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Patent application title: Opportunistic Multitasking
Michael Van Milligan (San Francisco, CA, US)
Thomas B. Duffy, Jr. (San Francisco, CA, US)
Eric Albert (Mountain View, CA, US)
Damien Sorresso (San Francisco, CA, US)
Neil G. Crane (San Francisco, CA, US)
Lucia Ballard (San Francisco, CA, US)
Cahya Masputra (San Jose, CA, US)
Cahya Masputra (San Jose, CA, US)
Apple Inc.
IPC8 Class: AH04L1266FI
USPC Class:
Class name: Multiplex communications pathfinding or routing combined circuit switching and packet switching
Publication date: 2011-10-13
Patent application number: 20110249668
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Services for a personal electronic device are provided through which a
form of background processing or multitasking is supported. The disclosed
services permit user applications to take advantage of background
processing without significant negative consequences to a user's
experience of the foreground process or the personal electronic device's
power resources. To effect the disclosed multitasking, one or more of a
number of operational restrictions may be enforced. By way of example,
inactive network applications (e.g., VOIP applications) may be placed in
a suspended state until a message is received targeting the application
(e.g., an incoming phone call or a heartbeat needed message). The user
application may be placed into the background state to respond to the
message and then returned to the non-active state (e.g., if the message
was a heartbeat needed) message or to the foreground state if appropriate
(e.g., the user elects to answer the incoming call).
1. A multitasking method, comprising: initiating a first user Voice Over
Internet Protocol (VOIP) application at a first time; instantiating one
or more communication sockets for the first user VOIP application;
placing the first user VOIP application into a non-executing state at a
second time; receiving a notification associated with the one or more
communication sockets at a third time; placing the first user VOIP
application into a background state in response to the received
notification; and returning the first user VOIP application to the
non-executing state after the first user VOIP application has responded
to the notification, wherein, the first time precedes the second time and
the second time precedes the third time.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-executing state is selected from the group consisting of: suspended state and hibernated state.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the act of placing the first user VOIP application in a non-executing state comprises placing the first user VOIP application into a suspended state.
4. A program storage device, readable by a programmable control device, comprising instructions stored therein for causing the programmable control device to perform the method of claim 1.
5. A personal hand-held electronic device, comprising: memory; a receiver operatively coupled to the memory; a transmitter operatively coupled to the memory; and a programmable control device operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute instructions stored therein, said instructions for causing the programmable control device to-- initiate a first user Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) application at a first time; instantiate one or more communication sockets for the first user VOIP application; place the first user VOIP application into a non-executing state at a second time; receive a notification associated with the one or more communication sockets at a third time; place the first user VOIP application into a background state in response to the received notification; and return the first user VOIP application to the non-executing state after the first user VOIP application has responded to the notification, wherein, the first time precedes the second time and the second time precedes the third time.
6. A hand-held digital device multitasking method, comprising: instantiating, at a first time, at least one Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) socket for a first user application; placing, at a second time, the first user application into a suspended state; receiving, at a third time, a message for the first user application; placing, at a fourth time, the first user application into a background state; delivering, at a fifth time, the message to the first user application; receiving, at a sixth time, notification from the first user application that is has responded to the message; and placing, at a seventh time, the first user application into the suspended state.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the message comprises a heartbeat needed message.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the act of receiving, at a sixth time, notification from the first user application that is has responded to the message comprises displaying a user-interface element for a user, the user-interface element giving the user an option to (i) use or (ii) ignore the first user application.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the act of placing, at a seventh time, the first user application into the suspended state occurs only if the user selects the user-interface option to ignore the first user application, else the first user application is placed into a foreground state.
[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/321,616 entitled "Opportunistic Multitasking" filed Apr. 7, 2010 and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the field of computer science. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a technique for improving the user experience and power management in a personal electronic device.
[0003] Power constrained, hand-held devices (e.g., mobile phones, personal entertainment devices, and electronic pad computers) are resource limited compared to larger, fixed, systems such as desk-top, workstation and notebook computers. In such systems, the computational power available simply cannot support the execution of a large number of concurrent processes/threads without significantly degrading the user experience and consuming the device's limited power resources. In light of this recognition, system designers for these types of devices have traditionally permitted a limited multitasking capability at the operating system level (e.g., for core system functions), but have not supported multitasking at the user application level. While this approach has the benefit of minimizing the drain on the device's limited power resources, it also limits the ability to provide the user (via a user application) with an interactive environment.
[0004] Services for a personal electronic device are provided through which a form of background processing or multitasking is supported. The disclosed services permit user applications to take advantage of background processing without significant negative consequences to a user's experience of the foreground process or the personal electronic device's power resources. Implementation of the disclosed services may be substantially transparent to the executing user applications and, in some cases, may be performed without the user application's explicit cooperation. To effect the disclosed multitasking, a number of operational restrictions may be enforced. A consequence of such restrictions may be that a process will not be able to do in background, what it may be able to do if it were in the foreground.
[0005] In one service, a foreground user application is transitioned to a non-executing state as it is moved out of the foreground state. In another service, a background process is given a maximum amount of time to complete a task before it is transitioned to a non-executing state. In still another service, audio applications (e.g., user applications generating or recording audio signals) are permitted to execute in background until, and unless, they are paused by a user. In yet another service, communication sockets instantiated for a user application may be maintained even if the user application instantiating same, is placed in a non-executing state (e.g., a voice over Internet Protocol user application). One illustrative type of application that can take advantage of this service is voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) user applications. In still other embodiments, user applications are permitted to receive notifications (e.g., location events) when in the non-executing state. Each of the disclosed services relies on or uses one or more restrictions that, in operation, can interfere with or prevent full-time multitasking operations. That is, the disclosed services permit multitasking only when it will not significantly interfere with the foreground process or unduly utilize the personal electronic device's power.
[0006] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative thread scheduling scheme in accordance with one embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows, in flow chart form, a Task Completion service operation in accordance with one embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows, in flow chart form, an Audio service operation in accordance with one embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows, in flow chart form, a VOIP service operation in accordance with one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows, in block diagram form, a personal electronic device in accordance with one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows, in block diagram form, a personal electronic device in accordance with another embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows, in block diagram form, radio and location processing elements in accordance with one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 8 shows, in block diagram form, a personal electronic device in accordance with one embodiment.
[0014] Services for a personal electronic device are provided through which a limited form of background processing or multitasking is supported. Use of one or more of the disclosed services, in combination with disclosed operating restrictions, permit user applications to execute in the background to give the user a robust interactive environment with little impact on the device's power resources. In some embodiments, background processing may be limited to the completion of a specific task, a specified amount of time (e.g., 5-30 minutes) or a particular type of task (e.g., audio operations). In other embodiments a user application may cease operation after notifying the operating system that it may be reanimated on the occurrence of one or more specified events. On reanimation, the application may perform additional operations in background. Implementation of the disclosed services may be substantially transparent to the executing user applications and, in some cases, may be performed without the user application's explicit cooperation.
[0015] As used herein, the phrase "personal electronic device" is a portable hand-held digital device such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a hand-held entertainment device, a pad or tablet computer system or a set top box (e.g., an Apple TV® or cable converter box). (APPLE TV is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.) As used herein, the term "service" refers to a utility, function or program code module that performs some task for a calling process, which has no user interface and which is accessed programmatically through a call interface such as an Application Programming Interface (API).
[0016] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structure and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the invention. References to numbers without subscripts are understood to reference all instance of subscripts corresponding to the referenced number. Moreover, the language used in this disclosure has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter. Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, and multiple references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" should not be understood as necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0017] It will be appreciated that in the development of any actual implementation numerous programming and component decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the personal computational device development field having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0018] To effect background processing or multitasking without significant negative consequences to a user's experience of the foreground process or the personal electronic device's power resources, a number of operational restrictions may be enforced. A consequence of such restrictions may be that a process will not be able to do in background, what it may be able to do if it were in the foreground.
[0019] As used herein, the phrase "foreground process" means that process that currently has access to system resources (e.g., the platform's central processing unit and graphical processing unit) and presents a user interface (UI) or graphical user interface (GUI) to a user. (Accordingly, the "foreground" is a state in which a foreground process executes.) In contrast, a "background process" is a process that may be scheduled to access system resources but which does not currently present a UI/GUI to a user. (Accordingly, the "background" is a state in which a background process executes.) As used herein, the term "process" means a user application. A user application, in turn, is an executable code module(s) that is capable of presenting a UI/GUI.
[0020] Operational Restrictions: The following illustrative list of operational restrictions may be enforced to limit the deleterious effect a background process may have on a foreground process.
[0021] 1. Processor Scheduling. Foreground and background processes may be assigned different processor scheduling "priorities" in such a way that background processes do not interfere with foreground processes. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in operational environments such as UNIX and Mach, processes are not scheduled, threads are. (UNIX is a registered trademark of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company.) It will further be recognized that a thread is that portion of a program, application or process that can run independently of, and concurrently with, other portions of the program, application or process.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment background threads may be assigned a priority from a band of priorities that overlaps in part with those priority levels assigned to foreground threads. The overlapping priority bands increase the likelihood that a background process/thread will make progress (i.e., execute) even when there is a foreground process/thread running. In this embodiment, to improve thread responsiveness it has been found beneficial to demote those threads (i.e., reduce their scheduling priority) that use their entire quantum without blocking for an input/output (I/O) operation. In one embodiment, a thread's priority is reduced by a single count every time it uses its full allotted quantum without blocking. (It will be recognized that a processes use of a full quantum is an indicator that the process is using the central processing unit.) In another embodiment, a thread's priority may be reduced by more than one count when this occurs. The amount of "overlap" in priority levels between the background band and the foreground band may be one (1) or more.
[0023] 2. Disk Scheduling: In one embodiment, foreground threads are given priority over background threads when accessing system storage units (e.g., magnetic hard drives and solid state hard disk units). In addition, background processes (i.e., threads associated with processes in the background state) may be rate-limited in their access of system storage units.
[0024] 3. Incoming Network Activity. In one embodiment, incoming network traffic may be moderated by dropping all packets destined for an application in the background or a non-executing state (e.g., suspended). Further, artificially small buffer sizes may be reported to distal network sites so as to throttle incoming TCP (Transmission control protocol) traffic. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that TCP has an existing set of traffic flow control mechanisms relating to buffer sizes, so that traffic isn't sent over a network faster than the recipient can handle it. As previously noted, in one embodiment artificially small buffer sizes may be reported so that the sender slows or stops the flow of incoming traffic.
[0025] 4. Outgoing Network Activity. In one embodiment, network access is mediated through the use of two (2) queues; one for jobs associated with foreground processes and one for jobs associated with background processes. It has been found beneficial to give the foreground queue priority over the background queue. By way of example, the foreground queue may be given 100% priority over the background queue. At this setting, the only time a job in the background queue will be serviced is if the foreground queue is empty. In another embodiment, jobs in the foreground queue may be serviced in any desired ratio with those from the background queue, e.g., 90/10, 80/20, 75/27 or 50/50. In still another embodiment, once a job has been placed into a queue (e.g., the foreground queue) it is not moved if the job's associated process is subsequently placed into a different operating state (e.g., background). In yet another embodiment, a job's queue location is updated to reflect the operational status of its associated process.
[0026] 5. Graphics Operations. In one embodiment such as, for example, the iPhone® Operating System, there are at least two mechanisms through which an application may write or paint to the display screen. (IPHONE is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.) A first mechanism is through the use of specialized hardware such as a graphics processing unit (GPU). A second mechanism is through use of one or more of the platform's central processing units (CPUs). By way of example, in the iPhone operating environment background processes are not permitted access to specialized graphics hardware; for example, any background process attempting to access the GPU may be terminated. By way of another example, background processes attempting to generate viewable graphics via the CPU are ignored--that is, any attempt to execute commands directed to using the CPU to write to a drawing buffer/memory are ignored. In some embodiments, drawing memory associated with a process/application placed into the background state may be marked as "purgeable." Thus, if a foreground process needs more memory it may use (through standard memory allocation techniques) display memory originally granted to a process that is now in the background state.
[0027] 6. Notifications. When a process transitions from the background state to the foreground state, it may be permitted to receive one (1) notification for each type of notification. More particularly, in one embodiment multiple notification events may be consolidated. For example, if a user rotates their personal electronic device (e.g., the iPhone) from portrait presentation to landscape presentation to portrait presentation and then back to landscape presentation, the resulting three (3) orientation notification events may be coalesced into a single notification--the last state, landscape. This can improve an application's response as it does not have to respond to multiple events. Illustrative notification types include orientation change notifications (for example, from accelerometer or gyroscope sensor input), address book database notifications (occurs when an address book entry is modified) and camera roll notifications (occurs when an image in a shared resource image library has been changed).
[0028] 7. Locks. In one embodiment, any process that has a lock on a shared resource that is going into the suspended state may be terminated (rather than suspended). Illustrative shared resources include specialized graphics hardware and file descriptors. In another embodiment, a shared resource is "taken away" from a user application when it goes into the background state. For example, if an application (process) has a lock on camera hardware, this lock is removed when the user application is placed into the background state. As used herein, the "suspended state" is a condition in which a process is not permitted to schedule threads for execution, but whose state is retained in main memory.
[0029] 8. Hardware Restrictions. In one embodiment background processes are prevented from gaining access to certain system hardware resources. Illustrative hardware not available to background processes include, but are not limited to: camera, GPU, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor and microphone.
[0030] 9. Memory Management. In order to retain sufficient memory to accommodate executing processes, as the personal electronic device's core memory approaches a specified "critical" point, processes may be removed from memory. In one embodiment, a process so removed may be hibernated. In another embodiment a process so removed may be terminated. As used herein, the phrase "core memory" or "main memory" means a personal electronic device's main random access memory from which user applications execute; a "hibernated process" is a process whose operational state has been written to non-volatile memory so that (1) it cannot schedule threads for execution and (2) its main memory "footprint" is substantially zero; and a "terminated process" is a process whose operational state has been deleted and which, therefore, cannot be executed until restarted. In one embodiment, during the act of hibernation memory which can be recreated (purgeable) or reloaded (clean) on demand is disposed of; only memory that has been modified or otherwise un-reconstitutable is written to non-volatile memory. In another embodiment, a specified region of non-volatile memory is set aside at boot time for use as a "hibernation" memory. When a hibernated process is reanimated, its data in non-volatile memory is brought back into main memory, thereby freeing up space in non-volatile storage. In one embodiment, applications not accessed for more than a specified time may be "hibernated."
[0031] Any desired approach for selection of which applications to remove from main memory may be made. For example, the least recently used application may be removed first. Alternatively, the largest currently non-executing application may be removed. In one embodiment, applications selected for removal that are greater than a specified size (e.g., 8 MB, 16 MB or 32 MB) may be terminated while applications less than the specified size may be hibernated. In still another embodiment, background audio user applications may be terminated only after suspended user applications have been terminated, but before foreground user applications.
[0032] Similarly, the "critical" point may be any value the designer wishes. Illustrative critical points include 50%, 75% and 90%. Using 75% as an exemplar critical point, applications would be selected for removal from main memory once the main memory reaches 50% of its capacity--for example, when a 256 megabyte (MB) main memory reaches 192 MB full.
[0033] Operational States: As an aid in understanding how the above restrictions are applied to the various services described below, Table 1 identifies and describes five (5) operational states for a user process executing on a personal electronic device.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Operational States Mode or State Description Restrictions Foreground A process in this state None. has access to system resources and currently presents a user interface to a user. Background A process in this state Real-time processes are has access to system subject to real-time resources but does not restrictions (i.e., they currently present a user are demoted to interface to a user. non-real-time priorities when placed into background - except for audio and VOIP/network communication's applications); all other processes are subject to all other restrictions. Suspended A process in this state Not eligible for has its operational execution. state in main memory and could be scheduled for execution except for the fact that it has been suspended. Hibernated A process in this state Not eligible for has had its operational execution. state written to non-volatile memory. Only that information necessary to identify, locate and reanimate the process is retained in main memory. Terminated A process whose Not eligible for operational state is no execution. longer accessible in main memory.
