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Registration requirements and procedures for Insurance courses
Registration dates
Registration for the 2015 Programmes opens on 24 November 2014 and closes on 23 January 2015 for admission to the first semester, and from 1 June until 30 June 2015 for the second semester. No late registrations will be allowed.
NB Please only make application for entry to one semester on the application form. Submit your application for enrolment for the second semester on a separate form, by mid-year and not as part of your application for enrolment in the first semester.
Process for applicants
Registration documents can be sent in the following ways:
Only after you have been registered (and allocated a student number) should payment of the fees be made. As soon as you have been registered you will receive an email message or letter, quoting the student number that has been allocated and giving details of the amount payable and the applicable banking details.
NB: If your employers have agreed to pay the tuition fees, either by means of a loan or a bursary, you must pass the letter and any subsequent statements to them. Failure to do so may result in the fees not being paid or correctly allocated and your registration may be cancelled and/or you may not be allowed admission to the examinations.
Centre for Business Management (CBM)


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Split in Monster Raving Loony Party as Lord Toby Jug, of St Ives, sets up new party
Posted: May 26, 2014|
A bitter split has developed in the Official Monster Raving Loony Party with stalwart campaigner Lord Toby Jug leaving to set up a new national political party.
Lord Toby, from St Ives, has accused party chiefs of losing the plot and of no longer being funny.
But loony leader Alan "Howling Laud" Hope said Lord Toby had been shown the door over attacks on pub firm Wetherspoon's bid to move into St Ives and on UKIP leader Nigel Farage.
Lord Toby, a protégé of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party founder Screaming Lord Sutch, hit back saying his new party would be much more radical.
He said: "I am glad I left. I have got a lot of ideas and I will be launching a new party in June or July.
"I am keeping everything under wraps at the moment. There are a lot of things I want to do and I have the support of a lot of people who know the ropes.
"It will be radical and will have some real policies. It will be a national party and in Ireland as well."
Lord Toby, who has contested elections across the country for the Loonies since 1987, said: "I am just glad to be out of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.
"Their policies have all been nicked from the Beano.
"Screaming Lord Sutch would be turning in his grave."
Lord Toby, who was a guitarist for Screaming Lord Sutch, said: "I have been carrying the party for years.
"I am the only person in the party who is recognisable nationally."
He said the party was no longer relevant.
Howling Laud Hope said: "It is about the fourth time we have asked him to leave the party. He seems to have gone off at a tangent.
"He just seems to do things he wants to do without having any regard for anything else."
Howling Laud Hope said the final straw had been Lord Toby's criticism of Wetherspoon, which the party had been trying to attract as a sponsor, for trying to open in St Ives and his attacks on UKIP leader Nigel Farage.
He said Lord Toby was entitled to have a say, but in his own name and not on behalf of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.
Howling Laud Hope said: "We are not in the game of upsetting people."

subset: commoncrawl


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Dmytro Khutkyy
Associate Researcher
Address: Kyiv, Ukraine
E-mail: email@example.com
Education and academic positions:
Academic Interests:
Global sociology, world-systems analysis, world inequality, modelling and prognosis of global and macrosocial transformations, social activism and social changes, futures research, macrosociology, historical and comparative research, stratification of societies, intersocietal relations, social epistemology, social constructionism, interpretive approach, social research methodology, mixed methods research, social anthropology, social structure, social groups, personality, identities, values.
Research Projects:
"Proactive Orientation and Individual Activism as Causes of Personal Achievement and Subjective Well-Being" (ongoing)
In this research, the causal influences among proactive orientation, individual activism, personal achievement, and subjective well-being in the world as a whole and in three world-system zones on the basis of World Values Survey 5th wave dataset have been examined. To test the first and in the second hypotheses, a structural equation modeling in MPlus 6.12 was conducted. The SEM modeling results for the entire sample are the following. Hypothesis 1 is confirmed: 1) person's high proactive orientation leads to intense individual activism which promotes high level of personal achievement and thus contributes to higher subjective well-being. Hypothesis 2 is only partially confirmed: 2.1) person's proactive orientation does have a direct influence on personal achievement; 2.2) nevertheless, there was found no statistically significant direct influence of proactive orientation and individual activism on subjective well-being. To examine the third hypothesis the multiple group analysis in MPlus 6.12 has been performed. Comparison of regression coefficients for the three world-system zones generated these findings. Hypothesis 3 is only partially confirmed: 3.1) positive influence of person's individual activism on subjective well-being is the strongest in the core, is weaker in the semiperiphery, and is even negative in the periphery; 3.2) however, there are relatively small differences between degrees of links between individual activism and personal achievement in the three world-system zones; 3.3) moreover, the degrees of influence of all other constructs are surprisingly reverse: they are stronger either in the semiperiphery or the periphery and the weakest in the core.
Research Progress:
Selected Publications:


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PZ 83 - "The Vigilante & The Swinger"
Monday, March 26, 2012 at 12:28PM | Matt Cooper
PZ 83 - "The Vigilante & The Swinger"
The Trayvon Martin shooting. We play the unbelievable 9-1-1 calls of the shooter, George Zimmerman. Kids playing in the street? A Garage door is open late at night? Also, Michael from SwingTime on Playboy Radio stops by & talks training Funk, politics and his swinger stories. The JennyJohnsonHi5 Tweets of the Week; How long does it take to go 80 miles if you're going 80 miles per hour? Main Street with Matt Cooper: Rick Santorum, Dennis Terry's craziness, Abortifications?, Will the real Mitt Romney please stand up and much more. Check it out, dig it.
tagged Brother Rob, Florida, Funk, George Zimmerman, Matt Cooper, Michael, Newt Gingrich, Playboy Radio, Pod Zeppelin, Rick Santorum, Swingtime, Trayvon Martin | in Podcast


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By Sharon FosterAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2009 A troop-support organization is gearing up for the early part of the new year, collecting Valentine, Easter and St. Patrick Day cards and gifts for servicemembers and the health professionals who take care of them.
"The response is tremendous during [the Christmas holiday] for sending cards and gifts, but the need is just as great when this holiday ends," said Alessandra Kellermann, founder of Homefront Hugs USA, the group that manages the Operation Healing Angel program. "We run 365 days of the year. It's important for us to keep in contact with the troops throughout the year. Cards are a wonderful way to say thanks to those who sacrifice so much every day."
Operation Healing Angel's mission is not only to provide support to servicemembers at home and abroad, but also to reach out to health care professionals who take care of them when they are injured, Kellermann said. The program's volunteers collect items such as cards, pens, travel games, mini flashlights, alarm clocks and handkerchiefs for health care professionals in hospitals overseas and at home. Care packages for servicemembers include cards, U-shaped neck pillows, CDs and DVDs.
"What I love about this mission is that we include the caregivers -- the medical personnel too often forgotten," Kellermann said. "I once worked in an emergency room and intensive care unit, so I know the stress and toll of dealing with traumatic events and the need for a morale boost whenever possible. The coffee, blankets and soft music is received with much gratitude and appreciation."
Air Force Senior Airman Mackenzie Schroeder took time to express her gratitude upon completion of her tour in a military hospital in Iraq. "As my tour comes to an end," she wrote, "I just want to extend another thank you for all the care packages that you have sent to me, my coworkers and the men and women who come through this [hospital] daily. Your gifts, thoughts and prayers are much appreciated from everyone."
A medic stationed in Germany wrote to Kellermann three years ago, requesting support for a soldier he was treating. She knew then that she wanted to do something to uplift the spirits of both the medic and the injured soldier.
"The word spread quickly as we began to send cards, accompanied by care packages filled with blankets, cozy socks, spiritual books, bathrobes - anything the medical personnel or chaplains could give to these wounded troops," she said.
The majority of Operation Healing Angel cards and care packages go to Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals in Washington, D.C., Florida and Hawaii. Packages also go to military hospitals in Germany, Afghanistan and Iraq.
"The need is great, as it reminds our heroes who care for our wounded and those injured that during their struggle to get better, they are never forgotten and someone is thinking of them, praying and hoping they know we are grateful for their sacrifices," Kellermann said.


