text:
It's free to register, to post a question or to start / join a discussion
Steam Holiday Sale
Likes # 0
Posted December 22, 2011 at 11:46AM
I'm sure most are already aware of this, but for those that aren't there are currently many fantastic offers being offered on Steam with new deals announced daily until the 1st January - ideal for last minute Christmas presents or for catching up on some of the older titles that you missed first time around.
Likes # 0
Posted December 22, 2011 at 11:54AM
Yep have bought Orcs Must Die and Jurassic Park the game,no doubt will get a few more before the sale runs out. Although as a rule Steam is the more expensive way to purchase games the do have some great sales enabling, in my case anyway, to buy games I would not normally look at,and if they are rubbish then only a few quid wasted.
Likes # 0
Posted December 23, 2011 at 5:12PM
Yep, I buy a lot of games from Steam. Only when they are on sale though and never at full price as I find Amazon usually sells them much cheaper. Some very good deals on Steam over Xmas.
Reply to this topic
This thread has been locked.
Check out PC Advisor's other tech forums
Top 5 Most Popular
Old Moto E vs New Moto E (2nd generation): Why the 2015 Moto E is the most smartphone you can buy for £109
19 best new phones you should be most excited about in 2015: best new phones coming from Apple, Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG, Xiaomi and others
Galaxy S6 UK release date, price, specs: When is the Samsung Galaxy S6 coming out? Samsung Galaxy S6 confirmed at MWC 2015. Galaxy S6 launch details - Galaxy S6 images - new features in Galaxy S6 - pre-order now at £579
Sony Xperia Z3 vs Sony Xperia Z4 comparison: What's new in Sony's latest Z-series flagship?
Fitbit Charge HR review: the fitness tracker with an always-on heart-rate monitor


text:
My Focus Collection was hit by a neighbour trying to park his car.
He was honest & knocked on my door & owned up, which I'm glad about as most people nowadays would have kept quiet.
He recommended a bodyshop he'd used before that were good so I went down to get a quote - £250! Nearly half the cars value!
Being a Collection edition, the bumpers are like hens teeth to get hold of so I'm glad it can be repaired really.
Anyway, got back & told the neighbour & he said thats fine, it costs what it costs & to book it in, passed me the cash there & then too. Top bloke.
So its booked in for the 23rd & get it back 2 days later.
Here's a pic of the damage...
Will post another when its fixed.
- Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums
- → Viewing Profile: Topics: AdeMk1
Community Stats
- Group Budding Enthusiast
- Active Posts 341
- Profile Views 877
- Submitted Links 0
- Member Title Feet Under The Table
- Age Age Unknown
- Birthday January 4
Ford Model
Focus Mk1 & Impreza Turbo
Ford Year
UK/Ireland Location
Annual Mileage
5001 to 10,000
Classic Cars
General Automotive
Motorsport & Racing
Car Restoration
Car Modification
Road Trips
Computers & Electronics
General Automotive
Contact Information
- First Name Ade
User Tools
Latest Visitors
Topics I've Started
Car Hit By Neighbour
15 June 2014 - 08:45 PM
Mk1 Trailing Arm Bush Tool To Borrow/rent?
14 April 2014 - 05:32 AM
Has anybody got one they could lend/rent me for a day or 2 please? I'm in Southport near Liverpool. Don't fancy buying one at £150+ to use once!
Thanks, Ade.
Thanks, Ade.
- Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums
- → Viewing Profile: Topics: AdeMk1
- Privacy Policy

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Set in an early Victorian villa (built in 1840), Ascot House Hotel is a 'boutique' hotel in the sense that all rooms have much individuality and are furnished with period furniture of either English or French origin. As a result, you will find a mixture of antique pine (for instance in our luxury suite), mahogany, fruit wood (for instance in our 'Gothic suite') or even 'shabby chic' painted and distressed furniture (for instance in our 'Sea View suite' with views over the whole of the bay).
Ascot House Hotel has just undergone a second refurbishment resulting in 5 spacious Suites that are more reflective of the original design and glory of the house. Our 2 two room suites are comprised of a lounge and bedroom with built-in en-suite facilities while the three room suites have a large bathroom in addition to the bedroom and lounge. Apart from the Junior suite, each bathroom has a bath and a shower, with the Luxury and Deluxe suites enjoying free standing claw feet traditional baths as well as separte showers. Each suite also has their own fridge with fresh milk and a bottle of filtered water as well as hospitality trays. All rooms have LCD/LED wall-mounted TVs (32 or 40" in the lounges) as well as free wifi access. Moreover, they benefit from many 'personal touches' like toiletries, tissues, wine glasses/tumblers and being serviced daily.
Or spacious Suites offer outstanding value for money with the Luxury and Gothic Suites having the added bonus of access to the original full length period balcony which includes tables and chairs for you to enjoy the sun… and/or a cigarette since we are happy for you to smoke there.
The Anglo-French theme has also been extended to our extensive breakfast menu which includes individual plates of fresh fruit, quality French preserves (St Dalfour) and croissants/brioches, in addition to our cooked-to-order traditional English breakfast using top quality produce. We use free range eggs, pure pork sausages, best bacon and mushrooms as well as baked vine tomatoes sprinkled with olive oil. Alternatively, we offer smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, which is proving to be a popular choice.
Bienvenue à Ascot House Hotel!
Bernard Lien-Lambert and Terri Hartman
From March 1st we are reducing our already low Winter rates by a further £10 pe..
Read more
Ascot House Hotel wins 2014 Travellers' Choice Awards
We've often said that while we're not the cheapest accommodation in Torbay, we d..
Read more
Torquay a Top Seaside Destination
Read more


