text:
Top 10 Pilot Errors
Here's a smart way to look before you leap onto the next flight
One of the most disturbing statistics about general-aviation accidents is that more than 75% of them are made because of pilot error. Considering that it's unlikely that pilots are going away anytime soon, the solution comes in the form of prevention. Saying this is easy, but actually making progress toward this goal is rather problematic. The first step toward eliminating pilot error is to examine the enemy. Just what types of errors are pilots committing and why? Then, armed with this information, pilots can make a concerted effort to avoid such mistakes through a fusion of training, planning and keen attention." />
3 Poor Communication. Another boo-boo pilots seem to have an affinity for involves deficient communication. This difficulty of communicating comes in several forms. When dealing with air traffic control (ATC), pilots tend to hear what they want to hear. Good pilots anticipate what is coming next, including ATC instructions; however, this profound skill can trick the mind into "hearing" what is expected regardless of what actually filters into one's headset. Also, misunderstandings between ATC and pilots happen all the time. This plays into the most knotty communication quandary of all: the lack of communication. It's silly that a pilot would rather keep quiet than ask for help or clarification. If there is any question on what was said, ask for elucidation. It's amazing how shy pilots can be when it comes to this simple task. Don't fall into this trap. It's better to find out you've misheard something immediately rather than finding out your license is going to be suspended later.
4 Low-Level Maneuvering. If you ever hear the words "watch this" from a pilot, look out! Pilots are notorious show-offs. How many times have you heard about the pilot who performs an impromptu air show for friends and significant others? A few low-level maneuvers later, and the plane is falling out of the sky. Some air show. The problem isn't just that pilots are flying low to the ground; it's this combination of flying too slow and in too tight of a turn that causes crashes. Of course, adherence to the minimum safe altitudes laid out in the FARs is a much smarter practice. If you do actually find a legitimate reason to fly close to the ground, fly the plane like you do when you're close to the ground at other times, like during landing. Monitor your speed and your bank angle. You certainly wouldn't try a 60-degree bank turn with no flaps at a very slow speed when turning base to final, so why do it over your parents' or friend's house?
5 Inadequate Preflight Inspections. It's amazing how many pilots mess up preflight inspections. A cursory walk around simply to "kick the tires" so you can hurry up and "light the fires" is beckoning for trouble. Take your time during your preflight. If you find yourself inspecting in haste, slow down. Take a comprehensive look at everything, with checklist in hand, to make sure you don't miss anything. When you finish, scrutinize the details. Take one last waltz around the airplane, looking for anything that jumps out as being amiss. Perhaps a door isn't flush with the fuselage or there is still a red, waving flag-looking apparatus on the pitot tube. It might sound funny, but there was actually an occasion when a pilot neglected to unhook a tail tiedown, which was connected to a concrete block. The pilot wondered why the plane required so much power to taxi and why it had an inexplicably aft center of gravity in flight. Luckily for this pilot, he was able to live to tell his story.
6 Inadequate Preflight Planning. Renowned classical novelist Miguel de Cervantes wisely said "forewarned forearmed." Those who are prepared are equipped to deal with the tasks at hand. Typically, the level of preflight preparation is proportional to how smoothly the flight goes. Think about a time when you rushed your flight planning and how it came back to haunt you later. Often, pilots take off with no planning whatsoever. That's when they have a tendency to get tangled in temporary flight restrictions or nasty weather. Countless pilots neglect to check density altitude, even though they're planning a departure from a short strip with a field elevation of 6,000 feet on a 100-degree F day. Weight and balance also is something that often is dismissed. But how can you know for sure you're in limits if you don't even bother to check?


text:
Will you pur or hiss wearing this Fierce Feline Adult Womens Costume? Slim fitting hot pink cheetah print bodysuit with attached tail comes with matching ear headpiece so you'll look all around catastic.
Fit in with the felines in under a minute when you utilize this Lovely Leopard Kit. Set comes with fuzzy earpiece, choker, and tail, so everyone will be trying to give you a pet.
You'll be a super-hot, super villain when you slip into this officially licensed Batman Catwoman adult womens costume. Have fun playing cat and mouse in the burgundy and black dress while sporting the character headband with ears, eye mask and gloves.
everything you need for your next cat costume is right here in this Leopard Kit! Complete with cat ear headpiece, neck piece and tail, you'll be the purr-fect example of a feline on Halloween!
Claw your way to the top in this lively Wild Cat child costume! This cute ensemble is a feline fantasy come true, complete with leopard print cat ear headband and a plush black tail. Stalk your prey, night and day, in this fun costume.
Complete your catwoman, fabulous feline or sixties swinger costume with these Leopard print earrings.
The purr-fect accessory for your Sophisticat costume - this black cat bell collar choker. Shoe off your foxy feline moves and make the bells ring.
You'll be one fancy feline in the White Cat Adult Mask. For a purrrfect look use this white mask with gorgeous silver embroidery and cat ear detail.
A true feline needs the Spotted Leopard Print Tight. These tights have a realistic leopard print so you can go out in the wild and catch your prey.
Pussycat, pussycat, how are you? You look meow-velous! Purr-fect your feline moves with the deluxe kitty cat ensemble including collar, furry cat tail and ears. Meow!
Preen and prowl in fancy feline style with this classic Catwoman kit! This sexy superhero costume features trademark black half-mask, matching chic glovelettes, and menacing claws, ready to claw crime out of the city.
When the dead walk the Earth, not even your pets are safe! This Zombie Cat decoration is a prime example of what zombies can do to your favorite feline friend. Beware!
Meow! You'll be one trendy feline in this Tigress Tutu Child Costume complete with animal print off the shoulder tutu dress, attached tail, wristlets and ears. Your candy bag will be filled before anyone else with your speed and appetite.
…when you prowl the neighborhood in the Pink Kitty Girl's Costume. Practice your best hiss when you wear this spunky hot pink leopard print dress featuring and plush black fur lining, an adorable cat eared hood and attached tail. Complete the feline fun with the included leg warmers and gloves.
Feeling catty? Then this seductively feline cat costume set is for you, featuring adjustable fuzzy ears, a sexy collar and a cuddly tail. Add a jumpsuit (sold separately) and you've got the perfect animal costume. The collar's bell even lets the other cats know when you're ready to pounce!
Here kitty, kitty! Purr-fect your feline moves when you don your very owncat tail and ears. What's new, pussycat? - Cat ears elastic string can be worn comfortably behind the ears and head instead of under the chin for a more authentic cat-like look. - Brown and black "cheetah" spotted tail - One…
When a black cat crosses your path,, it's said that bad luck will surely follow. Cross no one when you decorate with this illuminates haunted cat - it's eyes light up to menace and warn those of sound mind and good fortune to steer clear.
This adorable and officially licensed Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat tween costume will take you through the looking glass. The purr-fectly detailed garment comes complete with character dress, tail, boot covers, striped glovelettes, headband and hand held Cheshire cat smile face mask.
Channel your super powers in this officially licensed Batman Catwoman girls costume. Stretch out and take whatever you want in the 100% polyester character jumpsuit with attached glovelettes and matching headpiece. All this makes for one ferocious feline.
A cat is nothing without its spots, with the Wet n Wild Crafty Kitten Crawl the Line Kit you can release your inner feline. This palette features 6 glitter colors and a leopard print stencil to adapt to whichever colored you want to sport this Halloween.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Gorman Wine Club
The F.O.G. Wine Club
The Perks:
Gain exclusive access to Gorman Winery Reserve Wines made specifically for the club.
Receive invitations to F.O.G. Wine Club member-only events.
Enjoy exclusivity; our club is currently accepting new members if you want in.
Shop online or in-store with 10% off all additional non-club wine purchases, and enjoy an extra 5% off of case purchases (15% total savings).
The Wine:
The Fine Print:
One shipment per year. Your annual shipment will be on December 1st (weather permitting). Cost of first shipment is $840 plus tax and shipping.
Member Benefits for 2015:
- 10% discount on purchases less than a case.
- 15% discount on purchases of 12 bottles or more.
- Annual Pick-up event & tasting at Winery.
- Complimentary tastings at our Tasting Room (24 per year)
- Exclusive club wines.
- Advanced notice of press & availabilty of allocated wines.
- Membership good from 12/1/14 to 12/1/15
- Current Club limit: 260 Members


text:
STARmeterSEE RANK
Down 38,434 this week
Richard Divizio
Richard Divizio was born on September 6, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is known for his work on Mortal Kombat II (1993), Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) and Mortal Kombat (1992). See full bio »
Born:in Chicago, Illinois, USA
More at IMDbPro » Represent Richard Divizio? Add or change photos
1 video »


