text:
A method and system for performing instruction of handwriting skills by animated display of the required stroke motions with simultaneous audio verbal description of these same motions, including the means for a student to practice this lesson with use of a pen based input device by which the pen motion is captured, displayed on a computer monitor, and communicated to an evaluation algorithm which rates the quality of the writing. Based on this handwriting evaluation, the system includes means to provide visual and auditory reward, and generate the subsequent instructions and exercise for the student using embedded expert teaching knowledge. In the preferred embodiment, a tablet with a fastening mechanism fixes into position the paper duplicate of the handwriting lesson presented on the computer screen and the pen writing device is a special ballpoint pen capable of leaving a hard copy trace of the student writing.
1. A handwriting instruction system for use by a student comprising:
acquisition system for recording pen tip motion information corresponding to each of a plurality of individual strokes used to form a predetermined character input by said student;
a feature extraction system that analyzes said pen tip motion information to extract features from said character input, said features selected from the group consisting of writing speed, pen tip pressure, timing between strokes, stroke quality, slant of characters, position of characters, and orientation angle of the pen;
an attribute evaluation system that analyzes said features and that generates a set of handwriting attributes by combining said features into main attributes from which is formed an overall evaluation of said predetermined character, said attributes are selected from the group consisting of size, shape, slant, and spacing; and
a handwriting expert system that compares said attributes with the attributes of a template for said predetermined character, and synthesizes recommendations to said student on how the quality of said predetermined character may be improved and mediates the presentation of a subsequent handwriting lesson.
2. The handwriting instruction system of claim 1 wherein said expert system analyzes said visual handwriting quality attributes based on at least two of the following qualities: size, shape, slant and spacing.
3. The handwriting instruction system of claim 1 wherein said expert system provides customized instruction to said student with respect to at least two of the following qualities: size, shape, slant and spacing.
4. The handwriting instruction system of claim 1 wherein said attribute evaluation system generates said handwriting attributes based on a predetermined handwriting model.
5. The handwriting instruction system of claim 4 wherein said predetermined handwriting model is the D'Nealian handwriting model.
6. The handwriting instruction system of claim 4 wherein said predetermined handwriting model is manuscript handwriting.
7. The handwriting instruction system of claim 4 wherein said predetermined handwriting model is cursive handwriting.
8. The handwriting instruction system of claim 1 further comprising speech module associated with said expert system for generating verbal instruction information to said student.
9. The handwriting instruction system of claim 1 further comprising animation module associated with said expert system for generating animated visual instruction information to said student.
10. The handwriting instruction system of claim 1 further comprising supervisory system for providing guided instructions to said student regarding formation of characters, said supervisory system being coupled to at least one of said acquisition, feature extraction, attribute evaluation and handwriting expert systems and being programmed to train and test said student in formation of a plurality of characters in a systematic fashion.
11. The handwriting instruction system of claim 1 further comprising a digitizing tablet having fastening mechanism for affixing a lesson paper in a predetermined position on said tablet.
12. The handwriting instruction system of claim 11 wherein said fastening mechanism establishes a coordinate system and wherein said acquisition system records pen tip motion information relative to said coordinate system.
13. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 comprising a computer readable medium containing computer program instructions for implementing at least one of said acquisition, feature extraction, attribute evaluation and handwriting expert systems.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to EDUCATIONAL AND DEMONSTRATION SYSTEMS for use with computers and other information processing systems. Particularly, the present invention relates to the teaching of WRITING OR PRINTING BY HAND. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for teaching of handwriting or penmanship using a digital computer interfaced to a pen or stylus input device with software for providing instruction and guidance on letter formation. Such a system will be useful for supplementary classroom instruction, the self-instruction of students at home, and remedial education of students with learning/motor disabilities in both manuscript and cursive writing styles.
For the purposes of this present invention, pen based computer refers to a computer which has a special electronic pen or stylus which can function as an input device. In the preferred embodiment there is a tablet associated with the pen device which electronically senses and acquires information about the pen tip motion for communication to the computer software.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various systems are known for use in teaching handwriting skills. The simplest such systems use a book of worksheets with printed letter samples serving as templates to be traced over by the student using a conventional pencil or pen. By having the student trace a number of letters, the student is expected by repetition to gain the habit of correct letter formation. However, this system requires a human teacher to recognize if the student is forming the letters properly. Cohen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,986 discloses a device to assist in teaching children to write with proper shaped letters by controlling their pen motion by mechanical means. While the student is thus ensured of forming the arcs "programmed" by the device by orientation of its apertures, pen movement is practiced in a physically constrained space so that motions practiced may not be "learned" or translate into improved ability to perform unrestricted writing. Cohen's device also concentrates on the teaching of "arcs" rather than teaching the writing of whole letters or even words.
Prior art in image analysis includes pattern recognition systems which perform recognition of handwritten characters. Gaborski et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,715 discloses a method and apparatus for cursive script recognition. This invention reads handwritten text but it is not designed as a teaching device. Therefore, individual characters or whole words are recognized and the contents of the text read by the apparatus is output, but there is no feedback given to the writer concerning the "quality" of the handwriting. Muroya in U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,222 describes a method for comparing handwritten signatures with a previously stored template and calculating the variation or "distortion" between them. However, the variation calculated in this invention measures deviation from an individual's own signature which is then used to determine writer identification. Because the writing comparison is not performed against a template of ideal character templates, it does not measure absolute quality of the writing, and cannot be used for handwriting instruction.
The prior art further includes computer programs which employ electronic handwriting instruments and writing surfaces for acquisition of the pen motion information. Lally and Macleod (1982,1983) used a computer controlled display screen in conjunction with a digitizer pen. When the student correctly traced a thin guideline on the screen consisting of a 512 by 512 array of controllable neon lights, the display of the line was thickened. The thickening would cease and a cursor would blink to indicate deviation of the pen tip beyond an established set standard from the true path. For the teaching of handwriting, this system has the advantage of showing the student the pen path as it is written, however, this path this invention displays is unnatural in that it stops even though the hand motion continues. Although for this invention the potential motion of the pen is not physically constrained, it does rely on use of a light pen very dissimilar from a conventional pencil or ball point pen usually used by students in school. Roberts and Samuels (1993) modified this system by implementing it on a personal computer platform using a graphics tablet as the input and utilizing the computer monitor for display of the pen path motion. The major improvement of the Roberts and Samuels over the Lally and Macleod device is that the electronic pen is more similar to a conventional pen. However, a disadvantage is introduced in that the student user is forced to look up from the writing tablet to the computer screen for visual feedback of the actual pen path.
All of the above devices are deficient in their ability to serve as a platform for automatic instruction of handwriting. Prior art does not provide for integrated display of instructions for proper pen motion via animated display and associated audio. Also, equipment for these methods does not allow use of a conventional writing instrument therefore they do not provide a realistic display to the student of their actual writing. Prior art also uses a means for letter evaluation which strictly relies on a simple deviation from the model template. This evaluation is therefore not in keeping with current standards of handwriting teaching and evaluation which require evaluation of the "whole" letter.
1. Objects of the Invention
In view of the above state of the art, the present invention seeks to realize the following objects and advantages.
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a computer system for the teaching of handwriting which demonstrates penmanship instruction using multi-media or audio and synchronized animated video.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a pen based input peripheral device that can be used to practice the instructed handwriting exercise.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a tablet associated with the pen input device which provides a clamp or clip to hold a sheet of writing paper in a fixed position and orientation. The pictures and graphics on this instruction sheet duplicate the appearance of identical graphics displayed on the computer screen or monitor.
It is another object of the present invention to provide interface software which uses digital data acquisition to capture the pen tip motion information from the pen writing on the tablet and displays a duplicate of the pen trace on the computer screen. Thus, this invention allows the writer to see the pen path with an electronic image display on both the conventional paper copy and the computer monitor.
It is another object of the present invention to provide computer software which automatically analyzes the handwriting input and rates its quality in terms of predetermined criteria. These criteria take into account the whole letter or word formation in terms of shape, size, slant, and spacing but can be adjusted or modified to suit any handwriting system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide positive feedback and encouragement to the writer for successful completion of an exercise and remedial recommendation based on the automated analysis of the handwriting sample.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable pen based tablet device that can be interfaced to conventional personal computers and is fully automated and provides more robust functions than a simple handwriting workbook or computer tracing program for letters.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description and claims which follow, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.
2. Summary of the Invention
The present invention is a pen based computer handwriting instruction method and system. The educational device of the present invention comprises a multi-media computer which demonstrates the proper formation of handwriting strokes, letters, or numerals using both audio and synchronized animated video and a pen based input device and associated planar tablet, having a surface which supports thereon a sheet-like member having an inscribable surface, which converts the movement of said pen tip into an electronic signal suitable for transmitting and communicating said signal to said microprocessor based computer system; wherein the handwritten strokes are displayed on the computer monitor and the computer software evaluates these strokes for correct formation according to prescribed criterion and provides positive feedback and/or remedial instruction based on the deviation from the handwritten strokes from the said established criterion.
The present invention to acquire the written stroke information may use a variety of types of pen and tablets wherein said pen based input devices are at least one or more pressure sensitive, magnetic, electromagnetic or optically actuated device.
To maintain similarity to the conventional writing process the contact point of the said pen based input device will incorporate a conventional ball point pen or lead pencil tip so that the system user creates a copy of their writing with a feel similar to conventional writing.
The tablet associated with the pen based input device reversibly holds in fixed orientation a paper worksheet containing the graphics illustrating the particular handwriting lesson which appears on said computer monitor. The use of said paper worksheet ensures creation of a hard copy of the handwriting and allows the system user to perform the handwriting with the physical feel of the hardware most similar to conventional handwriting.
In order to maintain orientation of the said worksheet and allow the software to display a video reproduction of said writing on said computer monitor in proper orientation to that of the actual writing, the tablet incorporates a clip, clamp, fixed posts, or other mechanism.