text:
US 5986279 A Abstract A radiation image is recorded on a plurality of photostimulable phosphor screens of a size that is smaller than the size of the elongate body. The screens are exposed to a radiation image of a grid of threads of attenuating material and a radiation image of the elongate body so that each of the screens stores part of the image of the body and superimposed thereon, part of the image of the grid. The screens are read out individually. Reconstruction of the image of the elongate body is performed on the basis of the reconstructed image of the grid.
Claims(5) 1. A method of recording and reading a radiation image of an elongate body, characterised by the steps of
(a) simultaneously exposing a plurality of photostimulable phosphor screens each having a size which is smaller than the size of the elongate body, to distinct parts of a radiation image of the elongate body and of a pattern of reference marks, (b) scanning each of said screens by means of stimulating radiation, detecting light emitted upon stimulation and converting said light into signal representations of images stored in said screens, (c) extracting partial signal representations from said digital signal representations, said partial signal representations each representing a part of said pattern of reference marks that was stored in a screen, (d) determining from said partial signal representations the position of the image of the part of the pattern of reference marks stored in a screen, (e) stitching the signal representations obtained in step (b) in such a way that an image of the total pattern of reference marks is reconstructed making use of the determined positions of the parts of the pattern. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said pattern of reference marks consists of a grid of threads of radiation attenuating material.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of screens are conveyed in a cassette in a juxtaposed relationship.
4. A method according to claims 2 wherein said grid is provided in said cassette.
5. A method according to claim 2 wherein said grid is formed by mutually orthogonal horizontal and vertical threads and wherein said position is determined by determining offset of horizontal and vertical lines of the grid with respect to horizontal and vertical image borders, periodicity of said pattern in horizontal and vertical direction, inclination of grid lines relative to horizontal or vertical direction.
Description This application claims benefit of provisional application 60/045,868, filed May 7, 1997. The present invention relates to the recording and reading of a radiation image of an elongate body. In the field of digital radiography a technique has been developed wherein a radiation image, for example an image of X-rays transmitted by an object, is stored in a screen comprising a photostimulable phosphor such as one of the phosphors described in European patent publication 503 702 published on Sep. 16, 1992 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,661. The technique for reading out the stored radiation image consists of scanning the screen with stimulating radiation, such as laser light of the appropriate wavelength, detecting the light emitted upon stimulation and converting the emitted light into an electric representation for example by means of a photomultiplier. The signal is then digitized, processed and subsequently used to control the hard copy recording in image reproducing system such as a laser recorder. For diagnostic purposes the reproduction is viewed and analyzed on a lightbox. Stimulable phosphor screens used in this technique are selected from a variety of sizes which are adapted to the body part that is examined. The read out apparatus is designed so that it is able to accommodate and read all these sizes of screens. However, examination types exist in which a larger part of the body is examined than can be recorded on a single, even the largest sized cassette (among commonly used cassette types). Examples of such examination types are the diagnosis of the entire vertebral column or of the leg, so-called full leg-full spine examinations, where clinical indication requires that e.g. the full spine be examined at once to enable diagnosis or to qualify diagnosis. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,045 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,541 such applications have been dealt with. U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,045 discloses a method wherein a radiation image of a large object such as a vertebral column is recorded on first and second stimulable phosphor screens that are successively positioned in the image recording unit of the apparatus with their confronting ends superimposed on each other in the recording position. The stimulable phosphor sheets are circulated in the apparatus along a circulatory path through a recording unit, a read out unit and an erasure unit. Special features are provided to hold the sheets in position at the recording unit. After having been exposed, the sheets are consecutively fed to a read out unit where a digital signal representation of the image stored in a sheet is obtained. Then, the image signals representing the images read out of the two sheets are processed so as to combine image portions corresponding to the superimposed portions of the two photostimulable phosphor sheets, with the result that a combined image signal is produced. No details are given on the way in which this image processing is performed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,541 discloses another method and apparatus for recording a radiation image of an elongate body. The method is based on the use of a plurality of elongated stimulable phosphor screens that are successively fed along a circulary path in a combined and dedicated exposure and read out device. The disclosure generally relates to the handling of the sheets in such a dedicated combined exposure and read out device. It is an object of this invention to provide a method of recording a radiation image of an elongate body on a photostimulable phosphor screen which does not require the use of a photostimulable phosphor screen of dedicated dimensions adapted to the dimensions of the elongate body and/or which does not require the use of a dedicated read out apparatus adapted to the use of such dedicated screen(s). It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method by means of which a radiation image of an elongate body is obtained that is geometrically correct. Further objects will become apparent from the description given below. To achieve the above objects the present invention provides a method of recording and reading a radiation image of an elongate body, according to claim 1. The method of the present invention is advantageous in that it does not require the use of phosphor screens of sizes that are adapted to the size of the elongate body. The method of the present invention provides that a read out apparatus which is designed to accommodate `normal size` screens can be used for reading the image of an elongate body. In a specific embodiment a plurality of photostimulable phosphor screens each having a size which is smaller than the size of the elongate body, are placed in a large size cassette in a partially overlapping or in a touching disposition. The pattern of reference marks may take different forms. Preferably it is composed of a grid or a raster of parallel horizontal and vertical threads of X-ray attenuating material. This embodiment eases the reconstruction of the complete image of the pattern of reference marks. The pattern of reference marks may be provided in the cassette wherein the plurality of photostimulable phosphor screens are mounted. The cassette is then to be positioned so that the pattern is situated between a source of radiation (X-ray source) and the screens so that, when being exposed, the radiation image of the pattern is recorded on the plurality of photostimulable phosphor screens. Alternatively the grid may be mounted in the X-ray table or on an X-ray stand in between the X-ray source and the cassette. In any way must be provided that an image of the pattern of reference marks will be superimposed on the X-ray image of the elongate object. Following exposure, the individual partial images stored in the individual photostimulable phosphor screens are read out. These partial images consist of a partial image of the pattern of reference marks superimposed on a partial image of the elongate body. Then, a complete image of the elongate body is constructed by means of the partial images. The reconstruction of the image of the elongate body from the constituent partial images is in the following referred to as `stitching`. The way in which the partial images are assembled to form a complete image of the elongate body is guided by the way in which partial images of the pattern of reference marks are to be assembled to form the complete image of the pattern of reference marks. Further details on the way in which these images are formed is described extensively hereafter. Neither the order of input of the screens into the read out apparatus nor the sense in which these screens are scanned is important since the image of the pattern of reference marks can be used to reconstruct the image of the elongate body from the constituent partial images in a seamless, uninterrupted and correct way. Prior to stitching the partial images read out of the screens may be viewed on a workstation to enable the operator to select the order and sense of re-assembling the images read out of the different screens. A front-end Graphical User Interface may be used. The following functionality may be supported on the workstation: (1) rotate (90, 180, 270 degrees) functionality; (2) flip horizontal/vertical functionality; (3) anatomical order indication; (4) left-right or top-down composition. These functions may correct for incorrect sense of one or more of the images due to incorrect handling for the individual image screens by the radiology operator etc. Particular embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the positioning of a X-ray attenuating grid and a plurality of phosphor screens in a cassette which is adapted to the dimensions of an elongate body to be irradiated. FIG. 2 is a read out apparatus, FIG. 3 depicts the image of a grid (solid lines) superimposed on one of the acquired sub-images. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the different steps of the algorithm. FIG. 5 depicts the different dispositions of successive image screens, thereby resulting in the following cases: (a) overlap zone contains one grid line; (b) overlap zone contains two or more grid lines; (c) overlap with no common grid line; (d) touching configuration with no grid line involved; (e) touching configuration with image borders coinciding with grid line; (f) non-overlapping case with no grid line in the non-imaged portion; (g) non-overlapping case with one or more grid lines in the non-imaged portion. FIG. 6 depicts a typical integration profile in a block of lines, FIG. 7 depicts the Laplacian enhanced profile of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 depicts the result of sieving the profile of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 depicts the difference profile resulting from subtracting the profile of FIG. 8 from the profile of FIG. 7, FIG. 10 depicts the thresholded and shrinked profile of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 shows the peaks of FIG. 10 according to grid lines only. FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the contents of a cassette used in e.g. full leg or full spine examinations. It comprises a grid of strongly X-ray attenuating (e.g. metallic) threads, arranged in a rectangular periodic pattern. The grid is positioned in alignment with the cassette's borders. The grid covers the full surface of the cassette in a continuous way. The cassette holds a plurality of photostimulable phosphor screens. The screens may be positioned in a partially overlapping or non-overlapping arrangement. FIG. 1 shows an arrangement wherein the screens are provided in a partially overlapping position. In this figure the overlap zone is shown in gray and non-visible image screen borders are drawn in dashed lines. When an elongate body such as a human spine or a human leg is to be irradiated with penetrating radiation such as X-rays to record an X-ray image on a plurality of photostimulable phosphor screens, the elongate body is placed between an X-ray source and the cassette comprising the phosphor screens and the grid of attenuating material so that a partial image of the elongate body and a partial image of the grid is recorded on each of the screens in the cassette. After exposure, the photostimulable phosphor screens are taken out of the large-size cassette. Each of the screens is then put into a `normal-sized` cassette (i.e. a cassette the dimensions of which correspond to the size of the individual phosphor screens) and applied to a read out apparatus that is able to accommodate and scan the normal size cassettes. The read out station is illustrated in FIG. 2 and comprises a laser 1 emitting light of a wavelength adapted to the stimulation spectrum of the phosphor used, galvanometric light deflection means 2 for deflecting light emitted by the laser onto the photostimulable phosphor screen, a light guide 3 directing light emitted by a stimulable phosphor screen into the light input face of a photomultiplier 4, a sample and hold circuit 5, and an analog to digital convertor 6. The read out device also comprises a processing module (not shown) for performing online processing on the digital signal representation of the radiation image. The read out signal is applied to a workstation (not shown) for off-line image processing. The operation of the read out station is as follows. Stimulating rays emitted by laser 1 are directed onto the photostimulable phosphor screen to scan this screen. The stimulating rays are deflected into the main scanning direction by means of galvanometric deflection means 2. Subscanning is performed by transporting the phosphor screen in the subscanning direction indicated by arrow 7. Upon stimulation, the photostimulable phosphor emits light within a second wavelength range which is different from the wavelength range of the stimulation light. The emitted light is directed by means of a light collector 3 onto a photomultiplier 4 for conversion into an electrical image representation. Next, the signal is sampled by a sample and hold circuit 5, and converted into a digital raw image signal by means of an analog to digital convertor 