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AWN Headline News
OptiTrack Motion Capture Powers Al-Baydha World Building Project
Method Teams with 72andSunny for 'Avengers'-themed Spot
Method's Los Angeles facility teams with 72andSunny to create 60-second fully-CG 4K 'Avengers'-themed spot, "Beauty and Might," for Samsung.
thenewBlank Takes PBS Anywhere
Benjamin Renner to Direct 'The Big Bad Fox'
Superights and newly-launched prodco Folivari to produce three TV specials from the writer and director of the Oscar-nominated 2D animated feature, 'Ernest & Celestine.'
Gruppo Alcuni Signs New Deal for 'Pet Pals'
Italian animation producer Gruppo Alcuni signs an exclusive deal with MCF MegaCom Film for two animated feature films, 'Pet Pals – Marco Polo's Code' and 'Pet Pals in Windland.'
Box Office Report: 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' No. 2 Domestic Opening of All Time
Joss Whedon's Marvel tentpole, 'Avengers: Age of Ultron,' opens to $191.3 million in North America, the number-two domestic opening of all time behind 'The Avengers.'
'Nieta' Wins Best Animated Short Award at TIFF Kids
Filmmaker Nicolas P. Villarreal earns the Best Short Film award from a juried panel of young judges at TIFF Kids International Film Festival.
Jack Cunningham Creates Unique Animation for Vitra
Nexus director Jack Cunningham of directing collective nextdoor creates an impressive animated product film for Swiss product design company Vitra, skilfully blending traditional 2D character animation with CG.
Union VFX Goes 'Far From the Madding Crowd'
Autodesk Teams with Microsoft on Spark3D Platform
Autodesk's Spark 3D printing platform to be embedded in Windows 10 with the intent to make digital 3D models interoperable with Microsoft HoloLens.
WATCH: New Trailer for 'The Prophet'
Roger Allers-directed feature set to open Annecy 2015 features animation from Tomm Moore, Joan Gratz, Bill Plympton, Nina Paley, Joann Sfar, Paul and Gaetan Brizzi, Michal Socha, and Mohammed Harib.
Netflix Orders Dr. Seuss's 'Green Eggs and Ham' to Series
New animated family comedy executive produced by Ellen DeGeneres to be produced by A Very Good Production, A Stern Talking To, and Gulfstream Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation.
SCAD Students Win Silver Cube at 2015 ADC Awards
Savannah College of Art and Design student collaboration recognized with Silver Cube at the 94th annual ADC Awards honoring the Art + Craft in Advertising and Design.
DreamWorks Animation Posts $54.8 Million Loss
The Jeffrey Katzenberg-led studio exceeds analyst expectations with a 13 percent rise in revenues despite posting a $54.8 million loss for the period ended March 31, 2015.
Trunk Animation's Pete Mellor Directs New Short, 'Saving Joule'
Trunk Animation and Peepshow Collective director Pete Mellor creates a new 12-minute educational film for Saudi children.
Animation Block Party Headed to London May 2
The Brooklyn Brewery Mash brings highlights from Animation Block Party -- including films by Robert Grieves, Swantje Wenz, Greg McLeod, Sarah Beeby, Daniel Greaves and Louis Hudson -- to Wilton's Music Hall on Saturday, May 2.
DHX, Sinking Ship Launching 'Playdate' Puppetry Show
Sinking Ship Entertainment and DHX Television bring puppets to life in new series created by Dina and Frank Meschkuleit.
'The OceanMaker' Short Now Online
CG-animated short directed by Lucas Martell was nominated for the Grand Jury Award at the 2015 SXSW film festival.
'Golan the Insatiable' to Premiere on FOX May 31
Half-hour animated comedy created by Joshua Miller and developed by Matt Silverstein is the first ANIMATION DOMINATION HIGH-DEF series to land a primetime series order.
Alter Ego Leads the Pack with Golaem Crowd
Alter Ego VFX team leverages Golaem Crowd for 'Bicycles,' featuring real and CG rider-less bikes traveling across Canada.
Proof Details Plans for FMX 2015
Proof Inc. creative director and founder Ron Frankel to present inside look at previs and postvis work from 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb' during 2015 FMX conference in Germany.
DreamWorks Animation TV's 'Puss in Boots' Returning to Netflix
Five new episodes of DreamWorks Animation Television's 'The Adventures of Puss in Boots' returns to Netflix on May 8.
'Robot Chicken' Unveils New DC Villains Special
'Robot Chicken DC Comics Special III: Friendship Is Magic' and Season Eight air this fall; TV's original dynamic duo Adam West and Burt Ward join all-star cast.
First Look: Pixar Short 'Sanjay's Super Team'
Directed by longtime Pixar artist Sanjay Patel, short film is set to play ahead of Pete Sohn's 'The Good Dinosaur' on November 25.


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Veterinarian Team
The IPSSSDR Veterinary Team Members were individually selected for their experience, knowledge and devotion to our sport. They are members of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association, a group dedicated to the promotion, care and research of racing sled dogs.Several Veterinarians hold multiple "Golden Stethoscope " Awards. The Iditirod Official Finishers award the Golden Stethoscope to the trail veterinarian whom they feel has gone above and beyond the call of duty. The IPSSSDR vet team has been extensively involved in many research projects devoted to the care of racing sled dogs and other working breeds.
Caroline Griffitts, DVM (Chief Veterinarian)
Caroline Griffitts, DVM, DACVSMR
Dr. Griffitts received her veterinary degree from Cornell University in 1988, and then
completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Michigan
State University. After several years working as an associate in mixed
practice and working as a relief veterinarian for emergency clinics, she has
owned a mobile house call practice based out of Loveland, Colorado since
1997. This gives her more flexibility to allow time for other interests such
as traveling and sled dogs (combining these interests whenever possible). She is
board certified in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Caroline has been a trail veterinarian on many races, including the Iditarod, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, the IPSSSDR, local sprint races in Colorado, the Yukon Quest, and the IFSS dryland world championships. She has been involved with the IPSSSDR since its inception.
For many years she has been involved with the North Hope sled dog kennel and
race in Russia, giving dog care seminars, advising on kennel management, and
serving as the chief veterinarian for the winter race since 2009, and the
dryland race since 2013. She also has served as the chief veterinarian for
the Kalevala Sled Dog Race in Karelia, Russia. She also currently serves on the Anti-Doping Committee for the International Federation of Sled Dog Sports.
Dr. Griffitts is currently President of the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association. The only three-time recipient of the Golden Stethoscope
award, she received it in the 1999 Iditarod, 2000 Iditarod, and 2010 Iditarod.
Lanier (Lannie) Hamilton
Lanier (Lannie) Hamilton finished veterinary school at Washington State University in 1991. She worked as an associate and subsequently owned a practice for her first four years of life as a vet in Lander, Wyo. The world called, however, and she eventually sold her practice and adopted a career as a relief vet to expand her horizons and see other parts of the country. She did a fellowship at Oregon State University in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery in 1998-1999. Currently she splits her time between Wyoming and Alaska. Pursuing her interest in athletic animals, she accompanied 11 dog teams by snow machine across Alaska on the 2000 Serum Run. In 2001 and 2002 she worked as an Iditarod veterinarian and helped out on the Denali 300 Sled Dog Race in 2002. She is excited to help with the IPSSSDR, covering parts of her home turf, combining her love of the outdoors and animal athletes.
Monica Pacheco, DVM, graduated from the Madrid Complutense University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and since that practices small animal medicine in her own clinic in Madrid, Spain. She loves winter time, sled dogs and outdoor sports.
She has been a member of the Pirena sled dog race veterinary team since 2005,a stage stop race between Spain, Andorra and France, that crossed all the Pyrenees. She has been a trail veterinarian on the Yukon Quest and Finnmarksløpet several times, as well.
Dr.Pacheco has been Vet Chief in 2013 and 2014 of Spanish National Championship, both Dryland and on snow.
Nowadays Dr. Pacheco is one of ISDVMA Board Members and collaborates with Dr. Caroline Grifffits on the IFSS Anti-Doping Committee.