The evaluation of the handwriting is performed by the computer software in the preferred implementation in terms of letter size, shape, slant, and spacing. This whole letter and whole word evaluation of the handwriting sample ensures that the negative feedback given to the system user or writer is not based on simple calculation of distance or deviation of writing from a fixed template but on more general measures of writing legibility. This evaluation method allows adherence to the handwriting principles of the D'Nealian system for handwriting instruction and is more suitable for teaching to students with learning or motor disabilities.
3. Recognized Variations
It will be recognized by one versed in the art that any of the 3 following variations are encompassed within the scope of the invention although not specifically claimed as a fundamental principle of the teaching of the invention.
The writing tablet and computer monitor can be the same device such as a pressure sensitive liquid crystal display so that the writing and display occur simultaneously on the same hardware device.
The pen and tablet may communicate with the computer processor by one of a variety of wireless transmission and communication techniques such as infrared or RF.
The multi-media letter instruction and handwriting evaluation criteria may be modified to conform to other handwriting educational methodologies such as Zaner-Bloser, or Palmer.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the instructional system for teaching handwriting in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for the writing tablet and paper worksheet arrangement in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 3 is a representative screen layout for lesson on the letter "a" in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is the control area which appears on the computer display for manual lesson flow control in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a sequential sequence or animation clip for instruction of the letter "a"; and
FIG. 6 is table showing comparison of ideal and test (handwritten) "a" characters; and
FIG. 7 is a diagram of zero crossings on a horizontal scan for the letter "a" in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is diagram of width distribution across the height for the letter "a" in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a system operation flow diagram for presenting and evaluating handwriting lessons.
Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations.
Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus of one embodiment of the pen based computer handwriting instruction device in accordance with the present invention includes a pen 10, planar writing tablet 20, computer display 30, computer 40, and audio speakers 50.
Pen 10 is a handheld writing instrument or implement preferably of similar shape and weight to a conventional ballpoint pen or lead pencil. Pen 10 interacts with planar writing tablet 20, such that when relative motion is made between the tip of the writing instrument and the planar tablet the motion of the pen tip alters the electrical signals communicated by the tablet 20 to the computer 40. The surface of tablet 20 can be sensitive to changes in light, pressure, magnetic field disturbances or some other interaction means for capturing the movement of pen 10. Preferably the pen 10 is cordless and not physically connected to tablet 20 so that it can be moved freely and with no restrictions. More preferably, pen 10 contains a conventional ballpoint tip or actual graphite lead capable of leaving a mark on a paper worksheet 65. For example, the WideBody UltraPen with Ink (Model UP-401) or WideBody UltraPen with Pencil (Model UP-501) from Wacom, Inc. (Vancouver, Wash.) may be used.
Referring to FIG. 2, tablet 20 is adapted to have an attached clip 60 which can reversibly hold paper worksheet 65 in a fixed position. Preferably, clip 60 contains tabs and stops to assist the user in guiding worksheet 65 into proper position. More preferably, the lower flange of clip 60 is integral to the construction of tablet 20 so that it lies flush with the surface. The clip 60 then is closed down over the worksheet 65 with guide posts in the clip top going through holes in the worksheet 65 locking it in place. This contiguous flat configuration of tablet 20 and clip 60 ensures that worksheet 65 will lie flat without gaps against the tablet 20 and because it is secured in place by the clip 60, the relative motion between worksheet 65 and tablet 20 is minimized when an operator writes on the tablet using pen 10.
Tablet 20 is preferably of sufficient size to hold in place an 8� inch by 11 inch worksheet. More preferably the tablet 20 will acquire movement of the pen 10 with sufficient speed and resolution to capture a likeness of the written pen strokes. Capture of pen tip movements at greater than 30 points per second ensures this density of pen tip information. The ArtZ II (Model UD-1212-RSB) from Wacom, Inc. (Vancouver, Wash.) may be used as tablet 20 because it is about 16 inch by 16 inch in dimension so that worksheet 65 can be centered on the active region of the top surface of tablet 20 and writing with pen 10 anywhere on the worksheet 65 will be electronically captured by the tablet 20 and communicated to computer 40. Moreover, this tablet is able to capture pen tip motion at 60 points per second.
Referring to FIG. 1, computer 40 contains a software program which comprises a plurality of separate modules for performing the handwriting instruction. In one preferred embodiment, signals communicated by tablet 20 are transferred through a serial connection to computer 40. The handwriting acquisition module 70 converts the data from the tablet 20 into stroke and point information. In the case when the apparatus of the invention is being used to teach manuscript printing, the handwriting acquisition module 70 uses its ability to recognize pen up and pen down movements to separate the data based on these events. The point information between each pen down and pen up event forms a stroke. Depending on the data acquisition rate of the pen and tablet hardware, the information for each pen stroke consists of a variable number of location points. This information data on the location of the tip of pen 10 at a number of times between the stroke down and stroke up are communicated to the lesson presentation module 80 which calculates the information to send computer display 30 so that it displays the digitized points connected by line segments causing a close reproduction on the computer display 30 giving for example the drawing of a letter on the worksheet 65.
Lesson presentation module 80 presents lesson instructions to the operator using sound by communicating with a sound board which outputs these sounds on audio speakers 50 and communicates with the computer monitor 30 to display the static and animated graphics constituting the handwriting lessons and exercises. Conventional penmanship teaching materials show the student a static picture of what a proper letter should look like, and may in some cases give numbered arrows to show the sequence of strokes to be followed in letter creation. However, it remains for the teacher to actually demonstrate the stroke mechanics. This is, of course, because the dynamics of letter writing can not be conveyed by a fixed picture, or even a series of pictures. In this embodiment of the invention, lesson presentation module 80 initially presents lessons teaching a student the correct posture and hand position for handwriting, how to grip their pen, and provides demonstrations on how to correctly write numerals, the upper and lower case letters, and words using the optimal stroke sequences for letter formation techniques of some standardized handwriting system. Preferably, the standardized system is the D'Nealian system which seeks to improve the teaching of handwriting by simplifying the letter templates and by reducing the number of strokes necessary to form these letters.
The handwriting evaluation module 90 evaluates the student's writing data from the tablet, by extracting features from the individual characters and combines them into main attributes. In the present embodiment there are 4 main attributes consisting of size, shape, slant, and spacing from which are formed an overall evaluation of the handwritten letter and based upon which the handwriting evaluation module 90 creates new instructions for the student regarding what to do differently.
The lesson flow module 100 modifies the lesson presentation module 80 instructions for the student accordingly, and the next sublesson is started. Once the handwriting evaluation module 90 determines "enough" sublessons of the lesson have been completed, the handwriting evaluation module 90 decides what lesson to go to next. This may be the next predetermined lesson, or a remedial lesson to bolster certain problem areas. The lesson flow module 100 carries out these instructions and moves the lesson presentation module 80 on to the designated lesson.
In one embodiment, the graphics on the printed worksheet 65 and the workspace that the lesson presentation module 80 displays on the computer display 30 both consist of several corresponding regions. In the case of the worksheet 65, the images are static and the student writes directly on the sheet itself, however the image on the computer display 30 is animated and reflects the writing done on the tablet. FIG. 3 depicts the general lesson layout that appears on a worksheet 65 and on corresponding computer display 30. The student controls program flow by touching the pen 10 to one of the buttons in the control area 310.
The largest region on the computer display 30 is the practice area 320 which is the onscreen area in which the strokes created using the pen 10 and tablet 20 are displayed. Inside the practice area 320 are some example letters for the student to trace as a starter, along with blank start points 330 at which to write more letters. Above that, in the upper-right corner, is the instruction area 340 where the instructional visual is presented, surrounded and offset by a box. Encouragement or positive feedback to the student for good performance is provided by specific computer generated comments about letter quality and letter formation technique. Incentive and motivation for the student to make diligent progress is provided with audio sound effects and visual special effects as a direct reward for successful completion of an exercise. In this embodiment, in the practice area 320 and above it too are colorful sound pictures 350 that produce entertaining sounds, when touched with the pen and activated after the student has completed an exercise.
Referring to FIG. 4, in the control area 310, the forward button 410 proceeds to the next lesson. The backward arrow 420 returns to the previous lesson. Pressing on the circular arrow 430 will repeat the current lesson for the student. When the student presses on the start button 440 the audio and animated video instruction for the lesson is begun.
In the instruction area 340, the animated instruction for the lesson appears and is synchronized with the audio directions. The instructional audio-visual animation plays in the upper-right corner of the screen. This area consists of a taller, short writing line on which is placed a proportionally larger picture of the lesson's letter. Often there will be a picture just to the left of this area that is involved in the instructional animation.
The motion the student should follow to correctly form the letter according to the particular handwriting system being trained is synchronized in animation with the audio instructions. The student can tap on the start button 440 again to hear the instructions again.
A full instructional animation sequence consists of several "clips", each one corresponding to a handwriting step in letter formation (for example, the "around down" step in the letter "a".) The clip provides a visual and auditory description of that step. The sequence (the full set of clips) for each letter begins with a verbal lead-in that prompts the child to "say and write" the handwriting instructions that will follow. In this embodiment, the sequence plays once, and then the sequence plays again once more, at a slightly faster animation rate. When the second play ends, it is time for the child to begin tracing and then writing the letter.
A typical animation clip will contain several components. The first will be a curved "track" that describes the path the pencil should take when forming the letter. The track is located a small distance away from the part of the letter it represents. The track has a "beginning" and an "end", which correspond, respectively, to the places where the pencil starts and ends the formation of that part of the letter. The second clip component is an arrow head that starts at the beginning of the track and, through several animation frames, moves along the track to the end. The third component is the auditory instruction that describes the motion that is occurring along the track, such as in the "around down" beginning of the letter "a". Unless it is one of a few exceptions, each clip plays the audio instruction once, and repeats the track path twice.
In the preferred embodiment, the handwriting instruction implemented is for the D'Nealian handwriting system. For implementation of this embodiment, there are four special animation clips that are used for teaching the letters in the program. These correspond to D'Nealian instructions of special significance that are exploitable in an entertaining way. The first of these is a clip that corresponds to the "monkey tail" description. This description is for the formation of the cursive-like "tail" coming off the bottom-right of letters like "a" and "d". The clip takes advantage of a monkey picture placed to the left of the letter. When the D'Nealian instructions for these letters come to the "monkey tail" part, the monkey extends his tail and wags the tip of it over the "monkey tail" of the letter. The tail tip is in the shape of the letter's "monkey tail", and overlays it, with the letter's "monkey tail" appearing underneath. Referring to FIG. 5 gives an example of this program feature for the letter "a". The D'Nealian instruction sequence for the letter "a" consists of 6 separate commands. In this embodiment, for example, for the letter "a", the audio track says "middle start; around down, close up, down, and a monkey tail" while an animated arrow traces each of these pen motions. Therefore the animation clip consists of 6 separate commands. FIG. 5 shows for this embodiment, the first animation frame from each sequence along with the full text of the audio track that plays through the clips shown below each picture.
