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Work on the M4 shows how councils join forces
11:42am Thursday 30th October 2014
This week we took the next step towards approving work to improve Junction 16, as the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Transport Body reviewed the outline business case. In many respects, this project demonstrates the benefits of collaboration that will bring significant economic benefits to Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett and the surrounding areas.
They turned a major threat into an exciting business chance
9:30am Wednesday 29th October 2014
ON Friday, I was delighted to be asked to open a new headquarters and manufacturing plant for a high-tech business which has decided to relocate to Swindon.
Eating food that might look a bit dodgy is my way of adding adventure to my middle age
4:23pm Tuesday 28th October 2014
I am sorry to say this if you have just eaten your dinner, but this week I would like to talk to you about my stomach.
No child should ever feel they cannot be part of a team
9:31am Friday 24th October 2014
One of the main enjoyable aspects of being an MP is being able to welcome Swindon residents to the House of Commons.
The present museum and gallery is not adequate for the task
9:35am Thursday 23rd October 2014
Last Saturday I had the great pleasure of attending the Diwali celebration hosted by the Swindon Indian association. It was most enjoyable to share in this festival of lights and it made me reflect on the different communities we are lucky to have in the town with all the positive qualities diversity brings.
Many People quite like the idea of giving the public the power to sack their MP
3:00pm Wednesday 22nd October 2014
This week we heard some good news about Wiltshire's Fire and Rescue Authority. The government announced the outcome of a bidding process by which £75 million will be distributed to authorities across the country. The good news is that Wiltshire's bid was successful; the even better news is that we're getting the second biggest grant of any authority – more than £5.5 million.
This was always meant to be a targeted rather than a universal service
12:00pm Friday 17th October 2014
The Council continues to face two enormous pressures on its budgets. The biggest pressure comes entirely from the rise in the number of vulnerable people who require the Council's support. At the same time, we have to operate in a wider environment where the Government is working to restore responsibility to the nation's public finances. In order to meet these challenges, the Council must make radical changes to almost all its services.
I believe that we can help keep young people safe online
11:57am Friday 17th October 2014
AFTER an action-packed recess spent meeting local businesses, charities and residents in North Swindon, this week I joined other MPs as we returned to Parliament.
New scheme helps the young make their mark on world
4:13pm Friday 10th October 2014
Youth unemployment has always been one of the toughest sectors of the job market to tackle; for those aged 18-24 not in employment, education or training it can be hard to find the help that they need to get on in life.
We now, as part of our statutory duties focus more on caring
9:32am Thursday 9th October 2014
OVER the past year, the council has taken on a larger role in public health, working with our partners in the various parts of the NHS.
I'm not really up on my Bible, but I'm pretty sure it says something in there about helping the needy
11:48am Tuesday 7th October 2014
It's usually sound advice to avoid talking about politics or religion, and if you are writing a column like this, it's a golden rule.
The chance of a job, a home, a good start in life, whoever you are
9:31am Friday 3rd October 2014
ON Wednesday, I was in Birmingham to see the 2014 Conservative Party Conference come to a close with a table-thumping, personal and determined speech delivered by the Prime Minister.
We know that we need economic growth to create wealth and jobs
10:28am Thursday 2nd October 2014
On Monday, I was speaking on behalf of Swindon at a breakfast forum organised in Birmingham by the research unit Centre for Cities. It is a sign of our town's economic importance that they rank us alongside some of Britain's major cities. At the forum, I showed how Swindon is a business-driven town with four private sector jobs to each one in the public sector. This makes us the third highest of 63 cities and towns in the recent Centre for Cities Outlook 2014 in terms of the ratio of private to public sector workers.
That's not to say they (we) aren't mortified when an error occurs, but it happens to the best of us
5:13pm Wednesday 1st October 2014
There is only one thing in life worse than missing out an apostrophe, and that's putting one in when it's not needed.
In Swindon we have an ongoing problem with capacity at our doctors' surgeries
9:19am Wednesday 1st October 2014
AS I write, I'm in Birmingham for the Conservative Party conference. What you see on TV – the big speeches from the main hall – is actually only a minor part of the whole event. Conferences are a huge opportunity to lobby cabinet ministers and decision-makers about some of the issues facing Swindon.
In 2011 I even had to cut short my honeymoon in order to return to Parliament to debate the phone hacking scandal
9:24am Friday 26th September 2014
LIKE many MPs I enjoy Parliamentary recess. But be assured this is not because we get to put our feet up.
I certainly would not object to more funding
9:56am Thursday 25th September 2014
THE recent Scottish referendum was a triumph for local democracy. However, the result now brings up several questions about the future of local government in England.
This all comes down to one word: fairness
9:58am Wednesday 24th September 2014
LIKE many people, I'm delighted that the Scottish people voted so decisively to remain part of the United Kingdom.
How fitting that Swindon should be home to a new UTC
9:39am Wednesday 17th September 2014
It's been a proud day for Swindon to see the first group of young people begin their studies at our new University Technical College.
None of us were prepared for the mixture of emotions the parting would bring
3:36pm Tuesday 16th September 2014
Mothers dread it and fathers aren't particularly keen, either – and for our family it came and went last week.
I'm proud to have been voted the third most helpful out of 650 MPs
10:20am Friday 12th September 2014
FACEBOOK has quickly become one of the mainstream methods of communication for people across the world.
Council must always back the horse that is most likely to deliver eventual success
10:36am Thursday 11th September 2014
It's not easy to get major building and regeneration projects up and running, as every part of the UK has found. Swindon is certainly no different.
The importance of fairer fares on the trains
9:23am Wednesday 10th September 2014
SWINDON is a railway town. We owe a great deal to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Great Western Railway and the generations of Swindonians who worked there.
Some people are still adamant they will never vote again
9:42am Friday 5th September 2014
Each and every election that passes we continue to see a worrying trend of increasing voter apathy. A 65 per cent turnout at the general election, just over 30 per cent for the local and European elections, and a shameful 10 per cent for some PCC elections.
Schools had running water, but only because the roofs were leaking
10:40am Thursday 4th September 2014
As children start the academic year, I am pleased to see the ever-growing choice from the good schools that are available in this borough. This September we will see the new University Technical College join our existing secondary schools and colleges as it accepts its first pupils. We also have new primary classes opening in the town centre and north Swindon. Although it's the Council's role to ensure that there are sufficient school places, since 1988 the law and government policy has made parental choice a key part of the school allocation process. Over the next few weeks, we will be inviting parents to register for school places in September 2015. Since I am both a parent and a former Cabinet Member responsible for Children's Services, I know how important these choices are.
Better Together – it's more than just a slogan
9:45am Wednesday 3rd September 2014
This week Parliament has returned after the summer recess. It's been a busy few weeks and a very welcome opportunity to spend even more time in Swindon, talking to residents, meeting community groups and attending a large number of local events.
Our resolve must not waver in the face of such adversity
10:13am Friday 22nd August 2014
Over the last few days we have witnessed the horrific and disturbing images of the brutal murder of American photojournalist James Foley at the hands of the barbaric terrorist organisation known as the Islamic State.
We wanted the fire put out and the polluter to pick up the bill
5:52pm Thursday 21st August 2014
As work goes on to tackle the fire at the Averies waste site, I would like to explain the huge amount of work that has been going on, much of it requiring meetings with our partner agencies about operational matters. The Fire Brigade has responsibility for putting the fire out. The Environment Agency has responsibility for licensing such sites. The Council has no formal role, but as the smoke was affecting residents and businesses, we used our powers to help co-ordinate activities.
BARRIE HUDSON: Adults just don't know what they are talking about
3:50pm Tuesday 19th August 2014
THERE were fewer A-Level passes this year, which is apparently seen as a good thing by people who like to witter on about falling standards.
GRAHAM CARTER: My dear wife feels as if she is playing second fiddle to a pushbike
3:52pm Monday 18th August 2014
"YOU love that bike more than you love me," said my wife, pointing at my trusty steed in the garage.
JUSTIN TOMLINSON: Their confidence, work ethic and determination to put something back into their local community is amazing
1:40pm Monday 18th August 2014
THIS summer, across Swindon, hundreds of young people aged 16-17 will have taken part in the National Citizen Service (NCS). NCS is a scheme that was the personal project of Prime Minister David Cameron.
BRIAN MATTOCK: We must provide care to those people in need
5:00pm Thursday 14th August 2014
FOR the next two weeks, I am covering for Councillor Renard, who is taking a short break. As well as being deputy leader of the council, I am also the cabinet member for health and adult social care.
ROBERT BUCKLAND: The actions of the militants have been brutal in the extreme and the effect has been awful to watch
10:30am Wednesday 13th August 2014
This summer our TV screens, newspapers and social media have been filled with international events that have struck a chord with so many people.
GRAHAM CARTER: I have a medical condition called bridge geekiness
1:43pm Monday 11th August 2014
SWINDON is not noted for its bridges, generally, but there is one that has a special place in my heart – and now that heart is breaking because they are going to pull it down.
ROBERT BUCKLAND: Royal Mail is investing to cope with changing demands
4:06pm Wednesday 6th August 2014
AS I mentioned last week, the Parliamentary recess is a great opportunity to get out and about even more in South Swindon, meeting local residents, community groups and major employers.
BARRIE HUDSON: Let the fracking begin
11:43am Tuesday 5th August 2014
FRACKING – harvesting oil and gas by using water jets to break rocks deep underground – could be coming to Swindon.
GRAHAM CARTER: Today is a day for being proud of what our ancestors did for us
11:10am Monday 4th August 2014
YOU can never tell what this column is going to be about each Monday, and until I start writing it, sometimes I don't know, myself. But this week there is no contest.
JUSTIN TOMLINSON: Think of those who left our growing town in 1914 to defend our freedoms
1:07pm Friday 1st August 2014
MONDAY marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. In the four years that followed, more than 20 million people were injured and 16 million men, women and children lost their lives; including more than a million British casualties who made the ultimate sacrifice.
DAVID RENARD: There will be people who now feel inspired to take up new sports
12:12pm Thursday 31st July 2014
AlLONG with many residents, for the past week I have been enjoying the Commonwealth Games. It was so great see Jazz Carlin, a Swindon-born and educated athlete, win a gold medal.
ROBERT BUCKLAND: Children deserve the best schools so they can gain the skills to get on in life
1:56pm Wednesday 30th July 2014
THE school summer holidays are now underway, but just before the end of term Swindon received some excellent news about an increase in spending on our children's education.
BARRIE HUDSON: Pin all the blame on that nasty Mr Putin
12:02pm Wednesday 30th July 2014
THIS week, some handy hints on securing a public inquiry into a cause dear to your heart.
GRAHAM CARTER: Locals can't do enough to welcome you to the party
1:54pm Monday 28th July 2014
I DON'T want to make a song about it, but we have taken the high road to Scotland (35,000 feet, according to the pilot), and I'm writing this on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
JUSTIN TOMLINSON: This is a fantastic opportunity, in an area I have been very active in Parliament
1:23pm Friday 25th July 2014
Parliament is a very interesting place during reshuffles. Deep down, I suspect most MPs are keen to advance; some are openly ambitious, whilst others dismiss any potential opportunities with bravado.
DAVID RENARD: We are keeping centres in areas where children are most in need
11:25am Thursday 24th July 2014
ON Wednesday night, Cabinet started the consultation process on changing the focus of our services for children to make sure that we spend more on reaching the most vulnerable.
ROBERT BUCKLAND: Part of my role will be to review sentences which may be unduly lenient
11:27am Wednesday 23rd July 2014
AS I write, it's exactly a week since David Cameron asked me to join the Government as Solicitor General as part of his reshuffle. It's an honour and privilege to have been appointed to this historic position, records for which date back to the 14th century.
BARRIE HUDSON: Problem with rats? Send for the '70s...
11:25am Wednesday 23rd July 2014
GRAHAM CARTER: It takes colonial cousins to remind us how lucky we are
11:20am Monday 21st July 2014
THIS week's column has been made possible by a twist of fate that happened in 1882. It's all to do with my great great grandfather, who was born in 1831, lived in Upper Stratton and went by the impressive name of Adolphus Adams (not many people can say they have an Adolphus in their family).
People have the right to strike but I believe the recent action was not warranted
4:37pm Thursday 17th July 2014
Last week we had an unwelcome example of something that has thankfully become much rarer these days – a national strike by some trade unions about national issues, which had a disproportionate effect on some local residents.
BARRIE HUDSON: I wish someone would open a Lapp-dancing club featuring a knees-up with a fully dressed person from Finland
12:18pm Tuesday 8th July 2014
THE Swindon licensing committee plans to consult the public on the regulation of 'sexual entertainment venues.' "Sexual entertainment venues' is apparently the official term for strip joints, lap-dancing places and those shops with the blacked-out windows where mucky books and terrifying pieces of equipment are sold.
GRAHAM CARTER: If only they would trust teachers to treat kids like kids again
11:50am Monday 7th July 2014
WELCOME to The Twilight Zone. In our house we've crossed over into another dimension between parenthood and grandchildren – and pretty weird it is, too.
Your NeighbourhoodYourSwindon
Your chance to put your community news online
- Abbey Meads
- Blunsdon
- Cheney Manor
- Chiseldon
- Covingham & Nythe
- Cricklade
- Dorcan
- Ferndale
- Gorse Hill
- Haydon Wick
- Highworth
- Liden & Eldene
- Pinehurst
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- Rodbourne
- Shrivenham
- South Marston
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[The Best of August/September magazines: Haim for V84, Amanda Seyfried for ELLE, Cara Delevingne and Pharrell for British Vogue, Daria Werbowy for British Vogue, Georgia Jagger for LOVE issue 10, all via Glossy Newsstand]
dkn-why not?
DKNY knows how to make New York look like everything you want your life to be, and nothing it is.
Ever since Cara Delevingne became the face of their spring/summer 2013 campaign, DKNY has taken a turn for the painfully cool. No longer is it the brand that moms lust after for stretchy aerobic clothes–like most city savvy ladies did in the '90s–but a shelter for the urban girl who's a little bit classic and a little bit rock'n'roll. (Donny and Marie, anyone? No? Okay.) Oh, and peep Curtis Kulig stealthily marking his territory–because there aren't enough "Love Me" graffiti Instagrams as it is.
Browse the full set of campaign images here and see the entire collection on Style.com.
this is: it girl news, style, we heart this
where we've been, where we're going
The past couple of months have been rather silent on the blog front. As a prep-course in what to expect in the coming months (read: lots of things regarding fashun'n'muzik), this is what we've been loving during our internet sabbatical.
[From top to bottom: Louis Vuitton Resort 2014, black strappy heels, HAIM!, magazine archives, fashion+sk8r life=dream street, Mick, ~*sass*~, all white/those crazy fucking Céline sandals]
this is: this is real life, we heart this
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subset: commoncrawl