6. The signals read out from the different photostimulable phosphor screens are then applied to a workstation for performing stitching, i.e. for re-assembling the image of the elongate body and the image of the grid from the sub-images read from the plurality of screens. When the individual screens are taken out of the large size cassette and transferred to the normal size cassettes that are read out, it may happen that (1) the order in which the images were placed in the large size cassette (this order corresponds with the order in which the images are to be re-assembled to form the elongate image) and/or (2) the direction into which individual images are to be positioned, is lost. This problem could be solved by automatic detection of markers on the screens. Alternatively, the individual images may be displayed on a workstation that is equipped with a suitable user interface and the following functionality: (1) a function that allows indication of the sequence of images to be re-assembled (e.g. top-down order), (2) a rotation function that allows images to be rotated by a number of times 90 degrees, (3) a mirroring function (left-right, top-down position), (4) flip horizontal/vertical function. Next, the images read out of each of the individual screens are subjected to the stitching method described hereafter. The method applied to assemble the sub-images read out of the plurality of phosphor screens is based on: (1) the detection and modelling of the periodic grid and (2) cross-correlation of overlapping image parts. The periodic grid aids to align and stitch the sub-images with respect to each other. Since the grid covers the cassette's surface in a continuous way, the image of the grid should also be present in the assembled image (assembled from the sub-images read out of the plurality of screens) in a continuous way. The stitching algorithm is able to cope with the following reconstruction malfunctions: dislocation of the grid in the transverse direction of one sub-image of the elongate body with regard to the grid of the next sub-image, said dislocation being due to dissimilar feed through of the screens, shortening or lengthening of a period of the grid in the longitudinal direction of the elongate body, said period covering partially one sub-image and partially the other subsequent sub-image, rotation of the grid of one sub-image with respect to the grid of the next sub-image, said rotation being due to minor differences in scanning angle in the longitudinal direction of successive sub-images and non-parallel alignment of individual imaging screens in the elongated cassette during exposure. FIG. 3 depicts the image of a grid, represented by solid lines, superimposed on one of the acquired sub-images. The grid is tilted with respect to the image borders either due to rotation of the screen in the elongated (large size) cassette, or due to rotation of the screen with respect to the scanning axis (due to non-perfect feeding of a screen through the image read out apparatus) or due to a combination of said misalignments. The tilt angle is shown enlarged for clarity. The figure further depicts grid model parameters: periodicity in horizontal and vertical direction, offset of the first grid line in horizontal and vertical direction, tilt angle. The dashed lines (- - - ) denote subdivision into rectangular vertical and horizontal blocks for profile calculation, the dotted lines (. . . ) denote the centre lines of the corresponding blocks. The hole marks (o) denote the positions of the vertical grid lines in the horizontal profiles, the cross marks (x) denote the positions of the horizontal grid lines in the vertical profiles. Coordinates used in the process of image re-assembling are defined relative to a coordinate system. The origin of this system is situated in the upper left corner of FIG. 3, with coordinate m running inside a row from left to right along different columns (in the horizontal direction), coordinate n running from top to bottom along different rows (in the vertical direction). The solid lines represent the imprint of the attenuating grid onto the image. The raster formed by the grid lines may be tilted with an angle αh with respect to the horizontal axis. Normally, the tilt angle αh is small and has been drawn in an oversized way for clarity. Basic to the operations is the detection and characterization of the grid which produces a rectangular pattern of less exposed pixels in each of the sub-images Sz, z=1 . . . Z, read from individual screens. Z is the total number of sub-images to be stitched and is typically 3 or 4. The method however applies to any number of sub-images. The pattern formed by the grid in sub-image Sz is fully characterized by the knowledge of: (1) the period Pz h and Pz v between the gridlines in horizontal resp. vertical direction, (2) the angle αz h of the horizontal gridlines with respect to the image borders, further assuming that the vertical gridlines are perpendicular to the horizontal ones, and (3) the offset Oz h and Oz v of horizontal and vertical gridlines with respect to the horizontal image border and the vertical image border respectively. A model of the digital grid for each of the sub-images Sz, z=1 . . . Z thus consists of five parameters, (Pz h and Pz v), (Oz h and Oz v), αz h. Knowledge of the sets of these parameters is a necessary and sufficient condition for the reconstruction or prediction of the image of the grid in the sub-images and for forming a re-assembled image of the grid and consequentially also of the elongated body by image stitching. In the sequel, (i,j) and (m,n) denote image coordinates. (M,N) denote the image dimensions. It is assumed without loss of generality that all sub-images have equal dimensions. FIG. 4 depicts the general flow of operations, the steps of which are further commented. Sub-image Acquisition The first step, namely the acquisition of the sub-images has already been described higher. The sub-images are acquired by reading the individual phosphor screens. Sub-image Standardisation This step refers to the functions that are performed on the workstation prior to the stitching in order to provide that the partial images are processed in the right order, the right sense etc. The functions have been described higher, they include rotation, mirroring etc. Block Profile Calculation The grid lines appear in the gray value profile of a horizontal or vertical line of pixels through the image, in the form of a signal peak superimposed onto the original diagnostic gray value originating from the elongate body. Fluctuations in the profile corresponding to original diagnostic gray values may however immerse the peak corresponding to a grid line and may therefore cause poor detectability of the grid lines. In order to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR), a block of gray value profiles is integrated. In this context of this paragraph, since it is the object to detect the image of grid lines, the noise is composed of image fluctuations due to diagnostic detail whereas the relevant signals are the signal peaks representative of the grid lines . For example, to achieve a better signal to noise ratio for signals representing horizontal gridlines, a horizontal box smoothing filter is applied to each sub-image Sz to obtain Sz h. In a similar way, by applying a vertical box smoothing filter, the signal to noise ratio for vertical gridlines is enhanced so that an image Sz v is obtained. Denoting by (2 Ks +1) the size of the smoothing kernel that is used, Sz h and Sz v are expressed as ##EQU1## In the context of the present invention, Ks =150 for sub-images of size typically M�N=2496�2048. Preferably the box filter is calculated in a recursive way, needing only one addition and one subtraction per pixel, irrespective of the kernel parameter Ks. FIG. 3 shows an example of horizontal and vertical blocks used for integration, these blocks are represented by horizontal and vertical dashed lines (- - - ) respectively. The centre line of each of the blocks is indicated with a horizontal resp. vertical dotted line (. . . ). From the images Sz h and Sz v, the sequences Bzq.sbsb.hh, qh =1, . . . Qh and Bzq.sbsb.vv, qv =1, . . . , Qv of integrated profiles are extracted by sub-sampling Sz h resp. Sz v along rows resp. columns, each profile representing the integration of the original image Sz row-wise in a block of columns, resp. column-wise in a block of rows: ##EQU2## Typically, the sequences of blocks associated with the central lines with coordinate mq resp. nq can be either spaced apart from one another or overlapping. In the context of the present invention, depending on the original image dimensions (M,N), the number of blocks Qh is in the range 4 . . . M, the number of blocks Qv is in the range 4 . . . N. The cases Qh =M,Qv =N represent the situations in which all computed arrays of subsequent profiles can be viewed as images. FIG. 6 depicts a typical integration profile in a block of lines. Profile Peak Enhancement The grid lines appear in the form of peaks in the block profiles. Because the size Ks is much smaller than the image dimension M and N, the grid lines will form peaks even when the raster is tilted with an angle α. The effect of the rotation is a broadening of the peaks resulting in a decreased detectability. In order to cope with poor detectability, the sequence of profiles is next submitted to a peak enhancement step by means of a Laplacian filter. Executed one-dimensionally on the profiles Bzq.sbsb.hh and Bzq.sbsb.vv, it acts as a peak sharpening filter on the profiles, thereby enhancing the detectability of the peaks associated with the grid lines. Fzq.sbsb.hh and Fzq.sbsb.vv denote the peak sharpened profiles and are obtained by Fzq.sbsb.hh (n)=2Bzq.sbsb.hh (n)-Bzq.sbsb.hh (n-KL)-Bzq.sbsb.hh (n+KL)n=0, . . . , N-1; qh =1, . . . , Qh Fzq.sbsb.vv (m)=2Bzq.sbsb.vv (m)-Bzq.sbsb.vv (m-KL)-Bzq.sbsb.vv (m+KL)m=0, . . . , M-1; qv =1, . . . , Qv The optimal Laplacian mask size, expressed in pixel units, depends on the pixel width of the peaks corresponding to grid lines, said size being a function of the thickness of the physical grid threads and the digitization resolution. The thickness of an attenuating grid line typically is in the range of 0.5 to 1 mm. This corresponds with 6 to 12 pixels when an image recorded in a photostimulable phosphor screen of 35�43 cm is digitized at a resolution of 2048�2496 pixels. In the context of the present embodiment, the halfwidth KL of the Laplacian filter equals 11. FIG. 7 depicts the Laplacian enhanced profile of FIG. 6. Profile Peak Sieving The peaks corresponding to grid lines are extracted using a known technique based on the sifting theory. This technique is for example described in "S. Herman, An introduction to sifting theory, SPIE Vol. 767, Medical Imaging (1987), pp. 332-337". Sifting is a nonlinear signal processing method with characteristic operation analogous to the operations in linear filter theory. In one dimension, a sifting filter is able to `sieve` peaks so as to separate them according to their width. Depending on the hole size of the sieve, peaks with smaller base will fall through, peaks with larger base will be retained. Therefore, the analog of the low-pass linear filter is the long-pass sieve filter. Similarly, a short-pass sieve favours short-duration signal components in analogy to a high pass linear filter and a band-pass sieve serves similar purposes as the band-pass linear filter. The difference however between non-linear sieve filters and linear filters is that, although long-pass sieves will clip signal components smaller than the hole size, they will not alter the shapes of any signal components larger than the hole size, they will not change the edges of such long duration signals. A further important difference is that linear filters operate on both positive and negative going signal features. Their non-linear sieve equivalent is called a bipolar sieve. However, it is also possible to have a monopolar sieve. Such a sieve will clip only the positive or negative going signals, but not both. The grid detection problem presents itself as one of sieving the peaks corresponding to grid lines only. These peaks are by their nature only directed in one sense, hence a monopolar sieve is needed to detect them and leave the peaks of other sense intact. In the context of the present invention, a negative monopolar sieve is built composed of a sequence of a maximum operator followed by a minimum operator to eliminate negative going peaks. ##EQU3## The maximum operator performs a dilation of positive going signals and an erosion or shrinking of negative ones. The minimum operator performs an erosion of the positive going signals and a dilation or stretching of negative going signals. Naturally, when the gray-value image is inverted, such that gridlines present themselves as positive going peaks, a positive monopolar sieve (composed of a minimum operator followed by a maximum operator) is needed to eliminate the peaks. FIG. 8 depicts the result of sieving the signal represented in FIG. 7. Analogously to the Laplacian halfwidth KL, the sieving halfwidth KM depends on the pixel width of the grid lines, hence on the physical dimensions of the grid threads, scanning resolution and processing resolution. In the context of the present invention, KM is in the range 3 . . . 