville. At the Bridge Park market, owners Sarah Lagrotteria and Tricia Wheeler will offer artisanal breads and pastries as well as a full-service floral studio, featuring workshops on arranging, wreath-making and more.
Falafel Kitchen, meanwhile, is a new, all-vegetarian concept from owner Katy Ailabouni, whose mother, Maggie Ailabouni, is the chef/owner of Mazah Mediterranean Eatery near Grandview. The menu will feature fresh falafel, salads, homemade pickles, spinach pies, za’atar bread and more.


/*
Copyright 2019 The Kubernetes Authors.

Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
You may obtain a copy of the License at

    http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0

Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
limitations under the License.
*/

package digitalocean

import (
	"bytes"
	"context"
	"errors"
	"testing"

	"github.com/digitalocean/godo"
	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
)

func TestNewManager(t *testing.T) {
	t.Run("success", func(t *testing.T) {
		cfg := `{"cluster_id": "123456", "token": "123-123-123", "url": "https://api.digitalocean.com/v2", "version": "dev"}`

		manager, err := newManager(bytes.NewBufferString(cfg))
		assert.NoError(t, err)
		assert.Equal(t, manager.clusterID, "123456", "cluster ID does not match")
	})

	t.Run("empty token", func(t *testing.T) {
		cfg := `{"cluster_id": "123456", "token": "", "url": "https://api.digitalocean.com/v2", "version": "dev"}`

		_, err := newManager(bytes.NewBufferString(cfg))
		assert.EqualError(t, err, errors.New("access token is not provided").Error())
	})

	t.Run("empty cluster ID", func(t *testing.T) {
		cfg := `{"cluster_id": "", "token": "123-123-123", "url": "https://api.digitalocean.com/v2", "version": "dev"}`

		_, err := newManager(bytes.NewBufferString(cfg))
		assert.EqualError(t, err, errors.New("cluster ID is not provided").Error())
	})
}

func TestDigitalOceanManager_Refresh(t *testing.T) {
	t.Run("success", func(t *testing.T) {
		cfg := `{"cluster_id": "123456", "token": "123-123-123", "url": "https://api.digitalocean.com/v2", "version": "dev"}`

		manager, err := newManager(bytes.NewBufferString(cfg))
		assert.NoError(t, err)

		client := &doClientMock{}
		ctx := context.Background()

		client.On("ListNodePools", ctx, manager.clusterID, nil).Return(
			[]*godo.KubernetesNodePool{
				{
					ID: "1",
					Nodes: []*godo.KubernetesNode{
						{ID: "1", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
						{ID: "2", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
					},
					AutoScale: true,
				},
				{
					ID: "2",
					Nodes: []*godo.KubernetesNode{
						{ID: "3", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "deleting"}},
						{ID: "4", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
					},
					AutoScale: true,
				},
				{
					ID: "3",
					Nodes: []*godo.KubernetesNode{
						{ID: "5", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "provisioning"}},
						{ID: "6", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
					},
					AutoScale: true,
				},
				{
					ID: "4",
					Nodes: []*godo.KubernetesNode{
						{ID: "7", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "draining"}},
						{ID: "8", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
					},
					AutoScale: true,
				},
			},
			&godo.Response{},
			nil,
		).Once()

		manager.client = client
		err = manager.Refresh()
		assert.NoError(t, err)
		assert.Equal(t, len(manager.nodeGroups), 4, "number of nodes do not match")
	})

}

func TestDigitalOceanManager_RefreshWithNodeSpec(t *testing.T) {
	t.Run("success", func(t *testing.T) {
		cfg := `{"cluster_id": "123456", "token": "123-123-123", "url": "https://api.digitalocean.com/v2", "version": "dev"}`

		manager, err := newManager(bytes.NewBufferString(cfg))
		assert.NoError(t, err)

		client := &doClientMock{}
		ctx := context.Background()

		client.On("ListNodePools", ctx, manager.clusterID, nil).Return(
			[]*godo.KubernetesNodePool{
				{
					ID: "1",
					Nodes: []*godo.KubernetesNode{
						{ID: "1", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
						{ID: "2", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
					},
					AutoScale: true,
					MinNodes:  3,
					MaxNodes:  10,
				},
				{
					ID: "2",
					Nodes: []*godo.KubernetesNode{
						{ID: "3", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
						{ID: "4", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
					},
					AutoScale: true,
					MinNodes:  5,
					MaxNodes:  20,
				},
				{
					// this node pool doesn't have autoscale config, therefore
					// this should default to disabled auto-scale.
					ID: "3",
					Nodes: []*godo.KubernetesNode{
						{ID: "5", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
						{ID: "6", Status: &godo.KubernetesNodeStatus{State: "running"}},
					},
				},
			},
			&godo.Response{},
			nil,
		).Once()

		manager.client = client
		err = manager.Refresh()
		assert.NoError(t, err)
		assert.Equal(t, len(manager.nodeGroups), 2, "number of node groups do not match")

		// first node group
		assert.Equal(t, manager.nodeGroups[0].minSize, 3, "minimum node for first group does not match")
		assert.Equal(t, manager.nodeGroups[0].maxSize, 10, "maximum node for first group does not match")

		// second node group
		assert.Equal(t, manager.nodeGroups[1].minSize, 5, "minimum node for second group does not match")
		assert.Equal(t, manager.nodeGroups[1].maxSize, 20, "maximum node for second group does not match")
	})
}


A documentary on channel 5 highlights problems including abnormal behavioural psychology in male Bull elephants in India. The elephant, normally docile and grand appearing to slowly lumber around impressive in it’s sheer presence, I remember seeing them when I worked in Kenya. Elephants can apparently become less of a grand, gentle herbivore of the plains and more of a serial killer at the mercy of their own psychology. Researchers in an Indian reserve came across multiple corpses of male and female elephants and after finding that there was no disease present, no poaching or any other cause of death concluded that other Bull elephants had murdered them.

The behaviour of these elephants seems to have been due to a number of factors. Initially it was assumed that sexual frustration (one was observed masturbating) was driving the elephants to kill their prospective partners until a male was found dead. They continued to suspect this, however, knowing that males can and do kill each other (although rarely) due to testosterone levels that can be up to 60 times greater in an elephant in musk (mating season). They also reviewed evidence from a historical case where elephants in musk killed their females and also attempted to rape Rhinos before killing them.

Another issue was seen to be the lack of elder Bull elephants due to poaching in the past, which are needed to teach the young males how to behave. Apparently the removal of these social role models left younger males to mature as violent and unruly with no elder to keep them in check. This assertion seemed to be accurate due the fact that other Bulls were found behaving in this way and a very skewed gender split in the elephants (usually 1 male to 6 females in this case 1 male to over 100 females). Needless to say this is very strange behaviour and is contrary to evolutionary psychology Usually male elephants wouldn’t kills females as they would limit their options with regards to mating in future. Elimination of competitive less seems to be normal behaviour but rarely comes down to death when fighting to show who is dominant.

The killing spree seems to have been due to an interplay between altered brain chemistry, a lack of social instruction and the behavioural consequences created by this. Another example of the Scientific method being used to elucidate the nature of such things in the real world. It just goes to show that animals especially our fellow mammals are alot more similar to us than we might think. It seems that these large brained mammals have some of the same psychological problems we do. It might make you feel humble in the face of nature and identify more with our fellow animals in our short time on earth.


Background
==========

Intraluminal migration of a drain through an anastomotic site is a rare complication of gastric surgery \[[@B1]\]. The condition frequently presents with persistent drainage, and diagnosis is made by radiographic studies. We herein report the intraluminal migration of a drain placed after a lower esophagectomy and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis for gastric small cell carcinoma. The drain was removed via the abdominal wound while the anastomosis was visualized endoscopically.

Case Presentation
=================

A 67-year-old man presented with a 6-week history of hiccupping and foul odor. He also complained of difficulty swallowing, diffuse epigastric pain, and weight loss. Panendoscopy revealed a large ulcerated mass at least 8 cm in diameter at the lesser curvature side of the anterior wall of the gastric upper body, with invasion into the lower esophagus. Biopsy was consistent with small cell carcinoma. Chest, abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) showed distal esophageal involvement and lymphadenopathy, but no evidence of liver or distal metastasis. A lower esophagectomy, total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and feeding jejunostomy were performed. A 13-mm vacuum drain tube was inserted intraoperatively adjacent to the anastomotic site.

