text:
US 4677671 A Abstract A voice signal coding method is provided for processing the residual base-band signal provided by a Voice Excited Predictive (VEPC) Coder. The residual signal is split over several sub-bands and the contents of each sub-band is dually coded by using a process including a simultaneous direct BCPCM and differential APC coding with dynamic assignment of the quantizing bits according to the relative sub-band contents, which simultaneous coding is followed by a dynamic choice of the sub-band coded output providing the lowest coding error.
Claims(11) 1. A method for digitally coding a voice signal by submitting said voice signal to a Voice Excited Predictive Coder to derive a residual base band signal therefrom, said residual base band signal being split into sub-band signals which sub-band signals are to be recoded using dynamic quantizing bits allocation methods, said re-coding involving:
submitting each sub-band signal to both direct Block Companded Pulse Code Modulation (BCPCM) and differential re-coding operations; comparing the BCPCM and differentially recoded signals to the non recoded sub-band signal to derive a distortion information therefrom; and, selecting for each sub-band, the recoded signal providing the lowest distortion. 2. A method for digitally coding a voice signal as set forth in claim 1 further characterized in that said differential coding is of the Adaptive Predictive Coding (APC) type.
3. A method for digitally coding a voice signal by submitting said voice signal to a Voice Excited Predictive Coder to derive a residual base band signal therefrom, said residual base band signal being split into sub-band signals which sub-band signals are to be individually recoded using dynamic requantizing bit rates allocation methods, said re-coding involving:
equalizing each sub-band signal; submitting each sub-band equalized signal to both direct BCPCM and differential re-coding operations; comparing, for each sub-band, the directly and differentially recoded signal to the equalized sub-band signal to derive a distortion information therefrom; and, selecting for each sub-band, the recoded signal providing the lowest distortion. 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said differential re-coding operation is performed using the APC (Adaptive Predictive Coding (APC)) techniques.
5. A digital coding method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said equalizing step comprises the following operations:
determining the envelope of the signal within each sub-band; and, demodulating the signal within each sub-band by using said envelope. 6. A method for digitally coding a voice signal by deriving a residual base band signal therefrom, said residual base band signal being split into sub-band signals which sub-band signals are individually recoded, said re-coding involving:
equalizing each sub-band signal; submitting each equalized signal to both a differential coder and a direct BCPCM coder, which direct coding is performed with dynamically assigned quantizing bit rates; comparing for each sub-band the directly and diffentially recoded signal with the equalized sub-band signal to derive a distortion information therefrom; selecting for each sub-band, the recoded signal providing the lowest distortion. 7. A voice signal digital coding device of the type including sampling and predictive coding means delivering a residual base band signal, said coding means including:
a set of filters fed with said residual base-band signal and splitting said residual base band signal into p sub-band signals; analysis means connected to said set of filters and splitting the signal of each sub-band into segments of predetermined duration, each segment containing a block of samples, each block being then processed for deriving a so-called sub-band BCPCM characteristic term therefrom; dynamic bit allocating means connected to said analysis means and providing the number of bits to be allocated to the quantization of the sample block contained in each sub-band; direct re-coding means connected to said set of filters for re-coding the samples of each sub-band; differential re-coding means connected to said set of filters for re-coding the signal of each sub-band according to the so-called predictive coding techniques; comparing means connected to said set of filters and to said direct and differential coding means for computing direct and differential distortion values provided by said re-coding of each sub-band signal; and, switching means connected to said re-coding means and to said comparing means within each sub-band for selecting the recoded sub-band signal which is to be fed to the output of said voice signal coding device. 8. A digital coding device as set forth in claim 7 wherein said direct re-coding means use the so-called BCPCM type techniques.
9. A digital coding device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said differential re-coding means use the so-called APC type coding techniques.
10. A digital coding device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said predictive coding means use a predetermined and fixed number of quantizing bits.
11. A digital coding device as set forth in claim 10 and further including:
re-allocating means connected to said comparing means and evaluating the number of quantizing bits allocated by the dynamic bit allocating means and not used by the sub-bands selected for being coded in differential mode and therefore, available; second dynamic bit allocating means reallocating said available bits between the sub-bands selected for carrying out a direct type coding; and, requantizing means connected to said second dynamic bit allocating means and to said set of filters and carrying out a second requantization of the samples of the sub-bands selected for executing a direct type coding; whereby the coded segment of signal thus submitted to a second requantization is applied to said switching means. Description This invention relates to a method for coding a voice signal and more particularly, to a method for digitally encoding speech at relatively low bit rates. The processing steps to be applied to a time varying signal for recording, transmitting or modifying said signal for the needs of the application, can be either analogically or digitally performed. In general, the execution of an analog process involves the use of cumbersome and expensive means. It is often preferred to apply a digital process although said digital process implies a preliminary conversion of the signal to be processed into a digital value. In order to perform this conversion, the signal is, first of all, sampled, then quantized, to be expressed into binary coded digital values. Of course, when the process is completed, this means that the signal is to be decoded to bring the information back into an analog value which can be understood by man. By coding and decoding modify the information by introducing noises, e.g. quantizing noise. Said noises can be reduced by performing the quantizing operation as accurately as possible. But when performing said quantizing operation, all (the samples the amplitude of which is comprised) having an amplitude between two consecutive amplitude levels (i.e., two amplitude levels separated by one bit quantity), appear as a same digital value. Of course, this leads to an inaccuracy in the transcription which becomes more important as the number of the digital values usable for coding the signal becomes smaller. Therefore, it seems necessary to increase said number by using a higher coding bit rate in order to improve said coding. This is unfortunate since, in some cases, a traffic jam can be experienced in the channels provided for transmitting the bits, in the memories provided for storing said bits and/or in the circuits for processing said bits, which increases the cost of the corresponding equipment. Various processes have been conceived for improving coding while reducing the required bit number or rate. To do so, the previously conventionally coded signal (which has been conventionally coded,) is recoded at a lower bit rate. Then, it is said that the information is compressed. In addition, since the particular properties of the human voice are advantageously used in this case, these processes can be more particularly applied to voice compression. Among the voice compression processes which are more particularly involved in this invention, the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,354 to the same assignee, filed Nov. 29, 1978 and herein incorporated by reference is to be noted. It should be noted that the original signal is, first of all, made redundancy free and provides a residual signal, the low frequency or base band of which is split into several subbands the contents of which are dynamically requantized. A similar process is also described by D. ESTEBAN, C. GALAND, D. MAUDUIT and J. MENEZ in the "IEEE Proceedings of the International Conference on Acoustics Speech and Signal Processing", Tulsa, Okla., Apr. 10-23, 1978 under the title "9.6/7.2 Kbps Voice Excited Predictive Coder (VEPC). One should also note U.S. patent application Ser. No. 399,385 filed July 19, 1982, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,075 and assigned to the same assignee. It is therein mentioned that an appropriate subdivision of the base band allows a signal showing an important correlation to be obtained in each sub-band said signal being therefore, encodable with a relatively low bit rate. Another process providing a heavily correlated signal in each sub-band, has been described in a lecture given in Paris, ICASSP 1982, by C. GALAND, K. DAULASIM and D. ESTEBAN, and entitled "Adaptive Predictive Coding (APC) of Base-Band speech signals". The signal of each sub-band is coded by a predictive coder operating upon the residual base band signal. This process gives acceptable results provided that it is applied to relatively short voiced signal portions (smaller than 30 ms). This invention substantially improves the qualities of the coding mode described in the ICASSP of 1982 and provides a coder allowing both voiced and unvoiced signals to be processed without formally determining whether the processed signal is voiced or unvoiced. Since one skilled in the art knows the difficulties encountered in practice for determining whether a voice signal is voiced or unvoiced, the various advantages of this invention will be fully appreciated. More accurately, an object of this invention is to provide a voice signal coding method in which said voice signal is, first of all, processed to derive a residual base-band signal therefrom, said residual signal being then split over several subbands and recorded in each sub-band by means of a process including: a simultaneous direct (e.g. PCM) and differential (e. g. APC) re-coding of the signal with a dynamic assignment of the quantizing bits, and the dynamic choice of the re-coder output involving the smallest re-coding error. Specific features of the invention, as well as specific objects and advantages thereof, will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1A illustrates a transmitter of the Prior Art using a Voice Excited Predictive coder (VEPC). FIG. 1B illustrates the receiver to be associated with the transmitter of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a portion of the coder shown on FIG. 1A, which is to be provided with the invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically show various embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 5 to 8 show various embodiments of APC coders and decoders and some of their components to be provided in the devices shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically show various embodiments of elements 37 and 37-1 of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment of elements 37 and 37-1. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14 illustrates an arrangement of the bits obtained at the output of a transmitter according to the invention. FIG. 1A shows a transmitter comprising a predictive coder (VEPC) of the type described in the above cited Prior Art and more particularly, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,354 as well as in the lecture given in Tulsa. Of course, some characteristics of the coder have been slightly modified in order to provide a high efficiency coding system. The voice signal is applied to input IN of the coder. It is filtered through 10 by means of a low-pass filter (FT) transmitting a signal comprised within the so called "telephone" frequency band (frequencies ≧3400 Hz) to an analog-digital converter (A/D) 12. In converter 12, the signal is sampled at 8 KHz and PCM coded with 12 bits. Then, the PCM coded samples are recoded. For this purpose, they are, first of all, sent into parameter predictor (PREDICT) 14, subtractor 16 and inverse filter (INVERSE F) 18. Predictor 14 deduces from the signal applied thereto, a group of so called partial autocorrelation of PARCOR (K) coefficients used for adjusting inverse filter 18. The inverse filter is similar to the lattice network defined by J. D. MARKEL et al in their book entitled "Linear Prediction of Speech", paragraph 5.4. The signal provided by inverse filter 18 represents the predictable portion of the voice signal. Subtractor 16 subtracts the signal delivered by inverse filter 18 from the signal provided by converter 12, provides a so called residual signal e.sub.(n) free of a portion of the original voice signal redundancy. Residual signal e.sub.(n) is filtered through a low pass filterdecimator (LPFD) 20. Device 20 provides, on the one hand, samples X.sub.