As used herein, the term "non-executing state" means one of the suspended, hibernated or terminated states.
[0034] Illustrative Services: In the following, the "environment" within which the described services operate is the iPhone operating system. This is illustrative only, the disclosed services may be equally applicable to any personal electronic device.
[0035] 1. Fast Task Switching Service. In the past, when an application left the foreground state in the iPhone operating system, it was simply terminated. The Fast-Task Switching service permits an application to receive notification that it is leaving the foreground state and, at that time, is given an opportunity to do some processing (e.g., a few seconds). After this time, the application is suspended (i.e., placed into the suspended state). In one embodiment, an operating environment in accordance with this disclosure can apply Fast Task-Switching to all executing processes (unless making use of another service as described below). In another embodiment, each application must specify programmatically that it may be suspended.
[0036] While suspended a process/application can execute no instructions. In a threaded operating environment such as Unix or Mach, this means that a process cannot schedule a thread for execution. In some embodiments, however, kernel efforts initiated on behalf of a process may continue to execute even after the process itself has been suspended (or hibernated or terminated). Illustrative "kernel efforts" include in-progress I/O operations and virtual memory and network buffer operations. Completion of such operations may or may not trigger the reanimation of the suspended process.
[0037] It is noted that process suspension of the type discussed here is different from system-level operations such as prior art "sleep" or "hibernate" actions--both of which are "system-wide" operations. In accordance with the prior art, no process may execute while in the sleep or hibernate mode. In contrast, the suspend mode described herein applies to individual processes; suspension of a first process does not interfere with the execution of a second process.
[0038] 2. Task Completion Service. The Task Completion service provides a process with the limited ability to complete a task begun in the foreground state while in the background state. In one embodiment, background processes (i.e., processes executing in the background state) are throttled to avoid interfering with foreground processes. Illustrative tasks that are well suited to use this service are network upload and download operations, disk storage and retrieval operations and image processing operations (e.g., those operations that do not require specialized graphics hardware such as GPU). In one embodiment, a background process is permitted to continue processing (i.e., receiving CPU time in accordance with its scheduling priority as discussed above) until a specified event occurs. Illustrative events include a system timer (giving the process a specified amount of time to complete processing, e.g., 5 to 30 minutes of "clock time" or 5 millisecond of CPU time), loss of external power to the device, or activation of a primary or secondary display.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, illustrative Task Completion operation 200 begins when notice that a non-foreground user application (SECOND APP) is to be brought into the foreground (block 205). This may result from, for example, a user's request to start a second user application or an incoming call to a VOIP user application. If the currently foreground user application (FIRST APP) has not designated itself as an application capable of executing in background (the "NO" prong of block 210), FIRST APP is placed into a non-executing state (block 215) and SECOND APP is brought to the foreground (block 220). By way of example, FIRST APP may be suspended (i.e., placed into the suspended state). If FIRST APP has designated itself as an application capable of executing in background, such as though a p-list entry (the "YES" prong of block 210), FIRST APP is placed into the background state and given a specified amount of time to complete its current operation (block 225). SECOND APP may then be brought into foreground and permitted to execute (block 230). Once in background, FIRST APP may be scheduled to execute in due course (see discussion above regarding processor scheduling) (block 235). FIRST APP is permitted to execute in background until a specified event occurs (the "NO" prong of block 240) and it has not completed its task (the "NO" prong of block 245). Once either of the event occurs or the process completes its task (the "YES" prongs of blocks 240 and 245), FIRST APP may be placed into a non-executing state; for example, the suspended or terminated state.
[0040] In one embodiment, non-active foreground processes may be similarly limited in their ability to access full system resources. For example, one or more non-active foreground processes (i.e., a foreground process not currently receiving user input) may have their access to storage disks (restriction 2), incoming and outgoing network buffers (restrictions 3 and 4) and their ability to interact with specified hardware (restriction 8) limited in the same manner as described here for background processes. In like manner, on power loss all foreground processes except the active foreground process may be "pushed" into the background, where their behavior is thereafter controlled in accordance with the background processing regime described here.
[0041] In one embodiment, a process must declare programmatically that it wants to avail itself of the Task Completion service (e.g., during acts in accordance with block 210). This may be done, for example, by statically declaring the user application can avail itself of the Task Completion service though an API call, a p-list entry or a changeable setting specified by the user at install time or first run rime. In another embodiment, task completion is granted based on an application declaring, at run time and in code, that it is beginning an operation (then subsequently declaring that it has ended that operation). If such tasks are still outstanding when the application leaves the foreground state, the application may be granted some time to complete them. On occurrence of the specified event, or sooner if the task(s) completes, the application may be suspended. In yet another embodiment, any process or user application executing one of a specified number of eligible tasks may avail itself of the Task Completion service (e.g., one of the aforementioned operations). For example, any process executing a file upload or download operation could be placed into background in accordance with Task Completion service restrictions.
[0042] 3. Audio Service. The Audio service permits a process or application to play or record audio while in the background state. In one embodiment, audio processes utilize real-time threads and are scheduled accordingly (See FIG. 1). While real-time processes are, in general, demoted to a non-real-time priority when placed into background, this is not true for an application using the Audio service (see discussion above). Because the described embodiments utilize real-time threads for audio applications, to minimize interference with foreground processes only one real-time audio process at a time may be allowed in background state. (It will be recognized that this number is merely illustrative. If the processing power of the personal electronic device is sufficient, multiple audio processes may be active in the background at the same time.)
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, illustrative Audio service operation 300 begins when a foreground user application executing an audio operation (e.g., music playback or voice recording operations) receives notice that another user application not currently in the foreground (SECOND APP) is to be brought into the foreground (block 305). The user's audio application is then placed into background (block 310) and the SECOND APP is brought into foreground (block 315). In one embodiment, real-time background threads may be limited to execute from a specified set of libraries. For example, real-time background threads may be prevented from using third party libraries (e.g., libraries supplied by an application developer. At some point in the future, the user may issue a "pause" command to their background audio application (block 320). In response, the user's background audio application is moved from the background state to the suspended state (block 325). The audio application is kept in the suspended state until the user issues a "resume" command (the "YES" prong of block 330), after which the audio application is moved back into the background state where it may continue to execute it's audio operation (block 335). In another embodiment, the audio application may be placed into the hibernate mode rather than the suspended mode.
[0044] In some embodiments, a process may statically declare it can avail itself of the Audio service though an API call, a p-list entry or a changeable setting specified by the user at install time or first run rime. In other embodiments, any process either playing or recording audio may have the Audio service applied to it. When executing code within these applications, the associated process could not be suspended during audio operations in accordance with the Fast Task-Switching or Task Completion services.
[0045] 4. Notification Service. The Notification service permits a process, in whatever state (foreground, background, suspended or hibernated), to receive and respond to messages. These messages may originate from an external source (a "push" notification) or the receiving process/application itself ("local" notification).
[0046] Generally speaking, on message receipt an operating system module (e.g., the "Springboard" application in the iPhone operating system) identifies the target application (i.e., that application the notification message is directed towards), launches that application in background and passes the message to the now reanimated application. In another embodiment, on message receipt the operating system (e.g., Springboard) generates a dialog box through which the user can elect to switch to the target application (i.e., the application to which the notification message is directed). If so elected, the target application is brought into foreground. (It will be recognized that if the target application is already in the background, it need not be reanimated.) The application is thereafter given an opportunity to respond to the message, including presenting a dialog to a user through, for example, an operating system request. Control of the receiving process is then provided in accordance with the relevant service (e.g., Fast Task Switching, Task Completion, Audio, VOIP or Location and Geo-Fencing). In another embodiment, notifications destined for a background process may be queued up and delivered at a later time (e.g., every 5 minutes) rather than being delivered substantially immediately after notification receipt.
[0047] 5. Network Service. The Network service permits a suspended network application to maintain (i.e., keep alive) its communication socket(s). As used herein, a network application is a user application that uses network communication sockets. An illustrative network application is a user VOIP application. In the prior art when a user's network application/process is suspended, it loses its ability to maintain its communication socket(s) and, as a result, cannot continue to receive communication data (e.g., an incoming VOIP phone call).
[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, an illustrative Network service operation is demonstrated by VOIP service operation 400 which begins with a user's VOIP application being transitioned into the suspended state (block 405). In one embodiment, as a VOIP process is being transitioned into the suspended state it specifies to the operating system (e.g., to a network daemon) what time interval it requires for the sending of "heartbeat" messages (410). This daemon is responsible for reanimating the process when data is received at the processes associated socket(s) or on expiration of the specified time--the latter for heartbeat maintenance. For more information on this aspect, see U.S. patent Publication 20090305732 entitled Managing Notification Service Connections and Displaying Icon Badges. Such application being incorporated in its entirety herein.
[0049] At some later time, the network daemon receives a message (block 415). The target application is then identified (block 420), reanimated into the background state (block 425) and passed the message (block 430). The background VOIP application may then respond to the message (e.g., an incoming VOIP call or a "heartbeat needed" message) (block 435). If the needed task was to issue a heartbeat, the VOIP application may be returned to the suspended state. If the needed task was to respond to an incoming VOIP call, the VOIP application may request the operating system issue a UI so that a user may select whether to accept or ignore the call. If the call is ignored, the VOIP application may be returned to the suspended state. If the call is to be answered, the VOIP application may be brought to the foreground (e.g., by means of the user selecting the appropriate element in a UI presented by the operating system). While it will be recognized that operating system daemons are well-known in the art, the maintenance of network communication (e.g., VOIP and wireless fidelity or WiFi) sockets for a suspended process in a personal electronic device of the type described herein is novel.
[0050] 6. Location and Geo-Fencing Service. The Location and Geo-Fencing service permits a background or suspended process to receive notice (e.g., a message from on operating system daemon) when a specified location event occurs. Illustrative location events include, but are not limited to, arriving at a specified location, leaving a specified location, entering a specified region, leaving a specified region or moving a "significant" distance (where what constitutes "significant" can be specified by the user or the user application). In one embodiment, a process/application must declare programmatically that it wants to avail itself of the Location and Geo-Fencing Operation service (e.g., via a p-list parameter). In another embodiment, Geo-Fencing operations do not require the use of a p-list entry--all Geo-Fencing applications may avail themselves of the Geo-Fencing service.
[0051] In location operations, as long as a location tracking operation is underway, the application may be kept in background--receiving processing time in accordance with system scheduling mechanisms (see discussion above). In one embodiment, when a tracking operation either terminates or is otherwise halted, the process may be suspended (i.e., placed into the suspended state; the process could also be terminated or hibernated). Once the process responds to the message, it may quiesce (returning to the suspended state) or block in the background state awaiting the next message. In one embodiment the number of user applications using Location services in the background state relates to the usage of other system resources; for example, if system memory runs low, user applications currently performing location tracking may be terminated. In another embodiment, a centralized daemon aggregates all of the location requests (particularly with respect to the desired accuracy requested), and starts appropriate hardware for the most aggressive mode requested. For example, if one user application requests the user's location to within 3 kilometers (in which case mobile phone cell-based positioning may be used), a second user application requests the user's location to within 500 meters (in which case WiFi scanning may be used), and a third application requests the user's location to within 100 meters (for which GPS is necessary), GPS positioning may be used and all applications that are tracking location in the background will get the benefit of the finer positioning.
[0052] In geo-fencing operations, whenever a specified region boundary is crossed the process receives a message from the operating system (e.g., via a daemon). If the process is executing (e.g., during its allocated time while in background), it would be given the opportunity to process the message. If the application were not processing (e.g., it was in background and not processing or it was suspended or hibernated), the process/application would be reanimated after which it would be allowed to process the event (in background). In addition, if the process had been terminated, it may be reanimated into the background state in a manner similar to the Notification service described earlier. See the related disclosure entitled "Location-Based Application Program Management," Ser. No. 12/123,456. In an embodiment where location processing uses a separate processor than that which executes the operating system for user application execution (hereinafter referred to as the "application processor"), location and geo-fencing operations of the type described here may occur even when the application processor is asleep. As with Location services, the number of user applications that may avail themselves of Geo-Fencing services in the background state relates to the usage of other system resources; for example, if system memory runs low, user applications currently performing location tracking may be terminated.
[0053] Personal Electronic Device Architecture: Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment personal electronic device 500 could implement one or more of the above services using one or more of the above-described restrictions to permit multitasking operations when it is beneficial to do so (e.g., opportunistic multitasking). As illustrated, user applications 505A to 505N interact with application launcher 510 (e.g., "Springboard" in the iPhone operating system) for standard operating system calls and multitasking services library 515 to access and make use of the above-described services.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 6, system 600 in accordance with another embodiment could also include radio means 605 and location processing means 610. As shown in FIG. 7, radio means 605 may include receiver circuit 700, transmitter circuit 705 and memory 710. Receiver and transmitter circuits 700 and 705 may be used to connect to, for example, a mobile telephone network, a satellite communications network or a digital computer network (e.g., the Internet via a local area network WiFi connection). Memory 710 may be used to store received data, data to be transmitted and operational parameter information as is known in the art. Interface 715 may be provided to facilitate communications between radio means 605 and location means 610. Location means 610 may include processor 720, memory 725 and operating system interface 730. In general, location means 610 receives requests for location updates and geo-fencing limits (e.g., from one or more user applications 505A to 505N through interface 730), processes location information received from radio means 605 (received via interface 715) and returns location information and updates to the requesting application(s) through interface 730. Processor 720 may be one or more off-the-shelf processors, one or more custom designed processors or a combination of off-the-shelf and custom designed processors. Memory 725 may be any form or combination of volatile and non-volatile solid state, magnetic or optical memories.
[0055] In one embodiment, one or more of the described services may be provided based on the availability of power. For example, if the personal electronic device is plugged into a power source (e.g., AC power), multitasking capabilities may be provided in accordance with standard modern operating system procedures (i.e., full or unrestricted multitasking). If, on the other hand, the personal electronic device is not plugged into a power source, multitasking capabilities may be provided in accordance with this disclosure (e.g., partial or opportunistic multitasking).
[0056] Referring to FIG. 8, personal electronic device 800 may be embodied in a physical apparatus that includes processing unit 805 and support devices 810. Processing unit 805 may include processor 815, memory 820 and input-output circuit 825. Device 800 may also include radio means 605 and location means 610 as shown. Input-output circuit 825 couples processor 815 and memory 820 to one or more display units 830 (e.g., a touch-screen display), one or more input-output devices 835 (e.g., touch-screen, keyboard, mouse, joy stick), one or more program storage devices 840 (e.g., magnetic, optic or solid-state memory) and other hardware 845 (e.g., a network interface). It is noted that in the architecture presented in FIGS. 6, 7 and 2 location and geo-fencing processing may continue via radio means 605 and location means 610 even when/if the application making the location or geo-fencing request (e.g., application 505A) has been suspended, hibernated or terminated. Further still, location and geo-fencing operations may continue even if application processor 815 is hibernated. That is, location and geo-fencing operations may continue via processor 720 regardless of what state application processor 815 is in.
[0057] Various changes in the materials, components, circuit elements, as well as in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. For instance, the provision of multitasking capabilities in accordance with this disclosure may be performed by a programmable control device executing instructions organized into one or more program modules. A programmable control device (e.g., processors 720 and 215) may include any programmable controller device including, for example, one or more members of the Intel Atom®, Core®, Pentium® and Celeron® processor families from Intel Corporation and the Cortex and ARM processor families from ARM or custom designed state machines. (INTEL, INTEL ATOM, CORE, PENTIUM, and CELERON are registered trademarks of the Intel Corporation. CORTEX is a registered trademark of the ARM Limited Corporation. ARM is a registered trademark of the ARM Limited Company.) Custom designed state machines may be embodied in a hardware device such as an integrated circuit including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs") or field programmable gate array ("FPGAs").
[0058] Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying program instructions (e.g., memories 710, 725, 220 and 240) include, but are not limited to: magnetic disks (fixed, floppy, and removable) and tape; optical media such as CD-ROMs and digital video disks ("DVDs"); and semiconductor memory devices such as Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory ("EPROM"), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory ("EEPROM"), Programmable Gate Arrays and flash devices.
[0059] Finally, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention therefore should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein."
Patent applications by Cahya Masputra, San Jose, CA US
Patent applications by Eric Albert, Mountain View, CA US
Patent applications by Michael Van Milligan, San Francisco, CA US
Patent applications by Neil G. Crane, San Francisco, CA US
Patent applications by Apple Inc.
Patent applications in class Combined circuit switching and packet switching
Patent applications in all subclasses Combined circuit switching and packet switching
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Comment about this patent or add new information about this topic:


text:
West Virginia at Connecticut
West Virginia could have trouble running the ball but has the advantage at quarterback in its Week 9 matchup with Connecticut.
West Virginia offense vs. Connecticut defense
• Mountaineers QB Geno Smith had his worst performance of the season last week against Syracuse, struggling to handle zone blitzes and delayed blitzes and making uncharacteristically poor decisions that led to three interceptions. He can't take all the blame, though, because the offensive line played a big part in his struggles. A lack of communication up front led to five sacks and that has to be cleaned up because Connecticut defensive coordinator Todd Orlando will likely copy the Syracuse blueprint for attacking West Virginia's offense. How well Smith and his linemen communicate, identify assignments and execute against pressure will have a lot to do with the success or failure of the Mountaineers' offense.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Dave Gavitt Way
Downtown, Providence, 02903
Commute to Downtown Providence
Daily errands do not require a car.
Transit is convenient for most trips.
Mostly flat, excellent bike lanes.
About your score
Dave Gavitt Way has a Walk Score of 92 out of 100. This location is a Walker's Paradise so daily errands do not require a car.
Dave Gavitt Way is a 12 minute walk from the Providence/Stoughton Line at the Providence stop.
This location is in the Downtown neighborhood in Providence. Nearby parks include LaSalle Square, Vartan Gregorian Quad and Freeman Park.
Explore how far you can travel by car, bus, bike and foot from Dave Gavitt Way.
Dave Gavitt Way has excellent transit which means transit is convenient for most trips. Car sharing is available from Zipcar and RelayRides.
Rail lines:
Providence/Stoughton Line
0.6 mi
Bus lines:
27 Broadway/Manton
0.0 mi
5 PawSox Shuttle
0.0 mi
28 Broadway/Hartford
0.0 mi
10X North Scituate Express
0.0 mi
92 East Side/Federal Hill/RI College
0.0 mi
17 Dyer/Pocasset/Westminster
0.1 mi
31 Cranston Street
0.1 mi
18 Union Avenue
0.1 mi
19 Plainfield/Westminster
0.1 mi
8X Jefferson Boulevard Express
0.1 mi
Car shares:
View all Downtown apartments on a map.
Search for homes in Providence or find a Providence real estate agent who knows walkable neighborhoods. Links will open on our partner site Redfin.com.
Dave Gavitt Way is in the Downtown neighborhood. Downtown is the most walkable neighborhood in Providence with a neighborhood Walk Score of 94.