Postoperatively, approximately 80 ml of yellowish-white, foamy, foul smelling fluid was collecting from the drain tube each day. This drainage persisted for 1 month after surgery. CT was performed, and the result was consistent with drain tube migration (Figure [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"}). Panendoscopy indicated the drain had migrated into the esophagojejunostomy anastomotic site (Figure [2](#F2){ref-type="fig"}). The drain was removed from the outside of abdominal drain wound while observing the anastomotic site endoscopically. After the drain was removed, no intraperitoneal organs (such as small bowel, liver, or spleen) were visible. The mucosal defect over the anastomotic site caused by the migrated drain appeared to be well approximated after removal of the drain. The patient was treated with suction via a nasogastric tube drain for 5 days. He thereafter had an uneventful recovery.

![**Computed tomography indicates the possibility of drain tube migration into the esophagus (arrow)**.](1471-230X-10-50-1){#F1}

![**Panendoscopy indicates that the drain had migrated into the esophagojejunostomy anastomotic site (arrow)**.](1471-230X-10-50-2){#F2}

The patient subsequently was treated with 4 cycles of combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide (VP-16). Sixteen months after surgery the patient was alive and showed no signs of cancer recurrence. **The patient discussed in this report provided informed consent for all treatments rendered and consent for the publication of this case report and the use of radiological images**.

Discussion
==========

Anastomotic leakage after gastric surgery is a relatively common complication occurring in 10% to 15% of patients and carries a mortality of approximately 5% \[[@B2],[@B3]\]. Management of leakage may be operative or non-operative, and most surgeons routinely place prophylactic drains at the anastomotic site during the initial surgery \[[@B4]\]. Persistent drainage is frequently the first sign of anastomotic leakage or drain migration \[[@B1]\]. The migration of a drain tube into the anastomotic site of an esophagojejunostomy is a rare complication after a gastrectomy \[[@B1]\].

Diagnosis of anastomotic leakage or drain migration is made based on contrast radiographic studies, i.e., evidence of leakage after radio-contrast examination may indicate anastomotic leakage or drain migration, as was present in our case \[[@B1]\]. It is uncertain how intraluminal migration of a drain may occur, though authors believe it may be a result of migration through the site of an anastomotic leak. In most cases, the drain is repositioned, either surgically or under radiographic guidance, and left in place as the anastomosis heals.

In the case presented herein, we left the drain in place because the color, amount, and odor of the drainage made us suspect there was minor leakage of the esophagojejunostomy anastomotic site. Because the amount of drainage did not decrease over the course of a month, we were concerned about the integrity of the anastomosis, and thus decided to check the esophagojejunostomy anastomotic site endoscopically. In this case, visualization of the anastomotic site endoscopically allowed us to confirm the integrity of the anastomosis after the drain was removed and determine that surgical correction was not required.

Conclusion
==========

In conclusion, intraluminal drain migration is a rare complication after gastric surgery, however, should be considered in cases where there is persistent drainage. Diagnosis is made by radiographic studies, and endoscopy offers an additional diagnostic modality.

Consent
=======

Written consent for publication was obtained from the patient.

Competing interests
===================

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors\' contributions
=======================

PSL and PCL participated in the surgery. CL helped to draft the manuscript. LWL performed the pathologic examination. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Pre-publication history
=======================

The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:

<http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/10/50/prepub>


English Translation of Main Headlines
Everyone thinks they can multitask. The truth is our brains switch from one task to the other, diminishing our ability to perform either task properly. Our brains are consumed with one task at a time. This makes things pretty dangerous behind the wheel.

The Print Ad titled Road Safety Trust: Distracted Brains, Girl was done by Clemenger BBDO Wellington advertising agency for Road Safety Trust in New Zealand. It was released in Sep 2011.


Beer CheerWhile we will never tire of Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s Christmas Ale, these twists on the favorite holiday drink will keep you feeling jolly all season long.Issue: December 2012Category: The DishAuthor: Jason Brill

219.

Big Easy Does ItWith a menu full of bright and fresh flavors, Jezebels Bayou delivers just the right amount of kick.Issue: December 2012Category: The DishAuthor: John Long

220.

Family PiesIssue: December 2012Category: The DishAuthor: Kim Schneider


The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a semiconductor memory device having a burn-in test mode and a method for driving the same.
In the fabrication of semiconductor memory devices, a stress mode is widely used as a test process for increasing the reliability of memory cells.
In particular, a stress mode at a wafer level is called a wafer burn-in process. The wafer burn-in process is to apply a stress to a core region of a DRAM at a relatively high temperature to induce the generation of defects in a weak core region in an early stage. Then, the defects are repaired in a probe test. In addition, the process of applying the stress to the core region of the DRAM includes a process of applying a stress to a cell and a process of applying a stress to a bit line. The two processes can be implemented with simple logic.
In executing the stress pattern, the test modes are sequentially set in each step to perform the stress process. Separate codes are assigned in each test mode. In other words, in addition to a wafer burn-in test mode entry pad and an internal bias forcing pad, another pad is necessary for inputting a separate operation code for entry into the test mode defining each step. The operation code uses a data pad or address pad.
Table 1 below shows operation codes for each mode in a conventional wafer burn-in test.
TABLE 1MODEA<0>A<1>A<2>A<3>TM0HLLLTM1HHLLTM2HLHLTM3HHHLTM4HLLHTM5HHLHTM6HLHHTM7HHHH
The order of the test modes according to the test pattern will be described below.
A cell stress pattern has a procedure of TM2→TM3→apply a logic low level to a cell data→TM2→apply a logic high level→TM2→TM3→apply a logic low level→TM3→apply a logic high level.
An oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) stress pattern has a procedure of TM2→TM3→apply a logic low level→apply a bias→TM2→TM3→apply a logic high level→apply a logic low level.
A first bit line stress pattern has a procedure of TM7→apply a logic low level→apply a logic high level→apply a logic low level→apply a logic high level.
A second bit line stress pattern has a procedure of TM4→apply a logic low level→TM5→apply a logic high level→TM1→TM6.
As shown in Table 1, the operation codes for each test mode are applied through four address pads. For example, all the addresses A<0:3> must be applied with a logic high level in order to enter into the test mode TM7.
Meanwhile, a test apparatus reduces test time by testing a plurality of dies one time. Because the number of channels of the test apparatus is limited, the number of pads necessary for the test must be reduced so as to test a large number of dies at one time.
A built-in self test (BIST) is widely used in a memory cell test in a conventional ASIC. The built-in self test has an advantage in that a large number of pads are not used because it does not directly access a memory cell from the outside. However, the patterns that can be tested in the built-in self test are complicated. To this end, logic circuits must be added, thus increasing the layout area. Therefore, the built-in self test is difficult to apply to memory devices in which a net die is important. The net die is defined by number of dies per wafer.
In the wafer burn-in test, a probe card is separately manufactured and a stress is applied to a plurality of dies by one-time test. However, because the number of pads for testing one pad increases, the number of dies to which a stress is applied at a time decreases due to the limited channels of the test apparatus.
Therefore, because the number of pads necessary for the burn-in test mode is large, the number of dies that can be tested one time is small, thus increasing the test time.


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a low cost, readily manufacturable, easily assembled, illuminated sign for convenient adhesive mounting on panes of transparent material, such as the inside surfaces of automobile windows.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Illuminated signs employing flat panel electroluminescent lamps typically include a flat layer of phosphor material and two electrodes such that when coupled with an appropriate alternating-current power supply the lamp provides a flat, lighted panel of low cost and high efficiency. A neat and attractive lighted sign using such an electroluminescent lamp can be made by covering the luminous surface of the lamp with an indicia-bearing member, such as a sheet of opaque plastic material cut-out to define indicia through which the lighted panel is visible. The cut-out indicia can be colored by placing translucent colored plastic sheet material or the like over the cut-out indicia.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,005,306 to Kinstler, 4,138,620 to Dickson and 3,680,237 to Finnerty are representative of prior art signs formed of ,electroluminescent panels and overlying indicia-bearing members for external application to motor vehicles and for use as illuminated house numbers. Such prior art signs are relatively expensive to manufacture and assemble, include an excessive number of components, and are not easily mounted on support surfaces.


Frank Coppuck

Frank Coppuck is a British engineer and racing car designer, who helped design the Pacific PR01 and PR02 Formula One cars.

A nephew of Formula One engineer Gordon Coppuck. After graduating from Kingston Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical and aeronautical engineering he went to work for the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. In 1979 he moved to British Aerospace at Weybridge, working on aircraft wing design and composites engineering.