(n) of a so called residual base band signal the spectrum of which is maintained within a frequency band of 300 to 1000 Hz for instance, and, on the other hand, information relating to the energy of the signal contained in the high frequency based suppressed by filter 20. The base-band residual signal is sub-band coded in a device (SBC) 22 which performs a requantizing operation with dynamic assignment of the quantizing bits and delivers a SIGNAL information. The energy of the residual signal high frequency band (1000-3400 Hz for instance) is requantized in 24 (QA1) to provide the ENERG (or E) information. As to the partial autocorrelation coefficients, also called PARCOR coefficients, they are requantized-recoded in 26 (QA2) to provide a COEF (or K) information. These three types of information, namely COEF (K), ENERG (E) and SIGNAL, constitute a coded representation fully characterizing the voice signal applied to input IN of the coder and are transmitted over a line L by means of a multiplexor 28. First of all, it will be recalled that since the system operates in BCPCM (Block Companded Pulse Code Modulation) mode, the voice signal is processed by blocks of samples representing consecutive signal segments of 20 ms. Parameter predictor device 14 has been more particularly described in details in U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,354, FIGS. 6 and 7. The method on which the device is based more particularly uses the algorithms proposed by J. LE ROUX and C. GUEGUEN in an article published by IEEE. Transactions on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing, June 1977. Device 20 comprises a low-pass digital filter, the upper limit frequency of which is ≧1000 Hz. Therefore, the base-band residual signal, represented by samples X.sub.(n), can be re-sampled at 2 KHz. This re-sampling is ensured in practice by performing a so called decimation operation which consists in periodically dropping some samples. Device 20 further comprises means for measuring energy (E) contained in the 1000-3400 Hz high frequency band suppressed by the low-pass filter of device 20. An embodiment of device 20 has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,354 (FIG. 2). In addition, it must be noted therein the provision of decimation means for reducing the signal sampling frequency to a value lower than the original one. FIG. 1B represents the receiver which, located at the other end of line L, would reconstruct the original voice signal. A demultiplexor (DMPX) 11 processes the received information so as to separate components ENERG, SIGNAL and COEF from each other. The SIGNAL data are decoded in 13 (SBC), then submitted to interpolation operations in 15 for bringing the signal sampling frequency back to its original value. In the same time, data COEF and ENERG are decoded in 17 (DEC0) and 19 (DEC1), respectively. The data outputted by interpolator 15 and the ones coded in 19 are used for reconstituting in 21 (HBGEN) the high frequency band which has been suppressed by filter 20. The coefficients provided by decoder 17 are used for tuning a filter 23 (INV) the output of which is added in 25 to the data provided by interpolator 15 and high band generator 21. Adder 25 provides the data which, after being converted into analog form (not shown), give a reproduction of the original uncompressed voice signal. FIG. 2 schematically shows sub-band coder 22 which is provided with filter set (FB) 30 which receives samples X.sub.(n). This filter set divides the pass band of the residual base-band signal into eight adjacent sub-bands 1-8. Only sub-bands 2 to 7 are kept for the needs of the invention. Filter set FB provides sub-band signals the samples of which are referenced X.sub.(i,j) where i=2, 3, . . . , 7 is the sub-band index and j=1, 2, . . . , N defines the rank of the sample considered within a block of N samples. The samples of each sub-band are submitted to a characteristic term coder 31 which has two functions. Its first function consists in sorting the samples of each sub-band for deducing therefrom characteristic term C.sub.(i) as defined by BCPCM techniques. Stated another way: C.sub.(i) =Max(|X.sub.(i,j) |) (1) for j=1,2, . . . , N (Refer to the lecture given by A. CROISIER at the International Seminar on Digital Communications, Zurich 1974, under the title: "Progress in PCM Delta Modulation: Block Companded Coding of Speech Signal" (BCPCM). The second function of characteristic coder 31 consists in transcoding 12-bits terms C.sub.(i) into 4 bits by using a conversion table defined according to a logarithmic function. Transcoded terms C.sub.(i) are referenced C.sub.(i). The characteristic terms are processed by a dynamic bit allocating device (DAB) 33. In practice, device (DAB) 33 uses terms decoded in 35 and referenced C.sub.(i). Device 33 dynamically determines for each block of processed samples, the bit rate n.sub.(i) to be allocated for requantizing the ith sub-band samples, by using the following relation: ##EQU1## where M denotes the total number of bits to be distributed over the p=6 sub-bands. In fact, this relation generally gives non-integer values for n.sub.(i), which can also become negative. Therefore, these values must be adjusted by using a re-allocating algorithm as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,354. Then, terms X.sub.(i,j) can be requantized in a more rational manner by device 37. For a better requantization, or more especially, for a better coding of terms X.sub.(i,j), in the present case, they are simultaneously processed in two coders as shown in FIG. 3. One of the coders, 39, is of the so called "direct" type (more especially of the BCPCM type) and requantizes the sub-band samples by applying the following relation: ##EQU2## where j=1, . . . , N i=2, . . . , 7 ||�|| indicates that the term between the vertical bars is truncated to the lowest integer. Second coder, 41, is of the differential type or more especially, in the present case, of the so called "APC" (Adaptive Predictive Coder) type. The outputs of coders 39 and 41 are continually inter-compared in 43. This comparison is used for choosing the coder on which output switch 45 is to be positioned. By so operating, full advantage is being taken from the differences between voiced and unvoiced signals without being rigidly tied to such voiced/unvoiced qualification and, without having to effectively discriminate voiced signals from unvoiced signals. In effect, the gain provided by performing a second order predictive coding can be very important when the sub-band signals result from the analysis of a voiced sound. This gain is theoretically null when the sub-band signals are not very correlated as, for instance, in the case of unvoiced sounds. The prediction gain in a sub-band can also become very low when said sub-band contains a signal the frequency of which is close to one of its limit frequencies. In this case, the signal frequency after re-sampling (decimation) can be close to the Nyquist frequency and the re-sampled signal will show a low first order correlation. When the prediction gain becomes too low, the coding gain resulting from the use of a predictor with respect to a direct quantization (by BCPCM) of the signal can become negative. This is even more true when one uses a quantizer with a small number of bits (1 to 3, for instance). In this case, it is recommanded to use direct coding. It will be seen later that it is possible to further improve the coding quality by reallocating to the directly processed sub-bands (by BCPCM) the quantizing bits allocated by dynamic allocation device 33 and not used by the sub-band coders operating in differential mode (APC). A device (not shown) performing reverse operations with respect to the ones schematically shown on FIG. 3, will be, of course, necessary for reconstructing the original voice signal from the compressed signal according to the process of this invention. FIG. 4 also shows another embodiment of the coder of FIG. 3 and a device which, on decoding, would carry out reverse operations with respect to the ones performed in device 37. The difference between the coder of FIG. 3 and the one of FIG. 4 lies in the fact that, as to FIG. 4, before being processed in coders 39 and 41, the signal to be coded is amplitude-equalized (EQ) in 47 by using its envelope (ENV) determined by using device 49. In this way, differential coding efficiency is more particularly improved. For reconstructing the real signal, for instance at the receive end of a transmission line, then we would have not only decoders 39-1, 41-1 associated to switch 45-1, but also device 49-1 recalculating the signal envelope and allowing the signal to be modulated in 47-1. It should be noted that the bars placed on decoding, above the functional indications of the schema blocks, indicate that the operations performed in said blocks are reverse operations with respect to the ones performed on coding. BCPCM coded sample decoding follows the following relation: ##EQU3## where j=1, . . . , N and i=2, . . . , 7. For more information about BCPCM coding and decoding, one should refer to the drawings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,354. For instance, coding can be performed by giving the parameters the following values: Length of each signal portion providing a sample block: 20 ms Number of useful sub-bands: p=6 Number of samples per sub-band and block: N=5 Number of bits to be distributed for coding a sample of each of the six sub-bands: M=15 Average number of bits per sample of a sub-band: <n.sub.(i) >=M/p=2.5 As to adaptive predictive coding and decoding, they are performed according to the block diagrams of FIGS. 5 and 8. For coding, in each sub-band, samples X.sub.(i,j) of the signal to be requantized are applied to a quantizer 51-1 through a subtractor 53. The signal issued from quantizer 51-1 is processed in inverse quantizer 55 and in adapt device 57. The output of inverse quantizer 55 is connected to both adapt device 57 and adder 59. The second input of adder 59 is connected to the output of a predictor 61 the input of which is connected to the output of adder 59. The output of adder 59 is also connected to one of the inputs of adapter 57. The output of predictor 61 is also connected to the negative input of subtractor 53. Adapt device 57 provides information allowing quantizer 51-1 and predictor 61 to be adapted. The operation of the coding device shown on FIG. 5 is based on the sequential adaptive predictive techniques as more especially described in an article by D. COHN and J. MELSA published in the IEEE Trans. On Communications, Vol. COM-23, no. 9, pages 935-941, September 1974, and entitled "The Residual Encoder--An Improved ADPCM System for Speech Digitization". In this case, the predictor coefficients are no longer determined from the knowledge of an entire block of samples as in the autocorrelation method used in the VEPC, but they are adapted on each sampling interval, in accordance with the information obtained from the reconstruction of previously predicted samples. Therefore, sample order index "j" is to be considered independently of the block scheme in which j is limited to N. FIG. 5 shows that a predicted sample p.sub.(i,j) is subtracted in 53 from input sample X.sub.(i,j) to give a predicted residual sub-band sample. e.sub.(i,j) =X.sub.(i,j) -p.sub.(i,j) (4) Information e.sub.(i,j) is also called a prediction error. Said error, after being quantized in 51-1, provides quantized residual sub-band prediction samples e.sub.(i,j). Let's first assume that quantizer 51-1 has a determined step for each sample block to be quantized, said step being computed according to term n.sub.(i) which is provided by bit dynamic allocation device (DAB) 33 in accordance with the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,354. Said quantized residual samples e.sub.(i,j) will constitute the SIGNAL information for the sub-bands in which switch 45 would have been placed on the output of prediction coder APC (see FIG. 4). In addition, samples e.sub.(i,j) are submitted to an inverse quantizing operation performed in 55 and providing reconstructed sub-band prediction residual samples e.sub.(i,j). Terms e.sub.(i,j) added to predicted samples p.sub.(i,j) provide reconstructed input samples X.sub.(i,j). Predicted samples p.sub.(i,j) are given by: ##EQU4## where a.sub.(i,j,k) represents the value of the kth coefficient of predictor 61 on instant j for the ith sub-band. These coefficients are adapted on a sample by sample basis, according to the standard gradient procedure: ##EQU5## It can be shown that: ##EQU6## The following choice avoids divisions by too small numbers when the signal energy decreases too much. ##EQU7## It can be shown that for a pure sine wave of pulsation ω, the predictor coefficients converge towards the following values: a.sub.(l,j,1) =2 cos ωT a.sub.(i,j,2) =-1 where T is the signal sampling period. In the present case in which the sub-band signals are obtained from the analysis of the base band, it appears that the convergence is reached much more quickly by keeping a.sub.(i,j,2) =-1 and by adapting a.sub.(i,j,1) by using relation (6). In practice, the use of formula (7) given below is recommanded: ##EQU8## and where the value obtained for coefficient a.sub.(i,j+1,1) is limited to interval ]-2, +2[ so as to ensure predictor stability. Coefficient α, β, γ are experimentally determined to provide quick convergence of formula (7). The following terms were used: α=0.3 β=0.01 γ=0.7 Then, expression (5) can be written as follows: p.sub.(i,j+1) =a.sub.(i,j+1,1) �X.sub.(i,j) -X.sub.(i,j-1) (9) FIG. 6 schematically shows predictor 61 associated to the corresponding portion of adapt device 57. The operation of the predictor follows expressions (7) to (9). The portion of FIG. 6 shown in dotted lines represents the portion of adapter 57 in charge of the adaptation of predictor 61. However, it should be noted that as indicated above, term a.sub.(i,j+1,1) should go from the output of device ADAPT, through a circuit (not shown) limiting the values of a.sub.(i,j+1,1) to interval ]-2, +2[. The remaining portion of FIG. 6 belongs directly to predictor 61. The samples of the sub-band prediction residual signal are quantized by using an adaptive quantizer. From the very principle of differential coding, the quantizing step does not only depend on the number of allocated bits n.sub.(i) but also must be adapted with each sample. Said adaptation is recurrently performed by adapter 57. Stated another way, quantizing step q.sub.(i,j) of the ith sub-band depends on value q.sub.(i,j-1) and on the value of prediction residual sample e.sub.(i,j-1). Since, in the present case, signal e.sub.(i,j) can show important amplitude variations when quick variations are experienced in the frequency of the signal providing samples X.sub.(i,j), it is necessary to choose the quantizer adaptation parameters to ensure an adaptation which is not too slow in the case of a 2 to 3 bit quantization. The following adaptation function has been chosen: q.sub.