subset: commoncrawl


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Learn more about The Joy Factory AAE102KIT Tablet PC Accessory Kit:
The Arpeggio keyboard from The Joy Factory is the perfect companion for your iPad! Compact yet full-featured, Arpeggio is great for typing emails or notes and updating documents stored on your iPad. No wires or cables needed-Arpeggio is Bluetooth Class 2 compatible. Use Arpeggio from up to 33 feet away from your iPad or device-the comfortable keyboard and convenient special multimedia keys make it easy to key in anything from a distance. It's separate from your iPad, so you can position it any way you like and get comfortable. Arpeggio comes with a lithium ion polymer rechargeable battery for super fast charging. It goes to sleep if you don't use it for four minutes, so the battery lasts longer. For stylish protection, Arpeggio is bundled with a padded dual-pocket carry bag that slips right over your iPad while in The Joy Factory Arc or Palette case/stand or most other popular snap-on cases/stands, and neatly stores the Arpeggio keyboard, as well. Just slide them in the bag and go!


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Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show is the museum's biggest event of the year. It features model trains of many sizes to delight train lovers of all ages. Even Santa himself drops in from time to time.
The show is held rain or shine on the Saturday and Sunday of the first full weekend in December. Displays fill the Station and grounds.
Past participants of the Holiday Train Show have included:
- The National Capital Trackers O gauge modular railroad club.
- The Washington Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society and their G scale trains.
- Potomac Module Crew, an HO scale club.
- Northern Virginia NTRAK, an N scale club.
- Z scale modelers.
- Hope and Dan Danielson with their Standard gauge display.
- Lego trains by Monty Smith.
- Special displays by Clem Clement, past president of the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Associatio.
- The "Loco Doctor", who diagnoses your sick train.
- Members of The George Washington Chapter of the Model "A" Ford Club of America.
The next Holiday Train Show will take place on December 5 and 6. Please check the Events Calendar for additional information.


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Gwendolyn Boyd was the Lucky One Sweepstakes Mini iPad winner for the month of April.
This contest has been running from Feb. 1 and ended on May 31. First Financial has given away three Mini iPads and has one more to announce soon.
Pictured also is Debbie Anthony of First Financial Bank.


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SEE: Guide to Download The University of New South Wales Video Lecture
Course Description :
This is the introductory course for computer science at UNSW. This course consists of three strands: programming, systems, and general computer-science literacy. The programming strand is further divided into two parts. For the first half of the course we cover small scale programming, in the second half we look at how to effectively use teams to produce more substantial software. In the systems strand we will look at how computers work. Concentrating on microprocessors, memory, and machine code. In the literacy strand we will look at topics drawn from: computing history, algorithms, WWW programming, ethics and law, cryptography and security, and other topics of general interest. The strands will be covered in an intermingled fashion.
Other Resources :
Other Computer Science Courses
- Microsoft Excel 2013 by Other
- CSEP 501 Compiler Construction by University of Washington
- 3Ds Max 2010 by Other
- CSE 40373 Multimedia Systems by Other
- Database Management System by IISc Bangalore
- Operating Systems and System Programming,Fall 2011 by UC Berkeley
- Artificial Intelligence by IIT Kharagpur
- Discrete Mathematical Structures by IIT Madras
- Photoshop Graphic Design by Other
- System Analysis and Design by IISc Bangalore
» check out the complete list of Computer Science lectures


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Break Ups Articles
Articles and photos related to celebrity break-ups, separations, splits, and divorces.
Jennifer Garner gets back to work
Pop Sugar has the exclusive photos of Jennifer Garner on Monday on the set of her new movie Miracles From Heaven. Click here to see. Her hair is lighter and there's a ring on her finger. Just like there was a ring on Ben Affleck's finger in the totally not staged, super candid photos that PEOPLE Full Story
Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner: the first "after" photos
GONZALO/ Bauer-Griffin/ Getty Images
PEOPLE has the exclusive first photos of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner since they announced their divorce. They were taken in exclusive Baker's Bay, where, as I reported last week, they were previously on family holiday together in March. Full Story
Ben Affleck is Don Draper, again
The fascinating thing about A-list breakups isn't always the mechanics of "why." It's often not hard to understand why: big egos, long stretches of time apart, an endless line of hot people to have affairs with, professional jealousy. When the breakup involves a couple that, over the years, revived a career, built the all-American family, won an Oscar and secured a superhero franchise, the strategy behind how we are being presented the "why" is a definite study in celebrity culture. Full Story
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's conscious uncoupling
Donato Sardella /Getty Images
Multiple outlets are reporting that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are currently in the Bahamas with their children. They went as soon as the kids were out of school, making sure to be undercover when they made the announcement that they're divorcing. Gwyneth and Chris Martin, you'll recall, did this too when they put up that post on GOOP that they were consciously uncoupling. Full Story
Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner: how to spin a divorce
GONZALO /Bauergriffin.com, Boaz /FAMEFLYNET PICTURES, Steve Zak Photography /Kris Connor /Getty Images
Since Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner confirmed that they're divorcing on Tuesday, after all the magazines went to print, and when everyone was slowing down for the upcoming Independence Day weekend, all entertainment outlets have been rushing out their versions of why their marriage fell apart. Full Story
Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner: it's done
Ivan Nikolov /WENN
Every Friday for the last few weeks, we've been bracing for it, haven't we? The Friday bury. Since it's Canada Day tomorrow, and most of us in Canada are currently wrapping up for the day off, it does feel, for us here anyway, like a Friday bury. The timing works in America too as it's Independence Day on Saturday and many in the US are taking an extra long weekend. Full Story
Britney's single again
US Weekly is all over the breakups lately. They were the first to report on Charlize Theron and Sean Penn's split and they were the first yesterday to report that Britney Spears and Charlie Ebersol have ended their relationship. Britney went home to Louisiana recently and was posting pictures of herself with boys: So nice to be home! Nothing like Louisiana boys Full Story
Single Sean Penn on Father's Day
AKM-GSI/ Splash News
Here's Sean Penn with daughter Dylan yesterday for Father's Day. It's the first photo we have of him since news broke that he and Charlize Theron are over. Or, more specifically, since news broke that Charlize doesn't want to picture him - and have him - on top of her anymore. My favourite game Full Story
Charlize & Sean: it's over
Fred Duval/ Karwai Tang/ Kristy Sparow/ Rindoff/ Charriau/ Jason Merritt/ JB Lacroix/ Imeh Akpanudosen/ Albert L. Ortega/ Thomas Niedermueller/ Life Ball 2015/ Foc Kan/ Jeffrey Mayer/ Vincent Desailly/ Getty Images
US Weekly reports exclusively that Charlize Theron and Sean Penn have broken off their engagement. Apparently it was Charlize who shut it down last month after the two were in Cannes for Mad Max and then Vienna for the Life Ball. They looked fine in photos from that event but afterwards, some people who were there were mumbling about them fighting. Full Story
Ben Affleck's "many vices"
While PEOPLE Magazine is banking on Big G on the cover to sell this week's issue, US Weekly's going with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner "in crisis". Lower level tabloids have been reporting on this since April. And for the last 3 weeks, Ben and Jen have stepped out on weekends to the farmer's market – because no paps ever hang out there – to try to send a message. Full Story
Two Charlottes
Let's start with the newest one. It's been announced that Princess Charlotte of Cambridge will be christened exactly a month from today, on July 5th, where Princess Diana was baptised – St Mary Magdalene's Church on the Sandringham Estate close to Anmer Hall where the Cambridges are living. Full Story
No more Leo
We Dem Boyz/ TJDH Imagez/ Splash News, Pacific Coast News
Leonardo DiCaprio has apparently bonafided a new swimsuit model, Kelly Rohrbach – click here for a refresher. Which means we don't have to wonder about what Rihanna was or wasn't doing with him anymore…and it was probably all bullsh-t anyway. Full Story
Ben Affleck on duty
Caitlyn Jenner's reveal this week helped a lot of people. Ben Affleck might be one of them. Because he was feeling the heat last week amid all the divorce speculation, even after he and Jennifer Garner were conveniently photographed taking their children out – click here Full Story
The Afflecks send a message
For a couple of weeks now, several tabloids have been reporting on the alleged imminent demise of the Jennifer Garner-Ben Affleck marriage. And yesterday the New York Daily News published a story about how the two are "leading separate lives" citing several sources who claim that they hardly spend any time together. Full Story


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Originally written on Hoops Manifesto | Last updated 1/30/13
(photo courtesy scott mecum) No player in the NBA has been as talked about this season than Carmelo Anthony. And 99% of the dialogue has been positive - Melo has matured, he's a leader, he's less selfish, he's a legit MVP candidate. But is this all true - is Melo a new man? The wonderful Wages of Wins dispelled most of this as myth - Melo isn't less selfish - he's actually passing less than ever, and he hasn't greatly improved in any aspect of the game. Except for one - his three-point accuracy.