His motor racing career did not start until 1985 when he was hired to join the FORCE Lola team at Colnbrook. When that team closed down in 1986 he moved to Tyrrell Racing, as a composites and race engineer. After a brief spell with the March Alfa Romeo Indycar program he moved to Team Lotus following the departure of chief designer Mike Coughlan. This coincided with the takeover of the team by Peter Collins and Peter Wright, and Coppuck was involved in the design of the team's aborted Lotus 103 car, and in revamping the Lotus 102 design.

At the end of 1991 he moved to the United States where he worked in CART with Dick Simon Racing. Later that year he returned to Britain and became technical director of TOM'S GB, working with John Barnard on the design of a secret Formula One car. When Toyota decided not to enter, Coppuck joined Pacific Grand Prix as chief designer for the Pacific PR02. After Pacific closed its doors at the end of the 1995 season Coppuck moved to Benetton but stayed only a year before going back to TOM'S GB. He then moved on to McLaren where he was in charge of the McLaren GT program.

External links
Profile on GrandPrix.com

Category:Formula One people
Category:Year of birth missing (living people)
Category:Formula One designers
Category:British motorsport people
Category:Living people


A quiet little spot where Rod Mollise shares his adventures and misadventures...

Sunday, July 28, 2013

A Tale of Two Cameras

Unk is pretty
cautious, muchachos; I am a big fan of looking before leaping. Maybe
because more than a few of the times I’ve jumped in feet first without a good
look at what I’ve been jumping into have been disastrous. And that’s exactly how
it was in early 2002 when I decided to desert film astrophotography for that
new-fangled electronic CCD picture taking.

That I was even
thinking about going CCD was ironic, since after about five years of my latest
bout of film astrophotography I was finally starting to get somewhere. The
Possum Swamp skies, which do not encourage frequent celestial picture taking,
and Unk’s fumble-bumble approach to astrophotography meant my pictures were not
perfect, but darned if they weren't getting closer to it. There was no danger
of me becoming a celestial Ansel Adams, but I was now bringing
home a decent shot or two from every single run.

But CCDs
were the thing, man. Heck, Sky & Telescope had a whole spin-off
magazine devoted to them, CCD Astronomy
(for a while). What I thought was the
big decision facing the Rodster was which CCD camera to buy. By the turn of the
century, there were more than a few choices. The real question actually should
have been: “Should I buy a CCD camera
before upgrading my old-fashioned manual-pointing SCT?”

I didn't realize that was something I should think about, and began shopping for cameras
starting with Richard Berry’s homebrew Cookbook Camera. After working on my
club’s camera’s circuit boards (you could buy unpopulated PCBs and other camera
components through Willman-Bell at the time) for a little while, I knew the
Cookbook CCD was not for me. The electronic assembly was easy, but I just
didn’t have the time to devote to it. I’d passed the project on to a fellow
Possum Swamp Astronomical Society astronomer-ham.

Then there
was SBIG, Santa Barbara Instrument Group. In the wake of the tremendous success
of their groundbreaking ST-4 they were riding high. I looked long and lovingly
at the ST-5, ST-6, and, especially, the ST-7. That camera looked nearly perfect for me, but the buzzing fly in the butter was that it was way too
expensive. I had 1000 bucks to spend, tops. I coulda got the ST-4, but that
seemed more like a guide camera than an imager to me.

In
retrospect, the ST-4 would have been great. I could have used it to get my feet
wet with digital imaging, and as an autoguider for my film astrophotos. But you
know what they say about Monday morning quarterbacking. Truth was, like a lot
of imagers, I was ready to move on to the next big thing in 2001.

If I had it
to do over I’d get the ST-4. But we don’t get many do-overs in this life, and
my desire for the elusive More Better Gooder got the best of me. That came in
the form of a camera from a burgeoning UK company, Starlight Xpress. One thing
that impressed me was that the images I saw on the web page for the Starlight
camera that fit my budget, the MX516, were substantially larger than those of
the ST-4 due to the larger chip of the MX516—not that its 500 x 290 pixel chip
was large even by the standards of the time. As a guider? That was the most
impressive thing of all.

The MX516
could, you see, guide and image at the
same time. It did that differently from any other camera I’ve run across.
Today’s “self guiding” cameras from SBIG are able to guide and image at the
same time because the camera housing incorporates a separate CCD guide chip.
It’s kinda like having an off-axis guider with the smaller CCD chip stationed
at the edge of the camera frame. Not the MX516. It used an interlaced video-type
CCD sensor that devoted alternating “fields” to imaging and guiding. I thought
that sounded awful cool.

It was here
that I should have stopped and thought things through. The first thing I should
have ruminated on was that while the MX516 might be more sensitive than the ISO
800 film I was using, meaning shorter, less painful exposures that might even
be done unguided, the resulting pix would be small and in black and white. I
was used to color 35mm images that could easily be enlarged to 8x10-inches. Why
I thought I’d be happy with postage stamp sized (well, almost) shots I don’t
know.

The other thing
that should have been a showstopper was something I was aware of and had thought about. Just not enough. With
that tiny chip, it would be hard to find objects. Even with the SCT reduced to
f/3.3 with the Meade focal reducer I’d ordered, the field would be on the order
of 15’ or smaller. I’d planned to order a set of digital setting circles for
the C8. I even tried to.

Back in those days, most folks purchased their DSCs from one of two sources, JMI or
Lumicon—the old Lumicon, three owners back. I’d heard good things about Lumicon’s
Sky Vector system, and since I knew their computers and JMI’s were essentially
the same, both based on Tangent guts, I thought the extra objects in the Sky
Vector as compared to the library of the comparably priced JMI made the Lumicon
DSCs a better value.

The trouble
was getting a Sky Vector. The folks
at Lumicon were happy to take my credit card number, but weeks passed and I
heard nothing from them. I started calling and the results were always along
these lines: “The big cheese, Dr. Acula,
ain’t here right now,” “I think it will ship next Thursday,” “Mr. Binky and Mr.
Bunny handle those and they are at a star party.” I eventually had enough: “You-all aren’t ever going to get it together to send me a Sky Vector, are you?”
The mousy and halting response amounted to “No, Unk, we are not.”

What I should have done right then and there
was pick up the phone and call the
reliable and good folk atJim’s
Mobile. In typical Unk fashion, though, my nose was out of joint about the
whole DSC idea. Plus I had come up with what I thought was a better and cheaper
idea: “Hell, I’ll use a flip mirror.” I
ordered that very thing, an attachment that would allow me to either view the
telescope’s images with an eyepiece, or, with the flip of a mirror, send them to the camera, from Meade. In
retrospect, failing to get digital setting circles for the Ultima 8 brought my
whole big CCD thing down like a house of cards made of wet toilet paper if
y’all don’t mind me mixing a couple of metaphors.

I don’t
remember who I ordered the MX516 from, but it was probably Astronomics if they
carried it, since they were my go-to guys for gear back then. While the camera
arrived fairly promptly, it did take a couple of weeks, and its delivery was
bumping up against a trip to Florida to visit Dorothy’s relatives. I was
in an agony of suspense before our departure, but it worked out that the camera
would not arrive until until after our return.

When I
finally got to rip into its smallish box, I was both impressed and not
impressed by the Starlight. The hardware itself was quite impressive. The
camera had the “eyepiece camera” look Starlight maintained in those days; it
was not much larger than an oversize 2-inch ocular in those innocent pre-Ethos
days. Nicely machined with cooling fins. Sturdy. Solid. Also in the box were a
few cables and the Star 2000 box that handled the guide-while-imaging bidness.

What did not
impress was “the rest,” the last two items in the box. The instructions
amounted to nothing more than a slim sheaf of stapled-together pages. The
software? What there was, a simple camera control program, was contained on a
single 3.5-inch floppy. Yes, I mean floppy
disk. Most PCs sold in 2001 still came with 3.5-inch drives, but disks to
put in ‘em were becoming rare, with most software, including CCD camera
software, now coming on CDs.

But maybe
that was OK, I thought. Simpler might be better when getting started in this
CCD folderol and fiddle-dee-dee. The program, minimalist as it was, actually
turned out to be pretty good. Not only did it allow you to take series of pictures,
it even included some processing tools like a utility to stack multiple images.
It wasn’t much worse than SBIG’s CCDops,
frankly. My first light night disaster had nothing to do with camera and
software.

‘Twas a hot
summer’s night and I was nervous. Would this thing, on which I’d spent a fair portion
of the advance I got for my first book, Choosing
and Using a Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope, work? To find out, I lugged the
Ultima 8 SCT and my desktop computer (I was still too cheap to glom onto a
laptop) into the backyard, got everything cabled up, and did a polar alignment
that can best be described as “casual” with the telescope’s polar finder. Screwed
the Meade flip mirror onto the C8’s rear port, inserted the camera into the
flip mirror along with a 12mm illuminated reticle eyepiece, and got to work.

