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A system for the facilitation of direct response to conventional advertising and other media, initiated by a mobile subscriber to a wireless network, using a dial keypad on a mobile device, is disclosed. The system allows the subscriber to easily reply to a call to action and to be engaged in a dialogue with a service server or representative in a manner that dynamically matches the capabilities of the subscriber's device and the service requested. The system is implemented without any modifications to the wireless device or network.
1. A method comprising:
receiving a call from a mobile device;
selecting, based upon information selected to address the call, a response to the call; and
initiating a dialog between a server and the mobile device.
2. The method of
terminating the call prior to an answering of the call.
3. The method of
determining, from the call, a subscriber identifier.
4. The method of
determining, based upon the subscriber identifier, a set of capabilities of the mobile device.
5. The method of
selecting, based upon the set of capabilities, a format, through which the mobile device is capable of communicating, for the dialog.
6. The method of
7. The method of
selecting, based upon a first subset of the information, the server to select the response.
8. The method of
identifying, based upon a second subset of the information, data independent of the server and a recipient of the call.
9. The method of
10. The method of
11. The method of
10. A system comprising:
a network computer telephony integrated system to receive a call from a mobile device;
a service server to select, based upon information selected to address the call, a response to the call; and
a push server to initiate a dialog between the service server and the mobile device.
11. The system of
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21. A machine-readable medium that provides instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:
receiving a call from a mobile device; and
sending information about the call to a push server to initiate a dialog between a service server and the mobile device, the dialog to include a response to be selected based upon a information selected to address the call.
22. The machine-readable medium of
terminating the call prior to an answering of the call.
23. The machine-readable medium of
determining, from the call, a subscriber identifier.
24. The machine-readable medium of
25. A machine-readable medium that provides instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:
receiving, from a network computer telephony integrated system, data about a call received from a mobile device; and
initiating a dialog between a service server and the mobile device, the dialog to include a response to be selected based upon information selected to address the call.
26. The machine-readable medium of
determining, based upon a subscriber identifier, a set of capabilities of the mobile device.
27. The machine-readable medium of
selecting, based upon the set of capabilities, a format, through which the mobile device is capable of communicating, for the dialog.
28. The machine-readable medium of
29. The machine-readable medium of
selecting, based upon a first subset of the information, a service server to select the response.
30. The machine-readable medium of
identifying, based on a second subset of the information, a specification independent of the service server and the network computer telephony integrated system.
31. The machine-readable medium of
32. A machine-readable medium that provides instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:
receiving a communication from a push server that received, from a network computer telephony integrated system, data about a call received from a mobile device; and
selecting a response, based upon information selected to address the call, to be included in a dialog to be initiated between a service server and the mobile device.
33. The machine-readable medium of
34. A system for the delivery of direct response to conventional advertising or other messaging by a mobile subscriber using a digital wireless network and a keypad on a mobile device that utilizes that digital wireless network, comprising:
a media stimulus, that is observed by the mobile subscriber, with an embedded call to action that includes a dial string to be entered by the mobile subscriber into the mobile device using the keypad of that device;
a network computer telephony integrated (CTI) system and associated executable computer code used to collect digits and the mobile subscriber's identity from network signaling associated with a voice call routed to that network CTI system by the digital wireless network and associated networks,
a push server and associated executable computer code that is signaled by the network CTI server and sends the mobile subscriber a digital message and communicates details of the service with a service server identified in a service identity database;
a subscriber capabilities database and the service identity database used by the push server to determine service type and service server identity that allows determination of service class to be provided to the mobile subscriber;
a set of service servers and associated executable computer code which provide an initial response delivered to the mobile subscriber by the push server and then control and conduct a two way service dialogue with the mobile subscriber;
a set of gateways which both translate data formats and addresses between the digital wireless network and other digital data networks as well as providing functionality required for delivery of the service to the mobile subscribers; and
a series of data networks that are used for communication between the mobile subscriber, network CTI system, push server, service server and gateways.
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[0001] The present invention relates to facilitating of the initiation and delivery of services delivered on mobile terminals.
[0002] The mobile phone has become a ubiquitous feature of modem life. The ability to be reached and to reach others has proven to be of compelling value that has led to rapid adoption. The ability to have a personal phone wherever one is located and the ability to connect whenever one desires is valuable. Upgrades to mobile networks and devices have brought a new series of features. In Europe and Asia, the upgrade to the Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM") standard brought short message service ("SMS") to the mobile phone subscriber base in the early 1990s. Since then, SMS messaging has been measured in the billions per month and, for some, is the most popular use of the phone. Recent upgrades to the U.S. cellular network support 2-way SMS, and increasing use is being observed as handsets capable of using the service are being rolled out.
[0003] New capabilities are being added to mobile networks and phones. Many phones now include Wireless Application Protocol ("WAP") browsers that allow interactive data services. Other phones support downloadable and animated Java applications that can both execute on the mobile device and also interact with the network. Other phones, by manufacturers such as Kyocera, include an embedded Personal Digital Assistant ("PDA"). Large investments are being made in higher bandwidth networks, extending the digital "second generation" ("2G") networks to full "third generation" ("3G") and intermediate ("2.5G") networks, at enormous costs to the mobile operators for infrastructure and spectrum. The promises of these networks to subscribers are new services and, to operators, new income sources based on digital services. One source of income comes from enabling companies to better communicate and serve their customers by exploiting the personalized nature of the mobile device as well as the time-and-place relevance of a device that is always on and always with the customer. Such a device provides the capability to directly respond to advertising using embedded "calls to action." Both the increased usage of the voice and data capabilities and the advertising and commerce revenues from these companies form a major source of new income to economically justify the deployment of these networks.
[0004] Yet, several problems exist in the adoption of new digital services by consumers. Although most phones sold today have digital services such as two-way SMS and/or WAP browsers, most users do not use these features due to four problems: difficulty of use, lack of stimulation, limited features, and economics. First, the most widely used mobile devices are cellular telephones, which have a keypad interface designed to dial numbers and execute limited menu selections, such as accessing a stored number list. Although the keypad interface is used to initiate text messages and may use an embedded browser, getting to these features may require making multiple menu entries to start the service. Entering a uniform resource locator ("URL") on the phone dial keypad may be a difficult task because, for example, punctuation used in the URL, such as a period, is not presented on the keypad. Second, the digital services, advertising or commerce opportunities that are presented on these devices as stimulation are limited to the number of users of the stimulation media and the limited engagement of the stimulation media. The bulk of advertising dollars are spent on engaging consumers with visually and aurally rich images, video and sound; features which may not exist on current mobile cell phones. Third, the lack of compelling stand-alone applications on the "Wireless Internet" has resulted in limited adoption of direct response mechanisms. And finally, in many areas of the world, the initiator of a message pays; even a call to a land line toll-free number is charged as a mobile call, and sending an SMS to a merchant is a chargeable event. Inbound, unsolicited voice calls from a merchant are illegal in certain areas such as the United States, and inbound text and multimedia messages are limited due to the user perception of spam and privacy issues, as well as emerging legislation. All of these factors slow the adoption of an ideal direct response device.
[0005] Some solutions have been suggested to inform a user and connect a user to a wireless site. It is standard procedure in the industry for a mobile carrier to maintain a home portal page that appears on the cell phone when the browser connects. This portal lists limited sites and categories, but is clearly only used by the limited few who access the mobile Internet, and is also limited to the sites listed in the portal. Wireless advertising on the portal sites and other sites is being initiated, but the sparse audience again limits the reach of the advertising and its engagement by the capabilities of the handset. Recent guidelines by the Wireless Advertising Agency for unsolicited advertising "pushed" to the receiver have been well received, but spam from non-participating companies will likely lead to legislative limitations.
[0006] Some services and companies use existing media to stimulate users to reply. U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,432, issued to Sizer, et al., suggests embedding signals in audio or video broadcasts that are imperceptible by a human and having the phone detect these signals to link to a website. This approach requires modifications to the handset.
[0007] Yet, the use of wireless devices to respond to media stimuli is evidenced by the rise of Direct Response TV (TV commercials with 800 numbers) coincident with the arrival of the cordless phone in homes and the phone's availability near the TV. Furthermore, the recent increased display of phone numbers in outdoor and radio advertisements may be due to availability of cellular phones. Simple dialing schemes have evolved to the point that special key sequences exist for emergency (911) and information (411). Cellular companies sometimes sell short sequences of such dialed numbers. For example, one cellular company, Starcd, is named after the use of the characters "*cd" dialed by a cell phone user to be connected to an Interactive Voice Response System ("IVR") to buy compact discs that have been played on a radio station. The sequence "#121" is used by AT&T to connect to a voice service.