text:
A method and system for selective mode adaptation for transmitting data by spatial multiplexing applicable in communications systems with a transmit unit having multiple transmit antennas or multiple transmit units and a receive unit having multiple receive antennas. A channel descriptor, such as channel matrix H or a channel matrix filter , with has sub-descriptors corresponding to the transmit antennas is determined and a quality parameter, such as signal-to-interference and noise ratio, signal-to-noise ratio or power level are chosen. The quality parameter is assigned a threshold and the sub-descriptor or sub-descriptors whose quality parameters do not meet the threshold are identified and deactivated.
1. A method for selecting antennas for spatial multiplexed communication in a channel for transmitting data between a transmit unit having transmit antennas and a receive unit having receive antennas, said method comprising:
a) determining a channel descriptor having sub-descriptors corresponding to said transmit antennas;
b) choosing a quality parameter;
c) assigning a threshold to said quality parameter;
d) identifying among said sub-descriptors a sub-descriptor not meeting said threshold; and
e) deactivating among said transmit antennas an antenna associated with said sub-descriptor, wherein said channel descriptor is a channel matrix H and said sub-descriptors are sub-matrices hi, and said sub-descriptor is a sub-matrix j of the channel matrix, and wherein said deactivating comprises removing at least one of the sub-matrix hj to obtain a subset channel matrix H′.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. The method of
11. The method of
12. The method of
13. A method for selecting antennas for spatial multiplexed communication in a channel for transmitting data between a transmit unit having transmit antennas and a receive unit having receive antennas, said method comprising:
a) determining a channel descriptor having sub-descriptors corresponding to said transmit antennas, wherein said channel descriptor is a channel matrix filter H, said sub-descriptors are sub-matrix filters hi of said channel matrix filter H, and said set of sub-descriptor is a set of sub-matrix filters hi;
b) choosing a quality parameter;
c) assigning a threshold to said quality parameter;
d) identifying among said sub-descriptors a set of sub-descriptors not meeting said threshold; and
e) deactivating among said transmit antennas, antennas associated with said set of sub-descriptors by removing said set of sub-matrix filters hi from said channel matrix filter H to obtain a subset channel matrix filter H′.
14. The method of
15. The method of
16. The method of
17. The method of
18. The method of
19. The method of
20. The method of
21. The method of
22. The method of
23. The method of
24. The method of
25. A method for selecting antennas for spatial multiplexed communication in a channel for transmitting data between transmit antennas and a receive unit having an array of receive antennas, said method comprising:
a) determining a channel descriptor having sub-descriptors corresponding to said transmit antennas, said channel descriptor being a channel matrix H, said sub-descriptors are sub-matrices hi of said channel matrix H, and said sub-descriptor is a sub-matrix hj;
b) choosing a quality parameter;
c) assigning a threshold to said quality parameter;
d) identifying among said sub-descriptors a sub-descriptor not meeting said threshold; and
e) deactivating among said transmit antennas an antenna associated with said sub-descriptor, said deactivating including removing said sub-matrix hj from said channel matrix H to obtain a subset channel matrix H′.
26. The method of
27. The method of
28. The method of
29. The method of
30. The method of
31. The method of
32. The method of
33. A system for spatial multiplexed communication in a channel for transmitting data between a transmit unit having transmit antennas and a receive unit having receive antennas, said receive unit comprising:
a) a channel estimation block for determining a channel descriptor having sub-descriptors corresponding to said transmit antennas, said channel descriptor being a channel matrix H, said sub-descriptors are sub-matrices hi of said channel matrix H, and said sub-descriptor is a sub-matrix hj;
b) a mode selection block for receiving a quality parameter, assigning a threshold to said quality parameter, and identifying among said sub-descriptors at least one sub-descriptor not meeting said threshold;
c) a feedback unit for sending feedback related to said at least one sub-descriptor to said transmit unit; and said transmit unit comprising a control logic for receiving said feedback and deactivating among said transmit antennas, antennas associated with said at least one sub-descriptor, said deactivating including removing said sub-matrix hj from said channel matrix H to obtain a subset channel matrix H′.
34. The system of
35. The system of
36. The system of
37. A system for spatial multiplexed communication in a channel for transmitting data between a number of transceivers having transmit antennas and a receive unit having receive antennas, said receive unit comprising:
a) a channel estimation block for determining a channel descriptor having sub-descriptors corresponding to said transmit antennas, said channel descriptor being a channel matrix H, said sub-descriptors are sub-matrices hi of said channel matrix H, and said sub-descriptor is a sub-matrix hj;
b) a mode selection block for receiving a quality parameter, assigning a threshold to said quality parameter, and identifying among said sub-descriptors at least one sub-descriptor not meeting said threshold;
c) a feedback unit for sending feedback related to said at least one sub-descriptor to said transmit unit; and said number of transceivers comprising a control logic for receiving said feedback and deactivating among said transmit antennas, antennas associated with said at least one sub-descriptor, said deactivating including removing said sub-matrix hj from said channel matrix H to obtain a subset channel matrix H′.
38. The system of
39. The system of
40. The system of
41. The system of
42. The system of
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 09/464,372 filed on Dec. 15, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,499 and of patent application Ser. No. 09/585,948 filed on Jun. 2, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,092 which are herein incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems and methods, and more particularly to mode adaptation including selection of transmit antennas in transmit units employing multiple antennas for spatial multiplexing.
Wireless communication systems serving stationary and mobile wireless subscribers are rapidly gaining popularity. Numerous system layouts and communications protocols have been developed to provide coverage in such wireless communication systems.
Wireless communications channels between transmit and receive devices are inherently variable and their quality fluctuates.
Specifically, the quality parameters of such communications channels vary in time. Under good conditions wireless channels exhibit good communication parameters, e.g., large data capacity, high signal quality, high spectral efficiency and throughput. At these times significant amounts of data can be transmitted via the channel reliably. However, as the channel changes in time, the communication parameters also change. Under altered conditions former data rates, coding techniques and data formats may no longer be feasible. For example, when channel performance is degraded the transmitted data may experience excessive corruption yielding unacceptable communication parameters. For instance, transmitted data can exhibit excessive bit-error rates or packet error rates. The degradation of the channel can be due to a multitude of factors such as general noise in the channel, multi-path fading, loss of line-of-sight path, excessive Co-Channel Interference (CCI) and other factors.
By reducing CCI the carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio can be improved and the spectral efficiency increased. Specifically, improved C/I ratio yields higher per link bit rates, enables more aggressive frequency re-use structures and increases the coverage of the system.
It is also known in the communication art that transmit units and receive units equipped with antenna arrays, rather than single antennas, can improve receiver performance. Antenna arrays can both reduce multipath fading of the desired signal and suppress interfering signals or CCI. Such arrays can consequently increase both the range and capacity of wireless systems. This is true for wireless cellular telephone and other mobile systems as well as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) systems.
In mobile systems, a variety of factors cause signal degradation and corruption. These include interference from other cellular users within or near a given cell. Another source of signal degradation is multipath fading, in which the received amplitude and phase of a signal varies over time. The fading rate can reach as much as 200 Hz for a mobile user traveling at 60 mph at PCS frequencies of about 1.9 GHz. In such environments, the problem is to cleanly extract the signal of the user being tracked from the collection of received noise, CCI, and desired signal portions summed at the antennas of the array.
In FWA systems, e.g., where the receiver remains stationary, signal fading rate is less than in mobile systems. In this case, the channel coherence time or the time during which the channel estimate remains stable is longer since the receiver does not move. Still, over time, channel coherence will be lost in FWA systems as well.
Antenna arrays enable the system designer to increase the total received signal power, which makes the extraction of the desired signal easier. Signal recovery techniques using adaptive antenna arrays are described in detail, e.g., in the handbook of Theodore S. Rappaport, Smart Antennas, Adaptive Arrays, Algorithms, & Wireless Position Location; and Paulraj, A. J. et al., "Space-Time Processing for Wireless Communications", IEEE Signal Processing Magazine, November 1997, pp. 49-83.
Prior art wireless systems have employed adaptive modulation of the transmitted signals with the use of feedback from the receiver as well as adaptive coding and receiver feedback to adapt data transmission to changing channel conditions. However, effective maximization of channel capacity with multiple transmit and receive antennas is not possible only with adaptive modulation and/or coding.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,490 to Barratt et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,658 to Ottersten et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,353 Roy III, teach about spectrally efficient high capacity wireless communication systems using multiple antennas at the transmitter; here a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) for Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA). In these systems the users or receive units have to be sufficiently separated in space and the BTS uses its transmit antennas to form a beam directed towards each receive unit. The transmitter needs to know the channel state information such as "spatial signatures" prior to transmission in order to form the beams correctly. In this case spatial multiplexing means that data streams are transmitted simultaneously to multiple users who are sufficiently spatially separated.
The disadvantage of the beam-forming method taught by Barratt et al., Ottersten et al., and Roy III is that the users have to be spatially well separated and that their spatial signatures have to be known. Also, the channel information has to be available to the transmit unit ahead of time and the varying channel conditions are not effectively taken into account. Finally, the beams formed transmit only one stream of data to each user and thus do not take full advantage of times when a particular channel may exhibit very good communication parameters and have a higher data capacity for transmitting more data or better signal-to-noise ratio enabling transmission of data formatted with a less robust coding scheme.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,194 to Paneth et al. describes a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) communication system using multiple antennas for diversity. The proposed system exploits the concept of adaptive transmit power and modulation. The power and modulation levels are selected according to a signal quality indicator fed back to the transmitter.
Addressing the same problems as Paneth et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,946 to Avidor et al. teaches a system with adaptive antenna beams. The beams are adjusted dynamically as the channel changes. Specifically, the beams are adjusted as a function of a received signal indicator in order to maximize signal quality and reduce the system interference.
The prior art also teaches using multiple antennas to improve reception by transmitting the same information, i.e., the same data stream from all antennas. Alternatively, the prior art also teaches that transmission capacity can be increased by transmitting a different data stream from each antenna. For more information about capacity increases achievable by transmitting different data streams from different antennas the reader is referred to U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,599 to Paulraj, A. J. et al., and to Foschini, G. J., "Layered Space-Time Architecture for Wireless Communication in a Fading Environment when Using Multi-Element Antennas", Bell Labs Technical Journal, Autumn 1996. These two approaches are commonly referred to as antenna diversity schemes and spatial multiplexing schemes.
Adaptive modulation and/or coding in multiple antenna systems involve mapping of data converted into appropriate symbols to the antennas of the transmit antenna array for transmission. In the case of spatial multiplexing there can be no coordination between transmitters, since the transmit antennas can belong to separate base stations or mobiles rather than to a single antenna array. Prior art systems do not teach rules suitable for determining antenna mappings, or, more precisely, antenna selection for varying channel conditions in the spatial multiplexing mode. Development of rules for selecting antennas in the spatial multiplexing mode would represent a significant advance in the art.
The present invention provides a method for selecting antennas for transmitting data over a channel by employing spatial multiplexing, i.e., by transmitting different data streams from different antennas. The method is applicable in communications systems with a transmit unit having multiple transmit antennas or multiple transmit units, e.g., multiple transceiver stations, and a receive unit having multiple receive antennas. The first step of the method involves determining a channel descriptor. In one embodiment the descriptor is a channel matrix H. In another embodiment, where the channel is subject to time delay spread, the descriptor is a channel matrix filter . The channel descriptor has sub-descriptors corresponding to the transmit antennas. Specifically, channel matrix H has sub-descriptors in the form of sub-matrices hi corresponding to the transmit antennas. Channel matrix filter has sub-descriptors in the form of sub-matrix filters also corresponding to the transmit antennas.
The method then calls for choosing a quality parameter and a threshold for the quality parameter. In the next steps, a sub-descriptor which does not meet the threshold is identified and the antenna from among the transmit antennas associated with the sub-descriptor is deactivated.
The quality parameter used in the method can be selected from among signal-to-interference and noise ratio, signal-to-noise ratio and power level. The threshold is typically a minimum acceptable value of the quality parameter. This threshold can be re-set or adjusted and the steps of identifying another sub-descriptor or set of sub-descriptors not meeting the threshold can be repeated. The corresponding transmit antennas are then deactivated.
In case the spatial multiplexed communication is of the type employing a number of sub-carrier tones rather than just one carrier frequency, the sub-descriptors are associated with an average value of the quality parameter. In particular, the average value is the average of the quality parameter over the sub-carrier tones. It is then this average value of the quality parameter which is compared with the threshold to determined whether the threshold is met.
In one embodiment of the method, the sub-matrix hj is removed from the channel matrix H to obtain a subset channel matrix H′. The remaining sub-matrices hi can be rearranged after removal of hj. In particular, the remaining sub-matrices h can be ordered in accordance with the threshold, i.e., in descending order starting with the sub-matrix hi which exceeds the threshold the most or has the best quality parameter.
The data transmitted is typically coded and modulated in accordance with a selected mode. The mode is characterized by a coding rate and a modulation. The setting of the threshold can be based on the selected mode and the selected mode can be based on the quality parameter.
The receive unit can employ any receiver such as a maximum likelihood receiver, a zero forcing equalizer receiver, a successive cancellation receiver, a minimum mean square error equalizer (MMSE) receiver.
In another embodiment, a set of sub-descriptors, i.e., a set of sub-matrices hi or set of sub-matrix filters is identified and transmit unit antennas associated with that set are all deactivated at one time, rather than one by one. This method can be applied in steps as well. A set of antennas or a single antenna not meeting the assigned threshold can be deactivated in each step.
In still another embodiment, the transmit antennas belong to separate transmit units, e.g., to different base stations. In this case the sub-matrix hj can represent the base station transceiver which is to be deactivated to improve the quality parameter at the receive unit.
Systems of the invention can be used for spatial multiplexed communications between transmit units with multiple antennas and receive units with multiple antennas, or between separate transceivers, e.g., base stations, and receive units with multiple antennas. The receive unit has a channel estimation block for determining channel descriptor, a mode selection block for receiving the quality parameter, assigning a threshold to the quality parameter, and identifying among the sub-descriptors of the channel descriptor at least one sub-descriptor not meeting the threshold. The receive unit has a feedback unit for sending feedback related to the at least one sub-descriptor to the transmit unit or, as the case may be, to the base stations.
In case the transmit unit has an antenna array, a controller at the transmit unit receives the feedback and deactivates the corresponding transmit antennas. In case the transmit antennas belong to separate transceivers, a common controller or separate control units can be used to receive the feedback and deactivate the corresponding transceivers or their antennas.
The method of the invention can be employed in multi-tone communications using a number of sub-carrier tones for transmitting data from each transmit antenna.
A detailed description of the invention and the preferred and alternative embodiments is presented below in reference to the attached drawing figures.
FIG. 6. is a schematic illustrating the operations performed on the channel matrix H.
The method and wireless systems of the invention will be best understood after first considering the high-level diagrams of
BTS 12 has an antenna array 16 consisting of a number of transmit antennas 18A, 18B, . . . , 18M. Receive units 14 are equipped with antenna arrays 20 of N receive antennas (for details see
The time variation of channels 22A, 22B causes transmitted signals TS to experience fluctuating levels of attenuation, interference, multi-path fading and other deleterious effects. Therefore, communication parameters of channels 22A, 22B such as data capacity, signal quality, spectral efficiency or throughput undergo temporal changes. Thus, channels 22A, 22B can not at all times support efficient propagation of high data rate signals TS or signals which are not formatted with a robust coding algorithm.
In accordance with the invention, antenna array 16 at BTS 12 employs spatial multiplexing, reduces interference, increases array gain and achieves other advantageous effects. Antenna arrays 20 at receive units 14 are set up to receive the spatial multiplexed signals from BTS 12. The method of the invention finds an optimum choice of transmit antennas 18A, 18B, . . . , 18M selected adaptively with changing conditions of channels 22A, 22B. In other words, the method of the invention implements an adaptive and optimal selection of transmit antennas 18A, 18B, . . . , 18M, deactivating some of these antennas in accordance with the rules described below to improve performance.
On the other side of the link, receive unit 14 has N receive antennas 34A, 34B, . . . , 34N in its array 20 for receiving receive signals RS. An RF amplification and down-conversion block 36 processes receive signals RS and passes them to data processing block 38, which generates a representation 44 of the originally transmitted data 30. Data processing block 38 includes a channel measurement or estimation unit (see
A mode selection block 40 uses matrix H and a chosen quality of service QoS or quality parameter QP to determine which of transmit antennas 18 should be deactivated to improve reception. The quality parameter QP used by block 40 can be any useful signal characteristics measure such as signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), power level. Block 40 makes the determination about which of transmit antennas 18A, 18B, . . . 18M should be transmitting in order to keep the quality parameter above a certain minimum required value or threshold. This selection is fed back as indicated by dashed line 42 to transmit unit 12. In case channel 22 is a time-division duplexed (TDD) channel, which is reciprocal between the receive and transmit units, no separate feedback is required. In response, unit 26 switches off or deactivates the transmit antennas which block 40 has determined should be deactivated.
An exemplary embodiment of a transmit unit 50 for practicing the method of the invention is shown in FIG. 3. Data 52, in this case in the form of a binary stream, has to be transmitted.
Before transmission, data 52 may be interleaved and pre-coded by interleaver and pre-coder (not shown). The purpose of interleaving and pre-coding is to render the data more robust against terrors. Both of these techniques are well-known in the art.
Data 52 is delivered to a conversion unit, more specifically a spatial multiplexing block 56. Block 56 converts data 52 into k streams of symbols at chosen modulation rates and coding rates. For example, data 52 can be converted into symbols through modulation in a constellation selected from among PSK, QAM, GMSK, FSK, PAM, PPM, CAP, CPM or other suitable constellations. The transmission rate or throughput of data 52 will vary depending on the modulation and coding rates used in each of the k streams.
Table 1 illustrates some typical modulation and coding rates with the corresponding throughputs which can be used in the spatial multiplexing method of the invention. The entries are conveniently indexed by a mode number.
The mode column can be used to more conveniently identify the modulation and coding rates which are to be applied to the k streams. Tables analogous to Table 1 for other coding rates and modulation can be easily derived as these techniques are well-known in the art.
Once coded and modulated in symbols, data 52 passes to a switching unit 60. Depending on its setting, switching unit 60. routs modulated and coded k streams of spatially multiplexed data 52 to all or a subset of its M outputs. The M outputs lead to the corresponding M transmit antennas 72 via an up-conversion and RF amplification stage 70 having individual digital-to-analog converters and up-conversion/RF amplification blocks 74. Transmit antennas 72 transmit data 52 in the form of transmit signals TS. In this case transmit antennas T1, T2, . . . TM with the exception of transmit antenna Tj are transmitting coded streams. In other words, k=M−1. The determination to deactivate antenna Tj is made in accordance with the method of the invention as described below.
Transmit unit 50 also has a controller 66 connected to spatial multiplexing block 56 and to switching unit 60. A database 78 is connected to controller 66. Database 78 conveniently contains a table, e.g., a spatial multiplexing look-up table indexed by mode as in exemplary table 1. The convenience of indexing by mode resides in the fact that feedback to transmit unit 50 does not require much bandwidth.
Specifically, transmit unit 50 receives feedback from receive unit 90 (see
Receive unit 90 can send back a channel descriptor, e.g., a channel matrix H, a channel matrix filter or some other suitable descriptor identifying the action of the channel on transmitted signals TS, to transmit unit 50. In these cases transmit unit 50 can use the channel descriptor in its operation to derive any information in addition to antenna number and mode number to adapt its transmission to channel 22. In the event of using time-division duplexing (TDD), the feedback information, i.e., the channel parameters are obtained during the reverse transmission from receive unit 90 or remote subscriber unit, as is known in the art, and no dedicated feedback extractor 80 is required.
When channel 22 experiences delay spread, it can be modeled as a Finite Impluse Response (FIR) channel, i.e., channel 22 has a memory and any representation of channel 22 should have a time dimension. Depending on the transmission symbol rate, for a given delay spread channel 22 will have some number L of symbol delay taps. When there is no delay spread channel 22 can be represented by an NxM matrix where N is the number of receive antennas 92 (see
When multi-carrier modulation such as OFDM is used, the symbol duration is chosen much longer than the channel delay spread. In this case, each sub-carrier frequency or tone has an individual channel represented by an N�M matrix, i.e., H1, H2, . . . HT where T is the number of sub-carrier tones.
In an embodiment of the invention where inter-symbol interference (ISI) is not a problem, the parameters of channel 22 are expressed by a single channel matrix H. In accordance with this descriptor, transmit signals TS propagating through channel 22 are affected by channel coefficients axy of matrix H. Matrix H is composed of sub-matrices h, here in the form of columns labeled h1, h2, . . . , hj, . . . hM. Each antenna T1, T2, . . . Tj, . . . , TM is associated with a corresponding sub-matrix h1, h2, . . . , hj, . . . hM. The dimension or number of entries in each sub-matrix h is dictated by the number of receive antennas 92 employed by receive unit 90 (see FIG. 5); in this case the number is N. Hence, channel coefficients matrix H is an N�M matrix with channel coefficients axy ranging from a11 to aNM.
Estimator 100 is connected to block 98 to provide block 98 with the channel descriptor. The channel descriptor is typically determined by estimator 100 during training; a procedure well-known in the art. In case there is no ISI estimator 100 determines channel matrix H for the independent k streams from the k transmit antennas 72. In case there is ISI estimator 100 determines channel matrix filter with the aid of training sequences which are as long or longer than the delay spread. In multi-carrier operation each sub-carrier tone has a different channel so training is required for all sub-carrier tones. During training estimator 100 determines channel matrices H1, H2, . . . HT for all sub-carrier tones. A deinterleaver and decoder (not shown) can be placed in the data stream if a corresponding interleaver and coder was employed in transmitter 50.
Channel estimator 100 is also connected to a mode selection block 102. Mode selection block 102 is connected to a database 104. Database 104 conveniently contains a look-up table similar to table 1 with quality parameters QP's and threshold values QPth (i.e., the lowest acceptable values) of these QP's for each of the modes. In other words, for any particular QP each mode has an associated threshold QPth, which is conveniently stored in database 104. For example, when SINR is used as QP, then for a given (or required) performance criteria, e.g., a required BER, each mode has a threshold SINRth which depends on its modulation rate and coding rate. Mode selection block 102 can thus access in database 104 the appropriate threshold QPth values for the selected modes.
Alternatively, mode selection block 102 can receive quality parameter QP and threshold value QPth for each mode from an outside source. In yet another embodiment, block 102 can be pre-programmed to use a particular quality parameter QP or make its own selection of quality parameter QP. Also, threshold value QPth can be provided, or pre-set by block 102 or adjusted during operation by either block 102 or some other circuit, as necessary. In the present embodiment, signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR) is used as quality parameter QP.
Conveniently, database 104 contains the same entries as database 78 indexed by the same mode numbers. This arrangement makes it particularly easy for selection block 102 to communicate its mode selection for each transmit antenna Ti to transmit unit 50 by sending the mode number. For example, selection block 102 provides transmit antenna number and mode to be used by that transmit antenna pairwise for feedback to transmit unit 50. In fact, antenna number and mode can be arranged in a table for feedback. When a transmit antenna number and corresponding mode are not indicated by block 102, then that transmit antenna Ti is deactivated by controller 66. For active transmit antennas Ti controller 66 retrieves the corresponding coding rate and modulation from database 78. Alternatively, selection block 102 can indicate directly which transmit antenna or antennas Ti are to be deactivated and indicate the modes to be used by active transmit antennas Ti. In some cases, the same mode can be used by all active transmit antennas Ti, e.g., at system start-up. At this time selection block 102 only sends active transmit antennas and mode for feedback to transmit unit 50.
Mode selection block 102 is connected to a feedback block 106 for feeding back the antenna numbers and corresponding modes to receive unit 50. Furthermore, feedback block 106 can also send channel parameters, e.g., in the form of mode number to transmit unit 50. Receiver unit's 90 transmitter 110 is connected to feedback block 106 for transmitting this information back to transmit unit 50.
In this embodiment, receive unit 90 is a minimum mean square error equalizer (MMSE) receiver requiring a receive processing matrix 108 based on channel matrix H to recover data 52. Hence, mode selection block 102 has the appropriate logic to compute matrix 108 as discussed below. Block 102 communicates matrix 108 to block 98 via a link.
The operation of channel 22 on a transmit vector s of M transmit signals TS corresponding to the M transmit antennas 72 is described by the system equation:
The linear MMSE equalizer is found by minimizing the cost function:
Using the assumptions in (2), the cost function in (4) can be simplified to:
The receiver R, here optimized receiver Ropt, determines the value of quality parameter QP for transmit signals TS transmitted via each one of transmit antennas 72. In this embodiment, signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR) is chosen as the quality parameter QP. The relation between SINRi for i-th of transmit antennas 72 and Ropt is:
Of course, a person of average skill in the art will be able to construct analogous relationships between other quality parameters QP of transmit signals TS transmitted from each of transmit antennas 72 and the receiver.
In accordance with the method of the invention, a threshold value QPth is assigned to quality parameter QP. The assignment of the threshold is based on the desired quality of receive signals RS. Conveniently, QPth is the minimum threshold at which receive signals RS can be re-converted into data 52 by block 98 at an acceptable error rate given the mode (coding rate and modulation of data 52 employed by spatial multiplexing block 56 of transmit unit 50). For example, the assignment can be based on a desired bit-error-rate (BER) of received data 52. Alternatively, other error rates such as packet error rates or symbol error rates of data 52 can be used to characterize the quality of receive signals RS. A person of average skill in the art is familiar with these characterizations and criteria for their selection.
In this embodiment, data 52 is coded and modulated in accordance with a square QAM constellation (e.g. with four points, Z=4) and the quality parameter QP is SINR. The BER required at receive unit 90 given this mode assigns the minimum threshold SINRth. Specifically, BERi at receive unit 90 for data 52 transmitted in transmit signals TS from i-th antenna of transmit antennas 72 is related to SINRi for the i-th antenna as follows:
SINRth is used by mode selection block 102 to identify sub-descriptors of channel 22 which do not meet threshold SINRth. In this embodiment the sub-descriptors of channel 22 are sub-matrices hi of channel matrix H, as shown in FIG. 6. One sub-matrix hi, i=1 . . . M, is associated with each transmit antenna Ti, i=1 . . . M, of transmit antennas 72. The schematic of
According to the method of the invention, transmit antenna Tj corresponding to sub-matrix hj is deactivated. In fact, transmit unit 50 is shown in
Block 110 also passes subset channel matrix H′ to a computing block 112. Computing block 112 calculates the processing matrix 108 or optimal receiver Ropt and sends Ropt to block 98 for receive processing.
When all transmit antennas Ti meet threshold QPth of a different mode then employed at the time, e.g., a mode with a higher throughput, then this higher throughput mode is selected by comparison block 110. When a sub-matrix hj indicates that the corresponding transmit antenna Tj no longer meets QPth, then that antenna is deactivated and the mode is fed back to transmit unit 50. In this manner, transmission of data 52 can be optimized for highest throughput at the set QPth.
In fact, flow chart of
In the next step, each QPi is compared with a lowest threshold QPth-#. For example, lowest threshold QPth-# can be equal to the threshold for the lowest throughput acceptable mode #. When a QPi does not meet this lowest threshold QPth-#, the corresponding sub-matrix hi is removed from channel matrix H to produce subset channel matrix H′. With the same action the corresponding antenna Ti is designated for deactivation. After removal of sub-matrix hi the values of QPi are re-computed and the comparison repeated, until subset channel matrix H′ contains only sub-matrices hi which have QPi higher than QPth-# It should be noted that more than one sub-matrix hi can be removed at a time.
Once the final subset channel matrix H′ is obtained it is sent to the second branch in the flow chart of
It should be noted, that comparison block 110 can re-set or adjust lowest QPth-#. For example, when data 52 is not very sensitive (e.g., voice) lowest QPth-# can be lowered and when data 52 is sensitive lowest threshold QPth-# can be raised. In fact, the setting of lowest QPth-# depends on the type of data 52 and other parameters well-known in the art of data processing.
Comparison block 110 can repeat the steps of identifying individual or even groups or sets of sub-matrices hi falling below lowest QPth-# and deactivate the corresponding antenna or antennas among transmit antennas 72. Of course, when channel 22 is very high quality, no transmit antennas 72 may need to be deactivated.
In general, the time period within which the above computations for antenna deactivation should be repeated should be shorter than the coherence time of channel 22.
In another embodiment, transmit unit 50 receiving feedback of channel information, whether using TDD or simple feedback, could make the selection of antenna or antennas to deactivate on its own. This alternative approach would be convenient when receive unit 90 does not have sufficient resources or power to make the comparisons between the values of QPi and QPth. Of course, transmit unit 50 would then contain all the corresponding computation and decision-making blocks, specifically mode selection block 102, contained in receive unit 90 as described above.
In an alternative embodiment shown in
Receive unit 212 sets a threshold QPth and identifies among the sub-descriptors of a descriptor of channel 22, e.g., hi matrices of channel matrix H, one or more sub-descriptors which do not meet threshold QPth in the selected mode. As described above, receive unit 212 can adjust threshold QPth, in particular, it can adjust threshold QPth based on the desired mode. Receive unit 212 then determines a final selection which transmit antennas of transmit antenna arrays 208, 210 should be deactivated. Additionally, receive unit 212 determines which modes should be used by the remaining active transmit antennas of arrays 208, 210. It should be noted that under certain circumstances receive unit 212 may determine that one of base stations 204, 206 should not be transmitting any transmit signals to receive unit 212 at all.
The selection of antennas and modes is fed back from receive unit 212 to BTS 204, 206. In particular, a control logic, in this embodiment a controller 202 receives the feedback from receive unit 212. Controller 202 can be a central control unit supervising the operation of BTS 204, 206 and any other BTS of communication system 200. Alternatively, control logic can consist of separate control units as indicated in dashed lines.
In another embodiment of the invention, the descriptor of channel 22 is a channel matrix filter and sub-descriptors are sub-matrix filters . Conveniently, channel matrix filter is used as descriptor when inter-symbol interference (ISI) is present due to broadly varying times of arrival or under other adverse conditions associated with delay spread. A person of average skill in the art is familiar with channel matrix filters , their construction and their use in reconstructing transmitted data under such channel conditions.
In particular, for a channel with delay spread the system equation is:
This equation can be rewritten in matrix form as:
Therefore, channel matrix filter H is actually qN�pM. In fact, M is the total number of antennas from which receive unit is meant to receive spatially multiplexed signals. As discussed above, these transmit antennas can belong to separate BTS, include single transmit antennas or transmit antennas which are part of any suitable transmit antenna array.
The receiver equalizer R(z) for processing the q time snap shots of the received vector x k to obtain a good MMSE estimator of the transmitted signal vector s k can be represented as follows:
By defining the following correlation matrices:
In this embodiment the quality parameter QP is chosen to be signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Now, for the i-th transmit antenna the SNR is given by:
The method of invention can also be used in multi-carrier systems using spatial multiplexing. In these types of communication systems several sub-carrier frequencies or sub-carrier tones are transmitted from each transmit antenna. Each of these sub-carrier tones experiences a different channel in propagating from the transmit unit to the receive unit. Hence, each transmit antenna has associated with it a group of sub-descriptors; one for each sub-carrier tone.
In this case each transmit antenna and its associated sub-descriptor will yield a different quality parameter QP at the different sub-carrier frequencies. In other words, data transmitted from a transmit antenna Tj on a first sub-carrier tone ST1 will exhibit a quality parameter QPj1 different from a quality parameter QPj2 for data transmitted from the same transmit antenna Tj on a second sub-carrier tone ST2. Hence, the selection of which transmit antenna to deactivate in this case is made based on the average quality parameter QP j for the group of sub-descriptors associated with that antenna. With this change, the method of invention can be employed in multi-carrier systems as described for non multi-carrier communication systems.
The method of the invention can be used in soft hand-off between base stations in cellular systems. Alternatively, partial hand-offs or gradual hand-offs between base stations can be implemented, depending on antenna selection. In fixed wireless systems the user device can operate by receiving signals from a selection of antennas belonging to different base stations at all times. Also, in the case of fixed wireless devices there may be cases where the channel does not change appreciably over time. In this case, once the antenna selection is made, no feedback may be required.
It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be altered in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
Manlius The weather on International Peace Day was perfect for planting pinwheels to promote peace.
During Mott Road Elementary School's Peace Assembly on Sept. 21 – which was International Peace Day – the sun shone and the wind whipped. With each gust, about 460 red, blue, green, pink and yellow pinwheels created by Mott Road students and staff furiously spun their paper arms.
This was the second year students created pinwheels in their art classes to participate in the International Pinwheels for Peace Project. Students in art teacher Kaila Johansen's classes wrote messages on the backs of each pinwheel and decorated the fronts. During the school's Peace Assembly, each student and staff member planted a pinwheel in the grass and gardens in front of the school.
Students also sang songs about peace and shared their personal wishes for peace. Teachers spoke of acts of kindness they have witnessed by individual students and grade levels as a whole.
Principal Lynnette Bonner told the school community that while they were talking about peace, they joined millions of people around the world who were also promoting peace on that day.
In the days leading up to International Peace Day, each grade level at Mott Road held an assembly that focused on ways to be kind to each other.
"We've been talking about peace and ways to be peaceful," Principal Bonner said.
In 2011, an estimated four million pinwheels were displayed around the world on International Peace Day, according to pinwheelsforpeace.com.
More like this story
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.