Everything
seemed OK at first; at least the camera and computer appeared to be talking
over the cotton-picking parallel printer port (that's right, younguns). Now all I had to do was focus up
on an bright star and get the first object of the run, M13, in the camera’s
field. Simple, right? Uh-huh.

What to
focus on? Eta Hercules was relatively bright and not far from the glob. Hokay,
got the star dead in the center of the 9x50 finder crosshairs, flipped the flip
mirror down for viewing through the eyepiece, and had a look. Nuttin’ honey.
Considerable focusing of the telescope and the flip mirror eyepiece’s helical
focuser did begin to reveal a subtle something, a badly out of focus Eta, I
presumed. Bottom line? The flip mirror eyepiece
would not focus with the Meade f/3.3 reducer on the scope. Period.

What to do? Other
than wishing I had some DSCs, all there was to do was soldier bravely on. With
heroic effort, I finally got Eta—some bright star, anyhow—in the camera’s frame
and focused up. I peeped through the finder and, yes, Eta was dead in the
crosshairs. Maybe I’d be OK. Let’s get M13 in the field.

I hunted and
I hunted and I hunted and I slewed and I slewed and I slewed. And you know
what? I never did get M13 in the camera
that night. I settled for an anonymous star field. What did that tell me? Well,
that the RS-232 interface was kinda slow, if not pathetically slow, and that
the camera did not seem near as sensitive as my buddy Pat’s SBIG. Finally, the
pictures the 516 produced were a lot smaller than I thought they would be.

Despite a less than stellar first light night with the camera, I wasn’t
close to ready to give up. As soon as I could, I lugged all the gear out to
Pat’s Stargage Observatory, and there things went a hair better. With heroic
effort, I got M13 in the field and fired off a few 30-second frames. What I
didn’t get working was the auto-guiding. I polar aligned as close as I could and
followed the instructions in the manual. What happened? Nuttin’ honey. When I
got home, I checked all cables and connections, and when that didn’t turn up
any problems, I fired off an email to Starlight Xpress. They were very
responsive, with head honcho Terry Platt promptly emailing me back. Turned out
my Ultima 8 needed a relay box between guider and hand control connector.

I sent the
Starlight folks a few more dollars and got the relays, but I was never quite
sure the Star 2000 system worked. I was always too occupied with trying to
frame and focus my targets to worry about niceties like guiding. I did image a
few objects over the next several months: M13, the Cone Nebula, The Ring
Nebula, a part of M42, and a couple more. How were they? My CCD pictures got
better, slowly, but there was no escaping the facts that they were small, they
were black and white, and they were grainy. My film M13s were a million times
better.

I could at
least have done something about the "grainy" if I’d stacked images. It took me quite
a while to wrap my mind around the fact that electronic imagers usually stacked
multiple frames into a finished image. I was still approaching CCDing from a
film perspective. I also knew I could get color with a filter wheel and
tri-color imaging, but I couldn’t imagine adding another layer of complexity
when I couldn’t handle what I already had.

I did
discover the MX516 could do a fairly good job on the planets. The images I took
of Jupiter—single frames since I didn't know I should stack planetary images either—looked
far better than anything I’d done with film. That didn’t make me happy, though.
I was in a snit that the deep sky images I was able to obtain were far worse
than what I could do with film. I put the MX516 in its case where it stayed for
about a year.

If you’ve
been in our avocation since 2003, you know the big story of that yeear: MARS. In 2003, the Angry Red Planet was bigger than it had been in many a long century and
bigger than it would be for eons to come. We all wanted to spend the year
gazing at the red planet, and many of us, me for instance, wanted to take
pictures of it. This was a once in a lifetime chance, and I didn't want to
screw up.

Film was
out. Film exposures of even bright Jupiter take too long. Detail is blurred.
Oh, you might get hints of cloud bands, but most of the time Jupe would look
like a custard pie. Mars would be worse. It would be bright at the 2003
opposition, but its surface features would be even subtler than Jupiter’s
cloud bands. If not film, what? The MX516? Maybe, but I was not overly fond of
the camera after that long summer of my discontent. Then I began hearing about
a third way, webcams, and, especially, a professionally modified webcam, the SAC 7B.

I was aware
of the webcam planetary imaging revolution by this time. Amateurs had found
that if they took the little video cameras—that were originally intended for
video conferencing and were often used for (ahem) more interesting purposes—and stacked the many frames they produced into
a finished image, the level of detail they brought back was amazing. Their
small chips with tiny pixels were perfect for producing high-resolution
planetary images.

I ordered a
cheap Quickcam off eBay as a test, and found the combination of it and an
easy to use stacking program I’d discovered, Registax, got me the best close-up
Moon pictures of my life. Not only was the camera cheap and easy to use, it
delivered color images. Only downchecks? It’s 320x240 pictures were even
smaller than those produced by the MX5. The Quickcam was also not near
sensitive enough to capture deep sky objects. Then I heard about SAC.

When I first
heard “SAC” I thought of the Strategic Air Command. “SAC” in this
case couldn’t have stood for something more different. The maker of the camera
had apparently been a Christian music promoter who’d been involved in a music festival
of that genre, the “Sonfest.” He was now, it seemed, dividing his time between
managing a motel down in Melbourne, Flordia and producing SAC cameras “Sonfest
Astronomical Cameras.”

The model
that most interested me was their top of the line, the 7b. It was a converted
Phillips or Quickcam webcam that had the ability to do long exposures for the
deep sky. It was also equipped with a Peltier cooler and fan to keep the noise
down. It was color, and produced images that, while not huge, 640x480, were
still bigger than what I got with the darned MX516. All for the comparatively
modest price of $499.00.

The problem
was that I didn't have a bill with a picture of old Bill McKinley on it in my
wallet. The solution? Simple: the MX516
would have to go on the Astromart. I put it up, asked for a reasonable amount
of bucks, just enough to cover the 7b with some left over for a couple of
bottles of Rebel Yell, and crossed
my fingers. Wasn't long before I got a bite, and the MX5 was off to a new home.
Was I sorry to see it go? Not a bit. There were some good things about the
camera, but I never made friends with it. Today, I consider the SAC 7b to be my
first CCD.

Compared to
the MX5, the coming of the SAC7b went smoothly. Took a little while to get it
from its garage-style maker, but I’d expected that and the wait was not bad.
When it did arrive, just as Mars was beginning to grow, it was an immediate
success. The camera was, like the MX5, equipped with a nosepiece that slid into
the Meade flip mirror’s camera port. From experimenting with the Quickcam, I
knew the flip mirror would be vital for finding planets, and would work just
fine without that f/3.3 reducer in the imaging train.

“Once
burned” was my middle name when it came to this electronic imaging stuff, so I
had the good sense to start out simple with the SAC. I left the long exposure
cable and the Peltier cooler for later and aimed the scope at the Moon. While
the SAC had come with a CCD full of image acquisition and processing software,
I found a program I liked better for camera control, Peter Katreniak’s K3CCD tools.
The K3CCD software was designed with astronomy in mind and could control both standard
webcams and modified long-exposure ones like the SAC 7b.

Even before
I ran my lunar videos through Registax,
I knew the SAC was a winner for Solar System imaging. So encouraged was Unk by
what he saw on the monitor that he removed the camera from the flip mirror
plugged into the NexStar 11, Big Bertha, and added a Barlow lens ahead of it.
The picture of Copernicus that resulted after I stacked with Registax and tweaked with Paint Shop Pro was the kind of Moon
picture I’d been dreaming of since I was knee high to a grasshopper. One thing
that helped one heck of a lot? Having a laptop computer. No more toting a
19-inch CRT into the backyard!

Mars was a
revelation. The bigger it got, the better my pictures got. The polar caps were
nothing. I began getting the legendary dark areas in astounding detail. Then
Olympus Mons and its fellow shield volcanoes swam into view. When Mars attained
its max diameter, I was even able to pick out a smudge that might have been a sign
of a particularly large crater in the “armpit” of Syrtis Major.

I stared at
Mars night after night on my monitor and it stared back at me with its baleful
eye, Solis Lacus. Today, imagers using sophisticated planetary cameras, the
souped-up descendants of my humble SAC 7, are far exceeding my paltry efforts.
Still, as one of my colleagues at Sky and
Telescope pointed out recently when I resurrected one of my Mars images for
an article in S&T’s Skywatch, my
2003 images showed more detail than had been achieved by the largest professional
scopes in the film days.