[0008] The use of simplified sequences to connect to Internet sites has been addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,738, issued to Osaku, et al., which discusses a process used to allow simple number or letter sequences to be mapped to complex URLs, easing the entry of complex addresses for devices having simplified keyboards. That process intercepts a operating system ("OS") message and replaces an OS messaging callback function with an OS message in which a simplified network address entered by the user replaces an address that corresponds to a complex URL. This approach works well with a higher order OS where a programming environment with application programming interfaces (APIs) exist for the developer. However, the ability to change the computer code in a dedicated mobile device such as a cell phone may be limited to the manufacturer and may only be available on future devices; it cannot be used for existing cell phones or other devices with less OS sophistication or programmability. Furthermore, that approach utilizes the data viewing application (e.g. a browser) and the same data network for determining the replacement URL; in effect, the device needs to be in data mode to view the desired information, only partially simplifying the use of the device. Finally, the mapping from a simplified network address to a URL does not take into consideration the capabilities of the device; the above process may be appropriate for a personal computer browser application, but not for mobile devices with different messaging or browsing capabilities, nor for choices of data or voice services provided to the mobile subscriber.
[0009] The normal use of the dial pad is to make phone calls. However, to avoid high international tariffs the dial pad and the network are used to signal a telephony system to "call back" the user and request the dialed number. The user dials a number that is unique to him, or the number from which he is dialing is detected using the digital signaling properties of the telephone network. U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,790, issued to Hsu, discloses how a digital signaling system can signal a distant switch to return the user's call. This approach of using the dial pad to initiate a voice communications service is now commonplace and used by operators in their callback services. To date, these uses have been limited to voice phone calls with another user to reduce communications costs.
[0010] Some efforts have been made to simplify the creation of a response using a data network and a mobile device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,304,753, issued to Hartmaier, discloses how a network platform can support the use of the keypad and the voice network signaling capability to request information in a digital format. A service node is added to the infrastructure of a digital wireless network. The service node can respond to a number dialed by an end subscriber by terminating the call and requesting a reply from an information server. The service node looks up the data address of the subscriber in a database available only to the wireless network operator and sends the one way text or multimedia message received by the information server to the user. However, this approach only supports a single reply to the request; it does not set up a two-way dialogue with the user and the information server. Furthermore, this approach assumes that all phones are data-push capable and that such data delivery rather than voice capability is desired for all service replies. A system supporting mixed users with analog connections in a rural area may preclude text-only messaging and non-web-browsing phones. A service which chooses to respond to a user with a voice call is also precluded in such a system. The service used by this approach also allocates a distinct number to each service and does not allow the appending of information to a generic service that could describe a particular product, a specific location, or other information entered by the user to specify the service. Deployment of a service node in each operator's network is a barrier to deployment of a direct response service; for example, in Hong Kong, there are 6 wireless operators, some using different manufacturers' network hardware. A mass adoption service independent of the operator is important to the service. Additionally, the presence in that approach of an intermediate node that is required to forward all messages, rather than a node that simply sets up communications directly with the information server, as is common place in data networks such as the Internet, presents a scalability issue. Finally, the service of this approach is not integrated into a larger campaign and call to action in a different media that is typical of direct response advertising.
[0011] A call from a mobile device is received. A response to the called is selected based upon information selected to address the call. A dialog between a server and the mobile device is initiated.
[0012] These and other aspects of the invention will be better appreciated when taken in conjunction with the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the components in one embodiment of a system that provides mobile service callback;
[0014]FIG. 2A is an illustration of a printed advertisement with a call to action, according to one embodiment;
[0015]FIG. 2B is an illustration of the components of a mobile device used to initiate the service through which a mobile device is connected to a two-way data dialogue through the action of a return data message in one embodiment;
[0016]FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of a process of a mobile subscriber initiating and using the mobile service callback;
[0017]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of a process performed by the Computer Telephony Integrated ("CTI") and the push server components to connect a mobile device to a two-way dialogue through the action of a return data message;
[0018]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of a process performed by a service server to connect a mobile device to a two-way dialogue through the action of a return data message; and
[0019]FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an embodiment of the operation of the service through which a mobile device is connected to a two-way data dialogue through the action of a return data message.
[0020] In the following description, numerous details are set forth, such as distances between components, types of molding, etc. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
[0021] Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the mechanisms used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
[0022] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0023] The present invention also relates to apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus.
[0024] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, the present invention is not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the invention as described herein.
[0025] A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium includes read only memory ("ROM"); random access memory ("RAM"); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.); etc.
[0026] A method and components are described herein to use a mobile device to provide direct response to calls to action that have been presented to a mobile subscriber in a variety of media and to create a direct two-way dialogue with a service server that is associated with the sponsor of that call to action. A mobile subscriber is enabled to use the numeric keypad of the mobile device, in a manner similar to making a phone call, to be connected to a two-way data and/or voice dialogue through the action of a return data message. Dynamic choice and creation of the format of the dialogue is supported to be consistent with the capabilities of each mobile subscriber's mobile device, the desires of the service, and the network capabilities. These formats include, but are not limited to, text messaging, Internet connectivity-using protocols such as WAP, Interactive Voice Sessions, and direct voice connections to an operator.
[0027] In one embodiment, a series of components are utilized that are present and accessible to third parties in a mobile network. These components facilitate the creation and delivery of services and exist in many digital Wireless Networks. These include gateways between different digital networks such as the Internet and digital wireless transport and addressing systems such as WAP and SMS. These capabilities allow an external provider to address a message to a subscriber's wireless ID (e.g., his phone number) without knowing the digital address or details of the subscriber (e.g., a temporary IP address). Servers, such as Voice Extensible Mark Up Language ("VMXL") servers, sit between a Public Switched Telephony ("PSTN") network and the Internet to provide functionality in addition to gateway capability, but also provide features such as text-to-speech and Dual Tone Multi-Frequency ("DTMF") detection. By using existing features such as Short Message Service Centers ("SMSC") present in most operator's networks and external components, the service can achieve mass utilization independent of the mobile subscriber's choice of operator. Computer Telephony Integrated ("CTI") servers are utilized to accept the request from the mobile subscriber. A push server is used to initiate a digital conversation with the service server, which is utilized to fulfill the requirements of the call to action. The push server both establishes the mode of the subsequent conversation with the service server and sets the session up with the service server, but can easily scale to large number of users.
[0028] In one embodiment, the system provides facilitation of direct response to print on product, outdoor, radio and TV advertising, and also provides the ability to include information in the initial response relative to a specific product, location, or individual. By enabling direct response to the user with the simplicity of making a voice phone call, and by enabling direct response to the advertiser with the full digital capabilities of existing and emerging devices and networks, significant advantages are provided to both consumers and businesses.
[0029] One embodiment of a system for enabling mobile services through callback is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the system preferably comprises a mobile subscriber 100, with a mobile device 101, responding to external media stimuli 102. A service to connect a mobile device to a two-way dialogue through the action of a return data message is provided by a Network Computer Telephony Integrated ("CTI") system 105, a push server 108 and one or more service servers 113. These three components are illustrated as distinct due to their functionality, but an alternate embodiment may combine two or more of these components.
[0030] These components communicate between themselves through a series of networks that may be distinct or where two or more may be identical, comprising a digital wireless network 103 and three networks used for digital communications, designated as data network 1, 106; data network 2, 110; and data network 3, 114. The digital networks are bridged by a set of gateways comprising a messaging gateway 111 and a network gateway 116, and by CTI system 105 and push server 108 that have access to multiple networks and which can either access these networks independently or act as gateways in reformatting and re-addressing messages between other systems. The gateways are functions of and are provided and maintained by the network operators. They also provide address translation. For example, commercially accessible SMS gateways allow a server to address a message to a cellular handset with the Mobile Identification Number (MS) of the user and the gateway will then readdress the message to ensure delivery in the digital wireless network. For WAP push, the WAP gateway will need to obtain the temporary IP address on the handset and deliver a message addressed to the permanent MIN or other unique designator of the mobile device, and perhaps relay back the temporary IP address used for routing. In this manner a service server using these gateways is removed from the details of cellular routing and addressing.
[0031] Gateways 111 and 116 can also provide additional features that assist in the execution of the service such as translation, compression, expansion and security, and are well known features to those skilled in the art of communications services. These include, but are not limited to, Short Message System Gateways ("SMS"), e-mail servers, Wireless Mark Up Language ("WML") gateways and Voice Extensible Mark-Up Language ("VXML") servers.
