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Computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheet and electronic mail are run from a remote telecommunications terminal, without benefit of any user interaction with a screen display, by software associated with the computer that translates a combination of remotely-generated tone and voice signals to executable application program commands. The communication protocols use a conversant system's query-response sequences to call up an application and to run selected portions of the program. Pre-recorded voiceprints of a particular user's voice commands and utterances required to operate the software are stored at the computer; and compared during usage to the actual utterances. Insufficient matches result in suspension or termination of access.
1. A process for enabling a remote user to operate application programs in a personal computer from a remote telecommunications terminal having a tone keypad through a connecting communications network without benefit of any user interaction with a screen display for controlling said application programs, said personal computer comprising:
a processor; an internal memory; a machine-readable medium; one or more application programs contained in said memory; a voice command system comprising:
a voice recognition unit;
a voice/text converter comprising: software for converting voice commands to corresponding application program-specific commands and for converting coded text to voice; and
a controller connecting said personal computer and said voice command system to a network and comprising software for translating tone signals to application program-specific commands, said process comprising the steps of:
transmitting user-entered tone and voiced signals from said terminal to said controller, said tone and voiced signals corresponding to application-specific commands including commands to load a selected application program from said memory to said machine-readable medium;
receiving in said controller said tone and voiced signals and converting said signals in said converter to said corresponding application-specific commands; said signals including commands to forward a file in said computer to selected destinations including a printer, a copier, a fax machine or an email address;
executing said commands in said processor under control of said controller to perform application program functions;
prompting said user with voiced queries contained in said voice command system to issue sequenced commands, and with voiced announcements of completed command executions; and
interrupting said sequenced commands from said voice command system with one or more unsequenced user-selected voice commands issued from said remote terminal to invoke new application program functions.
2. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said application program is a word processor; and said process comprises the further steps of:
designating from said remote telecommunications terminal by user-entered voice or tone identifier a first voiced text element, and transmitting said identifier with said text element to said voice command system;
receiving and storing in said voice-text file converter of said voice command system said first text element and the associated said unique identifier;
modifying said first text element by transmitting from said remote telecommunications terminal said identifier followed by a substitute text element; and
using said identifier, replacing in said voice-text file converter said first text element with said substitute text element.
3. A process in accordance with claim 2, wherein said sequence of voiced prompts and user responses further comprises:
transmitting to said voice command system a user-generated voice or tone command for ordering read-back of designated voice text; and
receiving in said voice command system said read-back command, and in response transmitting back to said user said designated voice text.
4. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein said application program is a spreadsheet; and wherein said step of generating a sequence of voiced prompts and user responses further comprises:
designating by user-entered voice or tone command a given cell in said spreadsheet; and
transmitting to said voice-text file converter by user-entered voice command an entry or a modification of a numeric, label, or formula value for said designated cell.
5. A process in accordance with claim 4, wherein said generating of a sequence of voiced prompts and user responses comprises the further step of:
commanding by user-entered voice or tone instructions a read-back of numeric, label or formula values entered in a designated said cell.
6. A process in accordance with claim 3 or claim 5, wherein said controller further comprises an access-limiting unit for receiving an access code from said remote user and for connecting said user to said computer upon verifying that said access code is valid; said access-limiting unit further comprising an access table locally programmable to restrict remote use of specified application program functionalities;
and said process comprises said user taking the further steps of:
issuing said access code from said remote terminal to enable said personal computer; and
setting permitted and prohibited program functionalities into said access table by remotely-generated commands.
7. A process in accordance with claim 6, wherein said voice recognition unit further comprises:
a word store containing a plurality of selected pre-recorded word voiceprints entered by said user, said selected words comprising voiced commands and prompt responses employed by a user in remotely running said selected application program;
and wherein said process comprises the further steps of:
monitoring continuing voiced transmissions of said remote user,
flagging uses of said pre-recorded words; and
comparing each said flagged word with its corresponding word voiceprint to determine the degree of match.
8. A personal computer comprising a processor, an internal memory, a machine-readable medium, one or more
application programs contained in said internal memory for loading into said machine-readable medium, a modem for connecting said personal computer to an external network, and apparatus for enabling, through a combination of tone signals and voice commands, operation by a user of said one or more application programs from a remote telephone set connected to said network without benefit of any user interaction with a screen display for controlling said application programs, said apparatus comprising:
a voice command system comprising:
a memory containing application program-specific voiced prompts; and
means for translating incoming voice signals to corresponding application program-specific commands;
a voice/text converter comprising means for translating text files to voiced words;
means for generating a first voiced prompt requesting said user to select an application program for opening;
means for generating a sequence of further voiced prompts to said user enabling said user to respond to each said prompt in sequence by voice or by tone signal with selected commands to run said opened application program; and
means for responding to any said application program-specific command made by said user out-of-sequence.
9. A personal computer in accordance with claim 8, further comprising a controller connecting said voice command system and said personal computer to said network, said controller comprising:
means responsive to dial-up of said modem by a remote user for turning said computer on;
an access-limiting unit for receiving an access code from said remote user and for connecting said user to said computer upon verifying that said access code is valid;
means for translating tone signals entered by said user through said telephone set into their corresponding application program-specific commands;
means for transmitting said application program-specific commands to said computer for execution; and
means responsive to tone or voice commands for forwarding a file in said computer to selected destinations including a printer, a copier, a fax machine or an email address.
10. A personal computer in accordance with claim 9, wherein said application program is a word processor; and wherein said voice command system further comprises:
means for associating a voice or tone signal with individual text elements entered by user voice, to uniquely identify each said element; and
means for receiving further text elements entered by voice accompanied by said unique identifier, and for substituting said further text elements for the previously-transmitted said text elements having the same said unique identifier.
11. A personal computer in accordance with claim 10, wherein said sequence of voiced prompts in said voice command system includes prompts enabling said user to command a voice read-back of text earlier entered in voice by said remote user.
12. A personal computer in accordance with claim 9, wherein said application program is a spreadsheet; and said voice command system further comprises:
voice prompts and user responses for pointing to any cell in said spreadsheet; and
means responsive to voiced commands from said remote user for entering or modifying the contents of a said pointed cell.
13. A personal computer in accordance with claim 12, wherein said voice command system further comprises: voiced prompts and user responses for commanding read-back of labels, numeric values or formulae content entered in a said pointed cell.
14. A personal computer in accordance with claim 11 or claim 13, wherein said access-limiting unit further comprises:
means for storing preset permissions for designated users to use said application programs; and
an access table for containing restriction settings which block remote use of specified application program functionalities; and
means for allowing a designated user to re-set said restriction settings by voice command issued from a remote location.
15. A personal computer in accordance with claim 14, wherein said voice command system further comprises:
a word store containing space for storing a plurality of selected pre-recorded word voiceprints to be created by a specific said user,
said selected words comprising voiced commands and prompt responses frequently used in remotely running said selected application program;
means for monitoring continuing voiced transmissions of said remote user and for flagging uses of any said pre-recorded words in said word store;
means for comparing each said flagged word with its corresponding word voiceprint; and
means for suspending or terminating connection to said remote user if said comparing means detects an insufficient match.
16. A non-volatile storage medium containing computer software encoded in a machine-readable format for enabling a user to remotely control from a telephone set over a telecommunications network application programs in a personal computer without benefit of any user interaction with a screen display for controlling said application programs, said personal computer comprising:
a processor;
application programs stored in an internal memory of said personal computer,
a voice command system; and
a controller connecting said personal computer to said network through a modem and having an access-limiting unit, said computer software comprising:
a set of computer instructions executed in said voice command system for generating a first voiced prompt requesting said user to select an application program to be opened, and thereafter for generating a predetermined sequence of voiced prompts guiding said user to issue by voice or by tone signals a pre-set sequence of commands to run application program functions;
a set of computer instructions for receiving said voiced and tone signals and for converting said signals to corresponding application program-specific commands;
a set of computer instructions for transmitting said application program-specific commands to said processor to perform application program functions;
a set of computer instructions for informing said user with voiced announcements of completed command executions;
a set of computer instructions responsive to tone or voice commands to forward a file in said computer to pre-selected destinations; and
a set of computer instructions executed in said voice command system for overriding execution of said pre-set sequence of commands, upon receipt from said user of one or more user-selected voice commands which invoke out-of-sequence application program functions.
