text:
Rugby Union
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|Home team
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Match Links
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- 11th May 2014
- Ground: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Reds v Crusaders - Live
80 Knocked on by the Reds so the Crusaders will wind down the clock as the hooter sounds. Heinz boots it into touch and that will be that - an outstanding second-half performance from the Crusaders who have thrashed the Reds here at Suncorp.
77 TRY, CRUSADERS, MCNICHOLL! 29-57: Crusaders try a blindside move but S.Whitelock's pass is intercepted by Frisby who kicks long. Reds on the attack, but MicNicholl intercepts! Does he have the pace... yes he does! Over goes the winger for the Crusaders' sixth try.
75 Reds still working hard but it's all in vain now. Scrum to the Crusaders - big drive and an advantage. Slade kicks into the corner.
72 TRY, REDS, SIMMONS! 29-50: Score for the Reds as Cooper puts a high bomb across the field, the ball dropping down for Simmons to scoop up and score. That''s the try bonus point for the Reds.
70 PENALTY, CRUSADERS, SLADE! 22-50: Half century for the Crusaders as Slade lands his tenth kick of the night.
69 Reds building phases outside the 22. Cooper searching for space as the Reds move left and right, but it''s turned over. Slade kicks long and out but the Reds go quick. Shipperley going nowhere, Davies from a standing start. Obstruction penalty, Crusaders to go for the posts.
67 Penalty to the Reds at the breakdown and Cooper sends them back into the corner. Another try here would make things interesting.
65 TRY, REDS, DAVIES! 22-47: An early consolation perhaps for the Reds as Davies runs in to score in the left corner. Cooper misses the conversion.
62 Some respite for the Reds as they win a scrum penalty, Cooper kicking into the corner.
59 TRY, CRUSADERS, NADOLO! 17-47: It's an exhibition. Same old script - poor kick from Cooper again and the 'Saders counter, with McNicholl making the break before passing to Slade who finds Nadolo on his inside for their fifth try. Super from the 'Saders and another great kick from Slade.
56 TRY, CRUSADERS, L.WHITELOCK! 17-40: Crusaders starting to dominate at the breakdown as Nadolo makes a turnover. Territory kicking from both teams ends with an awkward fall for Genia after taking a high catch, but no penalty. Chip from Cooper is chased by no one again and again, the Crusaders score a try! Slade kicks high, no aerial challenge and the ball is tapped down for the number eight to race away. That's the bonus point.
54 Reds have a scrum in the opposition half after S.Whitelock knocks on. Funnell and Tupou now on as Shipperley is bundled into touch.
53 PENALTY, CRUSADERS, SLADE! 17-33: Slade stays perfect on the night with his seventh strike. Reds in real trouble.
51 Promising attack for the Reds but it's stolen by Lee-Lo who kicks long. Good chase and pressure on Cooper and the Crusaders inevitably win the penalty five metres out. What will they do next? Slade takes a shot.
49 High kick from Slade is well taken by Cooper, Dagg then going offside. Reds now chasing the game and Cooper kicks into the corner.
47 Reds shellshocked by those two tries and need to respond. Taulagi finds a good touch over halfway.
44 TRY, CRUSADERS, MCNICHOLL! 17-30: Romano hobbles off for the Crusaders, replaced by Tupou. Long restart and Ellis clears. High kick from Cooper but no one chasing for the Reds. Dagg counters and finds McNicholl, the winger chipping over the defence and then stepping inside to score! Flying try and the game has swung.
42 TRY, CRUSADERS, CROCKETT! 17-23: Long attack from the Crusaders as they reach the 22. Lee-Lo goes backwards but they keep the ball alive brilliantly. Lee-Lo jinks inside one and offloads - there he is again! Only a metre short now. Robinson in over the top as Flynn is held up. Penalty given and the Red relax, but Crockett is unrelenting and taps and goes to score! Smart thinking from the prop. Slade converts.
41 Slade begins the second half with a deep kick taken by Horwill. Kicking ends with the Crusaders on the attack.
40 Handling error from McNicholl so the Reds have a scrum to hold out before half-time. Reds pack is completely splintered but we reset. Better from the Reds and Genia gets it away into touch. Entertaining first half and both sides full of running.
39 Reds lineout after the kickoff as Faingaa makes a line break, but Robinson is penalised for obstruction off the ball as the Reds break the 22. Slade clears to halfway.
37 PENALTY, CRUSADERS, SLADE! 17-16: Scrum penalty to the Crusaders. Right in front of the posts and Slade will just chip this over for another three. It's a one-point game.
35 ...Dagg runs hard up the middle, Crusaders now over the 22 and offloading well. Crockett spills one forward coming on at speed as the Reds hold firm.
33 Cooper looking again into the corner behind Nadolo, but that kick is out on the full. Ellis clears with the box kick. Harris catches before a Genia box kick but there's no chase, giving the 'Saders time to kick deep. Quick lineouts from both teams before Slade runs and passes to Nadolo out wide...
31 Good pressure at the base of the scrum from Genia, but he knocks on in the process. Scrum down again. Back to Slade who kicks long, but not out. Faingaa grubbers but to no avail and Dagg finds touch.
29 Not the best kick from Dagg handing the Reds good territory. Horwill wins the lineout as Harris charges over the 22. Browning loses the ball in contact so we'll have a scrum.
27 PENALTY, CRUSADERS, SLADE! 17-13: Fine strike from the All Black and the 'Saders draw within four points.
25 Big hit from Hanson on McCaw but the ball goes forward. Crusaders scrum in the Reds half and they need to respond here. Back to 15 men as Ellis returns and there's a penalty for the visitors. Slade taking a shot.
23 TRY, REDS, SHIPPERLEY! 17-10: Cooper drills a kick over the head of Nadolo and finds touch in the 22. Lineout won by the 'Saders but the Reds turn over. Shipperley comes off the wing and hits a short pass from Cooper to go over! Fine try and good support running from the wing. Cooper converts and the Reds have really made the most of the yellow card.
21 TRY, REDS, TAULAGI! 10-10: It''s good! Pass from Harris is fine and Taulagi keeps him feet in to score. Great conversion from Cooper ties things up.
20 Soft penalty conceded by the Crusaders for obstruction and it hands the Reds a golden chance. Genia chips into the corner. Flat pass to Cooper who finds Tapuai. Back out wide to the left for Taulagi who dots down! TMO checking the final pass...
19 Reds keep trying to have a crack but it's not working out just yet, as Browning makes an error deep in the 22. Scrum to the 'Saders.
18 PENALTY, CRUSADERS, SLADE! 3-10: Slade is on the money and the visitors have a seven-point lead.
17 Catch and drive from the Reds and they go wide, Taulagi thumped by Nadolo. Hacked through and Cooper is pinged for holding on in his own half. Slade going for the posts.
16 YELLOW CARD, CRUSADERS, ELLIS! Lineout won but a poor pass from Cooper has the Reds backpedalling. Shipperley clears up and they come again, reaching the 22. Pressure at the ruck but they stay in possession, winning another penalty. That's too many for Jaco Peyper and Andy Ellis is in the bin!
15 Nothing more than a penalty as Dagg goes high with the tackle on Genia. Reds not going for the posts as they kick into the corner.
14 Crusaders start again, Nadolo with a good run into space. Ball is lost forward again though as Cooper tries a counter through Tapuai. Grubber works for Shipperley as regathers in space before Genia is taken out. Time off as we take a closer look...
12 Dagg tries to thread a grubber down the right touchline and it just evades McNicholl. Off a Reds player so the 'Saders have the lineout. Good run up by Crotty but the ball is lost, Cooper clearing long.
11 Penalty at the lineout for the Crusaders, Simmons taking out the man in the air. Slade finds touch near halfway. Lineout won and Ellis kicks long, easy mark for Shipperley so the Crusaders will set up about 35 metres out.
9 Restart cleared to touch by Dagg. Reds go quick, Cooper dabbing a kick in behind and finding touch in the 22.
7 TRY, CRUSADERS, NADOLO! 3-7: Overthrow from Hanson puts the 'Saders in possession. Building the phases 40 metres out - good runs from Crotty and Romano. Plenty of phases as they reach the 22. Great ball from Slade to L.Whitelock, onto Nadolo who scores! Slade converts.
6 Good maul for the Reds started by Horwill and then Browning. Penalty; Cooper finds touch over halfway.
5 PENALTY, REDS, COOPER! 3-0: The home side are in the lead, easy strike for Cooper.
4 Lineout tapped back by Simmons. McCaw penalised at the breakdown, 50/50 call. It's right out in front for Cooper as he goes for goal.
2 Kicking from both sides looking to establish some territory. Nadolo does well juggling near the touchline and his grubber has the Reds rushing back. Advantage as the Reds attack and we come back for the penalty. Cooper finds touch on the 22.
Both teams are out on the field as Quade Cooper prepares to kick off. Reds in red, Crusaders in black. We're underway!
Conditions in Brisbane are truly excellent. Clear blues skies with the odd cloud or two and plenty of sunshine. Kickoff coming up.
Four is the number - the Reds have lost their last four matches, while the Crusaders have won their last four games. That's ominous for the home side.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes. Veteran Corey Flynn is recalled at hooker so Ben Funnell takes a spot on the replacements bench. Lock Luke Romano has come off the bench to start at number four alongside Sam Whitelock. All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw returns to his usual position of openside flank, with Matt Todd forced out of contention with a calf strain suffered against the Brumbies. That sees young Jordan Taufua move into the blindside flanker spot. Luke Whitelock retains the number eight jersey while Kieran Read takes another week to recover from a head knock he sustained earlier in 2014. Rey Lee-Lo is at thirteen, taking the centre spot vacated by Kieron Fonotia after re-aggravating a hamstring injury against the Brumbies.
Reds back-row Curtis Browning will make his starting debut on Sunday in one of six changes to the starting line-up. He will start at blindside flanker, in place of injured loose forward Eddie Quirk. Also in the forwards, Ben Daley earns his third start of the season, replacing suspended prop James Slipper at loosehead. James Hanson will start ahead of Saia Fainga''a at hooker and Beau Robinson returns to openside for Liam Gill. There are two changes to the backline that faced the Blues in Auckland last weekend. Dom Shipperley replaces injured Chris Feauai-Sautia on the wing. This will be Shipperley''s first match since injuring his hip flexor against the Stormers in Round 7. Jamie-Jerry Taulagi returns to the starting line-up, with Rod Davies moved to the reserves bench.
Hello and welcome to the final game of Round 13 as the Reds host the Crusaders in Brisbane.
Sky Bet Odds:Click Here for Your Free Bet
|Aviva Premiership
|Saturday 30th May
|Aviva Premiership
|Bath vs Saracens
|Aviva Premiership
|Saturday 23rd May
|Aviva Premiership
|Bath 47 - 10 Leicester Tigers
|Northampton 24 - 29 Saracens
|Saturday 16th May
|Exeter 44 - 16 Sale Sharks
|Leicester Tigers 22 - 14 Northampton
|Newcastle Falcons 37 - 21 Harlequins
|Bath 50 - 30 Gloucester
|London Welsh 17 - 68 Saracens
|London Irish 40 - 40 Wasps
|Sunday 10th May
|Saracens 20 - 24 Exeter
|Saturday 9th May
|Northampton 46 - 0 London Welsh
|Wasps 21 - 26 Leicester Tigers
|Gloucester 35 - 13 London Irish
|Sale Sharks 34 - 28 Newcastle Falcons
|Friday 8th May
|Harlequins 26 - 27 Bath
|Sunday 26th April
|Wasps 36 - 29 Exeter
|Saturday 25th April
|Northampton 25 - 20 Saracens
|Gloucester 42 - 40 Newcastle Falcons
|Leicester Tigers 38 - 17 London Welsh
|Sale Sharks 23 - 25 Harlequins
|Friday 24th April
|Bath 43 - 18 London Irish
|Sunday 12th April
|London Irish 25 - 23 Sale Sharks
|London Welsh 13 - 40 Wasps
|Exeter 21 - 10 Northampton
|Saturday 11th April
|Saracens 22 - 6 Leicester Tigers
|Harlequins 29 - 26 Gloucester
Rupert Cox's Off Load: Clermont, England Sevens and Jean Deysel come under scrutiny
Rupert Cox shares his highlights from the week's rugby action in his round-up blog.
Hits and tries
The biggest and toughest hits and tackles plus the best tries from the world of rugby union.
Rupert Cox's Off Load: Hurricanes, Toulouse and Nick Williams all come under scrutiny
Rupert Cox shares his highlights from the week's rugby action in his round-up blog.
Experts & Blogs
Phil Edwards
Read the thoughts and opinions of Phil Edwards with skysports.com


