text:
A console-based multi-user authentication process allows multiple users of a game console to be authenticated together in a single request/reply exchange with an authentication entity. The results of which is the possession of a single ticket that can be used to prove authenticity of multiple authentication principals to one or more online services. Also described is a handshake process that can be used to initially establish an authentication account for each game console, in which the account creation server can trust that a genuine game console is making the request.
1. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed, perform operations comprising:
receive a request from a game console, the request containing an identity string that includes a game console identity X, a game title identity G, multiple user identities (U1, H1), . . . , (UU, HU), wherein the multiple user identities are U1, U2, . . . UU and associated values are H1, H2, . . . , HU derived from the user's key and an identity A of an online service, as follows:
Request =[X, G, A, (U1, H1), . . . , (UU, HU)]; and
submit the request to a ticket issuing entity over a network;
generate a ticket containing the identity string and a session key KXA together encrypted with a key KA associated with the online service, as follows:
TicketA =EKA[KXA, X, G, A, U1, U2, . . . UU]; and
return the ticket to the game console, wherein the ticket issuing entity simultaneously authenticates each of the identities contained in the request.
2. A computer-readable storage medium as recited in
3. A computer-readable storage medium as recited in
4. A method comprising computer-executable stored instructions executed on a central processing unit of a game console, the method comprising::
receive a request from a game console, the request containing an identity string that includes a game console identity X, a game title identity G, multiple user identities (U1, H1), . . . , (UU, HU), wherein the multiple user identities are U1, U2, . . . UU and associated values are H1, H2, . . . , HU derived from the user's key and an identity A of an online service, as follows:
Request =[X, G, A, (U1, H1), . . . , (UU, HU)]; and
submit the request to a ticket issuing entity over a network;
generate a ticket containing the identity string and a session key KXA together encrypted with a key KA associated with the online service, as follows:
TicketA =EKA[KXA, X, G, A, U1,U2,. . . UU]; and
return the ticket to the game console, wherein the ticket issuing entity simultaneously authenticates each of the identities contained in the request.
5. The method as recited in
6. The method as recited in
7. A system comprising:
a memory;
a processor coupled to the memory to perform the functions to:
receive a request from a game console, the request containing an identity string that includes a game console identity X, a game title identity G, multiple user identities (U1, H1), . . . , (UU, HU), wherein the multiple user identities are U1, U2, . . . UU and associated values are H1, H2, . . . , HU derived from the user's key and an identity A of an online service, as follows:
Request =[X, G, A, (U1, H1), . . . , (UU, HU)]; and
submit the request to a ticket issuing entity over a network;
generate a ticket containing the identity string and a session key KXA together encrypted with a key KA associated with the online service, as follows:
TicketA =EKA[KXA, X, G, A, U1,U2, . . . UU]; and
return the ticket to the game console, wherein the ticket issuing entity simultaneously authenticates each of the identities contained in the request.
8. The system as recited in
9. The system as recited in
This application is a Divisional of co-pending application Ser. No. 09/802,795, filed Mar. 9, 2001, entitled "Multiple User Authentication for Online Console-Based Gaming", and incorporated herein by reference.
This invention relates to console-based gaming systems, and more particularly, to methods for authenticating multiple identities in a single reply/request exchange between a game console and an authentication entity.
Traditionally, gaming systems with a dedicated console were standalone machines that accommodated a limited number of players (e.g., 4). PC-based gaming grew in popularity in part due to the ability to play games online with many remote players over a network (e.g., the Internet). Thus, one trend for dedicated gaming systems is to provide broadband capabilities to facilitate online gaming. Microsoft Corporation recently announced its Xbox™ video gaming system that is equipped with a hard disk drive to enhance gaming, and broadband connectivity to support online gaming.