text:
AUSSIE battlers are either being refused home loans or not being given as good a deal as the wealthy under a picky new "big data" criteria being enforced by the big lenders.
Despite the Big Four banks pocketing a combined $25 billion in their latest half-yearly reports, a Daily Telegraph investigation reveals banks are either declining poorer customers home loans, or slugging low-income families tens of thousands of dollars extra in higher rates.
Affluent customers, with mortgages of more than $750,000, pay an average variable interest rate of 5.32 per cent. This is 0.42 percentage points cheaper than a homeowner borrowing less than $250,000 - the average household mortgage.
Banks have also cracked down severely on who they do or don't lend to. Since responsible lending laws were introduced in the wake of the GFC, banks now rely on vast amounts of "big data" when assessing loan applications.
Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers NSW state manager Michael Daniels said this information was sourced from home loans all over the country and identified who was at risk of default, based on personal circumstances and other key factors, such as geography. "Banks are getting very specific on servicing capacity. If you have any weaknesses, the data will find them," Mr Daniels said.
"If you are in a part of Sydney or a region with higher levels of mortgage arrears, it will be harder to get a loan."
One example is Annely Finadri, who became the sole signature holder on her mortgage when her partner decided to move out. She said lender ING told her she "couldn't service the loan" - despite the fact she could have sold the house to repay the loan if anything went wrong.
"If the computer thinks you're not good enough, then that's it," she said.
Ms Finadri complained for six weeks, threatened to leave her lender and was finally granted the loan.
ING said it came down to whether a customer's income could service a loan.
When contacted for comment, all major lenders said they assessed each individual case on its merits.
Originally published as Banks are using secret data