(i,j) =1/2[M.q.sub.(i,j-1) +q.sub.(i,j-2) ] (10) where M has a predetermined digital value depending on both the value of term e.sub.(i,j-1) and the number of allocated bits n.sub.(i). Therefore, adaptation device 57 contains a table (see table I below, for instance) which provides M according to n.sub.(i) and e.sub.(i,j). TABLE I______________________________________ n.sub.(i) = 2 n.sub.(i) = 3 n.sub.(i) = 4e.sub.(i,j-1) M M M______________________________________ 7 2.0 6 1.75 5 1.5 4 1.25 3 1.7 1.1 2 1.2 0.9 1 1.4 0.85 0.75 0 0.84 0.65 0.5-1 0.84 0.65 0.5-2 1.4 0.85 0.75-3 1.2 0.9-4 1.7 1.1-5 1.25-6 1.5-7 1.75-8 2.0______________________________________ FIG. 7 shows a particular embodiment of a device providing q.sub.(i,j) for n.sub.(i) =3, according to relation (10) and table I. FIG. 8 shows a decoder 41-1 of the predictive type corresponding to the coder of FIG. 5. Prediction residual samples e.sub.(i,j) are submitted therein to an inverse quantization operation in 62. The parameters required for performing the inverse quantization operation are provided by both bit dynamic allocation device 33 (see FIG. 2) and adapter 63. The inverse quantizer provides samples e.sub.(i,j) which are sent to an adder 65 the output of which provides decoded sub-band signal samples X.sub.(i,j). The second input of the adder receives terms p.sub.(i,j) provided by predictor 67 the input of which receives terms X.sub.(i,j). Devices 63 and 67 are similar to the ones used for the coder of FIG. 5. Adapter 63 is more particularly similar to circuit 57 while predictor 67 is similar to predictor 61. FIG. 9 is a more detailed diagram of a particular embodiment of the device shown on FIG. 3. Sub-band samples X.sub.(i,j) (see FIG. 2) are then simultaneously processed in a coder of the APC type and in a coder of the BCPCM type. The number of bits n.sub.(i) to be allocated to the ith sub-band is determined from terms C.sub.(i) by using a DAB device (not shown) similar to DAB 33 of FIG. 2. The APC type coder shown in the upper portion of FIG. 9 is comprised of the same elements as the ones described in relation with FIG. 5. Its output provides reconstucted samples X.sup.(1).sub.(i,j) to comparator 43. A coder of the BCPCM type is shown in the lower portion of FIG. 9 and provides comparator 43 with the samples reconstructed in 52, namely X.sup.(2).sub.(i,j). Comparator 43 computes for each subband, the distortion value due to each type of coding (APC and BCPCM) and chooses in 45, the best type or mode of coding, i.e. the one providing the smallest distortion. The distortion introduced by each of the coders, is defined as a measurement of the difference existing between original signal X.sub.(i,j) and reconstructed signal X.sub.(i,j), said measurement being based on the mean quadratic error criterion. A differential distortion term D1,i introduced by the APC coder for each block of samples of sub-band i, is defined by the following relation: ##EQU9## The direct distortion term D2,i introduced by the BCPCM coder is equal to: ##EQU10## Comparator 43 compares D1,i and D2,i and if D1,i <D2,i, the differential mode is selected. In the other case, the direct mode is chosen. A so called "mode" bit is associated to the SIGNAL information in order to identify the chosen coder for each sub-band. Comparator 43 switches device 45 either to the output of quantizer 51-1 associated to the differential type coder (APC) and providing terms e.sub.(i,j), or to the output of quantizer 51-2 associated to the BCPCM type coder providing terms X.sub.(i,j). It is also necessary to add characteristic terms C.sub.(i) to the SIGNAL information. Finally, the so called mode bit is also incorporated into the SIGNAL information. FIG. 10 shows a particular embodiment of a decoder performing the opposite (i.e. decoding) operations to those performed by the device of FIG. 9. This device should be included into decoder 13 of the device of FIG. 1B. The data constituting e.sub.(i,j), X.sub.(i,j) and C.sub.(i) are sent, through a switch 73-1 activated by the MODE bit to one of two inverse quantizers 62-1 and 62-2 the quantization steps of which are dynamically adjusted. Characteristics terms C.sub.(i) included in the SIGNAL information, are decoded, then used for recomputing the number of bits n.sub.(i) to be allocated to the ith sub-band by using a DAB device (not shown) similar to the one used at the transmitting (coding) end. Inverse quantizer 62-1 is similar to the one of FIG. 8. Inverse quantizer 62-2 is of the direct type, i.e. it carries out an operation of the following type: ##EQU11## An output switch 73 is switched either to the decoder of the upper portion or to the one of the lower portion of FIG. 10 according to the value of the so called mode bit. A good performance of the sub-band coder of this invention has been made possible by the provision of means judiciously using the strong correlations of the signals of certain sub-bands for sounds of the voiced type. Nevertheless, said performance can be even still improved by equalizing the envelope of the processed signals. A priori, it is obvious that said equalizing operation requires the provision of additional means for the coder, said additional means being liable to increase the cost of said coder and to slow its operation down. These disadvantages can be reduced by judiciously using means available in the coder as shown in FIG. 11. This figure is similar to FIG. 9. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 9 (and provided with the same references), the device of FIG. 11 includes elements (75, 77 and 79) provided for equalizing terms X.sub.(i,j) issued from the sub-band signals. Device 75 simply delays samples X.sub.(i,j) for compensating for the effects due to the duration of the equalizing operations themselves, which equalizing operations use a divider 77 the division coefficient of which is defined by the envelope of signal X.sub.(i,j). A relatively simple means for determining said envelope is used in the present case and consists of a simple linear interpolator 79 of the characteristic coefficients C.sub.(i) provided by decoder 35. FIG. 12 shows the decoder to be used for carrying out decoding operations when coding has been performed by the device of FIG. 11. Therefore, this decoder is comprised of the same elements as the ones shown on FIG. 10, provided with additional modulation circuits for reconstructing the original signal, i.e. the not-equalized signal. First of all, the modulation circuits reconstruct the envelope of each sub-band signal by decoding characteristics terms C.sub.(i) in 85 and interpolating decoded terms C.sub.(i) in 87 before multiplying decoded samples X.sub.(i,j) by this envelope by using multiplier 89. It has been indicated that the coder of this invention permits a better allocation of the quantizing bits by redistributing the bits not used by the quantizers of the sub-bands processed in differential mode (APC) to the sub-bands processed in BCPCM mode. Several techniques can be considered. For instance, the number of bits n.sub.(i) allocated to each sub-band processed in APC mode, could be limited to a predetermined value nk ; or better, said number n.sub.(i) of these sub-bands could be forced to this value. In this case, when number n.sub.(i) provided for the ith sub-band by the DAB device exceeds nk, it is forced to this value. On the contrary, when number n.sub.(i) of an APC sub-band is lower than nk, the sub-band is switched to the direct coder (BCPCM) and the MODE bit is inverted. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram which can be used for understanding the various steps of the above described coding process. As previously seen and more particularly in relation with FIG. 9, each sample block (corresponding to 20 ms of signal) is sorted in order to extract terms C.sub.(i) or more particularly terms C.sub.(i) obtained by coding/decoding of terms C.sub.(i), therefrom. These terms C.sub.(i) are used in a device DAB1, 80, providing terms n1.sub.(i) (index 1 indicates that a 1st processing is considered), for instance, by resolving the following operation: ##EQU12## Term n1.sub.(i) adjusts the quantizing step of BCPCM coder 82 assigned to the ith sub-band. Samples X.sub.(i,j) requantized in BCPCM1 82 are also differentially coded in APC coder 84 with its adapter 85 to which a fixed number of bits nk =3 is allocated, i.e. for this type of coding n.sub.(i) =3 regardless of the value of i. This is due to the fact that the experience shows that with 3 bits, the best expectable coding gain (asymptotic gain) is obtained. However, instead of proceeding as indicated in relation with FIG. 9, where a comparator makes a choice from the two coders and switches the device output to the chosen coder, in this case comparator 86 arranges, when necessary, a second passage of samples X.sub.(i,j) through the coders by using means (not shown) re-allocating quantizing bits saved by the sub-band coders operating in differential mode (APC). An example will be used to make the understanding of the subsequent operation easier. Let us assume that the first passage through the coders has provided the following information: ______________________________________i 2 3 4 5 6 7______________________________________bit MODE*.sub.(1) 1 1 1 0 0 0n1.sub.(i) 5 2 0 4 3 1______________________________________ *1 = the APC coder is chosen 0 = the BCPCM coder is chosen and index (1) indicates that the samples X.sub.(i,j) being processed are going through APC coder 84 and BCPCM coder 82 for the first time. The MODE bit indicates that after having compared the results, the APC coder has been selected for sub-bands 2, 3 and 4 while the BCPCM coder is retained for sub-bands 5,6 and 7. But when i=2, the APC coder is used in fact with n1.sub.(2) =nk =3. On the other hand, when i=3 and 4, n.sub.(i) <3, a BCPCM coding is preferred. The corresponding MODE bit is set to zero. Stated another way, the group of MODE bits becomes (100000) and is referenced MODE (2) word. The choice of the APC coder for the 2nd sub-band makes 5-3=2 coding bits available. It can be further considered that since the transmission of C.sub.(2) is not necessary, the 4 coding bits of C.sub.(2) are also available and correspond, after distribution over the N=5 samples of the block, to 0.8 additional bit (4/N). Therefore, 2+0.8=2.8 additional bits are to be redistributed on each sampling time between the p'=5 sub-bands for which the MODE.sub.(2) bit is equal to zero. The number of quantizing bits available for the second run of terms X.sub.(i,j) through the coders of the BCPCM type is, therefore, equal to: ##EQU13## where p" is equal to the sum of the MODE.sub.(2) bits equal to 1, i.e. p"=1 in the above example. In the preceding example: ##EQU14## This calculation can be performed in bit dynamic allocation device 88 referenced DAB2 in FIG. 13. From there DAB2 redefines the bits to be allocated to the BCPCM coders of sub-bands 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 by applying the following relation: ##EQU15## where i=3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and p'=p-p"=5 in the preceding example. It could be also possible to use the methods described in the above indicated patents for redistributing the 2.8 additional bits made available between sub-bands 3 to 7 without any recalculation of the n.sub.(i).sup.(2) terms by using formula (14). Of course, it would be necessary to use the same mode for determining the n.sub.(i).sup.(2) terms at the receive end. New terms: n.sub.(3).sup.(2), n.sub.(4).sup.(2), n.sub.(5).sup.(2), n.sub.(6).sup.(2), and n.sub.(7).sup.(2) which are obtained, are used for requantizing the samples of sub-bands 3 to 7. The execution of this 2nd coding is shown on FIG. 13 by a second coder BCPCM2, 90. In practice, the same coder will be re-used for performing the BCPCM1 and BCPCM2 functions. The X.sub.(i,j) terms obtained by said second coding are applied to switch 45 controlled by the new 6-bit word (100000) representing the MODE 2 bits while switch 45 receives the e.sub.(i,j) terms from the APC coder. An inverter I and a gate G schematically show the fact that the MODE.sub.(2) bits equal to zero limit the effect of device DAB2 to sub-bands 3 to 7. In addition, it should be noted that, while the differential coders (APC) are not used for certain sub-bands (in the present case i=3 to 7), it is necessary to re-adjust their coefficients a.sub.(i,j-1). This readjustment is performed, on the one hand, by re-applying to the delay cells (T) of FIGS. 6 to 7 the information they contained prior to the first run and on the other hand by operating the APC type coder of each sub-band retained to be processed in BCPCM mode on the X.sub.(i,j) samples provided by the corresponding BCPCM2 coder. It is to be noted that said X.sub.(i,j) terms, which are also available from the decoder (see FIG. 12), can be therefore used in the same way for adjusting adapter 63. It is the reason by the output providing the X.sub.(i,j) terms of the BCPCM2 coder has been fedback into the input of the corresponding APC coder. This feedback goes through AND gate A1 controlled by the MODE (2) bit provided by comparator 86. OR logic circuit 01, located after gate A1 receives through its inputs, either the X.sub.(i,j) terms reconstructed in BCPCM2, or the X.sub.(i,j) samples. FIG. 14 schematically shows the format of a block of bits issued from multiplexor 28 (see FIG. 1) for each sample block, representing 20 ms of coded voice signal. First of all, it comprises two words (E1 and E2) of 4 bits each, representing two energy information provided by the ENERG channel at the rate of an information every 10 ms. Then, it comprises the PARCOR coefficients provided by predictor 14 of the COEF channel (a total of 28 bits). Then it comprises the 6 so-called MODE bits (one bit for each sub-band 2 to 7), followed by the sub-band characteristics terms coded in BCPCM mode (4 bits per C.sub.(i)), and finally, the X.sub.(i,j) or e.sub.(i,j) samples as the case may be. While there have been described what are at present considered to be preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention, and it is, therefore, intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Rotate |