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Nick's Beachwood Canyon Modern Mix
House Tour
Name: Nick LaKind + his dog Dodger
Location: Hollywoodland, California
Size: 1,350 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Own
Nick LaKind is the lucky owner of a 2 bedroom home in the foothills, right near the Hollywood sign in Beachwood Canyon. His house is full of modern and vintage pieces which he has collected over the past few years, with a touch of DIY charm. Lucky for us, I got to tour his home right before he put it on the market!
Even though his dog Dodger is the most important thing in his home, Nick says that when it comes to designing a home the most essential part is blending the design you love with comfortability. "A well-designed home without comfort just doesn't feel like a home to me."
Living so close to everything in the Hollywood area, Nick says that the lifestyle and culture of LA has greatly impacted his home aesthetic. "Mainly because there is so much incredible design here, it's impossible to ignore. Everywhere you look there is something beautiful. If I grew up in Orange county in some housing development with no originality whatsoever I don't think my house would look the way it does today. My mom was also a great influence when it came to design — she is the queen of DIY, and although her Shabby Chic aesthetic isn't my taste, it did give me a great eye for design that many lack."
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Midcenutry Modern mixed with Rustic/Raw Antique.
Inspiration: Flea markets, Mad Men, and I draw a lot of ideas both from Dwell and Apartment Therapy.
Favorite Element: I love the different patterns I've mixed together & somehow, maybe by accident, made work.
Biggest Challenge: Making it look the way I want, on a somewhat limited budget.
What Friends Say: Most of my friends want me to design their homes for them
Biggest Embarrassment: My couch, it's just not my style.
Proudest DIY: The painted antlers on canvas over my bed.
Biggest Indulgence: Honestly, probably framing my art! I spend more money on framing than I do on anything else! Sherman McNulty, impeccable work!
Best Advice: Don't listen to anybody who tells you not to do something you really want to do, and don't "draw within the lines." Just put stuff in that you love and need to have. Make it work!
Resources of Note:
- Behr: I used a custom grayish blue color for the upstairs that I had blended at Home Depot
- Bench: Nelson platform bench
- Radio tuner: Vintage Refurbished Kenwood tuner w/ vintage Bose speakers
- Sofa: Blueprint Furniture
- Coffee Table: Noguchi
- Rug: Crofthouse LA
- Antlers: Restoration Hardware
- Piano: Flea Market
- Dining Table: West Elm
- Books: Mostly Taschen
- Chandelier: Flea Market
- Bed: West Elm
- White Antlers on yellow canvas : DIY project, antlers from Ebay
- Cowhite rug: gift from a friend
- All framing done by Sherman McNulty
Thanks, Nick!
(Images: Bethany Nauert )
• HOUSE TOUR ARCHIVE: Check out past house tours here.
• Interested in sharing your home with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our House Tour Submission Form.
• Are you a designer/architect/decorator interested in sharing a residential project with Apartment Therapy readers? Contact the editors through our Professional Submission Form.
51 Comments
It looks like such a great space - I mean, great architectural-construction details in the archways, the windows, the kitchen tiles, the fireplace, the stone surround backyard, etc. Why on earth would you put such a lovely home on the market!? Someone is going to be very lucky.
Awww, the pooch!
A little humility goes a long way. Particularly when you've got the Eames chairs AND the Noguchi coffee table AND the antlers, etc.
A guy with tats and a piano who loves dogs and his mom. Swoooooon.
I am also swooning - over the place and how adorable this guy is...whoa!
I am in love with the built in bookcases around the windows.
The light fixture over the dining room is awesome.
Amazing home.....wish it were mine!
The dark hardwood with the dark gray are a nice combination with the modern mix of furniture. Also, props for not wearing shoes in the house.
ugh. this is perfect. get out, i'm moving in. please leave the adorable dog, too. thanks.
Nick is Hot! His tattoos, his taste and interest in design, and his amazing dog....
Too bad I live in Vancouver...haha
Swooooon is right!
don't forget the oversized letter...
Absolutely not! Just curious.
Aww, to me the home feels full of "soul" or personality. I feel that way especially when I see homes with musical instruments strewn around as music always adds soul. Not to mention that cute pooch and the art works.
Nice house. For a young guy, you are lucky to have such a nice house, in a nice part of the country. As far as lacking soul, I don't think it lacks soul, I think it lacks all the crap that comes with age! Give it 15 years and it may be a different picture.
@missbellahell: Just Google him. Quite a few results come up.
LOVE the house. Is this becoming a trend on AT just like in AD, where the house is featured before being put on the market (e.g. Vidal Sasoon's house, Jennifer Aniston's house, Ellen+Portia's house, etc.)?
Also, living in under the Hollywood sign is not always that great.I've heard of wars between residents and tourists!
"If I grew up in Orange county in some housing development with no originality whatsoever I don't think my house would look the way it does today." I guess he's never heard of the Eichler house tracts or the Cliff May house tracts or the Palmer-Krisel house tracts in Orange County, or the quaint craftsman and victorian houses in old Orange. Much too young or completely oblivious?
The overhead dinning room light reminds me of the Daleks. Terrifying...I love it.
Nick has a *Dodger dog!* ;}
House is lovely (and this curious Australian is dying to know what a house like that in a suburb like that would set you back - please tell me!!) but I found the 'I grew up in LA, which is why I have good taste that many lack' attitude a bit off-putting. I don't think it was nasty, but I do think it was oblivious, and somewhat classist. I grew up in many shit-hole dumps lacking originality, but my design aesthetic is awesome, thanks for asking:)
I liked many of the elements,but not the overall look of this tour.The living room looks like its halfway done,in fact,thats most of the vibe I got.Did he already clean it out to sell it?
I think his dismissive comment about Orange County is due to the fact that it is a conservative Republican enclave. An upmarket but nevertheless Republican community.
The culture wars here in California are never far below the surface.
I'll take it!! And I second the endorsement of Sherman McNulty (and its predecessor, Jewel Box Framing!)
@ CliffMayAficionado
People think the same thing about Phoenix. And it has one of the most extant collections of Mid-Century residential architecture in the country. More for us, huh?
Very well said Rayna, I was trying to find a way to articulate exactly your comment. My family of five do live in a housing development with absolutely no personality whatsoever, and I did growing up too, due to affordability. However, I think it only made my (untrained) eye more drawn to great design, of all types; my own little 'Lego house' is coming along nicely, and I'm hopefully teaching my own kids a thing or two.
That said, what a great tour; and I love the blend of modern with vintage, as well as of course the dog!
Great place, great dog! Go Dodgers!
How should you make an objective opinion about the house when you just see Nick and his dog...your mind is dizzy...
How should you make an objective opinion about the house when you just see Nick and his dog...your mind is dizzy...
Gee, he seems awfully condescending with that Orange County remark. Apparently he's an actor?
@CliffMayAficionado - I think it's fairly clear he's talking about the housing developments and more modern (70s to 90s) tracts that proliferate Orange County.
The Cliff May tracts were lovely, a ray of light in the midst of big development. I absolutely agree with you! But they number less than 25,000 in that area of CA. I think it's pretty clear that he's not referencing anything other than the mass produced majority of developments in that area.
Seems unfair to take the comment of someone who shared their home and call them "completely oblivious" because you misunderstood the point of what they were saying.
Love the house and Dodger, too!
Wow, this house is GORGEOUS. I love the subtle colors, the combination of elements (wood, metal, woolen rugs) and little pops of color, like the yellow behind the antlers over his bed. It's one of the nicest "bachelor pads" I've ever seen! LOL Really, it is a wonderful space. Very clean, modern yet rustic, minimalist yet quirky. Nick looks like a nice guy and I LOVE his dog!!!
Cute guy, cute dog, cute house.
I like the house- the upright piano is beautiful- I haven't seen one with exposed strings like that before. Also, great shout out to Dwell.
Nice mix of color and furniture with the architecture of the house...love that dining room and the light fixture,
Very nice. Love the wall colors. @Rayna ... it's listed for $939,000 on Realtor.com: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2332-Canyon-Dr_Los-Angeles_CA_90068_M14200-28938
I think it's totally valid to say that being exposed to design at a young age can have a formative effect on you. My hometown is tiny and it wasn't until I moved to the big city - and discovered AT! - that I started to experiment with design and decorating. Plenty of people I grew up with want their homes to look like the pages of a Pottery Barn catalog, or else they don't even think about it beyond what's comfortable and functional.
What a great house!!! I would buy this instantly if I had the money! I love all the architectural details; the arched doorways and ceilings, the windows, and the paint colors highlight them all well.
Adorable dog too!
Love the burst of color in the "Spirit of 76" flag and the brilliant burning red "O" in the fireplace. Gives this sophisticated neutral theme the right punch of drama. Kuddos to Nick and mom for displaying your labor of love.
Hmmm...actually, from the last time the house was sold, there was really nothing much that was changed, maybe the dining room chandelier. But everything else seems pretty much the same, no improvements, no remuddling. Take a look:
so crazy. Just saw this house on the MLS. I saved it to show my husband. :) of course it's out of my range. I LOVE THIS HOUSE!
I agree, I am from LA but the OC has some amazing locations, love Old Orange!
Like the house, the dining room in particular. Typical LA guy though...
Having lived there for years, I got very tired of the 24/7 hipsters. AND the RE prices lol.
Bottom Line The guy is Hot, The dog is adorable, The house is designed with great taste and love ...can't you feel it !!
It isn't entirely a style I take after but I love his home. The shapes and colors of the walls, paint, doorway, etc. are just gorgeous. I do love the antlers on yellow on grey, though. That's kinda genius. Oh, and the dog...Sweetness. <3 That's a wonderful patio, too. Seems quiet and private. I second the confusion...Why on earth sell such a magnificent place?
I think that you are probably right. I grew up in Orange County in an older established neighborhood. People would make dismissive remarks because it wasn't a new area. I live in another state and during a dinner conversation mentioned that I grew up there and immediately the response was to say, "You don't seem like that kind of person," meaning a much hated Republican. I didn't mention anything about my political views--the host just made an ASSUMPTION and one that was obviously negative in their mind.
I recall people from LA routinely looked down their noses at anyone who grew up in Orange County and the whole norther and southern California bit too. I had one acquaintance exclaim, "You seem like you come from the north," and she meant it as a compliment when I asked her if she cared to elaborate why that was.
It's rather funny thinking about all of these stereotypes now.
Yes, there were lots of older housing tracts in Orange County. I grew up in one. Almost none of the homes were the same, but were custom built back in the day. When I grew up people were dismissive because I didn't live in one of the newer housing tracts. Wish people were not so prone to stereotyping other people so quickly, yet that is a constant problem that actually never seems to change.
The light fixture above the dining room table is so unusual - love it!
I am so happy to see more and more of these articles where the people have pit bulls, I'm a mom of three pit bulls and a cat!