I didn’t
stop at Mars; I headed deeper into the Solar System. What the SAC could do with
Jupiter (well, with the aid of the incredible Registax) on a steady night amazed me. Yes, the MX5 had shown some detail, but not this much detail, and it was in color.
Saturn was next and not only did the SAC 7 allow me to see disk details that
I’d struggled to see visually, it
brought back the Encke Minima, the narrow zone around the Encke Gap at the
rings’ edge that I’d only seen visually once or twice in my entire observing
career.

“But how
about the deep sky, Unk? Ain’t that why you started with the CCD stuff in the
first place?” A few users were working wonders with the SAC on the deep sky
when it was in its heyday, and while my efforts on bright Messiers were not
great, the camera had at least a little potential there, and I was able to accomplish more with it than I had with the MX5. The main strike against it was that
that chip was just too tiny to be well-suited for deep space imaging.

That was OK,
I learned a lot with the SAC, and that helped me finally get somewhere with
electronic imaging with my next camera, the Meade DSI, without much heartburn at
all. What I learned with the SAC even stood me in good stead when I moved up to
an SBIG ST2000 and a Canon DSLR.

So, whatever
happened to SAC? They’ve been gone for years. Ironically, it was not a lack of
success, but too much of it that apparently killed them. That, surprisingly, is
often what does in small businesses. SAC had a hit with the follow-on to the
SAC 7, the SAC 8, which was more a genuine CCD camera than a webcam. So popular
was it that Orion, I’m told, contracted to sell the SAC 8 under its brand name.
In the course of trying to keep up with demand from Orion and produce the BIG CHIP
camera it was promising SAC users, the SAC 10, out the door, the enterprise
stalled and crashed.

The SAC7b
with its tin can body was in some ways a silly little camera when compared to
the beautifully executed MX516. Anybody looking at the two would have had the
impression that the Starlight Xpress was better.
Maybe it was, but the SAC was the better camera for me. I have no hard feelings about Starlight Xpress; they
continue in business and produce excellent CCD cameras. And I guess I learned a
considerable amount in the time I owned the MX516—call it the school of hard
knocks. Still, the SAC 7b was really my first camera. I loved it,
still have it, and even still use it on the planets on occasion. You cannot
beat that, muchachos.

2018 Update

Crescent Nebula with the DSI

Not a lot more need be said about the Starlight Express, the SAC 7, and my early days of electronic imaging that are, amazingly, nearly 20 years in the past. Then as now, hindsight is 20-20, and, yes, I should have begun with a set if digital setting circle and the SAC 7. I was not ashamed to admit my error, though, including to myself, and soon had things put right. Not long after that amazing Mars apparition, I removed the Ultima 8 from her fork mount, bought a goto mount, my beloved CG5, and, using Meade's DSI camera, I finally began making CCD progress. I did keep the SAC 7 (I still have it), which I continued to use as my planet-cam. After cutting my teeth on the DSI for a bit, I was onto an ST2000, and, then, Canon DSLRs, which are what I mostly use for imaging even to this day.

Great post, Unk. I entered the astronomy gig later in life so I never experienced the nights of film astrophotography. But, I have experienced many of the same frustrations with the ccd's and DSLR's. My images, while okay for my non-astronomy friends, aren't where I want them to be yet....I still keep chugging along. Hope to meet up in Chief land again sometime soon.(Tom)


Women's tech conferences: Don't ask about work-life balance

When Nancy Lublin and Caterina Fake, both CEOs of tech startups, agreed to speak at Vanity Fair's Founders Fair, they made a deal. If the moderator asked them about how they balance home life and work life, they'd walk off stage.

"I hate women's conferences," Lublin, CEO and founder of Crisis Text Line, said a few days before the one-day conference aimed at women founders and entrepreneurs.

Founders Fair, which took place Thursday in Brooklyn, New York, is the latest event geared toward women in entrepreneurship. As the industry laments how few women work in the field, let alone start businesses, these types of events have become a regular occurrence.

There's debate about the effectiveness of women's conferences, though. Some question what the impacts are once attendees walk out the door. Others argue there's great merit in finding inspiration and even guidance in the stories of others. Regardless, women's conferences might just be a stopgap until other conferences include a broader range of attendees and speakers.

The Vanity Fair event featured sessions on getting funding, building brand loyalty, engaging in serial entrepreneurship and more. The speakers included actress Reese Witherspoon, fashion designer Tory Burch, the co-chairs of the Women's March on Washington, and Sasheer Zamata of "Saturday Night Live."

Though the sessions focused on industry topics, every so often speakers dipped into gender talk. Witherspoon discussed her experience starting a production company to tell women's stories and feeling like she wasn't immediately taken seriously.

"You have to prove yourself twice as hard; it takes twice as long," she said.

VC firm Aspect Ventures co-founder and managing partner Theresia Gouw talked about not only general funding advice but also how she's noticed that women founders tend to undersell the potential of their companies.

The lineup and concept was enough to draw some 250 people. Lublin said she'd consider the event a success if attendees walked away with a new investment, a new idea or a new relationship.

Getting inspired

Lublin isn't down on women's conferences for the sake of it. She's attended quite a few, but ultimately, she said, they run the risk of preaching to the choir.

"It's the same people saying the same thing every time, to the same audience, and everybody just nodding their head and agreeing," Lublin said, "which is to me not really an opportunity to learn or to change anything." She'd prefer to see a more diverse audience, including people who don't automatically buy that there's a diversity problem.

Likely, the women at VF's Founders Fair have some concept of this, though the ways women frame the situation differs.

Gina Bianchini, CEO of social network Mighty Networks, said she disliked the idea of Silicon Valley as an institution, as if it's got a king issuing edicts.

"This notion that it's this thing that's doing something to us, I just have a problem with," she said during a session.

On the flip side, there's something to be said for getting people together.

Shan-lyn Ma, founder and CEO of wedding registry service Zola, who also spoke at Founders Fair, said she's a big believer in the adage "you can't be what you can't see," and a women's conference is a pretty good spot to see that there are, in fact, women finding success in the industry.

"The sad reality is that there's few of us to start with," Ma said. "So it's exciting to be at any gathering where we can together talk frankly about the challenges of founding a startup."

Uncertain future

Kathryn Harris, president of professional organization Women in Technology, which puts on events of its own, hopes these types of gatherings help women take a next step in whatever they're doing, be it through a new piece of advice, or a connection with someone in the industry.

"It allows women to get that little bit more inspiration and camaraderie that gives them the oomph to say 'Hey, I can do this,'" she said.

That is, at least, for now.

The future of women's conferences is uncertain. Some see them as a temporary measure until a time when conferences are more inclusive.

"Ideally, you'd just want a technical conference," said Catherine Ashcraft, senior research scientist for the National Center for Women and Information and Technology. "You'd make active efforts to include currently underrepresented groups in it so that it becomes an inclusive conference, rather than these segmented conferences."

In the meantime, there are a few tweaks Ashcraft would like to see. In general, she worries about the damage that could come from treating women like a monolithic group and from acting as though women need to be fixed in order for them to make it in a man's world. And yes, there's too much focus on the issue of work-life balance.

As for Founders Fair, Lublin felt it "bust[ed] up the women's conference mold" with frank discussions that dodged the work-life balance trap.

"The only hint that this was different from other gatherings? Long line for the potty," she said.

Updated, 1:23 pm PT:Adds additional comment from Nancy Lublin.

Solving for XX: The industry seeks to overcome outdated ideas about "women in tech."

CNET Magazine: Check out a sampling of the stories you'll find in CNET's newsstand edition.