text:
Well this is a bit of a heartbreaker. Just when we'd got our jazz flutes at the ready in anticipation of a potential
sequel, Paramount have pulled the rug out by turning the project down.
Granted, they'd never confirmed it was definitely happening, but from the way
director Adam McKay had been talking this week
it was all sounding pretty positive, what with an idea in place and the original cast ready to return on a wage-cut.
Clearly though, the suits at Paramount weren't as excited as us, with McKay revealing the bad news on his
page. "So bummed," he says. "Paramount basically passed on
Anchorman 2
. Even after we cut our budget down. We tried."
Presumably the studio were still nursing reservations over the film's profitability, with it's cult following not necessarily guaranteed to translate into box office megabucks.
Still, we can't help but feel this is a big opportunity missed, particularly given the willingness of the old cast to reunite. Whilst the first one might have performed disappointingly in cinemas, it didn't arrive with half the hype a sequel would have done. Surely there was a few quid to be made here?
We just hope that McKay reacted to the news appropriately and called the Paramount bigwigs a bunch of smelly pirate hookers. With a bit of luck they'll be returning to Whore Island suitably chastened, and realise what a mistake they've made.
Worst news of the year so far, or a blessing in disguise? Speak!
Log in using Facebook to share comments, games, status update and other activity easily with your Facebook feed.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
North research offers hope to infertile couples.
Byline: Helen RaeABREAKTHROUGH in medical science is offering new hope to infertile in·fer·tile
Not capable of initiating, sustaining, or supporting reproduction.
adj unable to produce offspring. couples. Human sperm have been created using embryonic stem cells for the time in a scientific development which will lead researchers to a better understanding of the causes of infert y. But it will not be used to create human babies - and will not mean the end of men, they said. A team of 20 researchers, led by Prof Karim Nayernia at Newcastle University and the NorthEast England Stem Cell stem cell
In living organisms, an undifferentiated cell that can produce other cells that eventually make up specialized tissues and organs. There are two major types of stem cells, embryonic and adult. Institute (NESCI NESCI North East England Stem Cell Institute (UK) ) have developed a new technique to grow sperm from embryonic stem cells. Researchers saw the cells, which were treated with acid, begin to split and dive then eventually push out a tail and begin to move.
They called for the introduction of laws "sooner rather then later" to control how the research is used. Prof Nayernia said: "This is an important and exciting development as it will allow researchers to study in detail how sperm forms and lead to a better understanding of infertility in men - why it happens and what is causing it. "This understanding could help us develop new ways to help couples suffering infertility so they can have a child which is genetically their own. "It will also allow scientists to study how cells involved in reproduction are affected by toxins, for example, why young boys with leukaemia who undergo chemotherapy can become infertile for life - and possibly lead us to a solution." It is believed that within the next five to seven years infertile men could be helped by the pioneering research. The team also believe that studying the process of forming sperm could lead to a better understanding of how genetic diseases are passed on. "Infertility in men has been rising in the last 20 years, particularly in the Western world, and this could be down to a number of environmental and genetic factors," explained Prof Nayernia. "This research is the first system which is able to look at the genetic and environmental influence, which is a key issue when looking into infertility." In the technique developed at Newcastle, stem cells with XY chromosomes (male) were developed into germline stem cells which were then prompted to complete meiosis - cell division with halving of the chromosome set. These were shown to produce fully mature, functional sperm called scientifically, In Vitro Derived sperm (IVD (Interactive VideoDisc) See interactive video. sperm). In contrast, stem cells with XX chromosomes (female) were prompted to form early stage sperm, spermatagonia, but did not progress further. This demonstrates to researchers that the genes on a Y chromosome Y chromosome,
n a sex chromosome that in humans and many other species is present only in the male, appearing singly in the normal male. It is carried as a sex determinant by one half of the male gametes. None of the female gametes contain a Y chromosome. are essential for meiosis and for sperm maturation.
The IVD sperm will not and cannot be used for fertility treatment. As well as being prohibited by UK law, the research team say fertilization of human eggs and implantation of embryos would hold no scientific merit for them as they want to study the process as a model for research. Prof Nayernia added: "While we can understand that some people may have concerns, this does not mean that humans can be produced 'in a dish' and we have no intention of doing this. "This work is a way of investigating why some people are infertile and the reasons behind it. If we have a better understanding of what's going on What's Going On is a record by American soul singer Marvin Gaye. Released on May 21, 1971 (see 1971 in music), What's Going On reflected the beginning of a new trend in soul music. it could lead to new ways of treating infertility. "This is not the end of men. We need at least a Y chromosome from the man for sperm maturation. "I also see the need for the biological process and social process in human production and we cannot just rely on biological aspects." Prof Nayernia showed the potential of the method in 2006, when he used sperm derived from male embryonic stem cells to fertilise mice to produce seven pups, six of which lived to adulthood, though the survivors did suffer problems.
He said the work was in its early stages and more investigation needed to be done to decide whether IVD sperm would be safe or suitable as a fertility treatment. He said he believed that in at least a decade such a treatment could be offered to, for example, men who had received chemotherapy which can leave them infertile. "When combined with other pioneering stem cell techniques, specifically somatic cell nuclear transfer Noun 1. somatic cell nuclear transfer - moving a cell nucleus and its genetic material from one cell to another
nuclear transplantation, SCNT, somatic cell nuclear transplantation
biological research - scientific research conducted by biologists , it could also allow men who are currently infertile the chance to have a child which is genetically their own but again, this will be many years away," he explained. "Given the speed of progress in this area of work, legislation needs to be put in place sooner rather than later to allow for the technique to be licensed as a treatment in the future for infertile men." But pro-life groups say they are against the research. Marileine Ollerenshaw, North East development officer for Society for the Protection of Unborn Children Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is a pro-life organization in the United Kingdom and several other countries.
In New Zealand, SPUC changed its name to "Voice for Life" in August 2004. , said: "This is another way of destroying the naturalness of family life. "Trying to cure an illness through the use of embryonic stem cells is something we are not in favour of. "A lot of scientists are giving false hope to so many people who are looking to cures to help them and these scientists are using embryonic stem cells to fuel that hope. "It's not right and it will have huge implications on society in the future." Comment 10 TEAM DEVELOPED NEW METHOD THE Newcastle University team developed a method for establishing early stage sperm from human embryonic stem cells. The embryonic stem cells were cultured in a new medium containing vitamin A derivative (retinoic acid), in a technique established by the team. Based on this technique, the cells differentiated into germline stem cells. These expressed a protein which was stained with a green fluorescent marker and they were separated out by FACSTM (Fluorescence-activated cell sorting) using a laser. After further differentiation, these in vitro derived germline stem cells expressed markers which are specific to primordial germ cells, spermatogonial stem cells, meiotic meiotic
pertaining to meiosis. (spermatocytes) and post meiotic germ cells (spermatids and sperm). These results indicated maturation of the primordial germ cells to haploid haploid /hap·loid/ (hap´loid)
1. having half the number of chromosomes characteristically found in the somatic (diploid) cells of an organism; typical of the gametes of a species whose union restores the diploid number. male gametes - called IVD sperm - characterised by containing half a chromosome set (23 chromosomes). Prof Nayernia said: "In the lab, we prompted embryonic stem cells like these, to develop into many different cell types.
"A temporary green marker stained those which had the characteristics of early sperm and they were separated out by laser. "Growing in a medium containing vitamin A derivative, these early stage sperm are called spermatagonia. We saw some of them later develop to form spermatocytes - where the chromosome set halves... And they then went on to form spermatid spermatid /sper·ma·tid/ (sper´mah-tid) a cell derived from a secondary spermatocyte by fission, and developing into a spermatozoon.
n. . "In our research, some of these spermatid continued to grow, elongating and pushing out a tail which enabled it to move - forming the in vitro derived sperm or IVD sperm. They can be seen moving under the microscope in film from our original research project." For a video of the professor talking about the research, go to www.journallive.co.uk Controversy over medical history claims CONTROVERSY last night surrounded claims by Newcastle scientists that they have made medical history by creating human sperm in the laboratory. Experts cast doubt on the claim, arguing that the cells did not constitute "authentic" sperm with all the necessary biological characteristics. Dr Allen Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield The University of Sheffield is a research university, located in Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England. Reputation
Sheffield was the Sunday Times University of the Year in 2001 and has consistently appeared as their top 20 institutions. , said: "As a sperm biologist of 20 years' experience, I am unconvinced from the data presented in this paper that the cells produced by Professor Nayernia's group from the embryonic stem cells that can be accurately called 'spermatozoa'. "While the cells produced may possess some of the distinctive genetic features and molecular markers seen in sperm, fully differentiated human spermatozoa spermatozoa
see spermatozoon. have specific cellular morphology, behaviour and function that are not described here."
Professor Azim Surani from Cambridge University said: "These sperm-like cells made in a dish from embryonic stem cells are a long way from being authentic sperm cells. "First, they need to test if a normal male pronucleus pronucleus /pro·nu·cle·us/ (-noo´kle-us)
1. the precursor of a nucleus.
2. the haploid nucleus occurring after meiosis in a germ cell.
1. with appropriate chromosome numbers and without mutations can form when introduced into an animal egg; and there has to be evidence that these sperm-like cells are properly reprogrammed with male-specific imprints, without which they cannot function properly in early embryos." Professor Robin Lovell Badge, from the Medical Research Council Institute of Medical Research, said the work was a follow-up to animal research in which laboratory-made mouse sperm was used to produce offspring. However, all the mice born died after a few months, suggesting a problem with the sperm.
The Newcastle scientists had not produced robust evidence that the human sperm they created was normal, said Prof Lovell Badge. He said: "Although they find that some of the sperm cells have tails and can swim, this is not evidence of normality." Only a small proportion of the cells were "haploid" - having the necessary reduced genetic material following meiosis. Dr Evan Harris MP, who tabled amendments to the 2008 Human Fertilisation and Embryology embryology
Study of the formation and development of an embryo and fetus. Before widespread use of the microscope and the advent of cellular biology in the 19th century, embryology was based on descriptive and comparative studies. Bill on laboratory-made eggs and sperm said: "While the Newcastle team is not seeking at present to use stem cell derived sperm as a treatment for infertility, it is clearly a possible future application. It is very sad that the recent Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act did not take the opportunity to provide a power for Parliament to approve clinical trials of stem cell (IV) derived sperm as a treatment for male infertility by regulations. "Instead the actual use of these gametes - even when derived from adult stem cells where no embryo is used - in the treatment of infertile couples will require primary legislation.
This makes it more difficult to attract funding for the application of this research despite the Government always banging on about the importance translational research." Approximately one in seven couples have fertility problems. The NorthEast England Stem Cell Institute (Nesci) is a collaboration between Newcastle and Durham Universities, Newcastle NHS Foundation Trust NHS Foundation Trusts (often referred to as "foundation hospitals") are hospitals which are part of the National Health Service in England. Function
They have a significant amount of managerial and financial freedom when compared to existing NHS Trust. and other partners.
This does not mean that humans can be produced 'in a dish' and we have no intention of doing this Cases can be cured MORE and more men aged 50-65 are now attending fertility clinics, with men over 40 making up nearly a quarter of consultations. Up to half of all cases of infertility involve problems with the man. In fact, about 20% to 30% of the time, a man's low fertility is the main obstacle to conception. Causes of male infertility may include: low sperm count, sperm that are abnormally shaped or that don't move correctly, undescended testicle or an underlying medical problem. Sometimes the cause of male infertility cannot be identified. In these cases, there may be an underlying genetic problem. More than one-half of cases of male infertility can be corrected.
Reader Opinion
Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback | |
Publication: | The Journal (Newcastle, England) |
Date: | Jul 8, 2009 |
Words: | 1776 |
Previous Article: | Nine convicted; NORTH TODAY: COURT. |
Next Article: | Armed forces face first review in a decade. |
Topics: |