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Georgia Boy 61 Wrote:
Dec 28, 2012 7:56 PM
Pat Buchanan is wrong in labeling the GOP as America's "war party," for the Democrats and Obama have used the U.S. military more times and in more places than George Bush's administration ever did. Bush was forced into war in Afghanistan by 9-11, and chose war in Iraq. Obama has sent our forces (including special ops and intelligence assets) into the two above nations, plus Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Uganda, Syria and probably Iran... not to mention Pakistan. Obama has also vastly accelerated the use of drones for assassinations, including of at least one American citizen (albeit one who had become a terrorist). So, Pat, who's the "war monger" now?


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Feb 11, 2005
JERUSALEM [MENL] -- The architect of assassinating Palestinian insurgents has been selected to head Israel's domestic intelligence service.
Jan 28, 2005
LONDON [MENL] -- China has launched marketing of missiles designed for Iran.
Nov 29, 2004
BAGHDAD [MENL] -- Iraq has decided to replace much of its police command.


text:
Meeting with Bolívar
The two victorious generals met on July 26, 1822, in Guayaquil, where Bolívar had already taken control. What passed between them in their secret discussions is unknown, but what is clear is that San Martín hurried back to Lima, a disappointed man. There, seriously ill, faced by recriminations and overt disaffection, he resigned his protectorship on September 20. In a message to the Peruvian Congress he left a farsighted warning: The presence of a successful soldier (no matter how disinterested) is dangerous to the States that have just been constituted. The rest of his life was spent in exile with his daughter, in Brussels, Paris, and Boulogne-sur-Mer, wisely avoiding any further involvement in the anarchic situations that marred the early history of the newly independent nations. He died in Boulogne-sur-Mer in 1850.