Creating an online gaming system for a dedicated console poses several unique and difficult problems. One problem concerns authentication of the participants. To establish an online gaming event, a local game being played on one game console goes online and communicates with other game consoles, players, and/or online services. This involves some level of trust among the participants, which the game attempts to establish by identifying itself, the game console, and the one or more players currently on the machine to other participants on the network in a secure manner. Additionally, the game console may also want to discover trusted services with which it can communicate over the network.
The PC-based games do not experience such problems. For instance, PC-based games do not typically experience multiple simultaneous users; rather only a single user is involved in the online game. On a PC, the users can easily enter their data via keyboard and the trusted services are easily configurable. Also, PC users tolerate network operations that take a little longer. If the PC game takes five extra seconds to start because it is making multiple round-trips to an authentication server, no one will complain. This is not the case in the gaming world.
Accordingly, the constraints on a dedicated game console make authentication a difficult problem for the following reasons:
Cheating is not yet a major problem in the online console-based gaming community. In anticipation that it might one day pose a problem, there is a need for a solution that addresses cheating. Part of the solution is to make the console itself as secure as possible and tamper resistant, such that any tampering by a user will be discovered or render the console inoperable. While security and tamper resistant solutions help, it does not prevent the case where a rogue player writes PC software to emulate a console machine on the network, enabling cheating without a game console.
To prevent such impostor cheating, there is a need for an authentication protocol that verifies a player claiming to be on a console machine really is that player, as well as guarantees that the game console is indeed a trusted game console and not an impostor or one that has been compromised.
A console-based multi-user authentication process allows multiple users of a game console to be authenticated together in a single request/reply exchange with an authentication entity.
In the described implementation, the game console is equipped with a hard disk drive, a portable media drive, and broadband connectivity to enable network access to a ticket issuing entity and one or more online services. When the game console desires to use the online service, it first obtains a ticket for that service from the ticket issuing entity. The game console submits a request to the ticket issuing entity that contains a game console identity, the identities of the multiple users, and an identity of the desired online service.
In response, the ticket issuing entity generates a ticket containing the game console identity and the multiple user identities together encrypted with the online service's key. The ticket issuing entity returns the ticket to the game console, which passes it onto the online service. The online service uses the ticket to verify the authenticity of the game console and the multiple users. In this manner, the single ticket obtained from the ticket issuing entity proves the particular game console as well as the multiple user identities playing at the game console.
The game console identity is created when the game console first establishes a game account for online gaming. During manufacturing, the game console is constructed with pieces of information that may be made available programmatically (e.g., hard disk ID, CPU ID, serial number, random number, a value derived as a function of an ID or serial number, a quantity or some other mark written onto the hard drive, etc.). This information is recorded in a database, which is subsequently made available to an authentication server. When the game console seeks a game account, it submits the pieces of information to the authentication server. Using the database, the server evaluates whether the pieces are legitimate and correspond to a game console that has not yet established an account. If the evaluation proves positive, a game account is created for that game console and the game console identity is assigned to the game console.
The following discussion is directed to console-based online gaming systems and techniques for authenticating multiple identities—game console, game title, multiple users—in one authentication roundtrip. The discussion assumes that the reader is familiar with basic cryptography principles, such as encryption, decryption, authentication, hashing, and digital signatures. For a basic introduction to cryptography, the reader is directed to a text written by Bruce Schneier and entitled, "Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C," published by John Wiley & Sons, copyright 1994 (second edition 1996), which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Gaming System
The game console 102 has four slots 110 on its front face to support up to four controllers, although the number and arrangement of slots may be modified. A power button 112 and an eject button 114 are also positioned on the front face of the game console 102. The power button 112 switches power to the game console and the eject button 114 alternately opens and closes a tray of the portable media drive 106 to allow insertion and extraction of the storage disc 108.
The game console 102 connects to a television or other display (not shown) via A/V interfacing cables 120. A power cable 122 provides power to the game console. The game console 102 may further be configured with broadband capabilities, as represented by the cable or modem connector 124 to facilitate access to a network, such as the Internet.