text:
| Email | Full Article (TrendHunter.com/id/40994) |
'Fabulous Pugs' is a book by Lisa Knapp that contains nothing but pictures of pugs dressed up as famous people such as Genghis Khan and Napoleon.
The canine 'actress-model' Knapp chose is a pug named Charlie who must be super-tolerant, judging by some of these shots. The 'Star Trek' one is my absolute favorite.


text:
Gear Review
Not the most happy with these
They feel loose to me. I've had to play around with the angle of the bindings on my board due to way my foot fits inside them. It feels like a lot more side to side movement than with other bindings. I would occasionally find that my foot would go in a bit cock eyed and the inside of my foot would be lower than the outside. A little ramp of ice and snow would build up. Manageable, but not my favorite bindings by any means.
View More Details on Flow M11 Snowboard Binding


text:
Military service
0Mar 6, '14 by MonteKSo I'm currently in the military and am wanting to transfer to Seattle U with my pre-nursing degree. My question is will my military background make my application look good?
0Mar 6, '14 by Just_keep_swimming, CNAHi! I'm also in the military and have applied to UW and PLU. I didn't apply to Seattle U bc of cost, if you go to WA nursing, there should be a thread about going on about this years applicants, they might be able to answer more questions. I know PLU seems to favor military experience. Are you in the medical field? I'm hoping all schools at least see it as an experience that gives you more experience in diversity, communication, leadership, etc. I'm in a class that prepares you to go back to civilian life (in the AF we call it TAPS) and a lot of what they teach you is a lot of companies don't necessarily see the military as something that puts you more in favor of being accepted into school or job position. That's why it's crucial to ensure you have someone assist you in writing resumes to target those civilian jobs as well as school application essays, interviews, etc. good luck, did you apply this year?
0Mar 6, '14 by Just_keep_swimming, CNADon't worry I feel your pain, I'm a C-17 crew chief are you stationed at mcchord? PLU is awesome, they have smaller classes & you get over a 1,000 more clinical hours. UW is my #1 bc of the AF's nurse enlisted commissioning program. Have you heard of it? It's a program that pays you to finish your degree, take & pass the NCLEX & then they'll commission you to 2nd Lt, send you to commissioned officer training (COT) and the nurse transition program. It's an amazing program, I would be applying to it this year but my career functional would not release me to apply bc we are undermanned :/ so I'm looking at AFELA or go reserves and finish it that way.
0Mar 6, '14 by MonteKI wish I was at McChord, but army takes care of most of the law enforcement so I got stuck at fairchild. I actually have looked into the enlisted to commision program. I've talked to my first sgt about it. My husband isn't fond of the idea because he was prior military and we had many back to back deployments and now wants nothing to do with the military. Also I think id have to give the Air Force 10 more years of active duty once commissioned. So that is definitely an option for me to think about. I definitely want to go guard after getting a BSN. Are you from the seattle area?
0Mar 6, '14 by Just_keep_swimming, CNANo, I'm from TN, we are a dual military family as well. My hubby is currently deployed & the multiple deployments def take their toll, especially on our family. Plus the threat & stress of both being deployed (we have a four year old & two year old) is a constant worry. They already told him he'll be gone again 6-8 months after he returns this summer. I'm third on the list to go for my shop (we're both global enablers, so we don't have a set downtime or AEF band/bucket) I think you guys fall in the same category? You're basically at the AF beck & call, if they need you, even if you just got home, you have to go? I just passed my 10 year mark, but I think I'm just going to let my enlistment run out & finish my BSN while in the reserves or guard.
0Mar 6, '14 by Just_keep_swimming, CNABtw the 10 years thing is so that your retirement certificate says officer vs enlisted. You still get rank served in last three years & can retire at 20. 6 months after, you can request to change it to the officer rank you held.
0Mar 6, '14 by RunBabyRN, BSN, RNNot sure what your school's policy is, but at ours, as long as you qualify, you're in if you're a vet or AD.
0Mar 6, '14 by RunBabyRN, BSN, RNI'm in school in CA, so it probably won't work for you if you're stationed up near Seattle.