492 So.2d 297 (1986)
LAWLER MOBILE HOMES, INC., and Kemper Lawler
v.
McArthur TARVER.
84-1140.
Supreme Court of Alabama.
May 16, 1986.
*299 James L. Martin, Eufaula, for appellants.
Louis C. Rutland and Lynn W. Jinks III, Union Springs, for appellee.
SHORES, Justice.
This is an appeal from a judgment entered after a jury verdict in favor of plaintiff McArthur Tarver against defendants Lawler Mobile Homes, Inc., and Kemper Lawler.
On or about August 22, 1983, Tarver and his family (including his common-law wife, Rita Allen), went to a mobile home lot owned and operated by Lawler Mobile Homes, Inc. (corporation). There they met a salesman, Wayne Wilkes, who was an employee of the corporation. Wilkes showed Tarver and his family around the lot, and soon thereafter they found a mobile home that they expressed an interest *300 in purchasing. After some discussion about the monthly payments and the down payment, Wilkes asked Tarver to leave a cash deposit while he submitted a credit application on Tarver. Tarver gave Wilkes $100.00 in cash and then signed a document entitled "A Plain Language Purchase Agreement." The document contained a description of the make and serial number of the mobile home to be purchased, the dimensions of the mobile home, the fact that it was a used home, and a notation of a $100.00 deposit. The document did not state the sales price, interest rate, or monthly payments.
Wilkes then signed the document. He signed where an officer of the corporation usually signed; however, Wilkes was not an officer of the corporation, nor was he ever given the express authority to sign on behalf of the corporation. The purchase agreement stated that it was "[n]ot valid unless signed and accepted by an Officer of the Company."
After Wilkes and Tarver signed the purchase agreement, Wilkes told Tarver that he would call him back when he received the result of Tarver's credit application. Tarver and his wife testified that three days later Wilkes called, informing them that Tarver's credit application had been approved (this is denied by Wilkes), and that they should bring Wilkes $700.00 more to complete the down payment. Tarver then brought Wilkes the additional $700.00, which Wilkes noted on the previously executed purchase agreement. Tarver claims that Wilkes also told Tarver that the purchase price of the mobile home was "about eighteen thousand dollars, and the monthly payment would be about two hundred" but that "he didn't know exactly till he got the financial paperwork on it." Wilkes then told Tarver to expect delivery of the home in approximately two weeks.
After two weeks had gone by, Tarver contacted Wilkes by phone. Wilkes informed him that there had been a small delay because certain paperwork concerning the mobile home had not come back yet. Wilkes again promised that the mobile home would be delivered and that Lawler Mobile Homes would bring it the next day. Tarver was instructed by Wilkes to wait at a certain location so that he (Tarver) could meet the delivery truck to show the crew where to put the mobile home. Tarver followed Wilkes's instructions and waited all morning. When the mobile home did not arrive, Tarver called Wilkes and received the explanation that the truck had broken down, but was assured that the mobile home would be brought that afternoon. Again Tarver waited and, again, the mobile home was not delivered. This was the beginning of a series of excuses, delays, and deceptions that would last for a period of almost four months. The record shows that Tarver and his wife made numerous calls to Wilkes and made numerous trips to the mobile home lot in their efforts to obtain their mobile home. On numerous occasions, Tarver or his wife waited at a particular location, as instructed by Wilkes, for delivery of the mobile home. On each such occasion, Tarver would receive some excuse from Wilkes as to why the mobile home was not being delivered. Finally, it became obvious that the mobile home was not going to be delivered, and Tarver sought the assistance of counsel.
Tarver's attorney sent defendant Kemper Lawler, an officer, stockholder, and director of the corporation, a letter concerning this matter, and it is Lawler's contention that this was the first time he learned of Tarver's situation. Wilkes, on the other hand, testified on deposition (which was read to the jury, since Wilkes was incarcerated at the time of trial) that Lawler was aware of the situation, and that he had instructed Wilkes to keep putting Tarver off when Tarver would inquire about delivery of the mobile home, because Lawler was "`trying to get it handled'" and because "`we don't make nothing giving a man his money back.'" Tarver testified that he had not personally dealt with Lawler in regard to the purchase of the mobile home. Rather, all of his interactions were with Wilkes. Tarver testified that he discussed the matter with Lawler *301 only after his attorney had contacted Lawler.
Although the record is not entirely clear, it appears that at the time Lawler received the letter from Tarver's attorney, Lawler had investigated and discovered that Wilkes had taken deposits from other customers. Lawler and another employee testified that they had searched the corporation's receipt books and discovered that Wilkes had not written receipts for the money he had taken from these customers, as corporate policy required. Upon being confronted with this information, Wilkes wrote out a list of people from whom he had taken money and the amounts taken. The amounts totaled $8,510.00, and included in the list was Tarver's $800.00. Lawler fired Wilkes and turned this information over to the local law enforcement authorities. Wilkes was indicted on two counts of theft in the third degree, one of which was based on Lawler's property. Wilkes pleaded guilty to both charges, and was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $8,510.00, which included Tarver's $800.00. Wilkes denied taking Tarver's money and claimed that he pleaded guilty to avoid the possibility of a jury convictionhe said he was on probation at the time of this occurrence and was concerned about a possible habitual offender status.
The corporation eventually refunded $12,000.00 to $15,000.00 to customers who had given Wilkes their deposits.
In January of 1984, Tarver filed this action in circuit court. He named Lawler Mobile Homes, Inc., as a defendant, and by subsequent amendment he added Kemper Lawler. After several amendments, Tarver's complaint alleged breach of contract, including a claim for damages for mental anguish as a result of a breach of contract, misrepresentation, money had and received, and conspiracy. Prior to trial, the corporation and Lawler filed motions for summary judgment and for change of venue, which were denied.
The case was tried before a jury in Union Springs, Bullock County, Alabama. Lawler and the corporation moved for a directed verdict at the close of Tarver's evidence and at the close of all the evidence, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence as to each count asserted against each defendant. The trial judge denied these motions for directed verdict. The jury returned a verdict in the amount of $1,250,000.00 against both Lawler and the corporation. Lawler and the corporation thereupon moved for a new trial or, in the alternative, JNOV, and the trial court found the verdict rendered to be excessive by the amount of $994,000.00. The trial judge then conditionally granted the motion for new trial unless Tarver remitted all damages in excess of $256,000.00 and agreed to a reduction of the judgment to $256,000.00, in which event the motion for new trial would be denied. Tarver agreed to the reduction; the motion for new trial was denied.
On appeal, the issues are: (1) Whether the trial court erred in not granting the corporation's motion for change of venue; (2) whether the trial court erred in not granting Lawler's and the corporation's motion for summary judgment; (3) whether there was insufficient evidence to submit to the jury the issues of whether Lawler and the corporation were guilty of breach of contract, misrepresentation, and conspiracy; (4) whether there was insufficient evidence to submit to the jury the issue of damages for mental anguish under the breach of contract count; and (5) whether the trial court should have granted Lawler's and the corporation's motion for new trial or, in the alternative, JNOV on the ground that the verdict was the result of bias, passion, and prejudice.
At the outset, we agree with defendant Lawler that a directed verdict should have been entered in his favor on the contract count. There is not a scintilla of evidence that he was a party to the contract in issue. Tarver testified that the only person he ever had any dealings with concerning the purchase of the mobile home was Wilkes, the salesman. Therefore, it was error to submit the breach of contract count against Lawler to the jury. Since the jury rendered a general verdict *302 against Lawler (and the corporation), and we are unable to determine upon which count(s) the jury based its verdict, we reverse and remand for a new trial as to Lawler. The remainder of this opinion is devoted to the issues raised by the corporation, and for the reasons discussed herein, the judgment against the corporation is affirmed.

I.
The corporation contends that the trial court abused its discretion in denying its motion for change of venue.
The denial of a motion for a change of venue in a civil action is not such a ruling of the trial court as may be reviewed by this Court on an appeal from a final judgment in the cause. NYTCO Services, Inc. v. Wilson, 351 So.2d 875 (Ala.1977); Mathis v. Board of School Commissioners of Mobile County, 289 Ala. 552, 268 So.2d 822 (1972). The proper method for obtaining review of a trial court's ruling on a motion for a change of venue is by a writ of mandamus. Ex parte Tidwell Industries, Inc., 480 So.2d 1201 (Ala.1985); Mathis, supra; International Union, United Automobile, Aircraft and Agr. Implement Workers of America v. Palmer, 267 Ala. 683, 104 So.2d 691 (1958). Therefore, we cannot review this contention here.