text:
Originally written on Louisville Card Game | Last updated 2/8/13
The college baseball season opens in seven days. The fourth-ranked University of Louisville baseball team will conduct three open scrimmages starting this weekend — at noon Saturday, at noon on Sunday, and at 2:45 on Monday. Due to the final stages of the expansion at Jim Patterson Stadium, there will be no access to the primary seating areas in the ballpark. * * * Teddy Mitrosilis' weekly notebook on ESPN.com revealed that Coach Dan McDonnell's use of literature to help motivate his team. Dan McDonnell has always been a voracious reader and believer in words. He played at The Citadel in the late 1980s and early '90s, and coach Chal Port would read his club short stories or passages after practices. "I enjoyed that as a player," says McDonnell, who is in his seventh season as Louisville's head coach. He often buys books for players, and they can always come into his office and grab something from the shelves. Each season, he designates two books — one for the fall and one for the spring.
Comments are closed.
What do you think?To leave a comment, you can:
MLB News
Delivered to your inbox
You'll also receive Yardbarker's daily Top 10, featuring the best sports stories from around the web. Customize your newsletter to get articles on your favorite sports and teams. And the best part? It's free!
Follow us on Twitter
|Best of Yardbarker
|NFL News
|MLB News
Today's Best Stuff
For Bloggers
Join the Yardbarker Network for more promotion, traffic, and money.
Company Info
What is Yardbarker?
Yardbarker is the largest network of sports blogs and pro athlete blogs on the web. This site is the hub of the Yardbarker Network, where our editors and algorithms curate the best sports content from our network and beyond.
|© 2015 Yardbarker, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. (What's New?)