Each controller 104 is coupled to the game console 102 via a wire or wireless interface. In the illustrated implementation, the controllers are USB (Universal Serial Bus) compatible and are connected to the console 102 via serial cables 130. The controller 102 may be equipped with any of a wide variety of user interaction mechanisms. As illustrated in
A memory unit (MU) 140 may be inserted into the controller 104 to provide additional and portable storage. Portable memory units enable users to store game parameters and port them for play on other consoles. In the described implementation, each controller is configured to accommodate two memory units 140, although more or less than two units may be employed in other implementations.
The gaming system 100 is capable of playing, for example, games, music, and videos. With the different storage offerings, titles can be played from the hard disk drive or the portable medium 108 in drive 106, from an online source, or from a memory unit 140. A sample of what the gaming system 100 is capable of playing back include:
The CPU 200, memory controller 202, and various memory devices are interconnected via one or more buses, including serial and parallel buses, a memory bus, a peripheral bus, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, such architectures can include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus also known as a Mezzanine bus.
As one suitable implementation, the CPU 200, memory controller 202, ROM 204, and RAM 206 are integrated onto a common module 214. In this implementation, ROM 204 is configured as a flash ROM that is connected to the memory controller 202 via a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus and a ROM bus (neither of which are shown). RAM 206 is configured as multiple DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM) that are independently controlled by the memory controller 202 via separate buses (not shown). The hard disk drive 208 and portable media drive 106 are connected to the memory controller via the PCI bus and an ATA (AT Attachment) bus 216.
A 3D graphics processing unit 220 and a video encoder 222 form a video processing pipeline for high speed and high resolution graphics processing. Data is carried from the graphics processing unit 220 to the video encoder 222 via a digital video bus (not shown). An audio processing unit 224 and an audio codec (coder/decoder) 226 form a corresponding audio processing pipeline with high fidelity and stereo processing. Audio data is carried between the audio processing unit 224 and the audio codec 226 via a communication link (not shown). The video and audio processing pipelines output data to an A/V (audio/video) port 228 for transmission to the television or other display. In the illustrated implementation, the video and audio processing components 220-228 are mounted on the module 214.
Also implemented on the module 214 are a USB host controller 230 and a network interface 232. The USB host controller 230 is coupled to the CPU 200 and the memory controller 202 via a bus (e.g., PCI bus) and serves as host for the peripheral controllers 104(1)-104(4). The network interface 232 provides access to a network (e.g., Internet, home network, etc.) and may be any of a wide variety of various wire or wireless interface components including an Ethernet card, a modem, a Bluetooth module, a cable modem, and the like.
The game console 102 has two dual controller support subassemblies 240(1) and 240(2), with each subassembly supporting two game controllers 104(1)-104(4). A front panel I/O subassembly 242 supports the functionality of the power button 112 and the eject button 114, as well as any LEDs (light emitting diodes) or other indicators exposed on the outer surface of the game console. The subassemblies 240(1), 240(2), and 242 are coupled to the module 214 via one or more cable assemblies 244.
Eight memory units 140(1)-140(8) are illustrated as being connectable to the four controllers 104(1)-104(4), i.e., two memory units for each controller. Each memory unit 140 offers additional storage on which games, game parameters, and other data may be stored. When inserted into a controller, the memory unit 140 can be accessed by the memory controller 202.
A system power supply module 250 provides power to the components of the gaming system 100. A fan 252 cools the circuitry within the game console 102.
A console user interface (UI) application 260 is stored on the hard disk drive 208. When the game console is powered on, various portions of the console application 260 are loaded into RAM 206 and/or caches 210, 212 and executed on the CPU 200. The console application 260 presents a graphical user interface that provides a consistent user experience when navigating to different media types available on the game console.
The game console 102 implements a cryptography engine to perform common cryptographic functions, such as encryption, decryption, authentication, digital signing, hashing, and the like. The cryptography engine may be implemented as part of the CPU 200, or in software stored on the hard disk drive 208 that executes on the CPU, so that the CPU is configured to perform the cryptographic functions.