17. A non-volatile storage medium in accordance with claim 1, wherein said application program is a word processor, and said medium further comprises:
a set of computer instructions enabling said remote user to enter in said word processor voiced text elements and an associated voice or tone signal that uniquely identifies each said text element; and
a set of computer instructions for using said unique text element identifier to designate voiced text intended by said user to replace said text element.
18. A non-volatile storage medium in accordance with claim 17, further comprising:
a set of computer instructions responsive to a voiced remote user command for reading back in voice mode text entered by voice.
19. A non-volatile storage medium in accordance with claim 16, wherein said application program is a spreadsheet comprising a plurality of cells; and wherein said storage medium further comprises:
a set of computer instructions responsive to voice signals for pointing to any said cell in said spreadsheet; and
a set of computer instructions responsive to voiced commands from said remote user for entering or modifying a numeric value, formulaic statement or label in a said pointed cell.
20. A non-volatile storage medium in accordance with claim 19, further comprising:
a set of computer instructions responsive to voiced commands from said remote user for generating voice read-back of labels, numeric values or formulae entered in a said pointed cell.
21. A non-volatile storage medium in accordance with claim 16, further comprising:
a set of computer instructions responsive to dial-up of said modem by a remote user for activating said access-limiting unit;
a set of computer instructions for receiving an access code from said remote user and for connecting said user to said computer upon verifying that said access code is valid;
a set of computer instructions for creating an access table in said access-limiting unit, said access table governing access to said personal computer on which said non-volatile storage medium is used; and
a set of computer instructions enabling a user to enter restriction settings into said table which block remote use of user-selected application program functions.
22. A non-volatile storage medium in accordance with claim 16 or claim 21, further comprising:
a word store containing space for storing a plurality of selected pre-recorded word voiceprints of said user,
said selected words comprising voiced commands and prompt responses used most frequently in remotely running said selected application program;
a set of computer instructions for monitoring continuing voiced transmissions of said remote user and for flagging uses of any said words for which corresponding voiceprints are pre-recorded in said word store;
a set of computer instructions for making voiceprints of said flagged words and for comparing each said flagged word voiceprint with the corresponding word voiceprint in said word store; and
a set of computer instructions for suspending or terminating said remote usage of a running application program if said comparing step detects an insufficient match.
This invention relates to communications with computers from locations remote from the computer's situs; and more particularly, to running of a personal computer's application programs by remotely-generated voice or tone commands from a telephone set when a screen display of interactive menus and command icons is not available to the user.
One advantage of portability offered by laptop-size personal computers is that the programs and files of another computer at a remote location can be accessed and used through dial-up over a public network. This advantage is offset by the work involved in carrying and safeguarding the instrument during travel. Additionally, traveling users needing to communicate with a remote computer still experience problems in locating suitable telephone jacks for connection of their portable computer to a public network.
On the other hand, telephone terminals are widely available and presently provide a way for a user to access at least some of the functionalities of a remotely-located computer. Remotely accessing a personal computer's application program capability, including specifically word processing, spreadsheet and email is dependent, however, on the user being able to enter quickly and easily all necessary commands to open and use the programs without benefit of a monitor display of command icons and menus; and to forward the results to any selected destination.
Current conversant system products provide voice and word recognition/response capabilities. These include the capability to converse in voice mode with a caller, to recognize a caller's spoken response to voice prompts, and to react to the response by taking various actions such as to record a voice mail message. The systems also include the capability to convert voice to text and text to voice; and to compare voiceprints. One such conversant system, available from Lucent Technologies Inc., is the INTUITY™ CONVERSANT® product. Examples of applications which this product supports include: order entry; pay-for-service; automating of common business functions such as auto attendant, bulletin board and form filler; automated information collection; graphical speech editing which enables the cutting and pasting of speech files; automated voice-directed incoming call routing; voice-activated call answering; voice mail; and more. These applications are contained in software which can be added to existing communications systems such as a PBX through an add-on "voice card", and in other ways. However, the commands in the current conversant system applications are usually very application-specific; and thus they typically limit the remote user's voice entry choices to functions contained in the application.
Many current conversant systems applications use text-to-voice and voice-to-text conversions. Some applications give flexibility to a remote user to select options without having to hear or go through an entire menu of choices. However, the functions that, for example, a conventional word processor provides, such as text editing, text formatting and user-defined routing, are not available on existing conversant system applications to provide user-friendly remote operation form a telephone terminal. The open-ended, user-controlled command structure needed to remotely operate a word processor or a spreadsheet on a personal computer and to forward files to a destination with remote command, has been lacking in the conversant systems art.
Products are also available which enable a user to locally invoke the edit function of a word processor in a personal computer. The user turns on the personal computer, issues a voiced command to the computer's microphone to "OPEN WORD PROCESSOR", and through further specified voiced commands dictates text and saves the dictation as a text file. An example of a personal computer software product which recognizes and creates general text from normal speech is Dragon Naturally Speaking®, available from Dragon Systems at website www.dragonsys.com. The Kurzweil VoicePLUS 2.5 as described in their product brochure is a similar product which also allows voice operation of spreadsheet, database and email applications. The voice commands of these products are issued locally at the personal computer.
Other systems have existed for some years which allow users to call up their computer and voice-prompt it to read E-mail. A recent such product was described in an article "Computer, Take a Letter" on the CNN website (www.cnnfn.com/digitaljam/9701/06). Remote use of the application programs of a personal computer for a telephone terminal, however, requires among other things a convenient command structure which allows user flexibility in the entering and sequencing of the commands. Remote use from a telephone terminal also requires security protocols and routines to, for example, forward files by remote command, which are specific to such remote access and usage. Such security protocols and routines to date have remained largely undeveloped.
Operation of computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheet and electronic mail that normally require user interaction with a computer screen display of functionalities and commands, is made possible in accordance with the invention with a combination of remotely-generated tone signals and voice commands which require no user interaction with a screen. The user employs a standard telephone terminal to issue keyed and voiced commands to run from a remote location essential functionalities of the programs.
In an illustrative embodiment, a conversant-type voice recognition and command system associated with the personal computer receives, over a standard dial-up telephone line, instructions from the remotely located user which are issued in both tone and voice form. The voice is that of the user. The tones are generated by the user with the telephone instrument's alphanumeric key pad.
The conversant system is programmed to include voice prompts and word recognition capability specifically to run the principle operations of a word processor, a spreadsheet and an email program. The conversant system responds to a call from the remote user with a series of voiced prompts and questions, to which the remote user responds by punching designated keypad buttons and with voiced instructions. The first tones or voiced commands select one of the specific available application programs on the computer. In response to the selection of an application, i. e., a word processor, the conversant system transmits to the user further logically sequenced voice prompts. The user responds to each by issuing voice commands or by punching a designated keypad button, to quickly configure the computer to perform a function, such as creating a new letter file. When configured, the command system advises the remote user by voiced message to begin voice dictation. As dictation proceeds, the voice-recognition capability of the conversant system translates the user's dictated text to a text file. The user can order the text file to be read back for correction. Thereafter, the user can direct the text file by tone or voice commands to an ultimate destination such as a printer, a fax machine or an email address. Further, at any time during a remote usage session, the user can interrupt an on-going application program routine structured in accordance with sequenced prompts from the conversant system, and issue voice commands that are out of the logical prompt sequence.