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reception is horrible around the zip code 77081 in houston texasWas this review helpful to you?
Most calls drop inside the house. We have to stand outside to get any coverage at all. Coverage is pretty bad everywhere in NW Houston.Was this review helpful to you?
Very bad reception from within my apartment, have to come in to an open area every time I have to use my phone.Was this review helpful to you?
This comment is to amend the previous statement made on 11.18.2012. I have been a Sprint subscriber since 2004. I have had voice and air card service that entire time. The service has been flawless. I have never had an issue with reception on either service (although I did wish for faster transmit rates on the airless card). My true disappointment is with the lack of 4G service in my area when I was lead to believe it was available.Was this review helpful to you?
The rating is for 4G. The 3G reception is available and usually about average. The Sprint coverage map indicates 4G coverage is available throughout Clear Lake City. It is NOT! 4G reception is available near the intersection of El Dorado Blvd.and Space Center Blvd. The reason I bought a Sprint plan is because the coverage map states 4G reception is available throughout Clear Lake City. Obviously, this is a Marketing assessment and NOT a Technical assessment. This is rating is as of 11.18.2012.Was this review helpful to you?
Cannot finish a conversation without a dropped call. Company sucks. No reception in the house, only outside.Was this review helpful to you?
LTE Speeds on Sprint average about 1.24MB down in my office.Was this review helpful to you?
My coverage has been very good. I've been with T-mo for ever can't remember when maybe over 10 yrs. From phone call's to data stream it has been great!Was this review helpful to you?
The reception is great, but the data is almost non-existent. I narrowed it down to the tower at 770 Rt. 1 S Post Oak Ln. (A3e0112a) Houston, TX. The other towers in this area seems to be just fine.Was this review helpful to you?
AT&T is terrible! I barely get voice coverage and no data when I am at work. My smart phone was essentially a dumb phone so I don't even pay for data any more. By far the worst coverage of any cell phone network anywhere in the world I have travellled.Was this review helpful to you?
Calls are occasionally dropped. For the other person on the line to hear me clearly, I need to be standing outside on my back porch, or in the front of my house near the windows. Sometimes thos calls break up as well, however. In other areas of my house I only get 1 or 2 bars.Was this review helpful to you?
For most areas in Houston to Galveston I get good reception. Typically 3-5 bars. Always streaming Pandora with no issues.Was this review helpful to you?
iPhone through AT&T. Constantly dropping call even with signal booster. Tired of having to go outside to make a phone call. Many inquiries to AT&T. Never any improvement. Our business is going elsewhere.Was this review helpful to you?
I left Verizon to come to ATT, and now VERY unhappy. messages take hours sometimes to send through, webpages either don't load or take anywhere from 15 min to several hours. I have gone to Apple store and switching phones did not solve the problem. going to go to ATT AGAIN to see what is wrong.Was this review helpful to you?
Live Briar forest dairy Ashford area Houston. My reception is pretty poor in and around the house. Goes to one and two bars inside. Maybe three for a bit. I haven't pinpointed the problem. Subdivision does have a lot of trees and older brick houses.Was this review helpful to you?
No or poor reception inside house with little reception outdoorsWas this review helpful to you?
Since ATT went to 4G LTE service the reception for voice, data and text has dropped to almost nothing around the whole city. The most I get is 2 bars on any of my 3 lines that I have. All my friends and relatives that have ATT also are complaining and most have already switched over to another carrier. I plan on doing the same at the end of the year. I have a company cell phone with Verizon that has no problems and it has 5 bars, other friends who went to Sprint also say they have between 4 and 5 bars. The problem seems to be with ATT. But if you call them and complain they say they do not guaranty service, so my question is why am I paying for service with them.Was this review helpful to you?
Never really ever had problems with this carrier until they start in with the LTE system. Now I can not get anything over a very very low 3g reception at best at either home or work. Talked to Sprint rep over the phone... yeah like they really care NOT! Informed them that I am realy thinking about jumping ship to Verizon after 12years with Sprint! Not there problem!Was this review helpful to you?
Reception so poor that I just don't make calls on my cell phone - they would be dropped anyway. The only thing worse than the reception is the customer service. The local AT&T store admits to a major problem in the Memorial area and tries to help, but in the end all they can do is call their service department who will tell even them that service in the area is fine. Can't wait to enroll my family with another provider in the near future.Was this review helpful to you?
I have had issues with spring for almost a month now and they continue to tell me they are correcting the issue. It's time now for me to switch back to t-mobile. They have the BEST coverage for me no matter where I go. as well as I have never had any issues with t-mobile. I so regret switching over as I was trying to save a little money on my monthly bill. Live and learn oh well you pay for what you get.Was this review helpful to you?

