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The present invention provides methods and systems for improving VoIP quality in speech and similar communications. More specifically, various lower limits for network performance may be identified and in the event that the communication network begins performing below the lower limits a buffered conversation may be employed in an attempt to improve conversation quality.
1. A method of communicating between communication devices over an IP-based communication network, comprising:
transmitting data packets from a first communication device to a second communication device using a transportation protocol that does not retransmit at least one of lost and damaged data packets;
determining performance parameters associated with performance of the communication network;
determining that the performance parameters do not meet a threshold of performance for the communication network;
in response to identifying that the performance parameters do not meet the threshold of performance, storing a number of received data packets in a buffer prior to providing the data packets to an intended recipient; and
indicating to at least one of the first and second communication device that a number of data packets are being stored in the buffer.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
changing from the transportation protocol that does not retransmit at least one of lost and damaged data packets to a transportation protocol that provides for retransmission of at least one of lost and damaged data packets;
notifying the first and second communication devices that the transportation protocol has been changed;
identifying that a data packet has been at least one of lost and damaged;
requesting retransmission of the data packet; and
retransmitting the data packet.
6. The method of
storing data packets in a transmitting buffer until a segment has been formed;
after the segment has been formed, transmitting the data packets associated with the segment;
collecting the data packets in a receiving buffer until the segment has been reconstructed; and
after the segment has been reconstructed, providing the segment to the intended recipient.
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. The method of
11. The method of
12. A computer readable medium comprising executable instructions operable to perform the method of
13. A device for communicating over an IP-based communication network, comprising:
at least one receiving buffer;
a network monitor operable to monitor performance parameters of the communication network, wherein data packets are transferred from a transmitting communication device to the receiving communication device using a transportation protocol that does not retransmit lost or damaged data packets until the network monitor identifies that the performance parameters do not meet a threshold of performance for the communication network, and wherein in response to the network monitor identifying that the performance parameters do not meet the threshold of performance, a plurality of data packets are stored in the receiving buffer prior to being provided to a user associated with the receiving communication device; and
a user output capable of notifying at least one of the user associated with the receiving communication device and a user associated with the transmitting communication device that a number of data packets are being stored in the receiving buffer.
14. The device of
15. The device of
16. The device of
17. The device of
18. The device of
19. A method of communicating between communication devices over an IP-based network, comprising:
transmitting data packets from a first communication device to a second communication device using a transportation protocol that allows retransmission of lost or damaged data packets;
storing a plurality of data packets in a buffer prior to providing the data packets to an intended recipient;
monitoring performance parameters associated with performance of the communication network;
identifying that the performance parameters at least one of meet and exceed a threshold of performance for the communication network; and
in response to identifying that the performance parameters at least one of meet and exceed the threshold of performance, discontinuing use of the buffer.
20. The method of
21. The method of
22. The method of
The invention relates generally to an Internet Protocol Network and methods for transmitting speech and other types of signals during periods of decreased network performance.
It is a problem in Internet Protocol (IP) Networks that some of the data packets transmitted by one communication device may fail to arrive at their intended destination. Transmission/transportation level protocols such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) can be used to transmit data across the IP network. The TCP is a virtual circuit protocol that is one of the core protocols of the IP suite and is often referred to as TCP/IP. Endpoints connected to an IP network can employ TCP to create connections to one another, then use those connections to exchange streams of data in audio, text, video, or other media. The TCP protocol guarantees reliable and in-order delivery of data from the sender to the receiver. TCP currently supports many of the Internet's most popular application protocols and resulting applications, including the World Wide Web, e-mail, and Secure Shell.
Lossless transportation protocols such as TCP permit receiving devices to request that missing packets be retransmitted. Unfortunately, this retransmission process often results in long pauses in the data stream, as well as data transmission latencies of more than several hundred milliseconds. For these reasons, TCP/IP is not commonly used in communication applications where real-time communications are desired, such as telephony applications.
For these reasons, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems commonly use a transmission/transportation scheme called the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). UDP and TCP are the two main transport-level Internet protocols. The UDP protocol does not suffer from the pauses or transmission latencies that would be seen if TCP/IP were used for VoIP, mainly because retransmission of missing packets is not carried out by UDP. Instead, UDP does not provide the reliability and ordering guarantees that TCP does, because UDP attempts to transport data quickly from endpoint to endpoint for real-time applications. Instead, IP networks try to reduce VoIP packet loss by assigning a higher priority to UDP packets. Additionally, many VoIP telephones include packet loss concealment algorithms that try to trick the human ear by inserting extrapolated data as a placeholder for the lost packets. Unless the level of packet loss becomes extreme, the use of high quality packet loss concealment algorithms allows UDP to be an acceptable transportation protocol for two-way voice conversations. However, when an IP network becomes congested due to high volumes of traffic, network bandwidth availability tends to decrease. The number of lost packets begins to increase as the network bandwidth availability begins to decrease. If too many packets are lost or received in the wrong order, a VoIP conversation can become unintelligible and frustrating for both parties.
Transportation protocols, such as UDP-type protocols, that are designed to eliminate latency between transmission and reception of a signal are typically designed to forego some amount of transmission quality. On the other hand, protocols such as TCP-type protocols are designed to increase transmission quality at the expense of latency.
IP telephony is often conducted over network connections that vary in quality, in aspects such as delay, packet loss, bandwidth, and so on. There are a number of ways to cope with these problems, but the solutions are generally predicated on the assumption that the network problems are minor and/or temporary. When the network encounters a larger and/or longer-term problem, conversations using UDP-type transportation protocols can become fragmented and unintelligible. As a result, users will begin to talk over the top of each other and the ability to transfer information via the conversation becomes almost impossible.
Such problems may be considered trivial for casual conversations; however, for military applications or other applications where the accurate dissemination of information is of the utmost importance, such problems may carry serious consequences. Particularly in military applications, where network bandwidth may be substantially degraded and subject to large fluctuations (due to field conditions, mobility, enemy actions, etc.), callers have a strong need to communicate clear instructions or information even at the cost of some delay.
There have been some attempts to address such problems in the prior art. For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 20050180323 to Beightol et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describes using a TCP-like connection protocol to allow missing packets in a VoIP connection to be restored. The application describes adding extra information to standard UDP packets to allow TCP-like retransmission. Extra information is added to the standard UDP packet headers since it is observed that changing a connection between TCP and UDP is not permitted. One problem with this particular solution is that it applies only to unidirectional conversations, where Interactive Voice Response (IVR) units are involved. The unidirectional conversation allows for larger than normal delays as a sacrifice for clarity. However, this particular solution does not address the issue of talk-over since it is designed for unidirectional communications instead of bidirectional communications. Additionally, the TCP-like transportation is not designed to cope with a network connection whose bandwidth is substantially below that required for normal speech.
These and other needs are addressed by various embodiments and configurations of the present invention. The present invention is directed generally to a system, device, and method for improving VoIP communications.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for communicating between communication devices over an IP-based communication network, especially in a bidirectional conversation. The method comprises the steps of:
(a) transmitting data packets from a first communication device to a second communication device using a transportation protocol that does not retransmit lost and/or damaged data packets;
(b) determining performance parameters associated with performance of the communication network;
(c) determining that the performance parameters do not meet a threshold of performance for the communication network;
(d) in response to identifying that the performance parameters do not meet the threshold of performance, storing a number of data packets in a buffer prior to providing the data packets to an intended recipient; and
(e) indicating to at least one of the first and second communication device that a number of data packets are being stored in the buffer.
A number of transportation protocols may be employed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The transportation protocols employed during periods of adequate network performance may include protocols designed for real-time transmission of signals. Examples of such protocols include UDP-like transportation protocols that do not retransmit lost and/or damaged data packets. Rather, UDP-like transportation protocols attempt to interpolate or otherwise compensate for lost and/or damaged data packets. Alternatively, during periods of inadequate network performance, transportation protocols that sacrifice real-time or near real-time transmission for quality may be employed. Examples of such protocols that provide higher signal transmission quality include TCP-like transportation protocols. TCP-like transportation protocols afford the option of retransmission of lost and/or damaged data packets rather than relying upon interpolation and compensation algorithms. The TCP-like transportation protocols sacrifice quickness for signal quality and accuracy.
As a part of changing to a TCP-like transportation protocol, data packets may be buffered prior to and after transmission across the communication network. Data packets may be buffered such that user perceivable segments are formed for transmission and prior to being presented to a user. A user perceivable segment is completely reconstructed prior to being provided to a user. Such a provision ensures that a conversation is intelligible, albeit at the expense of possible delays due to reconstruction of the segment.
In one embodiment, the invention may be used to change transportation protocols during a conversation or communication session. The communication session may be bidirectional, in which case both parties to the communication session may need to be aware that the transportation protocol has changed such that data packets are being buffered. The participants may be notified via user outputs on their respective communication devices. Additionally, the participants may be shown the status of the buffering, thereby allowing the participants to know when the other party is done talking and all of the data has been received. This helps eliminate the problem of talk over because each participant knows when the other participant is talking, even if the participant has not yet received any data from the talking participant due to the data being buffered. Therefore, users can successfully participate in a bidirectional communication session even when using a TCP-like transportation protocol that inherently introduces delays in the transmission of data between participants.
The performance parameters associated with the communication network may be monitored in a couple of different ways. In one embodiment, the performance parameters may be automatically monitored to determine when the buffer should be used. In an alternative embodiment, such monitoring of the performance parameters of the network may be user initiated. Of course, a combination of the two methods may also be employed.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided for communicating between communication devices over an IP-based network. The method generally comprises the steps of:
(a) transmitting data packets from a first communication device to a second communication device using a transportation protocol that allows retransmission of lost or damaged data packets;
(b) storing a number of data packets in a buffer prior to providing the data packets to an intended recipient;
(c) determining performance parameters associated with performance of the communication network;
(d) determining that the performance parameters at least one of meet and exceed a threshold of performance for the communication network; and
(e) in response to identifying that the performance parameters at least one of meet and exceed the threshold of performance, discontinuing use of the buffer.
This particular embodiment is designed to change transportation protocols in response to the communication network regaining a certain amount of bandwidth and therefore being able to provide better performance. When the network performance rises above certain thresholds, a slower quality based transportation protocol that allows for retransmission of lost or damaged data packets may be changed in favor of a transportation protocol that does not allow retransmission of lost or damaged data packets. The transportation protocol that does not allow retransmission of lost or damaged data packets, in one embodiment, is better able to provide real-time or near real-time data transmission across the communication network.
These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
As used herein, "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
The invention will be illustrated below in conjunction with an exemplary communication system. Although well suited for use with, e.g., a system using a switch(es) and/or server(s), the invention is not limited to use with any particular type of communication system or configuration of system elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed techniques may be used in any communication application in which it is desirable to change between various communication protocols during a bidirectional VoIP conversation.
Referring initially to
The communication network 104 may comprise any type of information transportation medium and may use any type of protocols to transport messages between endpoints. The communication network 104 may include wired and/or wireless communication technologies. The Internet is an example of the communication network 104 that constitutes and IP network consisting of many computers and other communication devices 108 located all over the world, which are connected through many telephone systems and other means. Other examples of the communication network 104 include, without limitation, a standard Plain Old Telephone System (POTS), an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), and any other type of packet-switched or circuit-switched network known in the art. In addition, it can be appreciated that the communication network 104 need not be limited to any one network type, and instead may be comprised of a number of different networks and/or network types. The communication network 104 may further include routers (not shown) and proxy servers (not shown) for transmitting data across the communication network 104.
The communication devices 108 may be packet-switched and/or circuit-switched and can include, for example, IP hardphones such as the Avaya Inc.'s, 4600 Series IP Phones™, IP softphones such as Avaya Inc.'s, IP Softphone™, Personal Digital Assistants or PDAs, Personal Computers or PCs, laptops, packet-based H.320 video phones and conferencing units, packet-based voice messaging and response units, packet-based traditional computer telephony adjuncts, conventional wired or wireless telephones, cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and the like.
In accordance with one embodiment, the communication devices 108 are adapted to do their own buffering and network performance or health detection. Typically such devices will send media directly to each other during a conversation, and they will have the best access to information about how well the end-to-end communication is working. A network monitor may reside in the communication device 108 that can be used and may have information about the overall network performance that can allow communication devices 108 to anticipate problems.
A switch/server 112 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, may comprise a communication server or other dedicated processor that functions to provide services to client devices (e.g., communication devices 108). The switch/server 112 may comprise a Private Branch eXchange (PBX) (or other local switching office), which interconnects some of the communication devices 108 to the communication network 104. Alternatively, the switch/server 112 may comprise a dedicated server for transferring and/or connecting calls to/from the communications devices 108 connected thereto.
The term "switch" and/or "server" as used herein should be understood to include a PBX, an enterprise switch, an enterprise server, or other type of telecommunications system switch or server, as well as other types of processor-based communication control devices such as media servers (i.e., email servers, voicemail servers, web servers, and the like), computers, adjuncts, etc.
The switch/server 112 may include a network monitor 116 capable of monitoring various parameters related to the performance of the communication network 104. Examples of performance parameters that may monitored by the network monitor 116 include, without limitation, jitter, packet loss, packet delay, bandwidth availability, or other parameters related to the quality of service of the communication network 104.
For instances where the performance of the communication network 104 is identified by the network monitor 116 as being below a particular threshold, a switch/server 112 may further include a buffer 120. The buffer 120 can be used to buffer incoming and/or outgoing packets of data into larger conversation segments when the performance of the communication network 104 is below a certain predetermined threshold. In other words, when the communication network 104 performance becomes compromised, data being sent from a communication device 108 connected directly to the switch/server 112 may be temporarily stored and formed into segments on the transmission buffer 128 before the segments are transmitted to a destination communication device 108, which may or may not be connected directly to the switch/server 112. Also, data being transmitted from a communication device 108 not connected directly to the switch/server 112 may be temporarily stored and formed into segments on the receiving buffer 132 before the segments are transmitted to the communication device 108 connected directly to the switch/server 112. In one embodiment, both the transmitting communication device 108 and the receiving communication device 108 are connected to different switch/servers 112 and data packets are buffered at each switch/server 112 during periods of poor network 104 performance.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, data may be buffered into segments that are long enough to be replayed to the recipient in comprehensible segments (e.g., several seconds long). In one configuration, silence detection methods, typically employed to save bandwidth, may be employed to break up conversation segments into comprehensible chunks. Of course, other speech and data analysis tools may also be employed to determine how large segments should be before they are transmitted to the recipient.
The switch/server 112 may further include a compression agent 124 that includes a number of compression/decompression algorithms. The compression agent 124 may be used differently depending upon whether the communication network 104 is performing satisfactorily or not. For example, if the communication network 104 is performing properly and there are no serious problems with packet loss, delay, bandwidth, etc., then the compression agent 124 may employ very minimal compression of packets passing through the switch/server 112 in an attempt to minimize the conversation latency. Alternatively, if the communication network 104 is not meeting performance thresholds, then the compression agent 124 may compress data packets while they are in the buffer 120. The incorporation of compression techniques during times when data is being buffered may provide for an increased speech quality and error rates. The improvement in data compression is made possible by the fact that when data is being buffered, compression algorithms work much better when the have access to "future" data relative to a current packet.
It should be emphasized that the configuration of the server 112, user communication devices 108, and other elements as shown in
With reference now to
A communication device 108 may additionally include memory 208 for use in connection with the execution of programming by the processor 204 and for the temporary or long-term storage of data or program instructions. The memory 208 may comprise solid-state memory resident, removable or remote in nature, such as DRAM and SDRAM. Where the processor 204 comprises a controller, the memory 208 may be integral to the processor 204. The memory 208 may be volatile and/or non-volatile memory.