text:
Tags chill, weird, dreamy, indie, ethereal
Genres indie, indie rock, choir, alternative, french (beta) (flag as incorrect)
Published November 30, 2011
Nine ethereal tracks including music by Blonde Redhead, Emilie Simon, and Metric.
What an opener
Midnight Road Trip by lyricism
Take turns, breathe in the cold air, stargaze and drive through the pavement of night.
indie rock, indie, folk, road trip
Let's have dinner. by lyricism
Tunes we might find on Miss Adler's iPod.
sherlock, bbc sherlock, irene adler, sexy, dominatrix
Six Feet Underwater by lyricism
Some tracks to help get rid of anxiety.
relax, instrumental, chill, ambient
Exit Music by lyricism
Background music for nostalgic moments.
chill, melancholy, relax, hope, nostalgic


text:
Water Leak On City Hall Grounds
Saturday, July 26, 2014
(Honolulu, HI) -- Crews are working to repair a water leak on City Hall grounds. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply says a contractor damaged an eight-inch water line yesterday, which resulted in a water leak at Honolulu Hale. The leak affected water supply to Honolulu Halle, Mission Memorial Auditorium complex and the main library.


text:
Follow NSWP
Click a term to refine your current search.
(Each article can also be downloaded individually by clicking on its title.)
Edited by Nel van Beelen & Aliya Rakhmetova
The criminalisation of sex work increases the vulnerability of sex workers to human rights violations and violence. However, sex workers are raising awareness, working with policy makers, and organising against this violence.
EditorialMelissa Ditmore and Will Rockwell
Brothels in Bamako TodaySylvia Mollet and Fatoumata with Danaya So members
Takin' it to the Streets on the Las Vegas StripHolly Pottle
The Vagina as a Site of Power and PlayfulnessJayasree A.K.
Sex Work and Sexual PleasureRut Pinedo González
Kicking Down the Door: The Effects of Anti-Trafficking Raids in the USAMelissa Ditmore
EditorialMelissa Ditmore
Resisting Raids and RescueVAMP Collective and SANGRAM"
Sex Worker Activists: Embodying AberranceDiedre Stewart
A participatory-action and interventional research approach to HIV prevention and treatment among women in survival sex workVicki Bright and Kate Shannon
"My one-way ticket to Kamathipura": Rights of sex workers compromisedSharvari Karandikar and Moisés Próspero
Table of Contents
4 EDITORIAL - Melissa Ditmore
5 CONDOM SHORTAGES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA - Anna-Louise Crago
8 CONTRIBUTING TO "DEVELOPMENT": MONEY MADE SELLING SEX - Laura María Agustín
12 SHOW ME THE MONEY: A SEX WORKER REFLECTS ON RESEARCH INTO THE SEX INDUSTRY - Jo Weldon
16 MONEY AND POLITICS IN CAMBODIA - Women's Network for Unity
18 MONEY AND SEX: WHAT ECONOMICS SHOULD BE DOING FOR SEX WORK RESEARCH - Alys Willman-Navarro
CAMBODIAN SEX WORKERS CONDUCT THEIR OWN RESEARCH - Carol Jenkins - 3
SEX WORKERS EXPERIENCES WITH THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA Nicolé Fick - 4
HUMAN RIGHTS AND LEGAL SERVICES FOR SEX WORKERS IN CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS: POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION Yury Sarankov, Vera Dite, Adrian Webster, Robin Montgomery - 8
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STREET-BASED SEX WORKERS AND THE POLICE IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HIV PREVENTION STRATEGIES Rachel Wotton - 11
DECRIMINALISATION AS PARTNERSHIP: AN OVERVIEW OF AUSTRALIA'S SEX INDUSTRY LAW REFORM MODEL Kate Demaere - 14
Ethical dilemmas in sex work research – S. Wahab and L. Sloan - 3
Alternate ethics, or: Telling lies to researchers – L. Agustín - 6
Collaborative research-community partnerships: The CAL-PEP case - 8
From subjects to partners: Experience of a project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – P. Longo - 9
The Tenofovir trial controversy in Cambodia. Can a trial be considered ethical if there is no long-term post-trial care? – Kao Tha et al - 10
Hijras in sex work face discrimination in the Indian health-care system – V. Chakrapani, P. Babu and T. Ebenezer - 12
100% Condom Use Programmes: empowerment or abuse? – P. Longo and M. Ditmore - 3
Brothel raids in Indonesia. Ideal solution or further violation? – R. Surtees - 5
"We don't want rescue, we want our rights!" Experiences on antitrafficking efforts in Thailand – Ping Pong - 8
Sex work and the law in Namibia: a culture-sensitive approach – D. Hubbard and E. Zimba - 10
Why sex workers believe 'Smaller is Better'. The faulty implementation of decriminalization in New South Wales, Australia –E. Red & Saul - 12
Table of Contents:
3 How immigration status affects sex workers' health and vulnerabilityto abuse. A comparison of
two countries – M. Ditmore
5 Women, migration and health in France. The experience of Cabiria – G. Téqui and F. Guillemaut
6 Migration and mobility of sex workers in the Netherlands – Th. van der Helm
8 Prostitution in Spain, health and policies – A. Rodriguez Arenas
10 Colombian women, sex work and health in Galicia, Spain – L. Oso
12 Migrant sex workers in Europe: STI/HIV prevention, health and rights – L. Brussa
Contextual risk versus risk behaviour. The impact of the legal, social and economic context of sex work on individual risk taking – P. Alexander - 3Different mindsets, different risks. Looking at risk factors identified by Vietnamese sex workers in Cambodia – M. Tep, S. Ek and M. Maas - 4Some conditions influencing HIV/AIDS prevention and health promotion in Hong Kong – P.S. Ho - 6Health impacts of prostitution. Experience of Bangladesh Women's Health Coalition – J. Ahmed - 8Filial piety and Vietnamese sex workers in Svay Pak, Cambodia – B. Schunter - 9Promoting HIV Testing among Guam Sex Workers: Problems in Paradise – R. Workman, T. Pinhey and A. Hill - 10Report from the US: Do prohibitory laws promote risk? – M. Ditmore - 13


text:
Dear Dish-It: Starting High School
Question Girl asks: "I'm about to go to high school and I don't really know what it's like. Could you tell me how it's different than primary school?" Back to Article
Well, I never really experienced what it feels like to be in a school co'z i've been homeschooled since I think when I was nursery until now.... but i really wanna experience it though
Dear QG,
It is hard at first but once you get use to it your fine.Friends most of your friends are more likely to be there.
Normally high school is a big change for everyone but once you get there you will realize that it is cool.
im starting highschool. my orientation is in 3
days and im really
Just be cool and start off with a good start not by talking to much
I'm also worried about high school. I'm just counting the days tell I start. (5days) I don't get along with about 35% of my grade because I don't like the way they wear short clothes and use bad language. I was just just wandering if anyone had tips on how to start school off to a good start and not a bad one. I don't want to get bullied and I don't want people to hate me
Yeh kids don't worry about night school it is ok if you need help talk to me ok I am always gonna be here for and I will supports you thought it all
Join "Islam for all" group, a place to ask any life questions, prizes every week!


text:
I told Rooney he'd gone soft
DAVID MOYES has revealed how he sat down with Wayne Rooney in the summer and told him he had gone soft.
Now, with his future finally sorted, the Manchester United striker is ready to make life hard for defenders again.
To read more of this article sign up for Sun+ today.


text:
Your cart is empty!
Nice 'n Easy Color Blend Foam gives you dimensional color in a delightful, drip-free foam. Try Nice 'n Easy Color Blend Foam and get beautiful tones and highlights for up to 8 weeks. The application is so easy, just shake it, foam it, love it. You'll love the process and dimensional color.
Nice n Easy colorblend foam: Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Propylene Glycol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Resorcinol, Fragrance, m-Aminophenol, p-Aminophenol, Sodium Chloride, Erythorbic Acid, 2,4-Diaminophenoxyethanol HCL, Sodium Sulfite, 1-Naphthol, 4-Amino-2-Hydroxytoluene, Sodium Hydroxide, EDTA.
Nice n Easy colorblend activator: Water, Hydrogen Peroxide, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Etidronic Acid, Disodium EDTA.
Nice n Easy colorseal conditioning gloss: included with Shades 2, 4, 4RB, 5, 5A, 5G, 5RB, 6, 6A, 6G, 6R, 6.5G: Water, Bis-Hydroxy/Methoxy Amodimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glutamic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, EDTA, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.
Read and follow instructions on enclosed leaflet.
Ivory Liquid Clear with Pump - 7.5 oz
Our Price:$1.39
Clairol natural instincts hair color, ebony mocha #35 - 1 ea
Our Price:$7.80
Loreal Feria Multi Faceted Shimmering Haircolor, C100 Extremely Light Blonde - Kit
Our Price:$9.98
Lusters Renutrients Salon Formula Conditioning Hair Relaxer, Kit
Our Price:$5.57
Product descriptions and images presented on the site are for representational use only and do not constitute or substitute for medical information from your health care or medical professional. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. You should read carefully all on correct product packaging and follow the instructions. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and may be for commercial. Image shown for reference only. Actual item you recieve may differ from shown.