subset: commoncrawl


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Damyang County
|Korean transcription(s)
|• Hangul
|• Hanja
|• Revised Romanization
|• McCune-Reischauer
Location in South Korea
|South Korea
|Administrative divisions
|1 eup, 11 myeon
|• Total
|455.09 km2 (175.71 sq mi)
|Population (2003)
|• Total
|• Density
|121/km2 (310/sq mi)
|• Dialect
Damyang County (Damyang-gun) is a county in Jeollanam-do, South Korea. Tourism is a major local industry. Notable local products include bamboo goods and strawberries.
Damyang is not to be confused with Danyang, which is located in eastern North Chungcheong Province.
Administrative units[edit]
The county comprises one eup (Damyang-eup, the seat), and eleven myeon (Bongsan-myeon, Changpyeong-myeon, Daedeok-myeon, Daejeon-myeon, Geumseong-myeon, Goseo-myeon, Mujeong-myeon, Nam-myeon, Subok-myeon, Wolsan-myeon, Yong-myeon).
Damyang is one of the northernmost places where bamboo can be found on the Korean peninsula,[citation needed] and its bamboo forests are well-known among Koreans. Many touristic attractions have been created to leverage that reputation: a Bamboo Theme Park / Daenamugol, a Bamboo Museum, a Bamboo Festival, a park filled with green bamboo (Juknokwon - 죽녹원).
Chuwolsan and Byeongpungsan are popular hiking destinations. Also notable for its fortress (Geumseongsanseong): Geumseongsan.
A stretch of metasequoia trees just outside Damyang-eup gained nationwide popularity after a romantic drama was shot here. It was even picked as one of the most beautiful roads in all of Korea.[1]
Hot Springs[edit]
Here too, infrastructure has followed the natural assets, and tourists can now stay in themed resorts, featuring of course hot baths perfumed with bamboo.
- Jeollanam-do enjoys a good reputation for its cuisine, and Damyang provides a large choice of restaurants.
- The most popular specialities include Damyang ddeok galbi (tteokgalbi): this tasty and juicy marinated beef and pork mix, usually grilled at the table, is supposed to have originated either in Damyang or in Gwangju.
- Bamboo foods served at restaurants in Damyang include daetongbap (rice cooked in bamboo), tea places bamboo tea and the salad of raw bamboo with spicy vinegar.[2]
A private garden built by Yang San-bo (1503–1557), Soswaewon (소쇄원) stretches along a charming streamlet dotted with pavilions particularly suitable for meditation. A refreshing spot in the summer heat.
Several houses of famous scholars can be visited, and the Miam Diaries (Miam Yu Hui-chun: 1513-1577) are preserved in Daeduk-myon.
- Yongheungsa in Wolsa-myeon (not to be confused with Busan's Yonggungsa)
- Gaeseonsa in Nam-myeon.
Other landmarks and monuments[edit]
They include the fortress of Geumseongsanseong (see above), and various national treasures (pagodas, pavilions... - overall, 66 properties, including 15 at the national level and 51 at the provincial level).
- Damyang Bamboo Festival
- The V Asian-Pacific Astronomy Olympiad took place in Damyang in October 2009.
Korean dramas have become a significant source of revenue for tourism, and many counties sponsor series or compete to host a few shootings, hoping to hit a jackpot similar to the localities 'blessed' with Winter Sonata's visit. Damyang boasts its metasequoia path (see above), and a 'movie village'.
Sister cities[edit]
See also[edit]
External links[edit]
- ^ "담양 메타세쿼이아 가로수길에서 마라톤을.." Yeonhap news 2007.08.15
- ^ "DAMYANG - A garden without bamboo is like a day without sunshine". Retrieved 7 December 2014.
Coordinates: 35°19′08″N 126°59′02″E / 35.3188888989°N 126.983888899°E