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Systems and methods for remote assistance. A user computer is able to generate a ticket that includes temporary credentials for a remote assistance account of the user computer. The ticket is escalated to an expert, who activates the ticket and requests a connection with the user using the encrypted credentials. The user can accept this request if the credentials are validated and provide the expert with a view of the user's desktop. The expert, if necessary, can request control of the user computer and the user can either grant or deny this request. If granted, the user computer can unilaterally terminate the control that was provided to the expert. Because the credentials in the ticket are encrypted, the expert does not know the actual password to the remote assistance account and can only access the user computer interactively.
1. A client computer in a system that includes the client computer and an expert computer connected with a network, wherein a user of the client computer requires support services for the client computer and an expert provides support services to the user, the client computer comprising one or more computer readable storage media having computer-executable instructions for implementing a method for requesting support services from the expert that permits a computer controlled by the expert (expert computer) to control the user computer and such that the user receives support services from the expert, wherein the method comprises:
a step for generating a ticket on the client computer, the ticket including credentials that permit the expert computer to login to the client computer at the user's request, the credentials including at least an encrypted portion that includes at least an encrypted password;
a step for escalating the ticket to the expert computer which initiates a user request for remote assistance for support services from the expert computer, and wherein the expert computer is unable to decrypt the password even upon decrypting the encrypted portion of the credentials;
in response to the user initiated request for remote assistance, a step for receiving a connection request from the expert computer indicating that the expert computer desires to connect with the user computer, the request to connect including the credentials;
a step for accepting the connection request upon verifying the credentials by at least decrypting the password, and wherein upon accepting the connection request the expert computer is provided a view of a desktop of the client computer without initially being provided to control of the client computer; and
upon subsequently receiving a control request from the expert computer to remotely control the user computer over the network, a step for selectively providing control of the client computer to the expert computer, such that the expert computer controls the client computer, but wherein the user is provided an option to unilaterally terminate the selective control.
2. A client computer as defined in
3. A client computer as defined in
4. A client computer as defined in
transmitting the ticket in an email to the expert;
transmitting the ticket to the expert over instant messaging; and
transmitting the ticket to the expert by saving the ticket to a file.
5. A client computer as defined in
a step for receiving an unsolicited call from the expert; and
a step for determining that the expert is in a designated group maintained on the client computer.
6. A client computer as defined in
7. A client computer as defined in
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/968,382, filed Oct. 21, 2001, and entitled "REMOTE ASSISTANCE" and which is incorporated here by reference.
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods for remotely providing a user with assistance. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing remote assistance to a user by allowing an expert computer to access and control a user computer.
2. Background and Relevant Art
Today, computers are found in practically every home, are an integral part of our educational system, and are an indispensable business tool. Computers are used for everyday tasks such as word processing, record management, weather prediction, Internet access and browsing, game playing, email, and much more. Without the advantages afforded by computers, our lives would be more complicated and many people would be unable to perform their jobs.
In spite of these facts, many of the people that use computers on a daily basis do not have a functional understanding of their computers. If something goes wrong with their computer, they often do not have the technical skills needed to solve their problem. This is partly attributable to the fact that computers are complex devices and that most people are not accustomed to fixing computers. In many companies, for example, computers are often managed by a system administrator. When a problem occurs with a particular computer, the system administrator is called to fix the problem. This typically requires the system administrator to go to wherever the user's computer is located and can cost the user valuable time while waiting for the system administrator. If several problems occur on various computers, it is easy to see that some time may elapse before all of the problems can be addressed by the system administrator.
Many home users, on the other hand, do not have the luxury of a system administrator. Fortunately, home computers are often pre-configured for the user such that the user is only required to connect the various components of the computer system and provide power. The ability to use a computer out of the box is an important attribute for many users because they are often accustomed to simply double clicking on an icon instead of configuring their hardware or their software. In other words, people are accustomed to simply using computers and software rather than fixing them when a problem occurs.
Word processors, for example, typically present an icon to the user that the user can select in order to begin the word processor. From the user's perspective, a blank page appears on their display and they are able to enter text, save a document, print a document, or perform other tasks from within the word processor. The user is not aware that the word processor is in communication with an operating system that will permit these basic functions, such as printing a document and saving a document to disk, to be performed. The user is often unaware of the complexity of an operating system and of the various applications that execute on a computer that permit the user to operate their various software programs.
In any case, there comes a time for practically every computer user, when their computer will not operate or function as expected. In these situations, the user may require help or assistance from another person or entity. Computer manufacturers and software providers usually provide assistance to their users in several ways. Some providers have a web site that a user can access. The web site will usually provide a trouble shooting section that describes typical problems that a user may experience. It is unlikely, however, that the web site is able to adequately describe every potential problem that a user may experience. In addition, the web site presumes that a user is familiar with appropriate terms and language such that an adequate search of the web site may be performed by the user. Even if a user is able to find the relevant portion of the web site, there is the possibility that the user will not perform the actions suggested by the website for fear of causing additional problems with their computer.
Hardware and software providers also provide a telephone number that a user can call for assistance. This approach, however, faces some of the same problems. The person providing assistance (the expert) has the disadvantage of not being able to see the user's computer. The expert also faces a language barrier in the sense that the user is often unable to adequately describe what is happening to the computer. From this perspective, providing support services to a user can be frustrating for both the user and the expert. The expert has difficulty in ascertaining the computer's problem while the user does not have an operating computer and is often unable to adequately describe the problem to the expert.
If a problem occurs with the computer, some users will not be able to correct the problem and will require help or assistance. As previously mentioned, a web site or a telephone call often results in frustration because a solution is not reached. Other potential solutions, such as terminal sessions, video conferencing, and the like require the user to configure their computer to accept these types of solutions. In other words, the user is expected to configure a computer that they are having trouble with in the first place.
In one example, the user is required to establish credentials that will allows a remote expert to access their computer. However, this presents a security risk to the user because the user cannot easily terminate the expert's access and the user is not always aware of the actions being taken by the expert.
The present invention recognizes the limitations of the prior art and the need for systems and methods that are able to provide assistance to users in a manner that overcomes these limitations. The present invention which relates to systems and methods for providing remote assistance to a user or to remotely providing a user with support services. Remote assistance allows two computers to establish a connection over a network such as for example the Internet and permits one of those computers to remotely view and trouble shoot the other computer. Remote assistance can be provided in this manner without requiring the user to configure their computer for a particular network or establish credentials for each potential expert.
When a user requires assistance or seeks support services from an expert, the user computer generates a ticket that includes credentials. The credentials allow access to a remote assistance account of the user's computer. The expert, however, does not ever have possession of the complete credentials because the expert only receives an encrypted password to a remote assistance account even though, in one example, the session identifier is not encrypted. The ticket also includes an IP address and port data such that a connection can be established between the expert computer and the user computer. The ticket is sent or escalated to the expert computer using a variety of different transport mechanisms such as email, instant messaging, and the like. When the expert computer receives the ticket, the expert is able to select or activate the ticket which results in the expert computer initiating a connection with the user computer.
The user computer thus receives a call from the expert computer in which the expert computer requests a connection with the user computer. This addresses privacy and security concerns and places control of the connection with the user computer because the user must be present to accept the connection request. If the user accepts the connection request, then a connection is established between the user computer and the expert computer.
Once a connection is established and the credentials are validated or verified, a shadow session is established that only permits the expert to view the desktop of the user computer. A message box on both the user computer and the expert computer permits communication between the user and the expert. Alternatively, other communication methods, such as the telephone, can be used. In any event, the expert is able to view the desktop of the user. This provides a common reference and enables the expert and the user to communicate more effectively because the expert can view the actions of the user, view any error messages that may appear on the desktop or screen of the user's computer, and the like.