Security codes known to the user and entered in an access-restricting table in the computer, enable access to and use of the computer's files and program functionalities only to the extent specified in advance by the user. Additional computer access security is afforded by running voice recognition routines concurrently with the remote user's session. The conversant system includes separate logically sequenced voice prompts and word recognition features to operate a spreadsheet and email.
FIG. 1 shows the components of a typical desktop computer set-up for home or office use;
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating structural changes to FIG. 1 for practicing the invention;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating use of both voice and tone commands to remotely operate a word processing program;
FIG. 4 is flow chart illustrating remote operation of a spreadsheet program;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating remote operation of an email application;
FIG. 6 is a table illustrating protocols limiting access for application programs to only specified functionalities; and
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating use of both keyed access code and voiceprint recognition to provide security.
FIG. 1 shows an arrangement of apparatus exemplifying a typical desktop computer set-up for home or office use. The computer set-up will usually be referred to hereinafter as a data processing system ("DPS") denoted 1. DPS 1 includes a processor 2, a memory 3 and secondary storage 4 which is a machine-readable medium such as a hard disk drive. These components are interconnected by internal bus 5. Memory 3 may include volatile memories (DRAM, SRAM); and non-volatile memories (ROM, FLASH, EPROM and EEPROM). An external store 6 consists of machine-readable media such as floppy discs, removable hard drives, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, or other computers. The arrangement also includes a monitor 7, a printer 8 and mouse/keyboard 9, all connected to bus 5.
External store 6 exemplifies media on which software for practicing the invention may be incorporated. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a wide range of choices exist for locating the totality of software in a given desktop computer installation. The operating system software, word processors, spreadsheets, electronic mail and other user software, including software for executing the invention herein, can be stored in memory 3, secondary storage 4 and/or external store 6. Executable versions of computer software can be read from non-volatile memory in memory 3, external storage 6 and/or secondary storage 4. The executable software may loaded for execution directly into volatile memory; or may be executed directly out of non-volatile memory; or alternatively, stored in secondary storage 4 prior to loading into volatile memory for execution.
Application programs of DPS 1 are normally run at the system's home or office location in the usual manner, by the user clicking on application-specific icons or on the file name shown on the screen of monitor 7. Referring now to FIG. 2, to enable DPS 1 to be operated from a remote location, a controller 15 and voice command system ("VCS") 16 are added to the arrangement of FIG. 1. Controller 15 translates remotely-generated tone signals to specific keyboard commands that load and run the application programs in a manner to be described. VCS 16 includes an incoming voice-recognition unit ("VRU") 17 and a converter 18 that provides voice-to-text file and text file-to-voice conversion capability. A communications device such as a modem 19 connects DPS 1 to a telephone network 20. A telephone terminal 21 with an alphanumeric keypad 22 is connected to network 20, which may be a public-switched network, allowing a user to dial-up DPS 1. An access limit unit ("ALU") 23 associated with controller 15 and cooperating with VCS 16 provides a dual security check as described hereinafter.
FIG. 2 shows controller 15 and voice command system 16-18 as physically separate entities from DPS 1; but it is understood that their functionalities may be implemented partially or wholly in software resident in external store 6, in secondary storage 4 or in hard drive 11.
Software which when suitably programmed performs the function of VCS 16, VRU 17 and converter 18 is commercially available from Lucent Technologies Inc. in the product INTUITY™ CONVERSANT® current version 6.0. The basic speech feature provides voice prompts and various voice responses to callers. The FlexWord speech recognition feature enables recognition using a user-defined vocabulary of up to 2000 words in up to five languages. Product features, applications and supporting information are obtainable at the Lucent Technologies Inc. WebSite at www.Lucent.com. The documentation available at this WebSite relating to INTUITY™ CONVERSANT® products is hereby incorporated by reference.
One computer suitable for use with the invention is a Macintosh® Powerbook® 4400 equipped with a 137 MHz. processor, 16 MB RAM, 1.3 GB hard drive and an internal 28.8 Kbps modem. Use of the invention is not limited to specific types or brands of computers or voice recognition systems.
The tone and voice signals to be described which controller 15 converts to the specific keyboard or mouse commands are sufficient to run application programs such as word processor 12, spreadsheet 13 and electronic mail 14, with sufficient functionalities to allow basic operations without necessarily providing control over all program calls. The examples below demonstrate the invention as applied to the above-noted applications. These are merely illustrative since the invention is not application program-specific.
FIG. 3 describes a sequence of steps by which a user composes and sends a letter by controlling DPS 1 with a combination of tone signals and voice instructions issued from telephone terminal 21 to operate word processor 12. The user first dials the telephone number to which DPS 1 is connected through modem 19. Controller 15 recognizes the call as a service request and turns DPS 1 "on" if it is not already on. In the voice mode VCS 16 asks the user for a security code. The user keys in a unique enabling code. In addition if desired, the user speaks a security code word such as her name for voice recognition by VRU 17. When ALU 23 and VRU 17 allow access, controller 15 configures DPS 1 to receive commands and data.
VCS 16 asks: "WHAT APPLICATION PROGRAM DO YOU WISH"? In response, the user enters a tone code from keypad 22, e.g., the numeral 1, which controller 15 recognizes as the command to open the word processor application. In addition to or instead of keying in the application program instruction, the user voices "OPEN WORD PROCESSOR". The numeral 2 may designate the spreadsheet application, numeral 3 the electronic mail application, and so on. An alternative prompt from VCS 16 is: "ENTER 1 FOR WORD PROCESSOR; ENTER 2 FOR SPREADSHEET; ENTER 3 FOR EMAIL".
Responding, controller 15 opens the word processor. VCS 16 asks: "WHAT FUNCTION DO YOU WISH?" The user keys in the numeral 1 to create a file. (Alternatively, numeral 2 may open an existing word file, and so on). Responding, controller 15 opens a new file to receive the letter and prompts: "NAME THE FILE". User speaks the file name. Converter 18 converts the spoken file name to a text file, and enters the file name. VCS 16 reports: "READY TO RECEIVE DICTATION". User proceeds to dictate the letter. Converter 18 receives and converts the dictation to a text file which is entered under the named file in word processor 12. When finished with dictation, user keys in a tone signal such as "#", which saves the file. Alternatively, user voices the word "SAVE" which VRU 17 recognizes as the SAVE command.
Following file save, VCS 16 asks: "DO YOU WANT THE FILE READ BACK?" User presses "Y" or says "YES", to signify affirmatively. In response, VCS 16 switches to its text-to-voice mode and reads back the letter.
Corrections to the newly-dictated letter may be made by the user keying in at the beginning of each sentence or paragraph an identifying mark such as, for example, "1", "2", etc., during dictation. If during or after read-back user then wishes to correct or modify a sentence or paragraph, user keys in a keypad signal such as "*1" and re-dictates the sentence or paragraph associated with the keyed-in signal. This signal, e.g., "*1", is recognized by controller 15 as a command to delete all text of the passage denoted "1", and to substitute the new text. When corrections are completed, the user again keys in the tone signal "#" which saves the revised file. Alternatively, the user vocalizes the word "SAVE".
Following corrections, if any, VCS 16 asks: "DO YOU WANT TO SEND THE LETTER?" In response, user keys in the numeral corresponding to a selected destination wherein the destination set is, for example: 1-fax; 2-email; 3-copier, 4-printer, etc. Responding, VCS 16 asks for the destination telephone numbers or addresses as appropriate. If the address can be fully designated by a simple number such as "1" for the designated printer 8, user simply keys in the number followed by a tone such as "#" to send. If the destination requires entering a multi-digit fax or email address, user enters the appropriate phone number via keypad 22 or voice. When addressing is completed, user presses a tone such as "#" to so indicate. Alternatively, the user voices the word "FINISH" (or "END").
