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A fuzzy-logic routing system is provided for routing communications events to agents working in a telephony environment. The routing system uses parsed input taken from communications events upon arrival of those events to a telephony switch or IP data router to create needs expressions, which reflect the intended purposes of originators of the communications events. The system, using the needs expressions, performs a data search in a repository containing capabilities expressions, which reflect capabilities of service agents and/or automated systems responsible for handling the communications events. Upon suitably matching a needs expression with a capabilities expression, the system then routes the associated communications event to the associated agent. The system may be integrated to CTI telephony systems, data network telephony systems, or a combination thereof.
1. A computerized routing system for routing communications events to final destinations comprising;
a communications routing apparatus for receiving and routing the communications events;
a system-client interface for accepting input from the communications events upon arrival of the events to the communications routing apparatus, and translation of the input into a needs expression (NE);
a data repository for storing a capability expression (CE) for at least one communications agent; and
a software application for performing a fuzzy logic match between NE and CE, and for determining routing destinations for the communications events based on the results of the match.
2. The computerized routing system of
3. The computerized routing system of
4. The computerized routing system of
5. The computerized routing system of
6. The computerized routing system of
7. The computerized routing system of
8. The computerized routing system of
9. A software application for determining routing destinations for communications events comprising;
a parsing module for parsing input from a communications event, producing a parsed result;
a data-search module for searching a data repository for agent characteristics matching the parsed result; and
an optimization module for optimizing the results of the data search and selecting a routing destination from the optimized data.
10. The software application of
11. The software application of
12. The software application of
13. The software application of
14. The software application of
15. The software application of
16. A method for routing communications events to communications agents comprising the steps of;
(a) obtaining input data from the communications events;
(b) parsing the obtained data for keywords and phrases;
(c) performing a data search of agent characteristics using the parsed keywords and phrases;
(d) optimizing data returned in the search;
(e) determining a routing destination from the optimized data; and
(f) routing the communications events to the selected routing destination.
17. The method of
18. The method of
19. The method of
20. The method of
21. The method of
22. The method of
The present invention is in the field of CTI telephony including data network telephony (DNT) communication and pertains more particularly to methods and apparatus for routing incoming communication events.
Telephone call processing and switching systems are, at the time of the present patent application, relatively sophisticated, computerized systems, and development and introduction of new systems continues. Much information on the nature of such hardware and software is available in a number of publications accessible to the present inventor and to those with skill in the art in general. For this reason, much minute detail of known systems is not reproduced here, as to do so would obscure the facts of the invention.
One document which provides considerable information on intelligent networks is "ITU-T Recommendation Q.1219, Intelligent Network User's Guide for Capability Set 1", dated April, 1994. This document is incorporated herein by reference.
At the time of filing the present patent application there continues to be remarkable growth in telephone routing systems, with routing done both at or near point-of origin of incoming calls, and at call destinations. For example, systems are known to the present inventor that perform initial call processing before routing an incoming call to a destination switch, and further routing is done at the call destination in computerized telephony equipment, often termed customer premises equipment (CPE). The present invention pertains most particularly to routing at customer premises.
There is, at the time of the present patent application, a considerable range of CPE systems available for use from various manufacturers, and, as state-of-the-art routing systems are typically computerized, there is a broad variety of software available for such systems as well. It is the software in general wherein routing rules are set, and the routing rules determine the decision-making paths a system follows in routing calls.
A large technical support operation serves as a good example in this specification of the kind of applications of telephone equipment and functions to which the present inventions pertain and apply, and a technical support organization may be used from time to time in the current specification for example purposes. Such a technical support system, as well as other such systems, typically has a country wide or even a world wide matrix of call centers for serving customer's needs. Such call center operations are more and more a common practice to provide redundancy and decentralization.
In a call center, a relatively large number of agents typically handle telephone communication with callers. Each agent is typically assigned to a telephone connected to a central switch, which is in turn connected to a public-switched telephone network (PSTN), well-known in the art. The central switch may be one of several types, such as Automatic Call Distributor (ACD), Private Branch Exchange (PBX), or a Public Access Branch Exchange (PABX). Each agent also typically has access to a computer platform having a video display unit (PC/VDU).
In addition to CTI communications centers, DNT capability including Internet Protocol (IP) communication has been introduced and successfully integrated into the telephony environment. In current art, it is not uncommon to have a CTI-enhanced call center that also practices Internet Protocol Telephony (IPT). With added capability and expanded media options, the term communication center now more appropriately describes the call-in center.
At the time of the present patent application intelligent telephony networks and IP networks share infrastructure to some extent, and computer equipment added to telephony systems for computer-telephony integration (CTI) are also capable of Internet connection and interaction. Therefore, there is often no clear distinction as to what part of a network is conventional telephony, and what part is IPT.
In conventional telephony systems, such as public-switched telephony networks (PSTNs), there are computerized service control points (SCPs) that provide central routing intelligence (hence the term intelligent network). Internet Protocol Networks (IPNs) do not have a centralized routing intelligence, such as a SCP. IPNs, however, have multiple Domain Name Servers (DNS), whose purpose is somewhat similar to that of routers in intelligent networks, which is to control the routing of traffic. Instead of telephony switches (PBXs), IP switches or IP routers are used.
Further to the above, IPT systems at the time of the present patent application are much less sophisticated than are CTI systems in provision of intelligent routing, parallel data transfer, supplemental data provision to agents, and the like. The advantages that embodiments of the invention described below bring to conventional telephony systems may also in most cases be provided to IPT systems and systems in which the form of the network between conventional telephony and IP protocol is blurred.
Telephony routing systems typically rely in part on customer identification, call-destination information, and call origination information to aid in routing. In standard telephony service such information, with the exception of caller identity, is typically provided as part of the service through such as caller line identity (CLID), automatic number identification service (ANIS), destination number identification service (DNIS), and so on. These protocols are well developed in standard telephony services, but are not well defined in DNT systems. Often, identification of a customer (actual person making the call) must be solicited at the time of the call.
One protocol developed to aid wireless communication in telephony is the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). The WAP protocol simplifies communication between wireless devices operating on a given network. WAP compliant devices are typically personalized devices which must have an assigned address and which must be authenticated on a network before use. Therefore, caller identification is a standard part of placing a call from a device that requires authentication to operate on a given network.
In prior art systems, routing protocol is typically institutionalized within a communications center using applicable software. Although there are widely varying systems in the art for creating and implementing routing rules, all such systems exhibit a common drawback. That is to say that once set up (programmed) to follow certain routing rules and practices, such rules cannot easily vary, and individual users or groups of users, cannot easily change or modify the rules.
In all telephony environments callers seeking service from a communications center do not always fit into defined categories that may be covered by existing rigid routing rules. Perhaps a caller has more than one objective when calling a communications center. Perhaps a caller requests a service that could be performed, but is not defined as an task within the center. Flexible routing routines and error routing routines are developed to handle such situations. However, such routines often dispose of callers in ways that the callers themselves do not expect or desire. One example, would be continually routing an individual back to an IVR menu because he or she wants to accomplish a goal that is not specifically defined with specific routing options made available to the caller when placing the call.
A degree of routing flexibility has more recently been achieved in more advanced intelligent systems known to the inventor through introduction of various "flexible" routing techniques. Among these are skill-based routing, predictive routing, priority routing, statistical routing, virtual queuing, and even knowledge-based routing. These routing techniques are known to the inventor, may be implemented in combination, and are typically server-controlled and executed. In some applications, these flexible rules may be changed for special cases at the time of or before a call reach a final destination. In this way, even more flexibility in routing may be achieved. In some of these systems known to the inventor, profiles are developed for repeat callers so that identification is more complete and special routing routines may be developed and executed based on profiled histories.
Even with all of the above-described improvements in routing techniques, there is still a measure of rigidity inherent with a rules-based routing system of any sort. That is to say that the actual rules are designed to accommodate certain known situations that take into account known parameters. Invariably, routing rules are set in place to handle predicted situations. Changing the rules, while not impossible, usually requires that someone having applicable skills in the art spend time and effort in order to effect any changes either before or at the time of a call.
What is clearly needed is a routing system that does not depend on pre-existing knowledge about callers or defined call situations that rigidly invoke specific call-handling routines. Such a system would offer a communications center the greatest degree available in routing flexibility and provide callers with an even more personalized and interactive service.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computerized routing system for routing communications events to final destinations is provided. The system includes a communications routing apparatus for receiving and routing the communications events and a system-client interface for accepting input upon arrival of the events to the communications routing apparatus. The system also includes a data repository for storing data related to at least one communications agent, and a software application for performing a data search in the data repository using the input taken from the communications events and determining routing destinations for the communications events based on the results of the data search.
In one aspect of the present invention, the system is adapted to a CTI-telephony environment wherein at least one of the communications events is a telephone call, at least one of the communications agents is a service representative, and the routing apparatus is a telephony switch. In this aspect, the routing performed by the system takes place within a telephony communications center.
In another aspect of the present invention, the system is adapted to a data-network telephony environment wherein at least one of the communications events is an IP voice call, at least one of the communications agents is a service representative, and the routing apparatus is an IP data router. In this aspect, the routing performed by the system takes place within a telephony communications center enhanced with DNT capabilities and equipment.