text:
Unpunished Axe-Murder Is an International Travesty
BY ARA KHACHATOURIAN On August 31, 2012, the world watched silently—with the exception of Armenians and some restrained condemnations from international leaders—as Ramil Safarov was set fr
By: People of Armenia | Comments: 2 | Views: 785 | Votes: 1 | Shared: 0
Location: Armenia | Leaked: Mar-30-2014 in World News
Russia Poisoning of pro Western Ukranian PM with Dioxon in 2004.
Desperate to keep their puppet regime in Ukraine the russians used their favorit technique, poisoning. Ukraine: Mystery Behind Yushchenko's Poisoning Continues http://www.rferl.org/content/artic
By: CapitanPuffyPants | Comments: 35 | Views: 850 | Votes: 1 | Shared: 0
Location: Ukraine | Leaked: Feb-21-2014 in Other
Syria conflict threatens to tear Azerbaijan apart
As the sectarian civil war continues apace in Syria, the conflict threatens to affect one of the region's few bastions of secularism, the small country of Azerbaijan. Regardless of the initial r
By: RS2050 | Comments: 45 | Views: 1892 | Votes: 4 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Dec-9-2013 in Other News, Other
USA tells China to go fuck itself over its newly proclaimed 'no fly zone' over Japanese Islands.
Your move, tiny penis. Washington does not accept China air defense zone, White House says
By: RussleJimmiez | Comments: 122 | Views: 2655 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Dec-6-2013 in Regional News
Violent Arrests as thousands protest election results in Azerbaijan
Thousands of people gathered in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to protest the widely criticized results of the October 9 re-election of President Ilham Aliyev. Although the rally was authorized, it
By: djmasterblaster | Comments: 13 | Views: 642 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: Azerbaijan | Leaked: Oct-13-2013 in Regional News, Politics
Syria rebels reject opposition coalition, call for Islamic leadership
Syria rebels reject opposition coalition, call for Islamic leadership Baku- APA . Thousands of Syrian rebels have broken with the Western-backed coalition to form a new Islamist force that
By: Andragathius | Comments: 10 | Views: 1167 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: Syria | Leaked: Sep-25-2013 in Syria
China took away the Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India pipeline from USA
Baku, Fineko/abc.az. "With a subtle motion of the hand" China took away the Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India (TAPI) pipeline project from USA and became yesterday the chief c
By: LAH0RI | Comments: 59 | Views: 2003 | Votes: 2 | Shared: 0
Location: Pakistan | Leaked: Sep-9-2013 in World News
No S-300 Substitute for Iran in the Cards – Rosoboronexport
BAKU, August 2013 (RIA Novosti) The head of Russia's state-run arms export monopoly said Tuesday that his agency had no plans to provide Iran with replacements for S-300 missile defense syste
By: m16carbine | Comments: 12 | Views: 1106 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: Baku, Baku, Azerbaijan | Leaked: Aug-31-2013 in World News
Putin in Oil Land
This Article to show the plight of our Armenian people , those who we befriended and those who we trust will turn their backs on us for OIL and MONEY . It is also to shows that these so called coun
By: VartanZoravar | Comments: 5 | Views: 968 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: Armenia | Leaked: Aug-20-2013 in Regional News
Former advisor to Reagan: "The investigation we conducted under Reagan's instruction revealed that "Armenian genocide" claims are groundless
Bruce Fein: "The number of Turks killed at that time was more than Armenians" Baku. Shamil Alibeyli – APA. The White House has conducted an investigation on the events in the Otto
By: atila | Comments: 4 | Views: 867 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Aug-3-2013 in Regional News
Woman Uses An Axe To Stop Home Demolition
Azerbaijani Homeowners Protest Demolition, Insufficient Compensation By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service BAKU -- Azerbaijani homeowners have staged an angry protest against the demolition of their hom
By: rferl | Comments: 10 | Views: 857 | Votes: 1 | Shared: 0
Location: Baku, Baku, Azerbaijan | Leaked: Aug-2-2013 in Regional News
Azerbaijan: Courting Enhanced Pakistani Support
While Turkey remains Azerbaijan's chief strategic partner, officials in Baku are taking steps to upgrade relations with Pakistan. The diplomatic push is part of Baku's plan to bolster its hand in
By: Pakistani | Comments: 0 | Views: 391 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: Azerbaijan | Leaked: Jul-23-2013 in Other Middle East
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The prime purpose of the KatMouse utility is to enhance the functionality of mice with a scroll wheel, offering 'universal' scrolling: moving the mouse wheel will scroll the window directly beneath the mouse cursor (not the one with the keyboard focus, which is default on Windows OSes). This is a major increase in the usefullness of the mouse wheel.
Another feature involves the wheel button. Since the wheel button is not consistently used in Windows, KatMouse can use it for a kind of task switching: with a click of the wheel button you can push a window to the buttom of the stack of windows that is your desktop, making a recovered window the active window.
I have tried it and it works for me [XP SP3]Quote:
Q: Some windows do not scroll at all!?
A: Try the following: Go to the KatMouse 'Settings' window by right-clicking on the tray icon, select the 'Classes' tab and drag the crosshair to the problematic window. A new entry appears in the list box. Press the 'Apply' button. Now try to scroll the window. If it works now, you're done. If not, double-click the listbox entry and unselect the 'Has scroll wheel support' checkbox. Press 'Ok' and scroll the window now. If it does not work now, I fear you're out of luck.
Link: KatMouse - mouse wheel utility for Windows


text:
Ordered a Size M. Felt it was perfect over my formalwear.
Not only was this jacket actually *smaller* than what I ordered (it was a large and I ordered a 2xx), it was actually the WRONG jacket. I ordered the Tommy Hilfiger Men's Black Button -up Wool Blend Coat, and I received a weird motorcycle jacket! What the heck, Overstock?
I get a lot of compliments on it. It's very warm and looks pretty good. A bit bulky but still pretty great.
Usually leaves our warehouse in 1-2 business days. *
Items must be returned in new or unused condition and contain all original materials included with the shipment. More details
FINAL SALE EXCLUSION: Items marked as FINAL SALE are not returnable unless the problem you experience is the result of our error.
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With the NBA Draft just hours away, we take one final look at what mock draft's have the Magic selecting this year. Do they stay at four and 12? Do they make a big move and trade up to one? These questions and so many more will be answered very, very soon.
Bleacher Report
4. Dante Exum, Point Guard, Australia
Exum and the Magic have been a fit throughout the process. Orlando has not so subtly been trying to replace Jameer Nelson for the last two years, and Nelson's impending free agency will force the situation. The Magic were dead set (subscription required) on taking Marcus Smart last year before he returned to school, a fateful move that wound up working out for the best.
Victor Oladipo was one of only a handful of 2013 rookies to show any long-term promise, and pairing him with Exum would give Orlando a potentially nightmarish defensive tandem. Exum is 6'6″ with a ridiculous 6'10" wingspan, which makes him long enough to defend both guard positions. Oladipo is more than quick enough to keep up with point guards, so Orlando will be able to switch easily depending on the situation.
Landing Exum also allows the Magic to avoid pushing the farcicalOladipo-as-point-guard angle. Oladipo can handle the ball a bit, but he's turnover prone and much better as a secondary option. The only issue with taking Exum at No. 4 is shooting; the Magic are already a below-average team from long range. Exum's biggest flaw beyond his level of competition is his shaky jumper.
If general manager Rob Hennigan is convinced he can make an Exum-Oladipo backcourt work offensively, this is a no-brainer.
12. James Young, Small Forward, Kentucky
Orlando is probably a little disappointed McDermott is not available here. Neither Tobias Harris nor Moe Harkless has developed a reliable jumper yet, and adding McDermott to the fold would give the Magic someone who can stretch the floor from either forward spot.Stauskas isn't a fallback option here unless Hennigan surprises and goes with a big at No. 4.
In either case, Young is a strong fit and might be the best player of the three long term anyway.
A scoring-first wing with good athleticism and a 7-foot wingspan, Young began coming into his own late in his only season at Kentucky. The rim is still rattling from his dunk in the NCAA championship game against Connecticut, and his inconsistent jumper started falling with regularity. Consistency is a noteworthy issue, but one that's to be expected for someone still a couple months shy of his 19th birthday.
Young would also give the Magic another attack-first player who can fight his way into the paint. An Exum-Oladipo-Young trio requires a lot of faith in future projections, but it sounds awfully exciting.
4. Dante Exum, Point Guard, Australia
Though Victor Oladipo played on the ball for stretches last season, Dante Exum would give the Magic two long, athletic guards and plenty of flexibility moving forward. Should Exum be picked by Philadelphia, Embiid is reportedly the next player in line here.
12. Jusuf Nurkic, Center, Croatia
Having drafted a point guard with their earlier pick, the Magic could look to bolster their frontcourt situation. Nikola Vucevic is a terrific rebounder but Orlando doesn't have a back to the basket target like Nurkic on their roster at the moment. Jusuf Nurkic can help any team with his scoring instincts and offensive rebounding prowess and is considered by most the clear-cut second best center in the draft.
NBA.Com Consensus Mock
4. Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana
12. Gary Harris, Shooting Guard, Michigan State
4. Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana
Orlando likes Exum and the idea of pairing him in the backcourt with Victor Oladipo, but if he's gone, Vonleh would give the Magic a versatile power forward who rebounds well, blocks shots and can stretch the floor with his shooting.
12. Elfrid Payton, Point Guard, Lousiana-Lafayette
If Orlando goes big at four, it could take a point guard with Jameer Nelson's future unclear. Payton, Tyler Ennis and Zach LaVine are candidates. The Magic also could package the two picks to move up.
CBS Sports
Gary Parish: 4. Joel Embiid, Center, Kansas; 12. Aderian Payne, Power Forward, Michigan State
Zach Harper: 4. Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana; 12. Doug McDermott, Forward, Creighton
Matt Moore: 4. Julius Randle, Power Forward, Kentucky; 12. Elfrid Payton, Point Guard, Louisiana-Lafayette
Basketball Insiders
Alex Kennedy: 4. Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana; 12. Tyler Ennis, Point Guard, Syracuse
Joel Brigham: 4. Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana; 12. Elfrid Payton, Point Guard, Louisiana-Lafayette
Steve Kyler: 4. Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana; 12. Tyler Ennis, Point Guard, Syracuse
Yannis Koutroupis: 4. Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana; 12. Tyler Ennis, Point Guard, Syracuse
4. Noah Vonleh, Power Forward, Indiana
The Magic have also been trying to both move up and get another lottery pick. They've offered Nos. 4 and 12 and Afflalo to the Cavs and Bucks, but so far, no takers. They've also used Afflalo as bait to get a pick from the Kings at No. 8 and the Nuggets at 11, but so far, no deal.
The Magic also are taking a long look at Embiid. They know they need an athletic rim protector. Nikola Vucevic has been great, but he doesn't provide the defense they seek in the middle. But there is concern in Orlando that Embiid's timetable won't work with what they are trying to build. If he misses the season and then essentially has his rookie year in 2015-16, they can't really expect him to start helping until 2016 at the earliest. The Magic have already had two brutal years of rebuilding. Two more sounds gut wrenching.
The Magic are also very keen on Exum, and I'm told they would likely select him if he's on the board. If he's gone and Embiid seems like too much of a risk, then it comes down to Vonleh and Marcus Smart to the Magic.
Vonleh has intrigued them ever since a stellar workout. His ability to stretch the floor and his ability to protect the rim make him a very good fit next to Vucevic. The team also needs a point guard badly and has been enamored with Smart for two seasons. Smart's workouts haven't been great in Orlando, however, and the Magic increasingly believe they can get a very good point guard at 12. I think Vonleh has the edge.
12. Elfrid Payton, Point Guard, Louisiana-Lafayette
This pick remains highly contextual based on what the Magic do at No. 4. If Exum falls to them or if they take Smart, then they'll likely look at another big — and Saric is the one guy left on the board who really makes some sense for them. His playmaking ability, rebounding and versatility make him a nice fit in Orlando. Exum and Saric would give them the two best young international prospects in the draft.
But if Exum is gone and they pass on Smart and take Vonleh, look for them to take a point guard. There are several intriguing point guards here — the most exciting of which might be Payton. His athleticism, quickness, defensive toughness and ability to get to the rim make him a great fix in Orlando if they pass on Exum. Tyler Ennis, Zach LaVine and Shabazz Napier would all get looks here, too.
Number of Times Picked
Noah Vonleh
Elfrid Payton
Tyler Ennis
Dante Exum
Gary Harris
James Young
Aderian Payne
Jusuf Nurkic
Julius Randle
Doug McDermott
Tags: Mock Draft NBA Draft Orlando Magic