It is useful for the user at any time during a remote usage session, to be able to interrupt an on-going application program routine structured in accordance with sequenced prompts from the conversant system, and issue voice commands that are out of the logical prompt sequence. The remote command capability of the present invention is open-ended in the sense that a user can issue whichever command is needed in the circumstances, without waiting for a particular action to be completed, or having to run through the next series of prompts in the order in which they are programmed. Thus, for example, while engaged in dictating a new letter, the user may at any time decide to open another file and have it read back. The user voices a command "OPEN FILE X"; and in response, VCS 16 suspends the dictation session, opens file X, and announces: "FILE X OPEN". User then voices the command "READ FILE X"; and in response, VCS 16 reads the file in voice mode. When finished listening, whether file X is fully read or not, user says "CLOSE FILE X" followed by "RESUME LETTER"; and in response VCS 16 executes these commands.
The ability of a user to direct application program files on a personal computer to an ultimate destination such as a printer, a fax machine or an email address simply by remotely-issued tone or voice commands, greatly enhances the utility of personal computers. In accordance with the invention, a user can set up address lists in DPS 1 for mass delivery of a document to a customized set of addressees. These lists may be ordered up remotely by the user to specify a particular addressee set for any of the above destinations. For example, if it is desired to send the new letter to the user's customized address list #1, then in response to VCS 16 asking for the destination telephone numbers or addresses, user enters a code such as $1 which instructs DPS 1 to consult custom address list 1 for destination information. Alternatively, user can voice the command "DOLLAR ONE" which VRU 17 recognizes as the equivalent of the corresponding key command. Responding to address commands, DPS 1 sends the letter. When delivery to the destination is completed, VCS 16 reports to user: "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED". If the user now wishes to sign off, she keys in a sign-off code, for example, "@". Alternatively the user voices the word "SIGN-OFF".
In similar fashion, spreadsheet applications may be remotely run by following voice and keyed signal protocols. The following is an example of how an existing spreadsheet may be modified. Referring to FIG. 4, user dials up DPS 1 and executes the security check. After access is granted and in response to the voice prompt "WHAT PROGRAM"?, the user enters "2" or voices "TWO" to invoke the spreadsheet. With the spreadsheet booted, the voice query asks: "WHAT FUNCTION?", and user enters "2" to open an existing worksheet. (Alternatively, the command "1" or "ONE" may command opening of a new spreadsheet). In response, VCS 16 summons the list of existing workbooks and voice-prompts: "ENTER 1 FOR WORKBOOK (TITLE 1); ENTER 2 FOR WORKBOOK (TITLE 2) . . . " etc. User recognizes the desired title and keys in, for example, "2". In response, VCS 16 brings up title 2 and prompts: "READY TO RECEIVE INSTRUCTION". With a hard copy of the existing workbook preferably at hand, user then enters modifications. For example, user may wish to modify the content of cell F30. User keys in "F30" or says "F THIRTY" to point to cell F30. VCS 16 replies in voice: "F30 CONTAINS 777; WHAT MODIFICATION?" In response, user keys in "*888" or voices "STAR 888", wherein the asterisk signifies the command "substitute" and the number "888" is the number to be substituted. Voicing of the number "888 . . . " may be advantageous when the number is many digits in length. In response VCS 16 makes the substitution and reports "MODIFICATION MADE; NEXT?" If next user wishes to, for example, add a label to a cell she voices the command: "F30 LABEL GROCERIES". By following the hard copy in hand, user may add further numbers, labels or functionalities to cells of the workbook. When completed, user may save and then file or distribute the workbook as in the word processor example.
Voice commands to add further specificity or functionality to any particular spreadsheet address, e. g., cell F30, may be included in the recognition capabilities of VRU 17. For example, the voice command "DECIMAL" may be programmed to mean "place a decimal point here"; the voice command "OPAREN" to mean "add an open parenthesis here"; the voice command "CLOPAREN" to mean "add a close parenthesis here"; the voice command "POW (NUMBER)" to mean "raise the preceding number to the following power"; the voice command "SLASH" or "DIVIDED BY" to mean "divide the preceding number by the following number"; the voice command "TIMES" or "MULTIPLY" to mean "multiply the preceding number by the following number"; the voice command "PLUS" to mean "add the preceding number to the following number"; the voice command "MINUS" to mean "subtract the following number from the preceding number"; the voice command "EQUALS" to mean "the current cell performs the following function"; and etc.
Email programs may also be operated remotely in accordance with the invention as illustrated in FIG. 5. The contents of a received email file in DPS 1 may be read during the same call in which other applications are used; and is an alternative to dialing up the email provider. As with the word processor and spreadsheet applications, user dials up DPS 1, gains secure access and receives the initial command request "WHAT PROGRAM?" User keys in "3" or voices "THREE", instructing controller 15 to bring up the email application. The program boots up and user receives the prompt: "WHAT MESSAGES?" User enters "1" or voices "ONE", instructing controller 15 to read out unread email. In response, controller 15 downloads any unread email text files to VCS 16; and converter 17 reads out in voice the unread email messages. On finishing, converter 18 issues the voice prompt: "WHAT FURTHER EMAIL MESSAGES?" At this point, if user desires to hear a stored previously read email message, user keys in a command "2.10" wherein the number "2" signifies stored email messages file and the number "10" signifies stored message number 10. Alternatively, user voices the command "TWO DECIMAL TEN". In response, controller 15 accesses the stored message number 10 and instructs converter 18 to read out the message. Thereafter, in response to the prompt "WHAT NEXT?", if user is finished with the session user keys in or voices "ONE", signifying sign-off.
Security in any computer remote access system is critical. Therefore, it may be desirable to set up a file on DPS 1 which restricts remote access. For example, controller 15 in combination with ALU 23 may be programmed to permit remote access only to the word processor and to no other folder or application. Further, controller 15 may be set to permit creation of text files and permit access to existing text files to permit remote retrieval and to send email documents from the remote location, but not to edit email documents. The table in FIG. 6 illustrates one set of possible restrictions of the type illustrated. Access restrictions such as are illustrated in FIG. 6 are conventionally implemented in software resident in, e.g., memory 3.
Use in accordance with the invention of a combination of remotely-generated tone signals and voice commands to invoke essential functionalities of conventional application programs, also offers a unique further way for preventing access to DPS 1 by unauthorized persons or machines. Additionally, voiced commands can be utilized to permit a user to override from the remote location access restrictions if other security conditions are met.
Specifically, by requiring voiceprint recognition capability through VCS 16 in addition to presenting a correct alphanumeric access code as already described, the user's spoken voice may be included as a component of permitting or delimiting access. Voiceprint recognition may run as an additional pre-admission step. Alternatively, ongoing voiceprint recognition may run in the background after the initial access is permitted through alphanumeric code input and an initial voiceprint check.
FIG. 7 illustrates use of voiceprint recognition to provide further security check. In addition to the usual security code voice entry such as of his/her name, the user pre-enters a set of voiced entries into VRU 17 of words that are usually voiced by that same user in using the invention during remote accessing, such as, for example: "OPEN", "SAVE", "FINISH", "SIGN-OFF", etc. Further, the user pre-enters several common words found in most letter or electronic mail documents, including "OF" "TO", "FOR", "THE"; and numbers such as "ONE", "TWO", "THREE"; and other usually-employed words as may be found through experience.