In this embodiment, the second special clip corresponds to the lower-half of the letter "s". After the first two D'Nealian instructions with track-and-arrows, a colorful rattlesnake, placed similarly to the monkey, extends his tail. The tail overlays the s in an "s" shape from the top downwards, with the tip at the bottom-left end. The tip, a rattle, wags back and forth as "and a snake tail" plays aurally.
In this embodiment, the third special clip is used in letters like "g" that have a part that moves down under the bottom line to the descender area. The D'Nealian instruction to play this is "down under water", and indicates the pencil should pass through the bottom line and down towards the descender line. The animation clip consists of a standard arrow following an animation track, but in this case, as the arrow approaches the bottom line from above, the descender area darkens into blue water. As the arrow "hits" the water, an animated splash occurs and rings expand outwards along the surface of the "water".
In this embodiment, the fourth special clip is used to play the curved descender of letters like "g". The D'Nealian instruction to play this descender is "a fishhook". When it's time for this instruction, a specially-placed fisherman in a boat casts his hook out. The hook overlays the g's descender, and slides up and down over it, emphasizing the hook-like shape of the g's descender.
Referring to FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the student can begin writing at any time in the practice area 320. The practice area typically consisting of several rows of standard writing lines. Each writing line has a solid top and bottom line, in blue, and a dashed, red middle line. The solid top line of the next writing line down also serves as the previous writing line's descender line, and is used for letters with descenders (like the letter "g".)
At the beginning of the first writing line are three light-colored examples of the letter to be formed. To their right are three light-colored, dashed examples of the same letter. The student traces the three solid examples, and then traces the three dashed ones. After that, the student will draw, with no tracer underneath, the letter at various blank points shown along the writing lines. Start points 330 give the recommended start position for each of the letters.
In this embodiment, interspersed through and above the writing lines are several colorful sound pictures 350. When a line is completed, the student is rewarded by being able to activate one of these. Each of these pictures plays a short, entertaining sound. By tapping the pen on a sound picture an amusing sound effect is played as a positive reward to the student for completing that task. Each lesson has 3 general locations for sound pictures, with the topmost activated after the student completes the top row. The left sound picture is activated when rows 2 and 3 are completed. The student can select the right sound picture when they have completed rows 4 and 5. If the student selects a sound picture before completing its corresponding row(s) the audio instruction will say for example "You must complete all the items in rows 4 and 5 to hear the apple sound". As this audio track is played the start points 330 for the incomplete rows 4 and 5 are flashed on the computer display 30.
In this embodiment, the lesson flow module 100 controls the movement of the child through the lessons and sublessons, waits for completion of sublessons, invokes the handwriting evaluation module 90, and carries out the changes in lesson that the handwriting evaluation module 90 makes. The lesson flow module 100 guides the student along a suggested path from lesson to lesson. This sequence may be altered by manual intervention by the teacher, who can use onscreen controls to change to any lesson desired. If the suggested path is taken, however, this module will guide the student through lessons that are in a predetermined order.
A typical lesson begins when the child clicks on the "start" button with the pen tablet. This button is a green "stop sign" with the word "go" in it. The child will complete one sublesson at a time in order to get the "reward", which is the playing of sounds associated with various pictures onscreen. When each sublesson is completed (that is, when all the expected writing spaces are filled in) the lesson flow module recognizes this and sends the data off to the handwriting evaluation module.
When the student completes a letter the computer draws it on the video screen in the same size as the student wrote it. Once the student has written 3 letters, automatically evaluates these letters and offers encouragement or provides remedial instruction. For example the computer may point out that the letter is too large or small. The program then checks the next group of 3 letters the student writes and evaluates those.
The handwriting acquisition module 70 gathers the handwritten information from the tablet and stores it for use by the handwriting evaluation module. In this embodiment the handwriting acquisition module 70 is built using the Microsoft PenWindows tablet-interface standard. The module consists of two parts: a "recognizer" dynamic-link library (.dll) to gather data, and a submodule of the present invention to control the recognizer and gather the data from it. The PenWindows Software Development Kit specification provides a standard way for application developers to interface with the many tablets on the market. It is oriented towards creating writing-input "recognizers" that convert tablet (or touch-screen) input into "standard" input, such as letters for word-processing programs, shapes for drawing programs, and so on. Since this data may be coming in a continuous stream (say, a long cursive word) the recognizer decides which parts of the stream correspond to the objects it seeks, and it breaks the incoming data into portions. The present invention does not use this "on the fly" quality of PenWindows, but uses a special recognizer that merely collects data one complete stroke at a time.
Inside the handwriting acquisition module 70 is a submodule that waits for a standard type of "event" (called a "left mouse button down" event.) If this button event is of a special "tablet" type, the submodule calls the recognizer, which gathers the data from the tablet, and which in turn notifies the submodule that it has completed the data gathering. The submodule collects the data from the recognizer, draws it onscreen at the location corresponding to the pen spot on the tablet's template overlay, and stores it for later use by the handwriting education system.
The handwriting evaluation module 90 works by extracting features from the individual characters and combines them into main attributes from which is formed an overall evaluation of the handwritten letter. In this embodiment, the handwriting evaluation module 90 adopts the D'Nealian handwriting evaluation criteria which specifies that the main attributes for good handwriting formation are size, shape, slant, and for the writing of whole words—spacing.
In arriving at a score that measures the quality of a written character, the 3 attributes are evaluated by the handwriting evaluation module 90 submodule and scored against an ideal model of the character. Then a weighted average of the scores in each of the 3 categories is derived to arrive at the final score for the written character. This score is then categorized into one of three grade-like descriptions: A) Excellent B) Good and C) Average. With the goal of encouraging good writing, rating words such as "Poor" or "Bad" have been excluded, although certain writing might indeed be poor or bad.
In this section, the evaluation of the three attributes: size, slant and shape will be described in terms of the how they are calculated from the extracted features. The primary requirement in this evaluation was the need for quantitative comparison of the attributes of a written character with those of the ideal character (often called the "template" or "prototype").
In the present embodiment, the size of a character is evaluated by finding the size of the bounding rectangle that encloses the character. While, it is arguable that there are other more rigorous measures of size, the bounding rectangle was chosen to represent size, as it is easy to evaluate and adequate for the intended application. For example, in FIG. 6, it is seen that the ideal letter 'a' has a size of 25 rows�29 columns, while the handwritten test letter has a size of only 23 rows�14 columns, clearly indicating a problem in maintaining the correct size during writing.
In cursive writing, it is recommended that the letters be drawn with a slant to the right. Slant angles are typically in the range of 25� to 28�. Any major deviation from this range is considered to be unacceptable in the training phase. One could argue that the slant has no impact on the legibility or the shape of a character; however, the D'Nealian system considers it desirable to specify a standard for cursive writing. Cursive writing with a slant angle of 25� to 28� is more pleasing to the eye and is easier to read. Referring again to FIG. 6, the slant angle for the letter on the left represent is written well; while the letter shown on the right shows deviations from the accepted norm.
Evaluation of slant is based on image processing techniques. The chain code of the character image is determined first, using procedures found in most text books on image processing. It is noted that in digitized images, the chain code will typically have four distinct angles: 0�, 45�, 90� and 135�. Using this information, the average of the chain code angles is calculated and the slant angle determined. Although, the chain code computes angles in the range 0� to 315�, angle 0� is the same as 180�, since both indicate a horizontal direction. Similarly, angle 45� has the same orientation as 225� and angle 90� has the same orientation as 270� and the angle 135� is equivalent to the angle 315�.
Evaluation of shape attribute is the most critical component in the overall evaluation of a handwritten letter. Shape of any letter can be uniquely described by its curvature properties. Ideally, given the image of a character, one can define a curvature sequence, as one traverses the character from its starting position to the termination point. While there are many methods available to evaluate curvature of a given curve, the need to have simple shape measures that are easily evaluated and interpreted is crucial when training a child or a physically impaired person. In the present embodiment, the shape measures which are calculated are: Aspect Ratio, Zero Crossings Distribution, and Width Distribution. The shape attributes described by Aspect Ratio, Zero Crossings Distribution, and Width Distribution give very unique characterizations for all the letters of the alphabet.
Aspect Ratio deals with the overall height and width of the character. Aspect Ratio is determined by measuring the height and width of the rectangle that tightly encloses the character. As an illustration, if the size of the rectangle enclosing the letter 'a' is 25�29, then the Aspect Ratio is defined as:
In the present embodiment, the ideal Aspect Ratio for a well written letter is defined and this measure used to compare with test letters written by the student.
Zero Crossings Distribution deals with the number of times, the character is encountered as one scans a given line horizontally. In the case of the letter 'a', one would typically encounter the character boundary twice in each row in the top portion, while this number will go to four in the lower region. The process of counting zero crossings is illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 7a illustrates the Zero Crossing Distribution for a good sample, while FIG. 7b shows a different Zero Crossing Distribution for a poor sample.
Width Distribution across the height of the character is a good indicator of how well the ideal shape of a character is reproduced by the writer. FIG. 8 illustrates this property for the letter 'a'. Width Distribution for the letter 'a' is small at the top, increases in the middle and shows a big increase in the lower region due to the terminal tail. FIG. 8a has these features. However, the poor sample shown in FIG. 8b shows how the Width Distribution is significantly different.
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail, it will be readily understood and appreciated that numerous omissions, changes and additions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
STYLE: High Grade Series Wa-bocho, Premium Handle
STEEL: White Steel, laminated w/ stainless steel
HANDLE: Premium Arizona Desert Ironwood handle
WEIGHT: 118 grams
BLADE LENGTH: 5sun, 153mm (6")
BLADE WIDTH: 44mm
BLADE THICKNESS: *1.4mm
*NOTE: Because all of Carter Cutlery blades have a forged distal taper (thicker in the middle, more thin towards the tip), the blade thickness given is dependent on what part of the blade is measured. On Kitchen knives we measure the blade thickness at or around the "Carter" stamp. On Neck knives and Outdoor knives we measure just in front of handle.
Sorry but this item is currently unavailable.
Please check back at a later stage.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
YIELD: Serves 2 to 4
Heat a cooker to 230° to 250°F.
Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and rub them all over with the olive oil. Sprinkle with the granulated garlic, then season with the lemon pepper and rosemary.
Oil the grate and place the ribs on it bone side down over indirect heat. Cover and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, turning every 45 minutes, until the ribs are pull-apart tender.
Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let them rest, covered loosely with aluminum foil, for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut the ribs into individual pieces and serve.
Reprinted with permission from America's Best Ribs Recipes by Ardie A. Davis and Chef Paul Kirk, © 2012 Andrews McMeel Publishing