The gaming system 100 may be operated as a standalone system by simply connecting the system to a television or other display. In this standalone mode, the gaming system 100 allows one or more players to play games, watch movies, or listen to music. However, with the integration of broadband connectivity made available through the network interface 232, the gaming system 100 may further be operated as a participant in a larger network gaming community. This network gaming environment is described next.
Network Gaming
In addition to gaming systems 100, one or more online services 304(1), . . . , 304(s) may be accessible via the network 302 to provide various services for the participants, such as hosting online games, serving downloadable music or video s files, hosting gaming competitions, serving streaming audio/video files, and the like. The network gaming environment 300 may further involve a key distribution center 306 that plays a role in authenticating individual players and/or gaming systems 100 to one another as well as online services 304. The distribution center 306 distributes keys and service tickets to valid participants that may then be used to form games amongst multiple players or to purchase services from the online services 304.
The network gaming environment 300 introduces another memory source available to individual gaming systems 100—online storage. In addition to the portable storage medium 108, the hard disk drive 208, and the memory unit(s) 140, the gaming system 100(1) can also access data files available at remote storage locations via the network 302, as exemplified by remote storage 308 at online service 304(s).
Multi-User Authentication
To participate in an online gaming situation, it is desirable for every participant to authenticate themselves to one another. Ideally, the entities that should be authenticated include the users, the game title, the game console, and any online service the might be involved. One approach to authenticating each entity is to employ the well-known Kerberos authentication protocol, which is described in the above referenced Schneier book. With the Kerberos authentication protocol, each user would perform an independent authentication cycle with the key distribution center because Kerberos is only used to authenticate a single user identity at a time. Unfortunately, this results in multiple authentication cycles for the various users, which is undesirable in the gaming context.
To authenticate multiple users, the gaming system implements an authentication process that allows simultaneous authentication of all entities—game console, game title, and multiple users—in one request/reply exchange with the key distribution center. Moreover, a single ticket can be used to prove the particular game console and the multiple user identities playing at the game console. This is very efficient and highly desirable in the gaming context. In the described implementation, the process is a Kerberos-like authentication protocol.
For discussion purposes, suppose there are four users of the gaming system 100(1), as represented by the four controllers 104(1)-104(4). Each user is given an identity U1, U2, U3, and U4 and is assigned a user key K1, K2, K3, and K4. The game console 102 is also assigned its own identity X and a game console key KX. (One exemplary approach to assigning the game console identity and key is described below in more detail with reference to
The multi-user authentication process may be understood as a four-step process conducted in two roundtrip communication cycles. The first two steps occur during a single roundtrip request/reply exchange between the gaming system 100(1) and the key distribution center 306, which is illustrated as paths 402 and 404. The latter two steps occur during a single roundtrip request/reply exchange between the gaming system 100(1) and the online service 304, which is illustrated as paths 406 and 408. Note that the 406 request and 408 response are usually piggy backed on a regular online service request, and thus does not incur an extra round trip. Thus, the full authentication process may be carried out very quickly, with minimal information exchanges between the participants.
During the first request/reply exchange, the gaming system 100(1) submits a request asking the key distribution center 306 to issue a single ticket on behalf of all identities—game console X, game title G, and all four users U1, U2, U3, and U4—for purposes of participating with the online service 304 (i.e., path 402 in
During the second request/reply exchange, the gaming system 100(1) submits the ticket to the online service 304 for authentication (i.e., path 406 in
The process illustrated in
At block 502 in
One way to generate the key derivative value is to compute a cryptographic hash of the user key using the key of the game console. For user U1 with key K1, a hash H1 is computed as follows:
The hash H1 forms the key derivative value. Another way is to encrypt the current time using the user key K1, as follows:
Once again, the resulting value H1 forms the key derivative value. The validated user identity is the combination of the user identity U1 and the corresponding key derivative value H1:
At block 504 in
If the gaming system wanted authentication for more than online service, the identities of other services B, C, . . . , etc. are added to the request. Additionally, the request may include a version of the authentication protocol and a random nonce generated by the game console to resist replay attacks. The request may further include a checksum value to be used to verify receipt of the entire identity string. The game console 102 submits the request over the network 302 to the key distribution center 306 (i.e., path 402).