After numerical code access is granted, VRU 17 is activated and receives the user's voiced name. If a match is made to the user's stored name voiceprint, controller 15 connects the call to DPS 1; if not, the connection is not made. The additional voice recognition routines are initiated, for example, as soon as name voiceprint access is granted by controller 15. Then, as user proceeds with remote operation, VRU 17 looks for the presence of the above-noted words in the user's speech train. When such a word is identified, the word is flagged and a match routine with the corresponding stored voiceprint is run in VRU 17. If a match is found, controller 15 retains the computer connection; if not, VCS 16 suspends the session and requests the user to provide confirming identification; or, alternatively, the connection is severed. Severing of the connection is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, by a reference to the steps of FIG. 7. The connection and disconnection may be effected by, for example, ALU 23.
As another security precaution, controller 15 may be set so as not to initiate downloading or sending/distributing of any files unless and until VRU 17 has verified voiceprint recognition by matches with at least a prescribed minimum of the additional words of the user which are stored for recognition purposes.
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If the account is accurate, and unless I'm missing something here, this seems to me a clear case of un-American tyranny. I happen to be broadly sympathetic to her substantive position on the particular matter in question, but that's not, I think, particularly important. A public institution, it seems to me, ought to have to surmount a very, very high bar before it punishes an employee for expressing an opinion — and that seems particularly obvious when the opinion in question is one that is almost certainly shared by a very large plurality, and indeed perhaps by a clear majority, of the citizenry (who, after all, support that institution with their taxes).
This is the kind of thing that could get me out into the street for a demonstration, or even onto the barricades. It seems to me of the same magnitude as the grievances that provoked America's rebellion against King George III.
Again, unless I'm missing something very big, the Sixth Circuit's decision in Crystal Dixon's case seems manifestly wrong, unjust, overreaching, and tyrannical.

subset: commoncrawl


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|Lamb leg
|3 Pound, boned
|1 , chopped
|1 Clove (5 gm), crushed
|2⁄3 Cup (10.67 tbs)
|Red wine/1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice, fresh or bottled
|1⁄2 Cup (8 tbs)
|To Taste
|Cooking oil
|1⁄2 Cup (8 tbs)
|To Taste
1) Slice the lamb into 1 1/2-inch thickness and 2-inch square. Remove all the excess fat from the meat.
2) Set aside a little fat and slice it up fine.
3) In a bowl, add the lamb pieces along with the onion and garlic. Mix well.
4) In 1/3 cup water, add the vinegar. Pour wine and sprinkle with salt. Allow the mixture to come to boil. Let cool.
5) Once cooled, pour the wine and vinegar mixture over the lamb pieces. If using pomegranate juice, pour into the meat mixture.
6) Place the bowl in a cool, dry place for about 4 hours.
7) Take out a lamb piece, dry gently and brush it with oil.
8) Push the meat pieces into a skewer. Slide in a slice of lamb fat between every two pieces of meat. Thread 4 lamb pieces on each skewer.
9) At the end of a skewer, thread a bread piece to prevent the meat from falling off the skewer. Brush the bread with a little oil as well.
10) Sprinkle the meat with pepper and broil for about 20 minutes under intense heat. Baste the pieces with the lamb juice while turning the skewer over.
11) Slide the lamb pieces from the skewer onto a warm serving plate. Serve hot.


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The Message audio Bible is now available on Bible Gateway! Click to learn more.
is the whole body of the Mosaic legislation (1 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 23:25; Ezra 3:2). It is called by way of eminence simply "the Law" (Heb. Torah, Deut. 1:5; 4:8, 44; 17:18, 19; 27:3, 8). As a written code it is called the "book of the law of Moses" (2 Kings 14:6; Isa. 8:20), the "book of the law of God" (Josh. 24:26).
The great leading principle of the Mosaic law is that it is essentially theocratic; i.e., it refers at once to the commandment of God as the foundation of all human duty.


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Loveswept | Jan 21, 2014
| 352 Pages
| Jan 21, 2014
| 352 Pages
In Sandra Chastain's Civil War romance, a headstrong woman saves an enemy officer—and in return, he teaches her the true meaning of love, loyalty, and happiness. Captain Quinton Colter and his small band of Confederate soldiers are deep in Colorado territory when they are ambushed by Union troops. En route to trial in Fort Collins, Colter and his men are rescued by an unconventional woman who brings them to her home to hide out. If war has taught Colter anything, it's that nothing comes free . . . so what's her true motive? Sabrina Alexander regrets her impulsive decision to free Colter's men, but after her father's death, she and her four sisters need help to keep food on the table. They've recently discovered a silver mine on their property, and the Alexanders can't work it alone. Trust doesn't come easily for Sabrina or Colter. But to survive, they will need to rely on each other, opening the door for true love—and a future that neither would have ever imagined. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from other Loveswept titles.
As a child I made up fantasy lives for my paper dolls, never knowing that I would use these same creative skills later as a writer. I only knew that I became those dolls and lived their lives. Later came… More about Sandra Chastain
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U.S. Stocks Pare Gains as Obama Says Issues Remain on Budget
Dec. 31 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. stocks pared gains after President Barack Obama said there were still issues to resolve on reaching a budget deal.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index rose 0.6 percent to 1,410.91 at 1:55 p.m. in New York, after jumping as much as 1.1 percent as Obama began to speak at the White House.
The president said he was "hopeful" Congress will reach a smaller deal that prevents tax hikes, and that the deficit can be tackled in stages.
Stocks rallied earlier on signs of progress in budget negotiations after a weekend of private talks and public sniping as lawmakers sought to avert more than $600 billion in tax increases and spending cuts that make up the so-called fiscal cliff.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Jeff Sutherland at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Results tagged ' Carlos Santana '
Weary bullpen costly to Phelps and Yanks
With a spent bullpen from Wednesday night's 14-inning marathon, the Yankees did not have much fortification for Thursday night's starter, David Phelps. Looking at the 9-3 Indians final, it may be hard to believe that it was a 3-0 game through six innings and all Yankees at that.
Phelps sustained his fourth straight no-decision, and this one really hurt. He pitched very well in spots, wiggled out of danger at other times and was working on a five-hit shutout going into the seventh inning. But when the first two Cleveland batters singled, Yankees manager Joe Girardi decided to make a change. Three batters later, the Yankees' lead was gone.
Lefthander Matt Thornton gave up an infield single to Jason Kipnis that loaded the bases. Asdrubal followed with a drive into the right field corner for a bases-clearing triple that tied the score and left Phelps with yet another ND. Jacoby Ellsbury's dazzling catch of a Michael Brantley prevented another Indians hit, but it was a sacrifice fly that gave the Tribe the lead.
Righthander Jim Miller could not stop the bleeding in the eighth when the Indians struck for five more runs on five hits, including two-run home runs by catcher Roberto Perez, who had a strong major-league debut (3-for-4, 1 walk, 2 RBI) and Carlos Santana.
The turnaround was a real shame for Phelps, who has not had much to show for an impressive string of starts. Over his past six outings, Phelps is 2-0 with a 3.13 ERA. Considering the state of the Yankees' rotation, four-fifths of which have landed on the disabled list, Phelps has proved a real boon for the Yankees.
The Indians' late outburst only served to illuminate early missed opportunities by the Yankees to pile on to their lead. They left 11 runners on base over the first six innings, twice standing the bags loaded.
A couple of Triple A call-ups were responsible for the Yankees' offense. Zelous Wheeler hit a two-run home run in the fourth. One inning later, Yangervis Solarte, just back from Scranton with Carlos Beltran on the 7-day concussion list, singled in a run. Derek Jeter had two hits for his 1,000th career multi-hit game, only the sixth major-leaguer since 1900 to reach that plateau. Ichiro Suzuki's pinch single in the eighth inning was his 2,800th hit in the majors on top of the 1,278 he had in Japan. Suzuki might have been called on to pitch if Miller had been unable to get the third out of the eighth inning.