text:
We offer discount to nonprofits, government agencies, and federal contractors
In just the last two weeks, congressional calls to #EndFamilyDetention have turned the tide of momentum significantly.
AILA Doc No. 05021160 | Dated February 11, 2005 | File Size: 36 KDownload the Document
This bi-partisan legislation, introduced in the Senate (S. 352) by Senators Mikulski (D-MD) and Gregg (R-NH) and in the House (bill number not yet available) by Reps. Delahunt (D-MA) and Gilchrist (R-NH), would increase access to H-2B visas and make other changes to the H-2B program.
[[To print the PDF on this page please use the print function in the PDF reader.]]
Cite as AILA Doc. No. 05021160.Open the Document
American Immigration Lawyers Association
1331 G Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
Copyright © 1993-2015
American Immigration Lawyers Association.


text:
Home » Elder Care » Daily Care » Mobility & Falls » Articles » What to Expect After a Hip Replacement
Following hip replacement surgery, it is crucial to get physical therapy, rehabiliation and follow the doctor's order, to avoid, re-injuring the hip.
Exercises to Get Better
It's key that your parent follow the physical therapist's instructions and those of the medical staff in the rehabilitation center. Your dad, the tennis player? He's motivated to practice walking on his own because he believes it will get him better faster. If he goes about his exercises wrong, and if he has what are called "weight-bearing restrictions," he could put himself most at risk for injury (at risk for fall, at risk for dislocating the hip joint). And walking or doing exercises with no supervision means he is likely going about it incorrectly—his eagerness can actually hurt him in the long run.
And what about your cognitively impaired mom who is suddenly baffled by being in a strange environment and a walker at her bedside? The rehabilitation center staff likely will clip an alarm to her clothes to alert them immediately should she attempt to get up without assistance. Her care plan will include fall precautions specifically designed for someone with cognitive impairment. The staff will explain as often as necessary why she has a walker and why she needs to call for help should she need to get up from her bed (the rails will be raised while she in bed) or chair. As caregiver, one of your jobs is to reinforce that she is not to get up on her own and why she has a walker. However, you can be certain that your parent with cognitive impairment is not the first to come through the rehabilitation center; the medical staff is accustomed to working with people just like your parent and will do everything possible to ensure his or her safety.
A physical therapist is the safest and best bet to ensure that your parent is doing the proper exercises, walking correctly, bending the right way, and not overworking any muscle group. Partner with yours.
Behavior Changes
As the caregiver, ask plenty of questions. If you feel that your loved one is not progressing at the rate you expected, ask the physical therapist questions. Additionally, most rehabilitation centers have a social worker on staff. If you notice something else is going on (depression, unwillingness to follow physical therapy exercises, loss of appetite, etc.), speak with the social worker about your concerns. These professionals have seen it all before and can help you navigate through these issues.
Going Home
Perhaps the most important thing for a caregiver comes at the point of discharge from the rehabilitation center: Now what? Will the rehabilitation center have done "enough" for your parent to come home? Will you be equipped to handle your parent? What do you need to know? The physical therapist will teach all of the things that your rehabilitating parent will need to know so he or she can function safely and properly without risk of injury at home. As caregiver, you will want to take part of this so you know what to expect at home.
Occupational therapy recommendations/teachings may include:
Prior to discharge, your parent's home may require certain modifications to ensure the safest environment possible. At an absolute minimum, your physical therapist should make the following recommendations:
If your parent has a comfortable recliner, try to set that up as "home base," because that may be the center of their universe for several weeks. In fact, he or she may decide that is the most comfortable place to sleep. Keep everything that they will need near the recliner. You may even consider a portable commode if it's a long walk to the bathroom. For the first few weeks, everything may feel like an exceptionally long walk.
Remember, there is no "set" time on how fast one is going to heal from hip replacement. Ultimately, the goal is to eliminate the pain and increase mobility.
If you notice a change in mobility, contact the doctor.
©2015 AgingCare, LLC. All rights reserved. About Us | Advertise with Us | Sitemap
The material of this web site is provided for informational purposes only. AgingCare.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; or legal, financial or any other professional services advice. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Not an AgingCare.com Member?
Sign Up Now!