The expert also has the ability to request that the user grant control of the user computer to the expert. If this control request is granted, then the expert is enabled to control the user computer remotely. This enables the expert to provide rich collaboration and support services to the user and allows the user to observe and ask questions. The user can resume control of the user computer and terminate the control of the expert, for example, by pressing a predetermined key.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Remote assistance provides several advantages and overcomes previous limitations by allowing corporate support services, support engineers, friends or peers to remotely interact and collaborate with a user. Improved help and support experiences between two parties is achieved by enabling at least one of the parties to view and/or control the desktop or computer of the other party. In addition, remote assistance also provides for text based communication, voice communication, file transfer, and the like to facilitate and improve the support experience.
As previously stated, providing remote assistance was difficult for several reasons. For example, establishing secure control of a remote computer was complicated because shared credentials that enable one user to temporarily login to a remote computer and exit the remote computer when requested by the remote user do not exist. Also, some software solutions require that temporary credentials be established for both parties before any connection is attempted. The present invention does not require that temporary credentials be established for the expert in order to create a connection between two computers.
Remote assistance often occurs in the context of customer support. When a provider sells hardware and/or software to a customer or a user, both the hardware and software providers typically have support services whose function is to help customers or users with the problems that they may experience with their hardware or software. The present invention is useful in the context of customer support because the provider (expert) is able to establish a connection with the customer (user) and remotely trouble shoot the user's computer by viewing and/or controlling the user's computer.
When an expert is able to remotely view and/or control a user's computer, there are at least two immediate benefits: (1) the user's problem can usually be resolved more quickly and (2) the user is educated about their computer by being able to view how the expert solves their problem. Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be customized and branded by various support services and can be integrated with existing applications such as email and instant messaging.
The present invention extends to both systems and methods for providing remote assistance from the perspective of both a user and an expert. The embodiments of the present invention may comprise a special purpose or general-purpose computer including various computer hardware, as discussed in greater detail below.
Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
With reference to
The computer 20 may also include a magnetic hard disk drive 27 for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk 39, a magnetic disk drive 28 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 29, and an optical disk drive 30 for reading from or writing to removable optical disk 31 such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. The magnetic hard disk drive 27, magnetic disk drive 28, and optical disk drive 30 are connected to the system bus 23 by a hard disk drive interface 32, a magnetic disk drive-interface 33, and an optical drive interface 34, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 20. Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a magnetic hard disk 39, a removable magnetic disk 29 and a removable optical disk 31, other types of computer readable media for storing data can be used, including magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, and the like.
Program code means comprising one or more program modules may be stored on the hard disk 39, magnetic disk 29, optical disk 31, ROM 24 or RAM 25, including an operating system 35, one or more application programs 36, other program modules 37, and program data 38. A user may enter commands and information into the computer 20 through keyboard 40, pointing device 42, or other input devices (not shown), such as a microphone, joy stick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 21 through a serial port interface 46 coupled to system bus 23. Alternatively, the input devices may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, a game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 47 or another display device is also connected to system bus 23 via an interface, such as video adapter 48. In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers.
The computer 20 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computers 49 a and 49 b. Remote computers 49 a and 49 b may each be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically include many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 20, although only memory storage devices 50 a and 50 b and their associated application programs 36 a and 36 b have been illustrated in
When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 20 is connected to the local network 51 through a network interface or adapter 53. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 20 may include a modem 54, a wireless link, or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network 52, such as the Internet. The modem 54, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 23 via the serial port interface 46. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 20, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing communications over wide area network 52 may be used.
As used herein, "support services" refers to the help or assistance that is provided by an expert to a user. An expert provides support services or remote assistance to a user, for example, by answering their questions, troubleshooting their hardware/software, accessing the user's computer, controlling the user's computer, solving the user's problems, and the like or any combination thereof. As used herein, "expert" refers to those persons or entities that provide assistance or help to "users." An expert can be a friend, corporate support services, a support engineer or any other entity or person that assists a user as described herein. A "user" is the person or entity that is seeking support services or remote assistance. Thus, when a user requires help or assistance they seek support services from an expert. The terms expert and user, however, can also refer to computers or servers over which the remote assistance is provided. Remote assistance, as used herein, refers to providing assistance by an expert to a user over some type of connection. Often, remote assistance is provided over the Internet. In one specific example, remote assistance uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which provides remote display and input capabilities over a network. In another example, remote assistance uses terminal services or terminal services advanced client (TSAC), which uses an ActiveX control.
The expert, as previously mentioned, can be a corporate service center, or a friend or a family member. In some situations, the user computer 206 maintains a list of experts from which the user will select. In addition, the user is not limited to selecting a single expert, but can request remote assistance from multiple experts. This is advantageous because the user does not know if any particular expert is available when remote assistance is requested. Similarly, a single expert can provide remote assistance to more than one user.
The user computer 206 has a remote assistance module 210 through which remote assistance is initiated and accomplished. When making a connection with a remote computer such as the expert computer 202, the user may have several concerns. For example, the user does not want to provide the expert with unfettered access to the user's computer because it is possible that a malicious expert would take advantage of that kind of access.
One of the advantages of the present invention is that the expert is able to view and/or control the user's computer, but the expert has limited access to the user's computer. This is accomplished by allowing the expert to login to an account of the user computer that has minimal privileges on the user computer. In general, the expert computer is able to establish a connection over a network 212 such as the Internet with the user computer. Over the connection, the expert computer 202 is able to view and in some situations, with the permission of the user, control the user computer 206. As will be described below, the expert is able to establish a shadow session at the user computer 206 using credentials provided by the user. These credentials are not established for the expert in the sense that the expert may not be aware of the actual credentials because the expert only receives a password that is encrypted and that the expert is unable to decrypt.
After the connection is established, the expert and the user are able to communicate, for example, using textual messages (such as chat), by video, by telephone and the like. In the example of
Thus, a shadow session, which follows an active session of the user, has been created that enables the expert to view what the user is viewing while communication can occur over the message box 204 of the expert and the message box 208 of the user or over another communication scheme such as a telephone. In one example, only display, keyboard, and/or mouse information are transmitted to the expert. Because the connection between the expert and the user is often over the Internet, the desktop of the user is preferably turned off such that the background, which may be large, is not transmitted to the expert. The desktop is restored when the remote assistance is terminated.
In some situations, the expert may decide to request control of the user computer 206. If the user grants this request, then the expert can control the user computer 206 and the user will be able to view the actions that are taken by the expert. In this manner, the user is able to receive more effective support from the expert. If the user panics or is unsure of the actions being taken by the expert, the user is able to quickly terminate the control that was provided to the expert by, for example, pressing a predetermined key on the keyboard. Also, the expert typically has very low privileges on the user computer such that the user and the user computer are further protected. If a user accidentally terminates the control given to an expert, the expert can simply request that control be restored and the user has the option of either granting or denying this request.
In the context of remote assistance, the user computer 206 maintains a table 214 to keep track of remote assistance requests or of support incidents. Each row of the table 214 thus represents a remote assistance request and each remote assistance request 216 includes, but is not limited to, a security identifier (SID) 218 of the user, a cryptographically generated session identifier (SI) 220 and a timeout value 222. The session identifier (SI) 220 is usually different for each remote assistance request or support incident. The table 214 is maintained even when the user computer 206 is rebooted. This permits, for example, an expert to easily login again in those situations when the user computer 206 needs to be booted. A key (K1) is associated with the table 214 and whenever the number of requests in the table 214 goes to zero, the key K1 is changed. Whenever a remote assistance request is completed, it is removed from the table 214. Remote assistance requests that have expired based on the timeout value 222 are also removed from the table 214.
Each of these values in the table 214 is useful for enhancing the security of the user computer 206. By changing the key each time the number of remote assistance requests goes to zero, an attempt to login by an expert that possesses an older key will fail. Also, the remote assistance account password is also changed each time the number of remote assistance requests goes to zero and an attempt to login by an expert that possesses an old password will also fail. Similarly, the timeout 222 value ensures that a particular ticket is not valid indefinitely.
Each ticket 230, which represents or is associated with a remote assistance request, includes, but is not limited to, the IP address (IP1) 234 of the user computer 206 and includes relevant port numbers, a hash of the public key (PK1) 236 of the user computer 206, and a value (E1) 232 that includes an encrypted value of K1 and of a password to the account 212. The IP1 234 is included in the ticket 230 such that the expert is able to have an address to the user computer 206 when establishing a connection. The hash of the user's public key (PK1) 236 is included such that security is enhanced by protecting against, for example, a man in the middle attack, where someone intercepts an original message and replaces the public key of the user with their own public key. The expert validates the public key being used with the public key contained in the ticket.