text:
March 24 -- Gov. Rick Snyder recently gave an address on energy and, as expected, his approach included market-based solutions, the notion that the market should take care of renewable energy development. As a professor of renewable energy and energy management for more than 30 years, I know this is not the case. As a user of renewable energy for decades, I know first-hand and have taught thousands how to harness this clean, affordable way to power our lives. >>View Article
Reining in the Coal Industry's Assault on Public Health
March 24 -- On Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a crucial case about regulating mercury and other toxic air pollution coming from coal-fired power plants. At stake is a very dangerous precedent that industry profits are more important than thousands of lives. >>View Article
Research: Ohio Energy Freeze Resulting in Millions in Lost Investment
March 24 -- It's been almost a year since Ohio lawmakers froze the state's energy efficiency and renewable energy standards, and some analysts say the damage is already unfolding.
Researchers at the Center for American Progress interviewed business leaders in the renewable energy sector in Ohio, and senior policy advisor and report co-author Gwynne Taraska says all of them reported negative impacts. >>View Article
The Koch Brothers Say Solar Energy Will Flop; Georgia Says They're Wrong
March 19 -- He'd heard the accusations before, in another time and place.
Support solar energy, and you will support higher electric bills. Less reliability. More tax subsidies and unwanted government interference. >>View Article
Bill Allowing Renewable Power Sales Direct to N.C. Consumers Could be a Boon for Solar
March 19 -- N.C. Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland) made good on a recent promise to submit a bill allowing renewable-energy developers to sell power directly to customers in North Carolina, bypassing the state's utilities. >>View Article
Sacramento Kings Sign Solar, Marketing Deal with Solar Power
March 19 -- Solar Power Inc. and the Sacramento Kings announced Wednesday they will work together to install a photovoltaic system on the new downtown sports arena.
The agreement includes a 10-year marketing agreement with in-stadium signage for Solar Power Inc., along with ongoing in-game marketing. >>View Article
Ohio Pressed Pause on Economic Growth When it Froze its Clean Energy Standards
March 19 -- Ohio shot itself in the foot last year and we're only now learning just how bad the damage is.
In May of 2014, the Ohio Legislature froze the state's energy efficiency and renewable energy standards as a result of political pressure from Ohio's largest power company, FirstEnergy, and other groups. This freeze came after efficiency measures led to more than $1 billion in savings for Ohioans, clean energy companies invested more than $660 million in 2012 alone, Ohio boasted the nation's largest number of wind-component manufacturing facilities, and the state created 43,000 in-state jobs within the clean energy sector. >>View Article
Editorial: Energy For the Future
March 19 -- Like it or not, coal has a dwindling place in Michigan's energy future. Federal regulations assure that. Renewable forms of energy, nuclear power and natural gas will take its place, along with ramped up efforts to eliminate energy waste. >>View Article
California Could Power Itself Three to Five Times Over with Solar
March 18 -- Deserts and remote fields are popular spots for building vast arrays of solar panels, which generate dramatically more energy than individual homeowner rooftop installations. These areas are rich in sunlight while offering plenty of clear, flat land to work with. But what if we didn't always have to go all the way out to these remote and potentially ecologically fragile areas? What if we could simply drive down the street and make use of the buildings and lands in areas we've already developed?
A new study suggests that such a strategy could work in a state like California, which is working aggressively to boost its renewable energy use. And it could provide a lot of power. There's enough space suitable for solar power on or near land that humans occupy in the state to power three to five of today's Californias, researchers report in Nature Climate Change today. >>View Article
Wind Energy Will be Cheaper than Fossil Fuels Within a Decade
March 18 -- Wind energy is growing fast. While it still accounts for less than 5 percent of the United States' total electricity mix, wind is by far the biggest source of renewable energy other than hydroelectric dams, and it accounted for 23 percent of new power production capacity built last year. Some experts think wind could provide a fifth of the world's energy by 2030. But wind in the US is always in a perilous position, thanks to its heavy reliance on a federal tax credit that is routinely attacked in Congress; the subsidy was allowed to expire at the end of last year, and its ultimate fate remains unclear. >>View Article
Page 15 of 390