[0032] Service server 113 refers to any platform used to manage a service with a mobile subscriber 100 and includes but is not limited to services deployed with web servers, application servers, and CTI servers. Service server 113 may also include one or more human representatives 119 who can communicate directly to mobile subscriber 100 through any of the mechanisms available through the device, including but not limited to voice, SMS, Wireless Applications Protocol ("WAP") chat or collaboration and e-mail. Service server 113 may communicate directly to the human representative through a digital screen or voice interface or through a system that manages multiple human representatives such as a call center or digital work group.
[0033] In one embodiment, digital wireless network 103 includes a wireless network that can be used to transport voice. Digital wireless network 103 may also include components of the PSTN and the transport and signaling associated with these networks. It may also include all of the transport and signaling of any emerging packet communication networks used in the set up of a voice phone call that includes, but is not limited to, Asynchronous Transport Mode ("ATM") and Voice Over Internet Packet ("VOIP") networks. Mobile subscriber 100 is any user of mobile services who has subscribed to a carrier or operator of digital wireless network 103, or a reseller of the same.
[0034] One embodiment of mobile subscriber 100 using mobile device 102 to initiate the service is now described in connection with FIG. 2. The elements of mobile device 101 utilized to establish the service connections in one embodiment are illustrated. In one embodiment, mobile device 100 is a cellular telephone. In other embodiments, it may be a Personal Digital Assistant ("PDA") or other form of computer with a wireless connection that is used for voice communications. Keypad area 201 encloses a set of keys that are used to establish a voice telephone call. Screen 202 is used to display the number dialed by subscriber 100. Keypad area 201 contains a set of keys to create a voice phone call as well as special purpose keys common in mobile handsets for other features such as voicemail and screen navigation. The keys used in the creation of the service are numeric dial keypad 203 and send button 204. In one embodiment, these buttons are hard buttons. In alternate embodiments, mobile device 101 is a fully screen based device and these buttons are touchscreen soft buttons. In yet another embodiment, voice recognition is used to enter numbers into mobile device 101. In one embodiment, this entry is identical to the methods that mobile subscriber 100 uses to establish a voice communication.
[0035] Mobile subscriber 100 is exposed to external stimuli 102 that have an embedded call to action. One embodiment utilizes a print ad 205, shown in FIG. 2A. Print may include traditional advertising placed in newspapers, magazines or other mass circulated print media, direct response material delivered to one or more individuals, and cards or brochures individually handed-out or made available for distribution. Alternate embodiments include the stimuli taking the form of multiple media used to communicate to the public. The stimuli can be any of a series of advertising, marketing and communication formats. These include the traditional advertising media of radio, TV, and publicly viewed advertising (known as outdoor advertising in the industry). The outdoor advertising stimuli include print or electronic signage that are viewed by large numbers of people, such as printed or electronic posters, billboards, kiosks, and other forms of messaging visible to more than one person. The stimuli may be placed outdoors, in public places such as airports, or inside stores or other business establishments. In other alternate embodiments, the stimuli may take the form of emerging media viewed through the wired or wireless Internet, live or through messaging such as e-mail, either as a type of standalone ad or as embedded into other content.
[0036] To support direct response, stimuli 205 includes a call to action 206 with an embedded number or character string that can be entered into a mobile device through dial keypad 203, in a manner similar to the manner in which a phone number would be entered. This character string ("characters" herein including numbers) will be referred to herein as the "service dialed number," as the use by mobile subscriber 100 is similar to the entry and sending of a traditional telephone number dialed with a cellular or mobile phone. The service dialed number may be specific to the stimuli and associated response. In one embodiment, the service dialed number is of the form "aaaxxxyyy" and may contain three parts. The letters "aaa," "xxx," and "yyy" as used herein are intended to be representative of plurality of characters, not limited to three, that are letters or numbers present on the dial keypad.
[0037] The first part or segment, "aaa," represents a unique code used by the mobile operator to route the call to a point associated with the service and described subsequently. In one embodiment, this part consists of the code "*88."
[0038] The second part of the string, "xxx," is a unique code that identifies the service and is used subsequently to allow mobile subscriber 100 to reach and interact with the service associated with the stimuli.
[0039] The last segment, "yyy," is an optional field that provides information unique to the stimuli. In one embodiment, this last segment can represent a physical location of a stimulus, such as a mall or store or other location. In another embodiment, this segment may be associated with a specific product and used to select a prize as part of a promotion or accumulate points associated with purchase of that product. In yet another embodiment, this segment may refer to a specific individual or group of individuals and provide information relevant to that individual or the group or provide connectivity to that individual or the group. For example, the segment may allow the subscriber to join a group that receives messages about a favorite sports team, or receive a callback from an individual or work group.
[0040] The stimulus, call to action, and service dialed number is delivered in a format appropriate to the capabilities of the media. In one embodiment, the stimulus, call to action, and service dialed number are delivered through print, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In other embodiments, using other media, delivery can be through voice, video or electronic display, or a combination of these, as appropriate. For example, direct response TV uses a human voice to reinforce an 800 number that is displayed on the video TV display.
[0041] In one embodiment, the service, through which a mobile device is connected to a two-way data dialogue through the action of a return data message, is initiated by the following actions. Mobile subscriber 100 with mobile device 101 is exposed to external media stimulus 102. Included in stimulus 102 is call to action 206 with an embedded service dialed number. Subscriber 100 enters the service dialed number on mobile device 101 using standard dial keypad 203 and presses send button 204. In one embodiment, services are included in which the subscriber adds the service dialed number to his phonebook. This allows bookmarking of the service using the standard mobile device phone book for later use.
[0042] One embodiment of the functionality of the system is described with reference to FIG. 1. Upon pressing send button 204, mobile subscriber 100 initiates a voice phone call to the service dialed number "aaaxxxyyy." Digital wireless network 103 recognizes the prefix "aaa" and routes via path 104 to network CTI system 105. For example, "aaa" may be comprised of a dial sequence "*88."
[0043] In one embodiment, the CTI system 105 is connected to the digital PSTN (e.g., an Integrated Services Digital Network ("ISDN") Primary Rate Interface ("PRI")) via a digital signaling trunk that passes both caller and calling information and call control to CTI system 105 in a manner well known and documented to those skilled in the art of digital PSTN networks. In alternate embodiments, mobile device 101 communicates over a packet voice network, with a services management protocol such as the Session Initiation Protocol ("SIP") or a network softswitch with programmable APIs that passes the equivalent caller and calling information, and provides the service call control. In yet another embodiment of the network, digital wireless network 103 or associated PSTN sends the call into a VOIP gateway, managed by a service protocol such as SIP, or a network softswitch with programmable APIs. Included in the signaling information of the call is the dialed number and the identity of the subscriber, referred to herein as the subscriber identifier. Usually, the subscriber will be the caller. In one embodiment, the subscriber identifier is the subscriber's mobile phone number such as the Mobile Directory Number ("MDN"). In alternate embodiments, the subscriber identifier is a number associated with the subscriber that is unique to the subscriber, such as the Mobile Identification Number ("MIN").
[0044] Network CTI system 105 receives the service dialed number and the subscriber identifier and then signals the telephone network, comprising of digital wireless network 103 and the PSTN, to drop the call before answering. From mobile subscriber's 100 perspective, in one embodiment, mobile device 101 returns to a rest state after completing the (failed) call. Network CTI system 105 signals the event corresponding to the received call to push server 108 via path 107 through data network 1, 106. Push server 108 receives both the service dialed number and the subscriber identifier from network CTI system 105. The push server then uses this information to query subscriber capabilities database 109 as to the capabilities of the mobile device 101 of subscriber 100. These capabilities may include, but are not limited to, whether mobile device 101 is capable of receiving text messages, sending text messages, multimedia messaging, or browsing the Internet. These capabilities may also include the protocol used, or advanced service support, such as Java.
[0045] Push server 108 also queries a service identity database 110 with the service dialed number to determine the type of services supported; for example, to determine whether the service supports text messaging or more sophisticated multimedia messaging. It also retrieves the address of service server 113 and can communicate with that server through data network 3, 114, via path 115. In one embodiment, service identity database 110 has a message associated with the service dialed number that can be used to reply to subscriber 100. In alternate embodiments, push server 108 retrieves these messages from service server 113.