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Free Energy Computations
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This monograph provides a general introduction to advanced computational methods for free energy calculations, from the systematic and rigorous point of view of applied mathematics. Free energy calculations in molecular dynamics have become an outstanding and increasingly broad computational field in physics, chemistry and molecular biology within the past few years, by making possible the analysis of complex molecular systems. This work proposes a new, general and rigorous presentation, intended both for practitioners interested in a mathematical treatment, and for applied mathematicians interested in molecular dynamics.
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Georgia Tech's Finance and Accounting for Non-financial Managers Program (FANFM) is a certificate program designed to provide experienced managers with hands-on concepts, tools, and techniques in finance and accounting. Participants will learn how to use finance and accounting information to improve their operating decisions as well as work more effectively with colleagues serving in finance and accounting functions.
Who should attend a FANFM program?
This program will benefit non-financial managers in such areas as marketing, sales, manufacturing, engineering and operations as well as leaders who have been promoted through such functional areas. The program also benefits technical professionals making the transition into management roles. No background in accounting or finance is required.
This program is available at Georgia Tech or your location
Contact us now to explore ways to customize this program for delivery at Georgia Tech's Huang Executive Education Center, or your location. Our faculty and subject matter experts will work with your company to tailor a program to meet your unique needs.
Linda Read, Client Relationship Manager
Office: 404-385-0553
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Learning Modules:
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- Evaluating Corporate Investments I
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text: It is Easter in Angelby and in the market place three crucifixes, with life size effigies, have been erected. The town, however, is more concerned with the visiting pop-group, Second Coming, whose lead singer is a local boy. But soon a different figure is hanging dead on the centre cross.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.


text:
Myra Spurgin
Myra Spurgin - 30 Years
Diagnostic Sciences
A five-minute interview led to 30 years of memories at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry for Myra Spurgin, medical lab technician in diagnostic sciences.
The job interview with Dr. Leon Lewis, then chair of oral diagnosis, is one of her favorite memories from the past 30 years.
"I laugh about my job interview...and remember it like it was yesterday," Spurgin says. "The questions he asked me and the answers I gave him would probably be grounds for dismissal today!"
While walking down memory lane Spurgin recalls the 1995 flood but adds, "One of my favorite memories is more recent; the student kayaking down Nussbaumer with cars floating all around him."
Spurgin's sense of humor and bold spirit serve her well as she goes about her daily duties. She manages the Oral Diagnosis Clinical Laboratory, drawing blood and performing tests for patients and research studies. She also takes radiographs, assists students in radiology and assists with general patient care in oral diagnosis. Her newest task, for the Office of Clinical Affairs, involves infection control as she oversees efforts to sterilize the dental unit waterlines.
Spurgin enjoys working at HSC-BCD because of the challenges and surprises that greet her each day. She views her work at the college as more than a job: Each day is an opportunity to impart knowledge to students and help the patients she is privileged to serve.
When she is not fulfilling her many responsibilities at the school, Spurgin enjoys cooking for her family. She has been married to her husband, Joe, for 30 years. They have two children: a son, Leo, who attends Texas Tech University and a daughter, Katie, who is in high school. Spurgin also enjoys growing cacti and succulents, doing water aerobics and fishing. She certainly caught a good place to work 30 years ago.


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An aromatic, rich, "cross-over" tea. Coffee drinkers enjoy it. Also tastes fabulous chilled. Contains caffeine.
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Good choice for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up. Add milk and/or honey and the flavor shines through. Contains caffeine.
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Cristina Ghirlanda
I have started improvising designs since I was a child. My favorite toys were scraps of fabric and yarns. I love every aspect of publishing knitting patterns: sketching, swatching, grading, knitting up the sample, photographing… Knitting is the perfect medium to experiment ideas. You can almost never make irreversible mistakes. If you like my designs, come join my Ravelry group Minimi Knit Design!
Buy 3 for 2 offer: If you buy any 3 patterns (ebook included) together from my Ravelry store, you will get the lowest priced one for free. No coupon code required, just add them to the cart!
original designs
no photo


text:
Interview with a shark chaser
A 3,456-pound female shark, named "Mary Lee", was captured off Cape Cod last September 17 by OCEARCH, a nonprofit research group that studies the ocean's giants. They fitted the mature shark with a tracking device and then released her back into the ocean.
Chris Fischer, founder and expedition leader for OCEARCH, spoke with Penny Griego and Phil Hulett to explain what the group is learning about Mary Lee.
OCEARCH facilitates unprecedented research by supporting leading researchers and institutions seeking to attain groundbreaking data on the biology and health of sharks, in conjunction with basic research on shark life history and migration. The researchers work aboard the M/V OCEARCH, a unique 126' vessel equipped with a custom 75,000 hydraulic lift and research platform, which serves as both mothership and at-sea laboratory.
Website: http://sharks-ocearch.verite.com/
Related article
- OCEARCH Founder Chris Fischer tracks great white shark 200 yards off Florida coast; warns police (startingpoint.blogs.cnn.com)


text: Posted 31, October, 2013 If this works it will change the world, its the SABRE engine in development by Reaction Engines Ltd. It will use oxygen from the atmosphere as the oxidizer and then switch to on board liquid oxygen reserves to make the final push to space. This right here is the next stepping stone to bringing down the cost of getting people and materials into space. They hope to have a prototype done by 2020. Guys this means space tourism could be a legit thing by the time I'm 30. #Science #sabre #future #air #breathing #rocket #Skylon


text:
A person's genes may help determine whether or not they survive the Ebola virus, according to new research on mice at the University of Washington in Seattle. Read more.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania say our bodies have "rush hours"--usually around dawn and dusk and that can help determine when is the best time of the day to take medications. Read more
Adolescent girls who are, for genetic reasons, at a high risk of depression also may tend to age more quickly, according to a new study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. Read more
I was a vegetarian until I started leaning toward the sunlight.
—Rita Rudner
People who suffer from sleep apnea may be more likely to have problems with their spatial memories--such as remembering where they've parked their cars. That's the conclusion of new research published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Read more
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital say they've been able to create a miniature stomach using human stem cells, a development that could significantly advance research of cancer and metabolic syndrome. Read more
A thick fog begins to settle over Donora, a mill town of 14,000 people in western Pennsylvania and, in doing so, it traps air pollution from the city's zinc smelting plant and steel mills. The yellow, acrid smoke burns eyes and throats, but at first, people think it's just another bad air day. By the next day, however, local health officials are telling those with respiratory conditions to get out of town, but the pollution is so thick that it's nearly impossible to drive. By the time a rainstorm clears the air on Halloween, 20 people are dead and almost half of the town's residents have become sick. Get the whole story.