text:
A transaction system comprises a plurality of components each performing a respective function, the components being interconnected by a serial data bus. Each component can initiate an information exchange operation with any other component. A component may transmit a message consisting of either a general instruction for causing the component receiving the message to carry out one of a plurality of different types of operations depending upon the nature of the instruction, or a message in the form of a direct memory access request identifying a specific location in a memory of the receiving component to which data is to be written or from which data is to be read.
1. A transaction system for a vending machine that dispenses a produce or service which includes two or more system components interconnected by a bus, each of the components having a processor and at least one peripheral device addressable by the processor, and each component being operable to initiate communications directly with another of the components, each component being operable to transmit a message including control data identifying the nature of the message, the control data being operable to distinguish between a first type of message forming a general instruction and a second type of message requesting direct access to a peripheral device, the receiving component being operable in response to the first type of message to perform one of a plurality of operations in dependence upon the content of that message, and being operable in response to the second type of message to write data to or retrieve data from a peripheral device of the component, and wherein each component is operable to detect a conflict between a communication operation that it initiated and a concurrent communication operation initiated by another component and is responsive thereto for reinitiating its communication after a delay period which differs for each component.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each component has a respective one or more of the following functions:
(a) determination of coin validity,
(b) control of means for dispensing a product or performing a service,
(c) control of storage and dispensing of coins,
(d) storage of price data, accumulation of credit data and comparison of price and credit data,
(e) reading of data from portable data carrying means,
(f) acquisition and storage of information concerning operation of the system,
(g) determination of banknote validity,
(h) alteration of configuration data in other components.
3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bus has a first part forming an internal interconnection between a multi-component product, and a second part for interconnecting that product with other components.
4. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bus has a power fail conductor for carrying a signal indicative of an imminent supply voltage failure, whereby each component receiving the signal can ensure that operations can be halted without loss of significant data.
5. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bus has a power fail conductor for carrying a signal indicative of an imminent supply voltage failure, whereby each component receiving the signal can ensure that operations can be halted without loss of significant data, and wherein only the first part of the bus has the power fail conductor.
6. A transaction system for a vending machine that dispenses a product or service which includes two or more system components interconnected by a bus, each of the components being operable to initiate communications directly with another of the components and each component being operable to transmit a message on the bus in a format which includes data identifying the transmitting component and further data identifying another component which is to receive the message, and wherein each component is operable to detect a conflict between a communication operation that it initiated and a concurrent communication operation initiated by another component and is responsive thereto for reinitiating its communication after a delay period which differs for each component.
7. A transaction system for a vending machine that dispenses a product or service which includes two or more system components interconnected by a bus comprising a data conductor for carrying serial data and a usage conductor for carrying a signal indicating whether or not the data conductor is in use, each of the components being operable to initiate communications directly with another of the components by altering the potential on the usage line, and then transmitting data on the data line, the component being operable to vary the period between the altering of the potential on the usage line and the transmission of data in dependence upon the intended destination of the message.
8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the component transmitting the message stores data values each indicative of a required delay period for each of the other components connected to the bus.
9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein said delay period data values are alterable in response to messages transmitted on the bus.
10. A transaction system for a vending machine that dispenses a product or service which includes two or more system components interconnected by a bus, each of the components having a processor and at least one peripheral device addressable by the processor and being operable to initiate communications directly with another of the components, and each component being operable to detect a conflict between a communication operation which it has initiated and a concurrent communication operation initiated by another component, each transmitting component being responsive thereto for re-initiating the communication operation after a delay period which differs for each component connected to the bus.
11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the delay period for each component is determined by the address of that component.
12. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein each component is operable to detect a conflict by reading back data which it has placed on the bus and checking the received data with the transmitted data.
13. The transaction system of claim 10, wherein each component is responsive to an instruction transmitted on the bus for selectively operating in a general instruction mode, in which the component carries out an operation of a type defined by the instruction, or in a direct access mode, in which data is retrieved from or written to an address of the component's peripheral device defined by the instruction received from the bus.
This invention relates to transaction systems, sometimes known as payment systems. It is particularly concerned with means for interconnecting individual components of such systems.
In the past, it has been known to provide a bus arrangement for interconnecting different components of a transaction system. For example, a vending machine may include a control circuit for controlling the dispensing of products, and a separate coin mechanism for receiving and validating inserted coins. The circuits would be interconnected by the bus so as to permit exchange of data from the coin mechanism to the control board, in order for the control board to be able to determine when sufficient coins have been received for the purchase of an article, so that the article can then be dispensed in response to the appropriate operation of one or more push-buttons of the machine. In some systems, the vending machine control circuit would initiate the information exchange by requesting the appropriate information from the coin mechanism. In other known arrangements, the coin mechanism would initiate the data transfer, and thus trigger the appropriate response from the vending machine control circuit.
Some prior art bus arrangements have been accepted as standard, and have thus provided considerable advantages in permitting independent manufacturers to produce items of equipment which can be readily connected to products of other manufacturers. However, the known bus arrangements also have a number of disadvantages. It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved bus arrangement which is more versatile and faster than known arrangements.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a transaction system including two or more system components interconnected by a bus, each of the components being operable to initiate communication directly with another of the components. By permitting each component to initiate communication, it is possible to avoid delays which might otherwise occur in a master/slave bus system such as the prior art systems, whereby information to be obtained from a slave component cannot be transmitted until that slave is polled by the master. Furthermore, the present invention allows direct information exchange between any two components, which was not possible in prior art arrangements unless one of the components constituted the master component. This facilitates a number of operations which would have been much more difficult to carry out in prior art systems, and which are exemplified below. Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows greater flexibility, in as much as no individual component of the system needs to have predefined functions. This differs for example from those prior art systems in which the vending machine control circuit acted as the master component, and therefore this control circuit always needed to have the additional function of controlling communications.
A still further advantage of the present invention relates to the use of shared resources, for example in a system in which two or more vending machines have a common coin mechanism. In the prior art, this was very difficult to arrange if the sharing of resources resulted in more than one master component in the system, because this would result in conflicts on the bus. This would be the case in the above example using bus arrangements of the type wherein the vending machine control circuit has control of communications and thus constitutes the master. These problems are avoided by use of the present invention, whereas with the prior art systems avoiding the problems involved considerable effort and dedicated circuits, and also exacerbated the speed problems of the bus.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a transaction system including two or more circuit components interconnected by a bus, each circuit component having a processor and at least one peripheral device, such as a random access memory which is addressable by the processor, and each component being responsive to an instruction transmitted on the bus for selectively operating in a general instruction mode, in which the component carries out an operation of a type defined by the instruction, or in a direct access mode, in which the processor writes data to or retrieves data from a peripheral device address which is defined by the instruction received from the bus. Thus, the bus can be used for transmitting commands to individual components so as to perform specific operations, including transmitting reply data concerning transaction events, etc., and can further be used to directly access specified addresses within the component. This latter feature enables very fast reading or altering of data in the components, which is particularly useful for determining or altering configuration settings, coin validator parameters, etc., and greater flexibility in the nature of the data which can be transferred between components and the operations which can be triggered by transmitted messages.
The direct access mode will be further described below in the context of reading data from or writing data to a memory, and will be referred to as a direct memory access mode, but it will be appreciated that it can equally well be used in addition or alternatively for reading data from or writing data to an addressable input/output peripheral device.
Preferably, the random access memory of at least one of the components includes memory locations which are designated as secure locations, and the contents of which cannot be read and/or altered without a security operation being performed. The security operation may involve the transmitting over the bus of a special code which is recognised by the component having the random access memory and/or the encrypting of the data read from or to be stored in the designated locations of the random access memory.
The bus preferably has a single serial data line for communications. Preferably, the bus also has a BUSY line indicating whether or not a communication operation is taking place. Preferably the bus also includes one or more power supply lines. Preferably, the bus also includes a RESET line so that a signal on the line can be used to reset all components connected to the bus. Preferably, the bus also has a "power failure" line, and one of the components includes circuitry which detects a power failure which will imminently affect the supply voltages to other components, and in response thereto places a signal on the power failure line so that each component receiving the signal can perform an orderly shut down of operations so as to avoid the loss of data.
It is envisaged that the bus will be used to interconnect different products, possibly originating from different manufacturers. However, the bus is sufficiently versatile that it could also be used for the internal interconnection of different parts of a single product. The power failure line is particularly useful in these circumstances, wherein the product would require only a single power source and a single power failure detection circuit.
Preferably, data communication between the components takes place using a message format which contains at least one data item (such as an address) identifying the source component of the communication, and a further data item identifying the destination component. Preferably, each component is responsive to messages containing the appropriate destination code associated with that component, and each is also responsive to any message which contains a general broadcast code which is common to all the components. Preferably, each message also includes redundant data, such as a checksum, for use in error detection or error correction. Preferably, all messages also include control data. This data preferably defines the nature of the message, e.g. the control data identifies whether the message constitutes a request for a connection to another component, an acknowledgement of data received from a component, a "negative acknowledgement" indicating that a received message has not been understood, or a re-transmit message indicating that a received message was corrupted. Preferably the control data also indicates whether or not the message includes a command. The control data may distinguish between a general instruction command, and a direct memory access command. In the former case, further data defining the command would also be transmitted. In the latter case, further data identifying at least the relevant memory location to be addressed would also be transmitted. Preferably, the messages are of variable length, to enhance the efficiency of the use of the bus.
Examples of the type of component which may typically be connected to the bus include:
(a) Coin acceptor (i.e. apparatus for receiving and validating coins, and for directing the validated coin either to an accept path or a reject path).
(b) Coin selector (i.e. a combination of a coin acceptor and a separator which separates the acceptable coins into different paths depending upon denomination).
(c) Coin totaliser (i.e. a coin acceptor which additionally has transaction control functions, such as the ability to accumulate credit values, store prices of products or services, and initiate operation of a machine for vending a product or performing a service).
(d) Coin changer (i.e. an apparatus which combines the functions of coin acceptor, coin selector and coin totaliser, and further includes means for storing and dispensing coins).
(e) Coin handling system (i.e. an apparatus which combines the functions of a coin selector with the ability to store and dispense coins; in some arrangements, such as when used in payphones, the storage arrangement may take the form of a multi-denominational escrow).
(f) Coin transactor (i.e. an apparatus which combines the function of a coin changer with a vending machine control circuit).
(g) Banknote validator (i.e. an apparatus which receives and determines the acceptability of banknotes; such apparatus could be provided with additional functions corresponding to the functions listed above which can be added to coin acceptors).
(h) Card reader (i.e. a device for reading credit data or a credit identification number stored by a credit or debit card or other portable data storage device; such equipment can be provided with additional functions corresponding to those mentioned above which can be added to coin acceptors).
(i) Audit unit (i.e. a device which can collect and store transaction data from other components within the system so that this transaction data can then be delivered to a central site, e.g. by transfer to a portable data carrying unit, by data communications using telephone lines or in some other fashion).
(j) Machine controller (i.e. a device for controlling the operation of a machine for vending or performing a service, or a plurality of such machines).
(k) Terminal (i.e. a device, preferably hand-held, which is connectable to and disconnectable from the system, and which may be used for altering configuration data, or for changing parameters such as those defining the types of coins which can be accepted by a coin validator, or those defining acceptability, for example to prevent erroneous acceptance of non-genuine items).
The components may also comprise individual parts of such units. For example, a machine controller may comprise two separate components, one for handling the dispensing operations and the other for handling the user interface (i.e. keyboard and display), each part being on a respective component which is individually connected to the bus. Similarly, the coin handling system may comprise separate components, one forming a coin selector and the other forming a device which combines the functions of transaction control, coin storage and dispensing and power supply, the two components being separately connected to the bus. The unit formed by these separate components may constitute a single product. Thus, it will be appreciated that the bus can be both an external bus for interconnecting separate products, as well as an internal bus for conveying data between individual components of a single product.
An arrangement embodying the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a transaction system in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of the bus of the system;
FIG. 3 is a timing diagram to illustrate how communication takes place on the bus; and
FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow charts illustrating how data on the bus is transmitted and received.
Referring to FIG. 1, the transaction system 2 in this example comprises a coin handling system 4, a card reader 6, a vending machine controller 8 and an audit unit 10, all connected in parallel to a bus 12.
The bus 12 may be as illustrated in FIG. 2, and it will be noted that this consists of ten conductors, C1 to C 10. Conductors C1 to C9 are labelled:
The tenth conductor, C10 is a spare conductor for future use.
The DATA and DATA RTN lines form a pair used for serial data transmission which can be initiated by any of the units connected to the bus 12, and which can be directed to any other unit. Data is transmitted on the DATA line, and the DATA RTN line forms a return path for the current.
The BUSY line is used to indicate whether or not a communication operation is taking place. The potential on this line is normally held high, but is pulled low immediately prior to a data communication operation by the unit which is initiating the operation. The BUSY RTN line forms a return path for the current.
The RESET line can be used by a unit to cause other units connected to the bus to reset to their initial states. The PF line carries a signal derived from a power monitoring circuit which indicates an imminent supply potential failure, and is used by any unit connected to the bus to initiate an orderly shut-down of operations so that no significant data loss occurs.
The V12, VO and V5 lines are all power supply rails at respective potentials. V12 and V5 are at respectively +12 volts and +5 volts and VO is at zero volts.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the coin handling system 4 comprises a coin selector 14 and a component 16 which are disposed in a common housing. The component 16 contains a power supply unit, circuitry for controlling the coin storage and dispensing parts of the coin handling system 4, and transaction control circuitry which accumulates the value of credit generated as a result of insertion of the coins into the coin selector 14, stores product prices, and compares the accumulated credit with the stored prices and in response thereto issues signals to the vending machine controller 8 to permit the vending of products. The components 14 and 16 are individually connected to an extension 17 of the bus 12, which extends within the coin handling system 4. The extension 17 connects both components 14 and 16 to the rest of the bus 12. The bus 12 thus forms an internal connection means for the coin handling system 4 in addition to an external connection means for connecting the coin handling system 4 to the other units of the transaction system 2.
In the preferred embodiment, only the extension part 17 of the bus 12 has all ten of the conductors shown in FIG. 2. The remainder of the bus 12 consists of only four of the conductors: the DATA and BUSY lines, a power supply line (e.g. V12) and the VO line, which would be connected to the VO, DATA RTN and BUSY RTN lines of the extension 17 and perform the functions of all three of these lines.
The card reader 6 is arranged to read credit data from a portable data carrier, such as a debit card, and to write to that card updated credit data following a transaction. Accordingly, the transaction controlling component 16 needs to obtain credit data not merely from the coin selector 14 but also from the card reader 6.
As indicated above, the vending machine controller 8 is arranged to control the dispensing of products in response to signals from the transaction controlling component 16. The vending machine controller 8 also controls the operation of a display and keyboard which collectively form a user interface.
The audit unit 10 stores data relating to the operation of the transaction system, which data is received from each of the other components connected to the bus 12, and includes such information as the number and types of products dispensed, the amount of credit received and the form in which it has been received, the number of coins stored in the storage unit controlled by the component 16, etc. The audit unit 10 is operable to record not only the information received from each other component, but also the identity of the source component as defined by a source address which (as discussed below) is transmitted along the bus with the information. In this particular embodiment, the audit system is coupled to an information distribution circuit 18 which includes a modem 20 coupled to phone lines 22, and which is arranged to respond to telephone calls from a central data collection station by obtaining the necessary information from the audit system 10 and transmitting the data along the phone lines. Of course any other form of data collection can be provided, including the use of portable data carrying modules connectable to the audit unit 10.
The bus 12 is also connected to a socket 24 enabling a hand-held terminal 26 to be connected to the bus via a plug 28. The terminal 26 can be used for altering vending machine product prices, changing configuration data in any of the units, and altering the parameters used by the coin selector 14 for validating coins. It is known for coins to be validated by taking one or more measurements and determining whether the results conform to those expected of a valid coin as determined by parameters stored in a memory of the component 14. The terminal 26 could be used for altering these stored parameters. The terminal 26 could also be used for accessing the audit data from the audit unit 10.
The items 6, 8, 10, 14, 16 and 26 shown in FIG. 1 each constitute a bus-connected component capable of initiating or responding to communications on the bus 12. Each of the components has a standard connector 30 to connect it to the bus 12, except that one connector 30 is used to couple the extension 17, and thus both of the components 14 and 16, to the rest of the bus and the other components. Each component includes a microprocessor system including a memory. The memory contains an operating program for the microprocessor of the system, and data. The operating program includes an application program which is determined by the function of the component, and a communication program for handling bus communications. The communication program will be essentially the same in each of the components. At least some of the data is stored in a readable and writable random access memory which is preferably non-volatile or has a battery back-up. The data will include operational data relating to the operations which are being carried out by the component, configuration data relating to the way in which these operations are carried out (for example, price settings in a transaction control component, or calibration data in a coin acceptor), and product-specific data, for example an address allocated to the component for the purpose of data communications.
Each component is operable to communicate with one or more other components as determined by its application program in order to indicate the occurrence of certain events (e.g. coin acceptance), to request specific operations, or to report on performance (e.g. supplying information concerning the number of coins in a change tube in response to an enquiry from the audit unit 10). Such messages relating to events or performance are transmitted in the form of general instructions, and the content of such instructions identifies the nature of the data being transferred or the operation being performed or requested.
The components are also able to transmit data derived from their memories, or write data into their memories, in response to a direct memory access (DMA) request from another component. These DMA request and reply messages are distinct from the general instruction messages.
With reference to FIG. 3, whenever a component wishes to transmit a message, it checks to see that the BUSY line is at a high potential. Assuming that it is, a low potential is placed on the line, as indicated at 50, and then bytes of data 52, 54, 56, 58 are transmitted in succession. After the last byte has been transmitted the BUSY line is released so that its potential returns to a high level as indicated at 60. This operation constitutes the transmission of a single message. Each message consists of at least four bytes. The first byte 52 contains the destination address, i.e. an address associated with the component to which the message is being sent. The second byte 54 contains the source address, i.e. the address of the component transmitting the message. The third byte 56 contains control data as discussed below. The last byte 58 is redundant data forming a checksum byte so that the message can be checked to determine whether or not it has been corrupted. Between the bytes 56 and 58 there may also be further bytes, depending upon the nature of the message being transmitted. The status of the BUSY line indicates to any component attempting to use the bus whether or not the data line is in use. The provision of such a line enables asynchronous communication of messages of variable length.
Referring to FIG. 4A, in order to transmit a message the circuitry in a component first checks the BUSY line at step 400. If it is determined that the BUSY line is low, then the communication program proceeds to step 402 where it is determined whether or not a timeout counter started at the beginning of the communication attempt has reached a pre-set value, or whether a permitted number of re-try attempts has been exceeded. In either of these circumstances, the program proceeds to step 404, at which point the communication program exits with a message indicating that the communication attempt has failed.
Otherwise, the program proceeds to step 405 wherein the counter for the number of re-try attempts is incremented, and then the program loops back to step 400.
Assuming that the BUSY line is found to be high, the program proceeds to step 406, which is a delay step, and then to step 408, wherein the program again checks that the BUSY line is high. If the BUSY line has gone low, the program loops back to step 400. The steps 406 and 408 ensure that the communication operation is performed by the subsequent steps only if the BUSY line has remained high for a minimum delay period, of for example one millisecond. This ensures a minimum period between successive messages, so that all components would have received the earlier message before the later message is transmitted.
After step 408, the program proceeds to step 410, at which point the BUSY line is pulled low by the circuitry of the component. Then, at step 412, the program reads a stored "wake-up delay" value from the memory of the component. This value represents a delay period D between the point 50 at which the potential on the BUSY line is brought low and the start of the transmission of the first data byte 52. Preferably, each component stores a plurality of such values in its memory, each value being associated with a respective one of the other components on the bus. The application program will provide to the communications program an identifier representing a component to which a message should be directed, and this permits the communications program to select the appropriate value from the memory. The values preferably form part of the product-specific data mentioned above, and can preferably be read and altered by other components connected to the bus, e.g. using DMA instructions. The purpose of the delay period is to ensure that the component to which the data is addressed is properly prepared to receive the message. It is known for some components of a transaction system, particularly a coin validator, to have a number of operational states, e.g. a low power state in which little current is consumed in order to conserve power, and an operational state in which coin valdation operations can occur and more current is consumed. The BUSY line can be used to switch the receiving component from a low power state to a high power state sufficient either for a full function of the component or at least for a full communication operation to take place. The wake-up delay period ensures sufficient time for this operation to occur. It will be understood that this "wake-up delay" period introduces a delay in the communication operation. However, the delay will only occur when appropriate, and if no delay period is required the relevant stored data value can be zero. This advantage would be lost using a master/slave communication system such as in the prior art, because all communications involving a slave component which needed a wake-up delay period would be delayed, even when the source of information was the slave and the delay was therefore unnecessary. Furthermore, exchanging data via the master between two slave components each requiring wake-up delay periods would substantially slow down the communication operation in the prior art systems.
After the delay period caused by step 412, the program proceeds to step 414, wherein the first character of the message, i.e. the destination address, is transmitted on the DATA line. Each component is arranged to read back from the DATA line every character it transmits, and this is checked at step 416 to determine whether it corresponds to the transmitted character. Assuming that it does correspond, the program proceeds to step 418 to check whether all the characters forming the information in the message have yet been transmitted. If not, the program loops back to steps 414 and 416. Otherwise, if all the data has been transmitted, the program proceeds to step 420 to transmit the checksum, and then to step 422 to check whether the read-back checksum byte corresponds to the transmitted byte. If so, the program exits at step 404, releasing the BUSY line and sending a message to the controlling program indicating that a successful data transfer has occurred. If it is determined at step 416 or 422 that the read-back byte differs from the transmitted byte, this is indicative of a data collision which may occur if two components simultaneously attempt to access the bus. The program then proceeds to step 424. This step causes the program to release the BUSY line and to wait for a delay period which differs for each component connected to the bus. The delay period may for example be calculated in accordance with the address of the component. Also, the counter related to the number of re-try attempts is incremented, and then the program loops back to step 400.
By using a delay period which differs for each of the components, it is ensured that two components which first simultaneously attempt to access the bus will thereafter attempt access at different times. By proper selection of the delay periods, or the addresses if these are used to calculate the delay periods, priority can be allocated to the different components so as to determine the order in Which conflicts are resolved.
Referring to FIG. 4B, each component linked to the bus is operable in response to the BUSY line going low to receive data using the process illustrated herein. At step 450, assuming that a buffer for receiving data is empty, the communication operation is enabled. At step 452, the first character is received and then at step 454 the program checks to determine whether the buffer is full. If not, the program proceeds to step 456 to determine whether the BUSY line has returned to a high potential, and if not the program loops back to step 452 to receive the next character.
If the buffer becomes full, the program proceeds from step 454 to step 458. The program then determines whether another character is received, or whether the BUSY line regains a high potential. In the former case, this indicates a frame-over run, and the program exits at step 460 with a message indicating that a corrupted frame has been received. Otherwise, if at step 458 or 456 the program recognises that the BUSY line has returned to a high potential, the program proceeds to step 462 to determine whether the received checksum indicates that the remaining data is correct. If not, the program proceeds to step 460 to indicate a corrupted frame, but otherwise the program proceeds to step 464. Here, the program checks the destination address contained in the message. If the destination address matches that of receiving component, or if the destination address is determined to be a broadcast address which is common for all the components, the program proceeds to step 466, whereupon the communications program is exited with a message indicating that a valid frame has been received and is stored in the buffer. If it is determined at step 464 that the address is inappropriate for the receiving component, the receive buffer is cleared at step 468. The communications program thereafter enables further communications at step 450.
The control data included in each message indicates whether or not the message is one of the following four types:
(a) A connection request. This is transmitted when an instruction. e.g. information or a request for an operation to be carried out, is to be sent to another component.
(b) An acknowledgement. This acknowledges a message received from another component.
(c) A negative acknowledgement. This is sent in response to a received message which has not been understood.
(d) A re-transmit request. This is sent in response to a corrupted received message.
In the case of message types (b), (c) and (d), no other information needs to be transmitted, so that the message may consist of only four data bytes. In the case of connection request messages, the message will also include further information.
Control data in connection request messages is also operable to classify instruction messages into one of the following sub-types, which are selected by the application program:
(1) A general instruction.
(2) A reply to an instruction, which may include data requested by an instruction received by the component.
(3) A DMA read request.
(4) A reply to a DMA read request.
(5) A DMA write request.
Other sub-types may also be transmitted, for example acknowledgements from application programs (as distinct from the above-mentioned acknowledgements which are given by the communications program).
In addition to the destination, source, control data and checksum bytes, each connection request message will contain application data. For a general instruction, the application data will consists of a code identifying the type of instruction, and possibly data related thereto. For a reply message, the application data will consist of an echo of the same instruction code, together with data constituting the reply to the instruction. In the case of a DMA read request, the application data will consist of the address of the relevant memory location in the destination component, together with a checksum for this address. In the case of a reply to a DMA read request, the application data will consist of the address of the relevant memory location together with the contents of that location, and a checksum for these values. In the case of a DMA write request, the application data will consist of the address of the relevant memory location, the data to be stored therein and a checksum for these values.
In each component, the communications software is operable to receive messages as indicated above, and to pass each message to the application program when appropriate. When the control data indicates that the message relates to a general instruction, the application program then performs a selected one of a plurality of different functions dependent upon the instruction code. One of these functions may involve the sending of a reply message.
If the control data indicates that the message is a DMA read request, the application program confirms that the checksum is correct before checking that the memory address is within a range which is correct for that program. Assuming that the address is appropriate, the relevant location is accessed and the data retrieved therefrom and sent back to the source component as a message with control data indicating that this is a reply to a DMA read request. Similarly, if the component receives a DMA write request, the checksum and address range are checked, and if appropriate the data contained in the message is written to the appropriate memory location.
In the preferred embodiment, the address is also checked to determine whether or not it lies within a secure region of the memory. If so, the instruction is carried out only if the component has previously received from the source address a security code. Furthermore, any data for writing into the memory location is encrypted before being placed on the bus, and then decrypted by the receiving component. Similarly, any data sent in response to a direct memory access read request is first encrypted.
In the present embodiment, the supply voltage for the main part of the bus is derived from the transaction control component 16. This has a power supply failure detection circuit which provides a signal on the power failure line in response to detecting failure of a mains supply to the equipment, which will indicate an imminent failure of the supply voltage on the bus lines. This is used to trigger an orderly shut-down of operations in the coin acceptor 14.
It will be appreciated from the above that each of the components of the transaction system performs a separate function, and that an operational transaction system does not require the presence of any single one of these functions because each component is capable of initiating and responding to communications. This enables a much more flexible system than in the prior art, in which specific functional components containing the communication control circuitry were always required. Speed of response is also improved.
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text: Shapeways: Bring your creativity to life in 3D http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php Shapeways: Bring your creativity to life in 3D Complicated design, Help! http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=65439&th=13668#msg_65439 Anyone have any suggestions for what to do with my model at this point or ways to fix it? I have included a screenshot of the model just so you can get a feel for what I am talking about. Thanks! ]]> CunninghamQuillAG 2013-04-03T19:30:00-00:00 Re: Complicated design, Help! http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=65446&th=13668#msg_65446 Youknowwho4eva 2013-04-03T19:49:41-00:00 Re: Complicated design, Help! http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=65447&th=13668#msg_65447 CunninghamQuillAG 2013-04-03T19:51:13-00:00 Re: Complicated design, Help! http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=65448&th=13668#msg_65448 Youknowwho4eva 2013-04-03T19:53:18-00:00 Re: Complicated design, Help! http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=65450&th=13668#msg_65450 This is usually due to extra lines on faces that are not needed, as each extra line may create a new face on top of another. Upload the file or send it by PM]]> JACANT 2013-04-03T20:10:25-00:00