In both of the above-described aspects, the communications events may be of forms other than voice calls such as e-mails, faxes, instant messages, or other known forms. In still another aspect the system is adapted for wireless communication wherein the medium of communication is a wireless data network.
In still another aspect of the present invention the system is adapted to a personal routing environment wherein the routing apparatus is a personal router dedicated either in whole or in part to serving one communications agent having multiple destination numbers. In this aspect of the present invention, the routing apparatus is part of a telephony service subscribed to by the communications agent. Alternatively, the routing apparatus is a personal IP data router maintained by the agent.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a software application for determining routing destinations for communications events is provided. The software application includes a parsing module for parsing input from a communications event, a data-search module for searching a data repository using the parsed input, and an optimization module for optimizing the results of the data search and selecting a routing destination from the optimized data. In one embodiment, the input is solicited through an interactive voice response capability. Also in one embodiment the interactive voice response capability is enhanced with voice recognition capability.
In some aspects of the present invention the communications events are text based and the parsing module parses text from the events. In other aspects, the communications events are voice calls and the parsing module parses keywords and phrases from solicited voice input. In a preferred embodiment the optimization module optimizes the data according to data-match percentage values. And in some aspects of a preferred embodiment the data-search module searches more than one designated data repository for matching data.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for routing communications events to communications agents is provided. The method includes the steps of obtaining input data from the communications events, and then parsing the obtained data for keywords and phrases. A data search is then performed in a data repository using the parsed keywords and phrases obtained from the input data. The search results are then optimized according to data match percentage values, and a routing destination is determined from the optimized data. Communications events are then routed to the selected routing destinations.
In preferred embodiments, the method is practiced in a CTI telephony environment that is enhanced with data-network-telephony capability including IP telephony. Through practicing the present invention, communications events may be routed to best matching service agents in a communication center and other telephony environments without depending on rigid rules-based routing conventions as will be taught below.
FIG. 1 is a network-diagram illustrating a communication center enhanced with a fuzzy-logic routing intelligence according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a fuzzy-logic routing process according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a network-diagram illustrating a communication center 15 enhanced with a fuzzy-logic routing intelligence (SW 32) according to an embodiment of the present invention. An exemplary communications network 9 is illustrated for the purpose of describing the present invention. Network 9 comprises a PSTN network 11, the well known Internet network 13 and communication center 15.
PSTN 11 is intended to exemplify a connection-oriented-switched-telephony (COST) network as known in the art of telecommunications. PSTN 11 may also be of the form of a private or corporate telephony network without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The inventor chooses PSTN as an example because of the high public access characteristic. PSTN 11 may be assumed to contain all of the equipment and lines necessary for facilitating telephony as known in the art, much of which was described in the background section. SCPs, routers, telephony switches, network gateways, and the like are included in equipment known to exist in network 11. Also as described in the background section, CTI enhancement for intelligent routing purposes may be provided at network level within PSTN 11. A vector 19 illustrates calls, which are destined for exemplary communication center 15, originating from anywhere in PSTN 11. The skilled artisan will recognize that center 15 is meant to represent any of a very large number of call destinations.
Internet 13 represents the most publicly accessible Wide-Area-Network (WAN) known and is chosen by the inventor as an example for that reason. Alternatively, Internet 13 may, instead of an Internet network, be a private or corporate WAN, an Intranet, an ethernet, or any other data-packet-network (DPN) enhanced for IP communication. Internet 11 may be assumed to contain all of the known equipment necessary for facilitating Internet communication including DNT of which IPNT is a sub-set. Such equipment includes data routers, domain servers, network gateways, WEB servers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the like. A vector 17 represents communication events originating from anywhere in Internet 13 that are destined to exemplary communications center 15.
Communication center 15 represents a dually-capable center able to receive incoming communication events from PSTN 11 in the form of COST events, and from Internet 13 in the form of DNT events. COST events 19 arriving into communication center 15 are received in this embodiment at a central telephony switch 25 by way of a telephony trunk 21. In this example, switch 25 happens to be an automatic call distributor (ACD), however other types of telephony switches may be substituted therfor. DNT events 17 arriving into communication center are received at an IP router 31 by way of an Internet access line 23. The configuration and connection means described above are known in the art and it will be appreciated that there are other possibilities pertaining to how center 15 may receive incoming communication events from network level.
Inside communication center 15, events 19 and 17 are routed to agents working at stations adapted to receive the events. For example, there are four agent stations illustrated in this embodiment. These are agent stations 45, 47, 49, and 51. The skilled artisan will recognize that there may be many more than these four stations. In this example, each agent station is equipped with a COST telephone for handling COST events. These are telephones 53, 55, 57, and 59 respectively. Cost telephones 53-59 are connected to central switch 25 by an internal telephone wiring 26.
Each agent station 45-51 is also equipped with a personal computer having a video display unit (PC/VDU). These are PC/VDUs 61, 63, 65, and 67 respectively. Each PC/VDU 61-67 is connected to a local-area-network (LAN) 35 within center 15. LAN 35 is capable as a data-packet-network (DPN), which is enhanced for transfer control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) communication in this embodiment as well as for other known Internet protocols as may deemed appropriate for facilitating routed events 17. PC/VDUs 61-67 are utilized for receiving DNT events 17. IP router 31 is connected to LAN 35 for the purpose of routing IP events over LAN 35 to target PC/VDUs 61-67.
In an alternative embodiment, telephones 53-59 may also be adapted to handle IP telephony. In this case, they would either be connected to respective PC/VDUs within their stations, or be LAN connected. It will be appreciated that there are many possibilities for integrated telephony. The inventor chooses to illustrate separate communication capabilities with respect to telephones 53-59 and PC/VDUs 61-67 for exemplary purpose only, therefore the configurations represented herein should not be construed as limiting in any way.
Telephony switch 25 is CTI-enhanced by a connected processor 29, and by an intelligent peripheral 27, which operates as an interactive voice response/recognition unit (IVR). IVR 27 is enhanced for practice of the present invention. Software (SW) 32 of the present invention is provided to reside and execute on processor 29. SW 32 provides enhancement to switch 25 and IVR unit 27 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, described more fully below.
IP router 31 contains it's own processor (not shown). An IVR capability (software) is provided to reside and execute on IP router 31. SW 32 running on IP router 31 enhances IVR 33 for practicing the present invention. Similar to IVR 27, IVR 33 has voice response and recognition capabilities. Enhancements provided by SW 32 in processor 29 and by SW 32 in IP router 31 are described further below.
It is a goal of the present invention to provide intelligent routing capability to communication center 15 without depending on rigid, rules-based routing routines. A means for accomplishing this goal is provided using fuzzy logic. In this aspect, the inventor provides a unique configuration of software tools, which are adapted to create expressions that describe client needs when calling center 15 and agent capabilities for handling the client needs. For example, a Capability Expressions Tools Interface (CETI) repository 37 is provided and connected to LAN 35. CETI repository 37 contains records of all of capabilities of communication center 15 regarding capabilities of agents and automated systems created through Capability Expressions Tools (CETs). Broadly speaking, capabilities are defined as what services are provided at what levels by which agents and systems. Therefore, agents working at stations 45-51 along with automated systems have data sections reserved for them wherein all of their specific parameters are listed. A set of such parameters is defined by the inventor as a capabilities expression of a particular agent or automated system.
Automated systems (A-SYS) are illustrated herein as A-SYS 41, which is responsible for COST automated systems, and A-SYS 43, which is responsible for DNT automated systems. A-SYS 41 is connected to telephony wiring 26 and represents capabilities such as automated call-backs, automated faxes, automated voice messaging, and so on. A-SYS 43 is connected to LAN 35 and represents capabilities such as automated e-mails, automated computer faxes, automated file shares, instant message alerts, and so on.
A-SYS 41 may be activated in this example, from any of telephones 53-59, or from processor 29. A-SYS 43 may be activated from any of PC/VDUs 61-67, or from IP router 31. In some embodiments, A-SYS 41 may be activated from any LAN-connected node. Capabilities of both A-SYS 41 and A-SYS 43 are stored in CETI 37 along with agent capabilities expressions as described above.
A second repository termed a needs-expression-tool-interface (NETI) 39 is provided and connected to LAN 35. NETI 39 contains expressions specific to client needs that have been stored after successful client/agent interactions. In this example, SW 32 instances running on processor 29 and on IP router 31 work with information held in CETI 37 and in NETI 39 to provide clients with a best match to an agent based on their specific needs when calling into center 15. In this example, SW 32 may be assumed to be a set of Needs Expression Tools (NET).
In practice of the present invention, clients calling into center 15, represented herein by vectors 19 (COST) and 17 (DNT), are provided with a unique IVR greeting by way of IVR 27 (COST) and IVR 33 (DNT). The greeting, in one embodiment, may simply ask the client what the nature of his or her business is with center 15 for that particular call. In prior art systems, an IVR greeting would instead solicit a customer response to a list of rigid options to which routing rules apply.