text:
Gourmet Bazaar at Santa Monica Place Opened Yesterday
- Servorg May 21, 2011 10:33 AM
The LA Times reported that the remodeled Santa Monica Place mall just opened up a 15,000 sq. ft. area that is supposedly based on the San Francisco Ferry Building. This new space will feature "cured meats and cheeses, freshly baked breads and other goods, seasonal produce and things like organic ice cream, a casual trattoria, florist and artisinal chocolatier (plus even a cooking school)."
I'll come back with a link to the story in the LAT's in a few minutes.
Story here: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi...
It was actually organized chaos at first, but I spent all day there and had fun people-watching and food sampling. The vendor of Cast Iron Gourmet had incredible bacon products, and I came home with some Pork Nuts (homemade corn nuts fried in bacon fat) and a delicious bacon pimiento cheese spread. Can't wait until she opens her stall for good. The Curious Palate served me a wonderful lunch, the staff and management could not have been more helpful and worked their asses off through the lunch crowd. Just hope they can sustain a buzz, manager told me they were considering doing a Sunday brunch and full service dinner in a few weeks. But for now, you order and pay at a cashier. The miso marinated short rib wrap was delicious, and served with beautiful fresh mixed green salad, and a sumptious Rioja. So psyched this is near my house and I can become a regular at a spot like this, not lost in a crowd of a place that seats 300.
The Curious Palate
12034 Venice Boulevard, Mar Vista, CA
re: Phurstluv
We've enjoyed the short rib wrap at their Mar Vista location. I didn't realize until Thursday that there's a handful of Westside places that are in this new location as well. I guess this technically makes them chains for now - should we start hating them? ;) Thanks for giving us a first view...
re: bulavinaka
Just returned and had a lovely experience. The line for The Curious Palate was very long so we got some sandwiches from Rockenwagner. Chicken salad was quite peppery and delicious The turkey and swiss served on pretzel bun was also good. Wish we had time to stay for some of the souffles. They looked so yummy. Nice running into Piero Sevlaggio, whom we have known forever. He's look-alike son is working with him at Primi. Bought some just-made gnocchi to have with dinner tonight.
All in all, a fine addition to the neighborhood.
The Curious Palate
12034 Venice Boulevard, Mar Vista, CA
re: maudies5
Hi maudies5! Once again we were in the same spot at the same time!! I agree, the food at Rockenwagner looked wonderful, wish I had stayed for a souffle too, next time I guess! I was having such a good time at TCP that I stayed there until it was time to pick up my kids from school! They were so nice I scored a free beer and coconut cupcake from them, delicious! And my neighbor shared her fries with me, and their ketchup is amazing! I haven't been to their MV store, so I was pleasantly surprised! Will def be back. Is Primi Mercato Selvaggio's? Didn't realize that was his, will def be getting fresh pasta there instead of Bay cities, at least there's always parking!!
Hi Bula! Yea, I guess we have to boycott them now, shoot!!! You go first!! LOL!
re: Phurstluv
Primi Mercato, the Salumeria across the way and the pasta operation are all Piero Selvaggio's. Gosh, we have known Piero forever and he still continues to be so charming. The gnocchi(stuffed with ricotta) I bought from him had literally just been hand made. I even discussed with Piero how I was planning on having it as a side dish along with the roasting chicken I bought from Farmer's mkt today. I told him I was thinking of using the fresh English peas I bought today. Piero suggested just butter, sage and the peas for the gnocchi. Chicken just went into the oven.
re: Phurstluv
The TCP's homemade ketchup is the best in the city. I loved it so much, we bought a jar. It's like the yummiest tomato chutney...
Strong heads up! I can't tell from the reports. Are the merchants mostly permanent merchants? Any space or plans for a farmers market set up like the Ferry Building on Saturdays?
re: Porthos
No, they appear to be permanent. There are a couple or three kiosk type merchants in the middle of the Market, but every thing else is along the perimeter, and has their own walk-ins, etc. And with the booming FM on Saturdays & Wednesdays just two blocks north, does not make sense to have another FM-type marketplace in this space. Rents are pretty high, I'm sure.
re: Phurstluv
Would be nice to centralize everything. Guess 2 blocks isn't horrible!
All this place needs is a Wine Merchant...
re: goodhealthgourmet
All this place needs is a produce vendor, a fresh herb vendor, a fish monger, and a butcher. Or a few of each. Then it'll be a market. I'm not sure what I would call it now. A half-baked market? Whoever put this together should've done a little more work. Or a lot more work. It's a little insulting to the current vendors who were under the impression this location would be an actual market. They had to put a lot of money, time and effort into location that hasn't fully delivered on its premise. Theyve' had plenty of time to get the kinks worked out. But there are still kinks there. Someone should have bent over backwards to get the fishmonger, produce, etc. If I were one of the vendors - I'd be really pissed. It should be a one stop shopping event, you know, like a supermarket? As it is, you'd have to park in that truly awful and confusing parking facility, hike up there, buy some stuff, go back to your car, put it in there, then go to the Santa Monica Farmer's market (open two days a week), by your produce, back to the car AND THEN GO TO ANOTHER MARKET to get the stuff neither location had.
All that said, I hope they get it together - there's a great idea in there.
re: foodiemahoodie
According to the story in the LA Times they will be featuring "seasonal produce" in the market. Is that not the case?
re: foodiemahoodie
I'm hoping to visit this place some time this week. I totally concur with your vision of what this place should offer/be. When one visits places like the Ferry Building or even Ox Bow - heck even a tiny place like Cowgirl Creamery in Pointe Reyes Station - it's pretty much one-stop shopping. Serious eaters can find an all-encompassing shopping or dining experience (and then some) for a meal/meals from apps to dessert and everything that fortifies a great eating experience.
I'm willing to give it some time. I'm guessing that most places mentioned above started out imperfect and evolved with time. I was in Santa Cruz last summer and enjoyed a similar in-process collection of places at a location called Swift Street Courtyard. While its roots are different, it has evolved over a relatively short time from warehouse/industrial space that a strong bakery/cafe moved into, to a growing cluster of drinking/dining/specialty shops. When I visited this place, the wine offerings were very strong (I think six wine tasting venues and counting), a local beer brewer with a great reputation, the bakery/cafe that was and still is the nucleus of all of this, a big handful of specialty shops and winemaker Bonny Doon's Cellar Door Cafe. I remember commenting to my self that with all of the spectacular offerings here already, a few more shops would round out the collection. With great bread and other offerings from Kelly's Bakery along with excellent wine and beer stops, a perfect picnic would be realized if a good cheese and charcuterie place along with a produce market or at least small section or stall much like what is offered at Cowgirl Creamery. Sure enough, there already was a butcher/charcuterie shop in the process of building into a vacant space. And I think it's only a matter of time that the other "missing" components will arrive. There's truly great produce and other agricultural products in and around Santa Cruz - this is turning into one of the premier places to truly showcase them.
I think a couple of issues that are of significant difference between a place like Swift Street and the Santa Monica Place's new market venue may ultimately determine how things pan out. A business's overhead and how the collection of vendors is determined seem to me to be the major issues, and I can't see a produce vendor or fishmonger moving into a place like this and actually float without having a huge mark up on such perishable products. If these types of places can supplement their income with value-added products (market produce-based salads, jarred/canned specialties, oyster bars, etc. - grab a bottle of wine from Venokado or visa versa), they may be able to pull it off. Also, Swift Street's evolution is somewhat natural - market-driven. Santa Monica Place's approach seems more command economy-driven, dictated by the mall's management. "We think this mix will work so let's put it out there and hope we were right..." I can't tell you how they did actually determined who went into this space, but many are rehashes of familiar vendors and eateries located in or close to the Westside. While many have satisfactory to great reputations, I personally was sort of meh about this. Given the current group of vendors and eateries, as a Westside Angeleno, I can gain a similar experience with similar effort. Yeah, I'd have to travel more, but I can rationalize this by the fact that I won't have to deal with the traffic leading up to and around this mall, along with the parking issues. I think with some true creativity by the mall powers, regular input by consumers (both vocally and monetarily), this might have a chance.
re: bulavinaka
A workable "tweener" would be the equivalent of a big, ready-made deli section, a direction most markets have gone to. That's not really a market, more like a picnic-ready place. But it's not that either. Could be.
I'm not sure if a fishmonger can survive there. Certainly one that functioned like a real fishmonger - get a limited amount of fresh fish in that morning, put it on ice and sell out. A fishmonger that has only fresh fish and actually runs out? That'd be worth the trip, the parking alone because there's noting like that on the west side. Santa Monica Seafood? Kinda sucks.
re: bulavinaka
I dropped by this morning to check out the space and here's my initial thoughts:
Ingress/egress is easy. The entrance to this market is very close to the 4th level of the parking structure off of Broadway. With that said, I can see parking itself being a challenge. I didn't find any parking spots until I reached midway between the 3rd and 4th levels on a Wednesday morning barely past opening time. lizziee's suggestion of using the valet service is something to keep in mind when the mall area is in full swing.
The space itself is open and inviting. A breezeway runs down the center of the market with stalls on either side of it and some kiosks incorporated into the breezeway area. For those who have been to the Ferry Building in San Francisco, please don't expect something of that scale. In its current state, the market is maybe one-sixth in size at best. But various types of seating are sprinkled throughout the space (even some temporary seating in the fronts of the vacant units), as well as ample seating in the various eateries. Even the wine merchant has a small balcony with seating for its guests. Though I don't know the legalities of uncorking a bottle in any of the market's public spaces or on the wine shop's balcony, grabbing a salumi and cheese platter from Norcino Salumeria and enjoying it with a nice bottle might be reality. And Piero Salvaggio was behind the counter creating some simple but attractive samplers.