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Daniel Dorval is a Certified Financial Planner professional who entered the financial services industry in 1999 and has built a client base consisting mostly of health care professionals. More than half of his clients are nurses. His professional specialty is overall financial planning with a focus on retirement income strategies and investment management.
Dorval is the author of Financial Success for the Rest of Us: Reality Based Financial Planning for Mainstream America. He is a frequent guest speaker for the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) on the topic of retirement income planning and maintains a financial advisory agreement with North Memorial Medical Center in Minneapolis to provide seminars and financial guidance to their 5,000+ employees.
Dorval attended North Dakota State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering. He lives in Otsego, Minn., with his wife Tracy and daughters Isabella and Alaina.
Dorval is an Investment Advisor Representative with Financial Network Investment Corporation and also maintains his life, health and disability insurance license. Financial Network Investment Corportaion, member SIPC, is a full service, independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisor.
Submit a question


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Community-Engaged Fellowship
Application Process
- Students must submit a resume of activities
- Students must provide one letter of recommendation
- Students must submit an essay in response to the prompt below
- All materials must be uploaded to your Application Status page by February 1, 2014
All students interested in applying for the Community-Engaged Fellowship must submit a resume of activities, a letter of reference and an essay of no more than 500 words on the following topic:
Discuss your most significant community-engaged service experience, making sure to address:
- A description of the activities
- An explanation of what prompted you to get involved.
- What did you learn about others, social conditions, or yourself as a result?
- What were the significant outcomes for the community served?
On your essay please indicate your name and that you are applying for the Community-Engaged Fellowship.
Uploading Your Materials
The resume and essay must be uploaded to your Application Status page* in the Upload Materials section. Upload your resume by choosing Resume in the drop down menu. Upload your essay by choosing Community-Engaged Fellowship Upload in the drop down menu.
You may also want to include supporting materials in your application. Supporting materials can include copies of articles about your accomplishments or your own work (essays, poetry, speeches, etc.,) or other fixed forms that enhance your application. If you would like to share videos or photography as part of your application, please include a link to YouTube, Vimeo, Flickr, or another publically accessible internet site (no social media sites such as Facebook please). Upload these additional materials by choosing Community-Engaged Fellowship Supporting Document Upload in the drop down menu and list and provide the links in a Word or PDF document with a short description. Please do not mail or drop off DVD?s, CDs, or hard copies of supporting materials. All materials must be uploaded by February 1, 2014.
Letter of Recommendation
Please provide one letter of recommendation from an instructor, mentor, coach, or other adult (non-related) who can best speak to your ability to engage community through service, or alternatively, from a community partner or organization that has benefited from your service or leadership. It is your responsibility to confirm the letter of reference has been sent. A signed letter of recommendation should be mailed directly to the Eigel Center by February 1, 2014, at the address below.
Xavier University
Eigel Center for Community-Engaged Learning
Attn: Community-Engaged Fellowship Letter of Recommendation
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45207
Submission of the letter of recommendation, resume and essay will serve as your application for the Community-Engaged Fellowship.
Questions about admission to Xavier University and the scholarship application process should be directed to firstname.lastname@example.com. Questions about the Community-Engaged Fellowship can be directed to firstname.lastname@example.com.
*In order to access your Application Status page, your username and password are required. Your username is the email address used to apply to Xavier. Please use the password you've previously set up. If you have forgotten your password or have applied using the Common Application, please click on "Forgot Your Password?" to reset your password.


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a mixed media painting. mostly acrylic. 3 feet x 4 feet.
I absolutly love this!!! that would make a stunning tattoo, with the right artist.
This is stunningly exceptional!!!
© 2015 F+W All rights reserved.Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms and Privacy Policy, updated March 2007


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Many many web-based, expository mathematics articles will contain worksheets or source files for mathematical software such as Mathematica, Maple, Matlab, or Excel, to name just a few. For maximum accessibility, an author should use text-based, open-source formats when this can be done without harming the mathematical exposition. When open source formats are not sufficient, the author may be able to provide a generic description of the source file so that a reader can convert the worksheet to the format of her choice.
For example, a simple data set (with variables and cases) should not be given in Excel format (which is proprietary), but should be given as a simple tab-separated text file. This standard format encodes all of the essential information of the data set, and can be used with any statistical software (including, of course, Excel). If an article has a more complicated spreadsheet file (with data and embedded formulas, for example), the author could still provide the file in the open document format (text-based, XML files, compressed into a ZIP file). An article with Mathematica worksheets could give HTML versions of the worksheets that a reader could convert to other computer algebra systems.
Here's a good way to think of this issue: the author should be free to use the tools of his choice in creating documents, but these should provided in open-source formats if possible, so that the reader can use the tools of her choice in processing the documents.


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Bristol, Connecticut
Website: http://www.s1bags.com
I am a Mompreneur committed to making a difference so I began S1 - Safety First. We have a line of bags, backpacks, sports, travel, wheelchair and checkpoint friendly laptop bags and backpacks assisting with the safety issues being implemented in our schools, offices, airports, sport arenas and other public venues. I share other Mompreneurs on my BlogTalkRadio show and on MomTV - both are called Word of Mom because Mom's support Mom's.You can hear my show at... Full Bio


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Latest Headlines
Big Win to Make it Three in a Row
Posted on 21 Jan 2011 by Alex Wasserstrom.
The lone goal in the shootout by Joe Pavelski proves to be enough for the San Jose Sharks to win their third straight – and first against Vancouver this season – on Thursday night. A slow start to the game saw the Sharks playing reaction-hockey while the Canucks dominated in puck possession and offensive zone time. The Canucks' efforts paid off on a nifty passing play by the Sedin t...
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Sharks Add Depth; Poised for More Moves
Posted on 18 Jan 2011 by Alex Wasserstrom.
As the San Jose Sharks are enjoying a two-game win streak, GM Doug Wilson made some moves to increase the team's depth while posturing some future trade packages to acquire a defenseman. San Jose traded away a fifth round pick in the upcoming draft to Atlanta for F Ben Eager. Eager's grit and cup ring is surely the motivation behind the move and will make the Sharks a tougher team to play agai...
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Stanley Cup or Larsson Cup?
Posted on 17 Jan 2011 by Jason Wagensveld.
It's that time of year again when many NHL teams begin to contemplate which direction they are going in. Are they close enough to being a Stanley Cup contender or are they closer to winning the Adam Larsson sweepstakes? Should they add a few pieces and make a run at the cup or should they trade what they have for draft picks? The Blue Jackets are in a tough position as they are in 13th pla...
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Yotes lose to Sharks, Take on Preds Tuesday
Posted on 17 Jan 2011 by Robb Patty.
You wouldn't call a game before the All-Star break a must win, but for the Phoenix Coyotes a win against division foe San Jose would have been the Yotes fifth in a row. A win also would have keep the Yotes separated from a jumbled western conference, where teams four through twelve are separated by just seven points. Sharks forward Danny Heatley had a goal and assist to end Phoenix's winnin...
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Oilers vs. Kings: Hall the "centre" of attention
Posted on 15 Jan 2011 by Scott Pattison.
It's arguably difficult to get pumped about a hockey team that's 2-6-2 in its last 10, unless that team is the Edmonton Oilers. Fresh off a 5-2 road victory over the San Jose Sharks, a game in which they literally ran the struggling Sharks' show in their own building, Edmonton head coach Tom Renney is hanging his proverbial coaching hat on a few bright spots. Rookie phenom Taylor Hall is Renney...
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Posted on 8 Jan 2011 by Alex Wasserstrom.
Thursday night's 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabers marked the 6th time the Sharks have been shutout this season. At 21-15-5 the Sharks are sitting at 6th in the conference and 3rd in their division. Both the conference and division are extremely tight, with little sign of that changing but that was to be expected as per my season preview (except for Dallas playing as well as they have). Unsatisfi...
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Clowe Heated Following Loss
Posted on 4 Jan 2011 by Alex Wasserstrom.
In the wake of the Sharks' 4-3 loss to the Canucks, Ryane Clowe spoke to the media and was quite direct about how he felt his team played. I found it interesting to hear him call out teammates without naming names but it pretty much sums up the performance of the team. The Sharks will look to rebound against the Sabers on Thursday night at home in what will be the midway mark of the season.
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Islanders deal goalie Roloson to Tampa Bay for minor league defenseman
Posted on 2 Jan 2011 by Dave Thomas.
In a move that may or may not alter what has already turned into a disappointing season for the New York Islanders, goalie Dwayne Roloson was shipped over the weekend from the Isles to Tampa Bay for a minor league defenseman Ty Wishart. Roloson, who is in the final year of a two-year deal, was 6-13-1 to date in 2010 with a 2.64 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in 20 games. Dway...
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Kings Update
Posted on 27 Dec 2010 by Eric Cooney.
Profuse apologies for the serious lack of blogs recently. With the holidays, etc. blogging had to take a backseat. So, let's get caught up! (more…)
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Rookie Impact
Posted on 22 Dec 2010 by Dan Heffernan.
Which rookies have made an impact so far this season? As the season draws within weeks of it's halfway point, many young players are carrying your fantasy teams. Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks: Logan Couture was selected 9th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He's been the most impressive Shark so far this season with 18 goals, 25 points, and a 16.7 shooting percentage. What is it abou...
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Shark bait again! Oilers fall 2-1 in San Jose
Posted on 22 Dec 2010 by Scott Pattison.
The Edmonton Oilers dropped their third straight game of the 2010-11 campaign to the San Jose Sharks tonight, as the home club doubled up on the visiting Oil, 2-1. Edmonton followed a strong opening frame with a weak second period punctuated by untimely penalties, costing the Oil two points on the road. Dustin Penner off a tip of a Ryan Whitney shot from the point gave Edmonton some brief hop...
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Gameday: Sharks vs Oilers
Posted on 21 Dec 2010 by Alex Wasserstrom.
With both the San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers playing to 6-3-1 records in their last ten games, youthful exuberance will be the theme to tonight's match-up. Rookie standouts Taylor Hall, Logan Couture, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi,and Linus Omark will surely dazzle the crowd in their continued bids for the Calder. In this being their third meeting of the season, the Sharks have taken both...