SW 32 instances illustrated herein enable IVR 27 and IVR 33 to recognize and parse natural language spoken by a customer. Parsed sections are termed needs expressions by the inventor. IVR functionality provided by SW 32 of the present invention may be described as a needs expression tool (NET) for creating needs expressions or instant profiles. Other tools may qualify as needs expression tools. For example, a fax sent in by a customer may be scanned and parsed by a text parser. This system would become a NET for creating instant profiles from a fax or other text communication. There are many such possibilities.
Agents working at stations 45-51 are profiled with capabilities expression tools (CET) as described above. Using such tools, profiles or capabilities expressions are created that describe agent parameters and service capabilities. CETs may be utilized by a system administrator (not shown) to create agent profiles that are stored in CETI 37 on behalf of all agents assigned to or working at center 15. Similarly, automated system CETs are created and stored by an administrator or other knowledge worker. CETs may be of the form of interactive applications partially filled out by agents themselves and edited or modified by administrative personnel. In one embodiment, a CET incorporates current agent status in periodic or real-time updates such that his or her profile stored in CETI 37 may change as the agent's state changes during an active work period.
NETs, created through customer interaction, are used to search CETI 37 for best matching capabilities expressions in order to determine where to internally route the customer. In this way the disparity between a customer profile (what a customer wants) and an agent profile (what an agent can do) may be substantially reduced. Routing based on fuzzy logic may be applied without rigid routing rules or routines. In another embodiment, fuzzy logic routine may be practiced in conjunction with certain routing routines in order to provide overriding flexibility to a rules-based routing system as a whole.
It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the method and apparatus of the present invention may be practiced in a variety of different ways for different types of communication media without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The preferred embodiment illustrated herein focuses on creating needs expressions from customer voice interactions using enhanced IVR and natural language parsing capability as a NET. Both COST and IP voice calls are handled in essentially the same manner. Applicable NETs may be created for e-mails, faxes, letters, file requests, and other forms of communication.
It will also be apparent to one with skill in the art that CETs may be developed that incorporate real-time information without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, an interactive software application (not shown) may be created that agents may interact with in order to input profile information. Profile information would include basic skills, languages spoken, expertise in lesser known areas, and so on. Administrators or supervisors may then add to or refine the created profiles. While CETs are being held in CETI 37, they may be updated periodically to reflect current assignment, availability, newly acquired skills, and so on.
In an alternative embodiment, agents do not create their own profiles but have them created on their behalf by knowledge workers familiar with the agents skills and training. There are many possibilities. More detail about a fuzzy logic routing process is provided below.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a fuzzy-logic routing process according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Software (SW) 69 illustrated herein may, in one embodiment, be analogous to SW 32 illustrated in FIG. 1 running on processor 29 and on IP router 31. This would, of course be in an embodiment exemplifying COST and IP voice callers whom are first interacted with by IVR. However, in another embodiment, SW 69 may be adapted to work with e-mails, faxes, and other communication forms as previously described.
In order to create a needs expression for one COST or DNT interaction, SW 69 must receive a solicited customer input 72. Input 72 may be of the form of an IVR interaction, an interactive text form (DNT), or another medium wherein the customer is first prompted for the nature of his or her request. Input 72 may be of the form of a natural language request, however coded input may also be utilized in some applications. In the example of FIG. 1, the solicitation is accomplished through IVR functionality. In an alternate application such as e-mail, solicitation may not be required, as an e-mail destined to communication center 15 will likely already contain a request that may be parsed and understood.
In the case of IVR functionality, voice recognition is utilized to analyze input 72. This occurs within a needs expression engine (NEE) 71, which is a part of SW 69. NEE 71 is adapted to parse certain portions of input 72 for useful information. Nouns, verbs, part numbers, product titles, adjectives and so on may be recognized by NEE 71 and organized into parsed sets. Using a natural language parsing engine in conjunction with voice recognition software allows NEE to create parsed sets which reflect the customers own words (needs expression). Additional information tagged to each parsed set would identify the caller or originator of input 72 according to methods used in rules-based routing. Parsed sets, also termed needs expressions, are then used as input for a search engine 73 as illustrated by the directional arrow labeled parsed sets.
Search engine 73 searches CETI repository 37 for matching capabilities expressions associated with agents, illustrated therein as objects A1-An, and automated systems, illustrated therein as AS1 and AS2. This data search is illustrated herein by the double arrow connecting search engine 73 to CETI 37. Capabilities expressions are identified in CETI 37 according to agent/system ID, agent/system current status, agent/system current availability factor, and so on. Therefore, engine 73 may be adapted to ignore matching data from the capabilities expressions of agents or systems that are unavailable for routing because of one reason or another.
Matching data information is collected by engine 73 and passed to a results optimizer 75. Optimizer 75 organizes returned data according to matched percentages. For example, a percentage threshold may be applied to engine 75, which causes only matches at 100% down to 90% be utilized and then only the top three within that range. The top three CETI matches may be used as a first, second, and third priority routing destinations.
In one embodiment of the present invention, synonyms to keywords contained in a needs expression may be utilized in a CETI search performed by engine 73. For example, if a needs expression reads desire, check, stock, and portfolio, a matching capabilities expression may contain the words quotes, broker, portfolio organization, licensed trader. Note the terms quote, broker, and trader do not match semantically with the parsed set or needs expression. However, the latter terms may be considered synonyms of the parsed set especially due to the known nature of the business (stock trading company), which the customer called. Synonymous relationships may be created and stored in a knowledge base (not shown) that is accessible to search engine 73 or to needs expression engine 71.
Results optimizer 75 reads the agent/system identification and internal routing parameters associated with the best match of a needs expression to a capabilities expression and sends a routing command to either router 31 or switch 25 (from FIG. 1).
Router/Switch (31, 25) then routes the event to a target agent or system. In this example, a customer wishing to check his or her portfolio was routed to an available and licensed stock trader and portfolio organizer as illustrated by the arrow labeled Agent/System leaving router/switch (31, 25).
In still another embodiment, a reporting feature may be provided in a target agent's desktop or in a supervisor's agent monitoring application (known to the inventor) that reports the measure of success (satisfaction of customer) of the transpiring interaction back to SW 69. Software 69 may then cause the needs expression of the target caller to be stored in NETI repository 39 of FIG. 1. In this way, a search may be automatically refined by first comparing new needs expressions to stored ones that resulted in successful interaction before searching CETI 37. There are many possibilities.
It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the method and apparatus of the present invention may be successfully integrated with existing routing systems that use standard call origination and destination protocols as well as line and customer identification techniques for routing purposes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. WAP users may benefit by having authenticated identifications, which may be linked to detailed customer profiles. Such profiles may be parsed for additional keywords not included in an initial request to further enhance a search for a best matching agent.
In one embodiment, the method and apparatus of the present invention may be applied to a personal router or service used by one individual having a plurality of possible destination numbers. In this case, a needs expression solicited from a caller may include parameters that, depending on content, would match one of individual capabilities expressions that are set-up for each of the possible destinations. In this embodiment, additional logic such as time of day, day of the week, time of year, etc. may be added to a needs expression to further enhance the possibility of a first routing that is successful (agent available at that destination).
The method and apparatus of the present invention may be practiced on any type of telecommunications network or system including combinations of disparate systems without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore the method and apparatus of the present invention should be afforded the broadest scope under examination. The spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims.
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3rd October 2008
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Organisers claim homophobic fire department closed gay festival
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2nd October 2008
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Last chance to get tickets for Stella Duffy night
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Hollyoaks: Will Frankie and Darren be forced to tell the police about Jack?
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Film Review: Quantum of Solace 3
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2:33 PM — After the sheer madness of his only two feature films to date, 1999's Being John Malkovich and 2002's Adaptation, it's a safe bet that Spike Jonze must have been low down on anybody's list as the ideal director for a big screen adaptation of a hit series of children's books.
Film Review: Ghost Town
2:29 PM — Channel Four's late night comedy series The 11 O'Clock Show may only have run for three years, and may never have overly troubled the ratings, but it somehow proved a test bed for two of the biggest British comedy phenomena of the last decade. Launched in 1998 and hosted by Iain Lee (now best known as a radio presenter) and Daisy Donovan, the comedy elements of the show were always a bit hit and miss – which may have been why two characters in particular stood out so clearly above the rest.
Film Review: High School Musical 3 – Senior Year 3
2:26 PM — If you aren't aware of the phenomenon that is High School Musical, it's a safe bet that you're over the age of 15 and don't yet have any children or grandchildren under that age. For its target demographic – mostly girls in their "tweens" (roughly 8-14) – High School Musical is like Harry Potter, Barbie and Pokémon all mixed together and combined with a serious sugar rush. It seems that they just can't get enough of this wholesome franchise of sickly-sweet, unbelievably innocent films, where pristine teenagers sing and dance about the joys of young love, close friendship, and being true to yourself.
Film Review: The Rocker
2:20 PM — There's been a fairly strong tradition of Hollywood comedies revolving around the idea of aspiring rock gods, from the oddball antics of Bill and Ted and their time-travelling escapades in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey through the Wayne's World movies, up to the recent hit School of Rock, with many more along the way – including the oft-forgotten Airheads from 1994, which helped launch the careers of both Brendan Fraser and Adam Sandler.