The loss was a blow to the Yankees going into a three-game set at Baltimore. The Orioles beat Washington to move four games ahead of the Yankees in the American League East standings, which means the Yankees cannot move into first place even with a series sweep the weekend before the All-Star break.
Yanks prevail despite spotty Pettitte start
Triumphant was not the word for Andy Pettitte's return from the disabled list Monday night, but the Yankees triumphed anyway. The lefthander did not survive the fifth inning, retired the side in order only once and squandered a three-run lead in his second consecutive unsuccessful attempt for career victory No. 250.
Pettitte pitched from the stretch a good portion of his 83-pitch outing, his 500th career start, in which he allowed four earned runs, seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts and two wild pitches in 4 2/3 innings. It was by no means classic Pettitte, who was in trouble in nearly every inning. Perhaps it was a matter of rust, but at a time when the Yankees are in search of anything to get through this rough patch Pettitte was simply not his usual self.
It showed mostly in the fifth when he coughed up the 4-1 lead given him two innings earlier by Mark Teixeira's eighth career grand slam on a liner into the front row of the right field stands off Indians ace Justin Masterson. That was a big blow for Tex, whose name was being smeared all day by talk-radio smart alecks who dumped on him for his slow start (1-for-9, seven strikeouts) after missing seven weeks with a severe right wrist injury.
"We got more hits and walks in one inning off Masterson than we did the whole game the last time we faced him," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said, noting that the Cleveland righthander pitched a four-hit, no-walk shutout against them May 13 at Progressive Field.
Pettitte posted a shutdown inning in the fourth, which was good to see, but got into immediate trouble in the fifth when Drew Stubbs led off with a double to right-center. An infield hit by Michael Bourn put runners on the corners. Mike Aviles knocked in a run with a rarely-seen sacrifice fly to second base. Actually, the ball was in shallow center field where Robinson Cano made the catch with his back to the infield and could not get the throw home in time to prevent Stubbs from scoring.
Pettitte got a big second out when Asdrubal Cabrera grounded out and pulled up lame running to first base and had to come out of the game because of a right quad strain. Pettitte lost the plate as he walked Nick Swisher and Mark Reynolds to load the bases. Carlos Santana supplied the fatal blow with a smoking, one-hopper past off the glove of third baseman David Adams that bounced into the stands for a two-run double that tied the score and ended Pettitte's night.
That cost Andy any chance for a winning decision, but his teammates got him off the hook for a possible losing decision when they rallied with two out in the sixth to regain the lead, 6-4, on a two-run single by Brett Gardner. Masterson made a questionable decision to cut off Bourn's peg home from center between the mound and the plate because the second runner, Austin Romine, a catcher, was quite a ways up the line when the pitcher gloved the ball, a break for the Yankees.
Travis Hafner put the finishing touches on the Yankees' 7-4 victory with a home run off his old teammates in the seventh. Shawn Kelley (3-0), Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson and Mariano Rivera (20th save) picked up Pettitte with 4 1/3 scoreless innings of one-hit relief.
Ichiro named AL Player of the Week
Ichiro Suzuki was named the American League Player of the Week for the period ending Sept. 23. It marked Ichiro's fourth career weekly honor and his first with the Yankees. The previous time he won the award was for the period ending Sept. 26, 2010 with the Mariners.
Suzuki batted .600 with three doubles, two home runs, five RBI, seven runs and six stolen bases in six games and 25 at-bats. For the week, he led all players in batting average, hits, steals and on-base percentage (.630), was tied for second in total bases (24) and ranked third in slugging percentage (.960) and tied for fourth in runs.
The center piece of the week for Ichiro was Wednesday's split-admission doubleheader sweep of the Blue Jays. In the day game, Suzuki had a double among three hits and scored two runs as the Yanks beat Toronto. In the night game, Ichiro had 4-for-4 at the plate and on the base paths. His double in the eighth inning knocked in the deciding run of a 2-1 victory.
It was the second time in his career in which Suzuki collected at least four hits and four stolen bases in a single game (previously accomplished July 20, 2004 against Boston). Ichiro was the first player in the majors to do it since the Rangers' Julio Borbon Aug. 15, 2009 and the first Yankees player since Rickey Henderson had five hits and four steals April 11, 1988.
It marked the first time that Ichiro recorded at least three hits in each game of a doubleheader and he became just the seventh Yankees player to do so since 1969 (last by Derek Jeter in 2008). After going 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, three RBI and two runs in a 10-7 victory over the Jays Thursday to complete a three-game sweep, Ichiro helped lead the Yankees to their seventh straight victory Saturday, going 3-for-5 with two walks, a homer and three runs in the 10-9, 14-inning triumph over the Athletics.
Other noteworthy performances last week included the Tigers' Miguel Cabrera (.346, 4 2B, 4 HR, 10 RBI), the Rays' Jeff Keppinger (.440, 11 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI), the Indians' Carlos Santana (.308, 3 HR, 8 RBI) and the Tigers' Doug Fister (shutout over the White Sox Sept. 22).
Hughes working himself back
For all the attention Derek Jeter's chase for 3,000 hits has received, the bigger story from the Yankees' standpoint Wednesday night was the return of Phil Hughes after 12 weeks on the disabled list due to a dead arm caused by right shoulder inflammation.
An All-Star and 18-game winner in 2010, Hughes was supposed to be a major piece of the puzzle on the Yankees' pitching staff this year but raised question marks as early as spring training when the velocity on his fastball barely passed the tepid stage.
The amazing comeback of Bartolo Colon, who will start Thursday night against the Rays at Yankee Stadium, allowed Hughes time on the DL to sort out his problems. It is fair to say that the results of his first start back from injury, a 5-3 loss to the Indians, were mixed.
It was certainly Hughes' best outing of the season, but that is hardly overwhelming praise since he entered the game with a 13.94 ERA, which is an indication of how poor his first three starts were before he was disabled. The righthander pitched the five innings required of a starter for a winning decision for the first time this year but left the game with the Yankees trailing, 2-0.
All the damage was in the first inning in which Hughes took a while to get settled. He walked the leadoff hitter, gave up two singles for a run, threw a wild pitch and watched the second run score on an errant throw to third base by catcher Russell Martin.
Hughes gained some composure and got out of the inning without further damage. Despite the Indians getting the leadoff man on base in three of the next four innings, they did not score and stranded eight runners while Hughes was on the mound, a situation that would continue for the Tribe throughout the game.
The Indians left the bases loaded in the sixth inning against reliever Boone Logan with Alex Rodriguez making a sprawling play to his left at third base to glove a hot grounder by Carlos Santana and throwing him out at first base. Another big defensive play that inning was left fielder Brett Gardner's throw to Martin at the plate on the fly to keep a runner at third base.
Cleveland had six hits and two walks off Hughes, who also hit two batters. His fastball topped out at 93 mph, although he was mostly in the 89-91 range and threw an assortment of breaking pitches and an occasional cutter not relying on it as much as he had in his earlier starts, which is an encouraging sign.
One night after banging out 17 hits in a 9-2 victory, the Yankees managed only three hits in eight innings off the Tribe's hard-throwing Justin Masterson, including a double by Jeter in the eighth for career hit No. 2,997. Happy to see Masterson leave, the Yankees jumped on reliever Vinnie Pestano in the ninth on singles by Rodriguez and Robinson Cano and a double by Nick Swisher, all of whom scored.
That rally put more of an onus on relievers Logan and Sergio Mitre than Hughes for the runs they allowed late. Logan, still struggling against lefthanders, hit Travis Hafner with a pitch before A-Rod's run-saving play and gave up the first major-league home run to lefty-swinging rookie Lonnie Chrisenhall in the seventh. The Indians, who stranded 13 runners and had 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position, scored two runs in the eighth against Mitre with a hit and three walks, including one with the bases loaded.