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Budget 2013: More funds poured in to meet eldercare and healthcare needs of low-income households
Published on Feb 25, 2013 5:16 PM
The Government is introducing further support to meet Singaporeans' healthcare needs in Singapore Budget 2013.
It will expand the existing Senior's Mobility Fund into a Senior's Mobility and Enabling Fund, which will cover a much wider range of assistive devices, such as hearing aids, shower chairs and motorised wheelchairs. Singapore Budget 2013 will also top up the fund from the current $10 million to $50 million.
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said in his Singapore Budget 2013 speech on Monday that many frail elderly living at home are concerned with the cost of consumables, such as milk feeds and diapers, which can be a costly burden. The Government will thus provide subsidies of up to 80 per cent to lower-income elderly to help defray the cost of consumables. For example, an elderly patient in need of milk feeds can save up to $2,000 a year.
Medifund will be topped up by $1 billion, bringing the total fund size to $4 billion.
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Bruce Weixel, 47, Morrisonville, pleaded guilty and was sentenced Sept. 10 to 1 1/3-4 years in prison for a felony charge of driving while intoxicated. He was further ordered to pay a $2,000 fine, $295 surcharge and $50 fine for having no headlights.
Mark McDonald, 28, Mooers Forks, was sentenced Sept. 10 to 15 days jail conditionally discharged upon 50 hours community service and five years probation. McDonald pleaded guilty June 21 to felony DWI and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was further ordered to pay $3,000 in fines and a $295 surcharge, and was sentenced to electronic home monitoring.
Richard Garrant, 43, Plattsburgh, was sentenced Sept. 25 to five years probation to include Clinton County Drug Court, $1,500 fines and a $275 surcharge. Garrant pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2006, to felony DWI and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.
Rudy Franklin III, 22, Plattsburgh, was sentenced Sept. 18 to 1 1/2 to 3 years in state prison. Franklin pleaded guilty July 17 to third-degree rape.
Mark Fornier, 55, Schuyler Falls, was sentenced Sept. 18 to 1-3 years in prison on a felony DWI charge, for which he pleaded guilty July 26. He was further ordered to pay a fine/surcharge for a charge of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.
Michael Cannon, 19, Chazy, was sentenced Sept. 10 to 30 days in jail, five years probation, and 200 hours community service. Cannon pleaded guilty June 29 to a charge of third-degree burglary. He was further ordered to pay a fine, surcharge and restitution.
Travis Skelly, 26, Plattsburgh, was sentenced Sept. 11 to five years probation with Clinton County Drug Court. Skelly pleaded guilty Sept. 8 to felony DWI and was further ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $295 surcharge.
Dennis Pike, 33, Plattsburgh, admitted violation of probation Sept. 10 and was sentenced the same day to six months house arrest with electronic monitoring and continued probation.
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In this fascinating account of the search for the remains of the world's first pope, none other than Peter, the chief apostle of Jesus, Thomas J. Craughwell takes us on one of the most exciting archaeological finds of the twentieth century.
In 1448 a team of architects and engineers brought Pope Nicholas V unhappy news: the 1,100-year-old Basilica of St. Peter suffered from so many structural defects that it was beyond repair. The only solution was to pull down the old church--one of the most venerable churches in all of Christiandom--and erect a new basilica on the site. Incredibly, one of the tombs the builders paved over was the resting place of St. Peter.
Then in 1939, while reconstructing the grottoes below St. Peter's Basilica, a workman's shovel struck not dirt or rock but open air. After inspecting what could be seen through the hole they'd made in the mausoleum's roof, Pope Pius XII secretly authorized a full-scale excavation. What lay beneath? The answer and the adventure await. In this riveting history, facts, traditions, and faith collide to reveal the investigation, betrayals, and mystery behind St. Peter's burial place.
About the Author
Thomas J. Craughwell is the author of several nonfiction books, including "This Saint Will Change Your Life", "The Greatest Brigade", and " Stealing Lincoln's Body", which was adapted into a documentary by the History Channel.
Praise For…
"It's a thriller, a whodunit, and an adventure, full of clues, codes, false trails, professional envy, whiffs of conspiracy, and heroic mercy. And it's all true! Thomas Craughwell has delivered an historical account that's breathtaking, page-turning, and inspiring." -Mike Aquilina, Executive Vice-President, St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and author, The Fathers of the Church
"Religious legends sometimes have a funny way of turning out to be true. For many years, scholars believed that the 'five porticoes' in a healing story of Jesus in Jerusalem were just a pious legend--until archeologists unearthed a site with 'five porticoes,' just as the Gospels had said. The remarkable story of the supposedly 'legendary' remains of St. Peter's, and how they were found exactly where the 'legends' had them, is a fascinating one, especially in the hands of a gifted writer like Thomas Craughwell. His new book should give pause to all those who would dismiss similar stories as 'merely legendary.'" -James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the Saints.
"Craughwell is one of our very best storytellers. In book after book, he makes history come alive. As I expected, St. Peter's Bones does not disappoint. It's amazing how Tom is able to tell a sweeping, important story in so compact a package. Highly recommended!" -Jon M. Sweeney, author of The Pope Who Quit and Francis of Assisi in His Own Words