At block 506 in
At block 508 in
Notice that the ticket does not carry the corresponding key derivative values Hi. Once the authentication server reads the key derivative values and believes the game console knows the user keys, the authentication server places the identities of the users within the issued tickets. Individual online services will subsequently believe in whatever the ticket tells it and hence do not need to see the key derivative values Hi.
If the gaming system sought tickets for more than one service, the key distribution center 306 issues multiple tickets, each ticket being encrypted with the public key of the desired online service, as follows:
At block 510 in
Since the session key message is encrypted with the game console's key KX, the game console 102 is able to open the session key message and recover the session time parameters and session keys.
At block 512 in
At block 514 in
The decrypted contents include the session key KXA. The online service then uses the session key KXA to decrypt the time message and recover the time T, as follows:
The online service 304 compares the recovered time sent from the game console with the current time. If the recovered time is not within an allowable time horizon from the current time, the online service deems the game console 102 as not authentic and the ticket as a forgery. In this case (i.e., the "No" branch from block 516), the online service denies service to the game console.
On the other hand, if the recovered time is within an allowable time window from the current time, the online service is assured that the game console 102 is authentic. In this case (i.e., the "Yes" branch from block 516), the online service generates a reply containing the time T in the request Time Message, encrypted with the session key KXA, as follows:
At block 518, the online service 304 returns the reply over the network 302 to the gaming system 100(1) (i.e., path 408). Once again, this reply is piggybacked on a regular online service reply and does not incur an extra communication trip.
At block 520 in
The multi-user authentication process is built atop the three-participant model in the Kerberos authentication process. It differs from Kerberos in that it allows authentication of multiple users simultaneously, with one trip to the key distribution center and one ticket for all users. The extension involved, in part, defining new message strings to be passed among the participants.
An alternative implementation is to leverage the existing well-defined data packets employed in the conventional Kerberos protocol. Kerberos defines a packet that includes a data field known as the "Pre-Auth" data field for pre-authorized data. In the alternate implementation, the multiple validated user identities (U1, H1), (U2, H2), (U3, H3), and (U4, H4) are inserted into this "Pre-Auth" data field so that all users are authenticated in the same request. Also the Kerberos tickets issued would be modified to contain extra "Authorization Data" that contains the user identities that have been authenticated (U1,U2,U3,U4).
Establishing Game Console Identity and Key
The above multi-user authentication protocol hinges in part on the ability to establish the game console identity X and associated game console key KX. This section describes how these parameters are created in the first place.
Generally, each game console 102 is manufactured with secret information that is very difficult to guess and very difficult to access. Tamper resistant designs are employed to physically protect the secret information on the game console from attacks on the hardware. The secret information is stored at a backend server for use later at account creation time to verify whether the game console is authentic. The secret information may be the same for all or a batch of consoles, or unique for each console. Preferably, the secret information is unique so that if the information is compromised, only a single fake account can be created.
The establishment of a secure game console identity relies on the fact that console manufacturing is a regulated process and that all consoles have consistent characteristics, regardless of the manufacturing date. It also relies on the fact that because manufacturing is controlled by one or a limited number of entities, a robust and secure database of the secret information unique to each machine can be generated and used on the backend to verify that a particular game console is, in fact, a real console at the time a game console account is being created.
At block 602, the manufacturer constructs the game console to incorporate one or more pieces of information at the time of manufacture. The information is preferably of the type that can be made available programmatically. In one implementation, the game console is built to include at least two pieces of information, one that is unique to the individual machine and a second that is very difficult to guess and access. The first piece of information need not be evenly distributed across a name space, nor does it need to be secret or hard to read, but it does need to be unique across the name space and accessible programmatically. For example, the first piece of information could be a console serial number assigned by the manufacturer, a hard disk ID printed on the hard disk drive, or a serial number of any chip, ROM, firmware, or the like. This first piece of information will be used as the "name" of the game console to look up which row in table 650 corresponds to the particular game console.