In addition, the communication device 108 may include one or more user inputs 212 and one or more user outputs 216. Examples of user inputs 212 include, without limitation, keyboards, keypads, touch screens, touch pads, and microphones. Examples of user outputs 216 include, but are not limited to, speakers, display screens (including touch screen displays), and indicator lights. Furthermore, it can be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the user input 212 may be combined or operated in conjunction with a user output 216. An example of such an integrated user input 212 and user output 216 is a touch screen display that can both present visual information to a user and receive input selections from a user.
A communication device 108 may also include data storage 220 for the storage of application programming and/or data. In addition, operating system software 224 may be stored in the data storage 220. The data storage 220 may comprise, for example, a magnetic storage device, a solid-state storage device, an optical storage device, a logic circuit, or any combination of such devices. It should further be appreciated that the programs and data that may be maintained in the data storage 220 can comprise software, firmware or hardware logic, depending on the particular implementation of the data storage 220.
The data storage 220 may further include communications protocols 228. The communication protocols 228 may comprise a listing of various protocols that the communication device 108 can employ to communicate over the communication network 104. For example, the communication protocols 228 may enable the communication device 108 to communicate using TCP, UDP, and/or any other type of IP transport protocol.
Compression algorithms 232 may also be included in the data storage 220. The compression algorithms 232 may include various video, audio, or other media compression algorithms. Examples of video compression algorithms include, without limitation, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG-4/AVC, H.261, H.262, H.263, and H.264. Examples of audio compression algorithms that may be included in the compression algorithms 232 include, but are not limited to, MP3, MPEG-1 Layer II, AAC, G.711, G.722, G.723, G.726, G.728, G.729, G.729.1, or any variations thereof. As can be appreciated, image compression algorithms may also be included in the compression algorithms 232.
The data storage 220 may further include a network monitor application 236 for monitoring the status and performance of the communication network 104. The network monitor application 236 may monitor performance parameters similar to the network monitor 116. When the network monitor application 236 identifies that network 104 performance has degraded due to one or more parameters falling under a predetermined performance threshold, the network monitor 236 may signal the processor 204 to begin employing different communication protocols 228 as well as different compression algorithms 232. Additionally, when the processor 204 receives notice that the network performance is below a particular performance threshold, the processor 204 may begin to employ a buffer 240 in the transmitting mode if the communication device 108 is transmitting voice information as well as in the receiving mode if the communication device 108 is receiving voice information. When the user is speaking and therefore transmitting speech signals, the processor 204 may store data packets in a transmission buffer 248 until segments of a predetermined size are created. Then the segments can be transmitted across the communication network 104 to the receiving communication device 108. Also, a communication device 108 receiving data may store data packets in a receiving buffer 252 until segments of a predetermined size are created. After the segments have been reconstructed and the processor 204 can guarantee that most or all of the packets are accounted for, then the segment can be played to the user via the user output 216. Additionally, the packets corresponding to the segment played to the user may be deleted from the transmission buffer 248. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the size of the transmission buffer 248 and receiving buffer 252 may vary depending upon the network conditions. In other words, the relative size of the transmission buffer 248 and receiving buffer 252 may be dynamically altered depending upon who is talking and what the current conditions of the network 104 are. For example, if there is a first state of insufficient bandwidth available, then a TCP-like protocol may be employed with an equal amount of buffer space being available for the transmission 248 and receiving 252 buffers. When network 104 performance further degrades, then more buffer space may be allocated for the transmission buffer 248 in comparison to the receiving buffer 252. Alternatively, if it is determined that the other participant is doing most of the talking, then more space may be allocated to the receiving buffer 252 instead of the transmission buffer 248.
The user output 216 may also be used to display to each user the status of the conversation. In other words, the user output 216 may display the buffering status of the transmitting communication device 108 as well as the buffering status of the receiving communication device 108. Displaying the buffering status of both communication devices 108 allows both participants in a bidirectional conversation to know when they can speak and reduces potential problems associated with talkover. Buffering status for one communication device 108 may be transmitted to another communication device in data packets in addition to the packets carrying voice information. This allows one communication device 108 to be aware of the buffering status of the other communication device 108. Additionally, a communication device 108 associated with a non-speaking participant may transmit the status of its receiving buffer 252 back to the communication device 108 associated with the speaking participant. During this type of transmission, the receiving buffer 252 status is sent in packets that are not accompanied by packets carrying voice information. More specifically, one user output 216 may display the status of the transmission buffer 248 associated with the speaking participant's communication device 108 and the status of the receiving buffer 252 associated with the listening participant's communication device 108.
A communication device 108 may also include one or more communication network interfaces 244. Examples of communication network interfaces 244 include, but are not limited to, a network interface card, a modem, a wired telephony port, a serial or parallel data port, radio frequency broadcast receiver, a USB port, or other wired or wireless communication network interfaces.
With reference now to
After initiation, the communication devices 108 of each party are connected through the communication network 104 (step 308). Once connected, the parties can begin conducting a conversation using a UDP-like transportation protocol (step 312). A UDP-like transportation protocol is characterized by the fact that packet delivery reliability and ordering guarantees are not provided. Rather, a UDP-like transportation protocol will interpolate for lost packets rather than request retransmission of lost packets, thus making the UDP-like protocol useful in time-sensitive applications.
As the conversation progresses, a network monitor 116, 236 monitors the network 104 performance (step 316). As a part of monitoring network 104 performance, the network monitor 116, 236 may monitor various parameters of network 104 performance such as jitter, packet loss, packet delay, bandwidth availability, or other quality of service parameters. As the network monitor 236 monitors these parameters it continually determines if network performance is sufficient (step 320). The sufficiency of the network performance may be predefined and based on experimental data related to network performance. A threshold may be established such that if one or more or a combination of parameters are below a particular threshold, then the network 104 performance may be deemed insufficient. Alternatively, a threshold accounting for a weighted sum of the parameters may be employed to determine if the network performance is sufficient. In still other embodiment, a communication device 108 may be provided with a user input 212 that can be engaged by the conversation participant when the participant believes that the performance is too low and the conversation has become unintelligible. If the network 104 performance continues to stay above a certain threshold, then the conversation will continue with the UDP-like transportation protocol. However, if the network 104 performance becomes insufficient as determined either by the participant or by some predefined criteria, then transmitted packets start going into a buffer 120, 240 (step 324). As noted above, the buffering of the transmitted packets may occur at the receiving communication device 108, and/or on a switch/server 112 somewhere therebetween.
The packets are buffered into segments such that the segments can be replayed to a user in comprehensible chunks rather than being delivered to the user on a packet-by-packet basis as is typically done with UDP-like transportation protocols. Since the packets are being buffered, a delay will be introduced into the transmission of signals from the speaking participant to the receiving participant. For this reason, when buffering does begin, both participants are notified that buffering is taking place (step 328). The notification may be sent in an audible and/or visual form. Audible forms of notification include a beep or a message saying that buffering has begun. Visual forms of notification include illumination of a light or presenting a display to the participants. The notification is meant to alert the participants that the conversation will begin to be delayed and the participants may need to wait for a period of time before they begin to speak.
To further assist the participants in determining when the other participant is done speaking and the signals have been completely transmitted, the status of the buffering may be displayed to the participants via the user output 216 (step 332). Each participant may be shown the status of the sending participant's transmission buffer as well as the status of their own receiving buffer. Furthermore, each participant may also be presented with information related to their own transmission buffer and the other party's receiving buffer. For example, two bar graphs may be presented to each participant. The first graph may represent the number of packets that are currently stored in a buffer 120, 240 associated with the speaker, whereas the second graph may represent the number of packets that are stored in a buffer 120, 240 associated with the receiving participant. By displaying the number of packets in the buffer or some equivalent representation thereof, the listening participant will know approximately how long to wait before the speaker is finished. This also allows the listening participant to know that he/she is not speaking over the other participant. Other indications of buffering status may be provided to the participants such as the percentage of buffer 120, 240 filled with packets or the amount of time that is currently stored in the buffer 120, 240.
In one embodiment, communication devices 108 can send signals to one another indicating how much data remains to be sent (i.e., how much data is buffered). The indications require very little bandwidth and may be piggybacked with regular voice packets. The indications can be used to display to the participants information about the other end (e.g., that the other participant is speaking, how much speech has been received, how much is buffered for play, and how much remains to be transmitted). Participants may also be shown how much of their own speech has been sent and how much has been played. Additionally, the participants may be provided with network performance information, which can be used to understand why the signals are being buffered the way they are.
As a part of initiating packet buffering, the conversation may change from the UDP-like transportation protocol to the TCP-like transportation protocol where the retransmission of missing and/or unordered packets can be requested by the receiving end switch/server 112 and/or communication device 108 (step 336). Changing from the UDP-like protocol to the TCP-like protocol helps guarantee a higher level of signal transmission quality during times of insufficient network 104 quality. Of course, a user may be able to set thresholds that determine when the change from the UDP-like protocol to the TCP-like protocol should occur. The user-defined thresholds may also be disabled or changed by the user during a conversation if they wish to sacrifice conversation quality for latency.
To further enhance the quality of the conversation and efficiency with which network 104 bandwidth is used, the signals may be compressed while they are being buffered. Therefore, when the transportation protocols changes from the UDP-like protocol to the TCP-like protocol, the compression algorithms may be adjusted as well (step 340). The new compression algorithms may be chosen by the compression agent 124 and/or from the compression algorithms 232 stored on the communication device 108. The compression is typically performed at the transmitting end prior to transmission across the communication network 104. The compression of signals prior to transmission can help improve the conversation quality in terms of bandwidth used, improved error rates, and so on.
The communication equipment, including the communication devices 108 and switch/servers 112, also need to be notified that other devices have begun buffering data packets. When buffering begins, the format of the packets may change since additional information may be included in the packet header as a result of changing from the UDP-like protocol to the TCP-like protocol. Moreover, if the compression of the packets has changed, the receiving switch/server 112 and/or communication device 108 needs to be apprised of that fact so that the packets can be properly decompressed. Changing to a system where packets are buffered does not need to be synchronized between the communication devices 108, but each side of the conversation needs to be made aware of the actions of the other side. One communication device 108 may send a signal to the other communication device 108 to complete this notification. In an alternative embodiment, both communication devices 108 (or switch/servers 112) may have similar rules related to the thresholds associated with network 104 performance, such that both sides of the conversation will begin buffering and change from the UDP to the TCP-like protocol at substantially the same time. A buffer is built up at each end such that intelligible segments of the conversation can be transmitted and maintained at a time. Once the complete transmission of a given segment has been verified, then data from that segment may be deleted from the transmitting buffer 132, 248.
After an adequate amount of packets have been buffered into a segment, the data segment is transmitted across the communication network 104 (step 344). The packets are still transmitted individually as packets but the segment maintained in a buffer 120, 240 associated with the receiving participant until all of the packets associated with the sent segment are received and properly placed in order. For that reason, the packets are reconstructed in a buffer 120, 240 associated with the receiving participant until the segment is completely reconstructed (step 348). Once the segment has been reconstructed at the receiving end, the segment is played to the recipient (step 352). The segments may correspond to a complete word, a partial sentence, or even a complete sentence depending upon the size of the buffer 120, 240 and other considerations such as desired delay. In one embodiment silence detection mechanisms may be employed to detect when a word or sentence is completed, thereby helping determine how large a segment should be before it is played to the participant. Additionally, silence detection mechanism may be employed to determine when a participant is speaking and if a participant is speaking, then segments may not be maintained in the buffer until the participant is done speaking.
In accordance with one embodiment, if a communication device 108 or switch/server 112 detects that it is up to date with the conversation (e.g., that it has played all of the received data and transmitted all of the local data), then the communication device 108 may revert back to the UDP-like transportation protocol and attempt to use standard interpolation techniques to smooth over minor transmission problems.
As the network performance is tested, it is determined whether there is sufficient network bandwidth to sustain the increased load (step 412). If the network 104 cannot handle the increased load, that is, if after testing it is determined that transmission quality would be greatly compromised if packets were sent more quickly, then the network 104 performance will continue to be tested (step 408). However, if the network 104 does pass the initial test, which may have included transmission of test packets or an increased data transmission rate, then it is determined if the network 104 performance (e.g., bandwidth), is above the predetermined parameter thresholds associated therewith (step 416). If the network 104 performance has increased somewhat but not enough to meet the thresholds of network 104 performance, then the buffering will continue but at a decreased rate (step 420) and the network 104 performance quality will continue to be tested (step 408). In other words, packets are sent at a higher rate but the TCP-like protocol is still employed and data buffering continues. However, if the network 104 performance meets the performance thresholds, then the communication endpoints 108 and/or switch/servers 112 will change to using a UDP-like transportation protocol and discontinue the buffering of data packets (step 424). U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040073641, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a method of testing and identifying network 104 performance problems and also determining when such problems have subsided.
It is in the interest of each end to keep pushing the boundaries of the network 104 performance by ramping up packet usage and transmission rates until the transmission quality (i.e., number of lost packets, number of mis-ordered packets, number of late packets, jitter values) falls below the quality thresholds. The use of the TCP-like protocol should continue until both sides realize that the appropriate bandwidth is available and proper packet loss, jitter values, etc, associated with a normal connection can be obtained. However, the size and rate at which buffered segments are sent across the communication network 104 may be adjusted during the conversation in an attempt to maximize conversation quality and minimize conversation latency. The adjustments are generally made based upon the monitored network 104 performance.
The following example may be considered to further an understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Suppose that participants A and B are speaking to each other during a communication session at 30 Kbps. Occasional lost packets are filled in and jitter is automatically handled. Somewhere else in the communication network 104, a large file transfer begins, a router goes down, or three more calls start up. In response to this change in network usage, now only 10 Kbps of bandwidth is available. When this particular change occurred, suppose that participant A is speaking. The two communication devices 108 quickly realize (via the network monitor 116, 236) that packets are being lost. In response to this realization, the transmitting communication device 108 begin buffering A's voice at the transmission end. Additionally, the communication device 108 begins buffering A's voice at the receiving end. When the network performance worsens, B hears A's voice cut out, and B asks, "Are you still there?" This speech is buffered at B's communication device 108, and accumulates at A's end. B realizes that something is wrong and references the user output 216.
Instead of hearing chopped up packets, both participants hear silence and see a display that shows how much of their current speech is backlogged. The participants also see how much speech is waiting for them from the other participant. A finishes his sentence that was cut out, and stops talking to wait.
As A's sentence arrives at B's end, B has finished asking "Are you still there?" A's sentence is played for B. While this occurs, B's sentence "Are you still there?" arrives at A's end and A can see that it was said while his sentence was being transmitted to B. B can reply to A's sentence and begin the transmission of the new sentence. Now, A can see that B is talking and waits for the reply to his last sentence to be transmitted. While B's reply is being transmitted, the network conditions may be restored. B's sentence arrives at A's communication device 108 and is accordingly replayed. A starts talking and is immediately heard by B, at which point both participants can see that the delay is minimal and normal communications are possible again.
In accordance with one embodiment, it is a goal to ensure that when the network 104 is no longer capable of transmitting intelligible real-time speech, the VoIP system adapts by allowing as much delay as is necessary to restore intelligibility. In the process, advantages can be captured due to the delay tradeoff such as increasing the efficiency with which bandwidth is used. Also, participants are provided with the feedback they need to anticipate and cope with the delays in the conversation, until normal VoIP services are possible.
In one embodiment, the sending communication device 108 might also allow the participant to enable a push-to-talk system to indicate when they are talking. This particular feature may be useful in noisy environments and allows the participant more control over what is said. During periods of adequate network performance, the push-to-talk button may be used to lower bandwidth requirements and as a replacement for silence suppression. However, during periods of inadequate network performance, the push-to-talk button may be used to control segment size.
In accordance with one embodiment, speech analysis can also be used to display information to the participants relating to what the other participant has heard when they started talking. If the participants are able to avoid talking over one another, a comprehensible transcript may be generated using a speech-to-text (STT) mechanism. This will provide a much better indication at both ends of how the conversation is proceeding, while retaining the full nuances of audible speech. In cases of extremely poor network performance, the system may revert to a completely text-based system.
The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.
The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.
Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
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text:
This uses the newer dual-core Indilinx Everest controller which features advanced Error Code Correction (ECC), dynamic wear leveling, and is better at reading incompressible data, which Asynchronous NAND has a more difficult time with.
up to 420MB/s read; up to 410MB/s write; SATA 6Gbps; TRIM support
Newegg has the Transcend SSD720 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive w/ Built-in ECC & 256-Bit Hardware Encryption, for $349.99 Free Shipping. Tax in CA, NJ, TN.
This flag-ship drive from Transcend uses 24nm Toggle flash, has a 7mm height for ultra-portable laptops, and includes nice extras such as a Desktop Bracket and software.
$20 rebate Exp 10/15/12