text:
|Treasures of the Past
Quest summary:
Find the hidden treasure to the north and report your success to the Chamomile Family.
Quest start:
You seem like the adventurous type. So I won't feel guilty sending you out after this.
There's a rumor going around this allod that there's a great treasure somewhere out there! I know that now isn't the most opportune time, with the vampire ship and all… But we'd hate to see it go to waste!
Quest check:
If it were me, I'd be looking somewhere north. Perhaps the ship rattled it loose when it crashed into us!
Quest finished:
See! I knew you were a true adventurer!


text:
I was not really sure where to put this, as it's not really hardware but.
I have had the Razer Destructor mousepad for a long time, the first version not the second, and love it. Nothing wrong with it.
I would though, love to have a mousepad with a design on it, art, or whatever, something on it. You can see examples here (not any I am exactly interested in, but to show what I mean) (https://www.google.c...w=2560&bih=1349)
But anytime I find ones that have a design, they are those old school soft regular mousepads. I like to have a "gaming" hard mat but with a design.
Anyone know where to find these?


text:
Jayalalithaa, Mayawati and Mamata could individually hold the key to govt formation, if not pitch for the PM's chair themselves, given the number of seats each is targeting in her state. A look at how they are going about their objective of a larger role in Delhi.
It was December 31, 2012. J Jayalalithaa was just back from the ceremony swearing in Narendra Modi, a self-confessed friend, as Gujarat chief minister. At a meeting of the party general council, an AIADMK minister got up to suggest Jayalalithaa was the ideal prime ministerial candidate. She went on to tell the meeting her party would not align with either the Congress or the BJP. In the year since, Jayalalithaa has largely been silent on Modi, congratulating him on his elevation as BJP campaign committee chief but making no comment when he became the party's PM candidate.
As farfetched as it may seem outside, "Prime Minister Puratchi Thalaivi Amma Dr J Jayalalithaa" has a resonance inside Tamil Nadu. Posters and advertisements announce this day after day. One has her in front of Parliament, another has the President inviting her, and a third has Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse bowing before her. The most memorable vignette had Finance Minister O Panneerselvam standing reverentially behind her on budget day, clutching a suitcase with her photo, with Parliament in the background.
The AIADMK campaign has taken a shriller pitch around Jayalalithaa's 66th birthday, celebrated Monday, with loyalists and fans playing on the date, 24, and the number 66. The government-run Music and Fine Arts University is holding a 66-hour festival; the health department is organising 660 medical camps; and Jayalalithaa planted the first of 66 lakh tree saplings February 21. The PR department has placed LCD screens and photo exhibitions across the state to extol her government; the department of Tamil development last week organised a seminar on Tamil e-books; the transport department held a blood donation drive that has reportedly entered the Guinness Book with over 50,000 participants — all linked to her birthday. The AIADMK has organised kabaddi matches, festivals, seminars and personality development classes. Enterprising businessmen have turned social workers feeding the needy.
A well-known fan, Chennai mayor "Saidai" S Duraisamy, has undertaken an expansion of "Brand Amma". He has launched Amma Canteens for the urban poor, followed by Amma packaged drinking water. In the budget …continued »
Only In The Express


text:
Item Details
Gehry, Frank.
FOG: Flowing in All Directions.
Los Angeles: Circa Publications, 2003. First Edition. Folio, Original illustrated boards. In fine condition. Signed twice by Frank Gehry; once on the front boards, which was signed in a marker but then accidentally smudged by Gehry [can easily be removed if desired]; and then re-signed it on the inside.
Price: $850.00
See all items in Art and Architecture
See all items by Frank Gehry


text:
- Willamette
- Administrative Departments
- Health Services
- Student Insurance
- International Students
Health Insurance Requirements
For International Students, Scholars, and Accompanying Family Members
Willamette Student Health Insurance Plan (Aetna)
Health care is very expensive in the United States, therefore, all international students and scholars attending Willamette University, including their accompanying J-2 or F-2 family members, are required to have health insurance throughout their program. We do not want your investment in higher education to be interrupted or ruined because of expensive health issues. Quality insurance can help prevent that.
Willamette provides a student health insurance plan through Aetna insurance company. It is reasonably priced for the high level of coverage it provides.
- This plan meets the U.S. requirements of the ACA, Affordable Care Act.
- This plan meets health insurance requirements for "J" visa holders.
- All "F"-visa-holders, "J" visa-holders, and dependents are automatically enrolled in the Willamette Student Health Insurance Plan (Aetna).
- Students and dependents are enrolled in the health insurance for the entire academic year, however, the cost is billed in two separate pieces, as indicated in the Plan Price section below, at the beginning of each semester. Payment to Willamette University is required at the time tuition and other charges are paid.
- Scholars (non-student "J" visa-holders and dependents) are billed via invoice, ONE TIME for the entire cost of their enrollment period.
- Willamette University does not "make money" for providing this insurance. All costs associated with enrollment go directly into the insurance plan.
- Enrollment in and billing for the WU/Aetna Student Health plan are done via the Office of International Education.
2015/2016 Willamette Student Health Insurance Policy
There is NO pre-existing condition exclusion and coverage for all covered conditions and covered treatment is unlimited. As with all U.S. plans, there are some costs that you will have to pay, even with insurance. However, you are less likely to have medical expenses that would prevent you from continuing to study.The 2015/2016 insurance benefit brochure which details coverage will be available via PDF download soon.
Plan Prices 2015-2016
|$ 1,406
|$ 609
|$ 797
|$ 1,406
|$ 609
|$ 797
|each Child*
|$ 1,406
|$ 609
|$ 797
Enrollment Application & Waiver Request
At the START of each academic year, each international student will complete the current Health Insurance Enrollment & Waiver Request Form- available to the right under the heading Download the Form.
TO DO: Choose to Enroll or Request a Waiver. This is process cannot be done online. Full instructions, including how to submit, are included on the Health Insurance Enrollment or Waiver Request form.
- Download and print the Health Insurance Enrollment & Waiver Request form (download and print from right hand column).
- Complete Option A to enroll in insurance or complete Option B to request a waiver. If you do not do either, you (and your dependents) will automatically be enrolled in the university health insurance and be responsible for the cost.
- Submit your enrollment or waiver request by the deadline to the Office of International Education as per instructions.
Option A: To Enroll
You will automatically be enrolled in the university's health insurance; however, it is helpful for us to know that you won't request a waiver. Please submit to the Office of International Education page 1 of the Health Insurance Enrollment & Waiver Request form with Option A (page 1) completed. ID cards will be available online about the second week of September. You will receive a notice via email on what to do when it is available.
Option B: To Waive/Decline
If you BRING HEALTH INSURANCE coverage with you, you may be able to waive out of the university's student health insurance. No one is automatically given a waiver nor is a waiver guaranteed. If you are a sponsored student, you must also follow this process. Waiver approvals from previous years DO NOT transfer into the current academic year. A new waiver request must be completed during the waiver period in the fall. Students who BEGIN their program at Willamette in the spring, will have a unique waiver period in January. This period DOES NOT apply to students who are continuing study.
If you want to be considered for a waiver, you must fully complete the Waiver Request form and provide supporting documents. Late and incomplete waiver requests will not be considered so please note the deadlines carefully. GO TO THE WAIVE INSURANCE PAGE for full information and criteria.
NOTIFICATION: After submitting a complete request, you will be notified within 2 weeks via email about whether or not your insurance meets the insurance waiver requirements. See the form for full information. In the fall you must show proof of coverage for the ENTIRE academic year of your program, therefore be sure you have proof of coverage for the length of your program's academic year.
If your waiver request is not approved, you will remain enrolled in the insurance and be responsible for the insurance cost that is billed to your student account.
Waiver Request Deadlines:
September 4, 2015 (for students at WU for the academic year or fall only)
January 29, 2016 (for students who attend WU ONLY in SPRING 2015)
NOTE: The deadline to request a waiver is different for international students than the deadline for domestic students.
The information on this page can be downloaded in PDF form. See Health Insurance Requirements 2015-2016 document at right.
Download the Form
- International Insurance Enrollment/Waiver Request Form PDF (not yet available for 2015-2016)
- Information Sheet: WU Health Insurance Requirements 2015-2016 (for international students) PDF
- Annual/fall Waiver Request deadline: Friday, September 4, 2015
- Spring Start Waiver Request deadline: Friday, January 29, 2016 (students who DID NOT attend WU in fall)
U.S. Students need to go to Bishop Health Center's website to waive the plan.
Brochures & Resources
- Health Plan Benefit Brochure 2015-2016 [available soon]
Health Plan Benefit Brochure 2014-2015 PDF
- "On-Call" Assistance Brochure 2014-2015 PDF (for information about medical evacuation, repatriation, and travel assistance)
"On-Call" Assistance, online information: click on FOR MEMBERS, then click on TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
- Benefit Brochure 2013-2014 PDF, use this brochure for information on services 8/1/2013-7/31/2014
How to Use Your Student Health Plan with Aetna
Using Your WU Health Insurance Plan (Aetna)
- Get your Aetna Student Health Insurance ID CARD, see Step 2: How To Use Your Student Health Plan Insurance
- Print a contact information card for "On-Call" Assistance services, with phone number contact information. PDF
- Access information about your insurance from this site: How To Use Your Student Health Plan Insurance
For Additional Information
Willamette Student Health Insurance Plan (Aetna)
- Bishop Wellness Center
- 503-370-6972
- firstname.lastname@example.com
On the International Student/Scholar Insurance waiver process
- Ramona Murtha, Office of International Education
- firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Water Pump Replacement Quote for 1998 Chevy Cavalier 2.2L
Reader Question. Hi Mr. Davis I have a quick question. My mechanic said that I need to remove the timing chain to install a water pump on a 1998 Chevy Cavalier.
Does The Water Pump On A 2.4 Engine Chevy Cavalier Have Anything
maintenance & repairs Question: Does The Water Pump On A 2.4 Engine Chevy Cavalier Have Anything To Do With The Timing Gears? No the water pump is on the front of the
96 chevy cavalier just had the water pump replaced and thermostat
96 chevy cavalier just had the water pump replaced and thermostat. Car is still over heating and coolant is backfilling
Chevy Cavalier Water Pump – Replacement Water Pumps | FamilyCar.com
Family Car is home to the latest Chevrolet Cavalier Water Pump, all affordable, all featuring the highest quality, and all shipped fast once you order. Shop now!
1996 Chevy Water Pump
index qwikdata2 suspension access water pumps nitrous efi cams access heads gaskets manifolds install items fuel pumps carbs access crate engines
Water Pump Chevrolet Cavalier Chevy 2.4 96-02 – JoeTLC
make: year: type: liter: del: asp: vin: designation: application: chevrolet cavalier: 2002: l4: 2.4: fi: n: t: water pump: chevrolet cavalier: 2001: l4: 2.4: fi: n: t
2001 Chevy Cavalier Water Pump Replacement Cost
2001 Chevy Cavalier water pump replacement cost; Asked on February 21, 2010. Chevrolet Cavalier 2001 Chevy Cavalier water pump replacement cost
How do you replace the water pump on a 1999 Chevy Cavalier Z24 2.4L?
Answer The question you ask is too involved for a proper answer. You need to go to a car parts store, and get a repair manual for your car. They cost about $16.00 Or
Chevy Cavalier Water Pump – ASCO/Aisin, Bosch, Edelbrock, GMB, NPW
Low Price Guarantee on Chevy Cavalier Water Pump. Fast Delivery Options Available. Shop at Car-Stuff or Call Toll Free to order.
Chevy Cavalier Fuel Pump – Airtex, Delphi, Hella, Japan, OEQ
Everyone who shops here is getting the best deals on the net. – Pam Rodgers, St. Louis, MI : The set of brake pads I ordered from your site are magnificant.
Mechanics labor rate to change water pump = '98 chevy cavalier
Chevy Forums – Cars > Chevy Cavalier Forum What does the book say on how long it takes to change a water pump in a 1998 chevy its not hard to do it your self
Chevy Water Pump | Chevrolet Water Pumps | Free Shipping
Chevy water pumps discounted ,OEM and aftermarket cooling system parts, free shipping
1996 Chevy Cavalier Water Pump
1996 Chevy Cavalier water pump; 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L VIN 4 WATER PUMP
How do you replace the water pump on a 2000 Chevy Cavalier 2.2L 4
its actually not a hard job to do on these motors (2200 4 cylinder) 1. with the serpentine belt still in place take a wrench and break loose the 3 bolts holding the
How to Replace the Water Pump in a Cheverolet Cavalier | eHow.com
While the Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact vehicle , some repairs are not as simple as they might seem. Replacing the water pump in the car is one example. The process