text:
Moody's Threatens To Downgrade America's AAA Rating
Investors Business Daily
September 24, 2012
Standard and Poor's cut the United States' AAA-rating last year, and now the second shoe is about to drop.
Moody's recently announced it would downgrade our AAA credit rating by the end of the year if President Obama can't adopt a plan in conjunction with Congress to cut the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio. That ratio now exceeds 100% and imposes a burden and risk on future generations.
In July 2008 candidate Obama declared the $4 trillion in debt racked up during Bush's eight years "irresponsible" and "unpatriotic." After getting elected, Obama publicly said in February 2009, "I'm pledging to cut the deficit we inherited by half by the end of my first term in office."
Subsequently, Obama walked back and supported policies that drove four straight years of record deficits, averaging over $1.25 trillion a year — 63% higher than the worst single-year deficit of any previous administration. While GDP output has hardly budged and fewer Americans work today than at the beginning of the Obama administration, the national debt has grown by 51% — from $10.6 trillion to $16 trillion.
Out-of-control spending and debt, plus the declining creditworthiness of the U.S., are vital issues facing voters in November. This is the view of Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a military man with a keen sense of history. "Our national debt," he has said, "is our biggest national security threat."
Historians have often compared the U.S. to the Roman Republic. In the first century B.C., Cicero warned: "The budget should be balanced, public debt should be reduced and the treasury should be rebuilt . . . lest Rome fall."
A century later the "fiddling while Rome burns" Emperor Nero declared, "Let us tax and tax again ... and see to it that no one retains wealth." Within two generations many Roman cities became insolvent, prompting Emperor Hadrian to adopt bailouts through "centralized revenue sharing."
Eventually, excessive spending and soaring debt forced Rome to inflate the national currency by replacing silver in coinage with base metals.
During the Roman Republic's latter years, Claudius was elected tribune by bribing the electorate with promises of free grain at taxpayer expense. In the end, the collapse of Rome was due less to external invaders than to its own citizens becoming dependent and believing they could do better by voting themselves benefits than by working.
The relevance of the Rome narrative for today serves as a reminder for voter apprehension about contemporary politicians who advocate more government spending and power. Taxing the rich and taking from some to give to others has never solved deficits long-term. Moreover, it thwarts the private sector — the real source of national wealth — from growing and enlarging the tax base.
In fact, the ongoing jobs recession and poor economy are the direct result of Obama policies that have increased federal spending by 25% — from increased welfare and public assistance to massive expansion of regulations and bureaucratic meddling in the private sector that include government control of health care.
That's why this election is critical. Romney and Ryan provide dramatically different leadership, and their message needs to be boldly taken to the public. Voters need to understand that a simplified tax code with lower tax rates and fewer deductions will invigorate private-sector growth — bringing in more revenue — and also reduce the corrupting influence of loopholes that disproportionately benefit the wealthy.
Second, people need to understand the basics required to save the viability of existing social security and health care entitlement programs.
Voters yearn to hear sensible and straightforward explanations, and the Romney-Ryan ticket offers proven policies for private-sector growth and job-creation and for an honest approach to save federal entitlement programs — an essential commitment to future generations and the essence of social security.
• Powell is senior fellow at the Discovery Institute in Seattle.