text:
Harry Somers to be Featured in IMPRESSIONS OF LIFE Film
When Harry Somers was just 16, he made a daring escape from Nazi Germany and began a new life, passing through England to attend Dookie Agricultural College in Australia. At 20, he joined the Australian Army, where a fellow soldier introduced him to the art of painting. Later, in New York City, his creative powers blossomed, and he began presenting his work in exhibitions and selling paintings to celebrities and socialites. Nevertheless, the memories of his harrowing ordeal were always close to the surface.
Painting became an escape for Somers, a way to cope with the loss of his family and the trauma of surviving Nazi Germany. His paintings have been described as "luminous," "glowing" and "alive." Combining elements of Impressionism and pointillism, Somers' paintings typically represent landscapes and other natural settings inhabited by people enjoying each other's company amid the surroundings. Moreover, his work is a profound contrast to the darkness and despair that so characterized the Holocaust.
As filmmakers Erik Angra and Sandri Valente discovered, Somers' paintings are honest reflections of his life and personality. Meeting Somers in Arizona while they were promoting another film on the Holocaust, they were immediately struck by his charm, optimism and profound wisdom. The filmmakers quickly realized that Somers' work and life story was worth sharing with a wider audience. They remained in Arizona for three extra weeks, speaking with the artist nearly every day.
His belief in forgiveness and love, in spite of the horrors of his youth, were inspirational. Somers had never opened up to anyone in detail about his ordeal in Germany before meeting Angra and Valente. Now nearing the end of his life, Somers was willing to share his message of forgiveness. Thus began the project that will culminate in the documentary "Impressions of Life: The H. Somers Story."
Angra and Valente have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the documentary. Their wish is that the final production successfully captures the sublime beauty that is both Harry Somers the man and H. Somers the artist. They believe his powerful example of forgiveness and perseverance will provide light in a world that is too often dimmed by fear and mistrust.
Always a believer in giving back, Somers has recently donated almost 50 works of art to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona. His artwork is used in art therapy classes throughout the region. Although Somers may never see his documentary, he can rest knowing that his life has already impacted the lives of others in an immensely positive way.
To watch the trailer and become a backer on Kickstarter visit
About Author
- Casting Roundup: Sarah Chalke, Kim Raver Headline New Pilots
- ADVENTURE TIME Headed to the Big Screen?
- Pilot Season Roundup: Colm Feore, Daniel Stern, Dave Annable to Star in New Shows
- James Franco to Star in New Fox Comedy, WHY HIM?
- Christopher Meloni to Star in WGN America's Slave Drama UNDERGROUND
- Check Out Alex Dunphy's Full College Essay from Latest MODERN FAMILY Episode
- Photo Flash: HBO Reveals Key Art for GAME OF THRONES Season 5
- Syfy to Honor Leonard Nimoy with Special Programming This Sunday
- Grammy Winner Kelly Clarkson Exclusively Premieres New Music from New Album on MTV, VH1 & CMT First
- CONSTELLATIONS' Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Wilson Set for THEATER TALK This Weekend