text:
The following is a rant regarding the Call of Duty series. If you know nothing about Call of Duty then you will probably understand nothing about the contents within and I suggest you cease your reading. If you are a diehard fan of the series and are easily offended, please continue!
As is customary in the months leading up to a Call of Duty release, a cadre of assholes is formed whose sole purpose is to release false information regarding the details of the series' multiplayer.
This wouldn't be a problem if these were isolated and contained events of trolling amongst the trolls and the naïve but every once in a while this foolishness finds its way into the realm of the sane.
Several years ago I remember reading the lies of some punk in an ancient Call of Duty forum in regards to the unrevealed perks inside the game Modern Warfare 2, which had yet to be released. The young man went into great detail in describing perks that he was obviously pulling out his ass. Tracking devices as well as bullet proof vests were all among the filth that was spewed from his mouth (or fingertips). However, among his filth he mentioned the ability to see enemy equipment and turn it against the opposing player; this ultimately became the Hacker perk of Black Ops. One of the geniuses at Treyarch must have seen this, thought it was cool and went forward with making it a reality. This developer (and ultimately the whole team) failed to actually weigh the pros and cons of adding such a multi-faceted and hax ability to the game, thereby altering the manner in which the game was played.
All of this because of one asshole who had nothing to do with the actual development process.
Now I would no longer refer to myself as a Call of Duty fan but Black Ops, despite its numerous shortcomings, was able to sever itself from the chain of ridiculousness set in motion by Modern Warfare 2 and establish itself as an overall pretty decent, fair and balanced shooter (in comparison). Due to this, I couldn't help but be interested in news regarding its sequel. Upon hearing that the game is to be set in the future (the real, futuristic future; not the "two days from now" future of the Modern Warfare series), I am beset by negative feelings.
I feel the sharpness of my teeth cut into my lip as I bite down with worry.
How could a game with weapons and equipments as efficacious as those in the Call of Duty series be upgraded into a form complementing its new future setting while retaining a feeling of competition?
My concern ultimately leads me to searching the web for information in regards to the new multiplayer design.
Surely there will be some form of checks and balances implemented into the new futuristic gameplay. If I died in three shots from a gun made in 1950, then surely a weapon made in 2025 will turn me into ashes with one shot. Some kind of Halo-like shield mechanic, perhaps? Imagine my shock when I stumble across this little gem.
It is obviously a crock of shit just like the post I read back in 2009 was but this need to lie and spread gossip despite the fact that the truth will, without a doubt, be revealed boggles my mind. But I mostly blame the marketing staff behind the game.
I don't give a shit about single player, do you? Unless you're within that 1% of Call of Duty's customer base, the answer is no. So why do they always release gobs and gobs of details in regards to storyline and single player and remain silent in regards to multiplayer?
If they at least talked about multiplayer I wouldn't have to deal with all these lies and misinformation. This madness needs to stop.
Who knows, something akin to the perk "Bladesman" may be present in Modern Warfare 4.


text:
391 members88 Comments 4 Likes
1010 members700 Comments 15 Likes
662 members67 Comments 5 Likes
5 members0 Comments 0 Likes
69 members48 Comments 3 Likes
Started this discussion. Last reply by Sara Murdock May 31, 2009. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:53pm 6 Comments 0 Likes
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 8:39pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted on September 15, 2011 at 9:55am 1 Comment 0 Likes
I am asking for prayers for my 18 yr old son. He is lost and so confused and so hurt . He is going down the wrong road. and he is hanging out with ppl that is telling him that he don't have to listen to us cause he is 18. This is his Sr. yr. I know that God has a plan and that its not my timing and that its His timing. But i know that with prayers that God will open up his eyes and his heart. Cause its never to late. Thank You and May God Bless each and everyone of you !!! Have a Blessed…Continue
Posted on August 20, 2009 at 6:03am 0 Comments 0 Likes
have a sweetday
© 2015 Created by Pastor Greg.


text:
Travel like a local: Your neighbourhood guide to DurbanvilleDurbanville is not your average Cape Town neighbourhood. There is so much more going on than the daily school run. This is a neighbourhood filled with great experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Take Advantage of Winter in Cape Town
Jenny MorrisI'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth and I love to get a quality deal at a good price. My working season is all year round, but it does slow down ever so slightly in winter and that is when I get to take advantage of all the specials on offer.
Your #lovecapetown weekend: What's on from Wednesday 01 July to Sunday 05 July, 2015
Rob PetersWith a wealth of natural beauty, unrivalled mountain trails and sublime backdrops, it's not hard to understand why Mother City locals spend the majority of their time outdoors and on the go. The good news is that it's even better in winter with the cooler temperatures making it an awesome option for sport and fitness fanatics!
Make a difference on Mandela Day in Cape Town
Rob PetersMandela Day 2015 on July 18 marks what would-have been our beloved Tata Madiba's 97th birthday and it's the ideal opportunity to follow this great man's example by channelling your inner charitable spirit. Here are 10 ways you can get involved in the Mother City.
Most Popular
Travel like a local: Your neighbourhood guide to Durbanville
Most Popular
Take Advantage of Winter in Cape Town
Most Popular
Unlocking the Elgin Valley
Most Popular
Make a difference on Mandela Day in Cape Town
Most Popular
Your #lovecapetown weekend: What's on from Wednesday 24 June to Sunday 28 June, 2015
Loading blog articles, this will just take a moment!
#LoveCapeTown top 20 finalists announced!
It was a gruelling process combing through all the photographs but our panel of judges managed to whittle it down to the Top 20 best images that they thought best fit the brief of LoveCapeTown.
iAmbassadors explore Cape Town in photos – Day 2
The #LoveCapeTown adventure continued for our intrepid iAmbassadors as the four international bloggers, Keith Jenkins, Matt Long, Melvin Böcher and Nellie Huang, were exposed to design in the Mother City, as well as the beauty of nature by taking a drive along the Cape Peninsula.
Top three weekend picks for Cape Town
The winter months have seen a drop in temperature but entertainment is definitely heating up. There's so much to see, do and explore in Cape Town this winter, from catching a show or local movie or exploring unknown parts of our city. It's difficult to choose what to do in this cosmopolitan city of ours and with so few hours in a day, seeing them all in a short space of time poses a challenge. But if you need some ideas here are my top three activities that I will be doing this weekend.
TripAdvisor's top restaurants in Cape Town as voted by users
Top travel website Tripadvisor has released its list of favourite restaurants in Cape Town and it's a doozie. Profiling 25 of the best establishments in the Mother City, comments range from decor, atmosphere, service and of course the food.
Township tourism – what's in a name?
Browse any tourism website and you will find that the same words are widely used: sustainable, projects, reality, authentic, real lives, genuine, crafts, meeting the locals, engagement, helping communities etc. We were intrigued, and wondered what this said about the rest of the destination – that it is fake?