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National Wi-Fi is a provider of low cost, high speed, wireless internet access, primarily focused on high-rise residential buildings. We install wireless networks that allow residents to connect to the internet from laptops or desktops from anywhere in their community, all for under $30/month!
Low Cost
With low costs that beat the prices of cable and DSL, we're sure you'll find the perfect high-speed wireless solution through National Wi-Fi.more info
High Speed
Network performance will be faster than any service currently offered in the building. The network will have access to a directly wired T1 line, or a faster connection if required.more info
All you need is a laptop with a wireless connection. If you're laptop or PC doesn't have built-in wireless, you can purchase a wireless card or USB adapter from your local computer store.more info
If you want to know how National Wi-Fi can benefit your building or home, please contact us.
Whether your a residential building manager or a resident, we want to help you find the perfect high-speed wireless solution!
Contact us for more info!
At the option of building management, programs can be implemented that will allow staff to earn rewards by introducing residents to National Wi-Fi.
Find answers to some of the common questions people have about National Wi-Fi.
Visit our faq for more answers.


text: city_of_twin_falls By James Tidmarsh August 30, 2011 2:21 PM Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Category: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Leave a comment Send to a friend! Print this page Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr! Best of News Radio 1310 Minnesota Dentist Who Illegally Killed Lion in Zimbabwe Issues Public Statement Everything Is Indeed Awesome When Parrot Sings 'Everything Is Awesome' Sleeping Twizzlers Prank Is Deliciously Hilarious Former Idaho House Speaker Boyd Dies at 86 Recommended For You Best of the Web


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What's On Tonight: Iron Chef America, TRL Finale, Robot Chicken Star Wars
- At 7, CBS has a new 60 Minutes, followed by new episodes of The Amazing Race, Cold Case, and The Unit. NBC has a new Football Night In America, then the Cowboys/Re...
- Read more
What's On Tonight: Law and Order: CI, Mad Men, Venture Brothers
- At 7, NBC has the final night of the Olympics. G4 has a new Hurl! at 7. At 8, CBS has a new Big Brother. ESPN2 has The Breeder's Cup Challenge horse race. Foo...
- Read more
What's On Tonight: ESPY Awards, Law and Order: CI, Next Food Network Star
- AMC's Mad Men marathon runs all night until 1am. BBC America's Spaced marathon continues until 9pm. At 7, G4 has a new Hurl! At 8, CBS has a new Big Brother....
- Read more
Nick News looks at public discourse
- The Emmy-award winning Nick News will take a look at the good and bad sides of public discourse with a special airing November 5 at 8:30 pm on Nickelodeon titled Nick Ne...
- Read more
Hosted by Linda Ellerbee, this world news show is geared toward kids. "Nick News" has feature stories from around the world and covers current events. Segments about travel focus on how people and kids live in other countries, while others feature kids that are doing amazing things to change their world. Ellerbee encourages kids to send her questions they want answered.


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Petrol tanker and van crash in Torrington, closing road
Posted: September 14, 2012|
Comments (0)
A crash involving a petrol tanker and a van has shut a road in Langtree this morning.
Police were called to the scene between Dragon Hill and Rolle Road in Langtree, Torrington, at 9am after reports of a collision.
A Fiat Scudo Van and a MAN petrol tanker collided blocking the road completely.
No injuries have been reported and no fuel has leaked from the tanker, say police.
The road is still closed and the Highways Agency are at the scene.


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WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We invite you to follow us on twitter at @wwaysports
Wednesday Night High School Scoreboard
Boys Lacrosse
Northside 16
Topsail 6
Hoggard 11
New Hanover 7 ** Click icon to see video
Girls Lacrosse
Hoggard 14
New Hanover 4 ** Click icon to see video
West Brunswick 26
New Hanover 0
Topsail 6
North Brunswick 5
Whiteville 8
Red Springs 0
Girls Tennis
Hoggard 9
South Brunswick 0
Whiteville 12
Red Springs 2
Girls Soccer
East Columbus 4
South Columbus 1
Whiteville 9
Red Springs 0
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (UNCW) -– Ryan LaGrange knocked in two runs and was one of five Seahawks with two hits as UNCW outlasted Coastal Carolina, 7-3, in a four-hour, 15 minute marathon baseball game at Ticketreturn.com Field.
The Seahawks picked up their first road win of the season and improved to 9-10. It was UNCW's first win at Coastal Carolina since 2008. CCU, meanwhile, dropped to 9-11 on the season. Joining LaGrange with two hits were Casey Golden, Corey Dick, Dillon Bass and Josh Abshire. UNCW outhit the Chanticleers, 13-9. Senior Christian MacDonald (1-2) picked up the win with two innings of one-hit, shutout baseball. He finished with three strikeouts. Freshman Cory Gantz made his first collegiate start and allowed one run over four innings.
CCU starter Cole Schaefer (3-2) took the loss for the second straight game. He allowed four runs on seven hits before leaving after 3.2 innings. Tyler Chadwick, Connor Owings and Colin Hering each had two hits for Coastal.
How it happened: After seeing Coastal tie the game with a run in the bottom of the third, Luke Dunlap opened the fourth with a walk and moved around to third when Bass singled to shortstop and throw from shortstop sailed into the dugout. Terence Connelly singled in both runners to give the Seahawks the lead and Golden plated the final run with a squeeze bunt.
Inside the box score: UNCW landed its leadoff hitter on base safely for the first time this season … The Seahawks stranded a season-high 15 runners on base … UNCW was 3-for-11 with two out, but struggled with runners in scoring position, going 5-for-20 … Seahawk pitchers held CCU to 2-of-9 hitting in RBI situations … The teams combined for 13 pitchers used on the night.
Notes: UNCW's only other win away from Brooks Field was a 5-3 win over Baylor in San Diego … Jordan Ramsey made his first appearance since that Baylor game (Mar. 2) … Wednesday's game was the 87th edition of the long-time series … The victory was the seventh for the UNCW bullpen this season … UNCW improved to 2-1 all-time at Pelican Park with the other win coming against Notre Dame in 2007 (2/23/07, W 9-5) … Corey Dick extended his career-long hitting streak to 15 games … Kelly Secrest has stranded all nine base runners he's inherited this season … UNCW drew a season-high eight walks.
Up next: The Seahawks host West Virginia on Friday at 4 p.m. in the first of a three-game series with the Mountaineers.
WILMINGTON, NC (UNCW) -– No. 55 UNCW bounced back after losing the doubles point by taking five singles matches for a 5-2 victory over visiting Yale in men's tennis Wednesday at the UNCW courts.
In the opening match of the Battle at the Beach round-robin event that features UNCW, Yale, UCF and Binghamton, the Seahawks snapped Yale's six-match winning streak to improve to 7-6 on the season. The Bulldogs now stand 7-3.
"We will take a lot of confidence from winning over a very good Yale team," said UNCW Head Coach Mait DuBois. "The story of the day was how we responded after losing a very tight doubles point. We won first sets on all six courts and I was pleased with the intensity we brought to the singles.
"Pedro Mol and Kaue Pereira really came out strong and were the first two players off the court. They both have some good stuff going and continue to get better every match."
After Rafael Aita and Sam Williams routed Tyler Lu and Martin Svenning, 8-2, at No. 1 doubles, Yale rebounded with wins at the No. 2 and No. 3 positions to claim the early point.
Pereira made quick work of Photos Photiades, 6-0, 6-2, at No. 5 singles to even the score at 1-all before Mol gave UNCW a 2-1 advantage by beating Svenning, 6-1, 6-3, at the No. 2 position.
Williams then raised the score to 3-1 with a convincing 6-1, 6-0 triumph over Kyle Dawson at No. 3 singles before sophomore Santtu Leskinen clinched the match with a 6-3, 6-4 verdict against Daniel Faierman at No. 4 singles.
The Seahawks, who have played seven nationally-ranked opponents this spring, are now 6-1 in home matches this spring.
The Seahawks play their second match in the event on Friday when they take on UCF at 2 p.m. Yale, meanwhile, battles Binghamton earlier in the day at 10 a.m.
Pre-Season Soccer
Coastal Carolina 2
Wilmington Hammerheads 1
Click the icon to see video of this report
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Where will everyone park? After all, thousands will be doing it at Eagle Point the first week of May in 2017. "I don't think we're going to have a traffic problem, like you may think, during the tournament," Eagle Point Golf Club President Bobby Long said. "I believe you're going to have a traffic problem after the tournament because of all the people that want to come to Wilmington." Bobby Long will be the first to admit the logistic challenge of the Wells Fargo Championship coming to the Port City is a work in progress, but there's already a plan in place. "we have satellite parking locations picked out, but nothing has been secured yet. We're trying to make sure that we have enough to choose from that if we don't get some of them it'll be ok. We tried to work on the routing and bussing and that kind of stuff, without being disruptive to local residents too."
Even though it's only for one year, the PGA Tour coming to Eagle Point will have a huge economic impact on New Hanover County and the surrounding area. In the millions, no doubt. Most of the top players on tour, are expected to play. Kym Hougham is the executive director of the tournament. "We've seen it before where tournaments have moved from one a host course to a location that hasn't had a tournament in awhile, and they just blow the doors open."
New Hanover County sheriff Ed McMahon has yet to meet with the club about security, but that will certainly change down the road. "We have plenty of time to prepare for it." McMahon said. "I'm looking forward to it. I think we can pull it off without a hitch."
Most of the grass at at the Eagle Point Golf Club is currently doormant. In some spots there's more brown than green, but in 2017 bright green is likely all you'll see according to Long. "We will probably not overseed the fairways, but we'll overseed the rough and it'll be absolutely sensational on tv."
Eagle Point is a private club. The club's doors are not open to the public often, but they'll be in open for a week in early May of 2017.