9. Automatic Difference Profile Thresholding A signal D containing negative going peaks only is obtained by subtracting the sieved signal H from the Laplacian enhanced signal F Dzq.sbsb.hh (n)=Fzq.sbsb.hh (n)-Hzq.sbsb.hh (n)n=0, . . , N-1; qh =1, . . . Qh Dzq.sbsb.vv (m)=Fzq.sbsb.vv (m)-Hzq.sbsb.vv (m)m=0, . . . , M-1; qv =1, . . . , Qv It can be noted that, due to the elimination of negative going peaks only in the sieved signal H and the preservation of positive going signals, the difference D contains zero or negative values only. FIG. 9 shows the difference profile as a result of subtracting the profile of FIG. 8 from the profile of FIG. 7. To derive a signal with background noise eliminated, the difference signal D is thresholded with an automatic threshold derived from the array of difference values, sorted e.g. in ascending order. Alternatively, a percentile of the cumulative histogram values can be used. Ezq.sbsb.hh (n)=sort{Dzq.sbsb.hh (n)}n=0, . . . , N-1; qh =1, . . . , Qh Ezq.sbsb.vv (m)=sort{Dzq.sbsb.vv (m)}m=0, . . . , M-1; qv -1, . . . Qv The profile dependent automatic threshold T is determined as a fixed fraction entry of the sorted array E of difference values, multiplied by a factor β. Tzq.sbsb.hh =βEzq.sbsb.hh (αN)qh =1, . . . , Qh Tzq.sbsb.vv =βEzq.sbsb.vv (αM)qv =1, . . . , Qv in the context of the present invention α=0.05. A binary signal B is obtained by thresholding D ##EQU4## The binary signal B is further processed to shrink the "1"-intervals to one pixel only to ease subsequent processing. FIG. 10 shows the thresholded and shrinked profile of FIG. 9. Grid Line Extraction and Periodicity Determination The thresholded profile shows a marked presence of peaks according to gridlines; however, spurious peaks due to diagnostic detail may still be present. The pattern of peaks corresponding to grid lines has a periodicity. Mutual pixel distances are equal to an integral number of the periodicity numbers Pz h and Pz v searched for. Peaks not corresponding to grid lines will usually have interpixel distances different from an integral number of the periodicity number. Therefore, a histogram of interpeak distances is built in which the distance between two peaks at coordinates m1 and m2 is divided by the number I(m1, m2) of intermediate peaks to yield a normalized distance d(m1,m2). ##EQU5## The index d of the maximum histogram entries hz h (d) and hz v (d) will equal the periodicity numbers Pz h resp. Pz v searched for. The grid is extracted from the series of peaks by an error minimization method. Each peak in the binary profile Bzq.sbsb.hh (n) resp. Bzq.sbsb.vv (m) is subjected to the hypothesis that it corresponds to a physical grid line, and an accumulated error measure of the grid associated with said peak is computed. The peak with the least error attached to it is finally selected as the winner and the associated grid G is extracted by selecting all peaks in the profile Bzq.sbsb.h (n) resp. Bzq.sbsb.vv (m) within an small interval centered around an integral number r of periods from said winner peak. Gzq.sbsb.hh (n)=1∀(ni,nj):|ni -nj |=rPz h qh =1, . . . , Qh Gzq.sbsb.vv (m)=1∀(mi,mj):|mi -mj |rPz v qv =1, . . . , Qv For competing peaks having equal minimum error, the peak with the highest number of associated grid line peaks is selected. The grid sequences G are thus equal to the binary profiles B except for the removed non-grid peaks. FIG. 11 is identical to FIG. 10 except that the non-grid peaks are removed by the disclosed grid detection algorithm. Grid Model Parameter Computation The two-dimensional grid of each of the sub-images Sz, z=1, . . . ,Z is characterized by the set of 5 parameters (Pz h,Pz hu v), (Oz h,Oz v), αz h. Parameters (Pz h,Pz v) are derived in the periodicity detection and grid lines determination section. The parameters (Oz h,Oz v), αz h are jointly derived from the sequences G as follows for a sequence of images, presented in top-down order, whereby image Sz is assumed to lay on top of image Sz-1. Two grid matrices are determined, gh for the horizontal resp. gv for the vertical direction, storing the indexes of all grid lines detected from the sequences Gh resp. Gv. Obviously, the grid matrices gh and gv have substantially smaller size than the sequences Gh and Gv. Due to the variability of the diagnostic detail in the image, it may happen that one or more grid lines are not detectable in the derived sequences Gh and Gv respectively. Therefore, whenever a gridline is missing in the sequences Gh resp. Gv, a zero is inserted at the corresponding entry in gh and gv, such that the resulting arrangement of non-zero entries in a column of gh resp. a row of gv all correspond to the row resp. column locations of the same grid line passing through successive blocks. By denoting the number of detected grid lines in the sequences Gh and Gv by Ng.spsb.h resp. Mg.spsb.v, the dimensions of gh and gv are Qh XNg.spsb.h resp. Qv XMg.spsb.v, such that there are Ng.spsb.h horizontally oriented grid lines detected and Mg.spsb.v vertically oriented grid lines detected. Overlap Computation The overlap between two successive images Sz-1 and Sz can be partially derived from the matrices gh from the row position of the lowest horizontal grid line in Sz-1 and the row position of the highest horizontal grid line in Sz. Depending on the physical disposition of the imaging screens (z-1) and z in the elongated cassette at exposure time, different configurations of the screen borders with respect to the grid threads are possible and depicted in FIG. 5. Denoting by dg1 the average distance between the lowest horizontal grid line and the lower border of the image Sz-1, and by dg2 the average distance between the upper border and the highest horizontal grid line of the image Sz, the following equations hold, recalling with reference to FIG. 4 that Oz h signifies the offset of the first horizontal grid line with respect to the horizontal sub-image border ##EQU6## Alternative computations of dg1 and dg2 could be thought of. Since the physical grid is periodic with the same period over all sub-images, it is further assumed that Pz.sbsb.1h =Pz.sbsb.2h =Ph, ∀z1, z2, without departing from generality. It is further assumed that dg1 <Ph, dg2 <Ph, the former assumption meaning that all grid lines are visible and detected in the attenuated portion of each sub-image Sz, and both assumptions meaning that dg1 and dg2 represent integer fractions of the period. Should the latter assumption not be met, the integer number of pixels of the incomplete period at either the upper or lower side of the sub-image is easily derived by taking the remainder of the division by Ph (dg1 ←dg1 %Ph,dg2 ←dg2 %Ph). Table I summarizes the different cases. When no initial conditions are indicated for the case, dg1 and dg2 can each vary between O and Ph, and no value is imposed as to their sum. Invariably for all cases, a value referred to as the `first overlap guess` is computed and is equal to (dg1 +dg2)%Ph. The value of the actual overlap O.sub.(z-1,z)h is computed or verified by means of correlation and edge detection, discussed in the sections `Overlap region image correlation` and `Overlap region edge detection`. For the non-overlapping case, no strong correlation value is obtained, and a negative overlap is computed by subtracting an integral number of periods. TABLE I__________________________________________________________________________ initialFIG. 5 configuration grid line inclusion condition(s) overlap 0h.sub.(z-1,z)__________________________________________________________________________a overlapping one grid line, same none dg1 + dg2b overlapping more grid lines, same none dg1 + dg2 + rPh, r > 0c overlapping no common grid line dg1 + dg2 > Ph (dg1 + dg2) % Phd touching no grid line involved dg1 + dg2 = Ph 0e touching touching with grid line dg1 = dg2 = Ph 0f non-overlapping no grid lines missing dg1 + dg2 < Ph dg1 + dg2 - Phg non-overlapping one/more grid lines none dg1 + dg2 - rPh, r > 1 missing__________________________________________________________________________ Shift Computation The shift between two successive images Sz-1 and Sz can be derived from the matrices gv by computing the average difference in the vertical grid line column coordinates m as follows ##EQU7## Alternative embodiments such as line fitting and Hough transform grid line modelling are possible. The sequences G naturally lend themselves to a Hough transform, commonly known in the prior art such as e.g. W. K. Pratt, Digital Image Processing, Wiley, 1991, p. 613-622, Hough Transform Edge Linking. It is a basic property of the Hough Transform that each point in the image plane lying on a parameterizable curve, will transform into Hough space such that the Hough array point with coordinates equal to the parameters of the curve searched for will accumulate to a high value. The problem of extracting the grid lines is therefore reduced to a peak or maximum detection problem in Hough space, each peak representing a grid line. The peaks furthermore show the property that they will line up and will be spaced with an integral number of periods from one another, both properties being due to the fact that the corresponding lines are parallel and periodically arranged. The coordinates of each peak correspond to offset and slope (or angle) model parameters of the line. A second embodiment consists of subjecting each row resp. column of grid coordinates of the grid matrices gh and gv to a linear regression, commonly known in the prior art such as T. Pavlidis, Algorithms for Graphics and Image processing, Computer Science Press, 1982, pp. 281-292, Polygonal Approximations. Each linear regression results in the offset and slope of the fit line corresponding to a grid line. Sub-image Rotation Each sub-image Sz of which the grid shows an angle αz h with the horizontal axis can be brought into alignment with the image borders by rotation over an angel -αz h. Prior art is used to rotate a digita image artefact-free over a given angle, such as described in "G. Wolberg, Digital Imaging Warpint, IEEE Computer Society Press Monograph, 1990, Chapter 7.3. Rotation" and extended in "M. Unser, P. Thevenaz, L. Yaroslavsky, Convolution-Baser Interpolation for Fast, High-Quality Rotation of Images, IEEE. Trans. on Image Processing, Vol. 4, No. 10, October 1995, pp. 1371-1381". Since the rotation angle is very small (e.g. 4 pixels per 1024, representing an angle of 0.2 degrees), the rotation is restricted in an alternative embodiment to a one-dimensional deskew or translation operation only, leading to a time-effective implementation. The offset parameters (Oz h, Oz v) are adjusted accordingly after rotation. Overlap Region Image Correlation According to table I, the appropriate overlap formula depends on the overlap configuration and hence cannot be determined unambiguously on the basis of the quantities dg1 and dg2 alone. The overlap formula in each of the cases enumerated are completed and verified by a correlation computation. Therefore, the algorithm is refined as follows: compute the quantities O.sub.(z-1,z)0h =(dg1 +dg2)%Ph associated mean values μ.sub.(z-1)0h, μ.sub.(z)0h and correlation value C.sub.(z-1,z)0h for the sub-regions of Sz-1 and Sz defined by the overlap zone. These values are referred to as the intial overlap value, initial mean values and initial correlation value respectively, since they correspond to the minimum possible overlap situation (ignoring the zero overlap situation), smaller than the grid period Ph. augment the value O.sub.(z-1,z)0h with an integral number of periods Ph O.sub.(z-1,z)0h =O.sub.(z-1,z)0h +rPh r=1, . . . R and compute the sequence of corresponding mean values μ.sub.(z-1)rh, μ.sub.(z)rh and correlation values C.sub.(z-1,z)rh between the overlapping sub-regions of images Sz-1 and Sz. the final amount of overlap is determined as the value O.sub.(z-1,z)rh for which the corresponding correlation measure C.sub.(z-1,z)rh is maximal and above some threshold and for which the mean value μ.sub.(z-1)rh of the overlap sub-region of image Sz-1 corresponds to the less exposed situation with respect to the mean value μ.sub.(z)rh of the overlap sub-region of image Sz, in the assumption that screen z is laid on top of screen (z-1) and hence screen z is attenuating the x-rays impinging on screen (z-1). when none of the correlation measure C.sub.(z-1,z)rh,r=0, . . . R exceeds the threshold, it is concluded that no overlap is present and the images Sz-1 and Sz are separated by a negative overlap (a gap) of at least -(dg1 +dg2 -Ph). The correlation measure used is based on prior art and is modified as follows to accommodate the situation of attenuation created by overlapping imaging plates ##EQU8## The second term represents the sub-image correlation in the form of the average sum of absolute differences between Ar (z-1,z) denoting the area of the hypothesized overlap region between sub-images Sz-1 and Sz at iteration r and with the domain of the indices i, j in the sums confined to said overlap region. Alternatives can be substituted for the correlation term by formulas commonly known in the prior art such as "W. K. Pratt, Digital Imaging Processing, 2nd ed., Wiley Interscience, 1991, pp. 662-671, Image Registration", "L. G. Brown, A Survey of Image Registration Techniques, ACM Computing Surveys, Vol. 24, No. 4, December 1992, pp. 325-376. In an alternative embodiment, a mutual information measure is computed such as disclosed in the prior art in e.g. "P. A. Viola, Alignment by Maximization of Mutual Information, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, A.I. Technical Report No. 1548, June 1995". Obviously, the measure C.sub.(z-1,z)r is maximal for overlapping image parts in register with one another. Overlap Region Edge Detection The overlap region is further characterized by the property that since the mean value μ.sub.(z-1)rh of the image Sz-1 is less exposed with respect to the mean value μ.sub.(z)rh of the image Sz, the screen corresponding to image Sz will cause a gray value gradient to exist in image Sz-1. Said gray value gradient will extend over the full image width of image Sz-1 and is slightly displaced in the upper direction with respect to the overlap value Oz-1,z)rh due to a non-scanned portion of the overlaying screen corresponding to image Sz. The detection of the presence of the boundary of the overlap zone is therefore used as a verification means of the overlap determination. Prior art is used to calculate the edge gradient and perform the edge thresholding such as "W. K. Pratt, Digital Image Processing, 2nd ed., Wiley Interscience, 1991, Chapter 16, Edge Detection", "A. K. Jain, Fundamentals of Digital Image Processing, Prentice Hall, 1989, Chapter 9.4, Edge Detection", "J. S. Lim, Two-Dimensional Signal and Image Processing, Prentice Hall, 1990, Chapter 8.3, Edge Detection". In the context of the present invention, a threshold of 40 gray value increments on a 12 bit scale is used on the gradient magnitude between gray values of the attenuated overlap sub-region and the unattenuated sub-region of image Sz-1 respectively, and a persistence of at least 95% of the image width is required in order to attribute the edge to the overlap border. Image Stitching Knowledge of the sequences of overlap values O.sub.(z-1,z)rh and shift values O.sub.(z-1,z)rv between successive sub-images Sz, Z=1 . . . Z enables to stitch the sequence of images into one composed image. With reference to FIG. 5: a positive overlap value O.sub.(z-1)rh determines the number of rows to drop from the bottom part of image Sz-1, a negative overlap value O.sub.(z-1, z)rh determines the number of rows to add in at the bottom part of image Sz-1, a positive shift value O.sub.(z-1,z)rv determines the number of columns the image Sz-1 has to be moved to the left with respect to image Sz, a negative shift value O.sub.(z-1,z)rv determines the number of columns the image Sz-1 has to be moved to the right with respect to image Sz in the composed image. Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Rotate |