text: If AMD's HD 4870 can come to within 85-90% of the performance of the GTX 280, it may really force NVIDIA to drop the price on its flagship card. Who would buy a $649 card when they can get a card almost as good for less than half the price? NVIDIA has already announced a cheaper 9800 GTX and a $229 9800 GTX+ to compete with Radeon HD 4850. Let's hope the price comes down. I wouldn't mind a refund from Newegg!


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In an interesting development, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee called up YSR Congress honorary president Y.S. Vijayamma on Sunday and urged the YSRC to join hands with the TMC and other like-minded parties.
Ms. Mamata told Ms. Vijayamma that there was a likelihood of snap polls in November and wanted the possibility of like-minded parties coming together to be explored. She also enquired about Mr. Jagan and recalled her association with YSR.
Keywords: YSRC, Mamata Banerjee, Vijayamma, coalition politics
Vijayamma non-committal on post-poll scenario
Congress playing 'T' card for poll gains: YSRC
State subjecting Jagan to agony, says Vijayamma
More In: Andhra Pradesh | National


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Comment on An Evening in the Mountains and see more Wang Wei poems below.
After rain the empty mountain
Stands autumnal in the evening,
Moonlight in its groves of pine,
Stones of crystal in its brooks.
Bamboos whisper of washer-girls bound home,
Lotus-leaves yield before a fisher-boat --
And what does it matter that springtime has gone,
While you are here, O Prince of Friends?