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Affordable Housing
Housing Choice Vouchers
Low Income Housing
Public Housing
Senior Housing
Avoiding Home Foreclosure
Buying A Foreclosed Home
Rental Assistance
Published:Tue, 07 Apr 2015 12:09:18 -0700
For people who cannot afford adequate housing, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides several different forms of assistance. HUD works through a local Publi......
Published:Sun, 05 Apr 2015 13:23:22 -0700
With a HUD official in town last week bearing word of a $3 million job training grant for public housing residents, city leaders remained focused on w.........
Published:Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:34:54 -0700
Vice President Joe Biden and Castro, secretary of Housing and Urban Development, anchored a conference at HUD aimed at bringing awareness to the crisis in affordable housing. "R......
Published:Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:10:14 -0700
Can you imagine paying $1,000 a month in rent to live in a one-car garage? Nicole, a 30-year-old woman, doesn't have to imagine this scenario because it's her everyday rea......
Published:Tue, 07 Apr 2015 12:19:32 -0700
Vice President Joe Biden and Castro, secretary of Housing and Urban Development, anchored a conference at HUD aimed at bringing awareness to the crisis in affordable housing. "R......
What Is HUD?
The term HUD is an acronym for the U.S. Government Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD was created in 1965, and is a federal agency which manages many different housing programs. In general these HUD programs promote home ownership and affordable housing.
HUD Housing Information
The purpose of the Department of HUD is to provide all Americans the opportunity to have quality and affordable housing.
It is important to remember that HUD is a government agency that is there to assist you in meeting your housing needs. If you are in need of temporary housing, permanent housing, low income housing, senior housing, or emergency housing, take a look at the various HUD housing programs to see the ones that will benefit you.
Within the Department of HUD, there is the Office of Housing. The Office of Housing manages the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is the largest mortgage insurer in the world.
The mission of the HUD Office of Housing is:
1. To contribute to buildling and preserving healthy neighborhoods and communities.
2. Maintain and expand homeownership, rental housing, and healthcare opportunities.
3. Stabilize the credit markets in times of economic disruption.
4. Operate with a high degree of public and fiscal accountability.
5. Recognize and vaule its customers, staff, constituents, and partners.
The HUD Office of Housing oversees three main areas:
1. Single Family Housing - The HUD Single Family programs provide mortgage insurance on loans for buying new or exisiting homes, manufactured homes, condominiums, houses in need of repair, and for reverse equity mortgages for older age homeowners.
2. Multifamily Housing - These HUD programs offer mortgage insurance to HUD-approved lenders to assist in the construction, purchase and refinancing of multifamily housing projects and healthcare facilities.
3. Regulatory Programs - These HUD programs were created to help homeowners, homebuyers, and regulate real estate transactions.
HUD Housing also provides you with useful information and assistance with the following:
Buying a Home - The decision to purchase a home is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. While many of your home buying decisions may seem obvious, there are many others that you may overlook. HUD Housing provides you with the information you need when buying a home.This information is very useful for first time home buyers.
When buying a home, there are nine steps you should follow:
1. Determine how much you can afford.
2. Know your rights when buying a home.
3. Shop around for a loan.
4. Learn about the available homebuying programs.
5. Shop for a home.
6. Making an offer on a home.
7. Get a home inspection.
8. Shop for homeowners insurance.
9. Signing the papers.
Rental Housing Assistance - If you want to rent a house or apartment, HUD has three different rental assistance programs that were designed to meet your needs.
1. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
This HUD rental assistance program was formerly known as Section 8 housing. The housing voucher program gives you the flexibility to find your own housing and use the housing vouchers to pay for some or all of your rent.
To apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, you will need to contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
2. Privately Owned Subsidized Housing
Subsidized housing allows owners of apartments to provide low-income tenants with reduced rent. Apartment owners that participate in the program are given money directly from the government to lower their rent for low-income tenants.
Low rent apartments are available to low-income families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. To determine if you are eligible you will need to meet the income limit for the area in which you live. If you want to apply, you need to visit the management office for the apartments you are interested in.
HUD provides you with affordable apartments if you are a low-income family, have a disability, or are elderly. If you are interested in public housing and think you are eligible, you will need to contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
Fair Housing Information - The month of April is Fair Housing Month which celebrates the passage of the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to discriminate in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or family status.
If you have been trying to purchase or rent a house or apartment and you feel that you have been discriminated against, you can file a fair housing complaint.
Foreclosure Information - If you are currently in the process of home foreclosure or are concerned about foreclosure, there are several steps you can take to avoid foreclosure and ultimately losing your home.
To try and avoid foreclosure you should:
1. Get advice and assistance as soon as possible by talking to housing counselors and your lender.
2. Learn how to avoid foreclosure and how to be aware of foreclosure scams.
3. Learn more about alternative refinancing options.
4. If you do lose your home, know your redemption options and assistance that is available.
Housing Counseling Information - HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the United States that can provide you free or low cost housing advice. The housing counselors can offer you advice on buying a home, renting an apartment, avoiding foreclosure, default on a mortgage, reverse mortgages, and issues involving your credit situation.
WhatIsHUD.com is an information website owned by What Is It LLC.
Learn more about What Is It at MyWhatIsIt.com... "We Simplify The Complex".
The official U.S. Government HUD Web site is HUD.gov