text:
For sale in our Tampa showroom is a very stylish 1955 Mercury Montclair Coupe. The Montclair was the top of the line Mercury... More
1955 Mercury Montclair Convertible, the Montclair developed by Art Astor was considered the top of the series for the Mercury line. This Mercury Montclair... More
IM CLASSICS IS PROUD TO PRESENT THIS 1955 MERCURY MONTCLAIR CUSTOM. JUST ONE LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL MERC AND YOU'LL BE ABLE TO SEE... More


text:
- About
- Journal Archives
- Volume 17
- Volume 16
- Volume 15
- Volume 14
- Volume 13
- Volume 12
- Volume 11
- Volume 10
- Volume 9
- Volume 8
- Volume 7
- Volume 6
- Volume 5
- Volume 4
- Volume 3
- Volume 2
- Volume 1
- Symposium
- Blog
- News
- Publish
- Resources
Currently viewing the tag: "New York Times v. United States"
After Opening the CableGate, Wikileaks Founder Could Face Criminal Charges
On December 1, 2010 By Michael Walker December 1, 2010
On Sunday, the website Wikileaks published the first batch of more than 250,000 leaked U.S. embassy cables, confidential documents that chronicle sensitive State Department secrets. The federal government is, to say the least, not happy.
And that means the now-dubbed CableGate will join a long list of political scandals worthy of [...]Continue Reading →
Recent Blog Posts
- Will Feds Preempt Tougher State Data Breach Laws?
- Commercial Drones in the Oil and Gas Industry: A Regulatory Incubator
- What is Your Fitness Tracker Tracking??
- Search for Pooping Culprit Ends With Company Forced to Pay $2.2 MillionY
- FIFA Indictments Reveal Widespread Corruption
- Tesla Battery Brings EPA's Clean Power Plan Closer to Reality
Blog Archives
Tagsadvertising antitrust Apple books career celebrities contracts copyright copyright infringement courts creative content criminal law entertainment Facebook FCC film/television financial First Amendment games Google government intellectual property internet JETLaw journalism lawsuits legislation media medicine Monday Morning JETLawg music NFL patents privacy progress publicity rights radio social networking sports Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) technology telecommunications trademarks Twitter U.S. Constitution
US Government Websites


text:
We've been notified by Apple that PocketBible has been approved for sale in the App Store. It was fun hearing that it was available in different countries as each local App Store enabled it for their users around the world.
Now that it's approved I can tell you what the original problem was. It seems the testers at Apple chose not to register the app and download the 39 free books that are included. As a result, when they went to the "Open Book" dialog to open a new book, they saw that only the "Bibles" and "Other Books" categories were active (the former contains the KJV and the latter the help files). They assumed that meant that PocketBible was a "lite" version that did not include the ability to view commentaries, dictionaries, and devotionals, because those categories were grayed out. If true, that would be a violation of the rules of the App Store. We explained that those categories were grayed out because they hadn't downloaded any commentaries, dictionaries, or devotionals. That must've been sufficient because they later approved the app.
If you can give us some positive reviews at the App Store that would be great. If you can't think of anything nice to say, send your negative comments to me by email so I can fix the program to your satisfaction.
It's getting hard to pick out our answers to your questions in the comments below. It might be best to send them to Tech Support. Select the Help Desk link on our site.


text:
This 1976 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible features a 1600 CC 4cyl Gasoline engine. It is equipped with a 4 Speed Manual transmission. The vehicle is... More
1976 VW Beetle Convertible 100,265 MILES Classic Drop Top / 4 Speed Manual/ Sport Seats / FOLDING REAR SEATS / GREAT RUBBER /A/C, Great... More
All the way from Fairfield, California! An awesome rust free!! VW convertible! You won't find another one any better! This little Beetle is a... More
Ah, the lovable VW Beetle. You've probably spent the last 20 years thinking you could always pick one up for pennies and just never... More


text:
It can happen, if you act quickly.
You see; every year the state and federal government, financial institutions and local police departments seize ten's of thousands of cars, trucks and boats. What do the do with all these vehicles?
...They Auction them off to the general public–--often for a fraction of their book value.
Why? ...Think about it, your local bank is not equipped to store that (almost) brand New Audi they repo'ed last week... A bank is designed to track and manage money ...Not Cars and trucks. It just costs too much in storage fees, It only makes sense that they're willing to part with those precious beauties ...even for a loss. They're saving money in the long run.
And this same thing applies to:
...And the list goes on an on...
So what do all of these agencies and institutions do with these cars, trucks and boats? One word ---Auctions!
That's were we come in – we compile and categorize the thousands upon thousands of vehicles that are being auctioned off each year – and we make that information available to You!
So if you're looking for that dream car, you know the one you've drooled over since high school but thought you could never afford then...


text:
Oyo State Government has intensified the demolition of illegal structures and shanties across the state as it took the exercise to the Lagos-Ibadan toll-gate area where a petroleum dealer, Fola Oil Limited, was directed to stop work on an on-going construction of structures under the PHCN high tension wire.
The Commissioner for Environment and Habitat, Barrister Lowo Obisesan, who was represented by his assistant on politics, Mr. Muyiwa Olaoye, gave the directive while addressing traders at the area.
He ordered the traders to evacuate trading activities from under the high tension wire for the safety of their lives, stressing that they should make use of the place already provided by the government.
The commissioner said that the state government did not send any public officer to issue forms or collect money from the traders in the name of the government.
In an earlier weekly environmental exercise in the state, the commissioner ordered the sealing up of two shops, a bank and a petrol station situated at Iwo road for not complying with the state's weekly environmental order.
The commissioner added that goods seized would no longer be returned to their owners but would be destroyed as directed by the state governor.


text:
Juba — The Japanese government has extended a grant of 4.1bn yen ($52m) to cater for three infrastructure projects in South Sudan, namely improvement of Juba River Port, water supply systems and the construction of the new bridge over the White Nile River.
The grant, according to a statement from the Japanese embassy, is part of Japan's continuous support to enhance strong relations with the government of South Sudan, in line with the latter's three year (2011-2013) development plan.
Fumihiko Goto, a Counselor at the Japanese embassy in Juba officially announced the donation of the grant, at a ceremony witnessed by Elias Nyamlell Wakoson, South Sudan's deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
South Sudan, which attained its independence nearly a year ago, has been faced with numerous challenges. The capital, Juba still faces enormous bottlenecks worsened by its rapidly growing population, which demands improvement in infrastructures to boost social and economic activities.
"The access to clean and safe water is one of the essential needs in the city to improve health conditions and sanitation as well as people's quality of life," the embassy said in a statement.
The project has identified Juba River Port and the Nile River Bridge as the key infrastructural facilities essential for the smooth movement of goods, services and people in the year-old country.
"To ensure better access to clean and safe water and to expand the capacity for river and road transport system in Juba, these grant assistances will significantly contribute to generate the more conducive environment for vibrant economy of the city itself as well as the country," further reads the statement.
The Japanese government, however, urged its South Sudan counterpart to effectively utilize the $52m grant in an "efficient" manner that will ensure all citizens enjoy the benefits of improved infrastructure in Juba.
"The Government of Japan strongly hopes that this contribution will support development of Juba City and its economy and society," it adds.
Since 2005, the Japanese government supported the urban planning of Juba city, mainly through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Some of these projects include; emergency rehabilitation in 2005, Juba urban transport infrastructure and capacity development study conducted in 2008, construction and rehabilitation of the bridges on main roads in Juba in 2009 and formulation of the transport network master plan for Juba, among others.