text:
Israel widens air attack, hits mosque, charities, home for the disabled
Israel widened its air assault against the Gaza Strip's Hamas rulers on Saturday, hitting a mosque it said was hiding rockets, as Palestinians said their death toll from the five-day offensive rose to over 125.
Israel ramps up aerial assault on Gaza as possible ground invasion looms
Israel dramatically escalated its aerial assault in Gaza Thursday hitting hundreds of Hamas targets, as Palestinians reported 16 people killed in strikes that hit a home and a beachside cafe and Israel's missile defense system once again intercepted rockets fired by militants at the country's heartland.
Family of Tariq Abu Khdeir, American teen beaten in Jerusalem, speaks out
Fifteen-year-old Tariq Abu Khdeir of Florida, who has relatives in Maryland, was reportedly beaten by Israelis while in Jerusalem for a family wedding.
ISIS Forces Still Bearing Down on IraqComment
Shaffer interview July 1, 2014
Israel finds bodies of kidnapped teens in West Bank
Security officials say the Israeli military has discovered the bodies of three Israeli teenagers who were kidnapped in the West Bank earlier this month.
Pope Francis invites Israeli, Palestinian leaders to Vatican to pray for peace
Pope Francis plunged Sunday into Mideast politics during his Holy Land pilgrimage, winning the acceptance from the Israeli and Palestinian presidents to pay a symbolic visit to the Vatican next month to pray for peace.
More unrest in UkraineComment
Macgregor interview April 29, 2014
The shooting at Ft. HoodComment
Green interview April 3, 2014
Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad resignsComment
Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayyad offered his resignation on Thursday, and was waiting for President Mahmoud Abbas' reply.
President Obama Middle East trip: Obama to address unstable Middle EastComment
On his second trip to the Middle East as U.S. commander in chief, President Barack Obama this week will confront a political and strategic landscape nearly unrecognizable from the one he encountered on his first trip to the region shortly after assuming office in 2009.
John Kerry reaches out to Israeli, Palestinian leaders under new Secretary of State roleComment
New Secretary of State John Kerry will be introducing himself to his agency's employees Monday after spending much of the weekend making connections with leaders around the world.
Israel's Netanyahu dismisses criticism of new settlement projectComment
Israel's prime minister is brushing off international criticism over a planned new settlement project near Jerusalem, saying Israel will keep the area under any future peace deal in any case.
Palestine's Mahmoud Abbas: Israeli settlements are 'red line'Comment
An Israeli-Palestinian showdown over plans for new Jewish settlements around Jerusalem escalated on Wednesday. Israel pushed the most contentious of the projects further along in the planning pipeline, and the Palestinian president said he would seek U.N. Security Council help to block the construction.
United Nations vote recognizes state of Palestine; Israel, US objectComment
The UN voted overwhelmingly Thursday to recognize a Palestinian state. Joining the United States and Israel in voting "no" were Canada, the Czech Republic, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Panama.
Yasser Arafat remains exhumed as part of investigationComment
Palestinian authorities on Tuesday opened Yasser Arafat's grave and foreign experts took samples from his remains as part of a long-shot attempt -- eight years after the iconic leader's mysterious death -- to determine whether he was poisoned, as relatives and some political successors have claimed.
Israel/Hamas cease-fire to begin Wednesday nightComment
The Egyptian-sponsored deal delivered key achievements for all involved. But vague language in the agreement and deep hostility between the combatants made it far from certain that the bloodshed would end.
Israel-Hamas conflict: Hillary Clinton returns to JerusalemComment
An official says the U.S. secretary of state has returned to Jerusalem for another round of meetings with Israeli leaders as she tries to wring an elusive truce deal over the Israel-Hamas fighting.
Israel-Hamas cease-fire remains elusiveComment
As international diplomats worked to cement a deal, a senior Hamas official said an agreement was close even as relentless airstrikes and rocket attacks between the two sides continued.
RecommendedRecent Facebook Activity
Only On 7
Watch ABC7 News at 4!ABC7 gives you MORE news in your afternoons with an extra hour, an hour earlier! Watch to see what's trending in your community and world every weekday afternoon at 4pm right after back to back "Hot Bench" shows at 3pm on ABC7.


text:
"Fruits Basket" is a fun physics puzzle game, crushed ice can help little penguins get fruits. If you are tired of the angry birds and love to bathe small crocodile, may wish to try greedy Meng Penguin. It portrays a named Dios Meng Penguin in order to retrieve the glaciers earth after splitting tribal wealth alone using magic basket collecting fruits story.
play free online games fruits basket super fungame freegame magic games brain games
Rate & Review


text:
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
© Copyright 2015 Newton Citizen
OXFORD - Soon, the residents of Oxford will be able to communicate with Oxford City Council members and other citizens while sitting by their home computer.The city of Oxford unveiled its new Web site last week. The new site, located at www.oxfordgeorgia.org, features city news, a city calendar that's updated frequently, city ordinances and city council minutes back to 2003, among other documents and city information. "As technology keeps evolving, you've got to step with the times," Oxford Mayor Jerry Roseberry said. "We have to let (the city) know what's going on." Roseberry also has a blog - a Web log where individuals write entries about various topics - on the Web site; other city council members will also have blogs in the future. "This place will be reserved in the future as a place where the mayor and city council can post their opinions and share their thoughts with you, the people," according to Roseberry's first entry. He also wants to have a community forum on the Web site, which allows residents to post their opinions and thoughts on various subjects. Before last week, the city had a Web site, www.cityofoxfordga.com, but Roseberry said when he came into office he wanted to update it. "I wanted to attract the community and make it user friendly," he said. "We're excited about it, and we hope citizens find it to be informative." Roseberry and Councilman Hoyt Oliver enlisted the help of Oxford resident Michael Dale to create the city's new Web site. Dale, a senior at Newton High School who is in the joint enrollment program at Oxford College, has lived in Oxford for almost two years and has been working with creating Web sites for about four years, he said. "It's more of a hobby for me," he said. "I've done several Web sites for the school, but I've never taken it as a class." He said the Web site as it is now took about 30 hours since the beginning of January to create. He will be in charge of it at least for the next two years, as he attends Oxford College starting in the fall. "I'll be updating and training (city council members)," he said. Since launching last week, he said the Web site already has received 25 visitors, but he wants more residents to use it. He said most residents who have seen the site said they have never seen anything like it before, but he would like to hear from more residents about their wants and needs for it. "I want to see some more constructive criticism," he said. Visitors to the Web site are allowed to vote in a poll or leave general feedback. They also can join a city mailing list to receive more updates. "We will change (the site) as we need to," Roseberry said. "We're going to be doing a lot of different things with it." Michelle Floyd can be reached at email@example.com. SideBar: At A Glance City of Oxford Web Site: www.oxfordgeorgia.org Features: City news City calendar City council minutes Mayor blog City ordinances
More like this story
- Oxford to go digital ( April 17, 2008 )
- Oxford OKs revamping city website ( December 13, 2010 )
- Respect flags by retiring properly ( July 2, 2008 )
- Oxford to host Independence Day parade ( July 2, 2008 )
- City of Oxford makes changes for new year ( January 9, 2008 )


text:
4 bed, 3 full bath. This classic, architecturally designed brick home invites personal enjoyment. The grounds, surroundMore info
4 bed, 2 full bath, 1 half bath. Located in the heart of Park Forest Village this two-story is a gem. The spacious kitchen and firstMore info
5 bed, 5 full bath. Elegant and sophisticated home in the desired neighborhood of Thompson Woods. Only 1 mile from DownMore info
4 bed, 3 full bath, 1 half bath. Spectacular back yard stretches well into the woods and borders the Association's green space for sMore info
4 bed, 2 full bath, 1 half bath. Contributing property on the National Register of Historic Places in the Holmes-Foster Park neighboMore info
4 bed, 3 full bath, 1 half bath. Seeking remarkable living spaces, adorned with beautiful finishes? This Park Hills timeless classicMore info
3 bed, 2 full bath, 1 half bath. This home is currently under construction with an anticipated Summer 2015 completion date. S&A HomeMore info
4 bed, 2 full bath, 1 half bath. Bursting With Character! This State College Borough 4 bedroom 2. 5 bath home features gorgeous hardMore info
5 bed, 4 full bath. Amazing new construction home in Hillside Farm Estates is set in a serene development but is also jMore info
4 bed, 2 full bath. Walk to campus & downtown State College. Located in College Heights North, this custom designed & bMore info