[0046] If the service requires a voice callback to the subscriber, then push server 108 transfers control to service server 113 and ends the session and creates a log. If the service is a data service, then push server 108 uses data network 2, 110, to communicate to messaging gateway 111 to send the message via path 112 to mobile subscriber 100. This message can be a text message, a text message with embedded phone number or Internet address, or a message to instruct mobile device 101 to connect to service server 113, such as a WAP push. If the message is a text or multimedia message, then the service may not require or give subscriber 100 the option to reply. For example, a list of movies and show times may be what subscriber 100 desires. In other cases, subscriber 100 may have the option to reply; for example, to get driving directions to a theater. If a two-way messaging session is supported by service server 113 and mobile device 101, then, in one embodiment, the return address of the message received by subscriber 100 is the address of service server 113, and network gateway 116 has the same properties as messaging gateway 111. In an alternate embodiment, subscriber 100 replies via path 112 through digital wireless network 103 through messaging gateway 111 through data network 2, 110, to push server 108. Push server 108 then relays this reply via path 115 through data network 3, 114, to service server 113. This process is repeated in reverse for a continued dialogue. In yet another alternate embodiment, initial reply message 112 is sent directly from service server 113.
[0047] Mobile devices are capable of initiating an outgoing connection in multiple ways. A reply to a SMS message for a two-way SMS mobile device uses paths 117 and 118 to service server 113. A phone equipped with a WAP browser may accept a WAP alert from a network. When the user of the phone selects this alert, the phone connects to a WAP site designated in the alert via path 117 and receives a reply via path 118. Many phones can also parse an SMS message and allow the user to dial an embedded phone number or connect to an embedded URL by pressing "send." Others may allow a phone user to manually select an embedded phone number or URL in a manner similar to the manner in which one selects a hypertext link with a PC web browser. If the reply is a digital message that involves the initiation of a interactive session with a different format than the original message, such as a WAP or HTML session, then mobile device 101 connects directly to service server 113 via path 118 through digital wireless network 103, network gateway 116, and data network 114. If the action taken by subscriber 100 is to initiate a voice call in response to the message, then mobile device 101 creates a voice call to an IVR service managed by service server 113. In one embodiment, network gateway 116 is a VXML server that manages the IVR session. In an alternate embodiment, network gateway 116 may be an integrated or distributed CTI system, where the service server 113 may be integrated with a network gateway that terminates the voice call. In an alternate embodiment, service server 113 may signal the PSTN or a local Private Branch Exchange ("PBX") to connect the call directly to human operator 119 or a call center managing multiple human operators. In an alternate embodiment, the number provided to mobile subscriber 100 is the direct dial number of human operator 119 or a call center.
[0048] In lieu of a digital message as the call back, the service may choose to respond to subscriber 100 with a voice call back. Service server 113 may also initiate a voice callback to mobile subscriber 100 by creating an outbound call to mobile subscriber 100. In one embodiment, this is done with a VXML server as network gateway 116. In an alternate embodiment, this is done with an integrated or distributed CTI system, where service server 113 may be integrated with a network gateway that places the voice call. In an alternate embodiment, service server 113 may signal human operator 119, or a call center managing multiple human operators, to place the call.
[0049]FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a process of a mobile subscriber initiating and using the mobile service callback The process is performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (e.g., circuitry, deductive logic, etc.), software (such as is executed on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both. Referring to FIG. 3, the process begins in processing block 301 and processing block 302. In processing block 301, media 102 stimulates mobile subscriber 100 with call to action 206 and embedded service dialed number. Mobile subscriber 100 uses the mobile device 101 to enter the service dialed number and initiate the call in processing block 302. The action of pressing "send" initiates an outbound voice call in processing block 302 that is transmitted to digital wireless network 103. Mobile device 101 then returns to the wait state as the call is terminated, before answering, by network CTI system 105. Push server 108, in conjunction with service server 113, then makes the decision 303 on what type of callback is executed. Mobile subscriber 100 needs not act or intervene.
[0050] If a text, multimedia or e-mail message is sent, then mobile subscriber 100 receives the message on mobile device 101 in processing block 304. Push server 108, in conjunction with service server 113, then makes decision 305 that determines the contents of the message and the subsequent subscriber 100 experience. If the message contains no embedded links (e.g. the message is a text message), then subscriber 100 selects the message and reads it in processing block 306. If the message requires a reply and mobile device 101 supports reply messaging, then subscriber 100 creates a text message and replies in processing block 307. If the message contains an embedded phone number as a reply link and mobile device 101 supports extracting a phone number using the "send" button, then subscriber 100 presses "send" in processing block 309 and connects to the service. If, in processing block 310, the message contains an embedded URL or other internet address, then subscriber 100 presses "send" and is connected in processing block 311 to a web site provided by service server 113. In one embodiment, subscriber 100 presses "send" to connect to the web; a feature of his mobile device 101. In an alternate embodiment, subscriber 100 selects a link similar to a hypertext web link. The web link may contain unique identifiers to pass the identity of subscriber 100 and the source of the original stimuli 102.
[0051] If decision process 303 creates, in processing block 312, a message that is an Internet alert, such as a WAP alert, then an alert message is sent. Subscriber 100 selects the message in processing block 313 and, in processing block 314, mobile device 101 then connects subscriber 100 directly to a web site provided by service server 113.
[0052] If decision process 303 determines that a phone call back is required, then mobile subscriber 100 receives a phone call in processing block 315 and answers that phone call in processing block 316. Service server 113 makes decision 318, based on the characteristics of the service and, possibly, operator availability, whether to connect to a human in processing block 317 or an IVR system in processing block 319.
[0053] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, mobile subscriber 100 utilizes mobile device 101 in a manner similar to the way he uses the device to talk, receive messages, and browse, as defined by the capabilities of the device.
[0054]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of a process performed by the Computer Telephony Integrated ("CTI") and the push server components to connect a mobile device to a two-way dialogue through the action of a return data message. The contact from mobile subscriber 100 is initiated by subscriber 100 entering the service dialed number in mobile device 101 in processing block 401. This creates a call, through digital wireless network 103, that is routed to network CTI system 105 in processing block 402. CTI system 105 receives the service dialed number and the subscriber identifier as part of the incoming call information passed by the digital communications network in processing block 403. In processing block 404, network CTI system 105 then signals push server 108, via path 107 through digital network 1, 106, and passes the service dialed number and the subscriber identifier. In processing block 405, network CTI system 105 instructs digital wireless network 402 to disconnect the call, without answering, through the digital-signaling channel. In processing block 406, the call is disconnected.
[0055] Push server 108 receives the notification from CTI Server 105 in processing block 407. In processing block 407, CTI Server 105 passes, via path 107, the service dialed number and the subscriber identifier. In processing block 408, the service dialed number is used to retrieve the service parameters from service identity database 110. These service parameters may include, but are not limited to, the address of service server 113 associated with the service, a tabular field that specifies what type of callback is associated with the service for different subscriber mobile device capabilities, and a set of messages, each of which corresponds to a type of response and type of device to be sent to subscriber 100. For example, service identity database 110 may provide for a SMS text message, a multimedia message, and a WAP push for text-only screens, and a WAP push for graphical screens. In an alternate embodiment, service server 113, in response to a request from the push server, dynamically generates these messages and provides these capabilities, in real time, to push server 108. In yet another alternate embodiment, service server 113 sends the message directly to subscriber 100. One embodiment supports including details of the profile of subscriber 100 in determining the response to subscriber 100. For example, a personal return call may be used as a response for premium subscribers, and a data session may be used a response for unknown subscribers.
[0056] The subscriber equipment capabilities are retrieved, based on the subscriber identifier, from a database. The database entry for the subscriber 100 may be provided by the carrier. The database entry may be created by the service push database, through a variety of mechanisms, for an unknown subscriber. One approach is to send subscriber 100 a set of messages and observe the response type. Another approach is to connect subscriber 100 to a voice system and ask him for information. Yet another approach is to find specific details about mobile device 101 when mobile device 101 is connected to an Internet server; the identity of the device type is one of the fields passed in an HTML header during WAP browsing. Once the service and parameters are known, a service class that specifies the type of service, described above with reference to FIG. 3, is determined in processing block 410. In an alternate embodiment, service server 113 is asked for the service class. Service server 113 is then notified of the subscriber identifier and service class in processing block 411. This allows service server 113 to be prepared for a data callback, if required. A decision, based on whether the call back is data, is made in processing block 412. If a data message is to be sent, then the appropriate message is created and sent in processing block 414. If not, then the voice call back is made by service server 113, and push server 108 has no further actions, in processing block 413. In an alternate embodiment, push server 108 can initiate the voice call back and transfer the call to the service server or a person. In FIG. 4, "database" refers to a logical data archive searchable by the service dialed number or subscriber identifier. It may be that there are multiple physical databases or sources that comprise the logical databases.