Film Review: What Just Happened? 1
2:15 PM — Back in 1976 the young Robert De Niro, at the height of his powers, appeared in a restrained classic movie about moviemaking, The Last Tycoon. Based on the final, unfinished novel by one of the greatest American writers of the twentieth century, F. Scott Fitzgerald – a man with a strong Hollywood track record of his own – it revolved around a workaholic Hollywood hotshot producer and his efforts to form a relationship with a young woman. The parallels between the moviemaking genius of the lead character and that of the masterly young actor portraying him were apparent to all.
Film Review: How To Lose Friends And Alienate People
2:12 PM — British comedy's invasion of Hollywood continues apace. Ricky Gervais is hailed as a comedy god, with awards aplenty alongside appearances on cult favourites The Simpsons and computer game smash hit Grand Theft Auto IV, as well as a bunch of small roles in films such as Stardust and For Your Consideration, and his first starring role in a Hollywood movie coming up later this month.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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- Moa Ladies Plassa Convertible Jacket
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zoom Moa Ladies Plassa Convertible Jacket
Moa Ladies Plassa Convertible Jacket
fabric 2:
- 83% Polyester
- 17% Elastane(Spandex)
fabric 3:
- 77% Polyamide(Nylon)
- 23% Elastane(Spandex)
fabric 4:
- 41% Polyamide(Nylon)
- 37% Polyester
- 22% Elastane(Spandex)
- 100% Polyester
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A windproof jacket with detachable sleeves for flexible weather protection in changing conditions. The Plassa jacket includes membrane fabric on the chest and sleeves for protection against wind and Gillsystem vents for cooling air flow on the climbs.
Top Features of the Moa Ladies Plassa Convertible Jacket
- Detachable sleeves
- Gillsystem ventilation
- Breathable fabric construction
- Windproof front panel and sleeves
- Windproof zip placket
- Stretch fabric construction
- Reflective insert on back
- Silicon gripper at hem
- Three back pockets
Product Data
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About Cycling Windproof Jackets
Windproof jackets can improve your comfort levels on the bike considerably when the weather turns nasty, factors such as wind resistance and high breathability are important if you will be riding at a high pace over a fair distance, along with wearing a good quality base or mid layer to help with wicking moisture away from your skin. A windproof cycle jacket will help keep the cold air from reaching your chest, this means your body stays warm and comfortable on those cold days.
About the Moa brand
Founded in 1970, MOA Sport`s history is one of innovation, tradition, industrial development and sporting achievement. The Italian company, based in Castel d`Ario in the Mantova region, was started by Vincenzo Mantovani, Silver medallist in the team pursuit at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, with the aim of selling the race clothing made for him by the women in his village. Following Vincenzo`s tragic death as a result of a plane crash, his brother Claudio, who himself had an esteemed career in goal for AC Milan during the 1960`s and early 70`s, took over the reins of the company and continues to participate fully in the operation. MOA are fiercely proud of their all Italian production, and are genuinely keen to protect their legitimate use of the "Made in Italy" stamp. They produce their own polyester, and create countless fabrics from their vast yarn store. This commitment to Italian manufacture, the desire to continue developing innovative fabrics and garments with feedback from the world`s best, combined with the experienced local workforce, many of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years and will remain until they retire place MOA firmly at the top of the cycle clothing arena. MOA Sport have been inseparable with cycling`s professional peloton since their inception, and this close knit relationship continues today. Some of the world`s most famous names have won every monument in cycling during the companies history, adorned in MOA clothing technology, whether through open sponsorship or behind the scenes manufacture for other companies demanding assistance in producing the best and today they support 50% of the World Tour peloton. The MOA collection was launched 3 years ago, with the sole purpose of providing customers with the same products and technologies developed with the professional peloton. Fabrics such as WindTex and Olympic, and the Kamaltex membrane which operates like a gill system for enhanced moisture and temperature management, are included in the collection only after extensive use and feedback from professional riders and team managers. The aim of the product is to enable enthusiasts to obtain the same technologies used by professionals and to improve their comfort, performance and enjoyment of the sport as a result. Designed and produced by the same individual people, with equal skill and passion, MOA clothing enables every cyclist to benefit from World Tour development.
|X Small
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|Extra Extra Large
|A. Chest
|78 - 81cm
|82 - 85cm
|86 - 89cm
|90 - 93cm
|94 - 97cm
|98 - 101cm
|B. Waist
|61 - 64cm
|65 - 68cm
|69 - 72cm
|73 - 76cm
|77 - 80cm
|81 - 84cm
|C. Hips
|88 - 91cm
|92 - 95cm
|96 - 99cm
|100 - 103cm
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|108 - 111cm
|X Small
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|A. Chest
|301⁄2″ - 32″
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|B. Waist
|24″ - 25″
|251⁄2″ - 27″
|27″ - 281⁄2″
|281⁄2″ - 30″
|301⁄2″ - 311⁄2″
|32″ - 33″
|C. Hips
|341⁄2″ - 36″
|36″ - 371⁄2″
|38″ - 39″
|391⁄2″ - 401⁄2″
|41″ - 42″
|421⁄2″ - 431⁄2″
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Goods are shipped from the UK. Does not include delivery charges, local taxes or import duties, if applicable.
More information on International delivery options
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We will happily refund or exchange any item purchased on Wiggle if returned to us within 365 days, excluding Wiggle gift vouchers and personalized products except when faulty.
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Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer)
Bowel cancer is also called colorectal cancer and includes large bowel cancer (colon cancer) and cancer of the back passage (rectal cancer or cancer of the rectum). Find out about bowel cancer symptoms, risk factors, causes and preventing bowel cancer. There is information about tests to diagnose bowel cancer and treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, research and clinical trials. The living with bowel cancer section has information about diet after surgery, managing a colostomy, and how cancer may affect your sex life.
More information
You can also find bowel cancer organisations providing help and support, a reading list and see where this information comes from.
Join our forum
Did you know that Cancer Research UK has an online forum for people affected by cancer? Cancer Chat is your space to talk about cancer.
Latest bowel cancer news
Read the latest news on bowel cancer.
- News: Advice on being active should be routine in bowel cancer care
- 29 Apr 2015
- News: From snapshot to family tree – writing the evolutionary rule book of cancer
- 15 Apr 2015
- News: From Branch to Bedside – standing up to inherited bowel cancer
- 24 Mar 2015
Rated 4 out of 5 based on 39 votes
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WRXtuners Member
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Location: Pennsylvania
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Yeah Ill probably contact Chad I searched around and so far he's has the best rep. in the area
If I should get a tune right now what would be the numbers you think I would get as far as increase in power?
Aw, be nice to IAG. They did a fantastic job rolling and pulling my fenders and I'll probably go back there for another alignment after I purchase/install the rest of my suspension goodies and a pro tune after I gather my post-Stage2/pre-turbo upgrade goodies. Great bunch of guys in that shop... even though the mechanics kept trying to sell me BC coils
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Mon-Fri: 7am-1am EST / Sat-Sun: 7am-11pm EST
ApplianceKitchenAid Refrigerator
Level of DifficultyReally easy
Time to do repair15 - 30 mins
Age of Appliance5 - 10 years
8 out of 11 people found this instruction helpful
I removed the two screws holding the cover door, then the three on the uder side of the icemaker assembly. I carefully worked the old unit out; it was a tight fit. The most difficult step involved disconnecting the power assembly. Due to the space, it was hard to get hold of each side of the clip to pull it out. After the old unit was out, just reversed the steps and had the first batch of ice in less than an hour. (I washed the new unit with warm water and soup as it had grease/lubricant on it when taken out of the package).
Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.
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Part Number: PS869316
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The PartSelect logo is a Registered Trademark of Atlantic Laundry Centres, Ltd.
Copyright © 1999-2015 , Eldis Group Partnership. All rights reserved.


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Western Horse Shoe Ring Cupcake Topper (set of 12)
Product Info
Cupcake topper, party favor, ring?
Yes please!
This listing is for the following:
(12) horseshoe ring cupcake toppers
*not intended for small children
Pink baking / nut cups
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12 July 2013 21:34 [Source: ICIS news]
By Joseph Chang
NEW YORK (ICIS)--Advanced specialty polymers are on the cusp of breaking through in the aerospace sector, the chief executive of Solvay said on Friday.
"Aerospace is a key target market for us, and we are just starting to see the development of new specialty polymer applications," said Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, CEO of Belgium-based Solvay.
Clamadieu spoke at an event featuring the Solar Impulse, an ultra-lightweight solar powered plane, at ?xml:namespace>
Solvay produced a number of components for the Solar Impulse, including the solar cell encapsulants, and is one of its lead sponsors.
"We are optimistic about new products still to be brought to market in aerospace and automotive, so we see our specialty polymers business as a jewel," he added.
Solvay's specialty polymers include fluorinated polymers as well as certain polyamides.
Lightweight specialty polymers will have applications inside the cabin of aircraft, such as in overhead luggage compartments, rather than structural components, Clamadieu said.