text:
What to Wear To Get Upgraded
Growing up in a hospitality-driven family (my mother works for Alaska Airlines and my father in hotels), getting upgraded was always a coveted possibility. With an employee's handbook in hand, my mom used to chide me on sloppiness before boarding a flight. No sweatpants. (Not even the Juicy Couture kind.) Check. Polished heels with flats to change into. Double check. Granted, some of it was old school, and especially in our casual dressing times, perhaps not necessary, but a lot of it has stuck with me. The truth is, looking good actually helps when angling for an upgrade. Here are a few style picks with the luxuries of first class in mind.
Look 1: First Lady Chic
Nothing stands out in the airport terminal like a cool and collected look. With election season in full swing, first ladies are a good guideline. Their styles tend to be more structured and in favor of texture, like this boxy boucle tweed coat ($280 by Rory Beca) with metallic threads that will (hopefully) catch the eye of the gate agent. For a take on the modern skirt suit, pair with a bateau neck sweater in the same color family ($17.99 at Target) and bright tweed pencil skirt in head-turning cobalt ($75). Though, flats are comfy, stow them in this handsome designer bag by Reed Krakoff ($1,090). This is the time to pay attention to your footwear. A classic pump, especially in this leg-lengthening nude patent ($59 by Nine West), with a moderate heel will go a long way at check-in. (So will batting eyelashes, but you didn't hear that from us.)
Look 2: Movie Star
It used to be first class was a denim-free zone. Those days are long over, so take cues from A-listers who lay all the way back in first class wearing dressy jeans. We like style arbiter Gwyneth Paltrow's style: the mom of two flits between London, New York, and LA looking just about perfect. Paltrow often wears skinny jeans—here, we selected a pair by another famous frequent flier, Victoria Beckham ($265)—tucked into boots like these by Burberry in walnut brown ($850). On top, she sticks with a classic button-down, maybe in a light blue ($117 by MIH Jeans). In case of chilly cabins, bring along a shearling jacket, cut into a hip motorcycle shape ($2,115 by Acne). Budget watchers can try faux versions, or go to Asos.com for more affordable price points. Accent with a simple stone drop necklace ($96)—agates are all the range—and pull all your documents together with a hot pink travel wallet ($145.99). Just remember to take off your Jackie O sunglasses while chatting up the check-in agent.
Look 1: Dandy CEO
Play the part of a mover and shaker. Sure, a regular suit will accomplish the head honcho look, but stylish business casual makes a stronger, cooler impression. British menswear is a good guiding light. Look in your closet for gray trousers, or French Connection makes nice flat-front designs ($198). On top, throw on a striped blue shirt, maybe with a tweak like this Rag & Bone design with partial button-down placket ($205). To highlight English dandy style, slip on wing-tip oxfords ($188 by Allerton) and loop on a menswear print scarf, like this one in houndstooth by Ermenegildo Zegna ($185). But, if there is one category to invest in, it would be outerwear. A traditional trench coat by the Mackintosh or Burberry ($1,295) will last you ages and add tremendously to your wardrobe. Lastly, these Bose in-the-ear headphones ($129.95 for music and calls) will comfortably stay in place hours into your flight.
Look 2: Jet-Setter
These days, first class regulars don't always have your usual desk jobs with humdrum dress codes. So, take inspiration from bad-boy-look-aficionado/millionaire Brad Pitt. Pitt's jet-set look is polished but also kind of rebellious. There's a hint of that in these black motorcycle boots ($219.99) and Ray-Ban folding aviators that neatly tuck into breast pockets ($244.95). On top, the actor usually goes for something basic with an athletic feel, like a three-button henley—we like this one in rich Bordeaux ($18.36). Just add your favorite denim. The finishing pieces are what separate the outfit; a black leather jacket is a must-have, like this Belstaff one with snap buttons ($1,450), and a dapper checked cap in a textured wool blend ($24) adds just the right gentlemanly touch.
Photo credits: Women: First Lady Chic: Top left, Target Brands, Inc.; Bottom left, REED KRAKOFF LLC; Top center, Lord & Taylor; Bottom center, Nine West; Right, shopbop.com. Movie Star: Top left, mytheresa.com; Bottom left, Zappos.com; Center, NET-A-PORTER.COM; Top right, Planet Blue; Middle right, Zappos.com; Bottom right, Matches. Men: Dandy CEO: Top left, MRPORTER; Bottom left, Neiman Marcus; Top center, Bose Corporation; Bottom center, French Connection Limited; Top right, STYLEBOP.com; Bottom right, J. Crew. Jet Setter: Top left, Topshop USA; Bottom left, SINGER22; Center, Sunglass Hut; Top right, Sierra Trading Post, Inc.; Bottom right, Zappos.com
Member Comments (12) Post a Comment
Nice looking clothes, apart from those women's shoes. I've seen women do it on airports, but there's no running for a flight!
Most comments are spot on re upgrades based on elite status (it comes from brand loyalty miles/points). In fact, so many people have elite status nowadays it's nearly impossible to even depend on an upgrade if one is higher status! I've seen lots of seats go empty in f/b class. If I want to fly "up" I just guarantee it by buying it, tho expensive. Sitting next to rock star because they needed someone to sit next to is very strange story, because most people, no matter the job would rather sit with vacant seat and know how to ignore others.
I recently was on a flight. The business cabin could hold 36 passengers but there were only 7 of us. Economy looked nice and cramed. Obviously nobody was getting upgraded no matter how well dressed they were!
Wearing a certain kind of clothes won't get you upgraded. I travel premium and I wear casual clothes when I fly. Hubbie wears shorts and leather thongs. Nobody is dressed to teh hilt.
I get upgraded all the time..... And trust me they never even see me LOL! The computer sees my "status" with the airline and that's the deciding factor. The 'agent' has very little say anymore over things like this. I can't think of a flight I have been on in the past several years where these tricks would have mattered. The "computer" upgrade list was always longer then the number of empty seats up front. Sorry!
I agree you need to dress well, if you want an upgrade. On the other hand, if I can pay over $1,000 for my handbag, I think I would be able to afford a first class seat. Wouldn't you agree?
Yes, these are helpful comments. (Don't believe the nay-sayers.) But, they probably work best if you are also pleasant and/or charming. No matter how well you are dressed, if you are a jerk to the ticketing and gate agents, you won't get upgraded. Finally, conjunctural matters also are in play: how full the flight is, who needs a seat-mate, etc.
I think if you are "non-revving" or flying standby, these tips will work for you. My husband is a pilot and, recently, I was upgraded (didn't ask for first and truly didn't expect to get it because of the heavy "loads" and the normal upgrade requests by the Platinums-Tins). I truly believe that it was because I was dressed well...and the fact that they needed someone to sit next to a "celebrity" who would not (because of non-rev status) bother them.
Let me tell you the truth: it helps a lot to travel well dressed. I changed from economy to business in a 11 hs flight, being early and well dressed.
I was stopped at immigration services due to the person who was sitting next to me, who asked me a question, after I had passed all the requirements: she had several bags and was poorly dressed. It makes a difference!
So, to get an upgrade, you have to dress as though you don't need one? Sure.
Love your looks, but I don't think the computer will be persuaded. I think these coveted upgrades are pretty much all computer controlled now; elite status, etc. are now the controlling factors.
And can you remove the FIVE "plugs" for someone's website. Or at least charge them for the advertising?
Really, you believe this story. I guess so you published it.
But "what to wear" went out years ago. Now it's "how much do you spend with the airline" they don't even LOOK at you, they look at your status
Waste of bandwidth. LOL!


text:
Discussion in 'Steelhead' started by TomB, Feb 21, 2009.
You're smart. Just not smart enough to understand the rules of apostrophes.
Trying to fan the flame...
You have missed the point... It's not just this fish, its the entire run of Hoh river Steelhead.
Look how WDFW has managed every other steelhead run. ENDANGERED Species.
Wow, what a thread...I guess I jumped in kinda late but can't wait to read the whole thing.
That's black. :clown:
Yikes, that's a LOT of photos and some ridiculous handling. Apparently he's a new guide and worked the summer in AK (quick google):
He of course needed to get the glory shot on Simms website:
I'll be sure to put the name Nicholas English in my mental Rolodex as someone never to hire or recommend up there.
Sorry guys Im not gonna complain about this fish until they pull the nets out of the river!
even if I dont agree with killing it!
Another way of looking at it; He'll never top it, it's all anti-climatic from here on out. Like my friend who caught a 21 lb. fish for his 1st steelhead, in '68. Never has been able to top it, can't get excited about 'em. Karma is a powerful force!
cracks me up, that's so true.
my very first jump in '79 I had a barber pole streamer, barely got the reserve deployed in time to save my ass...one more jump, an uneventful one, and I gave up skydiving.:hmmm:maybe I should be grateful I haven't caught the monster ego fish, so I still have to keep fishing.
it IS the journey, after all, that's so sweet! Good to think about
I resisted passing judgement because after catching a fish like that I'm sure I'd be freaking out and not thinking strait. The alleged story tells of a longish battle, a gill bleeder but the photos show a lip hooked fish. I just had a friend send me another version on a small social group posting that I'm a member of and there is a bit more info for me to digest. Take a look at the photos, but also the photo titles. You can caption or title a photo how you wish. In this case, whomever took the photos, added titles or whatever did not cover their tracks and that is what just made me puke a little bit again. I know no one involved in this story, but I'm liking the story a bit less now...
Photo 1 of my attachment is numbered (automatically by your digital camera) but the number remains after the title "Fish On" is added. Please note it is photo #67. We go through the series of photos in numerical succession, of course with many photos not inculded (they will appear like those from the massive Kispiox buck at some later date I'm sure). My point, which many have said, but now I've seen the digital photo labels...photo #93 entitled "Alas Bleeding". That is right, no less than 26 photos were taken if #67 was the very first and #93 the very last. No less than 15 of those photos are of the fish out of the water (see photo #78 entitled "Redo", implying that it was at least not the first photo of the fish out of water). Blood does not appear in any photos up to #87 entitled "What A Fish" but there is blood in #93 "Alas Bleeding".
Because it would be legal to do so, I may have kept such a fish...I don't know and flame me if you wish. I've caught a few steelhead fishing casting gear and exactly one (hatchery) on a fly. I aspire to release all wild steelhead and fill the table as needed with hatchery fish that are available. I would hope to release it unharmed prior to the bloody photo #93 and hopefully the fish would have spawned great lines of champions for furture tests of angling prowess. If "Alas Bleeding" would have been one of the first photos of the series I might be less upset about the whole mess because it might make more sense in what I've read.
I apologize for now taking a passing judgement position, but previous evidence had not convinced me. What fool would edit photo titles and not take the time to change the numbers so that all that appeared were your titles? Same group that takes a monster wild buck steelhead from the Hoh.
I just puked again.
"ALAS Bleeding"... right after I had my whole freaking hand up in it's gills...whoda thunk...:beathead::beathead::beathead::beathead:
i am ashamed of all of you who condem that man. have you all forgot what we are? we are fishermen. we fish for food like the thousands of people before us in this country. how can you speak so bad about this guy who executed the true meaning of fishing. you are the ones who should be verbaly bashed
Uh...coyote spirit, yes it was legal, but there are better fish for the skillet.
Guys, certainly hope your time, energy and financial resources are going towards conservation organizations and GETTING THE LAWS CHANGED!
YO, Coyote. The only thing executed here was an amazing large steelhead that was producing offspring and keeping the Hoh a genetically strong river. He executed the true meaning of fishing when he killed that fish, taking the opportunity away from the rest of us to catch large native fish down the line. You're a fool.
good points Mumbles!
Mumbles, bringing the forensic HEAT:thumb:
You know, judging the act of fishing is sort of meaningless, because it is an archetypal act, but the context....ahhhh....the context is everything here.
If the Hoh's return were 40,000 all wild fish, with strong management informed by strong science permitting it, I'd be cheering for English Pete. But that's not the case is it?
I think this is a superlong thread because it arouses so many emotions, deep shit like anticipatory grief over a mighty race of steelhead going extinct in our lifetime.
Just having a little fun...
So a known hatchery fish comes up the river and spawns naturally. The smolt swims out to sea and comes back with all fins....Who would call it a "native" ? Now if you did not know the smolt came from a hatchery fish and it came back with all fins..who would call it a native?
Now a wild fish comes up the river and and is stripped of the eggs, raised in a pen and released, but oops, the fins did not get clipped...what is it? Hatchery or Native.
I know my opinion on this situation and that is the only one who I worry about. I think this is a serious but funny thread. I have actually learned a lot about how people think and take their fishing serious.
Thanx everyone