The value E1 232 contains temporary, encrypted credentials for use on the user computer 206. In one example, the value E1 232 includes an encryption of K1 and an encryption of the password to the remote assistance account 212. In other words, if the expert decrypts the value E1 232, they will have K1 and an encrypted password. By encrypting the password to the remote assistance account 212 before it is included in the ticket, external experts do not have the actual password to the remote assistance account 212 and are only able to access or log on to the user computer 206 interactively. In other words, the expert can only login if the user is present and logged in to the appropriate network such as the Internet. The expert thus never has actual knowledge of the password to the remote assistance account 212. When the expert decrypts the encrypted portion of the ticket, the password to the remote assistance account is still encrypted. This ensures, in this example, that the password to the account 212 never leaves the user computer 206. After the ticket is generated, it is provided or transmitted to the expert, who is able to use the ticket to establish a remote assistance session with the user.
When the expert receives the ticket, it can be opened or other wise activated and an attempt to call the user or connect with the user is automatically initiated. This is accomplished using the IP address and port data included in the ticket and by providing the encrypted credentials back to the user computer. The user receives a notification (404) or call from the expert that the ticket has been opened or activated and that the invitation to assist the user has been accepted. The expert passes in the value E1, S1 and optionally U1 (described below). Of course, the connection attempt will fail if the credentials are not correct or are invalid.
The user is also advised that the expert is attempting to connect with the user. The user has the option of accepting the connection or of refusing the connection. Thus, the connection cannot be directly established unless the user is available and accepts the connect back call from the expert. No connection is established if the user does not respond to the expert. Thus, the privacy and security of the user is preserved.
After the connection is established (406), and assuming that the credentials are valid, a shadow session is established on the user's computer during which the expert can provide remote assistance or support services to the user. While the expert is connected with the user during the remote assistance session, the expert is able to view or follow a current session of the user. Thus, any actions taken by the user (mouse movements, keyboard actions, display, and the like) are viewed by the expert. The expert is able to view what is selected by the user, what is typed by the user, which applications are open, and the like. Using remote assistance, the user can visually recreate, and the expert can view, the conditions that led to the problem being addressed by the expert. The expert can direct the user to perform certain actions and then watch the user perform those actions to ensure that they are performed correctly. The expert has visual verification that the user performed the proper actions for a given problem.
Because the expert can view the desktop of the user, the expert is also able to provide more accurate suggestions and directions to the user using the communication channel such as the message box. This alleviates the difficulty experienced by both the user and the expert when the user is only able to verbally describe the desktop to the expert. The expert is able to more easily diagnose a user's problem because the expert can view the user's desktop.
At this point, the expert is only able to view the user's desktop (408) and the expert is unable to control or manipulate the user's computer. Even with a view of the user's desktop, the ability of the expert to assist the user is enhanced because the user and the expert are each able to view what they are discussing and they have a common reference. In addition, a communication channel is established between the user and the expert. The communication channel may be a chat channel and may provide voice and/or video support. Alternatively, the communication channel may be a separate telephone connection. The communication channel enables the user and the expert to collaborate and also allows the user to more subjectively verify the identity of the expert.
At (410), the expert can request control of the user's computer. If the user grants this control request, then the expert and the user will be able to jointly manipulate the keyboard and the mouse, share files, and the like or any combination thereof. The user can terminate the control granted to the expert at any time, for example, by simply pressing a key or by pressing a certain key such as the escape key. When the expert has control of the user's computer, the expert can thus provide support services by performing actions on the user's computer (moving the mouse, typing in text or commands, opening files or applications, and the like) that solve the problem of the user or that answer the user's questions. The user is able to view the actions performed by the expert.
The ticket thus provides several security measures to both the expert and the user. When the ticket is generated, the user computer first encrypts the password to the remote assistance account and the key associated with the table before inserting them in the ticket. This prevents the expert from knowing the actual password and the key. In addition, the key will change each time the outstanding requests go to zero. Thus a request that has an old key will fail even if the password is correct. The ticket allows an expert to access a user computer and the user does not have to set up temporary credentials or reconfigure their network. The ticket eliminates these requirements and simplifies that actions taken by the user who is seeking assistance. At the same time, precautions, such as prompting the user that an expert desires to connect with the user computer, allowing the user to unilaterally terminate the control granted to the expert, limiting the privileges held by the expert, withholding the actual credentials from the expert, and the like enhance the security afforded the user.
There are several situations or scenarios where ticket escalation may occur. These situations vary according to the relative locations and security of experts and users. Experts and users, for example, can be either on the Internet, in a LAN, behind a firewall, behind a Network Address Translation (NAT), and the like. For example, the expert and the user may both be on the Internet or either the expert or the user will be behind a firewall. In some situations, both the expert and the user will be on an Intranet or on a home network, which is similar to an Intranet. In another situation, the user is behind a firewall, the Expert is on the Internet, but the support services provided by the expert are outsourced to a third party. Alternatively, the user is behind a NAT. Also, remote assistance may be required through corporate firewalls where users are behind generic firewalls. In each of these and other situations, the ports over which communication is performed are manipulated to accommodate each situation.
In the case of email 504, the ticket is often included as an attachment to the email. The expert simply opens the attachment and a connection with the user computer is automatically established as described with reference to
Another form of ticket escalation 502 is Offer Remote Assistance (ORA) 510. ORA 510 ticket escalation differs from other types of ticket escalation in the sense that the expert is able to initiate the remote assistance session and pull a ticket from the user computer 206, as opposed to the user generating the ticket and sending the ticket to a particular expert. ORA 510 ticket escalation often occurs, for example, within a corporation over a local area network.
For example, in ORA 510 ticket escalation, a user may receive an unsolicited remote assistance request without the user generating a support incident or a ticket. In this case, the expert, who is usually an administrator, makes a call to the user's computer. The user computer checks to determine if the expert is with a designated group such as an administrators group. If true, then a ticket is generated by the user computer and the remote assistance session will occur as previously described.
Support services (SS) 512 ticket escalation often occurs, for example, in situations where a product provider is providing support services to their customers. It is often undesirable for a user to have a direct connection with a support engineer, which would effectively make the engineer's computer part of the user's domain and subject the engineer's computer as well as the providers network to a security risk. In this situation, the provider will often provide a terminal server that is outside of the provider's firewall. When a user requires remote assistance, the user and the support engineer both login to the terminal server. By establishing a connection through a terminal server, the network of the support engineer is protected and the user will still receive assistance with their computer.
In another situation, the user computer 206 is often behind a NAT and only the IP address of the firewall or of the gateway is visible to external parties. This situation can also be addressed by having a well known server function as a broker between the user and the expert. By using the broker server, the connection can be established independent of whether the user or the expert initiated the connection because once the connection is established, the remote assistance session will proceed as previously described.
The present invention further contemplates additional security for both the user and the expert in some situations. For example, when both the user and the expert are on the Internet, it is often difficult to authenticate another user. In this example, the user may provide an extra password or a shared secret that is shared between the user and the expert. The user's computer generates a cryptographic challenge C1 and the user's computer stores an encrypted value U1 that includes both the shared secret and C1 in the table that was previously described with reference to
C1 is added to the support incident or ticket, which is sent to the expert. The expert generates a second value U2 that is an encryption of the shared secret or extra password and C1. The value U2 is sent back to the user. The user computer then verifies that U2 is the same as U1. If they are not equal, then the login fails.
More generally, escalating a ticket to an expert and logging in the expert occurs as follows. For a remote assistance request, a ticket or support incident is generated that contains E1, which includes an encrypted (K1, Password), and an unencrypted S1. Note that the password was already encrypted before it was included in the ticket. The ticket also includes a hash of the user's public key (PK1) and other information as described previously. The expert receives the ticket over some escalation mechanism.