"We are working on foam applications of some of our polymers for different types of parts that can be used on the inside of the cabin," Clamadieu said.
In the automotive sector, there is a greater challenge in the penetration of specialty polymers because of costs and the use of metal in high volumes, he noted.
"But for electric vehicles … it is a different concept that could open up opportunities for specialty polymers," Clamadieu said.
For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.
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Radio Made in Michigan
1:35 pm
Thu August 29, 2013
Michigan railroads crucial to state; conference meets to discuss challenges
By Current State
Michigan railroads employ thousands of workers, maintain thousands of miles of track, move millions of tons freight, and generate billions of dollars. The system's health is crucial to commerce in the state.
This week, railroad officials and experts gathered for a conference in Lansing. Current State's Scott Pohl went to the conference to talk with David Closs, a professor of Business Administration in the Department of Supply Chain Management at MSU's Broad College of Business, about the challenges facing the state's rail system.
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text:
The biography of Takeshi Kitano. This page has biographical information on Takeshi Kitano, one of the best poets of all time. This PoetrySoup page also provides access to the poet's poems, best poetry, quotes, and video biographies...if available.
Takeshi Kitano ( , Kitano Takeshi , born 18 January 1947) is a Japanese film director, comedian, singer, actor, film editor, presenter, screenwriter, author, poet, painter, and one-time video game designer who has received critical acclaim, both in his native Japan and abroad, for his idiosyncratic cinematic work. Japanese film critic Nagaharu Yodogawa once dubbed him "the true successor" to the influential filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. With the exception of his works as a film director, he is known almost exclusively by the name Beat Takeshi (, Bito Takeshi ). Since April 2005, he has been a professor at the Graduate School of Visual Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts. Kitano owns his own talent agency and production company, Office Kitano, which launched Tokyo Filmex in 2000.
Sorry, no poems have been posted.
More Takeshi Kitano Information


text:
Born: March 16, 1940
Keith Rowe (born in Plymouth, England) is an English free improvisation guitarist and painter.
Rowe is a founding member of AMM in the mid-1960s (though in 2004 he quit that group for the second time) and a founding member of M.I.M.E.O. He trained as a visual artist, and Rowe's paintings have been featured on most of his own albums.
After years of obscurity, Rowe has achieved a level of relative notoriety, and since the late 1990s has kept up a busy recording and touring schedule. He is seen as a godfather of electroacoustic improvisation, and many of his recent recordings have been released by Erstwhile Records....
read more
Multiple Reviews
CD/LP/Track Review
- E.E.Tension and Circumstance by Mark Corroto
Extended Analysis
Live Reviews
CD/LP/Track Review
- Between by John Eyles


text:
In The News
Zentila Launches illuminate3P Strategic Sourcing Solution for Meeting Planners
May 22, 2015
May 22, 2015
Zentila Unveils Third-Party Sourcing Solution
Meetings Focus
May 22, 2015
May 22, 2015
New Hotel Sourcing Tool For Third-Party Planners
Successful Meetings
May 21, 2015
May 21, 2015
Zentila to Launch New Platform for Third-Party Planners
Meetings and Conventions
May 20, 2015
May 20, 2015
Zentila Unveils Technology to Customize Meetings Packages
Successful Meetings
April 30, 2014
April 30, 2014
The 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry in 2013
Successful Meetings
July 01, 2013
July 01, 2013
Former Starwood Executive Matthew Avril Named to Zentila Board of Directors
Successful Meetings
May 14, 2013
May 14, 2013
Northstar Travel Media Chooses Zentila for Online Facilities Search
Meetings and Conventions
April 17, 2013
April 17, 2013
Zentila Launches Cloud-Based Strategic Meetings Management Solution
Successful Meetings
January 02, 2013
January 02, 2013
Lead Spam and the Commoditization of the Meetings Industy
Government Connections
January 01, 2013
January 01, 2013
Lead Spam and the Commoditization of the Meetings Industry – Some Answers
Greenfield Services, Inc.
October 03, 2012
October 03, 2012
Technology—What programs are best?
International Meetings Review
September 17, 2012
September 17, 2012
Redefined, Zentila Launches Version 2.0
Hotel interactive
September 13, 2012
September 13, 2012
Zentila launches 2.0 upgrade
September 13, 2012
September 13, 2012
Technology—Zentila launches 2.0 upgrade
International Meetings Review
September 13, 2012
September 13, 2012
Taming the RFP Process
Meetings Focus
June 20, 2012
June 20, 2012
Tom Murphy Joins Zentila as Chief Technology Officer
June 19, 2012
June 19, 2012
Zentila Wins Judges and Audience Award at Inaugural VenturePitch Orlando Event
May 30, 2012
May 30, 2012
Your Meeting RFP: Simple Tips to Get Hotels to Stand Up and Take Notice (Part I)
January 26, 2012
January 26, 2012
Zentila - Meeting Services
January 01, 2012
January 01, 2012
Meeting and Event Trends for 2012 and Beyond
AV Event Solutions
November 16, 2011
November 16, 2011
Trend Spotting: WHO SHRANK THE WINDOW?
Smart Meetings
November 01, 2011
November 01, 2011
Press Releases
Zentila to Launch illuminate3P™
May 20, 2015Zentila Unveils illuminate3P – a strategic sourcing solution for third party planners. illuminate3P is the first meetings sourcing and management solution developed specifically for third-party and independent meeting planners. The robust new solution simplifies the time-consuming tasks and provides tools to help third parties communicate easily and effectively with customers. Additionally, it offers dynamic reporting and forecasting tools to help them manage their business. The revolutionary solution launches in mid-June.
Zentila Now Powers More Than 500,000 Meeting Planners Worldwide.
September 09, 2014
Veteran Hotel Executive Matt Avril to Join Zentila Board of Directors
May 08, 2013Zentila today announced that veteran hotel executive and former Hotel Group President of Starwood Hotels, Matthew Avril will join its Board of Directors. The announcement was made by Zentila Founder and ZEO Mike Mason. Avril is also an investor in the two-year-old company ...
Northstar Media Group Chooses Zentila to Offer Dynamic Sourcing and Booking on Facility Search Site
April 15, 2013Northstar Travel Media, the world's leading business-to-business media company serving the travel and meetings industries, has entered into a partnership with Zentila, the first online sourcing and booking solution for meeting planners, to offer its dynamic sourcing and booking platform on Northstar's Successful Meetings and Meetings and Conventions online facility search.
Zentila Chosen as Official Meeting Planning Resource of the American Society of Administrative Professionals
January 07, 2013Zentila has partnered with the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP), a community of over 36,000 administrative professionals. The majority of meetings and conventions held at hotels every year are booked by occasional meeting planners, such as administrative professionals. But until now, admins have had few resources to help them effectively build comprehensive meeting RFPs, research venues, and negotiate with ...
Zentila Launches 'Enlightenment'
December 03, 2012Enlightenment is a free Strategic Meetings Management solution (SMM) for companies looking to add complete transparency to their meetings activity across the enterprise. The intuitive platform enables users throughout the organization hierarchy to easily access key reports and raw data using Zentila's "one-click" ...
Zentila Chosen to Compete in 2nd Annual Igniting Innovation Capital Acceleration Showcase
July 01, 2012Zentila was chosen by the Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) and Space Florida as one of ten high-tech companies to compete in the second annual I2 (Igniting Innovation) Capital Acceleration Showcase. On September 21, 2012, Zentila will compete for a $100,000 prize awarded by Space Florida.
Zentila Takes Home the Prize(s) at the Inaugural VenturePitch Orlando Conference
June 18, 2012Zentila was awarded both the Judges' and Audience Awards on Tuesday, May 22, at the inaugural VenturePitch Orlando event. Hosted by Florida Venture Sourcing, an online resource connecting Florida's technology venture community, VenturePitch Orlando showcased six promising early-stage companies who were selected to pitch their business plans to the event's technology investor judges from nearly 40 applying companies.
Tom Murphy Joins Zentila as Chief Technology Officer
June 18, 2012Orlando, FL – June 14, 2012 – Tom Murphy has joined Zentila, the online booking tool for meetings, as Chief Technology Officer. The announcement was made by Mike Mason, Zentila's founder and Z.E.O.
Zentila Wins Four W3 Awards
October 31, 2011ZENTILA BRINGS HOME THE GOLD (AND SILVER!) New Company Receives Four W³ Awards Winter Garden, Fla. – October 31, 2011 – Zentila, the recently launched hospitality technology company, is the recipient of four prestigious industry awards for the design and functionality of its website. The W³ Awards is a competition that celebrates outstanding websites, web marketing, web video and mobile apps, and is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts. The awards, which included a Gold Award in the "General Website, Hotel and Lodging" category, and Silver Awards in the "Travel," "Web Applications and Services" and "Visual Appeal" categories, were achieved in collaboration with Florida-based company squareFACTOR, Zentila's web design agency. The Zentila entries were selected from more than 3,000 competitors.