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The compressed file planar_tools_as3.zip contains all templates and code referenced within the article, and the twenty-five page Developer's Guide (planar_tools_as3.pdf ) gives complete documentation of our 2D graphing classes as well as examples of how they are used. The templates below are used as examples in the documentation and can be opened in Flash CS3 to provide a starting point for using these custom classes.
Function Grapher Template 1
Template 1 consists of the Essential Grapher which graphs up to three functions in a single window and displays coordinates of points when the mouse passes over them. The user can also draw directly on the graph by moving the mouse while down.
Function Grapher Template 2
Template 2 demonstrates how Template 1 can be easily extended to include the trace functionality common to many graphing programs and devices.
Parametric Curves Template
This template provides basic functionality necessary for graphing and tracing parametric curves on the plane in either rectangular or polar coordinate systems.


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Editorial: Shifting alliances, permanent interests
Politics, so the cliché goes, makes strange bedfellows.
It does indeed.
Hence, we have the decidedly Democratic Durham City Council embracing the skepticism of Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and the Republican legislative majorities toward regulation.
At least, for the City Council, that skepticism is aimed at proposed anti-pollution regulations for the Falls Lake watershed.
In fact, Durham city officials have long harbored deep reservations over those regulations, established by the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
When fully implemented, public works officials have warned the council and the public, the stricter rules could cost Durham as much as $600 million. Local officials have been urging legislators to step in and they have been lobbying the state to at least assess those costs in a way that would impose more of the burden on Raleigh and other cities that depend heavily on Falls Lake and the Neuse River for municipal water supplies.
The immediate issue in front of the council is a proposal to add more to the monitoring cost assessed to the city and other members of the six-county Upper Neuse River Basin Association. Those costs, for Durham, are scheduled to nearly quadruple over the next two fiscal years, to around $240,000.
Public works officials think that's not a bad deal, since the monitoring may indeed indicate that less expensive long-term enhancements are ultimately needed to our treatment centers.
But council members pointed with somewhat ironic enthusiasm to the prospect of a new wind blowing in the capital. Councilman Eugene Brown, a man of strong environmental credentials, noted approvingly at a work session last week that McCrory was pressing for change in DENR. "It will not be your father's Oldsmobile," Brown said (in a reference to an ad campaign that might have been lost on anyone under about 40). "And I welcome those changes."
Echoing the belief that the costs should be spread to heavy users of the water coming from Falls, Councilman Steven Schewel, another strong environmentalist, added that "those who want their water clean should be paying more."
As The Herald-Sun's Ray Gronberg pointed out in reporting on the work session, yet another irony in the Falls Lake regulation debate is that Durham has supported stricter regulations fro Jordan Lake – from which Durham primarily draws water – over the objections of upstream Greensboro.
All of which goes to show, as British Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston put it in the 19th century, "There are no permanent allies ... only permanent interests."


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Flat-Base Hardware - DW vs. Ludwig vs. Gibraltar
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Re: Flat-Base Hardware - DW vs. Ludwig vs. Gibraltar
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Congrats, that's awesome !! The stands are great and the bag is even better!
I'm gonna go get me a bag just like that at my local Home Depot for my Ludwig FB stands.
See folks, you get back what you put in on this site...
Regarding your hihat stand feet, Ludwig started using the smaller feet just on this stand because it doesn't fold up very nicely or compactly with the larger reversible feet. Try swapping yours, you'll see what I mean.
See my post #32 above. I actually bought the smaller feet for mine from my dealer , $5.
Hey Neal, I realize places carry different things, but I went by Home Depot first and couldn't find a bag over like 18". I went to Lowes and they only had a few that were 20". The stands actually measure out like 22" or so fully collapsed, but I took a chance and they fit fine (because it's a bag with some flex in it.)
I'd like to add a third Atlas Classic stand and I "think" it would fit fine, but it may be tight.
I see what you mean now by the smaller feet. I wasn't quite following ya at first. So now the hi-hats all come with these smaller feet? That's cool and a great idea! I wouldn't mind having them for the snare stand too.
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Client Testimonials
I'm part of the second generation of a family that has been using Bunge's Tire & Auto for 30 years. I've been very happy with the service I've personally received in the last 10 years, and look forward to using them for another 30 years to come.
Welcome to Bunge's
Considering Buying a Used Vehicle?
Today, nearly 66 percent of automobile purchases are used vehicles. The reasoning behind this is fairly simple: lower cost. The majority of us cannot afford to pay the thousands upfront for a brand-new vehicle and don't want to deal with financing options and their additional fees.
Buying a used vehicle is a great option as long as you do your homework. Before purchasing a vehicle that has a few years — and miles — on it, we have some valuable tips to help you make the right decision.
Read what to look for when purchasing a used vehicle.
Bunge's has gone green green
At Bunge's we've taken steps to go "green".
- Get your receipt via email and easily store it for your records.
- No need to print our coupons, just show them on your phone, tablet or elecronic device and we'll honor them.
- We recycle oil, car parts, tires, pop cans and all paper and plastic.
We do what is best for our customers, both during your visit and long term.
Propane/Autogas Conversions and Refueling Now Available at Bunge's!
Bunge's Tire and Auto is excited to announce that we now offer propane conversions for vehicles, and a propane refueling station. Bunge's is the first auto repair shop in the Elgin area to offer these new services.
You may have a lot of great questions about propane conversion and autogas refueling. When propane is used to fuel an automobile it is called "autogas". We've created a question and answer section on our website to help you learn about our new service.
Trust and care.
At Bunge's we've built a reputation for trust, caring and fairness since 1919.
We believe in excellence in vehicle repair. We also do what makes sense for our valued customers.
Here is an example. Quality parts last longer. That means less repairs and replacements. When we perform a service, from windshield wipers to shocks and struts, to tires, you name it, we use quality parts and charge a fair price. We value our customers.
As you shop around online you can find out what our customers say.
As we transition from winter driving to spring driving the weather change brings with it new challenges. For instance, how is your alignment after driving in all of that ice and snow? If you are in proper alignment your tires will last longer. How about those windshield wiper blades? Bet they took a beating this winter, too. We belive in good customer care to keep you and your family safely on the road. That is why we are in business all of these years.
Bunge's Tire specializes in full service auto repair and brake repair as well as tires, shop for tires here, alignment, regularly schedule maintenance and so much more! We've been in business for over 90 years, proudly serving Elgin, South Elgin, St Charles, Burlington, Hampshire, Sleepy Hollow, West Dundee and even Chicago.
We take great pride in our commitment to our many customers for vehicle repair you can trust.
We are located on Mclean Boulevard & Torrey Pine, approximately four blocks south of Route 20. You can find a map, and get turn-by-turn directions here. We accept most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. We also accept Wright Express and Voyager cards. The next time you need brakes, tires, maintenance or repair call us at (847) 741-2799.