Tribe opens door for Yanks and CC
After two straight games in which fielding miscues were major parts of losses, the Yankees had the tables turn in their favor Tuesday night at Cleveland. The Indians' failure to turn what looked like a sure double play opened the doors for the Yanks to put up a five-spot in the second inning.
Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco, who had not walked a batter in his previous two starts, got himself in trouble with back-to-back walks to Jorge Posada and Brett Gardner that loaded the bases in the second inning with one out. The rally seemed dead when Francisco Cervelli hit a bouncing ball to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.
Here is where Gardner's speed comes in. Second baseman Cord Phelps took the toss from Cabrera for the out at second, but Gardner got close enough to the bag to make a takeout slide that forced Phelps to hurry his throw. It bounced in front of Carlos Santana, a catcher by trade who was playing first base. Mark Teixeira would have handled that throw easily, but Santana, essentially out of position, couldn't make the play.
Nick Swisher scored on the play, which of course he would not have if the third out had been made at first base. Next came the floodgates for Carrasco, who gave up a two-run double to Derek Jeter and a two-run home run to Curtis Granderson that gave the Yankee a sudden 5-0 lead that appeared enormous considering CC Sabathia was on the hill for them.
The Yankees have blessed Sabathia with the most run support (7.5 runs per game) of any starter in the American League this year. After Granderson homered a second time in the fourth inning to make the score 6-0, it marked the 10th time in Sabathia's 19 starts that the Yankees scored six or more runs.
The score got to 9-0 while CC was in the game, which was for seven innings in which he did not allow a run, scattered five hits and two walks with 11 strikeouts to run his record to 12-4 with a 2.90 ERA. Sabathia's 12 victories before the All-Star break two years in a row makes him the first Yankees pitcher to do that since Tommy John in 1979-80. Sabathia has won five straight starts and nine of 10.
CC will have one more start before the All-Star break Sunday at Yankee Stadium, which is said to be the reason he was not put on the AL All-Star roster because he would not be able to pitch. But how dumb will it look Tuesday night in Phoenix when the AL squad is announced before the game and Sabathia isn't standing there with them?
Robinson Cano was named one of the four AL representatives in the Home Run Dereby (with David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez of the Red Sox and Juan Bautista of the Blue Jays against the National League's Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks of the Brewers, Matt Kemp of the Dodgers and Matt Holliday of the Cardinals).
Meanwhile, Granderson is having a Home Run Derby of his own in the regular season. Two more bombs giving him three in four at-bats raised his season total to 25 to tie Teixeira for the club lead. Grandy is only five jacks short of his career high, and there are 78 more games to go.
Granderson had three hits and was joined by seven teammates with two apiece, including Jeter, who raised his career total to 2,996. With only one more game left on the trip, it is looking good that DJ will get to 3,000 at Yankee Stadium where the Yankees return Thursday night for a four-game series against the Rays.
2 ex-Yanks beat former mates
A couple of former Yankees combined to beat their old team Monday night at Cleveland in a 6-3 Indians victory that was a scoreless pitching duel for six innings between A.J. Burnett and the Tribe's Josh Tomlin.
The key hits in Cleveland's four-run seventh inning were an RBI single by Shelley Duncan and a three-run home run by Austin Kearns.
Duncan, son of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, played in 68 games over the 2007, '08 and '09 seasons with the Yankees and batted .219 with 8 home runs and 24 RBI in 146 at-bats. Kearns was a mid-season acquisition by the Yankees last year and hit .235 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI in 36 games and 102 at-bats. The second of those homers came Aug. 22, and was the last one he hit before Monday night.
An irony is that neither Duncan nor Kearns might have batted that inning had Alex Rodriguez or Brett Gardner been able to catch a foul ball near the left field line by Lonnie Chisenhill. There were two outs and a runner on second base with Burnett holding a 2-0 lead when Chisenhill hit the foul ball.
A-Rod, running with his back to the infield, seemed to have a beat on the ball, so Gardner sort of backed off, but the ball fell free. Chisenhill eventually walked, Burnett's second base on balls of the inning. That brought up Duncan, who won a seven-pitch at-bat with a flare single to right that made the score 2-1. Burnett lost the lead when he grooved a 1-0 fastball to Kearns, who crushed the pitch and drove it through the wind blowing in from right field at Progressive Field.
It marked the second straight game when a fielding miscue factored in a Yankees loss. An error by shortstop Ramiro Pena proved costly in the Yankees' 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Mets Sunday at Citi Field.
Curtis Granderson made it a one-run game in the eighth with his 23rd home run, but Corey Wade gave up his first runs as a Yankee in eight games in the bottom half when he gave up a single to Travis Hafner and a home run to Carlos Santana.
It was a whole different game over the first six innings. Tomlin, who improved his record to 10-4, had a no-hitter through six that was broken up by Mark Teixeira's leadoff single in the seventh. Nick Swisher followed a one-out, infield single by Robinson Cano with a double to left-center for two runs. The Yankees failed to get Swisher home as Jorge Posada and Russell Martin both grounded out.
Burnett entered the seventh working on a two-hit shutout with both hits by All Star Game-bound shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. A.J. seemed more upset after the game about the two walks in the seventh rather than the two hits. He was right, too. Those hits became productive for the Indians because of the walks.
It was a disappointing return for Derek Jeter, who was hitless in four at-bats and remains at 2,994 for his career.
Potential big inning defused
Fresh off an 18-hit attack Sunday, the Yankees came out swinging in the first inning Monday night with the first two hitters, Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson, getting singles. Jeter's hit was career No. 2,994. A walk to Mark Teixeira loaded the bases with none out, and it appeared that the Yankees were headed for a big inning.
Then something strange happened. Alex Rodriguez hit a high fly to medium center field where Michael Brantley positioned himself to make a throw to the plate after catching the ball. Jeter got in position to tag up after the catch, but after taking a couple of steps toward the plate he stopped and apparently was unaware that Brantley doubled-clutched and never did throw the ball as Jeter returned to third base.
Why Brantley held on to the ball is anyone's guess, but it seemed as if he just decided not to throw because Jeter did not run for the plate. The Yankees still had a chance to do some damage, but Robinson Cano struck out and Nick Swisher grounded out to shortstop. So with a bases-full, no-outs situation the Yankees came up empty.
Indians manager Manny Acta shook up his lineup in an attempt to turn fortunes around for the Indians, who were on a four-game losing streak and had been beaten 14 times in the past 18 games – five by shutout scores. Acta dropped Brantley from leadoff to third with designated hitter Grady Sizemore going in the other direction and also flip-flopped catcher Carlos Santana and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera from second to cleanup.
Cabrera, who is running a close second to Jeter in American League All-Star balloting, batted fourth for the first time this season and knocked in the Tribe's first run off A.J. Burnett with a single through the hole between third and short in the fourth inning to score Brantley, who had led off with a triple off Swisher's glove in right-center.
Burnett was pitching to Francisco Cervelli subbing for Russell Martin, who was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to a reoccurrence of back stiffness, which had kept him on the bench for four games before Sunday. That proved a brutal game for Martin, who made six out by going 0-for-4 with two double plays and watched the Indians steal five bases.


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Southaven, MS Extraordinary Women Conference 2015
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Agape Heart Shares Bus Tours 2013
Agape Child & Family Services
Multiple Dates
Memphis, TN
We would like for you to get engaged with us and experience the places and people we serve. Through the Agape Heart Shares tour, you can do that. Please sign up now for this free bus tour of the communities we serve. Individuals, organizations, congregations and small groups are all invited to join us for a first hand experience of how Agape activates God's mission in Memphis. On the bus tours, attendeees will see how Agape is serving the Mid-South.
Customized tours for large groups can be scheduled also. All tours leave from our Racine office which is located at 111 Racine in Memphis.