The second piece of information does not necessarily need to be unique per machine, but is evenly distributed across its namespace. It is very difficult to guess and very difficult to access. Programmatic access is permitted via secure techniques, such as code-signing techniques, but physical access is controlled via hardware-based solutions that resist tampering and render physical attack and reverse engineering very difficult. Examples of the second piece of information include a CPU ID or a value derived from the CPU ID, such as a one-way hash of the CPU ID. Another example is a random key written onto disk at manufacturing time, the disk drive needs to be protected from unauthorized reading (like using the CPU ID) through some other means. This second piece of information will be used as the "key" for the game console, to prove that the game console is genuine and not some other computing device pretending to be a game console.
At block 604, the information is recorded in a database at the manufacturer as a set of database records 650. Each record includes, for example, an identity of the console, the hard disk ID (HDID), and the CPU ID. At block 606, the database records 650 are securely made available to an authentication server that may or may not be hosted by the key distribution center 306. In one implementation, a secure database replication procedure is employed to securely transfer the console information database to the authentication server. It is further noted that the same entity may or may not control the manufacturing and authentication server.
At this point, the two pieces of information can be used in the verification of the game console and creation of the game console identity X and key KX. Such information can be used to verify, for example, that the game console is valid and not an impersonating personal computer.
This completes the manufacturing phase of process 600. The game consoles are subsequently released from manufacturing and sold to consumers. When the user first decides to play an online game or access online services, the game console first obtains an account. This initiates the account creation phase of the process 600 in
At block 610, the game console submits the information, or data derived from the information, to the authentication server. The information could be sent over a secure link (e.g., SSL) established between the game console and the authentication server. In one implementation, the game console submits the hard disk ID and the CPU ID assuming a secure connection is established, such as using SSL to protect the contents of the message. To avoid exposing the CPU ID, another implementation is to submit in place of the CPU ID, a one-way hash digest of the CPU ID in such a way that it is extremely difficult to deduce the CPU ID from the resulting value. Another way to prove knowledge of the CPU ID and to also prevent replay attacks is to send ECPUID(T) where the current time is encrypted with the CPU ID as the Key.
At block 612, the authentication server evaluates the information from the game console. In one implementation, the authentication server uses the information as an index into the console database records 650 to identify that the information is a correct combination of pieces. For instance, the authentication server determines whether the hard disk ID and CPU ID passed in from the game console form a correct pair recorded in the database as belonging to the same game console. If there is a match, the authentication server can be assured that the client is a valid game console because it would be very difficult for an impostor to guess, manually or programmatically, both pieces of information and their relationship.
At block 614, the authentication server looks up in the console database records to determine whether an account has already been established for this information. If no account exists (i.e., the "No" branch from block 614), the authentication server creates an account and assigns a unique game console identity X and a randomly generated key KX to that account (block 616). If an account exists (i.e., the "Yes" branch from block 614), the authentication server retrieves the existing account information (block 618). The game console identity X and key KX are returned to the game console (block 620).
At block 622, the game console stores the game console identity X and key KX in a secure way to resist hardware attacks. It also sends back a message containing the identity X and the identity encrypted with the key KX, or EKX(X). Having the game console return a message allows the authentication server to ascertain whether the game console correctly received the account data. If the decrypted identity matches the non-encrypted identity, the game console received the account data correctly. If the two do not match, the game console received incorrect data and the authentication server should delete the account and restart the process at block 610. If no reply is received from the game console, the authentication server cannot be sure if the account data successfully made it to the game console. In this case, the authentication server flags the account and waits for another new account creation for this game console (signifying that the game console did not receive the account data) or a successful logon (indicating that the game console did receive the account data).