The expert then attempts to connect using the IP address which was also included in the ticket. At this point, the expert and the novice establish a secure RDP session using the public key of the user. Then, the expert passes in the values E1, S1, and optionally U1. The user decrypts the password by decrypting (K1, E1) and attempts to login to the remote assistance account. If the password is incorrect, the login fails. Also, S1 is verified as a valid entry in the table. If there is no match for S1, then the login fails. If the login is successful, then the expert is attached to the session corresponding to the session identifier in the table as previously described.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Patent Citations
Referenced by
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Back in 1995, Matthew Roper published a short article responding to a "startling discovery" that some well-known anti-Mormons had made regarding the Book of Mormon: They had, they said, identified one of the sources supposedly used by Joseph Smith in order to forge his yarn about the Nephites and the Lamanites. Similarities of words and phrases between it and the Book of Mormon were simply too striking to be coincidental.
That article has now been republished at "Ether's Cave," the excellent blog about the Book of Mormon that Matt Roper produces with the help of John Gee:


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Find out why our Ballstretcher Steel Donut are perfect for people who want high performance and a design object
Steel Donut is a love story created through frustration from not being able to wear every day of the year a Ballstretcher, without pain or pinching. As an engineer, I tried to see how I could improve the object of all my desires.
This Ballstretcher shaped donut is very ergonomic, flared ends offer maximum comfort. The closure consists of a screw and a pin placed in a precise manner so that the assembly of two parts is perfect. Finally, the Ballstretcher SteelDonut is hand finished to an exceptional finish. Our products are not chromed, single polishing metal and the expert hand of man makes the room bright and soft to the touch.
© 2012 Novamedia, Switzerland


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Where today's experts shape the leaders of tomorrow.
From research innovations and discoveries to comprehensive, committed teaching, the College of Pharmacy has been shaping the field for more than 150 years.
News HighlightsMore News
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New Teaching Assistants Orientation
2:00 pm Pharmacy — 134-3
Our People
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"My early experiences at UIC inspired a career that combined clinical practice with clinical research. I've spent nearly 35 years in academia. And when I think back on those years, I'm most proud of my research contributions and the students that I've mentored."
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"The people in this department have a lot of respect for one another and know they can walk down the hallway and talk with one of their colleagues about research problems and know that at the end of the talk, they may have another idea for a successful research project."
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"Many people have heard about medicinal plants, but many have not seen the plants. [People who see the Atkins Medicinal Garden] will have a better understanding of the medicinal property and the scientific value of the plant."
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There's always room in our legacy for more great minds and caring hearts, whether you're a student, professor, preceptor, or supporter of our mission.


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Previous Episode | Next Episode
Genie MadnessGenie Madness (1985) Season 1 Episode 102-C- Dennis the Menace Cartoon Episode Guide
This page has been viewed 20 times this month, and 681 times total.
- Dennis the Menace Cartoon Episode GuideEpisode GuideTelevisionSeriesCartoon
- Traditional Animation
- DiC Entertainment
- Animation Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha, Studio Wood, Trans Arts
- Distributed by: DFS
- Cartoon Characters: Dennis Mitchell, Henry Mitchell, Alice Mitchell, Ruff, Margaret, Joey, Tommy, K-9000, Martha Wilson, George Wilson.
- Voice Actors: Brennan Thicke, Brian George, Jeannie Elias, Hal Rayle, Louise Vallance, Phil Hartman, Sharon Noble, Kiva Spier.
- Directed By Michael Maliani, Jim Simon.
- Produced By Michael Maliani, Jean Chalopin, Andy Heyward, Tetsuo Katayama, Joellen Marlow.
- Animated By Tomoko Ejima, Hiroyuki Sakuragawa, Tatsuya Higayi, Midori Yamakubo, Mutsuho Imae, Kazunori Takahashi, Naoyuki Kazama, Yuriko Shikojima, Akihiko Mamashita, Syohko Seki; more Animators ...
- Written By Gene Ayres, Cydne Clark, Richard Balin, Jeff Cohn, Reed L. Brown, Gerry Day, Toy Bucholtz, Mel Donaldson, Eleanor Burian-Mohr, F. Calvert; more Writers ...
- Music: Shuki Levy, Haim Saban, Marty Wereski.
- First Aired on September 09, 1985.
- Originally Released in Syndication.
- Running Time: 7 minutes.
- Season: 1
- Color
Cartoon Summary:
Dennis and Margaret both find a bottle from which a genie emerges. They argue over who gets the wishes, but they agree on one wish each.
Cartoon Production Information:
In 1951, cartoonist Hank Ketcham created a comic strip character based on his son. This character was, to put it bluntly, a holy terror. If Mr. Ketcham's boy was offended by this characterization,... (more)
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Police in Sydney have charged a man in relation to the theft and sale of 23,000 toner cartridges for an estimated $2.4 million on the black market.
Police will allege the 35-year old man purloined the print toner between 2005 and September this year while working for a printing and photocopying company in the Western Sydney suburb of Homebush Bay.
A Police search of the man's home in the Sydney suburb of Erskineville allegedly revealed 313 stolen toner cartridges.
So far investigators from Flemington Local Area Command have laid charges against the man for thefts which occurred this year totalling 5000 items.
The man was charged yesterday afternoon at Auburn Police Station, with larceny as a clerk/servant.
He was granted bail and will appear in Burwood Local Court on October 6.
The duty offier at Auburn Police station declined to provide any further details on the matter.
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Issue: 339 | June 2015
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Join us for the Third Annual Run for A Child 5K Run Walk
9:00am | August 9, 2015 | Riverbend Park | Old Mill District, Bend
2014 Race Results Are In! Click here to view results.
Our second annual 5K run was a big success! Thank you to all who ran, sponsored and volunteered!
The 5K "Run for A Child" was conceived with the idea of creating a "Shriner's Sunday" where families could come, participate in a run/walk for an outstanding cause, and then enjoy a BBQ hosted by the Central Oregon Shriner Club. Booths from our sponsors will be set up, along with the Shriner go-carts, to round out a complete morning of family fun.
Shriners Hospitals for Children® provide care for Orthopaedic Conditions | Burns | Spinal Cord Injuries | Cleft Lip and Palate
Children up to age 18 are eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals for Children® if, after examination by a Shriners Hospitals for Children® physician, there is a reasonable possibility they can benefit from the specialized services available. Acceptance as a patient is based solely on the child's medical needs. Care is provided regardless of the patients' ability to pay.
New Patient Referral /Partnership with Mosaic Medical Clinics
COSC has entered into a partnership with Mosaic Medical to be our primary referring agency for children in Central Oregon. If you have a child or know a child who might be eligible to receive care and doesn't have a primary physician, they can contact Mosaic and make an appointment. Mosaic Medical will see the child and make the referral. Mosaic Medical, is a non-profit organization and has clinics throughout Central Oregon. They are very excited to be able to offer the Shriners Hospital for Children® assistance to our local Central Oregon children.
Welcome Macy, our 2014 Run Co-Marshal Macy is a middle school student from Bend. In May 2013, she entered the Shriners Hospital for Children® system, in Portland. Two months later she underwent a lengthy spinal surgery to correct her scoliosis. Without this life changing surgery, her future mobility may have been questionable. She is working on signing up 100 friends and family for the event. We are excited and honored to have her join with us.
And welcome back to Zachary, our 2013 Run Marshal. Zachary lives in Bend and was born with one leg significantly shorter than the other. He was referred through our local screening clinic in 2004 and has been a patient of Shriners Hospital in Portland since he was 9 months old.. We are honored to have been a part of his journey and honored that he will be sharing race day with us again.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShrinersRunForAChild
All net proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children®.


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Customs and Etiquette in Paris: 15 Things Every Visitor Should Know
Only the lucky few ever truly shed their tourist aura in Paris. But what can you do to minimize any awkward gaffes? Read on!
The French like to look at people—that's half the point of cafés and fashion, so get used to being looked at; it's as natural here as breathing. They'll look at your shoes or your watch, check out what you're wearing or reading.
What they will not do is maintain steady eye contact or smile. If a stranger of the opposite sex smiles at you, it's best to do as the French do and return only a blank look before turning away. If you smile back, you might find yourself in a Pepé Le Pew–type situation.
Visitors' exuberance—and accompanying loud voices—may cause discreet Parisians to raise their eyebrows or give a deep chesty sigh. They're not being rude, but they're telling you that they think you are. Be aware of your surroundings and lower your voice accordingly, especially in churches, museums, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, and the métro.
When entering and leaving a shop, greet and say good-bye to the staff. A simple bonjour, monsieur/madame and au revoir, merci are considered a virtual necessity for politeness.
