/// <summary>
 /// event handler for menu item search
 /// </summary>
 /// <param name="sender"></param>
 /// <param name="e"></param>
 private void SearchMenuItem_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
 {
     try{
         controller.openSearchWindow(this);
     }
     catch (Exception ex) {
         HandleError(MethodInfo.GetCurrentMethod().DeclaringType.Name,
                     MethodInfo.GetCurrentMethod().Name, ex.Message);
     }
 }