text:
Double Zipper Storage Bags, Plastic, 1qt, Clear, 50/BoxItem#: DVR-102181272 | Model#: DRACB003103
- List Price:
- $9.09
- Instant Savings:
- - $1.60 (18%)
- Price:
- $7.49
- Shipping:
- Usually Ships within 48 Hours (Details)
BAG,ZIPLOC,QUART,50CT Product Details
Sturdy, disposable, easy-to-open, easy-to-fill bags. Unique interlocking zipper seals securely; locks in freshness and protects foods from drying. Designed for space-saving food storage, portion control, food preparations and transportation. Write-on labels for easy identification and date-coding. Dispensing cartons are color-coded for kitchen organization. Application: Food; Capacity Range (Volume): 1 qt; Thickness: 1.75 mil; Material(s): Plastic.
What It Is And Why You Need It
- Double-zippered plastic food storage bags.
- Sealable, double-zipper food storage bags with two layer seal locks out air and keeps freshness in.
- Write-on label for date and ID.
- Self dispensing commercial bulk pack.
Manufactured by: SP Richards
Warranty provided by: SP Richards
Mfg Part No: DRACB003103
UPC No: 025700003106
Box Size: ( Length:3, Width:8, Depth:4)
Shipping Weight: 0.7200 pound(s)
Click here for full warranty and support information
- Limited Warranty: A full text version of the limited warranty
may be obtained by mailing a self addressed, stamped envelope to the
address below and requesting the warranty for item number: DVR-102181272
Warranty Information
7795 W. Flagler St. Suite 35
Miami, FL. 33144
- SP Richards logos are registered trademarks of SP Richards. All others trademarks and copyrights mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.


text:
Muscle Mustangs & Fast FordsFeatured Vehicles
1995 Mustang - Trial By Fire
'95 Mustang GT
Religion is one of the most powerful--and controversial--topics in the world and has been the cause of controversy, arguments, and many wars.
We aren't going to get into a theological debate--most of us believe what we believe and no one is going to convince us otherwise. We do, however, admit there might have been a higher power steering Anthony Lombardi's brand loyalty.
Just 10 years ago, the New Jersey resident was an F-body owner cruising the Garden State asphalt with a '95 Camaro Z28. A Paxton supercharger pumped up the LT1 small-block. It was fast, made decent power, and he was happy with the Z. He'd make regular jaunts up and down the shore towns along the Atlantic Ocean, where the Chevy held its own.
"All my friends were Chevy guys and they had Chevelles, Camaros, and all that. So I just sort of went with a Chevy," comments Anthony about his choice of hot rod. But a major change was coming and it wasn't by Anthony's choice. The Z28 fell victim--of all things--to a mouse chewing through the wiring, which led to an electrical fire. The Z28 burnt to the ground and was history. As Anthony sifted through what was left, he found a set of rosary beads that survived the fire in the glovebox. Miraculously, the beads showed no signs of having been in the inferno.
He put them in his pocket and walked away from the car forever. The search for another ride began, and it was longtime friend and Mustang builder Jimmy Chahalis that lead the intervention, forcing Anthony into a Mustang. "Jimmy worked hard to convince me to get a Mustang, and I broke down finally and got one. That was nearly nine years ago and I still love the car," admits Anthony regarding his replacement toy.
He picked up a '95 GT that was completely stock, but he dropped it off at the now-defunct LaRocca's Performance, where Chahalis used to work. The car emerged with a ProCharger D1, Edelbrock Victor Jr. cylinder heads, an FRPP GT-40 intake, and a custom blower cam. It made 543 rwhp and served Anthony well for nearly five years, but the lure of more power brought major upgrades.
Photo GalleryView Photo Gallery
The original 302 was discarded, and after a few consultations with Jimmy Chahalis, who is now operating his own shop, the duo decided on a 347ci engine that is based in a Dart Sportsman block. The bores were punched to 4.125, and it was filled with an Eagle rotating assembly that includes JE forged pistons. The steel crank specs are 3.250-inch stroke, and the steel connecting rods come in at 5.40-inches long and have ARP 2000 bolts. Compression is a supercharger-friendly 8.5:1, and a set of Hellfire rings keep the pistons sealed with the cylinder walls. "AD Performance built the 347 short-block and I have to say their customer service was awesome," notes Anthony.
Once Jimmy got the short-block from AD Performance, he began working on the rest of the go-fast puzzle. A custom camshaft from Flow Tech Inductions was slid into the cam bores. The only specifications given are that it's a hydraulic roller, the intake has 0.593-inch lift, and the exhaust lift is listed as 0.582-inch.
The Edelbrock Victor Jr. heads were originally ported by Fox Lake; Anthony brought them down to local machinist and NHRA Super Stock racer Scott Gray to clean up the ports and freshen everything. Scott also ported an Edelbrock Performer RPM II intake manifold to go along with the heads.
Custom long-tube headers expel the gases, and Stan Bachonski built a custom 3-inch exhaust system. A Glenn's Performance fuel system is home to a sumped tank, larger feed and return fuel lines, twin Walbro pumps, and Behind Bars Race Cars fuel rails.


text:
Nationally Ranked Locally Trusted | (303) 436-6000
The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders has changed the lives of hundreds of patients. But do not take our word for it. Instead read a few of the testimonials our patients have shared.
The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders saves the lives of severe eating disorder patients, and their loved ones are often the most vocal and most grateful.
The ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders is proud of the outstanding reputation our specialized care has built, as demonstrated in the testimonials shared by other healthcare professionals. Through our close relationships with referring providers and treatment programs nation-wide, ACUTE is able to provide life-saving treatment to patients from across the country.
Admissions & Medical Evaluation
(877) 228-8348


text:
Spinnin' 45s sans Metal
Primary tabs
The 80s saw the end of the metal medallion as well as the last time the medallion was hidden outside the city of St. Paul (until the green donut hunt of 2004). Maplewood, for one, wasn't too fond of having its Wakefield Park ripped apart for the second time in a dozen years; and diggers weren't all that thrilled with the hi-tech gadgetry that some hunters surveyed the land with. But the best part about medallion history in the 1980s: White Castle found its way into hunt lore.
|General Location
|Pinpointed Location
|Como Park
|Near the Schiller Statue
|Covered in plaster, made to look like a stone
|Acorn Park
|Across the walking path from the skating rink
|Stuck between a pair of leaves
|Wakefield Park
|Near the sledding hill on Prosperity Ave.
|Wrapped in a newspaper
|Phalen Park
|Near the picnic pavilion
|In a bag of Oreo's; it replaced the filling in one of the cookies
|Newell Park
|Near the southeast corner of the park
|Attached to a piece of a broken Elvis Presley 45rpm record
|Kellogg Park
|Underneath a boulder near the Robert. St. end of the park
|Tucked inside a White Castle box
|Highland Park
|Near the old Highland Park swimming pool
|Inside a pipe cap
|Indian Mounds Park
|In the block bordered by Mounds Blvd., Mounds St., and Clemont St.
|Hidden in a clump of clay and grass
|Tony Schmidt Park
|Between the parking lot and domed shelter across the street from Lake Johanna
|Embedded in a chunk of almond bark
|State Capitol Mall
|Between the hedges south of Constitution Ave.
|In a pair of earmuffs


text:
(Photo: Lai Ryanne via flickr/CC Attribution)
These days, your smartphone is as indispensable as your passport. In fact, it may do just about everything on your travels, from doubling as a city guide to standing in for a printed plane ticket. Which smartphone apps are absolute must-haves for every road warrior? Read on for our top 10.
TripIt is like your favorite travel companion: organized, smart, and efficient. Ingeniously importing your flight, accommodations, and rental-car info with directions, maps, weather reports, photos, and even seat-selection guides, this handy, all-inclusive app keeps you on track for the duration of your trip. TripIt also allows you to share your schedule with others and sync your Google or Outlook calendars with your itinerary.
Available for free on Android, Apple, BlackBerry, and Windows.
Read the Entire Story: 10 Travel Apps We Won't Leave Home Without.
Follow Dara Continenza on Google+ or email her at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Find accommodations in Burns with the hotel list provided below. Find cheap and/or discounted hotel rates in or near Burns, TN for your corporate or personal leisure travel. We list the best Burns, Tennessee motel and hotel rooms. Browse the Burns area hotels to find the perfect lodging! Please use the provided map of the Burns hotels.The Burns center point is about 3 miles from Horizon Medical Center and 22 miles from Edwin and Percy Warner Parks.
Burns Hotels/Motels & Accommodations
Next 20 Burns Hotels > [1 - 20 of 50]
Next: See My Burns Hotels with Pricing >


text:
Woogie Weekend
- Music
- 5305 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado, CA, 92676
Dr. Steve's DJ Set
Night Owl
Sunday, February 17, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (PST)
Dr. Steve Spinning at Fisherman's Warf!
In order to purchase these tickets in installments, you'll need an Eventbrite account. Log in or sign up for a free account to continue.


text:
Technical reports can be tricky. Follow these steps to try to track down a technical report.
Use the resources below to help track down technical reports by number or find corresponding report numbers that may aid in locating the report.
These sources from a University of Nebraska project also might help locate older reports:
Research consultations
Appointments with subject experts for in-depth help
Tell Us
How can we serve you better?