[0057]FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a process performed by service server 113. Service server 113 receives an alert, in processing block 501, from push server 108, that a response has been made by a subscriber, and that an action has been taken by push server 108. Service server 113 receives, in processing block 502, the information known to push server 108, consisting of the service dialed number, the subscriber identifier, the subscriber capabilities, and the service class, as determined in processing block 410 above. This event is logged and stored, in processing block 503, in anticipation of the callback sequence initiation. The action of service server 113 varies, depending on whether the service involves voice or data, in decision block 504. If data, then a further decision is made, in decision block 505, whether a response from subscriber 100 is expected in response to the message delivered by push server 108. If the response is not expected, then the event is logged in processing block 506 and this session ends. If a response is anticipated, then the subscriber record is updated, in processing block 507, with the information obtained from push server 108, and any other information retrieved or calculated from those data, in anticipation of the incoming query from subscriber 100. Service server 113 then awaits, in processing block 508, the message from subscriber 100 and the initiation of a two-way dialogue. If the service class is a voice call with a callback to be initiated by service server 113 (as in processing block 413 above, the voice callback is not initiated by the push server), then service server 113 first determines, in decision block 509, if the service class requires an IVR or a call to a person. If a person is to be notified, then a person is notified, in processing block 510, through an electronic mechanism, such as, for example, a screen pop-up created by embedded software, or an instant message. In one embodiment, multiple people are notified, and the call is taken by the first person to accept the call. In another embodiment, an entry to make the call is placed in a call center queue. If the call is to be an IVR call, then service server 113 initiates the IVR call and service server 113 manages the call.
[0058] To illustrate how the service of FIGS. 1-5 may be realized, one embodiment of the service is presented in FIG. 6. Existing media stimuli 602 may include traditional print, radio, TV, and outdoor advertising associated with the release of a movie. Mobile subscribers 600 are subscribers of any of the cellular operators in a geographic location. The mobile devices 601 used are cell phones with 2-way SMS capabilities. The digital wireless network 603 is any of the operators' networks. The code used ("aaa") is "*88", and all of the operators agree to terminate the call in common network CTI system 605, which is a legacy voice response platform. In this case, CTI system 605 is connected to push server 608 via a network 610 used to carry SMS messages. The same network is used by push server 608 to reply to mobile subscriber 100 via use of the SMS system. As most subscribers have SMS capabilities, subscriber capabilities database 609 is a simple one, but is present to include future enhanced services. Service identity database 610 is used as described previously. Service server 614 communicates to push server 608 over an IP network, and can manage a conversation with subscriber 600 via SMS.
[0059] The method described above can be stored in the memory of a computer system as a set of instructions to be executed. In addition, the instructions to perform the method described above could alternatively be stored on other forms of machine-readable media, including magnetic and optical disks. For example, the method described herein could be stored on machine-readable media, such as magnetic disks or optical disks, which are accessible via a disk drive (or computer-readable medium drive). Further, the instructions can be downloaded into a computing device over a data network in a form of compiled and linked version.
[0060] Alternatively, the logic to perform the methods as discussed above, could be implemented in additional computer and/or machine readable media, such as discrete hardware components as large-scale integrated circuits (LSI's), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's), firmware such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM's); and electrical, optical, acoustical and other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.); etc.
[0061] While specific embodiments have been described, it is evident that numerous alternatives, modifications, and variation will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
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Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke not quite finished and Steve Smith barely started
It's possible that we jumped the gun in saying that we might not see much more of Michael Clarke. We've reached this conclusion on the basis that he made a hundred as recently as today.
Watching Clarke teeter and gallumph about, it's clear that the spirit is willing but the tendons are inflamed, but you can get a long way with spirit – just ask Steve Smith.
We've previously said that at some point we'll come to terms with Steve Smith's run-scoring. We're not sure we're quite there yet, but a good innings is at least no longer a surprise. In fact, we've reached a point where we're faintly outraged when he's omitted from the Australia side. He pretty much always scores runs and he tends to do so in the right sort of manner for the situation as well.
Good cricketer. Weird batsman, weirder bowler, but good cricketer.7 Appeals
Learning, reacting, chopping, changing and Ponting
It may feel like Australia lost the series against Pakistan 4-0, but actually it was only two. No matter how you play, you can't lose more than two matches when you only play two.
This has allowed Michael Clarke to somewhat disingenuously plead that his captaincy shouldn't be judged on the basis of two Tests. People will be quick to draw his attention to last year's 4-0 defeat to India, which is perhaps what he wants as such talk distracts from his batting form.
The truth is that Clarke's got away with a 2-0 defeat. He can pretend that Australia might have bounced back were they playing a third Test, but history tends to suggest that learning is more than outweighed by the negative effects of reacting whenever Australia start losing.
"We're learning," they say. "Look!"
But changing isn't the same as improving.
The captain's view
Ricky Ponting's main redeeming feature as a captain was that he was plain-speaking. He always erred on the side of blunt honesty and had an unusual predilection for answering the questions asked of him.
But there is quite some distance between being open and honest as an international cricket captain and being open and honest as a columnist. The former is like being the least annoying daytime Radio 1 DJ. You're the least bad of a group that's pretty much defined by one negative characteristic.
It is therefore no surprise to see that Ponting's first column for Cricinfo is fairly banal. He still knows those involved, so his criticism is qualified and weak. You have to read between the lines a bit and magnify some of what he's saying to interpret his true meaning.
When Ponting says that "a lot of what I saw was a bit frenetic, a bit fast," then maybe – just maybe – he's talking about Australia's number three reverse sweeping his way to 37 off 28 balls in a match in which the opposition's just posted 570-6 with one guy making a double hundred.
Glenn Maxwell at three – but what would have been next?
The selection of Glenn Maxwell to bat at number three might rank as one of the greatest cricketing decisions of all time. In this context, we're using 'greatest' to mean 'inexplicable and hilarious'.
But all we can think about is what might have happened next.
If this series had run on, who knows where Australia might have ended up. If you're picking Maxwell at three by the second Test, what do you do when you've lost four on the bounce? The team physio, Alex Kontouris, must have harboured serious hopes of opening the bowling if there had been such a match.
Playing a five Test series when all you can do is lose is like being asked to build an elaborate timber framed home when the only tools you've got are a spoon and a spatula. It's a painful, humiliating farce, but every day you have to turn up for work and do your best and then explain your progress to the client afterwards.
If you ever have to go through this, the after-effects are huge. There's no hiding place. You had ample opportunities to do a good job so if all you managed was abject failure, you have to answer for that. By slinking off after two Tests, the Australian team has minimised the damage.
The moral of the story
Your averages, captain, coaches and players can probably survive incompetence over a relatively short series, so if you're going to be rubbish against someone, make sure it's Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand or someone.21 Appeals
Michael Clarke and 'the line'
One of the most annoying things about the Australian cricket team is not its verbal aggression but the players' relentless self-righteousness about it.
Here's a quote from Michael Clarke that you'll feel like you've read a thousand times before.
"I think we play our cricket hard on the field but I think as Australians we understand and respect there's a line you can't cross."
What Clarke doesn't get is that what he perceives to be 'the line' might not necessarily be the line to everyone else in the world. Who made you King of the Line, Michael? Why do you get to decide what does and doesn't go?
He reminds us of one of those strong-willed but stupid kids who's forever changing the rules of whatever game he's playing so that he always wins. He's trying to enjoy his victories, but all the other kids are sort of rolling their eyes and thinking maybe they should go and do something else now.
In the same interview, Clarke also says that he himself has crossed the line twice in the last year.
Actually, he says he 'made no bones about' the incident with James Anderson and that what he said 'wasn't appropriate'. However, a second later he's going on about the importance of going close to the line, but not crossing it. He then appears to imply that this incident and a similar one with Dale Steyn fall under the heading 'Australians playing cricket extremely fairly'.
Maybe it's just that Clarke has a different definition of 'the line'. In his world, you can cross the acceptable/unacceptable threshold with impunity. What he's talking about is the line that separates 'not stabbing someone in the eye with the scorer's pencil' from 'stabbing someone in the eye with the scorer's pencil'.28 Appeals
Why it's no surprise that Michael Clarke and Shane Watson hate each other
Legal documents associated with Mickey Arthur's ludicrous AUD 4 million compensation claim against Cricket Australia are said to detail deeply felt emnity between Michael Clarke and Shane Watson. This is, apparently, news.
A fairly large proportion of the Australian population has always hated Michael Clarke, seeing him as an image-conscious metrosexual who's been given an easy ride. An even greater proportion of the Australian population hates Shane Watson for being an image-conscious metrosexual who whinges a lot, throws away promising starts and who is forever getting injured. Being as both Clarke and Watson are Australians, OF COURSE each is going to hate the other.
It's basic statistics. Chances are most of Clarke and Watson's team-mates hate both of them. Why wouldn't you? The rest of us do.