text:
My full name is David Owen Williams. (Yes, my ancestry is Welsh.) Since David Williams is an extremely common name, I use other versions of my name for Internet postings and the like. Occasionally, I use the Welsh version, Dafydd Owain ap Gwilym. (A single "f", in Welsh, is pronounced like a "v" in English. The "dd" is pronounced like a voiced "th" in English, as in "brother".) "Ap", in Welsh, means "son of". In my case, this is literally true. My father's first name was Gwilym (the Welsh form of William). In the 14th Century, there was a Dafydd ap Gwilym who is regarded as one of the greatest poets of the Welsh language.
I was born and raised in the UK, but have lived for most of my life in Toronto, Canada.
Anyone who wishes to contact me by e-mail is welcome to do so. My anti-spambot scrambled address is:
williamsdavid65 at jeemale dot kom
I'm sure you can figure it out.
DOwenWilliams (talk) 18:13, 22 August 2010 (UTC) David Williams
Citation Stories[edit]
Something is said to have happened to the astronomer Galileo - though it isn't on his page in Wikipedia. He discovered the four large satellites of Jupiter, using his newly-invented telescope. Plainly, they revolved around Jupiter, which violated the accepted knowledge of the day, which said that all heavenly bodies revolve around the earth. This accepted "truth" was based on citations of biblical text and other scriptures. Galileo was already in trouble with the church over his teaching that the planets revolve around the sun. The Jovian satellites made matters worse. He was ordered to recant. He offered to let the churchmen look through his telescope so they could see the satellites with their own eyes, but they refused to do so, saying that their citations proved that the satellites could not exist. Galileo was imprisoned.
As they say in French, "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose." ("The more it changes, the more it is the same thing", i.e. history repeats itself.)
DOwenWilliams (talk) 03:08, 27 August 2010 (UTC) David Williams
Let me tell you another relevant story. I can personally vouch for the truth of this one, since I was involved...
Several decades ago, I was a Ph.D. student of chemistry. Of course, I had free access to a university science library. An acquaintance of mine, to whom I will refer by his initials, J.E., was accused of a fairly serious crime. If found guilty, he faced several years in jail. Pending his trial, he was free on bail. The case was unusual in that there was no doubt as to what he had done. The prosecution and defence were agreed on that. But there was room for doubt as to whether what he had done was illegal. The law under which he had been charged had never been tested in court, so there were no precedents. Curiously, the prosecution's case depended on a matter of scientific fact. If a certain chemical discovery had been made, then JE was guilty. If it hadn't, he was innocent. The prosecution was able to cite a whole lot of textbooks and the like that all said that the discovery was real. Things looked bad for JE. However, knowing that I was a chemist, he asked me to see if I could find any flaws in the prosecution's argument.
I looked up the textbooks to which the prosecution referred, and sure enough they all said that the discovery had occurred. However, I found that every one of them based its statements on just one publication, a paper that had been published in a highly respected, peer-reviewed journal, by a team of scientists led by a professor who was a world-renowned expert in the field. His initials were E.C.. I looked up this paper, and sure enough it described making the discovery that doomed JE. The prosecution's case looked watertight. I couldn't help JE.
However, I found the subject matter scientifically interesting, so I looked ahead to see if there had been any further discoveries, more recent than the one in the paper I had read. To my astonishment, in a later issue of the same journal as the original paper, I found a very short paper by the same group of scientists led by EC, in which they retracted the original finding! An experimental error had been made by accident. The scientific discovery that would have doomed JE had not been made!
A lot of the books that cited the original paper had been written after the retraction was published. Their authors just cited "accepted knowledge". Very few people knew it was wrong.
I called JE, who told his lawyer. However, the prosecution persevered, and went to court with all the fallacious citations. JE's lawyer just produced the one short retraction. The jury was confused, and ended up "hung". At the re-trial, JE's lawyer subpoenad EC, and forced him to describe in open court how he had made a mistake and how it had made its way into "accepted knowledge". The second jury was convinced. JE was acquitted.
And I learned to be profoundly suspicious of citations, no matter how reliable they appear to be. I still am. I far prefer to look through a telescope, run a computer program, or do whatever it takes to verify any statement, rather than relying on quoted references.
DOwenWilliams (talk) 22:21, 27 August 2010 (UTC) David Williams


text:
Corrin Genovese |
May 16, 2014
Final Stats | Quotes | Notes | Photo GalleryCOLUMBIA, Mo. – Junior IF Corrin Genovese concluded a 4-for-4 day with a game-winning single in the bottom of the eighth as No. 15-seed Mizzou posted a 6-5 win over Bradley on Friday at University Field in the second game of the NCAA Softball Columbia Regional. The Tigers, who led 4-0 with two outs in the top of the seventh before surrendering five runs, rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh to send the game to extra innings.
Mizzou (42-16) advanced to the winner's bracket in the Regional and will play Kansas on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at University Field. Bradley (27-31) faces Nebraska at 6 p.m., with the losing team eliminated from the NCAA Tournament.
The Tigers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the eighth following a walk to redshirt sophomore OF Taylor Gadbois, a hit from sophomore 2B/OF Emily Crane and another walk to junior 1B Kelsea Roth to set the stage for Genovese. The junior completed her perfect day at the plate with a single through the left side to easily score Gadbois and give the Tigers the dramatic 6-5 win.
With two outs in the frame, Mizzou starter Casey Stangel issued consecutive walks before Brave 1B Alyson Clemente ended the shutout bid with a three-run home run in the top of the seventh. Bradley then added two more runs off Stangel to take a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the seventh.
Genovese started the Tiger rally in the bottom of the seventh with her third double of the day, followed by an error and a walk to load the bases with just one out for the Tigers. A sacrifice fly to right field by freshman C Kirsten Mack scored Genovese to knot the game at 5-5, but the Tigers could not add more, sending the game to extras.
Senior P Alora Marble pitched 1.1 innings in relief to record the win and improve her 2014 record to 7-1.
Genovese smacked three doubles to go along with her game-winning single on her perfect day at the plate. The three two-baggers tied a Missouri single-game record, while her four hits set a new career best.
Crane also added three hits for the Tigers in the victory.
The Tigers wasted no time getting on the board with a run in the bottom of the first. Gadbois hit a leadoff double and advanced to third on a groundout. A bunt single by Crane drove in Gadbois as Mizzou took the 1-0 advantage.
In the bottom of the fifth, Missouri erupted for three runs to take a 4-0 lead. After a walk by junior 3B/C Angela Randazzo, Genovese blasted her second double of the game to score sophomore pinch runner Sarah Moore. Another walk, this time for senior OF Mackenzie Sykes, put runners on the first and second for Roth. The junior came through with a single up the middle to plate Genovese, while Sykes advanced to third on the play. Sykes came around to score on freshman pinch hitter Natalie Fleming's liner to left. Freshman IF/OF Kelli Schkade seemed to extend the inning with an infield single, but Roth was thrown out at the plate to end the rally.
More Headlines
Fall Games on Friday, Oct. 10, Cancelled Due to...
Mizzou Softball's fall exhibition games for Friday, Oct. 10, have been cancelled due to rainy...
Tigers Take Two Inside Devine Pavilion
Mizzou Softball continued its fall schedule with two wins on Friday, playing inside Devine...
Mizzou Softball Cruises to Two More Fall Victories
Mizzou Softball continued its fall schedule with two more wins on Friday at University Field,...
Mizzou Softball Shows Off Arms and Bats in...
Mizzou Softball started its fall schedule with a bang on Friday at University Field, defeating...
Former Tiger Cat Lee has High School Number...
Lee was a standout for Eastside High School in Covington, Ga. Her alma mater gave her the...
Mizzou Softball Announces 2014 Fall Schedule
"Fall Ball" will be grouped into four Friday doubleheaders that will be played at University...
Gillis Named New Mizzou Softball Assistant Coach
Mizzou Softball will welcome the addition of Doug Gillis to the program's coaching staff in the...
Mizzou Softball Gains Transfer Pitcher from Omaha
Mizzou Softball has announced the signing of former Omaha Mavericks pitcher Cheyenne Baxter, a...
Online Stores
Official StoreOfficial Online
AUCTIONSOfficial Mobile APP
Top Videos
- Schedules


text:
Normally $49.99, this compact lifesaver pairs with your smartphone to help you determine when you're past the legal limit.
This Indiegogo project combines old-school tools with modern-day tech.
It's a backup charger, a sync/charge cable, a flash drive, and even a Bluetooth locator.
Apple's iCloud keychain can be used to synchronize passwords and secured notes for your own system and those at work.
Use iCloud Keychain to create a password for you, but now you need it on another device? Here's where you can find it.
Browse our list of cameras to see if do-it-yourself home security is right for you.
Valeo demonstrates its InBlue virtual key tech for smartphones and smartwatches and gives us a peek at its Mobius autonomous dashboard of the future.
At CES, Belkin unveiled four new sensors designed to shore up WeMo's ecosystem.
This year's show hasn't even started yet, but we're already getting news of what's to come. Here's what happened on Sunday at CES 2015.
Available in Lightning and Micro-USB versions, this clever gizmo lets you sync or charge your phone or tablet anywhere there's a USB port.


text:
Prices and availability are subject to change from the time and date that you print this page.
2/1/2015 7:08:32 AM. For Customer Service, please call
Northbrook Court Outside the Mall: In Stock. Only 10 in store now.
Change store
The Story
Stock up on the classic ivory pillar candle, in a variety of sizes.


text:
404 File Not Found
Host by NetBox Version 2.8 Build 4128
Gift Wrap Not Available
COLORcode dinnerware and bakeware products are durable restaurant grade items actually used and tested in real restaurants . Vitrified china with lead free glaze is dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer safe. Thermal shock tested, can go directly from freezer to oven. Durable so you will have them for many years and great looking so you will be proud to display them in your home. Colors and shapes were designed to be mixed and matched so get creative and have some fun.
Please choose which cart you want to add the item.
By choosing one of the above, you are able to shop for both yourself and a registrant at the same time. Once you are ready to checkout your items will be waiting for you in both your personal and registry shopping carts.
Still need assistance?
Please contact us at 1-855-OUR-CASA (1-855-687-2272)
© 2005 - 2015, Quidsi, Inc. or its Affiliates. Casa.com is operated by Quidsi Solutions LLC. Unless otherwise noted, products on Casa.com are sold
by Quidsi Retail LLC. Gift Cards and E-Gift Cards sold on Casa.com are sold by Quidsi Gift Cards, Inc.