Drew Bagley Joins Zentila as COO
September 20, 2011Winter Garden, FL – September 20, 2011 – Drew Bagley has joined Zentila, the recently launched hospitality technology company, as Chief Operating Officer, or Z.O.O. The announcement was made by Mike Mason, Z.E.O. and founder of Zentila.
Mason Bio
July 21, 2011
Groundbreaking Survey
June 06, 2011


text: I have 2 Traxxas ez peak chargers and love em. I run 3S lipos and every now and then I have a problem with both chargers. When I balance store it will get to 3.8 or 3.79 per cell and run for ever like its trying to balance before finish. But it will stay there for a long time. Most of the time if I switch the battery to the other charger and start the balance store over within 2 minutes it beeps done. sometimes no problem at all and sometimes it runs way too long like you know it should have finished but doesn't. I even bought plastic safe contact cleaner for the balance plug figuring maybe it was dirt messing with the balance board contacts. I bash dirt only NO MUD OR WATER. Any ideas? Oh and I NEVER have a problem balance charging with either one just storing.


text:
Let us know how you get on with the vets
Sorry for not updating you guys about Bella.
She had her jabs on the 5th but is due some more on the 25th due to the vet being worried she had her first lot to early (7 weeks)
She has been given some ear drops as she has ear mites, which I thought she might have. I told him about her tummy prblem but he wasn't worried just said keep an eye on her and he will check her again in 3weeks.
Well the ear drops have worked and her ears are nice and clean now, but the tummy trouble hasn't gone, so yesterday I took her back to the vets for a check up, he said she is well in herself but think she may have a sensitive tummy so he has given her a special diet for a few days and then we can try normal food but we will need to buy a very plain food for her.
I have been looking online and found a few places that sell puppy food for sensitive tummys, so fingers crossed she will be ok once we get her food under control.
Oh and she is now teething so that isn't going to help.
Glad to hear she is mostly doing good Lozzy :)
My Basil (who is now 21 months) also had a very sensitive tummy when he was little, and was quite poorly with it. We had to try a few types of food before finding something that worked. He eventually settled on James Wellbeloved Lamb & Rice - even nowadays if we change it to a different flavour his tummy is affected, though he is a lot better and get eat a wider variety of foodstuff. You can get this and some others at Pets at Home if you have one close by. We also found that feeding him smaller meals more often during the day helped too so his tummy wasn't having to digest too much at one time. Oh, and we learned the hard way that feeding normal treats can undo the hard work!
Oh....teething Lock all of your furniture away, lol!!!
Glad to hear your puppy has improved with time, lets hope Bella does the same.
I have been looking that that food for her so I might give it a try.
Oh and yes I found out this morning that maybe her treats need to change, she was fine this morning and then when I got home she wasn't and I had given her a treat like I do every morning when I have to leave her to take the kids to school.
I'll have to find something more natural to give her as we use treats bit to train her.
I hope you are able to find the right food and treats.
Arthur was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD) and now has to eat special food and treats. His food is venison and potato.
Good to hear that ears are good as gold!
Barney recently had dodgy tum so did the rice and chicken also scrambled egg is a good help if pup should have the runs
It is worth looking into Burns dog food... (Healthy, natural pet food for dogs, cats and rabbits | Burns Pet Nutrition)
Bella is doing much better now, no more tummy problems.
we are now at the point where we are going to slowly change from the food the vet gave her onto a normal food but one that will be ok for her tummy, we have taken her of the wet food and she just has dry, she loves her food alot and get really excited at meals times.
Here is a up to date photo of her..
Try something with a large amount of meat protein and little to no grains. Meat protein is what dogs are 'programmed' to eat and sometimes their stomachs don't cope with grains very well.


text:
Pillow Talk
Dream Come True Pillow
- Size :
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Description: Dream Come True Pillow:
- Decorative pillow with polyester cover
- 100% premium polyester down alternative fill
- Measures 18 inches square
- Dry clean
Material: 100% premium polyester cover w/ 100% premium polyester down alternative fill
Brand: Pillow Talk
Origin: United States


text:
Napster teams up with Samsung for tie in MP3 player on launch day
First it was a deal with Dixons to sell Napster branded gear in their stores, now the illegal turned good music download site that launches today has teamed up with Samsung to bring a MP3 player designed for the site in mind.
The YH-920GS is supposedly seamlessly integrated into the Napster 2.0 client so you can transfer songs from the client directly to your YH-920GS via USB 2.0, although we are sure you will probably be able to use other MP3 players as well. With 20GB of built-in memory (over 5,000 songs) the player offers a FM tuner, tuner recording to MP3 functionality and line-in MP3 encoding.
The player, which can also be used as an external hard drive device for data storage, measures 59 x 106 x 16 (WxHxD mm) and weights 149.5g. It offers a built-in 3.7V rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery allowing over 10 hours of playback time and accessories include remote control, carry case, ear buds, USB 2.0 cable and install disk.


text:
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R - Boats starting with 'R'
Ranger 28
Date of last review
Fri February 13, 2015
Recommended By
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Ranger 28
Posts: 0
see this user's products
Junior Member
Registered: July 2000
Review Date:
Tue January 25, 2000
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The Ranger 28 was built between 1975 and about 1978 by Ranger Yachts of Costa Mesa, CA, later Jensen Marine, and finally taken over by Bangor Punta just before B/P (O-Day, etc.) went belly up. This is not to be confused with a 28 footer (usually called a Ranger 8.5) built off and on since the early '80's by Ranger Boats of Kent, WA.
Most Jensen Rangers, with the exception of a Ranger 30 and the Ranger FUN 23, were designed by Gary Mull. Mull believed in fast, good performing boats with high ballast/displacement ratios, slippery underbodies, and generous sailplans. R-28's are no exception, with ballast of about 2980 lbs and design displacements of about 6000 lbs. Watch out for the specs--the specs in every ad I have seen are for the early design, showing a 4' 6" keel and a displacement of 5180 lbs. (dream on!). Early boats did have the lighter keel and were very tender. Later boats did have a 5' draft. The Ranger 28 is a sister to the 32 and 37, which are very similar in concept and appearance. Correspondence from Mull indicates that he was looking at both the IOR an MORC rules when the boats were designed, tho the 28 is not, strictly speaking, an IOR boat.
Boats were well built--thick glass, beefy mast, and good overall design. Unlike Mull's earlier designs for Ranger (29 & 33), the compression post sits directly on the keel, not on a grid, which in those boats is prone to trouble, and the deck is through-bolted to the hull and toerail. They are very fast--fewer 28 footers, unless you go to a completely stripped out racer, are faster. Take a look through a Portsmouth Yardstick at the 28 footers and see how many rate faster. On a recent sail up San Diego Bay, we were regularly passing 30 to 35 footers, including a Catalina 380. Plus, they are easy to sail shorthanded, unlike many cruiser-racers. The extreme tumblehome makes rail meat relatively useless, and the high b/d ration makes the boat fairly stiff. In 10-15 knots, the boat is a gas to sail and easily achieves hull speed on most points of sail. Boat is fairly roomy and comfortable for a 28 footer, although head room is cramped if you are over 5'10". The rudders are reputed to be somewhat small for sailing in rugged off the wind conditions, though I have not experienced any trouble with ours.
Disadvantages--interior storage is very limited due to rounded hull shape. Interior design is dated by today's standards--if it were being built today, it would have an aft cabin, cabinets above settees, cutout transom, etc., etc. Early models had a funky tho workable layout, with icebox under companionway and footwell for port settee under counter. V-berth, while reasonably roomy, required crawling through a waist-high opening. (Later models had footwell forward under vanity in head and icebox under counter on port, door to v-berth with cutout to stand in.) Water and fuel tankage are modest (or totally inadequate, depending on your point of view), in the 10-12 gal range, and the fuel tank is under the port settee. The icebox on early models (under companionway) is useful chiefly for melting ice. Bilge sump at keel is pretty small, though engine bilge is isolated from the interior, a nice touch. The boat nominally has 5 berths, but the quarterberth (under the starboard side of the cockpit) usually winds up being used as Fibber McGee's closet. Lazarette also has lots of space but it is difficult to get to through the cockpit locker.
To race competively, you need 3 or 4 crew. Boats were often raced with an 9 sail inventory--main, 160, 140, 110, 0.5 oz. spinnaker, 0.75 oz. reaching spinnaker, drifter, blooper, and spinnaker staysail. This takes up a heck of a lot of the limited stowage. Especially for cruising, plan on a new inventory of modern sails and reduce it to 3 or 4. Main is relatively small, so frequent headsail changes are the order of the day, unless you put on a roller furler. Original mains were usually cut quite small with little roach--a full-batten roached main really makes the boat go. If boat has original sails, chances are they are 20-year old racing sails, thoroughly blown out.
Hot combo for cruising is a roached, full-batten main with 2 or 3 sets of reef points and a 135 jib on the roller furler. Boat does have to be sailed--with large sail area, even with high b/d ratio, it is necessary to shorten sail above 15 knots or so, especially hard on the wind. Do it, and boat goes fast. Don't, and the boat heels and slows down. It is more work to sail than a boat with a smaller sail plan, but is a heck of a lot of fun. Running rigging led aft to cockpit also makes boat a lot easier to sail short-handed.