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The recent truck bombing of the U.S. combat outpost in the village of Sadah in Diyala province—a bombing that killed nine soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division and injured twenty others—reveals one of the trade-offs of the new strategy that General David Petraeus is adopting. By pushing more troops off their giant Forward Operating Bases (FOB's), Petraeus is, at least in the short term, increasing their vulnerability. The smaller the outpost, the harder it is to defend.
Giant FOB's like the Camp Victory/Camp Liberty complex near Baghdad Airport are almost invulnerable to ground attack. They are heavily barricaded and guarded; any VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) going off at an entrance would do scant damage because the bulk of American personnel are miles away. The only real danger is occasional mortar or rocket fire—what the military calls "IDF," indirect fire—which occasionally hurts someone but more often lands harmlessly. (There were several such attacks while I was at Camp Victory recently.)
By contrast, the Sadah outpost was set up in a school, with the perimeter relatively close to the building that housed American troops. According to Sudarsan Raghavan and Thomas E. Ricks of the Washington Post, one suicide bomber was able to ram his truck into a checkpoint, blasting a hole. Another truck filled with explosives passed through this hole, reaching a concrete wall only 90 feet from the building housing our troops. This building itself was not penetrated by either truck, but the blast waves were close enough to do serious structural damage, causing death and injury to those nearby and inside. Some soldiers were even buried in the rubble.
This is a tragedy. And, unfortunately, we can expect more of the same. Insurgents will continue testing our new Combat Outposts (COP's) and Joint Security Stations (JSS's) with car bombs, mortars, and perhaps even infantry assaults until they are convinced that these attacks will not deter us from expanding our presence. (Or until we decide to pull back.)
But the strategy of concentrating U.S. troops in giant bases, though superficially alluring, carries its own heavy risks. The biggest risk of all is that the troops won't be able to accomplish the job they were sent to do. You can't wage counterinsurgency from a long distance. You have to live among the people you're defending. When U.S. soldiers commute to work in Humvees, not only do they find themselves unable to control their AOR's (Areas of Responsibility), they also find themselves vulnerable to roadside bombs. By getting to know their neighborhoods—which, in most cases, requires foot patrols—troops can gather the intelligence necessary to round up insurgents and establish security for the population.
Over time this strategy will decrease risks not only for Iraqis but also for American troops. But the short-term costs will be real, as the Sadah bombing showed.