Other basic pleasantries in French include bonne journée (have a nice day); bonne soirée (have a nice evening); enchanté (nice to meet you); s'il vous plaît (please); and je vous en prie (you're welcome).
When asking for directions or other help, be sure to preface your request with a polite phrase such as excusez-moi de vous déranger, madame/monsieur (excuse me for bothering you, ma'am/sir).
When meeting someone for the first time, whether in a social or a professional setting, it's appropriate to shake hands. Other than that, the French like to kiss. For the Parisians, it's two bisous, which are more like air kisses with your cheeks touching lightly—don't actually smack your lips onto the person's face!
Out on the Town
When visiting a French home, don't expect to be invited into the kitchen or to take a house tour. The French have a very definite sense of personal space, and you'll be escorted to what are considered the guest areas. If you're invited to dinner, be sure to bring a gift, such as wine, champagne, flowers, or chocolates.
Table manners are often considered a litmus test of your character or upbringing. When dining out, note that the French fill wineglasses only until they are half full—it's considered bad manners to fill it to the brim. They never serve themselves before serving the rest of the table. During a meal, keep both hands above the table, and keep your elbows off the table.
Bread is broken, never cut, and is placed next to the plate, never on the plate. When slicing a cheese, don't cut off the point (or "nose").
Coffee or tea is ordered after dessert, instead of with dessert. (In fact, coffee and tea usually aren't ordered with any courses during meals, except breakfast.)
Checks are often split evenly between couples or individuals, even if someone ordered only a salad and others had a full meal.
Eating on the street is generally frowned on—though with the onslaught of Starbucks you can sometimes see people drinking coffee on the go.
One of the best ways to avoid being an Ugly American is to learn a little of the local language.
The French may appear prickly at first to English-speaking visitors, but it usually helps if you make an effort to speak a little French. A simple, friendly bonjour (hello) will do, as will asking if the person you're greeting speaks English (parlez-vous anglais?). Be patient, and speak English slowly—but not loudly.
A phrase book and language-tape set can help get you started.
Photo credit: istock / fanelie rosier
Member Comments (29) Post a Comment
About cheese : nose is the most tasted part. This is true with cheese like "camenbert" not the others ones. So in any case the polite manner is not to cut off the noise.
About gift : any doubts ? just bring chocolates. It will be ok.
About tourists : yes you will see many tourists in Paris. And parisiens are comforable with. Country side is very different. But places like Normandie have tourists all the year. So no problem at all.
Arno from France, Bordeaux
If dining where there is a whole uncut baguette or any loaf of bread being passed, make sure it is placed right side up.
I went to Paris and had a wonderful time. I am thinking of going back this year. I encountered only the nicest people. I was able to get a table at at a restaurant at the last minute because I was wearing a NY Yankee Derek Jeter Tshirt and the waiter happened to be a fan!
We are Aussies and have always found the French very helpful(with the exception of one scam man at Gare du Nord).On a number of visits to France the French have gone out of their way to point us in the right direction and in 2008,being unable to find accommodation near Giverny, we ended up being provided with lodging in a French country home.We even had an article printed in an Aussie travel magazine about this night.We have found that taking some small souvenirs of Australia on trips to give to those who assist us pays off!
This is a nice piece. I love the French and being in France--the charm, the manners, the love of beauty and have only had a problem one time when I was much younger (1985) and tried to order Poire belle Helene and the waiter insisted in a rude manner that he didn't understand me and threw down a fruit salad instead. I was deeply disappointed having had my heart set on finally trying this famous dessert in a place known for it!!!!!!!!!!
The only problem that I sometimes have with the starring from strangers is that sometimes it feels like the person is looking to see if there is anything worth stealing.
Also, just for the record: I was raised in Philadelphia, Pa with all of these manners taught to me. Keeping our voices down, saying hello and thank you and nice to meet you, bringing a hostess gift, table manners---never heard the bit about the nose of the cheese but that's good to know. We always had a bread plate, so putting the bread down on the table makes me uncomfortable. Anyway, this is all great advice and good reminders.
Leaving for Paris next month! can't wait.
We were in Paris last summer. I did my best to follow the above advice and was rewarded with wonderful and often very patient Parisians. The only person who seemed annoyed with me was the Eurostar attendant who watched with open contempt, as I hoisted my big American sized suitcase onto the security belt. He was quite right! My suitcase was too big and heavy, next time I will pack in a smaller more manageable bag. C'est la vie!
I agree; lots of great advice here. Good manners truly go a long way. Also, I've visited Paris eight times between 1991-2009 and GypsyMama is right, English is more and more prevalent all the time. My number one advice (see Carolofla, above): KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN. Americans tend to yell in public, which drives the French nuts. Re: hostess gifts, flowers are not always the best choice since they force the hostess to ignore the guests and go find a vase. Better to bring some some elegant chocolates from a good chocolatier, like Patrick Roget, etc. Bottom line? It's a wonderful city and if you don't expect it to be just like home you'll have a memorable time.
I am here now and I have met several dozen people at various gatherings and salons - and every single person has used "enchante" when introduced. I never used to hear it, but now I do so maybe it has come back in to fashion. Along with rolling up jean's pant legs to form a 2"+ cuff!
I was supposed to be going to Paris in two weeks, but I am now going in October. While I know the basics in French, the extra time will allow me to improve my language skills. No matter where you are in the world, NOTHING (even bad French)can take the place of having good manners and etiquette. Instead of reading a French phase book, maybe read a little Emily Post as well.
Let me reiterate the comment about elderly. My mom was treated like a queen in Paris - always the first table available and a seat if there was a delay. Escorted to seats at concerts, doors held open, very attentive to her needs. Mom spoke no French but was an officer's wife and a student of Emily Post so her manners were always impeccable - and appreciated! Paris sealed its fate as my favorite city after our visit.
GypsyMama your comments are so right! I found mostly friendly people in Paris and not a one rude person in Strasbourg.Your are visiting beacuse of the differences! you ar ein thier country so be frindly and polite and at least try to speak a little of the language . The French people will appreciate your efforts! jdcairo your spot on too!
Wonderful advice. Through our many visits to Paris, I have always found the French people to be very very polite, kind and helpful. Ultimately, they appreciate your efforts to speak even a little of their language. The key to remember, wherever you travel; they will be as polite to you as you are to them. If you are rude and beligerent to them, then expect that in return.
Wonderfuladvice and comments, all. I wish to expand on a running theme. When entering a retail establishment, the very first thing to do, in every instance, is to greet the store proprietor or employee with a simple but genuine sounding "bonjour, madame (monsieur, madmoiselle)". Too often, we Americans show our local disdain for salespeople with the attitude of "I'll let you know when I need your assistance" which tends to be expressed through silence and/or uninviting body communications. This will be met by the French with silence in response, which the American will interpret as standoffishness, rudeness or arogance. But it isn't "them", it's "you". So, be courteous and memorize the basic greeting and do it religiously whenever you enter a space. It will work wonders for your travelling contentment.
Merci beaucoup! I will be visiting Paris for the month of April and even though I've been there many times (and was a French major many moons ago), it is still helpful to have a bit of a refresher in etiquette.
I was born in Paris and lived there for the first 22 years of
my life. The next 40 years were spent in the US.
1) Parisians are different from the rest of the French.
2) There are friendly people and nasty ones everywhere.
3) YES the French etiquette is intricate and comprised of
nuances only the French - or anyone who lives there
long enough to assimilate the culture - understand.
4) All above mentioned advice and comments are very
valid BUT...
Have a great time ! Paris is definitively a one of a kind city.
You ARE a tourist. Nothing wrong with that at all.
Leave your preconceived ideas at home.
You MIGHT very well encounter rude individuals.
Unless you really KNOW wine... bring flowers when invited.
It is a fact that English is the " International language ".
In a way you are lucky. In a way it sometimes makes you
" assume " the world should speak YOUR language and can encourage an " entitled " attitude.
Never forget that non-English natives spent YEARS and a lot of effort learning English.
Normandy - as well as other " provinces " in France will have its own cachet.
If you think of it... we are all tourists on this Earth !
Amusez-vous bien !
I've been going to Paris twice a year for many years. People who have never been there alsways ask. "But, Aren't the French rude?" How did this ever get started???? The French are DIFFERENT; we are perceived rude with our loud voices, abrupt questions, white sport shoes, cargo shorts, etc. etc.