Engine room access is quite limited (horrible, to be more accurate). Original power was usually an Atomic 2 or 4, tho a diesel was an option, and a few boats may have had an air-cooled diesel put in. "Practical Sailor" notwithstanding (they always make some crack to the effect that by now the Atomic 4 needs to be replaced), a properly maintained engine may still be good for years. Even if it isn't, you can rebuild an Atomic 4 with an electronic ignition (which should last for years) for about 1/3 the price of diesel repower. And fitting the diesel in can be a real hassle. Ours has a Yanmar 1GM, about the smallest diesel made, and it barely fits. The engine bed was notched to clear the bell housing. And servicing it--don't ask. Check out any repower carefully--a friend of ours saw one that had been repowered with a lawnmower engine, just enough oomph to get it to the starting line and back.
Many of the boats we looked at were stone stock original. Look for a boat that has upgraded running rigging (led aft to cockpit, self-tailing winches, rope clutches, etc), roller furling, new standing rigging, new cushions (originals had vinyl covers or that ghastly plaid that boat makers must have bought by the carload), and new sails. Diesel adds to value, altho I would have bought the one we got if it had the Atomic in it. Internal halyards were an option and are desirable, especially if you race.
Other problems--look for deck leaks into core around stanchions and fittings. Bedding on toe rail may also have dried out and need replacing--a job, but doable. Several different headliners were used, and if water has gotten in, you may have to replace the headliner. Hull liner above shelves above settees may also be tired. Windows may be crazed and need replacement. Early ones apparently had lower-quality acrylic. Ours is hull #23, and windows are shot. A friend has #117--windows look great. If gelcoat has been cared for, boat may still look good--otherwise, a LP job may be in order. Deck has good, aggressive non-skid, tho there are some areas that don't have it. The 29's and 33's commonly have a problem with play in the rudder bushings, tho I have not seen this on the 3 28's I have sailed on. Early models had wood spreaders, which may need to be replaced if they haven't been cared for. Hull to keel joint may need fairing; the keel is external lead ballast.
Boat can be trailered, tho it is an oversize load (9'6" beam) and weighs close to 10,000# on trailer. Due to draft, you will need a very long ramp, cable and dolly wheel to get it off the trailer, or a crane. You also need a crane or an A-frame to raise the mast. You won't take it to the lake for an afternoon daysail! Ranger offered trailer as an option, tho few boats have them; we had to find a used one and modify it to fit boat.
Used boats go for $8,000 to $20,000, depending on condition. If it has good sails and goodies, pay the top dollar, or buy a cheaper one and plan to spend the $ to get good sails on it. And then watch the owners of those new $50,000 30-footers turn green when you eat their lunch for them!
David Dickinson
"wooden liz'n"
Registered: February 2015
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 6
Review Date:
Fri February 13, 2015
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Hi any one with a Ranger 8.5 out there ?
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- 10Promote
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Shown right is a cross-figure to complete. However, there are no across or down clues. Instead you have to ensure that: a) if an answer uses one of the numbered squares then that answer must be divisible by the little number in that square (for example the five-figure number in 1 down must be divisible by 1, 4 and 7; similarly the five-figure number in 7 across must be divisible by 7); b) in your answers, only two different digits can be used throughout, one of them odd and the other even; c) the odd digit must be written at most once in any row or column of the grid.
What are the answers to 1 across, and 7 across?
WIN £15 will be awarded to the sender of the first correct answer opened on Wednesday 20 November. The Editor's decision is final. Please send entries to Enigma 1772, New Scientist, Lacon House, 84 Theobald's Road, London WC1X 8NS, or to
Answer to 1766 Triangular sums: The numbers are 6, 49, 23, 58 and 17
The winner Jesse Banwell of Ben Lomond, California, US
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Wind: 6 mph
- Community Events - - Fun & Games - Fundraisers - - Library - - Meetings - - Music - - Seniors - - The Arts - - Workshops - - Places of Worship -
Mad River Path Association annual celebration, Thurs., May 28, 5:30 pm, West Hill House B&B. Free, open to all.
Waterbury Farmers' Market, Thursdays, 3-7 pm, Rusty Parker Park.
Free Community Dinner, all welcome, Fri., May 29, 5:30 pm, Waitsfield United Church. Transportation available, call 496-3065.
Waitsfield Farmers' Market, Saturdays, 9 am-1 pm, Mad River Green. Music by Phineas Gage Project, May 30.
Spring into Moretown Festival, community barbecue, bike sale, energy fair, music. Sat., May 30, 9 am-4 pm, Moretown Elementary School field.
Kids Fest in Waitsfield, musical, theater, and dance performers, bike rodeo, instrument making, jewelry making, bouncy house, face painting. Sun., May 31, 10 am-4 pm, Mad River Green, free.
Reverend Praveena Ruud from India to speak about growing up in a Hindu culture, Mon., June 1, 7 pm, Church of the Crucified One fellowship hall, Moretown. All are welcome. 496-4516.
Mountain Gardeners Plant Sale, locally grown perennials, small shrubs. Sat., June 6, 9 am-1 pm, Slow Road, Waitsfield, near Shaw's.
Waterbury Kids Fest, activities for kids, music, bike rodeo, helmet giveaway. Sat., June 6, 9 am-1 pm, Rusty Parker Park, free.
Community Volunteers Appreciation Celebration, free flatbread, salad, music, art, bonfire. Please carpool; no coolers or dogs. Sat., June 6, 5-10 pm, Lareau Farm, Waitsfield. Info: americanflatbread.com, 496-8856.
Mad River Riders season kickoff party, National Trails Day celebration, Sun., June 7, noon-4 pm, Blueberry Lake. Mad River Riders break ground on new bike trail, free paddleboard and bike demos, free guided kids' rides, women's ride, dad-supported strider ride/hike, Common Man meatball truck. All welcome. Info: madriverriders.com.
Mad Birders Walks: Thurs., May 28, 7-8:30 am, meet at cemetery, Freeman Hill Rd., Moretown, Jeannie Elias. Sat., May 30, 7 am-1:30 pm, Birds and Birding Festival, North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier. Sun., May 31, 8-10 am, Center Fayston walk, meet at Jeannie Elias' on Center Fayston Rd. Thurs., June 4, 7 am, meet at south end of Blueberry Lake, Plunkton Rd. Sat., June 6, 8 am-noon, Scrag Town Forest, Pat Folsom, meet at parking area on Bowen Rd. to hike to the beaver ponds. Wed., June 10, Granville, 4-5 hours, Pat Folsom, meet at 3681 E. Warren Rd. at 7:30 a.m. Brunch provided. madbirders.org; Pat Folsom, 496-3663; Nancy Turner, 496-2523; Jeannie Elias, 496-4730.
Big Jeff, family music, singer-songwriter, presented by Spring Hill School, Sat., May 30, 10 am, Big Picture Theater. Info: 496-2139.
Chess Tournament Sun., May 31, 10 am-4 pm, at the Cub Scout/Boy Scout canopy at Kids Fest, Mad River Green, Waitsfield. Info: AnnMarie, 371-9997.
Trivia Night at The Elusive Moose, prizes, no charge to play. Wed., June 3, 7-9 pm. 496-6444.
The Children's Room, resource center for parents, free play space, kids to age 6 from any town, open 8 am-4 pm on school days. Thatcher Brook Primary School, Waterbury. 244-5605, www.childrensroomonline.org.
Walking group, all welcome, Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 pm, Old County Rd., Waitsfield. Meet at MRV Health Center parking lot. Info: Kate, 496-3838.
Duplicate Bridge, Mon., 12:30 pm, Waitsfield Inn. Info: Alice, 496-7154.
MRV Community Fund benefit party, all ages, music by Sugar Shack and Ragged Company, VT beer and wine. Fri., May 29, 6 pm, Valley Players Theater. Info: Jon Jamieson, 496-3638.
Waitsfield United Church seeksdonateditems for lawn sale, drop off at church, June 1-4 (please, no clothing, TVs, computers, ski gear). Sale to be held June 6 and 7, Kenyon's Field.
Blood Drive, Tues., June 2, 8:30 am-2:30 pm, Harwood Union High School. Schedule appointment: www.redcrossblood.org.
After-School Games and Legos, Mondays, 3-4:15 pm, Warren Library.
Computer tutoring, Warren Public Library, by appointment, call 496-3913 to set up time. Use a library computer or bring your own.
Joslin Library Story Hours: Preschoolers, Mondays, 10 am. Spanish Story and Music Hour with Constancia Gomez, second Tuesday of each month (next one is June 9), 11 am, free. www.joslinmemoriallibrary.com, 496-4205.
Moretown Library Story Time, Fridays, 11:15 am-noon. 496-9728.
Waterbury Public Library Story Times suspended starting next week until Mon., June 22. www.waterburypubliclibrary.com, 244-7036.
Couples Club monthly meeting, Mon., June 1, 6 pm, field pavilion, Waitsfield. All welcome.
MRV Republicans meets fourth Wed. of each month, 6pm, Bongiorno's Restaurant. Info: Carol Miner, 583-5816.