text:
Learning Resources
You need to get Flash installed. Get Flash it here.
- increases knowledge of intervalic relationships within the diatonic scales.
-helps develop muscle memorization, and finger independence.
You should already know, and be able to play the scale pattern
Expand:Our example demonstrates this exercise through pattern 1 of the G Major scale. It is highly recommended that you ultimately practice this exercise through all five patterns of the Major scale, and in different keys.


text:
With Instructables you can share what you make with the world and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.
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How to Make an Origami Ninja Star Braceletby Marik I.
Duck Tape Throwing Starby buildingandblogging
Origami Ninja Star (Shuriken) - Video Instructionsby origamite
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Origami Ninja Shuriken (Ninja Star)!by TCGames
How to make a double sided (heavy) Ninja Star!by TCGames
How to make an origami transforming Ninja Star (Shurriken)!by TCGames
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text:
What is goiter?
Goiter refers to an enlargement of the thyroid gland. This condition usually occurs when the thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormone, so it tries to compensate by growing in size. There are two varieties of simple goiter: endemic goiter, which occurs because of iodine deficiency in the diet, and sporadic goiter, which often develops for no known reason. In both cases, the primary symptom is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, a small gland in the front of the neck. While this article focuses on simple goiter, other causes of an enlarged thyroid gland are inflammatory conditions and nodules or tumors.
Endemic goiter is very rare in the United States because of the use of iodized table salt; however, it occurs more frequently in other areas of the world. While the specific causes of sporadic goiter are often not known, they may include genetics and medication side effects.
In addition to the characteristic lump that occurs with goiter, you may experience difficulty breathing or trouble swallowing, or you may have a cough or sore throat. In mild cases of goiter, you may have a small lump, which may not be accompanied by any other symptoms and therefore may not require treatment. In moderate cases due to iodine deficiency, iodine may be sufficient to treat the problem. In more severe cases, thyroid hormones, radioactive iodine, or surgery may be necessary to treat the goiter.
Simple goiters may resolve spontaneously or with the addition of dietary iodine. If a serious goiter goes untreated, however, it may enlarge and begin to interfere with the normal production of thyroid hormones. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can result.
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms of goiter, such as difficulty breathing.
Seek prompt medical care for persistent or uncomfortable goiter, as leaving goiter untreated may lead to either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
What are the symptoms of goiter?
The primary symptom of goiter is a swelling or lump on the front of the
neck, which is due to an enlarged thyroid. In mild cases, goiter causes
no other symptoms and thyroid function may be normal. In more serious
cases, pressure from the goiter can interfere with swallowing, chewing
or speaking. Other symptoms of goiter are related to dysfunction of the
thyroid and hormone imbalance.
Read more about goitersymptoms
What causes goiter?
A goiter is an increase in the amount of thyroid gland tissue in the neck. It is part of the body's compensation mechanism for inadequate production of thyroid hormones, which include thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The two types of simple goiter arise from different causes.
Causes of endemic goiterEndemic goiter, also called colloidal goiter, occurs due to iodine defi... Read more about goitercauses
How is goiter treated?
In many cases, simple goiters will resolve spontaneously. Unless goiter symptoms are problematic, goiter generally does not require treatment. In cases of goiter caused by iodine deficiency, iodine supplements may provide adequate treatment. If goiter symptoms are more serious, however, medical treatment may be required.