At game time, the actual security of the console machine is achieved via the identity X and key KX, as described previously in the multi-user authentication process.
The above processes are advantageous for many reasons. First, the multi-user authentication process is fast because it accomplishes all authentication for the gaming system, including multiple users, the game title, and the machine itself, in a single roundtrip communication with the key distribution center. After this initial roundtrip, the game console is able to communicate with any trusted services without re-communicating with the key distribution center. The whole process is accomplished with minimal user input and minimal delay before play can begin. The single ticket obtained from the authentication server is also unique in that it not only proves the particular game console, but also the multiple user identities playing at the game console. This is in contrast to the traditional approach where multiple tickets would need to be used (one for each authenticated principal).
Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed invention.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
COMMUNITY COMMENT: Without business personal property tax, state government must mull 'core function'
Did you hear them? The howls of pain from local officials on announcement that the Pence administration would phase out their golden goose, the business personal property tax? The governor thinks it will level the playing field, attract investment, create jobs.
Subscribe to the Courier & Press or The Gleaner
Ready to subscribe to the Courier & Press or The Gleaner? Choose between a Premium or Digital subscription below.
Need Help? Call us at 1-877-304-7771.
Monday-Friday: 6am-5pm / Saturday: 6am-11am / Sunday: 7am-Noon

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Viewing 1-2 of 2 Record(s)
|Title: Notes from the Metroplex: Cross Timbers journalism--with the bark off
|Authors: Roach,Joyce Gibson
|Source: Texas Books in Review, 1995, 15 :2
|Subjects: Biffle Kent Dolan George Flemmons Jerry Ivins Molly Metroplex - Journalists Leiber David
|Additional Information: ID: 12441; RP: NOT IN FILE
|Ref ID: 13308
|Title: Freedom's just a word: Texas is finally helping former prisoners. But can the smart-on-crime revolution survive budget cuts and a suspicious public?
|Authors: May,Michael;Burke,Laura
|Source: Texas Observer, 11-Mar-11, 103 :5 13
|Subjects: Prisoners - Rehabilitation Prisons Restorative Justice Ministries Kleiber Bill Farley Charles Texas Department of Criminal Justice Wilson Dee Galan Scott Adkisson Tommy Bexar County Probation Department Fabelo Tony Creuzot John Austin-Travis County Reentr
|Additional Information: Mentioned: Texas Tough: The Rise of America's Prison Empire by Robert Perkinson.
|Ref ID: 90645
|Viewing 1-2 of 2 Record(s)
Return to the Index to Texas Magazines and Documents Homepage


text:
Posts filtered on Category
Four more Spurs revealed on ESPN.com's top 500 list
ESPN.com is counting down the top 500 players in the NBA in a daily feature where names have been revealed. Over the past several days, four more Spurs have been tabbed. Among those who have been recently listed include DeJuan Blair at No. 120, Richard Jefferson at No. 130, Gary Neal at No. 149 and Matt Bonner […] [Read More]
Anderson, Novak shoot better outside the arc than in it
James Anderson has been turning heads at the early games of the Impact Basketball workouts in Las Vegas with strong work. After a fast start in preseason camp last season, Anderson's stress fracture effectively ended his season. He struggled to earn his way back into the rotation after Gary Neal developed into a strong perimeter […] [Read More]
Most ESPN.com bloggers expect Spurs to slide next season
The Spurs stunned most obsevers with 61 victories last season en route to a suprising Southwest Division title and the best record in the Western Conference. Sure, the upset loss to Memphis in the first round took much of the luster from that season. But the Spurs were one of the NBA's very best teams […] [Read More]
How about another round in the NBA Draft?