II.
The corporation's second contention is that the trial court erred in denying its motion for summary judgment.
Rule 56(e), A.R.Civ.P., provides in part:
"When a motion for summary judgment is made and supported as provided in this rule, an adverse party may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of his pleading, but his response, by affidavits or as otherwise provided in this rule, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. If he does not so respond, summary judgment, if appropriate, shall be entered against him."
Tarver did not file any affidavits or other testimony in opposition to the motion. As noted in the last sentence of Rule 56(e), summary judgment can be entered against him only if "appropriate." This Court has said, considering the question of the appropriateness of summary judgment:
"In determining whether a summary judgment is proper, the ultimate question is whether there remains a genuine issue of material fact, and if there is one, summary judgment is inappropriate, Rule 56(e) ARCP; 6 Moore's Fed. Prac., par. 56.15 (2nd ed. 1971). Put in another way, `[W]here the evidentiary matter in support of the motion does not establish the absence of a genuine issue, summary judgment must be denied even if no opposing evidentiary matter is presented.'"
First National Bank of Birmingham v. Culberson, 342 So.2d 347, 351 (Ala.1977). We have also held that the scintilla rule applies to motions for summary judgment. Summary judgment should not be granted if there is a scintilla of evidence supporting the position of the non-movant. Silk v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc., 437 So.2d 112 (Ala.1983).
The corporation's motion for summary judgment was based upon the pleadings and depositions on file with the trial court. Included were the depositions of Tarver, Rita Allen (his wife), and Wilkes. Having reviewed these depositions, we conclude that material issues of fact were presented for jury consideration. The evidentiary matter in support of the motion did not establish the absence of a genuine issue. First National Bank of Birmingham, supra.
First, contrary to the corporation's assertion that a contract was never created, we find that both Tarver's and his wife's depositions presented at least a scintilla of evidence that a contract to buy and to sell a mobile home was entered into. (The evidence in support of this finding is discussed under the issues concerning the directed verdict motion.)
*303 Second, there was evidence in the depositions supporting Tarver's count for misrepresentation. The alleged misrepresentations were that Tarver would receive the mobile home within a reasonable time from the date of the contract, and that Tarver was promised and assured that financing had been obtained for the purchase price of the mobile home.
Tarver and Allen testified that when they decided to purchase the mobile home, Wilkes asked them to fill out a credit application, and that he told them that he would call them in several days to let them know if their credit had been approved. Allen testified that several days later she received a call from Wilkes, in which he said, "I called to let y'all know that you got your home." She also stated that he told her that "he needed the other money because he got the home financed." The record indicates that financing was never obtained.
After Tarver brought the additional money that Wilkes requested, he and Allen were told that they had to wait for some more paperwork. Allen testified that eventually the papers came, and that she and Tarver went to sign them. Wilkes then told them to expect delivery of the mobile home in several weeks. Allen and Tarver testified that they never received the mobile home. At one point, they noticed that the mobile home was gone from the corporation's lot. Tarver testified that Wilkes told him "that Mr. Lawler said what he could do was give us another mobile home instead of the mobile home because something had went [sic] wrong with that mobile home." Allen testified that Wilkes told her that the mobile home had been sold to someone else.
These depositions presented at least a scintilla of evidence supporting Tarver's count against the corporation for misrepresentation.
We also find a scintilla of evidence supporting the conspiracy count against the corporation. Wilkes testified in his deposition that Lawler instructed him to keep putting Tarver off. This is evidence of a conspiracy among Wilkes, Lawler, and the corporation to wrongfully deprive Tarver of his right to the mobile home. (The question of the corporation's liability based on a conspiracy theory is considered in the next section.)

III.
The corporation's third contention is that there was insufficient evidence to submit to the jury the issues of whether it was guilty of (a) breach of contract, (b) misrepresentation, and (c) conspiracy; and, therefore, that its motion for directed verdict as to these counts should have been granted. We disagree.
Whether sufficient conflicting evidence exists to warrant consideration by a jury is determined by testing the evidence against the "scintilla rule," which requires that a question go to the jury if the evidence, or any reasonable inference arising therefrom, furnishes the smallest trace, or a scintilla, in support of the theory of the complaint. Warren v. Ousley, 440 So.2d 1034 (Ala.1983); Alabama Power Co. v. Taylor, 293 Ala. 484, 306 So.2d 236 (1975). When a motion for directed verdict is tested against the scintilla rule, the reviewing court must view all the evidence in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Martin v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins. Co., 456 So.2d 62 (Ala.1984). Granting the motion is proper "only where there is a complete absence of proof on a material issue or where there were no controverted questions of fact on which reasonable people could differ." Deaton, Inc. v. Burroughs, 456 So.2d 771 (Ala.1984).
We now turn to each count.

Breach of Contract
The corporation contends that there was no contract; therefore, it says, it could not be guilty of breach of contract.
The elements of a contract are agreement, consideration, two or more contracting parties, legal object, and capacity. Freeman v. First State Bank of Albertville, 401 So.2d 11 (Ala.1981).
*304 After reviewing the record before us, we find that there was evidence of a contract.
Tarver went to the corporation's lot in search of a mobile home. There he entered into discussions with the corporation's salesman, Wilkes. There was evidence that Wilkes agreed to sell and Tarver agreed to buy a particular mobile home. The condition that Wilkes had to first secure financing for Tarver was apparently met. Both Tarver and Allen testified that they had been assured several times that financing had been obtained for Tarver. The record indicates that the price and monthly payments had been discussed on at least two different occasions and that they were acceptable to Tarver. Tarver and Wilkes signed a document (purchase agreement) which contained a description of the mobile home and its serial number. Tarver gave $800.00 as down payment for the mobile home, and this was noted on the document. There was no contention that anyone lacked the necessary mental capacity to contract. This evidence justified submitting to the jury the issue of whether a contract was formed and, if so, whether it had been breached.
The corporation argues, however, that the purchase agreement could not have been a contract for the following reasons: (1) The document stated that it contained the entire understanding of the parties, but it obviously did not, since it omitted the price and monthly payment terms; (2) the document stated that in order for it to be valid, it had to be signed by a company officer, and Wilkes was not such an officer; and (3) Wilkes was without authority to enter into such a contract on behalf of the corporation.
We first note that a contract may consist of several communications between the parties, some in writing and some oral, each constituting a link in the chain which comprises the entire contract. Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. v. Small, 259 Ala. 171, 65 So.2d 698 (1953). The purchase agreement was not the only evidence of the contract. Subsequent discussions and interactions between Tarver and Wilkes were properly considered and, taken as a whole, were sufficient evidence of a contract to buy and sell a mobile home.
The second and third arguments contesting the existence of a contract are also without merit.
The object of a signature is to show mutuality and assent, which may be shown in other ways, and unless a contract is required by statute to be in writing, it need not be signed, provided it is accepted and acted upon. Paterson & Edey Lumber Co. v. Carolina-Portland Cement Co., 215 Ala. 621, 112 So. 245 (1927); Bell v. Washington, 373 So.2d 865 (Ala.Civ.App. 1979). Whether the contract was accepted and acted upon was a question of fact for the jury to decide. Bell, supra.
With regard to Wilkes's authority (or lack thereof) to contract on behalf of the corporation, we turn to well recognized principles of agency.
An agent's authority to contract on behalf of his principal must be either expressed, implied, or apparent. Patterson v. Page Aircraft Maintenance, Inc., 51 Ala.App. 122, 283 So.2d 433 (Ala.Civ.App.), cert. denied, 291 Ala. 777, 283 So.2d 437 (1973). See also 2A C.J.S. Agency § 146 (1972). There is no contention by Tarver that Wilkes had express authority as an agent of the corporation to contract on its behalf; therefore, such authority must be either apparent or implied.
Apparent authority of an agent arises from the acts of the principal, either by omission or commission, and such authority is implied where the principal passively permits the agent to have the authority to act on his behalf. Treadwell Ford, Inc. v. Courtesy Auto Brokers, Inc., 426 So.2d 859 (Ala.Civ.App.1983).
Wilkes was the sole employee regularly stationed on the lot of the corporation in Phenix City. His job was presumably to show and sell mobile homes for the corporation. The existence and the scope of a principal-agent relationship is normally a question of fact to be determined by the *305 jury. Cooper & Co. v. Bryant, 440 So.2d 1016 (Ala.1983). This case is no exception.
Furthermore, as previously mentioned, there was also evidence before the jury that Lawler, an agent acting on behalf of the corporation, was aware of Wilkes's dealings with Tarver and, in fact, encouraged Wilkes on the transaction in question. A party, by his actions and acceptance of the benefits of a contract and by operating under that contract, may ratify and confirm it, even though his actual signature is not affixed. Rush v. Atomic Electric Co., 384 So.2d 1067 (Ala.1980).
This evidence of Lawler's knowledge and involvement came from Wilkes's deposition, which was read to the jury. Although we are skeptical about Wilkes's credibility, it is not the province or the duty of the appellate court to say what witness is telling the truth or is to be believed. Rather, such a matter is within the exclusive province of the jury. William E. Harden, Inc. v. Harden, 29 Ala.App. 411, 197 So. 94 (1940). Therefore, there was evidence that the corporation, through the actions of its agent, Lawler, ratified the contract entered into by Wilkes, even if Wilkes originally lacked the authority to enter into such a contract. We find no error in the trial judge's denying the corporation's motion for directed verdict on the breach of contract count.