text:
BenQ 24" Class 3D LCD Monitor - LED Backlit, 1920 x 1080 FullHD, 350 cd/m2 - XL2420ZItem#: BNO-102314641 | Model#: XL2420Z
Currently Out Of Stock!
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Shipping Weight: 19.5000 pound(s)
Click here for full warranty and support information
- BenQ logos are registered trademarks of BenQ. All others trademarks and copyrights mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.


text:
Audi Engine Oil Filter - 6 Cylinder Diesel Engine 2009-12 - Mahle
Product Part Number:
Micro-star Mahle Original Oil Filter (VAG OEM Supplier)
Longlife Insert Style Oil Filter with O-rings
Product Information:
Micro-star Mahle Original Oil Filter (VAG OEM Supplier)
Longlife Insert Style Oil Filter with O-rings
Blauparts is pleased to offer Mahle Original oil filters for your Audi Q7 TDI engine! Mahle is an Official OE oil filter manufacturer and has been supplying oil filters to the German automakers for decades. Mahle is Germany's premier oil filter manufacturer. Since the late 1920's Mahle has set the standard in filtration as Germanys first automotive filter manufacturer. Mahle's continuous engineering and innovation is driven by performance. Every Mahle oil filter is built for an exact engine application and intended oil change interval. Mahle oil filters use the latest generation in oil filter designs and filtration media. All of this results in guaranteed long lasting engine health and performance for your Audi.
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Vehicle Applications:
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Audi Interior Cabin Air Filter - Carbon - A4 2002-08 (2003-09 Cabriolet)
Audi Interior Cabin Air Filter - Carbon - Q7 2007-14 - Mahle
Vw Interior Cabin Air Filter - Pollen - Jetta VI 2010-17
Audi Air Filter - A4 2002-08 (2003-09 Cabriolet) - Mahle
Audi Air Filter - Q7 2007-15 - Mahle
Vw Fuel Filter - Passat 2004-05 w/ 4 Cylinder 2.0L TDI Diesel Engine - Mahle
Audi Fuel Filter - Q7 2011-14 w/ 6 Cylinder 3.0L TDI Engine - Mahle
Oil Drain Plug - 14mm Thread - 4,6,8,10,12 Cylinder Engines 2006-16 (Allen Style With Washer)
Vw Engine Oil Filter - 5 Cylinder Gas Non-Turbocharged Engine 2005-15 2.5L - Mahle
Audi Oil - 5W-30 Weight - Motor Oil Spec VW 504 00 , 507 00 - German Ravenol VMP - 1L -- 15% OFF --
Technical Information:
Your Audi Q7 oil filter is the key to your engines performance, cleanliness, and longevity. The oil filter cleans the engine oil of dirt, dust, soot, metal particles, and contaminants allowing for clean engine oil circulation.


text:
Acoustic radiation force impulses (ARFI) have been used to generated transverse-traveling mechanical waves in various biological tissues. The velocity of these waves is related to a medium's stiffness and thus can offer useful diagnostic information. Consequently, shear wave velocimetry has the potential to investigate cardiac disease states that manifest themselves as changes in tissue stiffness (e.g., ischemia).
The work contained herein focuses on employing ARFI-based shear wave velocimetry techniques, similar to those previously utilized on other organs (e.g., breast, liver), for the investigation of cardiac tissue. To this end, ARFI excitations were used to generate slow-moving (under 3 m/s) mechanical waves in exposed myocardium (with access granted through a thoracotomy); these waves were then tracked with ultrasonic methods. Imaging techniques to increase frame-rate, decrease transducer/tissue heating, and reduce the effects of physiological motion were developed. These techniques, along with two shear wave velocimetry methods (i.e., the Lateral Time-to-Peak and Radon sum transformation algorithms), were utilized to successfully track shear wave propagation through the mid-myocardial layer
Shear wave velocimetry shows promise in future investigations of myocardial elasticity. The DRR method may offer a means for transthoracic characterization of myocardial stiffness. Additionally, the future use of transesophageal and catheter-based transducers presents a way of generating and tracking shear waves in a clinical setting (i.e., when epicardial imaging is not feasible). Lastly, it is hoped that continued investigations into the physical basis of these ARFI-generated mechanical waves may further clarify the relationship between their velocity in myocardium and material stiffness.


text:
Location: detroit, MI
Member since 8/1/2010
- 3 total posts
- 3 questions
Questions from odette
How to Flatten Scar Post Rhinoplasty
I had tip refinement and alarplasty about nine months ago, and I think the scar has completely matured. It's beginning to feel softer along where the incision was made, I... READ MORE
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I received a steroid injection to manage scarring of a rhinoplasty and was wandering how long it would take to see the effects of kenalog. Can it be in a few days or a few... READ MORE


text:
Plumbing Online
PlumbDrain Africa
- Details
- Category: Website Content
- Published on 20 May 2014
- Hits: 8328
This exhibition is co-located with Interbuild Africa every two years and is Africa's only exhibition that encompasses all aspects of water conveyance and water conservation, showcasing commercial, industrial and domestic plumbing, drainage, sewerage and pipe works, water supply and hot water systems, grey and black water management, and rainwater harvesting.
The exhibition showcases new products and services in addition to a strong focus towards sustainability and the technology, engineering and educational aspects of plumbing and drainage.
Sani'ter, a natural extension to PlumbDrain Africa, is a focused sanitation and water exhibition, where the emphasis will be on all installations being correct and according to set high standards for plumbing engineering, sanitation, sanitaryware, drainage, storm water and water management.
Register today, visit www.plumbdrainexpo.co.za


text:
Microwave lobster tail
Recipes / Microwave lobster tail (1000+)
Grilled Lobster Tails With Lemongrass Chive Butter
2150 views
Grilled Lobster Tails With Lemongrass Chive Butter, ingredients: 4 x lobster, tails
Deviled Lobster Tails
1106 views
1 teaspoon peppercorns, 4 (8 ounce.) lobster tails (fresh or possibly frzn), 1/2 c
Lobster Tails In Champagne Sauce
1372 views
Lobster Tails In Champagne Sauce, ingredients: 3 frzn lobster tails, 2/3 c. champagne or
Lobster Tails
1737 views
Lobster Tails, ingredients: 1 (10 ounce.) pkg. frzn lobster tails, 2 tbsp. butter, melted
Lobster Tails
1301 views
Lobster Tails, ingredients: 4 lobster tails (about 8 ounce. each), 1/4 c. melted butter, 2
Deviled Rock Lobster Tails
983 views
Deviled Rock Lobster Tails, ingredients: 6 (5 ounce.) rock lobster tails, 1 1/2 c. soft
Lobster Tail
1289 views
Lobster Tail, ingredients: 1 lg. lobster tail (frzn) tail only, 1/4 c. white table wine, 1
Lobster Tail For Two
1331 views
Lobster Tail For Two, ingredients: 2 lobster tails, thawed completely, Water, 1 tbsp. salt
Lobster Tails Delight
749 views
Lobster Tails Delight, ingredients: 4 lg. lobster tails, 1 can frzn shrimp soup, 1/4 c
Simply Grilled Lobster Tails
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stove or in the microwave until it Lobster Tails Ingredients: 3 to 4 oz. lobster tails
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Microwave Recipes
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pass along any microwave tips in your recipes, if you have them., cook method: Microwave
Seafood Catch
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and seafood. Fish, Shrimp, Crabs, Oysters, Clams, Lobsters - you name it, we love it. Stop
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fresh and salt water arthropods as crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and shrimp. More than 10
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Microwave Magic
Microwave Magic, Microwave ovens can cook food as well as conventional methods, if
Fl. Seafood.
Fl. Seafood., Fish,Shrimp,Lobster,Stone Crab,Blue Crab,Conch,Snook,Bonefish,Snapper
Tasty and easy microwave cooking!
Tasty and easy microwave cooking!, For almost twenty years I have learned that almost
Trusted Results with Microwave lobster tail
Cooks.com - Recipes - Boiled Lobster Tails
boiling water, place lobster tail, shrimp and ... Serve Lime Mayonnaise alongside. ... Add the lobster tails to the water. Keep at a full rolling boil for 20 minutes. ...
Crab and Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms - All Recipes
This is the result of trying to duplicate a seafood-chain's recipe. Comes close enough, they're gone the minute they hit the table!
Cooks.com - Recipes - Tail Dishes
To make the filling, shred the lobster tails and crabmeat and ... each tail lengthwise (heavy scissors ... a shallow glass dish. Microwave (high) ...
Lobster Roll Recipe : : Food Network
If you prefer to serve a warm lobster roll, heat lobster in the microwave if you have cooked it the day ... Save the lobster tails for another meal, or chop and mix with the ...
Cooks.com - Recipes - Thaw Lobster Tail
Home > Recipes > thaw lobster tail. Nose to Tail Eating: A Kind of British Cooking. by ... mixture over the lobster tails. Drizzle with ... lemon wedges. ...
Lobster Mashed Potatoes Recipe at Epicurious.com
Find the recipe for Lobster Mashed Potatoes and other shellfish recipes at Epicurious.com
Lobster Mashed Potatoes Recipe at Epicurious.com
1 8-ounce frozen uncooked lobster tail, thawed. 1/3 cup (or more) whole milk. 2 teaspoons ... microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic, and rewarm in microwave ...