text:
OLL Starlight Bash
Cocktails and Silent Auction at 5:30 pm
Dinner at 7:00 pm
- Table of Ten – $1,000
- Individual - $100/person
Cocktails and Silent Auction at 5:30 pm
Dinner at 7:00 pm
January 25, 2015. Come for the Pancake Breakfast until noon, then stay for the Open House from 12:15-1:30!
2385 Commerce Blvd. Mound, MN 55364$25.00 Adults $12.50 kids (5 and under free)$75.00Family of 4+ (2 adults, 2+ kids)
Pulled pork, brats, hot dogs, beans, potato salad, chips, dessert, coffee, water, pop & beer *4 adult drink tickets included 21+
On-site Festivities Include: Purple & Gold Dress-up Contest, Adult & Kids Bean Bag Tourney, Football Throwing Contest, 8th Grade Service Mission Trip Presentations & Silent Auction
call Ken Pausche @(952) 215-4742 or email email@example.com
Come join us to explore what we have to offer your students. Come hear the benefits of an education at OLL, meet parents, students, teachers and alumni. Families with Pre-school through 8th Grade are welcome.
Children are welcome, and will have fun activities with fellow students!
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School - Large Presentation Room.
Join the students of OLL as they fuel up to prepare for their big day of raking. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner featuring Joey Nova's amazing spaghetti sauce. Enter your own sauce into the cook-off competition, to be judged by a celebrity panel. The winning sauce will be featured on the menu at Joey Nova's! Entertainment for the kids in the gym and music by The Red Dot Garage band.
Tickets: $8/adult or $4/child under 12
Menu: spaghetti (gluten-free available), salad, bread, and dessert
Beer and wine available for purchase.