Just because one person's a bit of an arse, it doesn't mean they're necessarily going to be great mates with other arses. In reality, people are generally most irritated by the negative qualities in others that they themselves possess. Clarke and Watson share plenty of irritating qualities with which to rub each other up the wrong way.26 Appeals
Why is Shane Watson Australia captain?
One answer would be 'because Michael Clarke's injured'. If you're wondering what's wrong with Clarke, a Cricket Australia spokesman said:
"Michael Clarke has had his right hamstring assessed by team medical staff following the game and the team physiotherapist has confirmed that Michael has stiffness in the right hamstring."
There's a joke in there somewhere. Something like: "How many Australian medical professionals does it take to diagnose a stiff hamstring when someone complains that their hamstring feels stiff?"
Anyway, this isn't the point. The point is that Shane Watson will become captain. We've said before that we have no real clue about captaincy. It's a management job really and thankfully most of the tasks involved aren't televised. We're therefore somewhat in the dark about players' suitability for the job.
But still. Shane Watson? Captains should be strong and resilient, yet Watson can't even bear to retain his own body hair. Maybe that's right though. Maybe Watson truly is the embodiment of contemporary Australia: Blonde, metrosexual, fragile, no longer troubling the speed gun and not especially good at Test cricket.29 Appeals
Michael Clarke: Lord Megachief of Gold 2012
We know. Sickening, isn't it?
If you don't already know, Lord Megachief of Gold is the highest award in cricket. Each year, we name someone winner based on some stuff. After weighing up said stuff, it turned out Michael Clarke was the winner. We were less than impressed by this, but the more we thought about it, the more we decided it wasn't quite as bad as having both legs blown off by a landmine.
Michael Clarke the batsman
Let's start with some boring statistics, the value of which we can all pointlessly argue about in the comments. In 2012, Michael Clarke scored 1,595 Test runs at an average of 106.33 with five hundreds.
He scored the majority of these runs in Australia and a large proportion in a few huge innings, but Clarke's job is to score lots of runs and in 2012, he scored lots of runs.
Against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he arrived at the crease with the score reading 37-3 and proceeded to score 329 not out. Against the same opposition in Adelaide, he arrived at 84-3 and scored 210. India were thrashed by Australia in that series, but that doesn't devalue Clarke's achievements. He was contributing to that thrashing more than anyone.
On tour in the West Indies, he only managed one fifty in what was a fairly low-scoring series, but he did take 5-86 in Dominica.
Against South Africa, he scored 259 not out after arriving at 40-3 and then made 230 in his very next innings after arriving at 55-3. He then finished the year with another hundred against Sri Lanka, although 117-3 was positive luxury compared to what he'd been used to.
This is a tale of making huge hundreds when the top three have been crap.
Michael Clarke the captain
Michael Clarke was once named 'cricketer most likely to make people wince and who they would also like to slap and then push away' three years in a row. That is a FACT. (That is not a fact.)
Then, just before he was named Australia captain, a load of surveys were carried out to find out how Australians felt about this development. The aim wasn't to find out whether he was a popular choice or not; it was to establish just how much people hated him. The answer was 'a lot'.
Yet look at him now – some people actually quite like him and he is generally considered to be a pretty damn fine captain. We won't claim to know how good his captaincy really is, but we do consider him an interesting captain and that's probably more important to us.
In Bridgetown, he declared with a first innings deficit. Australia were nine down, so that wasn't really amazingly bold, but it was interesting. He didn't try and eke out 20 more runs via his tail-enders. He got on with the game. Australia then beat the Windies and the light in the final session of day five.
Against Sri Lanka, he gave his wicketkeeper an over. The value of this might be questionable, but again, it's interesting. There's nowt wrong with a mischievous bowling change. It's not like he had Matthew Wade bowl eight overs with a ring of defensive fielders. He was just trying something.
In a team short of half-decent batsmen, Michael Clarke batted for several men. In a team which frequently lacked fit fast bowlers and with no real spinner to speak of, he engineered Test wins as captain. He also seemed genuinely enthusiastic about Test cricket and we can't help but feel a certain degree of warmth to someone like that.
Congratulations, Michael. You are Lord Megachief of Gold 2012.30 Appeals
Michael Clarke can give it a rest now
Okay, we get it – you're amazing at batting. It's getting a bit old now.
This wasn't Michael Clarke's first double hundred of the year. It wasn't even his first double hundred of the year in Adelaide; it was his second, and he has four of the buggers in total. One of them was a triple. That's… weird.
Clarke has often looked a fantastic batsman, but there's quite a big gap between playing some very good innings and the brutal efficiency he seems to be favouring of late. It's like he passed 200 in Sydney, back in January and went: "What? I'm allowed to carry on? I never knew!"
Since then, he's mostly been batting… mostly.
Most Australians really, really hated Clarke when he was made captain. Little did they know that authority would give him special powers.
But is he really all that? He ain't all that.
Okay, so maybe he's hit a few double hundreds this year. But how well would he bat if he had to wear massive, cast iron clown shoes and remain on the first floor of a small branch of Marks and Spencer? Hmm? How well would he bat then? Bet he wouldn't score too many double hundreds while he was shuffling through the cardigan section, would he?11 Appeals
Michael Clarke ain't all that
A lot of people are backtracking on Michael Clarke's captaincy. He was astonishingly unpopular when he got the job – largely on the grounds that he looks like he drinks Smirnoff Ice – but many Australians seem to have warmed to him, what with all the wins and all.
On top of that, we've noticed that Clarke has moved up to number three in the rankings for Test batsmen. It's all going well for him, of late. But is he all that?
He ain't all that.
Okay, so maybe he's won a few Test matches as captain. But how well would he captain if his players were all made out of dough and egg white? Hmm? How well would he captain then? Bet he wouldn't win many matches with that side, would he? Captain your way out of that one Captain Fantastic.
And yeah, he's hit a few hundreds in recent times. But how many runs would he score if he was encased in a giant fat suit and had to use a spatula instead of a bat? Not many, we'd wager. Bat your way out of that one Commander Sensational.
In conclusion: what a giant bell end.17 Appeals
Michael Clarke's support for Mitchell Johnson is getting ridiculous
Michael Clarke concluded early on in his tenure that his man management of Mitchell Johnson would involve unconditional love, no matter what the tufty-haired purveyor of left-arm ineptitude did with the ball.
Johnson hasn't taken many wickets recently, but Clarke's been steadfast in his support. Someone should tell him he can give it a rest now.
Johnson is expected to have surgery on his left big toe this week and is likely to be out of action for about five months.
Seemingly engaging 'mindless support mode', Clarke said:
"I think it could have a good impact on him. It will give him more time away from the game to clear his head and get himself fit and strong."
For once, we've got some sympathy for Johnson, because the poor sod's already at a low ebb and is now going to miss basically a whole season. However, the idea that sitting on his arse with his foot in the air for half a year will somehow improve him as a bowler isn't all that convincing.13 Appeals
Due a big score, due a hundred
We've written about batsmen being 'due' a score before. The idea is that if a batsman isn't scoring any runs, he's actually stockpiling them for a future innings.
The idea seems to be that every batsman has a quota of runs that he can allocate as he chooses. A terrible run of scores is a sign of a sensible batsman investing runs for a later date and is therefore a good thing.
It's balls, obviously – balls that have been in Michael Clarke's mouth:
"Hopefully I have saved a few runs for Adelaide."
Don't use them yet, Michael. Save them for Sydney, or better yet, Christchurch or Kolkata.19 Appeals


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We are now available on BBM and Whatsapp!! Please invite us!!
PIN: 29D7D9B9 Whatsapp 082 567 3287
Holly Hop Jumping Castles
Holly Hop Jumping Castles are located in Port Elizabeth and also serves other areas such as Uitenhage and Despatch.
For guaranteed all day fun, Holly Hop Jumping Castles has several jumping castles to choose from. Be it a birthday party or any other event, Holly Hop Jumping Castles will keep your little ones happy and occupied all day long.
Our friendly personnel will deliver to your event premises, on time, and 7 days a week. Our jumping castles are clean and in a good condition.
To hire a Holly Hop jumping castle is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Step 1: Click on the Jumping Castles tab to choose your jumping castle.
Step 2: Click on the Book now! link below the jumping castle of your choice.
Step 3: Complete the Make your booking today! form and submit.
What is the weather like?
Tue, 26 May 2015
Wed, 27 May 2015
|Mostly Sunny
Thu, 28 May 2015
Fri, 29 May 2015
|Mostly Sunny
Sat, 30 May 2015
|Partly Cloudy
Latest News
Booking a Jumping Castle is now as Easy as 1, 2, 3 !
Holly Hop Jumping Castle clients can now book their jumping castles on line in three easy steps!