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When Germs Travel: Six Major Epidemics That Have Invaded America and the Fears They Have Unleashedby Howard Markel
Synopses & Reviews
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Chapter 1
ONE: Facing Tuberculosis
One afternoon a month and a day after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, I was in a crowded subway car making its way down Manhattan's Upper West Side. Only seven miles south of the 125th Street station, where the train was delayed temporarily, rescue workers and firemen were searching through the rubble and carnage of September 11, 2001. Yet on the subway that afternoon-and around the country-a different form of terror was on our minds.
Directly above me on both sides of the train were bright posters advertising a new and improved detergent that "eliminates 99.9% of all bacteria lurking in your clothing." (Parenthetically, all soaps pretty much accomplish this task.) Sitting next to me was a heavyset woman rubbing her hands over and over like some modern-day Lady Macbeth. Only instead of washing off the blood of her royal rivals, she was slathering her hands with a pinkish red anti-bacterial moisturizer "guaranteed to both soften the skin and rid you of nasty germs." Seated next to her were two older men who appeared to be breathing less deeply and far more rapidly than I suspected they might otherwise be doing. At the very end of the car was a young woman wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves.
If these signs were not enough to alert the casual observer to what was going on, all one had to do was glance at the newspapers many were reading. Every publication, from the lowly tabloids to the august New York Times, screamed the same headline in bold print: ANTHRAX Inside their pages were all the sordid details of the infection-laden letters sent earlier that week to Senator Tom Daschle and others. That very morning, an assistant to NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw, who received a similar missive in late September, was confirmed to have a bona fide case of cutaneous anthrax.
In the weeks that followed, several more cases of anthrax popped up, some easily explained (such as those among the postal workers handling the tainted mail) and some not (such as the fatal case in an elderly woman from Connecticut whose mail was, unluckily, mixed in with contaminated envelopes meant for others). And we all worried if the Pandora's box of germs that appeared to have been opened by terrorists would ever be closed. The sudden appearance of a frightening, infectious agent was, perhaps, one of the few things that could have so successfully taken the nation's collective mind, albeit temporarily, off the stunning events at ground zero. Government officials searched to find the source of the infection, to the accompaniment of television pundits pointing fingers and calling our public health mechanisms inadequate. Sales of Cipro, one of several antibiotics effective against anthrax (and by far the most expensive), went through the roof. Emergency rooms and clinics across the country were inundated with people wondering if every scrape, wheeze, or contact with something as harmless as the crumbs of a powdered sugar doughnut was an incipient case of anthrax.2
That the public would focus with a laser beam intensity on anthrax, a strange scourge that killed only a few in spectacular fashion, while paying little attention to the more common contagions that literally plague us on a daily basis, is a phenomenon hardly unique to our era. Healthy human beings frequently worry more about frightening, unexpected infections than
Howard Markel is the George E. Wantz Professor of the History of Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at the University of Michigan, where he directs the Center for the History of Medicine. He is the
A physician and medical historian provides a definitive analysis of six major epidemics that have devastated America since 1900--including such threats as tuberculosis, typhus, and AIDS--looking at the nation's response to the pathogens; explaining why globalization, social upheaval, and international trade leave us vulnerable; and calling for a globally funded public health program. Reprint. 12,500 first printing.
The struggle against deadly microbes is endless. Diseases that have plagued human beings since ancient times still exist, new maladies like SARS make their way into the headlines, we are faced with vaccine shortages, and the threat of germ warfare has reemerged as a worldwide threat.
In this riveting account, medical historian Howard Markel takes an eye-opening look at the fragility of the American public health system. He tells the distinctive stories of six epidemics–tuberculosis, bubonic plague, trachoma, typhus, cholera, and AIDS–to show how how our chief defense against diseases from other countries has been to attempt to deny entry to carriers. He explains why this approach never worked, and makes clear that it is useless in today's world of bustling international travel and porous borders. Illuminating our foolhardy attempts at isolation and showing that globalization renders us all potential inhabitants of the so-called Hot Zone, Markel makes a compelling case for a globally funded public health program that could stop the spread of epidemics and safeguard the health of everyone on the planet.
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What is candidiasis?
Candidiasis, commonly called a yeast infection, is an infection caused by a fungal microorganism, most often the fungus Candida albicans. Candidiasis is also known as candida and thrush. It can cause yeast infections in many areas of the body including:
Mouth (oral thrush)
Vagina (vaginal yeast infection, vaginal thrush)
Digestive tract (gastroenteritis)
The fungus that causes most cases of candidiasis, Candida albicans, normally lives in the mouth, vagina, and other places in the body. It exists in a certain balance with other microorganisms, including bacteria. However, some factors or conditions may cause an overgrowth of Candida albicans resulting in candidiasis. Candidiasis can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Candidiasis is treatable in generally healthy people. However, candidiasis is more likely to occur and can be more difficult to treat in people with weakened immune systems due to such conditions as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or taking steroid medications or chemotherapy. In these cases, complications of candidiasis may become life threatening.
Recurring candidiasis infections can also be a symptom of a serious, undiagnosed underlying disease, such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes. Seek prompt medical care for recurring candidiasis infections including vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush.
What are the symptoms of candidiasis?
Symptoms of candidiasis differ depending on the severity of the infection and the area of the body affected.
Candidiasis symptoms that affect the mouth (oral thrush) include:
Lesions or sores that are raised, are yellow-white in color, and appear in patches in the mouth or throat and/or on the tongue
- Patches or lesions th... Read more about candidiasis informationsymptoms
What causes candidiasis?
Candidiasis most often occurs when there is an overgrowth of Candida albicans in places in the body where it normally lives, such as the mouth and vagina. When Candida albicans grows unchecked, it throws off the normal balance of other microorganisms that normally live in the body.
Certain factors or conditions can result in an overgrowth of Candida albicans. ... Read more about candidiasis informationcauses
How is candidiasis treated?
Treatment of candidiasis begins with seeking regular medical care throughout your life. This allows your health care professional to assess your risks of developing candidiasis and promptly order diagnostic testing for candidiasis and underlying conditions as needed. These measures greatly increase the chances of diagnosing and treating underlying causes of candidiasis in their earliest stages.... Read more about candidiasis informationtreatments


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1-1/4'' (32 mm) Broad-Head Bull Pin
Length: 13-3/4'' (349 mm)
Point Diameter: 5/16'' (8 mm)
Top Diameter: 1-1/4'' (32 mm)
Weight (lbs.): 2.90
Always wear approved eye protection.
OSHA 1926.301 (c) specifically states: ''Impact tools, such as drift pins, wedges and chisels, shall be kept free of mushroomed heads.''


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DHHR | BPH | Text size A A A
Charts Last Updated - July 2, 2015 10:05 AM
Influenza-like Illness Weekly Reporting Form
For a printable version of this page CLICK HERE
The figure below displays the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases reported during the 2011-12, 2012-2013 2013-2014, and 2014-15 influenza seasons. ILI is defined as fever > 100˚ F AND cough and/ or sore throat without another identified cause. ILI can be caused by a variety of respiratory viruses, so data should always be interpreted in the context of laboratory data. ILI cases are reported by physicians to local health departments. Local health departments report the data weekly to the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compiles weekly data and reports the data by "MMWR week." Usually, there are 52 MMWR weeks per year. Some years, there are 53 MMWR weeks.
The Sentinel map shows West Virginia counties that have enrolled influenza sentinel providers for the 2013-14 season.
The figure below demonstrates the percent of visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) reported by West Virginia sentinel providers during the 2014-15 influenza season. Sentinel providers are volunteer physicians who report cases of ILI as a proportion of total patients seen. If the resulting percentage of visits due to ILI is higher than 2.2% then high rates of influenza transmission are likely. Reports of ILI should always be viewed within the context of laboratory data and other indicators of influenza activity.
The figure below demonstrates the percent of visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) reported by West Virginia enrolled BioSense hospitals during 2014-15. BioSense enrolled hospitals report chief complaints and final diagnosis (Flu OR Fever AND Cough OR Upper Respiratory Infection) emergency room visits of ILI as a total proportion of total patients seen. Reports of ILI should always be viewed within the context of laboratory data and other indicators of influenza activity.
This graph shows the number of positive tests for influenza by type (A or B) as reported by hospital and referral laboratories that test by any of the following methods: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence (IFA or DFA), or culture. Rapid test results are not included in the totals because of the low positive predictive value during times of low influenza activity. This graph is useful for assessing changes in influenza activity and type of circulating viruses. This information, together with information on influenza A subtype can be useful in guiding empiric therapy for influenza-like illness. This graph is also useful for pinpointing the first identification of influenza in the state of West Virginia. During a typical influenza season, positive identifications by laboratories usually precede the seasonal increase in influenza-like illness by many weeks. The left-hand Y-axis gives the total specimens isolated by these laboratories; and the right-hand Y axis gives the reported cases of influenza-like illness.
The Office of Laboratory Services accepts influenza surveillance specimens from the following sources: 8-10 specimens per influenza outbreak; 5 influenza A isolates per week from hospitals; and 2 specimens per week from sentinel providers. The Office of Laboratory Services can type and subtype influenza isolates; thus this data is useful for identifying which influenza strains are currently circulating in West Virginia. This data can also be used by physicians to guide empiric antiviral therapy. Current national data on antiviral susceptibility is available at: Here
Influenza Activity - West Virginia reports the level of "Influenza Activity" to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention every week, using this national definition:
WV Surveillance Regions
FAQs, Protocol, and Reporting Form
Archived Influenza Surveillance Data
Privacy, Security and Accessibility | WV.gov | USA.gov | © 2015 State of West Virginia


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WELCOME! Animal Lifeline is voluntary group and a registered charity founded almost 40 years ago. Its aim is to rescue and re-home dogs of all ages, and care for them until we can find a new 'forever home'. We do not have any dogs put down and always have at least 100 dogs in our kennels.
We are self-funding, relying on the efforts of local dog lovers and others willing to help both with donations, and by volunteering. If you would like to help us in any way simply go to the Help Us page.
Normally we do not re-home dogs outside North Staffordshire and South Cheshire as, like all responsible dog rescues, we need to carry out a home visit.