text:
SELECTIONS From JOYCE'S lATEST RECORDING "STELLA DI NAPOLI"
Ove t'aggiri (Pacini)
O di sorte crudel (Caraffa)
Par che mi dica ancora (Donizetti)
Feb 18, 2011 | Blog | 13 Comments
There is a very practical reason why it behooves me to write more often, simply so that I can avoid long, dragged out posts as the one that is sure to follow, however, I'm not a writer – I'm a singer, and singing has been calling. Boy, has it been calling. So I've kept the writing on hold, and it has patiently waited for me to click back over. I won't pretend this will be cohesive, so buckle your seat belts and let's go!
Jake Heggie has a long-standing reputation for favoring mezzo-sopranos in his writing, and it's quite true – he has perfected the soaring, lyrical voicing for which we mezzos clamor. He also happens to be one of the most genuinely generous and loving people I've ever met, so it's not surprising he had the 3 of us flocking to him like, well, like Mezzos to a Heggie. But let's just take a look at those other 2 faces: the first day of rehearsal I found myself sandwiched between Susanne Mentzer and Frederica von Stade on a bench speaking through the text, and let me tell you, I couldn't stop giggling, nor gushing. These two served as my mentors, idols and heroines in the opera business, not only for their unparalleled artistry, but for serving as examples of remaining true to yourself, having a vibrant life off the stage, and for genuine, caring dispositions. This run of "Dead Man Walking" in Houston was beyond a dream come true to share the stage with such beautiful artists, and to have the opportunity to learn from them in such a direct fashion was a gift I will never forget.
This run of Dead Man held so many elements of emotion and joy, words fail me miserably to try and capture them adequately. Not only was it an emotional journey of epic proportions with a very special and close cast, but it was an endless source of learning and discovery for me. One of the reasons for that was working with our stage director Lenny, who brought out the very best in all of us. He created a very safe environment for us to take risks in the rehearsal process, he prompted us to continually find the simplicity and the truth in the scene, and he always knew when to bring humor to the intense table! He MOST graciously agreed to do a little "interview" with me, and I've got it all in the can – I just need time to assemble it. So do stay tuned for unbelievably valuable insight from this dream of a man!
I recognize that I've written quite a lot about Flicka's influence on me (and I honestly don't expect to stop any time soon) but her final show was something indescribable. She was brilliant. She was fine. She was composed. I suspect she was quite ready for this and embraced it with a dignity and a beauty that will serve as an inspiration for many people for a long time to come. It was the REST of us that were a mess! Tears were flowing and emotions were raw and high, including the majority of the audience. I can't quite describe (again, words failing me!) what it was like to share her final phrases with her in our brief duet, and then to watch as she rose beside me and took her final exit into the dark but famliar wings. My throat swelled and the notes definitely did not flow as I would have liked, but a moment like that takes hold and you simply have to go with it. She stood in the wings and watched us close out the show, and yet I think all of us were consumed with thoughts that it simply seemed impossible that this was it for her, she who still sings like an angel. However, it was a moment, a glorious unforgettable moment, where a star taught us mere mortals what it means to let go and head straight into the next chapter, with enthusiasm, generosity and joy. It is something I shall never forget, and I know I am not alone.
Speaking of the next chapter, the day after we closed DMW, David Zobel, my astonishing partner on this recital tour, and I drove North – how I love a road trip! – and before we knew it, on Tuesday in the chill of Fort Worth, we were standing on the stage of the beautiful Bass Hall kicking off our recital tour! It's been quite a few weeks, and exhaustion has certainly been a close companion, but we have had the most wonderful time criss-crossing the country with our new program. (Without question, the best weapon against getting run down lies in a good night's sleep, and so my plan of attack has been loads of shut-eye where possible.) The mystery of performing the same concert for various venues on different evenings never ceases to astound me, for there is no predicting how a particular audience will respond, or what colors we may stumble upon during the course of the night. Each of our 4 concerts so far has been very different, and therein lies the joy!
As I've mentioned on some of these concerts, the idea of the song recital was borne out of small gatherings in salons of composers, or singers – a chance for friends to gather and share in the intimacy of music making. I've enjoyed so much visiting different venues and sharing in the musical journey of different genres, languages, emotions and colors, and thank all the audience for taking the journey along with us! It's hard to identify any concert that stands out, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention how amazing it was to be home for my birthday singing for my family and friends. I won't soon forget that!
The other excitement is that Diva~Divo is officially released around the world! It feels amazing to have a project that I worked very hard for and believed in come to fruition. (I'll never quite get used to the excitement of seeing a project completed months ago suddenly appear in my mailbox!) In honor of the international release, I put together a sort of underground video taken from some of the fabulous people I've had the pleasure to work with over the past few months. It's fun and I think you may have a laugh or two. You can see it HERE! ENJOY!
Diva and skirts are my vote. Thanks again for letting me get a picture with you in KC.
I'm seeing your recital in Atlanta on Sunday and I am SO EXCITED! I just graduated with a opera performance degree, and have been a long-time fan! If you need a tour guide, let me know ;D
Love the video…great choice of background music!!
Thanks so much for this exciting and inspiring update!
I plan to bring a group of undergraduate vocal students to your Philadelphia recital. We're all eager to see and hear it!
I can tell you that the folks in the audience of the last DMW were a mess, too. Hankies and sniffles all around. It was a big, fat emo-fest, what with the natural drama of the piece and Flicka's last performance. She epitomizes the idea that one should go out when they still want you.
I was so pleasantly surprised to find that Suzanne Mentzer was in the cast as well. I've long admired her, and have missed her in the past few years, as she hasn't been in my neck of the woods.
Enjoy the recital tour. (And how's about coming back to San Francisco soon?)
Diva/Divo is in stores everywhere in Portugal… and I, of course, have my copy. Brilliant singing and brilliant concept, congratulations!
I'm sorry to say I've only just heard you sing, sorry cause I've missed so much but relieved that I've found you – I youtubed ah guarda sorella as am singing it soon and found your version – fabulous – your expression and love of what you do is so contagious – I've hoping to come and see you in Covent Garden in Cendrillon. As an amater opera singer its wonderful to find new singers – just bought your CD too. Enjoy your singing x
Very fun film: seriously, is there nothing you cannot do?
Joyce, your Philadelphia recital was an inspiration to our students (from U of Delaware) more than I can describe. It provided lively conversation during our hour's drive home afterward, and I'm sure will do so again in class this afternoon. Thank you so much for your artistry, your generosity (to those "sitting behind"!), and your unfailing inspiration.
I am not sure that this is the latest entry in your blog but it is the only one I can find. I saw an excerpt on the Net from Le Comte Ory. The singing was superb from all three of you, but I have to admit I am not a fan of rambunctious activity at the same time. I suppose this is now the fashion and to be able to sing marvelously while frantically jumping about is impressive, but I have to say that I prefer a somewhat more sedate presentation.
I don't think a Rossini commedy is supposed to be sedate! I think the rambunctious activity suits this opera very well indeed!
Perhaps it is not rambunctious enough. More hysteria is always better, right? Comic operas are all about hyperactivity and calisthenics of course and I am such an old fuddy duddy to object, right?
I for one thought that clip which was.from a dress.rehea was very different from what I saw live on Thursday night. All 3 of you were fantastic and the show was so much fun!!
Bravo to you all…and it was go great to hear real cheering at the curtain calls not for who we are "supposed " to like but fir three brilliant artists at the top of their game. A memorable night to be sure.
Ove t'aggiri (Pacini)
O di sorte crudel (Caraffa)
Par che mi dica ancora (Donizetti)
32 mins ago
If you're in NY on Mon and don't come to #TimesSquare for this, your opera membership is revoked! 💃 https://t.co/h6bTAjVe2X
33 mins ago
May it be the auspicious start to your best year, yet!! Olè! https://t.co/RHwBXbKr9B
3 hours ago
RT @medicitv: "In the midst of chaos, how do you find peace?" @JoyceDiDonato turns to Baroque opera to answer this question! #International…
There will always be more freedom to acquire and more truth to uncover.
~ Joyce DiDonato