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Universal M25 losing power
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Universal M25 losing power
I posted earlier this season about the low in oil pressure, and a subtle loss in power on my Universal M25. Briefly; after running for an hour or so, the oil pressure would drop to < 10 PSI on the dash mounted gauge. I also noticed that at WOT that she would rev to 2600 RPM, and not 3K. I believed that I addressed the problem with a quick oil & filter change, as well as changing both the primary and secondary fuel filters.
Since then, I have added 10 gallons of fresh fuel, yet noticed that I am still not achieving the full 3K RPM at WOT.
I was on the boat last night, and had the chance to take a close look while she was secured in the slip. After warming up the engine in reverse, I pressed the throttle to the stop, while still in reverse. I was shocked to see that she would now only reach 2100 RPM at WOT.
. I don't normally motor at more than 2K RPM, but this is not good. When she starts (cold) I usually get a puff of white smoke, then it runs clean. There is a little soot on the transom, under the exhaust port, but not much.
I think that I may have to break out the wrenches, and start fixing stuff. The question is, where to begin. One theory is that it could be the mixing elbow blockage. Another is that it may be the injectors are getting fouled.
Under the assumption that it is the injector, I found this;
and this:
And lastly, this which is my exact engine (Kubota D850);
Any other comments, or theories?
Thank you in advance.
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Attendees will learn techniques from program presenter Roger J. Dodd, a nationally-recognized trial attorney and speaker, that will help strengthen their case through the testimony of the other side's witnesses. Mr. Dodd, who has active offices in three states, practices trial work of all types including personal injury, wrongful death, criminal defense, and domestic relations. Listed in Best Lawyers for more than 20 years, he is one of a handful of lawyers nationally who are listed in Super Lawyers in more than one state simultaneously. He has lectured and taught lawyers and judges in all 50 states, and multiple foreign countries.
Cost to attend is $150 for ISBA members and $300 for non-member lawyers and non-lawyers, by December 8; thereafter, prices increase $15. Payment must be made in advance by check, money order, or credit card. For more information and/or to obtain a registration form, log onto the ISBA web site at www.isba.org, or call toll free 1-800-252-8908.
The 33,000-member ISBA (isba.org), with offices in Springfield and Chicago, provides professional services to Illinois lawyers, and education and services to the public through a website (illinoislawyerfinder.com)


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Who really wants to knock a filmmakers life work, especially when they probably will not make any money off of it? But, does the film press let too much slide when it comes to docs?Continue reading this entry »
Independent journalist Tom Roston checks in and writes about the world of documentaries in his column, Doc Soup.
You can follow Tom on Twitter @DocSoupMan.
You can follow Tom on Twitter @DocSoupMan.
Doc Soup: The Last Word on "Dear Zachary"
I've always been a little bothered by what I perceive as the different standards with which film critics (and audiences) approach docs, basically giving greater leniency toward a film because of its noble subject matter. That's partly why I've been talking about Dear Zachary here at Doc Soup. Well, I think it's time to putContinue reading this entry »


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That's what I wrote in my opinion piece, that was posted on AOL News on Friday.
Just in case you were on vacation, I wanted to make sure you see this.
"The disease is growing at a rate faster than AIDS," I continued.
"From 2006 to 2008 alone, the number of cases jumped a whopping 77
percent. In 2008 alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
listed 28,921 "confirmed" and 6,277 "probable" cases of the disease,
but there could be as many as 420,000 because of underreporting."
"Prominent victims include Parker Posey, Richard Gere, President George W. Bush, Alice Walker and Christie Brinkley," my op ed piece on AOL News points out.
"But that's not the case with Lyme disease -- a disease carried by ticks.
"Instead, ill-informed doctors are often flummoxed when patients complain of fatigue, headaches, fever or chills, muscle or joint pain, mental confusion, swollen lymph nodes and neurological symptoms. It's an appalling display of indifference."
Anyhow, at last, two years after my own terrifying health experiences, my op ed piece is on AOL News.
Learn more about this terrifying epidemic on Wednesday, June 2 at 2 pm EST on my Gab with the Gurus Radio Show when I interview several Lyme disease experts.
And please share your or your friends' experiences and insights here and on AOL about your or their terrifying, often-misunderstood disease.
Many thanks to my smart health friend JJ Virgin, to whom I'm greatly indebted for helping me to quickly find out why I was so sick two years ago.
In addition, my gratitude goes to the following for their support and invaluable help:
- Knowledgeable Lyme disease expert Kris Newby, senior producer and researcher for the eye-opening documentary, "Under Our Skin."
- Talented editor/writer Abby Ellin
- Katie Orenstein and Danielle Grace Warren of the fabulous Op Ed Project (which you can learn more about soon on an upcoming radio show)
- Talented editors/writers Susan Shapiro and Gerry Jonas
Please read my important op ed now on AOL News now.
And please join us Wednesday, June 2 for my Gab with the Gurus Radio Show about Lyme disease.


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Money, Power and Your Health
There is little doubt that lack of sufficient money constitutes a major stress and contributes to bodily ills. Our attitudes toward money undergird much of our lives, impacting our lifestyle and sense of well-being. Yet many of us ignore the task of managing our finances, often with dire consequences.


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Sunday, May 10, 2015
Sunday, May 10, 2015
CATEGORY: outfits
Monday, May 04, 2015
Monday, April 06, 2015
Monday, April 06, 2015
CRES E. DIM/DIM E. CRES unisex camel coat - UNIF "rival" boots - UNIQLO button up shirt
This is my new favourite thing that I own. Ever. I'm like a teenager with her first crush. The DIM E CRES coat fits sort of like a men's size small, except the sleeves are actually - for once - the perfect length! I love the unique detail of the black tag on the outer sleeve, and how it feels like I'm walking around wearing a big, beautiful, full-body HUG! My only problem now is that I need to permanently move to some other part of the world where it can be cold 24/7. I know THE WEATHER seems to be a recurring fixation in my outfit posts - but ya'll really don't understand how hard it is to have nice things when it's SO. DAMN. HOT. ALL. THE. TIME. This is going to look so perfect with some pale blue boyfriend jeans, only the best and baggiest ♥
shop similar:
CATEGORY: outfits
Saturday, March 21, 2015
baby it's cold outside
Saturday, March 21, 2015
That cathedral I'm standing in front of? It's kind of a tourist hot-spot, I think I traumatised a child or two showing off my bra. Please don't mind me kids. It's fashion


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|A to Z | Popular | Random | Origins
KimberRate Kimber: Do you like this name?
Get creative with Kimber | Add to list (0)
Meaning and name origin
Kimber \k(i)-mber\ as a girl's name is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Kimber is "Cyneburg's field". Kimber is a variant of Kimberly (Old English); place name and surname: Cyneburg was an Old English personal name meaning "royal forest".
Kimber is a somewhat popular first name for females (#2454 out of 4276) and an even more popular surname or last name for all people (#6484 out of 88799) (2000 U.S. Census).
Displayed below is the baby name popularity of the name Kimber for girls (2015 statistics).
Displayed below is a comparison of the popularity of the girl name Kimber and its source form. Variation forms ranked in the Top 1000/100 are Kimber and Kimberly. (2015 statistics).
Similar Names
A suggested similar baby name is Kimberli. Like Kimber, this name is not commonly used.
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Cryotherapy Tech
SubZero Recovery — Las Vegas, NV
Cryotherapy: When we subject our bodies to ice cold temperatures, our bodies go into a fight-or-flight response that is meant to keep us from freezing . As the cryosauna exposes the skin to super-cold…
Application Deadline: Available Year-round
Audio Producer
Studio Center — Las Vegas, NV
The Nation's Fastest Growing Production Company is looking for Superstar Interns to work in our Las Vegas office! We are looking to educate and have interested students contribute to the Audio Product…
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Bravo Store Systems — Las Vegas, NV
The Bravo Marketing department seeks a motivated and creative-minded Intern to assist in developing marketing content for the Bravo blog and company properties. This internship is an excellent opportu…
Application Deadline: 5/31/2015
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Testman — Calico Basin, NV
Ok, we are selected nice folks here at Testman.
Application Deadline: 5/31/2015
Help us enhance the brand image of a growing unique soap product company
Nectar Bath Treats — Las Vegas, NV
Nectar Bath Treats is a Las Vegas based company that manufactures beautiful and original novelty soap products. Our soaps come in all shapes and sizes, from mint leaves to Popsicles, cupcakes and birt…
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Get involved with the administration of a unique soap manufacturer and retailer
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Nectar Bath Treats is a Las Vegas based company that manufactures beautiful and original novelty soap products. Our soaps come in all shapes and sizes, from mint leaves to Popsicles, cupcakes and birt…
Application Deadline: Available Year-round
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IMI — Las Vegas, NV
Are you looking for a family environment and be greeted with a smile every morning? If you love to work with people and would like to be mentored into your dream position in Construction field, Wadley…
Application Deadline: 5/26/2015
Execive Assistant to the Webmaster or several positions with the Corporate Officers
American West Aircraft Corporation — Las Vegas, NV
American West Aircraft is an OTC company that is primarily a Jet Aircraft Sales and Leasing Company that is starting a new International Airlines, called American West Jets. We will have additional si…
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ePatient Enroll — Las Vegas, NV
ePatient Enroll is a clinical recruitment-service company serving clinical research sites and study sponsors. Our founding vision was to create a company that addresses the primary needs of research s…
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ePatient Enroll — Las Vegas, NV
ePatient Enroll is looking for a qualified intern to join our marketing/advertising team. Our marketing team produces quality work for clinical research organizations throughout the United States, and…
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text: Pros: - The hosts are great guys. Steve makes excellent omelets and gets you everything you want for breakfast (I asked for fresh fruit, and the next day he presented a full bowl). He also has great stories to tell that make you start the day with a smile. - The dogs are cool and very friendly towards the guests... More