Step 1: Go to the "Jumping Castles" tab to view our jumping castles.
Step 2: Click on the "Book now!" link below the jumping castle of your choice.
Step 3: Complete the "Make your booking today!" form and submit.
Willem will contact you within 12 hours to confirm your booking and any other arrangements necessary to ensure a day of fun at your birthday party or other event.
Remember that Holly Hop Jumping Castels delivers in Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch, and surrounding areas. Delivery within 10 km of our location is free. Please enquire on delivery cost in wider areas.
Happing hopping from Willem and Marlize!
Lezaan's is now Holly Hop Jumping Castles!
As from 01 November 2012 Lezaan's Jumping Castles will operate as Holly Hop Jumping Castles. We are still situated in Port Elizabeth and also serve other other areas such as Uitenhage and Despatch. We are the same friendly people and will deliver the same excellent service to you, our valued clients!
Happy hopping from Willem and Marlize!
New Owners for Lezaan's Jumping Castles
Willem and Marlize Verwey became the new owners of Lezaan's Jumping Castles, situated in Port Elizabeth, from 01 October 2012. We wish to ensure all clients of Lezaan's Jumping Castles in Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, and Despatch, that they can expect the same excellent service which they have received from Lezaan and Andrew in the past.
With our own little one, Ignatius, being two years old, we know exactly how daunting it can be to keep the little ones occupied. We will do our utmost to ensure fun, fun, fun for your little ones and their friends at their next birthday party, or any other event.
Happy hopping from Willem and Marlize!
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Copyright © 2012 Holly Hop Jumping Castles , Port Elizabeth, South Africa. All trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and may not be reproduced for any purpose without express written permission from the trademark holder.


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"These Baby Shower Invitations are Adorable. They were printed Exactly as I ordered them and they are thick and well made. Perfect for my Monkey Jungle Safari Themed Baby Shower!! Can't wait to get them mailed out and for guests to open them! Got the matching Return Address Labels to go with them, and they are great too!"
"I'm very pleased with how these invitations turned out - I was looking for a gender neutral design that deviated from the normal green/yellow themes. These were perfect, and look very high quality. I highly recommend having the envelopes printed as well - it saved so much time and was worth every penny. My only request would be to allow for some different font options for the envelopes so they're more customizable! Thanks for a great product!"
"Vibrant colors; thick and quality card stock, and the best part is the fact you can also write on the back! It was the perfect place to write our extra poem."
"Used them for my baby shower and they came out very cute and sturdy. I also purchased the "natural" colored envelopes with them. Very pleased with the purchase and how they came out."
"Great quality, adorable soft/sweet invitation for a baby shower. I got great feedback from so many who received this invite from me."


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Water Monitoring Companies in Sweden
Category: Water & Wastewater ×
Subcategory: Water Monitoring ×
Industry: Agriculture ×
Location: Europe ×
Location: Sweden ×
KISTERS group
based in Aachen, GERMANY
KISTERS is a worldwide growing IT-company founded in 1963 as an engineering agency. Its 450 employees develop resource management systems for water and air, energy, and information systems for environment protection and safety. Professional competence and operational experience with 1.600 customers in 35 countries make KISTERS an internationally sought-after partner. The ...
Macherey-Nagel GmbH & Co. KG
based in Düren, GERMANY
Macherey-Nagel is a specialist company for chemical analysis with five main product ranges: Water Analysis, Rapid Tests, Filtration, Chromatography and Bioanalysis. Our Water Analysis and Rapid Test product range supply test solutions for environmental monitoring and testing, specialising in the area of water and waste water analysis. Our portfolio for environmental ...
based in AUBERGENVILLE, FRANCE
Aqua-tools is the exclusive distributor in Europe, Africa and Middle East of LuminUltra™ products, based on the 2nd generation of ATP-metry. These kits are developed exclusively for microbial control of water : from ultrapure water to wastewater and anything between. We are accompanying our customers at every step of the development of their water surveillance programs – ...
Sulzer Ltd
based in Winterthur, SWITZERLAND
Sulzer is a global partner offering reliable and sustainable solutions for performance-critical applications. Our innovative solutions add value and strengthen the competitive position of our customers. Experience how Sulzer helps to cover the global demand for oil and gas. Pumps for up-, mid- and downstream applications, separation and process technologies for downstream ...
Bruker Optics Inc. - Bruker Corporation
based in Billerica, MASSACHUSETTS (USA)
Bruker Optics, part of the Bruker Corporation, is the leading manufacturer and worldwide supplier of Fourier Transform Infrared, Near Infrared and Raman spectrometers for various industries and applications. The Bruker name has become synonymous with the excellence, innovation and quality that characterize our comprehensive range of scientific instrumentation. Our ...
Pulsar Instruments plc
based in Filey, UNITED KINGDOM
Pulsar Instruments Plc have over 45 years of experience in the noise measurement sector. The company designs, manufactures and markets from their head office in the UK compliant, common sense, practical solutions for industrial, occupational and other noise measurement applications in the work environment via a global distribution network. From the beginning, Pulsar have ...
Dyacon, Inc.
based in Newton, UTAH (USA)
Dyacon, Inc. was established in October 2007 in beautiful northern Utah, USA to continue the Wescor rugged computer product line. The computer products can now be found at ControlTrac.com. In 2012, Dyacon introduced a line of weather instruments. These products benefit from a rich experience in rugged electronic design and cost-effective value. You'll find features in ...
Thomas Products LTD
based in Southington, CONNECTICUT (USA)
Thomas Products designs and manufactures hundreds of standard flow and level switches, as well as water flow gages, liquid level gauges, flow gages, water level controls, liquid level controls and flow controls. We can also custom design and manufacture variations of almost all of our parts for specific applications such as high temperature & unique mounting solutions. We ...
Sustec Consulting & Contracting bv
based in PV Wageningen, NETHERLANDS
Sustec is the Dutch supplier and contractor of the patented TurboTec® Continuous Thermal Hydrolysis Process (cTHP) for sludge and biomass to enhance the biogas production in the anaerobic digestion. The world's first continuous full scale plants have been commissioned in 2014 in the Netherlands with capacities of up to 13,000 tDS/a. The process includes the novel ...
Lumex Instruments Group
based in Mission, BRITISH COLUMBIA (CANADA)
Lumex Instruments develops and distributes throughout the world a wide range of laboratory and automatic analytical instruments of more than 20 types of its proprietary design for scientific and industrial research, process and environmental control, providing its high-tech analytical instruments with a comprehensive methodological support and extensive training of ...


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This Week In The Voice: Ital's Spin Control, Lee Ranaldo Steps Out, And Why You Shouldn't Hate Boy Bands
In this week's Village Voice, out now: Michaelangelo Matos profiles Daniel Martin-McCormick, the Brooklyn electronic musician with widespread acclaim and punk rock roots; Jesse Jarnow talks to Sonic Youth's Lee Ranaldo, who just released his first solo album; and I defend the boy band against the sneering hordes.
Ahron Foster Ital.
Sponsor Content


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TALK LIKE A WINNER! 21 SIMPLE RULES FOR ACHIEVING EVERYDAY COMMUNICATION SUCCESS is the one comprehensive guidebook that effectively helps people master their conversational skills. The author is Steve Nakamoto, iVillage.com's Mr. Answer Man relationship expert, who shows people how to build stronger personal and professional relationships one conversation at a time. In this easy-to-understand book, you will learn how to handle the 21 most critical steps to accelerating… (more)
Publisher: Java Books (May 12, 2011)
Format: EPUB
File size: 3.6 MB
Protection: DRM
Language: English


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EMERALD PINES Apartments3318 39th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501 View On Map (228) 575-4115
For rates, availability, and other information fill out the availability request form and a representative from EMERALD PINES Apartments will contact you shortly
Emerald Pines is located in the Biloxi Area in the 39501 zip code. View this apartment on a map.
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ASCI's next art-science exhibition to be held at the New York Hall of Science in Fall 2015, will be on the theme: "Biodiversity/Extinction"
Email "asci[at]asci[dot]org" to be put onto Call notification list.
Email "asci[at]asci[dot]org" to be put onto Call notification list.
Member News Picks!
Benoit Maubrey wants to inspire you to help Haiti by sharing how he organized an off-the-grid 9kw Solar Plant for a rural mountain university in Haiti so students could use computers at night! Details here..."Rebecca Kamen: Fundamental Forces" solo exhibitionpresents her inspired visual investigations of rarely seen scientific drawings and writings as contemporary sculptures, paintings, and installation with a soundscape by Susan Alexjander; National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C.; thru July 6, 2015.