I didn't have a meal here, but I did grab some wine, salumi and bread from Venokado, Norcino and Rockenwagner. Relative to other wine shops around the Westside, the wine selection is on the smallish side at Venokado but many of the wines are selected from smaller wineries or are organic/biodynamic, and the staff is very helpful. They also have a refrigerated section as well as a handful of sparklers and beers. They also offer non-wine accessories seemingly geared toward women (soaps, lotions, kiddy stuff) - kind of unusual from my perspective - give me more wine or beer selection - that's what I'm here for.
From my perspective, I think Norcino is a great addition to this market. The wisdom and tastes of Piero Salvaggio can be appreciated by more people in this setting. The cases of quality salumi and cheeses are very impressive and considering how unique some are, the prices seemed more than reasonable to me. They also offer a simple menu mostly of panini.
I think many are familiar with Rockenwagner. This location is simple, stylish and has a nice corner nook area for seating. I've always been fond of their baked goods and I think they have some of the better breads in LA, so this new venue just adds to their accessibility.
As already mentioned by some posters, I can't help but reiterate that having an actual working wine bar and other standards like a fish monger, butcher and produce stall or kiosk would do wonders for a place like this. These missing elements help create a synergism that one can feel at more established places of this type. I think also without a well-rounded collection of food vendors, the cooking school will suffer, yet can be used to showcase the various vendors' goods in creating great dishes or desserts, wine pairings, etc. Having two ice cream vendors in a place this size seems one too many - I'd swap one out (probably Beachy Cream despite their eye candy servers - ah-ooh-gah!) for one of those mentioned missing elements or even a dedicated specialty bar of some sort (exquisite desserts, oyster, etc). Some of the counters and kiosks seem too large given the scale of their respective businesses. Beachy Cream and Cookie Guru have excessive counter/kiosk space relative to their offerings. Primi Al Mercato's counter runs what seems to be about a fifth of the market's length. I can see this amount of space being of use at peak periods, but otherwise after that dies off, then what? I'd be more in favor of having more stalls or counters in a given space that are smaller in size at the benefit of creating more variety and (IMHO) the energy and buzz created by this kind of setting.
There's no doubt that the kind of prospective consumer sought after is the upper 50% in terms of income. I just hope this collection of vendors can draw as well s keep the interest of such consumers. Good bones, but I think this place will need to go through a few iterations before they get the mix right. And if the mall mgmt doesn't get the right mix, I have to wonder if it will have legs.
re: bulavinaka
A good idea to quickly access the Market is to just go straight to the roof parking. There's usually plenty of parking places and the entrance puts you right across from the Market entrance. Only a few steps down.
re: goodhealthgourmet
Not quite Wine Merchant. Wine Merchant in the Ferry Building has a bar area with seats and several table tops where you can bring in cheese, bread, and other loot from the farmers market to go with a very nice selection of their wines by the glass. They make it interesting by offering a different sparkling flight, flight of whites, and flight of reds for a very reasonable price each week. They also allow you to bring any bottle of wine from the attached wine store and will open it for you for a small corkage fee.
In response to foodiemahoodie, I'm guessing the butcher and fish monger with their very expensive and very perishable goods are going to wait to see how this concept hashes out before committing so much money to a stall in this market. If the concept takes off, I'm sure the butcher and fish monger and mushroom guy will follow. It's promising to be sure.
re: Porthos
Whoever put this "market" together - should have bent over backwards to make sure they got the butcher, fishmonger, producer vendor, etc. (a "protein" vendor) - even if it was free rent for six months. Or a year. Otherwise - what is it? An almost tweener market? Manbearpig market! Half food court, half market, half empty unrealized promise.
re: Porthos
I agree about the wine merchant being more than just a wine merchant. It's so much more inviting not only to the shop itself, but the anticipation of the whole experience at such places knowing that one can experience the products in this fashion. I think also that the wine acts like a lubricant on folks' wallets...
re: bulavinaka
You do not have to go into the parking garage to go to the market. There is valet parking by Nordstrom's - 3 hours free parking.
3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA
re: lizziee
As soon as the wine merchant has what Porthos describes, then the 3-hour free parking will be part of my M.O. :)
re: bulavinaka
It's only "valet parking," Bula - not "designated valet driving!" ;-D>
re: Servorg
I'd make a beeline straight for the wine (and hopefully some great food with it), take a sip or two or three, stroll and hopefully add my two cents to our recovering economy, and by the end of three hours, be able to drive no worse than I already do sans buzz.
re: lizziee
Also valet parking on 4th. 3 hours free with validation. Which is not provided by The Market or food court vendors, but the bigger restaurants.
re: foodiemahoodie
The Curious Palate and Primi both offer validation now.
The Curious Palate
12034 Venice Boulevard, Mar Vista, CA
re: bulavinaka
I think also that the wine acts like a lubricant on folks' wallets...
Yep. A veritable WD40 of wallets.
A place like the Wine Merchant adds to the value of the entire market and increases the spending across the board at every stall. It's what drives me to purchase way too much cheese at Cowgirl and buy extra fruits at the vendors in addition to multiple sandwiches and cured meats so I have enough food to go with all that wine. That's definitely a vendor that deserves free 6 month's rent.
re: Porthos
@Porthos, ah, i thought you meant "a wine merchant" in general - i didn't catch the initial caps indicating your reference to a *specific* entity :)
re: goodhealthgourmet
No problem. It is good to know that there will be a wine merchant on premises though. Thanks for the heads up!
so glad to hear the positive reports! i had the opening marked on my calendar but i just couldn't bring myself to brave the opening-day chaos...props to those of you who did :)
initial reports last summer said Kings Road Coffee was opening a shop in the Market - i guess they were displaced by Groundwork...?
I had a fantastic Bratwurst Sandwich on pretzel bread, w/slaw and a very spicy mustard at Rockenwagner's new place. The whole place seemed odd - not really a market or a food-court - but some interesting dining options.
re: A5 KOBE
Curious Palate or Rockenwagner...I didn't try Primi but the menu looked fairly uninteresting to me.
The Curious Palate
12034 Venice Boulevard, Mar Vista, CA
re: Ciao Bob
Curious Palate had a "lamb belly" sandwich listed - it might be the deboned lamb rack that one of the meat vendors at the Mar Vista FM offers. I've enjoyed this cut a few times and it reminded me of a lamb version of pork belly. If this is the case, I'd put that on my "Strong Potentials" list for lunch or dinner.
The Curious Palate
12034 Venice Boulevard, Mar Vista, CA
I checked it out Wednesday after a trip to the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Had an early lunch at TCP and it was not busy yet....but still very disorganized. I ordered quiche twice....and was told, after the order, that they didn't have the type I'd ordered. So I ordered what they had, and it still took a ridiculously long time to get it. And again, they weren't busy. And when it finally came, it was cold. Not room temp...but cold. And I'd ordered that kind because they said they were "just making it."
That said....they were apologetic and said they were still working out the kinks. So I'll just chalk it up to that, and try again in a while. My favorite store, though, was Venokado. Spent a little time with one of the owners, Molly. Evidently two sisters own that store and one in Hollywood. Molly was very knowledgeable. Loves finding terrific wines for $15 a bottle or less. They had a very interesting selection....great combination of California and European wines. I bought half a case, mostly Spanish, and told her I'd be back for a selection of Italian wines. She told me that always had tastings....and I'm pretty sure you can combine their wines with some of the take out food places. Not sure exactly how it works. She even showed me where to park so "shlepping" the wines is easier...and also said they'd certainly bring them to my car. I do a lot of wine shopping, and have my "go to" places...but this will definitely become one of them!
7714 Fountain Ave West, Hollywood, CA
re: perk
I've drank a couple of my bottles from there and so far so good. Many of the wines are quirky and different - German rosé, Italian riesling/sauv blanc blend and small batch biodynamic Cal blends are what I picked up - they've been fun intriguing wines for about $20-25 per bottle. A little more than that $15 sweet spot that seems so common now, but I'll grant the upcharge to their overhead and unique quirky collection. I don't see myself getting cases here but I do enjoy picking a few bottles that just make me tilt my head and say, "Really?"
re: bulavinaka
I totally agree bulavinaka. I mentioned a couple of prices that were a bit higher than my usual haunts and she said "Yea, they can buy in bulk." I may still buy higher volumes at Topline
or the Wine House or K &, or when Greenblatts has a special on something....but I'll definitely be going here to experiment. I'm having a glass of chenin blanc now that molly recommended....$8 a bottle. very nice. south african, i think. It will be a fun place to experiment!
Wine House
2311 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Santa Monica Place has too many good things. I hit up a few places including L'Artisan du Chocolat, Rockenwagner, Norcino Salumeria Cheese Bar, Nice Cream and Primi Al Mercato.
L'Artisan du Chocolat has wonderful chocolate, this coming from a person who does not like chocolate all that much. Also have great macarons, texture just melts in your mouth.
Grabbed a veal sausage sandwich at Rockenwagner that had great mustard. Also bought a slice of hazelnut cake and am going to eat it tonight.
Walked around a bit and did some shopping and then went to the Norcino Salumeria Cheese Bar and ordered a prosciutto and cheese panini. I liked this sandwich even better than Rockenwagner's.
Walked next door and grabbed an ice cream at Nice Cream. Got Lemon sorbet which was way too tart and ended up throwing it away. But the vanilla gelato was very good.
Last stop was Primi al Mercato where we picked up some black ink pasta to go. Pretty expensive at $12/lb but it is fresh pasta. There were so many great looking pastas like porcini raviolis, beef agnelotti, swiss chard raviolis, tomato fettuccine and more. There was just too much stuff I wanted to grab. I guess I will have to make a repeat visit.
The Ferry Building has Blue Bottle. Santa Monica Place has Groundworks. :( But the fresh pasta place may make up for it.
re: mikester
You almost had Dean & Deluca: http://www.deandeluca.com/ (until the economic melt down sank it)...