text:
Veolia (http://www.veolia.com.au/) is a huge water company. It is second only to Suez which is the biggest water company and part of the consortium building the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant. Veolia also ran Melbourne's trains until recent times under the name of Connex. With the desal contract it was a choice between the consortium centred on Suez or the consortium centred on Veolia.
Coliban Water is a public water authority situated in central-northern Victoria. Veolia has had, for many years, contracts with Coliban. It continues to have contracts with Coliban and will so in the future. Yet on the Board of Coliban, and their Environment Committee, sits a senior executive of Veolia. I believe this raises questions of probity and transparency - to say the least.
Recently this Victorian-based executive living within the area of Coliban Water has become the Group General Manager of Veolia in Tasmania. Nice picture of him with crayfish on the 'net. His picture is still on the Coliban Water website as a member of the Board. So what does this mean? 1) Website needs updating or 2) Execultive works in Tasmania but commutes to Coliban Water board meetings.
Could someone follow up on this, please, and advise?


text: Prev | Next Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the creator, director, host and executive producer of the online variety series "HITRECORD ON TV," poses before a screening of the show at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Gallery: Scenes from Sundance Jan. 19, 2014 @ 07:42 AM The Herald-Dispatch / 2015 Utah was buzzing this week with new independent films and their stars during the Sundance Film Festival this weekend in Park City. (u'nobuy',)


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Jennifer Hearell is in her early to mid-twenties, 5'4" and weighs about 140 pounds. She was last seen on Denmark Street wearing jeans, a red Georgia sweatshirt with a gray Georgia shirt and tan sliding shoes.
If you have seen Hearell or have any information on her whereabouts, contact the Statesboro Police Department immediately.


text:
Shackleton's Epic: Recreating the World's Greatest Journey of SurvivalHardback
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- Publisher: William Collins
- Format: Hardback | 272 pages
- Dimensions: 195mm x 252mm x 28mm | 1,210g
- Publication date: 21 November 2013
- Publication City/Country: London
- Illustrations note: With index
- Sales rank: 90,666
Product description
'Never for me the lowered banner, never the last endeavour' SIR ERNEST SHACKLETON APRIL 1916: After his ship Endurance was crushed by Antarctic ice and now trapped on a small inhospitable island, cut off from all hope of help, with winter approaching, Sir Ernest Shackleton made the fateful decision to attempt a risky, almost foolhardy voyage across the wild Southern Ocean to South Georgia with five of his men. From there, he would attempt to trek over unmapped and treacherous glaciers to reach safety. Neither journey had ever been attempted before. Showing the courage and leadership which would become synonymous with his name, Shackleton prevailed, and returned to rescue the entire crew of his ill-fated ship. His feat was dubbed the greatest survival journey of all time. JANUARY 2013: Using the same equipment as Shackleton, eating the same food, sailing a replica of the small, keel-less boat, author, explorer and environmental scientist Tim Jarvis led a six-man crew in an attempt to recreate Shackleton's epic journey for the first time. A veteran of Antarctica's frozen wastes, Tim found himself facing his greatest challenge yet - a never ending struggle against conditions which fought him all the way. Shackleton's Epic tells the stories of these two expeditions, separated by nearly one hundred years, but unified by the struggle to survive the timeless savagery of the Southern Hemisphere.
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Author information
Author, explorer and scientist, Tim Jarvis has made five expeditions to Antarctica and the high Arctic. His recreation of Sir Douglas Mawson's 1913 trek across Antarctica was made into an award winning documentary: Mawson: Life and Death in Antarctica. When he's not struggling through snow and ice and near-death experiences, Tim lives in Adelaide, Australia with his wife, Elizabeth, and their young family.
Review quote
'Though the circumstances of Shackleton's journey were unrepeatable, Mr Jarvis's tribute expedition has had a danger and heroism that are worthy of the original' Guardian


text:
Grant Wood, ca. 1933
Physical Details: Photographic print : 1 item : b&w ; 10 x 13 cm.
Creator: unidentified photographer
Description: Wood painting a wagon outdoors.
Identification on verso (handwritten) : "Grant Wood putting the finishing touches on his ice wagon - Stone City."
"Identification on accompanying label (typewritten): Grant Wood (1892-1942). His early work, using the rural life and people of Iowa, showed the influence of his interest in 15th and 16th century Flemish and German painting."
Published in: Archives of American Art Journal v. 3, no. 4, p. 1
Forms part of: Edward Beatty Rowan papers, 1929-1946
Citation: Grant Wood, ca. 1933
Digital ID: 2452
- Artists at or with their work
- Painting
- Stone City, Iowa
- Wood, Grant
View all Image Gallery items from the Edward Beatty Rowan papers


text:
Snooki crashes her car into her police escort in Italy while Deena Cortese rides in the passenger seat. (May 30, 2011)
these chicks look like dudes in some sort of drag… wtf
"I told her to step on the short fat pedal!" This is proof that Snookis mind is programmed to see thing different from the rest of the world.
Too bad it didn't kill the stupid cunt.
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text:
It's "Awwws" to the walls up in here, as Alicia Keys has revealed that her little 2-year-old bundle Egypt Dean has a crush on Beyonce and Jay-Z's daughter, fellow celeb power-couple offspring Blue Ivy Carter!
Alicia's son with hip-hop husband Swizz Beatz has baby-love for baby Blue, that much is for sure. And get ready for your cute-o-meter to explode, because apparently the two tots have even shared a tiny peck. The little guy's got guts, we'll give him that!
"I think Egypt kissed Blue and I don't think Jay liked it very much," Alicia revealed on The Wendy Williams Show. "He called my husband and he was like, 'Umm, watch your son.'" We're pretty sure Hova was just playing, considering the fact that the two couples were seen chatting court-side at a Houston basketball game on Sunday. Jay even had time to chill with his potential-future-son-in-law. So all's cool for some serious super couple match-making down the road.


