If you can make these cells fire in a specific fashion, the brain will process the information coming through the optic nerve as vision. You can mimic it by exciting remaining, healthy layers of neurons with current pulses.

The idea is to give back some of the freedom and independence that the blind have lost, like being able to cross the street and eventually maybe read a newspaper with large print. Our first goal is to make daily life easier, to detect edges and motion.

Everyone knew they had to come together. We knew we had to step up and compensate for the fire and energy that Scotty brings. We filled his role by committee.

All that information is put in one place that's easy to access and in an organized fashion so that they have the tools if they need to advocate on their child's behalf right there if they need them.

We'll be putting a list of the items on our Web site soon. In the meantime, more information is available at the California Integrated Waste Management Board and Department of Toxic Substances Control Web sites.

Rankings don't mean anything to me, but it was fuel for the fire for our guys and I hope they go in with a chip on their shoulder, because I know we're talented enough to win the whole thing. However, you have to earn respect, it's not given to you, so we have to go earn it.