text:
To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog:
In this Reference Guide:
- Wage/Hour Legislation
- Prevailing Wage Legislation
- Anti-Retaliation Legislation
- Employee Leave Legislation
- Discrimination/Harassment Legislation
- New Legislation Affecting Employee/ Applicant Background
- Information
- New Legislation Affecting Workers' Safety/OSHA
- Miscellaneous
- Excerpt from Wage/Hour Legislation:
This legislation amends section 1182.12 of the Labor Code by increasing the minimum wage to not less than $9 an hour beginning July 1, 2014, and to not less than $10 an hour beginning January 1, 2016.
This legislation adds Part 4.5 (commencing with section 1450) to Division 2 of the Labor Code, to be known and cited to as the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, and repeals current section 1454 of the Labor Code. The legislation regulates the hours of work of domestic work employees who work as personal attendants by providing an overtime compensation standard for those employees.
Please see full Reference Guide below for more information.
Firefox recommends the PDF Plugin for Mac OS X for viewing PDF documents in your browser.
We can also show you Legal Updates using the Google Viewer; however, you will need to be logged into Google Docs to view them.
Please choose one of the above to proceed!
LOADING PDF: If there are any problems, click here to download the file.
Topics: Anti-Retaliation Provisions, Background Checks, Compliance, Criminal Background Checks, Discrimination, Employer Liability Issues, FMLA, Harassment, Job Applicants, OSHA, Paid Leave, Prevailing Wages, Unpaid Leave, Wage and Hour, Workplace Hazards
Published In: Civil Rights Updates, Government Contracting Updates, Immigration Updates, Labor & Employment Updates
DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.
© Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard | Attorney Advertising
Read fresh new writing on compliance, cybersecurity, Dodd-Frank, whistleblowers, social media, hiring & firing, patent reform, the NLRB, Obamacare, the SEC…
…or whatever matters the most to you. Follow authors, firms, and topics on JD Supra.
Create your news brief now - it's free and easy »
Established in 1959, Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard (KMTG) is a full service law corporation... View Profile »
See more »


text:
On Mon, October 29, 2012 7:11 am, Ralf Mardorf wrote:
Ralf, this advice is out of date.
On any distro you can install the jack-sink modules and PA will gracefully
reconnect to jack when jack is started.
Otherwise you can run "pulseaudio -k" from the commandline to temporarily
disable pulseaudio when you are running jack. In qjackctl this can be
added as a preliminary startup command in the preferences section.
Patrick Shirkey
Boost Hardware Ltd
Linux-audio-user mailing list
LINUX® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the USA and other countries.
Linuxaudio.org logo copyright Thorsten Wilms © 2006.
Hosting provided by the Virginia Tech Department of Music and DISIS.


text:
Flushing is most heavily populated with Asian Americans. In fact, it has the largest Chinese population in New York.
For that reason, the Lunar New Year — celebrated by the Chinese diaspora to begin the lunar calendar — will be celebrated in all of Flushing and other parts of Queens in February and March.
This Lunar New Year we enter the Year of the Horse.
In Chinese astrology, it's believed to be a year of adventure and surprise, of good luck and high energy.
In that case, Flushing Town Hall's Lunar New Year celebrations, among the largest in the city, are perfectly suited to the season.
From jazz performances to calligraphy workshops to poetry in a truck, the arts venue — recently revamped to appeal to a larger audience — will be offering a diverse and exciting program that has something for everyone in the family, regardless of cultural descent.
The celebrations begin on Jan. 31 at 8 p.m., with a performance by the Young Joo Song Quartet.
It's an appropriate kickoff; Young Joo Song exemplifies the program's spirit of bringing together diverse arts and cultures, in that she creates music that draws on gospel, funk and jazz, and one of her motivations as a performer is to inspire a love of jazz across the globe.
From February 8 to March 30, Flushing Town Hall will be displaying an array of Minhwa prints in The New Vision exhibition. Minhwa is a centuries-old form of Korean folk art, produced for the common people by anonymous artisans. Minhwa generally portrays both magical elements and themes or ordinary life, in vibrant color, with simplicity and humor. The prints showcased come from the Baraem Art Research Institute in Korea.
Gamin, one of the most celebrated piri, taepyeongso and saenghwang — all part of the ancient traditional Korean wind instrument family — players will perform traditional and contemporary Korean music on Feb. 7 for members and students.
A New York art-scene staple will also be participating in the celebrations this year. The POEMobile, a project of City Lore and Bowery Arts + Science, will present readings by Korean poets, accompanied by projections of texts and translations onto Flushing Town Hall's garden wall.
For those of you who learn by doing, it won't all be spectator sport. A variety of workshops will teach you how to write calligraphy, make art on traditional Korean hanji paper and decorate Korean dance masks.
The calligraphy workshop will be lead by Dr. Hsing-Lih Chou, an expert on Asian arts and a veteran of the Flushing Town Hall Lunar New Year. Hsing-Lih Chou has also curated this year's dance sampler, which features demonstrations of dances from China, Korea, Taiwan, and India, on February 16 at 1 p.m.
Malika Granville of Flushing Town Hall says the Lunar New Year program proves that "you don't need lots of money or a passport to see the world."
She hopes the events and activities will "expand the minds of our audiences by exposing them to artists and musicians that they have never experienced."
In all, the celebrations promise some colorful fun to get you through the winter, and a reminder that when you live in Queens, a world of art and culture is always at your doorstep.


text:
Young's Literal Translation (YLT) | New International Version (NIV) |
42 O Jehovah God, turn not back the face of Thine anointed, be mindful of the kind acts of David Thy servant.' | 42 O LORD God, do not reject your anointed one. Remember the great love promised to David your servant." |
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain. (Young's Literal Translation - The Bible Online) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |


text:
reviews & comments (11)
I gave this 4 forks to encourage people to try it. I have been making Rumaki for years but with my own marinade. I have not tried this marinade so I am unqualified to judge it. I do feel qualified however, to add insight in general terms. Chicken livers should be not less than 3/4". Water Chestnuts 1/8 to 3/16". I also precook bacon 20% before broiling because ck livers cook faster than bacon. You want them pink inside.


text:
How to Buy Funeral Caskets under $2000
Wood Caskets Starting at $590.00 Delivered
Special Offers for Metal Caskets Starting at $780.00
Casket Direct Gives Our Warmest Welcome
Our casket store is located in the City of Markham, Ontario and offers beautiful 100% hardwood caskets in mahogany, cherry, walnut, oak, ash maple and poplar at prices guaranteed to save you on your funeral expenses.
We are the only store in Toronto to carry more than 20 selections of metal caskets to best meet the needs and preferences of all families. Our growing collection of cremation urns are available in wood and metal so your loved one may rest peacefully.
At Casket Direct, we are committed to deliver an unparalleled standard of quality, care, and customer service for you.
You have the right to purchase caskets and funeral related merchandise from sources other than funeral homes. All funeral homes must accept those items without raising their prices on their services and goods you select from them.
Canadian Consumer Handbook states discounted caskets are open in some cities in Canada that provides caskets for less.
Board of Funeral Services Ontario's Board of Funeral Services website, offers consumer information guides, Ontario's funeral and cemetery laws.
For information about Funerals Arrangements in Canada, Consumer Information.
You can visit our Toronto showroom located at : 170 Torbay Road, Markham, Ontario, L3R 1G6. We are open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM, locate us now.
Why are the Caskets & Urns priced so low?
You need to know that there are other options when selecting a casket for your loved one. The funeral homes you visited, did you find that their caskets are overly priced? Or, they didn't have what you wanted?
When you look over our selection of wood caskets or metal caskets; one thing that might catch your attention is our price. How come the caskets are so much different in pricing compared to those offered in the funeral home?
The fundamental method of our low price is due to our commitment in the whole production process, logistics, labour and transport costs. We work directly with our suppliers and get our merchandises in bulk and therefore most of our caskets or urns are immediately ready for delivery. To help keep the caskets or urns affordable, Casket Direct gives you the wholesale price of the individual casket.
We have experienced first-hard the price implied by funeral homes when it comes to funeral necessities and we are pleased to offer our merchandises at a reasonable and affordable price to families of Canada.
We aren't about the Brand, we are about the quality and trust with the utmost dedication and sense of commitment. We can do same day or next day delivery to any funeral homes in Toronto.
At Casket Direct, we believe "Its what you want from a casket for your loved one and it shouldn't be confined by the price of a casket."
Browse our selection of hardwood caskets and metal caskets at affordable pricing. Our cremation urns are available in wood and metal.
Listen to what our customers have to say about Casket Direct:
Very satisfied. Urn is lovely excellent service, thank you.–Tom Needham. Regina, Saskatchewan
Thanks so much for the quick delivery, I would just like to say that you provided amazing customer service.–Amy Chung. Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful casket like fine furniture, good service.–John R. Markham, Ontario
I was really surprised at the price. I think the casket is beautifully simplistic, tasteful, and has a certain dignity about it I like. –Hal M. Fayetteville, North Carolina
I saved more than $4000 when I decided to buy a casket from Casket Direct. Thank you so much.–Don. Markham, Ontario
Thank you, I was very worried about ordering a casket online but I hoped for the best. The casket was absolutely beautiful! The order process was handled professionally and with kindness –Michele T. Toronto, Ontario.
Share your experience of Casket Direct to future visitors. We want to hear your feedback, help us improve our services and help other families at a time of need.
E-mail us at email@example.com
Visit our review section for more customer feedbacks.


text:
so, I have an 06 dc 4x4 and realized two days ago that i had to fit 4 people in it today. I had an idea for some time now so i made it happen. I tore everything apart, wired it, built the box, installed it and put everything back together in about a day and a half.
The HU is an alpine along with the 700w amp. The speakers are older jl audio 10" W-4s. I wired a swtch for the remote thats controlled on the dash.
Tell me what you think, cuz im sure you havent seen one offs like this!