Valley Democrats meets second Mon. of each month, 5:15 pm, at Eastern Systems. Info: Jim Leyton, 496-1000.
Mad River Caregivers Support Group, first and third Tues. of each month, 2-3 pm, Mad River Family Practice. RSVP: Kate, 496-3838.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, Sun., 7 pm; Tues., 7 pm, at Parish House, Our Lady of the Snows Church/St. Dunstan's, Waitsfield. Fri., 7 pm, Warren Church. Confirm times: 229-5100. www.aavt.org.
Clint Bierman (of The Grift)and friends, followed by an open jam, every Thurs., Localfolk Smokehouse, Waitsfield.
The Tomasas Rumbath Latin Rock Steady Band, Fri., May 29, 7-10 pm. Nutty Steph's, Middlesex, 229-2090.
Sugar Shack and Ragged Company, all ages, VT beer and wine, Fri., May 29, 6 pm, Valley Players Theater. Info: Jon Jamieson, 496-3638. Benefits MRV Community Fund.
Scrag Mountain Music concert, Sun., May 31, 4 pm, Warren United Church, scragmountainmusic.org. By donation.
The Barre-Tones invites women singers to guest night, Mon., June 1, 6:45 pm, Alumni Hall next to Barre Auditorium. Info: Susan Klein, 498-8545.
Mad River Chorale fundraiser, silent auction, Thurs., June 4, 7 pm, Big Picture Theater. Tickets/info: madriverchorale.net.
The Sky Blue Boys featuring Banjo Dan and Willy Lindner, concert to benefit North Branch Nature Center, silent auction, Sat., June 20, Lareau Farm, Waitsfield. Flatbread, salad. www.northbranchnaturecenter; 229-6206.
Volunteer Appreciation Day, barbecue celebrating Meals On Wheels drivers, Thurs., May 28, noon, Evergreen Place.
Free dinner for senior citizens, turkey, ham, venison, Sat., May 30, 5:30 pm, Waitsfield-Fayston Fire Dept., Route 100, Waitsfield.
Foot Care Clinic with CVHHH at Evergreen Place, Thurs., June 11, 8 am-noon. Reserve: 223-1878. Bring basin, towel, foot soak powder, clippers. There is a fee.
Knitting Circle, Fridays, 10:30 am, Shades of Winter yarn shop, Village Sq., Waitsfield.
Move! Tai Chi with Kenneth and Helena, country music, free, Tuesdays, 1 pm, Evergreen Place Senior Center, Waitsfield, 496-2543.
Bingo, every Tues. & Thurs., 10:30 am, Evergreen Place Senior Center.
Diner Breakfasts cooked by Walter Brinkat Evergreen Place, open to all, Mondays, 8-10 am, donations support Meals On Wheels.
Family-Style Lunch, open to all, discount for age 60-plus, Tues. & Thurs., noon. Evergreen Place Senior Center, Waitsfield. Reserve: Austin, 496-2543.
Meals On Wheels, home-delivered meals, call Austin, 496-2543.
Stowe & Mad River Dance Academy presents "Wizard of Oz and An Evening of Dance," Fri. and Sat., June 5 and 6, at 6 pm, and Sun., June 7, at 1 pm. Dibden Center for the Arts, Johnson State College. Tickets: 253-5151.
Electra Art Show, "photo collage" by Mary Electra. Opening reception, Sun., June 7, 3-7 pm. Exhibit runs June 7 to July 7. Madsonian Museum, Bridge Street, Waitsfield.
Watercolors exhibit by TJ Boyle at Three Mountain Cafe, 496-5470. Exhibit runs throughout May.
The Gathering, exhibit of works by artist members of the Valley Arts Foundation, Festival Gallery, Village Square, Waitsfield, 496-6682.
Brides of the Century, exhibit of original 1845-1945 bridal gowns runs through May 31, Gen. Wait House. Free. Info: Judy Dodds, 496-2027.
Knit a Bit, knitting and coffee, Wednesdays, 2 pm, SHaRC. 583-6700. Free.
Jitter Critters group makes crocheted, stuffed toys to donate to ambulance service and doctors' office to relieve jitters. Thursdays, May and June, 2 pm, SHaRC, 583-6700.
Community Yoga Class, hatha yoga, all levels, free, Sundays, 10-11:15 am, second floor of East Warren Schoolhouse. www.awakenvt.com.
Beth Jacob Synagogue, 10 Harrison Ave, Montpelier, 229-9429.
Church of the Crucified One, Route 100, Moretown. Mass, Sunday, 10 am. 496-4516.
First Church of Christ, Scientist, 145 State St., Montpelier. All welcome.
Green Mountain Community Alliance, Route 100, Duxbury. Sunday, 9:30 am, Worship Service.
Hunger Mountain Christian Assembly, Route 100N, Waterbury Ctr. Sunday, 10 am, Worship Service.
Moretown United Methodist Church, Route 100B, Moretown. Sunday, 10:30 am, Worship Service.
Our Lady of the Snows (Catholic), Route 100, Waitsfield. Mass: Saturday, 6 pm.
St. Andrew (Catholic), Main St., Waterbury. Mass: Sat, 4 pm, and Sunday, 9 am.
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, Founders' Hall, 6307 Main St. (Route 100), Waitsfield. Sunday Service, 9:30 am, Holy Eucharist. 479-7920. www.saintdunstans.com.
St. Jacob of Alaska Orthodox Church, Route 12, Northfield Falls, 485-9121. Services: Divine Liturgy, Sunday, 9:30 am; Great Vespers, Saturday, 5 pm; Vespers, Tuesday, 6 pm.
St. Patrick (Catholic), Route 100B, Moretown. Sunday, 11 am, Mass.
Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Sunday, 10 am, Worship and Church School, 130 Main St., Montpelier.
Waitsfield United Church of Christ WorshipService, Sunday, 10 am.Route 100, Waitsfield. www.WaitsfieldChurch.org, 496-3065.
Warren United Church of Christ, Worship Service, Sunday, 10 am. Main St. Warren Village. 496-2713.
Waterbury Congregational Church, Sunday Service, 10 am. 8 North Main St., Waterbury. 244-6606.
Yearning for Learning Center for Jewish Studies, Montpelier, 223-0583


text:
Military budget cuts explored
Thornberry is in key role on committee
WASHINGTON— Wichita Falls Rep. Mac Thornberry put his new platform as a defense panel leader to work Wednesday, grilling military officials about defense cuts in a hearing on Capitol Hill.
He told a row of defense officials that more discussion is in the offing about $178 billion in proposed reductions and cost-saving moves affecting defense.
"There's a sense, at least for me on my part, that some edict comes down on high saying cut the budget, and y'all do the best you can to try to put a rosy face on it," he said at the first House Armed Services Committee hearing in the new GOP-controlled House.
"The concern some of us have is, OK, what are the implications of eliminating this vehicle or eliminating this command?" Thornberry said, sitting on the top row of committee seating.
The Republican from Clarendon has taken on the newly created role of HASC vice chairman in the new Congress. As such, he was among defense panel leaders who sent a letter Monday to Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
The letter admonished Gates to keep them in the loop for decisions about cuts.
"Our immediate concern is that the Defense Department will take precipitous action in the near term that would undercut Congress' ability to pass judgment on the recommendations," said the letter signed by Thornberry, HASC Chairman Buck McKeon of California and others.
Gates announced $78 billion in cuts earlier this month, but Thornberry has said he does not expect them to affect Sheppard Air Force Base's missions.
Gates' spending plan calls for $178 billion total in cuts and cost-savings moves over 10 years, but the Department of Defense plans to plow$100 billion back into priorities such as developing a new bomber.
The Capitol Hill hearing Wednesday was bright with the gold braid and medals of high-ranking military brass and their entourages. Along with a civilian official, three generals and an admiral were summoned to answer for Gates' plan to slash various programs. He also wants to reduce personnel by 27,000 in the Army and 15,000 to 20,000 in the Marines, beginning in 2015.
"The leadership of the department is well aware that the nation is dealing with significant fiscal pressures," Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn said in testimony Wednesday.
Pentagon officials owe it to taxpayers to make the most of every dollar entrusted to them, Lynn said.
"We should all benefit from following the direction of President Eisenhower, who believed we should spend whatever is necessary for defense but not one penny more," he said.
GOP lawmakers are clamoring for cuts in most areas but not in defense.
Gates' proposal for cuts to a program to develop an Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle has especially attracted Republicans' ire.
The price tag for the new amphibious tank to carry troops inland from ships has swollen over time like many other military initiatives to develop a new weapon or craft.
"We have never finished a program on time and on budget," Maryland Republican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett said at one point after noting he's been in office 18 years.
The price tag for the EFV is more than $13 billion, but the letter sent Monday to Gates singled out the Marine Corps for reported plans to issue a "stop work" order on the EFV program.
But HASC's GOP leaders don't want the military to issue any stop work orders "until our committee has the opportunity to fully examine all of the efficiencies you proposed," the letter said.
Texas regional reporter Trish Choate can be reached at 202-408-2709 or email@example.com.
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