text: Kevin McCarthy: She was always going out and glittering in the night somewhere, but the fact that you couldn't rely on her drove you nuts. If she said she was going to see you, she might or might not be there. You weren't equals. If you were a prosaic person, you'd take her to dinner, go to the theater, read poetry aloud together, or even roll around and wrestle a little together, but at the same time there was this feeling that she was from another world. It was intense and sweet and troubled. Maybe she was from the underworld. She reminded me of Montgomery Clift. He once said to me: "I would like to go down into the depths of the underworld, the depths of darkest experience, and come back and tell about it."


text:
A method of measuring echo path delay in a circuit having echo cancellers after enabling an echo signal to pass through the echo cancellers. The known time for a given echo canceller to disable is subtracted from the overall test signal duration. This quantity can be subtracted from the overall echo duration to compute the echo path delay.
1. A method of determining echo path delay at an echo canceller, comprising:
generating from a location remote from the echo canceller an echo canceller disabling signal for transmission through an echo canceller for disabling echo cancellation in the echo canceller;
determining a duration of an echo canceller disabling signal;
determining an echo cancellation disable time for the echo canceller;
determining an echo signal time during which the echo signal passes through the echo canceller; and
deriving the echo path delay from the duration of the echo canceller disabling signal, the echo cancellation disable time for the echo canceller, and the echo signal time.
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12. A method of determining an echo path delay in a network having an echo-canceller at an echo canceller, comprising performing the following steps from a location remote from the echo canceller;
measuring a duration of an echo canceller disabling signal A;
obtaining an echo cancellation disable time B for the echo canceller in response to the echo canceller disabling signal;
establishing a call through the echo canceller;
transmitting the echo canceller disabling signal;
recording an echo signal passing through the echo canceller;
measuring an echo duration time C from the recorded echo signal;
computing an echo path delay as C-[A-B].
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Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
The present invention relates generally to communication networks and, more particularly, to echo cancellation in communication networks.
As is known in the art, echo in networks, such as telephone circuits, is primarily caused by the reflection of energy due to impedance mismatches at 4-to-2 wire junctions, which are commonly known as hybrids. In conventional telephone circuits, echo cancellers (ECs) are placed at various locations in the network to cancel this echo. In Internet Protocol (IP) networks, echo cancellers are placed inside the network gateways. It is often desirable to characterize echo path(s). Parameters of interest include the delay associated with the echo path (EPD) of the canceller and the echo return loss (ERL). This information is useful for troubleshooting field echo control problems and network characterizations.
Field-deployed echo cancellers can fail to control echo for a number of reasons. Two reasons for such failures include the EPD exceeding the operating range of the canceller, and the ERL associated with the echo path being so low that the canceller categorizes the echo as the speech signal of the party nearer to the EC and thus, allows the echo to pass through. However, when troubleshooting complaints of echo in conventional or IP telephone networks using known techniques, collecting information on these two parameters is difficult.
It would, therefore, be desirable to overcome the aforesaid and other disadvantages.
The present invention provides a method for measuring echo path delay for remote network echo canceller(s) using equipment located in a single, centralized site, for example. In general, using a defined source signal, echo cancellation in the echo cancellers is disabled and the resulting echo signal duration is measured. The echo path delay can be derived from the overall resulting echo signal duration. With this arrangement, the echo path delay can be determined in circuits containing one or more echo cancellers. While the invention is primarily shown and described in conjunction with circuit-switched/IP telephone networks having echo cancellers, it is understood that the invention is applicable to networks in general in which it is desirable to determine the echo path delay.
In one aspect of the invention, a signal (e.g., a 2100 Hz tone with periodic 180� phase reversals at 450 msec intervals) disables echo cancellation in the echo canceller so that the duration of an echo signal at an output of the echo canceller can be measured. In one embodiment, the echo path delay is derived by subtracting a time duration from the echo signal duration. The time duration corresponds to the duration of the disabling signal after echo cancellation is disabled, i.e., the remainder of the test signal that has not yet reached the echo canceller at the time the echo canceller is disabled. Echo cancellation disable times for a variety of known echo cancellers can be determined if not already known.
The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
It is understood that the network can be provided in a variety of topologies and types including PSTN (Public Switched Telecommunications/Telephone Network) and packet networks, which can contain multiple echo cancellers.
The network 100 includes a hybrid circuit 104 disposed between a telephone 106 and the echo canceller 102. As is well known in the art, the hybrid 104 provides a 4-to-2 wire junction between the four-wire echo canceller 102 and the two-wire telephone 106. The echo canceller 102 receives a receive-in signal Rin and provides a receive-out signal Rout to the hybrid 104, and ultimately to the telephone 106. A signal originating at the telephone 106 combines with the Rout signal energy reflected from the hybrid 104 (echo) to provide a send-in signal Sin to the echo canceller 102. This signal is processed, which includes removing the echo, and output from the echo canceller 102 as the send-out signal Sout.
The echo canceller (EC) 102 includes a digital subtractor 108, a non-linear processor (NLP) 110, and an echo estimator/control circuit 112 for processing the echo signal. The digital subtractor 108, which receives the send-in signal Sin, is coupled in series with the NLP 112, which outputs the send-out signal Sout. The echo estimator/control circuit 112 monitors the receive-in signal Rin that is output unchanged as the receive-out signal Rout. The echo estimator/control circuit 112 also monitors the send-in signal Sin and a signal 116 output from the digital subtractor 108. The structure and operation of echo cancellers is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
In an exemplary embodiment, the Echo Path Delay (EPD) measurements are performed under so-called single-talk conditions, which requires a �quiet� call termination, e.g., where the signal power is less than about −50 dBm. In an illustrative embodiment, a quiet call termination can be achieved by covering the mouthpiece of the telephone handset in an environment that is relatively free of background noise.
In operation, with a quiet call termination, the EC 102 monitors, via the echo estimator/control circuit 112, the original signal in the receive path (Rin to Rout). The signal passes through the EC Receive-out Rout port through the 4-to-2 wire hybrid 104 to the listener via the telephone 106. Some of the energy in the speech (receive-out signal Rout) is reflected back from the hybrid 104 due to differences in impedance on its 2-wire and 4-wire sides to the Send-in Sin port of the echo canceller 102 generating an echo path signal. As used herein, Echo Path Delay (EPD) refers to the signal transmission time for an echo signal between the echo canceller Rout and Sin ports. Echo return loss is the difference in power between the original transmitted (Rout) and echoed signal (at Sin).
The EC 102 echo estimator 112 looks for correlation between the receive-in Rin and the send-in Sin signals to compute an estimate of the echo that is then subtracted from its send-path by the digital subtractor 108. The EC non-linear processor (NLP) 110 is activated when there is a relatively strong receive-in signal Rin as compared to the send-in signal Sin, e.g., Rin greater than 15 dB to 20 dB stronger than Sin. When activated, the NLP 110 acts like an open switch that prevents any residual echo from the output of the digital subtractor 108 to exit the echo canceller at Sout.
On a data connection prior to data transmission, a 2100 Hz phase-reversed tone is sent by the answering modem. This tone instructs all ECs, such as EC 102, provisioned along the call connection to disable echo cancellation so as to prevent distortion of the digital data. The EC 102 has a disabling tone detector located in the control circuitry 112 that detects valid tones and disables echo cancellation. When echo cancellation disabling occurs, the digital subtractor 108 function ceases and the NLP 110 deactivates, acting like a closed switch, so that the signal from the Sin port passes through to the Sout port unchanged. Echo cancellation is typically disabled when the second 180� phase reversal of a 2100 Hz phase-reversed tone is detected, which is usually 900 ms after the start of the tone. Detailed requirements for the disabling tone and tone detector are found in International Telecommunications Union (ITU)-T Recommendations G.165 and G.168, which are incorporated herein by reference. For some echo cancellers, the NLP can be disabled after the first 180� phase reversal (e.g., 450 ms after the start of the tone) or after the second phase reversal with a total disable time up to 1000 ms, for example.
As described above, in the no delay case, the post-second phase reversal signal duration [A−B] is a known quantity and can be subtracted from the overall echo signal duration C to derive the EPD. As shown in
A darkened triangle in the buffer 200 represents the sample 202 containing the second phase reversal. For block processing, if the sample 202 arrives early, it has to wait in the top of the buffer 200. The EC 102 disable time will be delayed until the buffer 200 is filled and the samples are processed. If the sample 202 arrives later and is placed into one of the last positions in the buffer 200, the overall delay will be shorter. This variability presents a challenge when trying to precisely measure the EPD. Because buffers introduce additional playout delay, the measured delay is always greater than or equal to the actual EPD. In this case, it is necessary to perform multiple measurements within the same call that increment the placement of the sample containing the tone's second phase reversal to possible positions in the buffer. The measurement that is made with the second phase reversal encountering the shortest playout delay reveals the true EPD�that is, the smallest EPD within the group of measurements.
Echo paths were simulated by the first platform 306. For each delay setting, the test signal was played from the second platform 308 and the echo was recorded by the second platform 308. The test signal was a two-second long 2100 Hz tone at a level of −11 dBm, with periodic 180� phase reversals every 450 ms. It will be appreciated that the test signal parameters are not limited to those described herein. A variety of disabling signals and variations thereof can be used. In another embodiment, the test signal included a disabling tone followed by a 0 Hz to 4 kHz swept sine wave. One requirement for the signal following the disabling tone is that its power level be high enough to hold the EC in the disabled state. With the necessary information about the target EC's tone disabling time previously gathered, the recorded signal was analyzed to calculate the EPD, as shown and described above.
In step 410, the echo path delay is then computed as EPD=C−[A−B]. That is, the echo cancellation disable time duration B is subtracted from the EC disabling test signal duration A, the result of which is subtracted from the recorded echo signal duration C.
The present invention provides a method for determining echo path information to facilitate the diagnosis of field echo problems. With some a priori knowledge of the tone disabler behavior of the echo canceller involved, it provides an unobtrusive measurement of echo path delay for a particular connection.
One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
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