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Mormon Voice
with LDS Church member, wife and mother Heather Hemingway
Posts filtered on Tag
Mormons, Episcopals Work Together in Community Garden
Early Saturday morning, my six-year-old son eagerly woke me for our Church's Community Day of Service (http://blog.chron.com/believeitornot/2011/10/thousands-of-mormons-to-participate-in-houston-area-service-day/). Since he is the kind of kid who loves plants more than toys, he was more than excited to serve in a community garden. The call for community service came from Church leaders earlier this year in commemoration […] [Read More]


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A joint venture launched on Friday between Rocket Racing, Inc., Armadillo Aerospace and the government of New Mexico will send adventurers into suborbital space at a cost of $100,000 per ticket or less.
The three companies unveiled plans to field a fleet of reusable Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles that will take flight from Spaceport America near Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Find out more on Rob Coppinger's blog Hyperbola


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Headquarters for Rep. Rahall to open Friday
HUNTINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., will open his campaign headquarters at 733 3rd Ave. in Huntington at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 13.
The new campaign office will serve as a hub for volunteers and supporters, according to a press release.
"We are going to wage the strongest, largest grassroots campaign our state has ever seen, and this new office will be an important hub as we share our message of fighting for West Virginia's jobs, working families and our way of life with the community," Rahall said in the release.
The Herald-Dispatch welcomes your comments on this article, but please be civil. Avoid profanity, obscenity, personal attacks, accusations of criminal activity, name-calling or insults to the other posters. Herald-dispatch.com does not control or monitor comments as they are posted, but if you find a comment offensive or uncivil, hover your mouse over the comment and click the X that appears in the upper right of the comment. If you do not want your comment to post to your personal Facebook page, uncheck the box below the comment.


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DALLAS — Inevitably, the Pro Football Hall of Fame electors did Saturday what so many NFL offensive linemen facing the Bears in the 1980s were forced to do.
They made way for Richard Dent.
"I didn't have a lot of recognition for my career, things like defensive player of the year, but this is the ultimate recognition,'' Dent told the Tribune on the phone from Las Vegas before he planned to fly to Dallas for Super Bowl XLV.


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After serving a year in Afghanistan, PFC Tom Reedy is scheduled to come home Sunday night.
The Moline High School graduate has been stationed in Germany until he was deployed to Afghanistan on Saint Patrick's Day last year. Now on April Fool's Day, he will be reunited with his family.
"We are very proud of him," his father tells us.
Last December, Tom Reedy, Sr. suffered a heart attack while PFC Reedy was away so the reunion is one that the family has been really looking forward to.
The Patriot Guard will be there to show honor to the returning soldier as well.