Lea Kannar-Lichtenberger's solo show, "Colliding Worlds," explores the theory of evolution as a metaphor for change; Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & ARt Centre, Gymea NSW, Australia; 7-17 Mar 2015. learn more...
Ralfonso was interviewed by CNN INTERNATIONAL TV channel for a video documentary piece, "The Art of Movement," about his large-scale kinetic wind sculptures, including his recent commission piece in Orlando, FL.
Sandra Huret will participate on a Panel Discussion & Signing of her new book; discussion re: Creativity by artists and scientists with Eitan Altman, Pierre Carlès and François Taddéi; Centre de Recherches Interdisciplinaires; Paris, France; March 14, 2015 at 4pm.Arthur I. Miller, a distinguished art-science author, will give a public presentation, "Art at the edge… of science," at the Athens Science Festival, Athens, Greece; March 1-22, 2015.
Suzanne Anker, an internationally renowned bio-artist, is the Featured Artist of UCLA's ART-SCI Center's Lab.


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Tech Helproom
It's free to register, to post a question or to start / join a discussion
Epson Stylus Office BX525WD
Likes # 0
Posted January 8, 2012 at 3:43PM
I cannot get the above all in one to work wirelessly after setting it up on my laptop it says it is a network printer but nothing happens. Any ideas please
Likes # 0
Posted January 8, 2012 at 8:52PM
Open Network and Sharing Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, and then clicking Network and Sharing Center. Click the arrow button next to Printer sharing to expand the section, click Turn on printer sharing, and then click Apply. Your printer is now shared on the network. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Likes # 0
Posted January 8, 2012 at 10:02PM
I got as far as the net and sharing centre but did not see printer sharing or an arrow to expand the section.
Where did i go wrong?
Likes # 0
Posted January 8, 2012 at 10:14PM
Is the printer set up with your wireless network and the wireless light on on the printer?
How did you set it up? It is important to follow the instructions exactly. Did you follow the network guide? Epson support
Reply to this topic
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text: For some reason recently, with the last 3 driver updates I've installed when it gets to the part where your monitor generally goes blank for a moment and comes back instead mine goes blank then after about a minute my PC is rebooting. However instead of booting back up it stays black and I hear the BIOS post beep but the screen is still black, then after maybe 30 sec another post beep and it keeps doing this until I power my PC off and back on. When it comes back up all seems well; the driver is installed, my games play fine etc. Very odd, any ideas wtf is going on?


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ODT Online
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A man is in a critical condition after a two-car crash on
State Highway 1 near Te Horo last night.
The crash blocked the highway for several hours last night
while police and ambulance staff were at the scene.
Police said last night that three people suffered injuries in
the crash ranging from moderate to serious.
A spokesman for Wellington Hospital said a man in his 30s was
in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit today
after being injured in the crash.
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Learning the art of giving, Japanese-style
PARIS – What matters at Christmas time is the spirit, right? For those yet to be convinced, a tiny Japanese pavilion in Paris offers to initiate Westerners to a 700-year-old gift-giving ritual known as Origata.
You could hardly be further from the push and shove of the holiday shopping season: the tiny wood-panelled cubicle in the city's Latin Quarter is like a hybrid of concept store, art gallery and miniature temple.
Opened this month by Japanese businessman Takeshi Sato together with a young Frenchman, Joan Larroumec, the Miwa pavilion is billed as an exclusive members' club, offering a gateway to Japanese high culture.
"It's a business venture, but one that also aims to spread knowledge of traditional Japanese culture," explained Larroumec. "It's a window onto a side of Japan that is inaccessible to most people."
Chief among these customs is the Origata gift ritual, rooted in traditional Shinto culture, which has been practised primarily for the Japanese imperial family since the 14th century.
"It all starts with a tea ceremony, using water exported from Japan," Larroumec said.
"We listen to the person, to the meaning they want their gift to have, how they want the recipient to feel, and then there are a whole set of codes that determine the way we wrap it, the different paper, knots and folds."
"The aim is to put meaning back into the art of giving."
Except for the word "ori", meaning to fold, Origata bears no relation to the paper-folding craft of origami.
Since the 14th century, Keishosai Ogasawara's family have held the keys to the art as chiefs of protocol for the imperial family, handing down its codes generation to generation and – in recent years – sharing them with the public.
She travelled from Tokyo to witness the opening of the pavilion, which was ceremonially inaugurated by two Shinto priests.
– 'Exact opposite of email' –
"Origata is about putting your feelings into an object," she explained, softly-spoken and clothed in a pale pink kimono. "The knot represents the bond between two people."
"In a world of email and instant communication, this is the exact opposite," added Larroumec.
In Japan, Sato's firm Rightning specialises in running craft-based projects for the likes of Louis Vuitton, or telecoms giant Docomo, for whom he created a phone made of Japanese cypress, or hinoki, the wood used for temple-building.
For the Miwa project he drew on his contacts in traditional craft circles, from Ogasawara herself, to the artisans who built it from hinoki.
Ogasawara trained the two mistresses of ceremonies who will officiate at the pavilion — a basic three-week course, they admit, compared with the three to five years needed to perfect the art.
The organic washi paper used for the ceremony comes from a craftsman with the honorific Japanese title of "Living National treasure", bestowed on one member of a generation for any given field.
The room's central counter is made from a single slab of 300-year-old hinoki, without a single knot – "which means 16 generations of gardeners took turns to remove the young shoot from the tree," said Larroumec.
A gift display table was recreated using plans salvaged from centuries-old Origata manuscripts.
A tiny steel and hinoki paper knife was made by a centuries-old samurai sword manufacturer.
The wood-panelled walls are covered with tiny cubicles concealing ritual objects or ones for sale.
"It all stems from the Japanese notion that perfection requires hundreds of imperceptible details," said Larroumec.
Such refinement comes with a hefty price tag, though.
For an annual fee of 1,000 euros, members can book an Origata ceremony any time they like.
They can also purchase artefacts rarely seen outside Japan, from 3,000-year-old Jomon vases, to 19th-century kimonos worth up to 80,000 euros.
A fortnight after its launch, Miwa had signed up two dozen Japanese members, and a dozen French ones, all recruited in exclusive French-Japanese cultural circles in Paris. It aims for 100 members within a year.
"The membership fee might seem steep, but not when you consider people are getting access to collectors' objects worth 20,000 to 80,000 euros," explained Larroumec.
Among the Japanophiles Larroumec has approached is former president Jacques Chirac – a well-known admirer of the culture. He has yet to respond.
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Washington Insider Exposes Political Jerks in New Book
Author Carol Harper will launch her new book, You Might Be Dating A Jerk If⦠this weekend in Atlanta. The book contains over 150 entries of Carolâs dating experiences that are both entertaining and thought provoking. Every woman can relate to one or more of these jerks. She hopes to empower women to have healthy self-esteem so they will recognize men that may not be good for them.
(PRWEB) September 02, 2011
With Anthony Weiner, Governor Schwarzenegger and John Edwards in the news, Carol Harper is the lady to interview. Her new book, You Might Be Dating a Jerk If⦠is packed full of humorous entries from Ms. Harperâs dating experiences. Some of the entries are serious and tell how men can be disrespectful to women. Her book will be released on September 4th at the Decatur Book Festival in Atlanta this Sunday.
Since Carol lived in Washington, she knows firsthand about dating political figures and many of them were jerks. As a young woman working in Washington, D.C. she attended cocktail parties on âœthe hillâ every Friday. As a Washington insider, she knows what goes on behind the scenes with congressmen. She dated a few of these high profile men and has some stories to tell.
Shortly after Ms. Harper moved to Atlanta, she was hit head-on by a drunk driver. In the 100 M.P.H. impact, the steering wheel hit her face and broke her nose, jaw and crushed her facial bones to powder. After six surgeries to rebuild her face, she never looked the same.
Ms. Harperâs first book, Of Face Value, is based on her true story about how she discovered that true beauty comes from within. The purpose of her new book is to make woman aware that they are with a man that doesnât respect them. As a self-esteem coach and speaker, Ms. Harper helps woman raise their level of self-esteem so they wonât attract jerks.
Carol wants to start a movement for women to be empowered and âœsay no to a jerkâ. A red bracelet with that phrase on it is available to go along with her book. This book is the first in a series of books that will appeal to women of all ages. Ms. Harper wants to help women with their self-esteem so they make wise dating choices. Part of the proceeds from the book will go to a battered womenâs shelter where Carol volunteers.
The details in the book are brief so Carol can tell you âœthe story behind the storyâ in an interview. She will be signing books at booth #227-228 from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday at the Decatur Book Festival in Atlanta.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/9/prweb8762330.htm