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Khandi was a Champion as of 2008 and became a . Top 10 Soft coated Wheaten in 2009 and on to 2010 Khandi is now a GCH CH Michaleen"s Song "O Morningstar
KHANDI IS A TOP 5 WHEATEN 2010 In 2011 Khandi was the top Bitch and Went to win BOB at the Westminster Kennel Club . After a brief time for a litter of puppies She will go back to the ring with her two puppies as well in 2012
Return to the Winners and
Bragging Rights Main Menu
Return to InfoDog.com
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text:
Thomas (Brad) Shaver, 42, of Johnson City, TN passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2011 after a brief illness.
He was preceded in death by his loving father, Thomas L. Shaver and by his paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. L.C. Shaver of Blacksburg, VA and his maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. W. Penn Davis also of Blacksburg.
Brad loved basketball and was always ready for a game.
Brad is survived by his loving mother, Mrs. Thomas (Barbara) Shaver of Johnson City. Also surviving are Aunts, Uncles and many Cousins. Very best friends, Jeff Oler of Dallas, TX and Gary Roberts of Johnson City. Many thanks and love go out to friend and caregiver, Sam Rayburn.
He will be missed by his pets, Chacker (rabbit) and Benji (the dog).
The family wishes to thank Brad's many friends for their many visits and their love and kindness during his illness.
Graveside services will be conducted 1:00 Tuesday from the West View Cemetery in Blacksburg, VA. Rev. Greg Kitts will officiate. The family will receive friends at Morris-Baker from 6:00 until 8:00 pm on Monday. The family requests donations be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, P.O. Box 810, Memphis, TN. 38101.
Online condolences may be made to the family via www.morrisbaker.com  . Arrangements are entrusted to Morris Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City. 423-282-1521.


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We want you to be happy with your decision, so look for an email soon to Customize Your Experience!
"In the spring, we do a department spring cleaning where we give everyone some time to clean out their file drawers, in-baskets, clear the clutter from their desks, the department file cabinets, etc. We provide basic cleaning supplies like glass cleaner, anti-bacterial wipes, etc. After about 30-45 minutes of spring cleaning, we serve popsicles or ice cream treats."
Amber Martinez, Time Entry Supervisor
Robert Half International
Get daily insights, ideas, and inspiration on all thingsemployee recognition, corporate culture, wellness and more!


text:
What Are We Made Of?
Grade Level: 6-8
Lesson Time: 30-60 Minutes
Our Solar System,
Genesis (Our Solar System)
Download This Lesson
Short Description: Students learn that elements are the basic building blocks of all things found on Earth and in space including water, the human body, the Earth, the sun, and the planets. By counting elements extracted from a simulated sample, students explore how the extraction of atoms from the Genesis samples help scientists have a better understanding of the abundances of elements from the solar wind. This hands-on experience helps students discover that the elemental abundances from the sun can be used as a baseline to compare with the diverse bodies of our solar system.
Why We Chose This Lesson
This lesson was chosen for its quality and potential alignment to Next Generation Science Standards.
Read the Rubric for This Lesson
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Read more: NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas
Read more: Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS
Crosscutting Concepts:
Read more: NGSS Crosscutting Concepts
Credit: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory


text:
Why No Chewing…?
Well…if you are chewing it,
you're missing it!
Missing the experience…
Squeeze it gently between your tongue and upper palate.
It will start to melt immediately. Move it around your mouth
and feel the rich flavor comes alive.
Enjoy the creamy feel of smoothness…..Mmmm….
Made in France for three quarters of a century we carry on the
roots of the traditional French Truffle, which have been passed on
from generation to generation.
No Chewing Allowed! Truffles will impress and satisfy even the
most discerning palate, delivering a rich, exquisite taste and
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Enjoy, and please remember…..NO CHEWING ALLOWED! Just let it melt in your mouth.
Our fine Truffles are sensitive to heat, please keep in a dry and cool place up to 65° F. If kept refrigerated allow them to warm back to room temperature before serving.