Misrepresentation
Ala.Code 1975, § 6-5-101, provides that "[m]isrepresentations of a material fact made willfully to deceive ... and acted on by the opposite party ... constitute fraud." It is not contested that Tarver suffered from some fraudulent activity by Wilkes. Rather, the corporation argues that it is not liable for such fraud because Wilkes, its employee, was acting solely on personal motives at the time of the commission of the fraud and was, therefore, acting outside the scope of his employment.
A corporation or employer will be liable for the torts of its employee committed while acting in the line and scope of his employment even though the corporation or employer did not authorize or ratify such acts and even if it expressly forbade them. Old Southern Life Ins. Co. v. McConnell, 52 Ala.App. 589, 296 So.2d 183 (Ala.Civ.App.1974). If there is any evidence in the record tending to show directly, or by reasonable inference, that the tortious conduct of the employee was committed while performing duties assigned to him, then it becomes a question for the jury to determine whether he was acting from personal motives having no relationship to the business of the employer. Plaisance v. Yelder, 408 So.2d 136 (Ala.Civ. App.1981); United States Steel Co. v. Butler, 260 Ala. 190, 69 So.2d 685 (1953).
Wilkes, a salesman of mobile homes for the corporation, was at the corporation's place of business selling a mobile home to Tarver at the time the initial misrepresentations were made. At all times pertinent to the facts of this case, he was operating as a salesman for the corporation. There was also evidence of other fraudulent (criminal) acts by Wilkes, which indicated that he was motivated by personal considerations bearing no relation to the corporation's business. The conflicting inferences arising from the testimony considered as a whole presented a question for the jurywhether Wilkes was acting within the scope of his employment so as to make the corporation liable for the fraud. Plaisance, supra.
Furthermore, even if the fraud was initially beyond the scope of the agent's authority, the employer will be liable where the fraud is ratified. Shelton v. Duncan, 385 So.2d 1329 (Ala.Civ.App. 1980). As previously mentioned, there was evidence from which the jury could conclude that Lawler, an agent for the corporation, ratified the fraud when, according to Wilkes, he instructed Wilkes to keep putting Tarver off.

Conspiracy
The substantive tort of conspiracy consists of the following elements:

*306 "the combination of two or more persons to do (a) something that is unlawful, oppressive, or immoral; or (b) something that is not unlawful, oppressive, or immoral, by unlawful, oppressive, or immoral means; or (c) something that is unlawful, oppressive, or immoral, by unlawful, oppressive, or immoral means."
Snyder v. Faget, 295 Ala. 197, 201, 326 So.2d 113, 116 (1976), quoting Barber v. Stephenson, 260 Ala. 151, 155, 69 So.2d 251, 254 (1953).
As we have stated, there was evidence that there was a combination of at least three persons, Wilkes, Lawler, and the corporation, to continue to deceive Tarver into thinking that his mobile home would soon be delivered. Such deceit would be unlawful, oppressive, and immoral.
Furthermore, we have recognized that a corporation may be liable for damage to a third person resulting from a conspiracy where two or more of its agents participated in the conspiracy. See American Pioneer Life Ins. Co. v. Sandlin, 470 So.2d 657 (Ala.1985). We find no error with the submission to the jury of the conspiracy count against the corporation.

IV.
The corporation contends that there was insufficient evidence to submit to the jury the issue of damages for mental anguish under the breach of contract count.
In Alabama, the general rule is that mental anguish is not a recoverable element of damages arising from a breach of contract. B & M Homes, Inc. v. Hogan, 376 So.2d 667 (Ala.1979); Sanford v. Western Life Ins. Co., 368 So.2d 260 (Ala.1979). This Court, however, has traditionally recognized certain exceptions to this rule. Where the subject matter of the contract is so closely associated with matters of mental concern, or with the emotions of the party to whom the duty is owed, that a breach of that duty can reasonably be expected to result in mental anguish or suffering, damages to compensate for this may be awarded. B & M Homes, Inc., supra; Hill v. Sereneck, 355 So.2d 1129 (Ala.Civ.App.1978); Southern Ry. Co. v. Rowe, 198 Ala. 353, 73 So. 634 (1915).
Damages for mental anguish, inconvenience, and annoyance resulting from a contract relating to the construction of a home were allowed in both Hill v. Sereneck, supra, and B & M Homes, Inc., supra.
In the case at bar, Tarver testified that prior to his contact with Lawler Mobile Homes, Inc., he and his wife and five children had lived in a mobile home, but lost it as a result of a fire. They were forced to move in with Tarver's cousin until they could obtain substitute housing. Tarver testified that he immediately looked for a new mobile home and found one at Lawler Mobile Homes, Inc. He testified that for approximately four months he tried to obtain possession of the mobile home. He and his wife made numerous calls and trips to the corporation's place of business in their repeated attempts to get their mobile home. Tarver testified that he missed work while waiting on numerous occasions for delivery of the mobile home, and that his and his wife's frustration increased with the repeated excuses and continuous disappointments. Tarver testified that he became the subject of joking and derision among his friends as they saw him waiting on numerous occasions for the delivery of the mobile home.
This evidence supported submission to the jury of the claim for damages for mental anguish under the breach of contract count. The evidence, if believed, supports the fact that it was reasonably foreseeable by the corporation that the withholding of Tarver's family home, particularly the manner in which it was withheld, would cause severe mental anguish, inconvenience, and annoyance. Thus, this case is indistinguishable on this issue from B & M Homes, Inc., supra. See also, Alabama Power Co. v. Harmon, 483 So.2d 386 (Ala.1986).

V.
The final question we address is whether the trial court should have granted *307 the corporation's motion for new trial or, in the alternative, JNOV on the ground that the verdict was the result of bias, passion, and prejudice. The corporation argues that the speed in which the jury returned its verdict, less than fifteen minutes, and the fact that it was in the exact amount sued for, $1,250,000.00, shows that the verdict was the result of bias, prejudice, and passion.
In Crum v. McGhee, 289 Ala. 244, 266 So.2d 855, 860 (1972), we held that "[t]he mere fact alone, without more, that the jury returned a verdict in the exact amount sued for is not, of itself, evidence of prejudice, passion, partiality or corruption so as to authorize our finding that the verdict is excessive."
Furthermore, where the trial court has ordered a remittitur and refused to grant a new trial, as in the case at bar, there is a favorable presumption as to the correctness of the amount of the judgment in the sum finally awarded. Holcombe v. Whitaker, 294 Ala. 430, 318 So.2d 289 (1975); Central of Georgia Ry. Co. v. Steed, 287 Ala. 64, 69, 248 So.2d 110, 114 (1971).
"`And whether this court should further reduce the verdict or set the verdict aside involves a review of trial court's judgment based upon his observation of all the witnesses who testified in the case and other incidents of the trial which cannot be reflected in the transcript and which are not available for observation by us.'"
Central of Georgia Ry. Co., supra (quoting Airheart v. Green, 267 Ala. 689, 104 So.2d 687 (1958)).
We have carefully studied the entire record, and, being mindful of the presumption of correctness of the trial judge's order of remittitur and denial of new trial, we decline to order a further reduction or to order a new trial as to the corporation.
For the reasons assigned, we reverse and remand for a new trial as to defendant Lawler. As to the corporation, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
AFFIRMED IN PART; REVERSED IN PART; AND REMANDED.
MADDOX, JONES, BEATTY and ADAMS, JJ., concur.


With Avengers: Endgame finally hit the cinemas yesterday, MCU fans all over the world are excited to finally witness the culmination of a decade-long series.

Apart from the mind-blowing excitement, another feeling that is taking over the minds of fans is the fear of coming across a spoiler.

The fear is so real, that even our superheroes and the creators of the franchise publicly put out a warning with #DontSpoilTheEndgame.

Many have even taken to Twitter to put out their own disclaimers. One such hilarious warning is going viral online and it is the best thing you will read today.

View image on Twitter

A Twitter user called @kamiilious took to the social networking platform yesterday to post a warning posted by her teacher, a die-hard Marvel comics fan, outside his class.

The viral notice he put outside his classroom read, “My little brother is in Tampa on a business trip. I am waiting until her gets back to see Avengers: Endgame. That will be Wednesday night at the SOONEST. DO NOT discuss ANYTHING about it anywhere near my classroom UNTIL THIS SIGN COMES DOWN. You know how much I love Marvel Comics. So help me Jeebus, if any one of you spoils a single frame of this movie for me, I promise I will make you wish that Thanos snapped you narrow a**.”

At the time of writing this article, the tweet already had 63,793 retweets 250,313 likes.

After the woman shared her teachers notice online, fans all over couldn’t help but relate to his feelings and praised his efforts.