If you have questions, please contact Brian Hoover at 901-323-2600 x:13 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Agape Child & Family Services is a Christian-based organization which is dedicated to serving homeless woman, fatherless children and under-resourced communities. At its core, Agape is dedicated to providing children and families with healthy homes. Agape will serve more than 10,000 children, adults and families in 2013. For more information about Agape Child & Family Services, call 901.323.3600 or visit http://www.agapemeanslove.org/Liz-LaVelle
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Wreck some stuff up this Halloween in the Officially Licensed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael Jumpsuit Adult Women's Costume. This sleek, metallic green jumpsuit features red accents including a mask, gauntlet ties and a belt.
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Search for your past and find yourself when you wear this officially licensed Beyblade Metal Fusion Gingka Hagane child costume. The colorful jumpsuit features an attached jacket and comes complete with scarf, gloves, headpiece and a white makeup stick.
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Project Whitecard Inc. is an award winning developer of games and interactive immersive 3D virtual environments, with clients such as the Canadian Space Agency and NASA. As Project Manager at Project Whitecard, you intrinsically maintain a bird's eye view over game projects and can easily take on the stakeholder's perspective to maintain clear and actionable goals. You understand that "the devil is in the details" and ensure meticulous communication, due diligence, and follow up to keep things running smoothly and seamlessly. This role will be working closely with our team to communicate difficult concepts clearly and concisely.
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Aggressive AI makes Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege's Terrorist Hunt mode consistently dramatic.
The campaign is cooperative and the multiplayer mode has specialists with unique abilities. Read up on the steps Treyarch is taking to keep Call of Duty vital.
It's a refurb, but with the same warranty as a new Surface. Plus: a bunch of bonus deals!
A French computer science student just launched Wikigalaxy, a space-themed visualization of 100,000 Wikipedia articles you can explore at your leisure. Now you can actually tumble into a Wikipedia black hole online!
Crave's Kelsey Adams gets ready for the new season of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." with a quick salute to the Howling Commandos' EMP joy buzzer and other old-school fun.
The PS4 has outsold the Xbox One, but Sony must remain on the offensive to stay on top. Here's a look at how it might do that.
A dazzling touch screen and lightweight design make for one seriously sweet laptop, especially at this price. (Update: Now it's even less.)
This well-appointed portable usually sells for at least $200 more.
It may not be ultra-thin or ultra-light, but this IdeaPad has ample horsepower for everyday computing.
If you missed out on yesterday's desktop, this one offers a pretty solid set of specs for even less money.


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|Chocolate graham cracker crumbs
|85 Gram (About Twelve 2-Inch-Square Crackers)
|All purpose flour
|95 Gram (3/4 Cup)
|Powdered sugar
|140 Gram (2/3 Cup Plus 1/2 Cup)
|Unsweetened cocoa powder
|135 Gram (1/2 Cup Plus 1 Tablespoon)
|Instant espresso powder/Coffee powder
|1⁄2 Teaspoon
|1⁄4 Teaspoon
|55 Gram, cut into chunks (1/4 Cup)
|1⁄4 Teaspoon
|Non fat milk
|20 Milliliter (1 Tablespoon)
1 In a food processor or a large bowl, whirl or stir together graham cracker crumbs and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water until crumbs are evenly moistened. Press crumbs evenly over bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch (23-cm) nonstick or regular cheesecake pan with a removable rim; set aside.
2. In food processor or bowl, whirl or stir together flour, the 2/3 cup (80 g) powdered sugar, the 1/2 cup (43 g) cocoa, 2 teaspoons water, instant espresso, and salt. Add butter; whirl or rub with your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Evenly distribute crumbly dough over graham cracker crumbs in pan. With fingers, press out dough firmly to make an even layer that adheres to graham cracker crumbs (if dough is sticky, lightly flour your fingers).
4. Bake in a 325°F (165°C) oven until shortbread smells toasted and feels firm in center when gently pressed (about 25 minutes). Let shortbread cool in pan on a rack for 5 minutes. Then, using a very sharp knife, cut shortbread, still in pan, into 12 equal wedges. Let cool completely in pan on rack.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together remaining 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, remaining 1 tablespoon cocoa, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the milk. Beat until smooth; if necessary, add more milk to make glaze easy to drizzle. Remove pan rim from shortbread; drizzle glaze over shortbread. Let stand until glaze is set.


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PEP visits Startalk to promote The PEP List 2013 Awards Night
Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) editor-in-chief Jo-Ann Maglipon and associate editor Erwin Santiago visited the set of GMA Network's Sunday showbiz talk show, Startalk, yesterday, May 18.
Jo-Ann and Erwin were there to promote The PEP List 2013 Awards Night, which will be held tomorrow, May 20, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort & Casino in Parañaque City.
Hosts Ricky Lo and Heart Evangelista interviewed the PEP editors live and asked about the details of The PEP List 2013, such as the categories and when it will be held.
At the dressing room of Studio 6, Jo-Ann and Erwin also had the opportunity to chat with some of the celebrity guest stars that afternoon, like Dingdong Dantes, Camille Prats, Rafael Rosell, and Willie Revillame.
Dingdong was there to promote his upcoming primetime series Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real; Camille and Rafael promoted their afternoon soap The Borrowed Wife; and Willie surprised host Lolit Solis who was celebrating her birthday on the show.
After the show, some of the hosts obliged for a photo op with the PEP editors.
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The North Face Lisa Printed Tank (Women's)
Product Details
Style: A4P4
The North Face Lisa Printed Tank has such a fun and stylish pattern that you may forget that it's a highly technical piece. The Lisa Tank is incredibly breathable and lightweight. The 4-way stretch makes it exceptionally easy to move in, and the VaporWick technology quickly pulls sweat and moisture away from your body so you stay cool and dry in warm conditions.
- 96% polyester/4% elastane
- Soft, cotton-like feel in a technical fabric
- Breathable and lightweight for warm-weather comfort
- Flattering v-neck
- UPF 30 sun protection rating
Questions and Answers
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Originally written on Hoops Manifesto | Last updated 4/17/12
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Kentucky - Freshman (Born 1993)
Small Forward
6'8" 228lbs
The Good:
- great size for the small forward position
- 6'10" wingspan
- elite defender who is good/big/long/athletic enough to guard multiple positions in the NBA
- relentless driver who is terrific at getting to the hoop and finishing
- extremely hardworking, intense player
- always gives 100% effort on both ends of the floor
- big game experience
- terrific rebounder for his position
- is a great scorer in transition which should translate well to the pros
The Bad:
- poor outside shooter - will need to improve his shooting range to keep NBA defenders honest
- still extremely young (won't turn 19 until September) so might not be ready to contribute immediately
- needs to work on his ball-handling
- probably doesn't project to be a "superstar"
NBA Comparison:
Andrei Iguodala/Gerald Wallace - both in terms of playing style (do-it-all) and level of play (All-Star)
The Skinny:
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is probably the player who did the most to improve his draft stock this season (at least among the elite prospects). He now has a legitimate shot at being the second name called by David Stern in June. While he might not project to be a NBA superstar, he does look like an All-Star level player and a mainstay on the NBA's All-Defensive Team.
For more NBA draft player profiles, visit our 2012 NBA Draft Consensus Mock Draft
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New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive VP/General Manager Jerry Gappens recently caught up with Rutledge Wood on NASCAR.com. With the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 only a week and a half away, Gappens talked about the unique New England atmosphere the speedway offers to the NASCAR community.
This year, NHMS has added a brand new scoreboard to its list of growing amenities. It also has some of the best camping in the region and offers visitors a variety of picturesque sightseeing in the nearby area.
|July Pole Day
|Modified All-Star Shootout
|Granite State 70
|New England 100
|Lakes Region 200