text:
Hot DealFandango - Part 1 by David Forrest $20.00 $6.70 Save: 67% off Reward PointsNo points earned yet on current order. Log in to see how many reward points you have already earned Categories
LoginTestimonialsWhy I shop here
It was not too long ago that I chanced upon MJM Magic's web site. I am very impressed with their vast assortment of professional tricks etc. Like... I didnt know what to expect! This was my first time shopping with MJM magic and I didn't know what to expect. My friend had no problems, and neither did I! The customer service... |


text:
The JK Plastic Surgery Clinic was established in 1998 to fulfill the three aims of research, welfare and charity and has grown to become Korea's leading multidisciplinary medical service center in plastic surgery. In 2011, JK Plastic Surgery Centre gets the record of having completed the highest number of clinical cases in Korea without causing a single medical accident. With over 13 years of experiences about plastic surgery, Dr Choi is now working as a Medical Director/Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at JK Plastic Surgery. He took up the M.D certification of College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea Seoul, Korea in 1994. Dr Choi will be at HANH PHUC International Hospital on 09/5/2012 to work and consult for patients who is concerning about Plastic Surgery.
These are some successful cases of JK Plastics Surgery Center:
Copyright © 2012 HANH PHUC International Hospital
Site powered by: New Horizon


text:
Christian Legal Society devotion series. A112ab
Find out more »March Meeting RM 172
Find out more »Hayes Conference Room #344
Find out more »Alabama Alums discuss life as female attorneys. A112ab
Find out more »Brandon K. Falls, District Attorney, Jefferson County, Alabamaa Room 287, 10:45 – Noon Open to all students
Find out more »The Law School's second-ever Public Interest Career Fair will be held Wednesday, March 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Employers will have information tables set up. Bring copies of your resume, and take advantage of this opportunity to meet public interest and government employers!
Find out more »Christian Legal Society meeting RM 172
Find out more »Judge Donaldson and Attorney Amanda Cutshall will be providing advice as you prepare for summer employment! Room 273
Find out more »March 13th-20th
Find out more »Christian Legal Society devotion series. A112ab
Find out more »Room 187/188, Final Round begins at 1:00 pm
Find out more »Bedsole Moot Courtroom
Find out more »Presenters Leslie Griffin, UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law Paul Horwitz, University of Alabama School of Law Andrew Koppelman, Northwestern University School of Law Ira Lupu, The George Washington University Law School Elizabeth Sepper, Washington University School of Law
Find out more »


text:
Super Heroes 76012: Batman: The Riddler Chase
Item No.1710201065
The Riddler has robbed the Gotham City bank and is getting away in his ultra-fast dragster. Pursue him with Batman in his sleek new Batmobile, but watch out for the bombs being dropped by the dragster. If The Riddler manages to get away, call in help from The Flash, The Fastest Man Alive! Will he arrive in time to save the day? Only you can decide! Includes 3 minifigures with assorted weapons and an accessory: never-before-seen Batman (with new suit) and The Flash, and The Riddler.
This item is available for
UK Home Delivery Free (UK orders over £30) or £3.99
Delivered within 4 working days
Next or Named Day Delivery
7 days a week between 8am - 6pm
Monday to Friday - order by 7pm - £4.99
Saturday & Sunday - order by 6pm - £4.99
Next or Named Evening Delivery
7 days a week between 6pm - 10pm
Monday to Sunday - order by 10pm - £6.99
Collect from store the next day - FREE
Order before 7pm for next day collection after 12pm midday
Show participating stores
Full Delivery details
- Age: 6-12 years
- Warning! Choking hazard. Small parts.


text:
We recommend
Product Info
Girls 2-6 Chillin Dolphins Hoodie - ARLFT00055
Looks can be deceiving. From afar this appears to be an ordinary zip-up hoodie. But a closer inspection reveals its true style power. Striking details include a burnout treatment and surfy art that are sure to set her up as the surf-fashion queen of the school yard. 58% cotton/34% polyester/8% rayon burnout fleece. Imported. Machine wash.
Enjoy Free Shipping on all orders to the US and Canada!
Click here for our entire shipping policy and rates Returns Click here for our entire return policy


text:
Eric Dill – Minister to High School Students
HSM meets on Wednesday nights from 6:26pm to 8:00pm in the
Main Student Center at Bayside Baptist Church.
Here's what a typical night looks like:
6:26-7:00 Announcements/Games
7:00-8:00 HSM Service with worship and Bible study
.::Each week students can get here early and hang out in our game room which is filled with current gaming systems, or even jump into a game of 4-square. Each week the church has a delicious Wednesday night meal at an incredibly affordable price so plan to bring the entire family::.
HSM Small Groups
While there are multiple opportunities to worship together in large groups, HSM small groups seek to provide an atmosphere where everyone is known and personally cared for as we learn to walk out this Christian life. Every Sunday morning at 9:05 in MS 103-105, students are broken up by grade and gender, and dive into God's Word as a master teacher leads them in study. Come join us this week!
Want to stay informed on HSM updates?
Sign up for YapTap:
TEXT: Join *Bayside #baysidehs (First name) (last name)
(Ex: Join *Bayside #baysidehs John Doe)
Like us / Follow us


text:
Article Preview
Chicago teachers strike for first time in 25 years
Published 09/10/2012, The Jamestown Sun
CHICAGO (AP) — Thousands of teachers walked off the job Monday in Chicago's first schools strike in 25 years, after union leaders announced that months-long negotiations had failed to resolve a contract dispute with school district officials by a midnight deadline.
Word count: 1089Log In
The full article is available to newspaper subscribers. If you are a subscriber please log in to continue reading.


text:
Odd riding... Haha does anyone do things kinda...off?? Like idk if this would work and someone please tell me if it will or not but I loove the look of a western riding boot even though I ride english. I need a new pair of boots and yesterday I went and bought some western boots. Well after some mix up at the store I got a size 6. I get home and my left foot fits wonderfully but my right foot...It needs a half size bigger! IDK what to do...The store only gives back store credit. :( But anyways... Does anyone else do things like this?? Mix styles I guess you could say? lol |
I don't mix up styles...but that's just because I own all western stuff! :lol: As far as the boot thing goes...I would take the boots back and get the half size bigger pair and put an extra sock on the smaller foot. :wink: |
Oh thats a good Idea putting the extra sock on! Exciting! But Ill have to wait till thurs :( Does it seems disrespectful (maybe thats a harsh word) to mix things up?? |
naw not at all .. i ride both english and western and sometimes i ride english with jeans and cowboy boots on and somtimes i ride western in half chaps and paddock boots =] |
Not to me. Who are you disrespecting? Not the Horse!!! :lol: They don't care what you wear!!!! I would think that with organized events, showing etc, you wouldn't want to try to start a fashion trend there ,but for everyday riding and lessons it shouldn't be a problem unless your instructor has issues with it. I go with what's comfy. I have used english bits on western horses...I just don't tell the horse!!! :lol: |
That's pretty cool. I don't though- I always wear my English stuff when I ride. (like the boots, breeches, etc.). |
Cool! What boots did you get? I think it's absolutely fine! |
I'm always mixing my styles mainly b/c I dont' show or need to prove anything! I pick & ride in whatever is more comfortable for me & as far as tack goes, I ride in whatever I feel like that day. My horse does both Western & English. If I'm in a jumping mood, I tack her in English, if I'm trailriding or just putzin around the farm I tack up in Western. But I almost always have my "FATBABY's" on which are basically "western" type foot wear! I don't care those things are comfy!! In my opinion your not disrespecting anyone or anything. Again like the others said, if you show I wouldn't do that there but just in your own back yard & for trail purposes who cares! |
I am always mixing it up! I was wearing english boots and helmet while riding western and I wear western shirts and jeans while riding english! |
if youre just ridin around the place it doesnt matter if you ride english and are wearing western boots. maybe you could just swap them for a size bigger ;) sorry if anyone said that already but my internet keeps cutting out so i just read the first post and respond :) |
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:16 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2015, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0


text:
Durable, high density polyethylene Convenient, rectangular bottom for stability Reduces spillage, fumes, and waste Ideal for field repairs 8 oz. pump bottle
Login Here to rate and review this product.
108-3166 - N95 Respirator
Protect yourself from dusts caused by sanding, grinding, processing minerals, coal, iron ore, flour, and certain other substances. 20 pieces per box.
21-7655 - Static Dissipative Vinyl Table Mat
Provides static protection to your work area Mat size: 18" (W) x 26" (L) x .060 thick Color: Blue Includes two snaps and one 10' common point ground cord
50-7724 - L/R Stereo Audio Balun
L/R Stereo Audio Balun Use to send two channels of unbalanced line level audio over Cat5 cable. This balun features two 8" pigtail leads, each terminated with gold plated male RCA connectors, color coded red and white, and a single female RJ-45 jack. MCM offer...
108-145 - Temflex 1700 Vinyl Electrical Tape
PVC insulating electricians tape 7 mil x 3/4" 60' roll UL listed, CSA certified for 176°F
20-5105 - Isopropyl Alcohol - 32 oz. Bottle
Makes a great all purpose cleaner for electronic devices and components. Prevents moisture contamination and leaves no residue behind. Removes oils, particles and other contaminates.
MCM Cat 57, Page 1204
MCM Cat 56, Page 986


text:
A Reader for Professional Ethics
Edited by Clancy Martin, Wayne Vaught, and Robert C. Solomon
Publication Date - October 2009
464 pages
7-1/2 x 9-1/4 inches
In Stock
Retail Price to Students: $79.95The most up-to-date reader with cases in professional ethics
What does it mean to be an ethical professional? A professional career can be so demanding that it permeates every aspect of a person's life and personality. In light of this fact, it is especially important for students who are planning to enter a chosen profession to understand its moral status, moral virtues, and possible moral pitfalls, so that they will be equipped to deal with the inevitable moral quandaries that they will encounter as professionals.
The most up-to-date professional ethics reader available, Ethics Across the Professions analyzes the complex ethical issues that arise in such fields as engineering, finance, healthcare, journalism, and law. Featuring a wide array of both classic and contemporary sources, it ranges from works by
Aristotle and Kant to selections by Michael Bayles, Sissela Bok, Paul Ekman, and Thomas Nagel. Organized topically, the anthology covers what it means to be a professional, outlines several ethical models, and addresses key issues including deception in professional life, privacy, loyalty, social welfare, conflicts of interest, and self-regulation. The book includes detailed chapter introductions, several practical case studies at the end of each chapter, and provocative discussion questions on issues like "whistle-blowing," the Iraq War, educating illegal immigrant children, and advertisements for pharmaceutical companies. Edited by three renowned ethicists, Ethics Across the Professions is especially suited for introductory professional ethics courses taught in philosophy departments as
well as in nursing schools, business schools, and other professional programs.