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Different size Breakers
Shore side power Breaker 20 amp, Boat main panel 30 amp. Problem?
Should I downsize Boat panel to 20 amp also? Thanks.
Re: Different size Breakers
Not a problem if your shore power cord is rated for 30 Amps. Normal shore power cords are. A household extension cable, even an "outdoor" one, is just 15 or 20 amp.
Not a problem. The shore power will only allow a 20amp overload. Since you have a 30amp main theshore power breaker will trip first and your 30amp main can withstand any overload. If it were reversed the would be a problem. 30amp shore with 20amp main....bad
Re: Different size Breakers
Guys there are no problems here so long as the wiring is matched to the breaker for it. Even if the shore wiring is only rated for 20A it's protected by the 20A breaker. So it's safe no mater what your main breaker is. Just don't draw more than 20A unless you want to pop it.
And a 30A shore breaker with 30A wiring could also be plugged into a 20A main breaker without any problems. Just like in your house you have the 100 or 200A main breaker feeding a bunch of 15's and 20's...That's the point of breakers, to protect their branch from potentially higher current available on the bus.
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- Studio: Rialto Pictures
- Release Date: Apr 28, 2006
User Score
Generally favorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings
User score distribution:
Positive: 66 out of 82
Mixed: 10 out of 82
Negative: 6 out of 82
Review this movie
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Jul 11, 2012This is simply an amazing thriller/drama about the French resistance movement during world war 2. There are some scenes so tense they are hard to watch, and other scenes that are brilliantly poignant, and all of it is incredibly well acted. Melville at his top form.
Aug 27, 2010This film is one of the darkest, uncompromising and unsettling movie products of the 1960s - a war movie with no bars and a moral prerogative as gray as the walls of the many prison cells we find the characters in.
Aug 20, 2010The 99 metascore is a bit high, but the 8.1 user score is a bit low. This whole movie is very good, but there is one scene in particular (the attempt to break out a beaten associate) that really lives a strong feeling in the pit of your stomach.
Infused with the bleak romanticism of Melville's gangster movies ("Le Samouraï," "Bob le Flambeur"), and deepened by his own experiences in the Resistance, this hard-bitten tribute to freedom fighters makes most current movies look flabby and undisciplined. Don't miss it.
It's here that Melville fully achieved his notion of the sublime, applying "Le Samouraï's" "empty" compositions and near theatrical blocking, as well as its methodical suspense, cosmic fatalism, and sense of grim solitude, to a subject far closer to his heart, namely his own World War II experiences.
Composed of relatively few events and scenes, it's often excruciatingly tense and never less than heartbreakingly human. And as much as I admire "Munich," Shadows leaves Spielberg's film in the dust in the moral-ambiguity department. Never before seen in the States, it's already on my year's ten-best list. (April 2006 Premiere)


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|Leonard Slatkin
|Primary Artist
Posted October 1, 2010
Before getting this disc I knew a handful of Anderson's works but nothing here. This album is the first in a projected series of his complete orchestral works, with some premiere recordings promised (on this volume, the Sousa-ish Governor Bradford March). My test of a good "light music" disc is, if by the end I don't feel a desperate need to listen to something like Reger's solo viola music then it's a good one. This went down a treat. My own preferences are for the quirkier pieces, the quirkiest of all being The Classical Jukebox, complete with needle-stuck-in-groove effect (which the booklet notes point out will not have any meaning for listeners below a certain age - thanks, make me feel old, why don't you!). But everything is enjoyable here. I didn't warm to the piano concerto at first, largely because I felt Anderson had strayed a bit from his strengths - not out of his depth or anything, just that when you think "piano concerto" the competition is rather strong - but having it on in the background a day later it fitted in nicely with the rest. Unless you really want to get all of Anderson's best-known pieces on one disc, I guess this is as good a place as any to start hearing this entertaining music.Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.


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By Robert Hurt
As I travel across Virginia's Fifth District, I often hear from my constituents about how unnecessary bureaucratic red tape is hindering job growth and making life more difficult for working Virginians. Our nation's outdated and complicated tax code is a perfect example of the federal government standing in the way of strengthening our economy for our nation's families and small businesses.
It's true that black people in America have a long history of being exploited. They were originally brought to America to provide slave labor on tobacco plantations in Virginia. Later this expanded to the cotton plantations in the deep South after Eli Whitney made improvements to the cotton gin that made it work with the variety of cotton that would grow in inland areas.
President Obama's recent actions on protecting some five million illegal immigrants has sparked much acknowledgment across the country that the immigration problem needs a compassionate solution.
Among conservatives, however, the reaction has been predictably hysterical. The president is "a dictator." He's "destroying America." He has laid waste to nothing less than "the American way of life."
At a recent House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, Acting Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy called the security lapses that allowed an armed man to jump the fence and enter the White House "devastating." That is a sentiment I agree with wholeheartedly.
Reading the Constitution isn't something many Americans do on a daily basis. However, in light of President Obama's announcement that he will act unilaterally to change our immigration laws and shield five million unlawful immigrants from immigration enforcement, perhaps we should take a look at our founding document for a refresher. Article 1 Section 1 of the Constitution states that "All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States." The Congress, not the President, has the power to legislate.
By Congressman Robert Hurt
One of the gravest global threats that we as a nation face is the prospect of Iran gaining the capability to produce a nuclear weapon, and it must be the policy of the United States to do everything within its power to prevent this from happening.
Progressives are heartened by the recent actions of President Barack Obama, who seems to have found his liberal soul again after losses in the historically-low turnout election this year.
Yes, the so-called "Republican wave" was produced by the lowest voter turnout in America since 1942. That's right: 1942. Google it if you don't believe me.
Essentially, the turnout this year was white, male and Republican.
By Martin Leamy
Reba, Virginia
On 13 November 2014, the students, parents and teachers of Thaxton Elementary School suffered a grave injustice.
Copyright © 2015
The Bedford Bulletin is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Bedford County and Bedford, VA and the surrounding area.


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Search Tags: KC-X
Northrop Grumman drops out of Air Force tanker competition
Northrop Grumman Corp. has decided not to compete against Boeing Co. for the $35 billion the Air Force will spend to buy its own fleet of refueling tankers. The decision puts the Pentagon on a path to doing something President Barack Obama said shouldn't happen any more: paying large amounts of money to a major defense contractor without undergoing any competition.
Tags: contracting , Northrop Grumman , Boeing , EADS , USAF , Air Force tanker contract ,
Analyst: Northrop could have been tanker contender
Jim McAleese, defense analyst and principal at McAleese & Associates, says Northrop's decision will affect the outcome of the KC-X contract and the future of the C-17.
Tags: contracting , Northrop Grumman , Boeing , EADS , USAF , Air Force tanker contract , C-17 , Jim McAleese , McAleese & Associates
EADS close to conceding Air Force tanker contract
Reuter reports EADS is close to conceding its loss of the $35 billion Air Force KC-X tanker award to Boeing.
Tags: EADS , Boeing , Air Force , tanker , contracting , protest , DoD , Jolie Lee
Analysis: Will EADS protest Air Force tanker contract award?
Defense contractor EADS is thinking about its options, following the Air Force's choice to give Boeing that $35 billion tanker contract.
Tags: Mike Dunn , DoD , Air Force , Air Force Association , EADS , Boeing , tanker , contracting , Dorobek Insider
Analysis: Air Force KC-X tanker contract journey
Richard Aboulafia from the Teal Group offers a recap and a look ahead of the tanker saga.
Tags: Richard Aboulafia , Teal Group , DoD , Air Force , tanker , contracting , Boeing , Dorobek Insider
Air Force tanker decision expected Thursday
The Air Force is expected to announce the winner of the KC-X refueling tanker contract Thursday. This will give Defense an extra weekday to respond to the questions that are sure to follow.
Tags: DoD , contracting , Congress , Air Force , Boeing , EADS , refueling tanker , Suzanne Kubota
Air Force explains information mixup on KC-X contract
Tags: In Depth , Francis Rose , Jared Serbu , Senate Armed Services Committee , DoD , contracting
GAO denies KC-X protest
The protest by U.S. Aerospace and its partner, Ukrainian aircraft-maker Antonov has been denied.
Tags: Federal Drive , DoD Report , contracting , Air Force , EADS , Boeing , GAO