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The first phase of a three phase plan to consolidate the Nebraska State Patrol Communications (dispatch) Centers from six to three is underway.
"The consolidation of our Communications Centers is something we have been researching for the past couple of years," said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. "Technological advancements have made it possible to begin the process of dispatching our calls for service in a more efficient and cost effective manner."
The Agency says they will consolidate its Troop B- Norfolk Communications Center in mid-May. Calls for service from Troop B will be dispatched out of Headquarters Troop-Lincoln. Headquarters Troop-Lincoln began dispatching overnight calls for Troop B in January in preparation for the consolidation. Currently, Troop B is being dispatched out of Headquarters Troop more than half of the time.
Colonel Sankey said, "While change is often difficult and a period of adjustment is expected, we recognize the hard work and dedication of our Communications Center employees and thank them for their professionalism during the transition."
NSP says the second phase of the Consolidation plan will be implemented by the summer of 2015. A Consolidation Committee will meet to determine the second center to close. Consolidating from six to three Communications Centers is expected to result in a cost savings of $750,000.


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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Notice is hereby given by the Law Office of Alfred G. Yates Jr., P.C. that a class action has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of purchasers of ECOtality, Inc. ("ECOtality") common stock during the period between April 16, 2013 and August 9, 2013 (the "Class Period").
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 15, 2013. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact plaintiff's counsel, Alfred G. Yates Jr., at 1-800-391-5164, toll free, or at firstname.lastname@example.com by e-mail. Please visit http://yatesclassactionlaw.com. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member.
The complaint charges ECOtality and certain of its officers and directors with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, defendants issued false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business and future prospects. Specifically, the complaint alleges that defendants concealed due to design and manufacturing defects, some of ECOtality's charging systems had been causing overheating and even the melting of connector plugs when charging vehicles.
On August 12, 2013, the price of ECOtality common stock, which had traded as high as $2.40 per share in intraday trading during the Class Period, plummeted more than 87% from that level to close at $0.30 per share.
Plaintiff seeks to recover damages on behalf of all purchasers of ECOtality common stock during the Class Period (the "Class").
The firm is also investigating actions on behalf of shareholders for the following companies: The Active Network, Inc. ACTV, +0.00% BioScrip Inc. BIOS, -5.20% Boise Inc. BZ, -4.55% Edgen Group Inc. EDG, +0.00% Francesca's Holdings Corporation FRAN, -0.99% JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPM, +1.10% Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. LL, +0.21% Urban Outfitters Inc. URBN, +1.81% Verenium Corporation VRNM Zoltek Companies Inc. ZOLT
If you are a shareholder of any of the above companies and wish learn more about any of the investigations or have any questions, please contact Alfred G. Yates Jr., Esquire at 1-800-391-5164, toll free, or at email@example.com by e-mail. Please visit http://yatesclassactionlaw.com.
Contact:Alfred G. Yates, Jr.(412) 391-5164 or Toll Free: 1(800) 391-5164, fax (412) 471-1033website: http://yatesclassactionlaw.comemail: firstname.lastname@example.com
SOURCE Law Office of Alfred G. Yates Jr., P.C.
Copyright (C) 2013 PR Newswire. All rights reserved


text: The first thing to do is find an RCIA program with meetings you can attend, hopefully at the parish you will be a part of. RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and it is simply a class where the teachings of the Catholic Church are explained and discussed. It is an ancient tradition that new members are brought into the Church at Easter, and so these classes flow toward that goal. During this time, one is getting to know the Church, not unlike a time of engagement before marriage. If someone has never been baptized, this also will happen at Easter, unless they have already been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Whether someone is baptized or not, the Church walks with them on their faith journey to bring meaning to Catholic prayer, liturgy, the Mass, Eucharist, Confession, and much more.


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We gladly accept government and municipality payments by Requisition and Purchase Order.
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SafetySock™, a product of Globosocks™, uses durable 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material and meets or exceeds federal safety standards for Product Certification under ANSI/ISEA 107-2010. The use of a SafetySock™ enhances visibility, however no reflective material can guarantee absolute visibility, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Patent # is US D692,821 S


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methazolamide (generic name)
It is used to treat certain kinds of glaucoma
(meth a ZOLE a mide)
Table of Contents
Top Learning Centers(Recursos en Español)
What is this medicine?METHAZOLAMIDE (meth a ZOLE a mide) lowers the pressure within the eye. It is used to treat certain kinds of glaucoma. It is also used before eye surgery.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
How should I use this medicine?Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar as directed.
You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where should I keep my medicine?Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep your medicine container closed tightly. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.


text:
Traveling carnival, Wakefield, Mass., April, 2008
Traveling carnival, Wakefield, Mass., April, 2008
Klapes, Jeffrey M., 1964-
Wakefield, Mass. : The author,
Photos show scenes of the traveling carnival which comes annually to Wakefield. In 2008, Fanelli's Traveling Theme Park took place on Main Street in the Galvin Middle School parking lot next to the Americal Civic Center from Tuesday through Saturday of April school vacation week. The carnival offered several traditional thrill rides, some for young children, including a Ferris wheel, slide, and merry-go-round. A traditional midway offered popcorn, candied apples, fried dough, and hot dogs, as well as games of chance where players could win toys and prizes. Photos taken at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2008.
Carnivals -- Massachusetts -- Wakefield -- Pictorial works; Mark Fanelli's Traveling Theme Park (Rindge, N.H.);Mark Fanelli's Traveling Amusement Park (Rindge, N.H.)
Wakefield (Mass.) -- Pictorial works.
Collection :
Tags :
Citation :
Klapes, Jeffrey M., 1964-, "Traveling carnival, Wakefield, Mass., April, 2008," in NOBLE Digital Heritage, Item #14159, http://heritage.noblenet.org/items/show/14159 (accessed September 21, 2017).


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Katie Couric is setting some grand ambitions with her latest venture.
The former "CBS Evening News" anchor, who announced Monday that she'll be hosting a nationally syndicated talk show for ABC, revealed her plans for the program during an interview with ABC News.
Also Read: Katie Couric Signs Deal With ABC
Couric's vision? She wants a forum for "smart conversation" — that will also simplify complex matters of the day for her audience.
"Smart conversation, those are the two words that I would like to aspire to, and also fun conversation," Couric noted during the Monday interview.
"We'll be running the gamut from everything from serious stories, like a new cancer drug, or what's going on with the deficit and trying to explain it so people can really understand it, to dealing with kids and technology and what is all this technology doing to our children's brains and ability to socialize, to bullying, to fun, popular culture stories."
Also Read: The Katie Couric "Evening News" Experiment Ends; Thanks Viewers for "Incredible Journey"
Couric added, however, that "smart conversation" aside, the show will break topics down into easily digestible chunks for the folks at home.
"This will be one place where you can go to make sense of a very complicated world and figure out ways that you can feel elevated and also things that you can learn that will improve the quality of your life," she said.
"That's a tall order I realize," Couric concluded, "but we're dreaming big here."
Time will tell if Couric is able to fulfill her slightly contradictory dream — her as-yet-unnamed show is currently set to premiere sometime in September 2012.