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A user interface aids in creation of customized pre-defined queries that can be used for identifying particular search results relevant to a topic. Provision can be made to allow express inclusion or exclusion of certain results. Metrics relating to how much the pre-defined query focuses the search can be provided. A pre-defined query can be referenced by a URL, which can be distributed or referenced in content available in any number of locations. When results of the pre-defined search change, a contact associated with the search query can be notified. When a URL is activated, a redirect to the search engine with the customized query can occur, and the contact associated with the query can be notified of the usage of the pre-defined query. Metrics concerning sources of query usage can be produced, based on data gathered while serving the pre-defined query requests.
1. A computer-implemented method, comprising the acts of:
accepting one or more search terms, through an interface;
submitting, to an Internet search engine, a query defined from the accepted one or more search terms;
analyzing of the results received from the search engine to determine whether the results are acceptable;
responsive to determining that the results are acceptable, presenting the results, storing the query as a first pre-defined query, storing information describing the results determined to be acceptable, and producing a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for referencing the first pre-defined query on the Internet;
responsive to determining that the results are not acceptable, based at least on determining that the number of results returned for the query is greater or less than a threshold number, presenting the results of the query on the interface, wherein each result presented is associated on the interface with an indication that the result is to be retained or to be removed, modifying the query by including at least one additional search term identified base on keywords associated with one or more of the results, and rerunning the search with the modified query, storing the modified query as a second pre-defined query, storing information describing the results returned for the modified query, and producing a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for referencing the second pre-defined query on the Internet;
periodically submitting the first pre-defined query or the second pre-defined query to the Internet search engine, receiving results, and comparing the results with the respective presented results, based on the respective stored information; and producing an alert responsive to the comparison indicating that the compared results are different, wherein the differences detected by the comparison comprise new results, results that now are absent, and differences in an ordering of results.
2. A method as recited in
This application claims priority from and incorporates U.S. provisional application No. 61/236,630, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING, FORMULATING, DISTRIBUTING AND MONITORING USAGE OF PREDEFINED INTERNET SEARCH QUERIES", filed on Aug. 25, 2009, and from U.S. provisional application No. 61/348,558, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING, FORMULATING, DISTRIBUTING AND MONITORING USAGE OF PREDEFINED INTERNET SEARCH QUERIES", filed on May 26, 2010, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety, for all purposes, herein.
1. Field
Aspects disclosed herein relate to the information searching, and more particularly to systems and methods for enhancing internet searches.
2. Related Art
Internet users are increasingly finding navigating document collections to be difficult because of the increasing size of such collections. Likewise, companies, individuals and other organizations wishing to be found by Internet users face growing challenges with maintaining their online visibility. For example, it is estimated that the World Wide Web on the Internet includes more than 11 billion pages in the publicly indexable Web across more than 110 million web sites. Consequently, finding desired information in such a large collection, unless the identity, location, or characteristics of a specific document or search target are well known, can be much like looking for a needle in a haystack. The World Wide Web is a loosely interlinked collection of documents (mostly text and images) located on servers distributed over the Internet. Generally speaking, each document has an address, or Uniform Resource Locator (URL), in the exemplary form "http://www.server.net/directory/file.html". In that notation, the "http:" specifies the protocol by which the document is to be delivered, in this case the "HyperText Transport Protocol." The "www.server.net" specifies the name of a computer, or server, on which the document resides; "directory" refers to a directory or folder on the server in which the document resides; and "file.html" specifies the name of the file. URLs can be extremely long, complex strings of machine readable code.
Most documents on the Web are in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format, which allows for formatting to be applied to the document, external content (such as images and other multimedia data types) to be introduced within the document, and "hotlinks" or "links" to other documents to be placed within the document, among other things. "Hotlinking" allows a user to navigate between documents on the Web simply by selecting an item of interest within a page. For example, a Web page about reprographic technology might have a hotlink to the Xerox corporate web site. By selecting the hotlink (often by clicking a marked word, image, or area with a pointing device, such as a mouse), the user's Web browser is instructed to follow the hotlink (usually via a URL, frequently invisible to the user, associated with the hotlink) and read a different document. A user cannot be expected to know or remember a URL for each and every document on the Internet, or even URLs for those documents in a smaller collection of preferred documents.
Accordingly, navigation assistance is not only helpful, but important for practical internet usage. Such navigation assistance is typically providing via an Internet based search engine, such as Google�, Microsoft's Bing�, Yahoo!� or the like. Accordingly, when an Internet user desires to find information about a company, individual or organization, the Internet user will frequently turn to a "search engine" to locate the information. A search engine serves as an index into the content stored on the Internet.
"Google" (www.google.com) is an example of a search engine. It operates in a similar manner to traditional keyword-based search engines, in that a search begins by the user's entry of one or more search terms used in a pattern-matching analysis of documents on the Web. It differs from traditional keyword-based search engines in that search results are ranked based on a metric of page "importance," which differs from the number of occurrences of the desired search terms (and simple variations upon that theme). Regardless of the proprietary nature of any given search engines' approach, Internet users searching for companies, individuals or organizations with similar characteristics (i.e. name, industry, etc.) often receive search results that are inaccurate, or relate to entities other than the intended search target. For example, a search for "John Smith", with the intention of obtaining information about a particular person by that name, will return many results about different "John Smith's, such that the desired John Smith may not have any relevant results. In these instances, the Internet user may build more complex search queries to generate more relevant results, which is only possible if the Internet user possesses information that can be used as a basis for such queries.
It is understood and well documented that it is desirable for companies, individuals and organizations to appear early in search results for personal, financial and other reasons. Prominence in search results for a given term or terms in search engines is a form of third party validation, at least in that Internet users place a higher value on entries in top search results because of their perceived relevance, success, and size. Therefore, viewership of search results or click throughs for search results on subsequent results pages declines precipitously.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has emerged as a category of services available to operators of web sites. SEO provides for deliberately engineering prominent placement in search results by tailoring web sites to the algorithms employed by a given search engine. In addition to SEO, 'paid search' may be utilized to display an advertisement on the top pages of search results for a given search term(s). SEO, paid search and other optimization strategies are typically only engaged by organizations due to their complexity and cost. Individuals have fewer options to achieve optimal placement in search results.
Google Profiles is one example of a mechanism individuals can utilize to offer information specific to themselves. Google Profiles does not influence search results, however, and individuals with even slightly common names often find themselves in a long list with others, eliminating the value of the feature. SEO, paid search, Google Profiles, and other similar optimization strategies are reactive in that they only influence but do not control what is returned in search results. These strategies are necessary because the natural search behavior of Internet users favors implementation of less sophisticated search queries or the Internet user simply does not possess the information necessary to build a complex search query that will allow the return of appropriately focused results. When companies, individuals or organizations with similar characteristics engage like optimization strategies, however, the differentiation gained from them diminishes and the value declines for them and Internet users alike.
Aspects disclosed herein provide that an entity (e.g., companies, individuals or organizations) can create, in advance, a specific search query (a PreSearch Query) that yields search results that are accurate (or accurate within an acceptable range) (here, accurate can include that the results returned are relevant to the topic for which the entity has created the query, and that those relevant results are not obscured by irrelevant results. In one preferred aspect, the PreSearch Query can be embodied in a short, easy-to-remember URL, saved, distributed, placed on web pages, such as including social networking homepages, and monitored for changes in search results and usage.
Unlike reactive optimization strategies that seek to influence the way results are developed and displayed after a search is started by a user, a PreSearch Query is formed proactively, in that the search is done in advance, such as by a target of the search. An Internet user need only enter, or cause to be entered, the PreSearch Query into the search engine of their choice, which can be done by clicking on a URL containing the search query or a hotlink to it through a redirected, short URL. In the case of the latter, a redirected PreSearch Query can be monitored for usage, providing information concerning usage of the PreSearch Query (such as who is using the query, and when), both to the entity that created the query, and to the system causing the redirection.
Aspects according to this disclosure may be understood by reference to the following detailed description, which references the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 2—depicts an overview of method including a number of components that can be used in pre-search query definition and usage;
More particularly,
Search query provider 110 can be used by an entity (e.g., a person) to obtain a definition of a search query. A link or referenced to the query definition can be distributed to third parties, for use in obtaining information about a particular subject (e.g., the person who created the pre-defined query, an organization, object, place, concept, product, service, event, or the like). Because the query is defined prior to the time that it is used, typically by an entity other than an entity that is intended to use the query to obtain the information, such a search query is called a "pre-search query" herein.
In other words, the query is defined by a process performed prior to distribution of the query (or references to the query) for use in searching. Typically, the query is defined with a view to tailoring the results that are returned from the query to a desired subject, as will be described below. For example, the query can be formed during a process performed in a machine, which may interact with a person. In one example, the process can be performed to define a query that will return search results about a selected person, and in such a case, the person intended to be the subject of the query may perform the process. In another example, if the query is intended to be for a product, then a marketing employee of a company producing or selling the product may initiate or engage in the query formation process for that product. To be clear, a pre-search query is not confined to being used only for people. Therefore, creation of a pre-search query for a person, as in the principal examples herein is for ease and clarity of explanation, and not by way of limitation.
A link server 119 is provided to accept requests for a resource identified by a link (e.g., a link 121 made available on a web resource 120), which can be selected or otherwise activated by a browser 125, which is accessing web resource 120. An analytics engine 114 communicated with link server 119, and operates to obtain and analyze information available from such linking activities. In a particular example, a pre-search query can be referenced by link 121, such that when link 121 is activated (e.g., by clicking on a visual depiction of the link, in a page served by web resource 120 to browser 125), information about browser 125, and a device on which it is running can be obtained.
As will be described further below, various constituent elements of search query provider 110 communicate with each other, in order to perform query definition steps delineated in the examples that follow. For example, account creation server 118 can store profile information in profile storage (profiles 117). Also, account creation server 118 can update link information on link server 119 (e.g., to publish a new link that can be used or otherwise distributed). Similarly, account creation server 118 may communicate with search engine interface 115 for providing trial queries to be submitted to search engine 130, and to receive results returned responsive to those queries.
Browsers 125 and 126 may be implemented using Internet browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Safari or browsers provided on mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs, or other Internet-connected appliances.
Automated or shared login services, such as those provided by Facebook�, OpenID, Google�, or Yahoo! Inc.� can be used in the method depicted in
Now turning to
As depicted in
The information queried, as explained in
Multiple search engines can be selected, and preferably a pre-search query can be determined for each (may be the same query, if, for example, the results returned for the query are acceptable for all selected search engines). The search engine selection preferably is made from a group consisting of the leading Internet search engines, including: Google, Bing, Ask, Yahoo! and the like. This group may differ by country, such that a user can have a query formed for different search engines for use in different countries. The user also can be informed that although one search engine may be initially selected, additional queries can be created later for other search engines.
The method depicted in
The results are analyzed (414), and in a decision point (412), it is determined whether the results are acceptable or not. If the results are unacceptable, then the trial query is modified (408). Subsequently, the modified trial query can be (re)submitted (406) to the search engine again. The modifying (408) itself can include one or more iterations, represented by feedback loop 410. As explained below, these iterations can include querying and receiving input from a person about the search results, such as a selection of one or more preferred results, or results to be excluded. If the results are acceptable, then the method of
If upon returning to determination 502, if the number of results continues to be greater than the threshold, then a still further element of information can be added. These information elements (or terms) can be obtained during information gathering (204). If no further information elements are available for use, then the method can instead proceed with the remainder of the method depicted in