text:
The World's No.1 Matchmaking Service
1 of
View Album
Profile created by Self
29 yrs,
5' 2",
Never Married
, Hindi
, Mehta
Masters degree in Engineering/ Technology
Lives in Ratlam, India
Detailed profile
Partner Preference
About her
aim simple understanding girl.. good in nature n believe to maintain relationship..
lifestyle & appearance
Doesn't Drink
Doesn't Smoke
Fair skinned, Average Build
, Hindi
, Mehta
Lives in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, India (Citizen)
Grew up in India
View Family and Astro Details
her family
Ours is a middle class family, originally from indore, with traditional values. I personally have a moderate approach to life. My father is employed and my mother is a homemaker. I don't have any siblings.
Education & career
Masters degree in Engineering/ Technology
Lecturer with a private company
Earns INR 10 Lakh to 15 Lakh annually
WHAT she IS LOOKING FOR
25 to 34
5' 0"(152cm) to 6' 0"(182cm)
Marital Status
Never Married
Religion / Community
Mother Tongue
English, Hindi
Country Living in
India, Australia
State Living in
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
Residency Status
Citizen / Permanent Resident
Doctorate, Masters, Associate Degree / Diploma
Working With
Private Company, Government / Public Sector
, Defense / Civil Services
Profession Area
Accounting, Banking & Finance, Administration & HR
, Advertising, Media & Entertainment, Airline & Aviation, Architecture & Design, Artists, Animators & Web Designers, Civil Services / Law Enforcement, Corporate Professionals, Defense, Education & Training, Engineering, IT & Software Engineering, Medical & Healthcare, Merchant Navy, Science
Working As
Banking Professional, Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary
, Finance Professional, Investment Professional, Accounting Professional (Others), Admin Professional, Human Resources Professional, Actor, Advertising Professional, Entertainment Professional, Event Manager, Journalist, Media Professional, Public Relations Professional, Pilot / Co-Pilot, Other Airline Professional, Architect, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Animator, Commercial Artist, Web / UX Designers, Artist (Others), IAS / IRS / IES / IFS, Indian Police Services (IPS), Law Enforcement Employee (Others), CxO / Chairman / Director / President, VP / AVP / GM / DGM, Sr. Manager / Manager, Consultant / Supervisor / Team Leads, Team Member / Staff, Airforce, Army, Navy, Defense Services (Others), Lecturer, Professor, Research Assistant, Research Scholar, Teacher, Training Professional (Others), Civil Engineer, Electronics / Telecom Engineer, Mechanical / Production Engineer, Non IT Engineer (Others), Software Developer / Programmer, Software Consultant, Hardware & Networking professional, Software Professional (Others), Dentist, Doctor, Medical Transcriptionist, Pharmacist, Physician Assistant, Physiotherapist / Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Surgeon, Medical / Healthcare Professional (Others), Merchant Naval Officer, Mariner, Biologist / Botanist, Physicist, Science Professional (Others)
Veg, Non-Veg, Include profiles who are Eggetarian
Body Type
Average/Athletic, Heavy
Skin Tone
Fair, Wheatish
Premium Service
Premium Members are entitled to view horoscope details.
Upgrade Now
Premium Members Benefits
To access
profile at Shaadi.com type the link below in your browser window:


text:
Despair fuels developer's conservation dream
Habitat in the Amazon is particularly important. Not only is it home to an extraordinary array of plants and animals, but the trees act like lungs for the planet by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen. In recent decades, the forest has shriveled under pressure from logging and farming.
"The loggers go in with a shotgun and chain saw," said Charles Smith, a local entrepreneur and a board member for Nature and Culture International. "It's wickedly devastating."
Deep concern about deforestation dawned on Gayler after he and his business partner David Winkler sold the upscale Del Mar Plaza in 1989 for $36.1 million. "I essentially went on a walkabout after I finished the plaza … to look at my life and my skills and what was happening in our era in terms of the defining issue," he said. "I determined the issue of our time is biodiversity loss and climate change."
As he talked with conservationists in South America, his vision focused on protecting large swathes of land. Of particular interest are spots where parcels run from coastal lowlands to the mountains so animals can migrate up slope as the climate warms. "We are creating these arks of life for the future," Gayler said.
While Gayler pursued environmental goals, he kept his hand in business. The 33-year-old Del Mar Partnership has built or operated more than one million square feet of retail, medical, bioscience, offices and industrial properties. The partnership also played a pivotal role in bringing Idec Pharmaceuticals -- later acquired by Biogen -- to San Diego in the early 1990s.
Abroad, Nature and Culture International built the San Francisco Scientific Station on the northern edge of Podocarpus National Park in Ecuador, where the German Research Foundation and its partners run what's described as the largest tropical mountain ecology research program in the world.
The science involves locals as part of the education component of Gayler's vision. "We have now educated dozens of Ph.D.s and hundreds of master's students," he said. "They are the human infrastructure of conservation."
Nature and Culture International also purchases environmentally sensitive parcels and works with governments to restrict development across larger tracts of forest. At the same time, it helps indigenous people develop sustainable industries such as the sale of plant-based oils for cosmetics and making baskets from local palms.
Work in Latin America is made easier by the cost of land — which can be put in conservation status for as little as $1 per acre — but it is complicated by ownership patterns that can take years to navigate even when Gayler's crews have won the trust of nationals.
Gayler attributes much of his success to his strategy of working from the highest political levels down to native villagers. "What makes it different is that we never say, 'This is what you should do.' Our approach is to say, 'How can we help you?'" said Gayler.
He has funded a substantial amount of conservation himself, but avoids discussion of the details. In 2010, his work earned the zoo's Conservation Medal, an honor shared with luminaries such as Jane Goodall and David Attenborough.
Perhaps more importantly, his enthusiasm has proved infectious to people such as Smith, who recently got a bid for redoing the patio at his home for about $100,000.
"I can't do it," Smith said this week. "Do you know much I could get done in South America with $100,000?"


text:
YIELD: Makes 6 servings
Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar; stir 1 minute. Add pear slices and lemon juice; cook until pears begin to release juice and syrup forms in skillet, turning pear slices frequently, about 3 minutes. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm before using.)


text:
TANZANIA Bureau of Standards (TBS) has vowed to continue ensuring that all products produced and imported in the country are quality-compliant by punishing those who forge the TBS stamp on their products.
The TBS Director of Quality Management, Ms Tumaini Mtitu, told reporters at a press briefing in Dar es Salaam that the bureau understood its role and would not veer from its commitment to the nation.
Ms Mtitu stated that all producers should be very careful and avoid unnecessary penalties which might stunt their development. "The fine for those who forge the quality mark on their products is between 50m/- and 100m/-.
This should be enough to discourage anyone from thinking of forgery," she said. She said there was a tendency by traders to import various goods in the country which do not have any quality certificate.
"From 2012 to December 2013, we managed to seize 80 goods consignments at the port being smuggled into the country without quality certificates," she said.
She added that young entrepreneurs should ensure they produce products which meet national quality standards.
"Being a young entrepreneur doesn't mean you will produce things with poor quality. You should make sure that if you produce water, you should meet with other water producers for directives on the quality of your product," she said.
She also called on owners of different industries not to wait until TBS goes to inspect their industry before they comply with the quality standards.
For her part, TBS Corporate and Public Affairs Officer, Ms Roida Andusamile, urged young entrepreneurs to standardize their environments because they can identify what they produce.
"Our role is to undertake measures for quality control of commodities and to promote standardization in industry and trade.
Young entrepreneurs should make sure they meet set national quality standards," she said.