text:
Phineas and Ferb Ride Again
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
- Price: $29.99
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
- Price: $29.99
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Phineas and Ferb Ride Again gallery
What parents need to know
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Phineas and Ferb Ride Again is an action/adventure game based on the Disney Channel cartoon series, Phineas and Ferb. With mild violence depicted a very cartoonish way, this interstellar romp is more about the resourcefulness and over-the-top science skills of the boys than about them fighting evil robots. The adventure takes place without the knowledge of the boys' parents; although this game -- and these characters, in general -- are more about fun and action than about setting good examples. Their older sister always wants to rat them out and is looked at as a villain-type character, which is a running gag in the cartoon series as well.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's it about?
In PHINEAS AND FERB RIDE AGAIN, the titular brothers head off to build a super-powered skateboard and end up constructing a space-bound flying car that gets them embroiled in interstellar intrigue. All the while, they are hounded by big sister Candace, who is always ready to catch them doing something dangerous and drag them home to mom and dad. Fans of the show will be happy to know that the platypus super-spy, Agent P, is also a playable character.
Is it any good?
In terms of gameplay, Phineas and Ferb Ride Again is a pretty standard platformer -- not bad, certainly, but with nothing to shout about either. The game does a good job of capturing the fun-loving, slightly-subversive spirit of the show, though, so Phineas and Ferb fans are not likely to be disappointed. The mini-game in which Candace chases the boys through a Pac-Man-like maze is a great example of this. The weak graphics are definitely the game's low point, but die-hard fans of the show may not care too much about that.
Online interaction: The game allows access to Disney's online gaming community, DGamer -- a protected space for kids to share and safely communicate with other gamers.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about whether Phineas and Ferb are good role models or bad. The boys are prone to mischief-making and doing things behind their parents' backs. At the same time, they're genius scientists and smart, adventurous kids who always find a solution to the many dilemmas they face.
Parents can also ask their kids about DGamer. Do they enjoy connecting with other gamers online? What do they get out of the experience?
Game details
Platforms: | Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi |
Price: | $29.99 |
Available online? | Not available online |
Developer: | Disney Interactive |
Release date: | September 14, 2010 |
Genre: | Action/Adventure |
ESRB rating: | E for Mild Cartoon Violence (Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi) |
Great handpicked alternatives
For kids who love action/adventure games
Browse more games
Top advice and articles
What parents and kids say
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines


text:
As Purim approaches, thousands of Israeli children and families grapple with poverty
The decision by President Obama to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia is wrong.
It was leaked last week that the Obama administration was preparing to notify Congress of its intent to sell $60 billion in high tech arms, including F-15′s and military helicopters, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
I am calling on my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, to stop this deal.
Arming the Saudis with this state-of-the-art weaponry is bad for the region and potentially disastrous for Israel's military edge in the Middle East.
The list of reasons why selling these arms to Saudi Arabia is a terrible idea is as robust as the day is long, and that is why I wrote a letter to President Obama explaining why my colleagues and I will oppose this deal when it comes before Congress for approval.
Saudi Arabia Is An Exporter of Terrorism: To begin with, Saudi Arabia exports terrorism around the world, financing and training extremism. Year after year, the Treasury Department's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligencecalls attention to wealthy Saudi donors bankrolling extremism through charitable contributions. Remember that 15 of the 19 Sept. 11 hijackers were Saudi citizens. Advertisement
Saudi Arabia Is a Bastion of Anti-Semitism and Anti-Christian Hate: The Saudis claim their official policy is to guarantee freedom of religion, but I have yet to meet the Jew or Christian who practices openly on the streets of Riyadh. Saudi schools still teach intolerance, hate and violence toward Jews, Christians and other non-Muslims, and their public school textbooks accuse the Jews of attempting to take over the world and demand that those who turn away from Islam be killed.
As long as new generations are being indoctrinated by hateful teachings that incite violence, terrorism will always have a breeding ground in Saudi Arabia. Why ship weapons there en masse?
Saudi Arabia is A "Friend" – Until We Really Need It: Saudi Arabia is a fair-weather friend that stiff-armed the United States when the price of oil spiked. As the world's largest oil exporters, the Saudis had the ability to increase oil production to help lower prices. Instead they stood by and did nothing as the cost of gas rose and the American economy suffered.
Saudi Arabia is a Destabilizing Force: Finally, Saudi Arabia is a destabilizing force in the region; it has never risen to the challenge of assisting with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process; and it isn't above fighting with neighbors like Yemen over border disputes. We cannot continue to arm a dangerous country under the misguided and hazardous notion that it will somehow help us achieve our foreign policy objectives.
Any one of these reasons would disqualify any nation from receiving our most potent tools of war. But together they represent an open-and-shut case against the Saudis I will be presenting to my colleagues as part of a Resolution of Disapproval.
Congress has a history of urging caution in our dealings with Saudi Arabia. In 2008 I was joined by more than 100 colleagues in introducing a Resolution of Disapproval concerning the sale of satellite-guided missiles to the Saudis. And last year I was the author of a successful amendment to ban military aid to Saudi Arabia – an amendment that unified an often-divided congress around the basic proposition that we should judge nations by how they behave, not how they talk.
Saudi Arabia is not deserving of our aid, and by arming it with advanced American weaponry we are sending the wrong message. If this deal goes through, we send the message that working against peace and exporting terror lands a country large weapons deals with the U.S.
Instead, we need to remain committed to Israel's qualitative military edge over its rivals in the region and should cease all negotiations over new weapons sales to Saudi Arabia.
The Saudis do not act like our friends, so we should not treat them like allies.
Anthony Weiner, a Democrat, represents New York's 9th Congressional district (parts of South Brooklyn and South Central Queens) in the U.S. House of Representatives.
About the Author:
If you don't see your comment after publishing it, refresh the page.
Comments are closed.
Many Jews oppose the speech fearing it will further erode relations between Israel & US. I disagree.
The University of Georgia Student Government Association called for more investment in Israel.
Without an alliance comparable to ISIS, Al Qaida & Iran, militant Islam will conquer the Middle East
Ultimately, Esther, Netanyahu, and we, the Jewish people, must and will rely on the true King, God, for our salvation from this genocidal threat.
Netanyahu addresses a clear, present & lethal threat to the US/Israel/WORLD; NOT political bickering
Buried in the tax-returns of the JCF is millions of dollars funneled to NIF in the last few years.
Bibi's speech to Congress will bring respect and honor to the Jewish Nation from the US & the world
Obama & Putin have handwriting/signature clues indicating differences between public & private life
It's time for a new Jewish policy regarding Ramallah, NOT just because of the yarmulke incident
"GETT's" being screened for Israeli Rabbinical Court judges at their annual convention.
If Jackson were alive he'd denounce Democratic party's silence towards virulent anti-Semitism
Victim of Palestinian Arab terrorism, a victor in NY federal court, after years of being ignored by Justice Dept.
March 2013: Arabs hurled stones hitting the Biton's car; Adele's mother swerved the car-into a truck
I can tell you that Cablevision has been astonished at how high we rank.
When President Obama spoke last week of the opportunities presented by the Arab Spring, he got a lot right. His calling out of the Arab states was long overdue and dead on.
But he got some big things wrong.
The time has come for us to take the new technology available to terrorists seriously. The United States recently crowned Anwar al-Awlaki the newest "most dangerous terrorist in the world." And yet an American company, YouTube, has been giving al-Awlaki open access to the world's largest bully pulpit.
In what country were you born?
If you are a U.S. citizen born in Jerusalem, you'd better not look for the answer on your passport. That line is always left blank.
The decision by President Obama to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia is wrong.
It was leaked last week that the Obama administration was preparing to notify Congress of its intent to sell $60 billion in high tech arms, including F-15′s and military helicopters, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The facts of the flotilla incident speak for themselves – but only to those who are willing to listen. Unfortunately, albeit predictably, the international community seems to care less about what actually happened and more about that fact that it now has an opportunity to engage in what appears to be a global pastime: kicking Israel.
Let's remember the facts here. Jerusalem is hardly some far-off outpost. It is the capital of a sovereign nation that happens to be our strongest ally in the Middle East and perhaps the world. And this housing decision was months in the works as part of a transparent process that is followed by dozens and dozens of building proposals each year. Think of it as a decision by a local zoning board. This was hardly war and peace.
Contrary to statements by the White House, the natural growth of Gilo, a popular suburb on the outskirts of Jerusalem, is in no way a political statement or a land grab on the West Bank.
On the anniversary of the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001, we remembered the lives lost of friends, family and neighbors. We also renewed our resolve to rebuild, to bring to justice those responsible, and to challenge extremism wherever it exists.
Printed from: http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/obama-is-wrong-to-sell-arms-to-the-saudis/2010/09/21/
Scan this QR code to visit this page online:


text:
Bistec Argentino Al Chimichurri (Steak With Chimichurri Sauce)
Made This Recipe? Add Your Photo
Total Time
15 minsCook
15 minsChimichurri is a tangy herb paste that's used as both a marinade and a sauce. Here, cilantro replaces traditional parsley in the topping for these flavorful rib-eye steaks. Found on myrecipes.com.
Nutrition- 1⁄2 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro
- 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon dried red chili pepper flakes
- 2 boned beef rib eye steaks (New York strip, 1 1/2 inches thick, 1 1/2 to 2 lb. total) or 2 top loin steaks (New York strip, 1 1/2 inches thick, 1 1/2 to 2 lb. total)
- 2 teaspoons steak herb seasoning mix or 2 teaspoons salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (about)
- To make chimichurri, combine cilantro, vinegar, oil, garlic, adobo, oregano, pepper, and chile flakes.
- Rinse beef, pat dry, and rub all over with steak seasoning mix.
- In a 10- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, melt 1 teaspoon butter.
- Lay steaks in pan and cook, turning as needed, to brown all sides, including edges, about 10 minutes total for very rare (red in center, cut to test). For medium rare, cook 2 or 3 minutes more.
- To reduce spattering, wipe fat from pan with paper towels.
- Transfer steaks to a platter; keep warm.
- If dark charred bits are present in pan, wipe out with a paper towel.
- Add remaining butter to pan and stir; when melted, add chimichurri sauce.
- Cut meat into 4 portions and set on plates.
- Pour meat juices from platter into frying pan, then ladle sauce over steaks.


text:
I absolutely love this watch. I couldn't believe the fantastic price. I had seen the watch for almost three times the price in upper end stores. It's elegant but not overly prissy. The only thing I don't like is that it scratches easily. Wish it was a frosted finish so scratches wouldn't show.
This is a lovely, just lovely, watch to wear and look at. The diamonds really sparkle and I love the bangle style. This is a real gem and I am SO happy with this purchase! And yes, at Macy's.com it is over $1000; I checked twice to make sure I wasn't seeing double!
I love the watch, but it scratches easily so I will not wear it as an everyday watch.
This is my 2nd Movado watch,which I aboustely love the brand. You'll not be dissapointed,for someone that is looking for a very classy bolder look. The band is very shiny & so are the brillant diamonds. It's a very modern piece,and plus it is a great price too. I LOVE this model,and think it fits anyone that is looking for a great dressy watch. Plus can wear casul,but it's really a watch that will be getting compliments on.
Usually leaves our warehouse in 1 business day. *
Items must be returned in new or unused condition and contain all original materials included with the shipment.
More details
Our standard shipping method is ground shipping. We also offer expedited shipping for most items. Your final shipping cost and estimated delivery timeframe will be available at checkout.
Standard shipping details
Expedited shipping details
* For your protection, all orders are screened for security purposes. If your order is selected for review, our Loss Prevention Team may contact you by phone or email. There may be a two business day delay to process your order.
** Most Oversize orders are delivered within 1-4 weeks. Some orders may take 6 weeks to be delivered.


text:
- Admissions
- Academics
- Current Students
- Alumni/Friends
- Athletics
- About
WILSON, N.C. – Barton College is pleased to announce Susan Maxwell Bane, M.D., Ph.D., as the featured speaker for the 108th Opening Convocation. The annual campus event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. in Howard Chapel.
Dr. Bane practices Obstetrics and Gynecology at Greenville Obstetrics and Gynecology, a Division of Physicians East, […]
Learn More! →WILSON, N.C. — The 2009-2010 exhibition season for the Barton Art Galleries begins with Mark Gordon: Recent Works. The ceramics exhibition will open on Monday, Aug. 24, and will run until Friday, Sept. 18. An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 2-4 p.m. This event is open to […]
Learn More! →WILSON, N.C. – Barton College is pleased to announce a faculty voice recital to be performed by Elizabeth Winstead on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 4 p.m. The performance will be held at Howard Chapel on the Barton campus. The recital is open to the public free of charge and the community is invited to attend.
Learn More! →


text:
Yes it is on! The 10th Dublin Anarchist Bookfair which will take place Saturday 25th of April around Smithfield square. Come along and meet anarchists and hundreds of people curious about anarchism.
In the face of massive opposition to the water charges, the government have made several clumsy attempts to placate us, while their partners in the media seek to frighten us off the streets. The latest attempt, delivered by Alan Kelly, Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government in the Dáil on the 19th of November, is the plan to charge us €160 per year for our water and to give 'eligible households' a water conservation grant of €100.
Minister for the Environment, and 2nd in command of the Labour Party, Alan Kelly has dared to denounce protesters as not contributing to society, despite his own status as grand leech.
Without a hint of irony the minister accused some in Sinn Fein and 'the hard left' of being jobless and not making a contribution to society despite being politically active.
Though Kelly is virtuous enough to have a job - because remember, you're a bad person if you don't have one - he and his party's contribution to society is much like a bullet's contribution to the healing process, despite the fact that he is very politically active.
Although Kelly was keen to point out that these comments were totally unrelated to the campaign against the water charges, we all know they are part of a long line of government smears designed to rip apart our movement.
Indeed many of us wait with hands to our ears waiting for the next damning fiction to slop out of a Labour or Fine Gael politician's mouth. What will it be next time? We're already dole scrounging terrorists, how much further can they push it?
Speaking at the launch of the government's Low Pay Commission, Kenny said that "It is morally unacceptable for families with people in work to be experiencing poverty". He did not however announce the abolition of the water charge, the property tax or that the bondholders would not be paid back in order to address this problem. Neither did he, nor Joan Burton, who accompanied him at the launch announce the end of the Jobbridge indentured servitude scheme, where unemployed people get fifty euro for a full week's work.
Neither was there an announcement that clerical workers in public services would see an end of the pension levies and the universal social charge that have driven so many to the point where they were forced to claim family income supplement.
It is also noteworthy that Enda only thinks it's morally wrong for those in paid employment to experience poverty, and it is quite clear from looking at government policy over the last four years, that this is the consensus amongst the cabinet. You only have value if you are making a profit for someone else or if you are working to ensure the cogs of government keep turning – though, not that much value.
Peaceful protest is not protest which is placid, docile, quiet, polite, tranquil, serene, gentle, or soothing. It is merely protest which does not use violence.
Establishment figures exploit the many meanings that 'peaceful' can have, and use this equivocation to dupe us into thinking our protests should be docile and polite.
We must not be constrained by the narratives the media and politicians try to cast on us like a fishing net. We have to decide what we want to do on our terms, not theirs.
The parliament in Turkey has witnessed unprecedented scenes; opposition MPs being beaten up by AKP (the ruling Justice and Development Party) MPs and Ministers, one MP being pushed down from the balcony of the assembly hall, falling facedown resulting in broken ribs, right wing ultra nationalist MHP MPs and socialist Kurdish opposition party MPs holding a sit in side by side. All because of the new New 'Internal Security Package' . In this piece one of our supporters in Turkey explains what is happening and goes on to look at the broader context, including events in Rojava.
Aidan writes "As a queer and a participant in the anti-water charges movement, I regard Aodhán Ó Ríordáin's comments as a rather cynical and desperate attempt to paint one of the most promising movements for progress in this state as somehow regressive, and to staple together some progressive credentials for himself by co-opting LGBT demands and organising.
On Saturday February 21st, police in Greece batoned and tear gassed protesters outside one of the migrant detention camps now being run by Syriza. Militant protests both inside and outside the camp resumed last weekend after the suicide of a Pakistani migrant, Nadim Mohammed who had been held for 18 months, released and then returned to the Amygdaleza camp. The news of the suicide broke on February 14th along with the news that another migrant had killed themselves in Thessaloniki police station.
Our struggle is international!
In solidarity with the NO TAV struggle.
Let's put an end to useless major public works and to the repression of protesters!
As thousands marched against the repression of anti-water charges protesters in Dublin yesterday, a similar demonstration was taking place in Turin. Thousands of protesters took to the streets to oppose the construction of the controversial high speed railway from Turin to Lyon.
The following is a statement signed by organisations of the Anarkismo network, including the WSM.
A talk about the development & future of the campaign against water charges, a mass campaign of resistance to privatisation of water and an austerity tax that has emerged in southern Ireland involving hundreds of thousands of people.
Watch the video
Like what you're reading?
Find out when we publish more via the
WSM Facebook & WSM Twitter