If the number of results is not greater than the threshold, then the results are presented (504) on an interface (e.g., provided for display in a browser, such as in UI 127 implemented using browser 126). Feedback on the results can be queried (506). In one example, UI 127 is provisioned for querying feedback as depicted in
In particular
The usage of buttons 1310 and 1315 for querying which results should be kept and which should be removed is one example of querying for feedback (506). In additional to querying about the handling of specific results, information already gathered (e.g., in 204) can be displayed, such as along a right-hand portion of the interface. For example, a name field 1340, an employer field 1335, an additional keywords field 1345, and an excluded word field 1350 can be provided on the interface. Name field 1340 can include sub-fields for a first name, last name, and maiden name. The name(s) currently provided can be displayed, while boxes descriptively labeled for categories of not-yet-provided information can be displayed. These fields depict an example of querying (508) for further information. In one operating example, after a user reviews the search results, the user may detect one or more concepts in common for results that the user would like to retain or to remove. The user can then enter information related to those concepts in the fields depicted (where information related to results to be results would be entered into the excluded word field 1350).
Other example user interfaces can implement a ranking system, in which the user or the system can rank desirability of retaining or excluding certain results. Such ranking information also can provide an input into the selection of tags or concepts for results to be retained or excluded. For example, a concept related to a highly desirable search result, even if it also appears in a result to be removed, preferably would not be selected (or suggested as a selection) as a concept to exclude from the search.
A further example of feedback (506) that can be queried from the user, and provided through an interface, such as that depicted in
Upon receiving feedback (506) and/or further information (508), the trial query can be revised (510) and the method can return to submitting (406) the query to the search engine again.
Other aspects of the user interface example of
Such display (607) can help a user to identify one or more additional elements of information that can be submitted through UI 127 (as described with respect to
Query modification (608) can use concepts identified, or other input to determine an exclusionary term to remove or avoid a concept presently appearing in the search results (610). Additionally, or in substitution, further terms can be added to emphasize a particular concept or result over others (611).
In some examples, after determining concept words for one or more of inclusion and exclusion, the user can cause the query as revised to be resubmitted (612), such as by selecting refine search link 1530. In other examples, after determining such concept words, query revision and submission can occur automatically, such that the user does not need to explicitly indicate that the query should be resubmitted. In still other examples, the concepts are not displayed to the user, and one or more iterations query revision can occur automatically.
In most cases contemplated, after submission (612), results responsive to that query are received (614). A verification procedure can be implemented, in which the results returned by the revised query are compared with the feedback previously received. By particular example, a determination (616) whether results identified for exclusion are absent from the returned results. If any of such results remain in the results returned, then an option to exclude a top level domain (TLD) for each such result can be presented (624). If the TLD exclusion option is selected, then the query can again be submitted (612). If the TLD exclusion option is not selected, then analysis (604) can be repeated. If the results to be excluded are now absent, then a determination (622) is made as to whether more results remain to be displayed if the results are paged, such that more results were returned, but not yet displayed, then another page of results can be presented (601) and the steps described above can be repeated for those results.
The above process thus discloses an approach to reviewing pages of results, soliciting feedback on the results, where one example of the feedback can include identifications of particular results to retain, results to exclude, or both. A further aspect disclosed with respect to
Ultimately, by manual changes, automated changes, or a combination thereof, a query is finalized. Query finalization (802) can be determined by a user indicating satisfaction or by virtue of determining that a goal of automated analysis was achieved. An opportunity to obtain queries for other search engines can be provided (804/806), and if the results match those indicated as final for the first query (810), then queries for those search engines also can be finalized (814), such that results presentation and revision process does not need to be conducted for each additional search engine. If results do not match, then a query revision process can occur according to any one or more of the examples disclosed above.
In the above description, analysis and concept identification for inclusion or exclusion can use information available from each search engine. For example, common elements from all accepted and/or rejected entries can be identified. These common elements can be added to the query as the appropriate Boolean statements (or in whatever form the search query must take as dictated by each specific target search engine). By further example, if the search engine produces results based on weighted search terms, the highest ranked desirable entries will also be analyzed for common elements and added to the search query as required by the search engine to indicate a higher level of importance.
In sum, aspects that can be implemented in these examples include that a short, custom, URL (preferably a permanent short URL) is selected or otherwise determined to reference a particular query determined by a user. The user can distribute that URL to third parties or otherwise provide the URL through electronic means, such as on web pages, through SMS and so on. Thus, the user maintains an association with the URL referencing the query he created. Requests made for the resource referenced by the URL (i.e., the query definition) can be redirected to the search engine, so that live results are obtained from the search engine. Information about the sources of such requests, and other statistics can be maintained and obtained concerning such requests. Alerts can be sent to the user associated with the URL when a request is made for it. Such alerts can be sent via email, SMS, or posted to feeds such as Twitter�, Facebook� Wall, LinkedIn� status updates, as examples.
In further summary, URLs can be created for each of a number of search engines, so that different characteristics, capabilities, and algorithms for each search engine can be used or accounted for in determining a query definition that returns desired results. A default search engine can be selected by the user; a search engine can sponsor the default query position.
An example of a user interface element that can be used to describe changes in search results returned for a particular query is depicted in
A floating window 2120 can be provide that allows a user to indicate whether the results returned are acceptable, and provides interface elements that allow acceptance of the results, which can cause the baseline set of search results to be updated, or if the search is to be edited, then the edit your search button can be selected, and can take the user to an entry point in redefining the pre-defined query. Ultimately, the output of the pre-search query definition process would produce another set of search results, which can be used as the baseline results (2102), for further comparisons in the future.
It is to be understood that the concept of new results or results that are not included can depend on a number of results returned by a given search engine, or under a given definition of a query. For example, if fewer search results are returned, then more results will be excluded. Similarly, even though a search result may have been returned as the 80th entry, in a search that returns 100 results, only until that result is within the first 64 results, would it be considered present, and then it would be considered a new result.
The information depicted in the user interface examples of
Of course, a complete and literal storing of the results need not be conducted. For example, hashes can be created and stored. The content of the results may be stored uncompressed as presented, compressed in derivative form, or in some combination of these. The search can be rerun or results compared on a prescribed time interval or responsive to the occurrence of defined actions. The content of the results may be stored on a network accessible resource, or on an electronic device of the user, in some other location, or in some combination of these.
And whenever a discrepancy between the approved search results and the current search results is discovered, the user will be contacted (912). In the event of a change, users may receive an email or other notification indicating that the search results from their finalized query have changed. Preferably, which result or results have changed, are new, or are now absent are identified to the owner/user who created the query. The method detects login by the user (906), and the query results, or changes thereto can be presented (910) to the user (user can login, even if results have not changed). The method can then go to 602 of
For example, when notifying the user (at 912), the user may be given information detailing specific changes in the results (e.g., the e-mail may identify new results, changed results, and absent results that used to appear). The email or other notification may provide a form or a link to a form allowing feedback on the changed results, and the feedback can be feed into the processes disclosed for updating the query to reflect the results desired by the user once again (to the extent possible or practical).
By further example, users can be directed to log into the site via a link included in an SMS, email, posting to a social networking communication stream, such as Facebook, Twitter, or another communication mechanism that can be selected by the user, or any combination thereof. Also as the user is logged in, the user can be given access to information, such as a summary about access to his search query since a prior login or during a defined period of time. Such information also can be included in the notification.
In sum, each time a user logs into the system, the user preferably is enabled to re-run the query definition methodologies to change any or all of their queries. The user may also be able to view all of their searches and the URLs for each search engine. The user may also be able to redownload standard button graphics (via HTML) so they may post on any site that resolves to their URL(s). Additionally, an interface where the user can view a "dashboard" (graphs, maps and other visual tools) depicting quantity, time, location and/or other relevant and available information of when the URL was used can be provided.
A further element that can be provide in a method according to
The separate identification of these components does not imply that the components are implemented separately. Also, the usage of certain programming techniques and paradigms are by way of example, rather than limitation, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can provide equivalent approaches in providing embodiments according to these disclosures.
Although illustrated embodiments of the present invention has been described, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Code, or script, for a button that can be included on a web site also can be provided to the user (1008). The URL can be published (1010) to partnering web sites or properties.
For example, a user can provide login information to social networking sites, and the URL can be inserted into the properties of the user at those sites (see links 1810 in
To the extent that the results returned for the current query differ from the baseline set of search results, it can be determined that the search results returned responsive to the current query better reflect the intentions of the user defining the query than the baseline search results. A numerical value for the degree of improvement in the search results returned can be determined (2016), and the display depicted in
Various approaches to determining a degree of improvement (which can be expressed as a numerical value) can be provided. For example, a number of search results that are different can be counted, and a percentage of results that are different of a total number of all the results returned can be used as numerical value (1905). Weightings attributed to particular search results also can be provided. For example, a particular search result may be identified by a user as being desirable or undesirable, and the presence or absence of that particular search result can weight the numerical value 1905 more heavily than a search result not considered either desired or undesired. Still further, an ordering of results can be considered in determining the numerical score, and such an implementation can provide a higher score of the search results returned from the present query include desired results more prominently than undesired results. A similar approach can be applied to keywords or themes identified in search results identified as being desired or undesired. As would be understood, the approach described here need not give any kind of numerical certainty, but rather is for giving an easily digestible heuristic feedback mechanism to allows a user to see that continued work on query refinement is either yielding better results or not. In that context, a variety of other implementations and approaches, and other data that can be gathered about the search results returned can be used in providing the score. Still further, other approaches for providing this feedback can be provided, and by further example, an increasingly definite or darker depiction of a person (1910) can be used to show increased improvement in search results. Such a display can be provided in conjunction with a numerical score, as depicted in
Example computer system 1100 may include a host Central Processing Unit (CPU) (1102), which may be implemented as a semiconductor containing one or more distinct microprocessor units, commonly called "cores", to indicate distinctness, but yet integration on a common substrate. Modern processors typically comprise multiple cores, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 or more cores. Host CPU 1102 also can be implemented with a plurality of physically separate microprocessor units, disposed in separate sockets. Host CPU 1102 communicates with a chipset 1104, which typically includes memory bus logic, and other interfaces to other functionality, such as an expansion bus for supporting I/O, such as network traffic to and from network interface(s) 1114, mass storage 1118 (e.g., hard drives), as well as peripherals, such as those that can be provided for a user interface (1116). Example of such peripherals include a keyboard, serial I/O, a mouse, voice recognition inputs, touch screen inputs, and so on.
Chipset 1104 also may support connection of a display 1110, and therefore may include graphics logic for rendering content to be displayed. Such graphics logic may use main memory 1108 as video memory, or a separate video memory may be provided. Where system 1100 is used for implementing end-user computers, a display is more likely to be included. Frequently, if system 1100 is functioning as a server, a display would not be provided.
Of course, the example system 1100 is provided by way of example and not limitation as to what kinds of devices may be used in implementing aspects disclosed herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art may adapt the disclosures presented herein for use with a variety of devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, and so on, which may be implemented using components that are more or less integrated than those depicted herein, and which may include more functionality or fewer functions than what is depicted in this example.
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