text:
Covers the basics of operating the mocha software, as well as advanced tracking and rotoscoping techniques.
"There are quite a few things that make lynda.com the best online learning platform. One of the greatest is that you guys listen and respond to your audience and I can't thank you enough for doing so." —Nathan
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Textingit API
An SMS API for mobile marketing campaigns. Use this API as part of a cost-effective, flexible, private-label solution. Possible uses are campaigns, real-time alerts, interactive displays, site integration, or customer support, classifieds, and real estate. Send messages to certain phone numbers. If the message is over 160 characters, the message will be broken into parts automatically. You also can schedule messages and specify a time zone for them. Cancel scheduled messages as needed. Enter a message ID and learn its delivery status.
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John Favicchia here
He is one of my favorite fusion/jazzy/Latin drummers around. His music with his band (Dharma Allstars) is excellent, I just can't get enough!! I did his website (johnfav.com and be warned Mozilla users, your version is not done yet, lol) and talked to him on the phone and he is very relaxed person to talk to and is just great in general. Here is his bio [hint hint Bernhard, ; ) ].
One of todays top players, New York-based John Favicchia has performed and/or recorded with such greats as Steve Khan, Tony Levin, Chieli Minucci, Lonnie Plaxico, John Benitez, Harvie Swartz, Larry Coryell, Dean Brown,Chris Geith and Bob Malach. His band Dharma All Stars blends various styles into a powerful blast of fusion that spans the extremes of the dynamic range, Favicchia has been busy touring and recording as well as stepping up to the plate with his own solo releases. His debut, World Time, earned rave reviews and was a Top 10 Critics Pick of the Year in Jazziz Magazine. The latest, Dharma, offers an intriguing mix of melody, eclecticism, and tight ensemble playing with the likes of all-star guests including Khan, Brown, Swartz, Dave Mann, and Chieli Minucci. Favicchia is all about the mindful side of playing drums of making music from the mind, for the mind. Definitely, he says, Its all about the soul and the mind, but its very visceral as well. Im caressing the sounds out of my cymbals in one bar, but when the music takes off and I start to wail, I take no prisoners.
Increasingly in demand for drum clinics and festivals, John has recently played such major events as:
Cape Brenton Drum Fest Canada
Denver Music Institute Denver ,CO
Drummers Collective NYC
Quebec City Music, Canada
Just Drums, Toronto Canada
Slam Jam 05 New Jersey
East Coast Guitar Center Tour
Sam Ash Music US Tour
Long Island Drum Center
Said Mike Lomonaco, Just Drums, Toronto: John Favicchia is great. Hes a dynamic, very involved player who blew us all away with his great playing and personality. When he arrived to play his clinic not everyone knew who he was. He soon changed that! John Endorses: Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Remo drum heads. L.P. Percussion, Hansenfutz practice pedals, Real Feel Pads, DrumFun and Samson Mics.
and a few vids ....
some sound clips of his band...
Thats about it, enjoy!
Re: John Favicchia
Yes. I'd love to take a lesson off of John one of these days. He is a very tasteful player with a great groove. If anyone doesn't know of him, check out his website - www.johnfav.com. There are sound and video files there as well.
John Favicchia here
Hey Everyone!! John Favicchia here---
All my drum buddies told me to stop by and post here. I must say this is an amazing site and forum. It is great to see all the great players up here.
I have been posting some new vids on youtube if you want to check them out.
video 1
I also have a new website -Johnfav.com-all my gig dates and sounds clips are up there!
That is it for now.
Re: JOHN FAVICCHIA HERE
You old daaawwggg!!!!! Whatss uuppp!!!!! hahaaaaaaa
Man lets talk on the phone huh?
Nice to see you here!
Big hugs
Re: JOHN FAVICCHIA HERE
Welcome on DrummerWorld forum John.
Make yourself DW forum a comfy home, have fun & enjoy your stay.
Nice clip there, I enjoyed that double-bass groove. The kit sound really nice.
Take care
Re: JOHN FAVICCHIA HERE
Hey Phil!!!!!
Great to see you on here. You in the States? Lets talk in real time for sure...Call any time..
Re: JOHN FAVICCHIA HERE
Hey Mind Drummer-
Thanks for checking the video out. Glad you enjoyed it..I worked hard on my drum sound. I think it is finally getting there!
Here is the rest of the youtube clips--videos
Re: JOHN FAVICCHIA HERE
Welcome to Drummerworld John!
I'm really digging the sound of your kit. It's not your everyday sound. It has a nice street gig sound... definately making it your own.
Re: JOHN FAVICCHIA HERE
Fav drop me a line and tell me when to call you.
I am back in NY now. Lets hook up mang!!!
PS monday, keith at bitter end.
Re: John Favicchia here
Hey Phil-
Be around tomorrow during the day..Lets talk then..
Re: John Favicchia here
Hey Teeg-
Thanks -glad you are digging my sound..Gets better every day!! Will posting some new stuff soon..
Re: John Favicchia here
Alex R
Re: John Favicchia here
Not sure of the etiquette on forums but thought I would post my next clinic tour dates...
Mar 11 2008 7:00PM DRUM CLINIC @ SAM ASH MUSIC Cherry Hill ,NJ
Mar 13 2008 7:00PM DRUM CLINIC @ SAM ASH MUSIC Huntington, NY
Mar 18 2008 7:00PM DRUM CLINIC @ SAM ASH MUSIC Edison ,New Jersey
Mar 20 2008 7:00PM DRUM CLINIC @ SAM ASH MUSIC King Of Prussia,PA
Mar 27 2008 7:00PM DRUM CLINIC @ SAM ASH MUSIC Paramus ,New Jersey
April 10 2008 7:00PM DRUM CLINIC @ SAM ASH MUSIC White Plains, NY
April 24 2008 7:00PM DRUM CLINIC @ SAM ASH MUSIC New York City
Re: John Favicchia here
Alex R
Re: John Favicchia here
Just posted a new video- hope everyone enjoys it.
New Video
Re: John Favicchia here
Have you considered putting out a book or DVD. A lot of us dig your playing and would benefit from your insight.
Re: John Favicchia here
Hey Jeff-
I have a book that is coming out on my Elements concept. If anyone has seen one of my clinics this is the main topic I talk about. It is a method for bridging the gap between technique and application to drum set...
I have a few offers from publishers. I have some meetings set up to see were it all goes. I will keep you posted and thanks!!
Re: John Favicchia here
1 Attachment(s)
Thanks Dan-
. This is the clinic sheet I hand out at clinics. I thought I would share it with everyone..If you have any questions let me know.
Re: John Favicchia here
Groovy, man. Great to have you on board at the DW forum. Ever do clinics on the West Coast?
Re: John Favicchia here
Hey DS- just got done with a west coast clinic tour- Maybe see you next time!!??
Thanks for saying hello
Re: John Favicchia here
Here is a Video that is a drum lesson on my Elements concept...http://youtube.com/watch?v=CkaMXT-6rXI
Let me know what you think!
Re: John Favicchia here
I hope to see you at one of my drum clinics this week!!!
March 11 Sam Ash Music -Cherry Hill NJ
March 13 Sam Ash Music-Huntington NY
NEW VIDS-http://www.youtube.com/drummernyc
Re: John Favicchia here
Hey just got back from one of your clinics at a Sam Ash, just wanted to say it was great! Gave me a chance to hear some great playing and give me some new ideas for things to practice and ways to approach things. Thanks for the great clinic!
Re: John Favicchia here
Hey Smoney-
Thanks for coming by the clinic-It was nice to meet you. Glad you enjoyed it!! If you have any questions on the hand out- or on anything let me know..
Keep in touch.
PS- There is some videos of my Elements concept on youtube.
Re: John Favicchia here
Thanks again for the great clinic. Great playing, lots of learning and lots of useful ideas. And I even won a prize!!! Thanks also to Lou and the guys at Sam Ash, Huntington. It was a great time.
Re: John Favicchia here
Hey Ken-
Thanks for the nice words regarding my clinic. It was great to see you . I enjoyed the clinic. It was great to have some many drummers be part of the conversation and hopefully leave with some helpful info. I thought I played well and Lou does a great job there at Sam Ash Huntington. If you get a chance send a note to Vic Firth & Sabian. Thanks!! firstname.lastname@example.com firstname.lastname@example.com
Just posted a New drum lesson vid on youtube
Keep in touch!!
Some new vids up
New Vids are now up. Hope you enjoy!!!
Re: Some new vids up
Nice stuff, I just linked to one of your videos on another thread. Great sounding drums!
Re: Some new vids up
Hey Garvin-
Thanks for checking it out!!! Nice cymbal set up. Like were you put them-!!
Re: Some new vids up
excellent playing! what kind of snare drum is that? it sounds awesome, kind of sound im looking for
Re: Some new vids up
Thanks!! The snare is a custon drum I had made.. 13 x 5 1/2 brass
I love the drum...Really has a nice sound and feel!!
Re: Some new vids up
Hey I was there for that! Great stuff, I need to get my hands on some Oak Customs.
Re: Some new vids up
Hey Smoney
What Vid were you at? The one with the should check??
Re: John Favicchia here
No problem John.
I'm getting my clave going:) I kind of scribbled down those Afro-Cuban books you recommended. Could you tell me what they were again?
I'm looking forward to seeing the band when you guys come to Piccolo's in Huntington on the 26th of March.
Re: John Favicchia Drum Clinic Review
I couldn't believe the list when John said he was at the LIDC back in the day with Jim Chapin, Al Miller, Frank Bellucci, Bobby Rondinelli and Dom Famularo. I was thinking, that's not a faculty, that's a drum summit.
Re: John Favicchia here
HI Ken-
The books are
1-Frank Malabe-Afro cuban rythms for drum set
2-drummers collective series on cuban drumming by Memo Aceveda
3-Horacio Hernandez-conversations in clave
But I would also try my Elements like I showed you at the clinic!!!!
Here is a video example of clave with my group....
Re: Some new vids up
Very cool, really tight sound. I like it.
Re: Some new vids up
Thanks Gusty!!
this is my youtube channel-I keep posting all my vids on there. I am currenty on a East Coast Tour and will be posting all the vids from that as well...
Re: Some new vids up
Yes the sound check at the Cherry Hill Sam Ash.
Re: John Favicchia here
thanks John,
You know, when I first saw your grid, it took me back to HS trig and combinations. So the total number of combinations possible from the grid in 4/4 time would be 2 to the 16th power , if I am correct, 0's and I's, if each 16th note is on or off. If you take just the rhythmic ideas created by the potential of the grid, you can multiple that by accented v unaccented notes and the number of drums you have, which should begin to give you a good idea of the number of possibilities the grid creates.
2 to the 16th power X ( 2 ) X the number of drums you have to that power. (if you have 6 drums it is 6 to the 6th power, add cymbals the number could easily be 15-20.)
then on to thirty second notes . :)
and then onto poly-rhythm . . .
The drums are so easy to play. Once you get four part independence, you add the musicality of dynamics and the drums or cymbals you are on and you see quickly that it goes far beyond your four limbs and the potential becomes quite staggering.
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text: Just scored a small bottle of Methadone Hydrochloride 10mg/ml. I have a pretty decent tolerance, I've been on another long opiate binge (about 4 months) and was wondering what the LD50 for Methadone is in a non tolerant person. I've looked online and most of what I've come up with is 30mg/kg in humans, which doesn't sound right at all. And also what would you guys guess would be the lethal dose for me? I weigh 56.82kg and have been doing about 60-100mg of OC daily for the past four months, along with a little H, Hydromorphone, Morphine, and Hydrocodone.


text:
School of Business
- About us
- News & Events
- Fundraising
- Faculty and research
- Studies and programmes
- Departments
- Campus life
- Collaboration and partners
- International
- Contact information
- Lift area
The programme focuses on the study of international business at the Bachelor's degree level (BScBA) at the Mikkeli Campus.
This programme – taught entirely in English – is international in every respect. The faculty is highly international, coming from many different parts of the world. Students also come from around the globe, including foreign degree students and international exchange students. In addition, many of the Finnish students in the programme have considerable international experience. From 2015 onwards, the graduates have a direct access to master's programs in the School of Business Helsinki Campus.
Please note that the application period is 7−27 January 2015.
More information:
BScBA Programme (aalto.fi/studies)
Mikkeli Campus
Page content by: | Last updated: 08.07.2015.


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Problem running the source code
19 Mar 2012, 23:14
Edgar Quinto (3 posts)
hello, I tried running the source code for the Sudoku example 1, 2 and 3 and they return error messages. What is the version I should be running? I am running Android version 2.2.3 (version 10). Is this good enough? Best regards.
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