If you go to Paris you will be interacting mainly with business people so you must master "Bonjour Madame/Monsieur...." You will be one among hundreds of other toursits, so relax and enjoy, and keep your voices to a conversational level. ALSO if you really want to know what the French are like get one or more of Polly Platt's books...any bookstore. She taught courses for Americans coming to France to work or travel and her insights are extrememly helpful.
Terrific advice. We've been to Paris and France several times. Everyone told us the Parisians in particular were quite rude. I found that to be just the opposite. Un petit peu mots en francais work wonders. I learned long ago that the Golden Rule works well no matter where you are. That old "do unto others" adage is a great one. We're off to Paris and SW France this May; I can hardly wait. Paris is my favorite place to visit. Keep the advice and info flowing. BTW, chocolates are always a great gift to bring someone if you get invited to their home.
How lovely, we had just the same manners in Britain in the 50's. Is it too late to go back?
All of the advice rings true. I have visited Paris & rural France several times over the years & have met only one simi-rude person, a clerk at the Gallery de Lafaette...My first trip was alone & totally enjoyable...my second with a friend with a degree in French, who spoke French to all the waiters who in turn spoke English to her...equally proud of their language skills...asking advice from consierges re nearby sites and safety in traveling alone to & from these places was a real gift on my first trip. Don't try to stand out in fashion or manners...go with the flow...& when in doubt, ask for advice
Though I have not been in France, it is a desire of mine to visit Paris at least once. Thank you for the thoroughness of the story and for the other readers' insights.
Be careful about bringing wine as a gift for dinner. The host goes to a lot of trouble to decide on the correct wine with the meal and will feel obligated to open yours which may not at all go with the meal. Champagne is fine as it may be served as an aperitif or with dessert.
In a true french restaurant there will not be butter or cream after breakfast so coffee may have to be black - but it's great coffee so just add a little extra sugar and go for it. But if they do have cream ask for cafe creme instead of cafe au lait which is only served at breakfast. And lastly you will only receive the check if you ask for it. The waiter will never just bring it to you. You are welcome to the table for as long as you like.
Great advice - keep it coming.
We are going to Normandy in late April. I know this acticle talks about customs in Paris but am I right to assume that applies to all of France?
Dittos to all of the above. My 74-yr-old mother and I visited France (Paris and countryside) in Sept. We found everyone to be extremely pleasant and polite. (I can't tell you how many people warned us to expect a measure of rudeness). In fact, I can't really think of one person who wasn't at least a little pleasant.
And as far as my mother goes.....everywhere we went, the French went out of their way to accommodate her and anticipate her needs. We didn't stand in line for even one minute at the airport or museums before someone came over and escorted her (and therefore me) to the front of the line or to a special entrance.
Thank you for the information. While the French have the reputation for being rude, the above information gives you some insight to their behavior. Rather than rudeness, they seem to hold strong to their manners and etiquette, and expect the same from visitors. If I were to visit any country, I would learn some of the native language before I went. After all, I AM a guest in that country. I've heard lovely things about Paris. I've also heard that in the French country side, the French are eager for you to try the wine and from their region.
Again, great advice!
And if you take flowers as a gift - don't take chrysanthemums - they are FUNERAL flowers!!!
Oh no, not "enchanté" when you are introduced to people. It is cheap and vulgar.
When the waiter or waitress comes to take your order, ALWAYS remember to greet him or her "bon jour" before you order or ask questions about the menu. But they will always take the lead, when a waiter comes to the table, he will always greet you, and expects a greeting in return.
Our first trip to Paris was several years ago, and we were expecting rudeness everywhere. Much to our surprise, we found everyone to be polite and helpful. Our French is limited to common phrases, but we always greeted shopkeepers, waiters, etc. and used Merci and parlez vous anglais and had a great time. We have returned several times and Paris is still one of my favorite places in the world. All of the above is great advice.
Excellent intro to being polite in France.
I'd add
--Don't expect bread to be served with butter at the beginning of the meal. Butter is used for bread in the cheese course.
--Slow down and relax during meals. Even now, the French eat more slowly and a meal should be savored, not rushed through.
--Be prepared for people to study what you're eating, whether you're at a sidewalk table or not.
--The importance of "Excusez moi de vous dérangez cannot be emphasized enough. It is a passport because it tells people you are well brought up. I have seen it work wonders. I always add, J'ai un petit problème--I have a little problem.


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Rebecca Schild
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Rebecca is a PhD student in the Environmental Studies Program. She received a BA from Colorado College in International Sustainable Development and a Masters of Environmental Management at the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University. After directing the Environmental Center at Fort Lewis College, where she had the opportunity to teach a few courses for the Environmental Studies Program, she realized she wanted to pursue her passion as an educator and work toward teaching in higher education. In addition to classroom teaching, Rebecca spent over eight years working as outdoor educator with NOLS, the High Mountain Institute, and various other organizations. She is interested in people's connection to and values toward the environment, environmental engagement, and community resilience and is currently researching the link between ecological citizenship and social capital through citizen science programs. As a Colorado native, Rebecca is an addicted outdoor enthusiast and spends most of her free time scaling rock faces with her husband.


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At My Table | Nigella Lawson
Cooking for One Discerning Diner: Yourself
By NIGELLA LAWSON
Published: March 17, 2004
COMPANY is a great excuse to cook, but it's not the only one. I love cooking myself something to eat: a little chopping and stirring at the end of the day can be the best way to unwind. The chicken noodle soup and potato and onion hash here are two of my favorite solitary indulgences; the pancakes pave the way for a meal that is a bit more special.
I cook the soup so often for myself that I now think nothing of making it when I have guests. But it is particularly satisfying when eaten alone.
It could scarcely be simpler: you need a portion of chicken, which you slice and heat in an oil-less pan, throw in some sake, if you have it, and soy sauce to give a little color and a lot of taste. Then add the pan-bronzed chicken pieces to a waiting saucepan of chicken broth flavored with ginger, chili and scallions and given toothsome texture by baby corn, spinach and sugar snaps. The noodles provide ballast and comfort.
I use sake regularly in cooking, both in marinades and for a quick, mellow deglaze, but there is no need to go out specially to buy some. You could use sherry instead or a slug of white wine. This soup takes only about 10 minutes to cook, and it will stand almost any number of variations. You can throw in rice (basmati cooks the fastest) in place of the noodles. Try an assortment of vegetables — zucchini slices or batons are good, as are bok choi, broccoli florets, peas, bamboo shoots or bean sprouts.
If you fancy a vegetarian take on it, use vegetable broth in place of the chicken stock and tumble in a pile of store-bought fried tofu or solid chunks of it.
The potato and onion hash is hearty and no-nonsense. It takes longer than the chicken noodle soup to cook, but it is worth every minute. If we had imported this meal from Italy, we would refer to it as a glowing example of cucina povera. This is substantial comfort food at its simple best, and although I tend to cook it just for myself at home, I bet if you gave it to a tableful of people when they came round for supper, they would be weepingly grateful, fashionable dietary restrictions notwithstanding.
Just cut a small onion into fine half-moons and fry it in a scant amount of oil in a skillet until soft, with some salt sprinkled on to stop it from burning. Then add a waxy potato, with skin washed but not peeled, then diced. Add a little cayenne or any other spice you feel like and cook slowly, turning every now and again until the potato is tender. At the end of the cooking time, push the hash to one side of the pan and crack an egg into the other. I like a little Tabasco sprinkled over the egg.
That is the modest end of the dining-alone section. Solo eating is also the perfect opportunity to indulge more expensive tastes.
Eating caviar in a restaurant or supplying it for a group of people is extravagant to the point of recklessness. Buying a small tin and demolishing it entirely yourself is hedonistic heaven. I love these pancakes with caviar. Unlike regular blini, they do not need yeast, so they take only a few minutes to rustle up. I think of them as potato pancakes, but actually they use only a little potato starch, not real potatoes. They are very plain and not enormously potatoey, but they are the best carrier imaginable for anything salty. (Try them with sour cream and lox.)
This mixture makes an awful lot of little pancakes, and even I can't eat that many in one sitting, so I suggest freezing what you do not eat. When you need a lift one evening, you will know that you just need to open a tin of caviar, microwave the little pancakes, and superdeluxe culinary salvation will be pretty well instantly to hand.