I guess we can never get enough of the excitement that marks an NBA Draft night. Especially with all of the tension that marks those late rounds. Despite my facetiousness, the NBA apparently is considering adding another round in the draft. Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops.com reports that owners have talked about adding another round […] [Read More]
Pierce, Beasley hack and cough through Chinese trip
There might be a cautionary tale for some of the NBA players hellbent to play overseas when they learn about the Chinese trip of Paul Pierce and Michael Beasley for the recent International Basketball Cup. According to the blog NiuBBall.com, Pierce and Beasley both required treatment at a hospital for asthma attacks that were attributed to […] [Read More]
Could Kawhi be headed to Vegas select summer league?
One of the biggest casualties caused by the lockout has been the lack of organized summer work for young Spurs players like top draft pick Kawhi Leonard. In previous years, Leonard likely would have been headed to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas for work against other similar players. It's the same league where […] [Read More]
Spurs' Neal prefers season over honeymoon
After his strong rookie year, Towson product Gary Neal hopes labor issues are resolved soon. [Read More]
Around the web: Retiring Brungardt named NBA's top strength coach
Former Spurs coach Mike Brungardt picked up a couple of impressive honors as he retired from the team earlier this summer after 17 seasons with the team. The NBA named Brungardt as the league's Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in May. Brungardt also became only the second NBA-associated strength coach to be inducted into […] [Read More]
Like a good Spur, Neal not built for this circus
Even before he walked into that humid, jam-packed locker room in the nation's capital for the Drew-Goodman all-star game Saturday, Gary Neal knew he was out of his element. [Read More]
Buford in the Middle East, preseason sked released (again): Get yer links here
Consider this entry your one-stop shop for Spurs-related stuff around the Internet. [Read More]
Show More


text:
Give Now
The BMV is extending its hours the day before and the day of the election.
Area journalists discuss Indiana's state and congressional races during a live taping of IN Focus. Join the conversation on our live chat.
The U.S. Attorney says eight prosecutors will be on call Election Day to address voter fraud allegations.
Researchers of Million Dollar List for the Center on Philanthropy at IU say charitable giving fell from $2 billion in 2007 to just $250 million in 2011.
The Monroe County Registration Office will be open until 8 p.m. on Oct. 9, the voter registration deadline.
Join WFIU's Noon Edition for a live chat about how Indiana's role in the presidential election is likely to affect other races.
Democrat Julie Thomas and Republican Nelson Shaffer expressed differing views on voting procedures and voter ID laws at a candidate forum.
Voting centers allow residents to vote anywhere in the county as opposed to the precinct they live in.
Indiana's voter turnout was much lower than the previous presidential primary four years ago.
Four election staff members have been accused of forging signatures on Democratic ballots in 2008.


text:
China's economic reforms have reached a critical point, and the economy designed to support the Communist Party's rule now calls that rule into question.
When Deng Xiaoping proposed economic reforms in 1978, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) found maintaining its rule difficult. The Chinese economy was about to collapse, and people's daily living had become a problem.
China's economy is no longer the same as it was 10 years ago
The economic reforms were meant to preserve the rule of the CCP by turning the economic situation around. The reforms that took place afterward—the dual-price system, joint-stock ownership, special economic zones, stock listings, privatization of real estate, and so on—were all based on Deng's strategy of "letting some people get rich first."
Of course, the "some people" who got rich were the leaders of the CCP and their children
Getting Rich
China's high growth over the last 30 years has relied heavily on manufacturing for export, investment, and real estate.
In order to encourage exports and open up the international market, China artificially undervalued the RMB's exchange rates. As a result, a product that did not make money in the domestic market would, once exported to foreign countries, attain profit margins of 30 percent, 50 percent, or even more, after foreign exchange earnings were converted into yuan.
Since the 1980s, the foreign-export sector became most sought-after, and the children and grandchildren of Communist Party officials have made big money in it.
In the 1980s, China's central government allowed some producers to sell products at two different prices: a state-set price, for centrally rationed supplies, and a higher, free-market price. Under such a dual-price system, many officials who controlled goods at the state-set prices sold them at the much higher market prices, making a fortune. Corruption has been out of control ever since.
Later on, to set up joint-ventures, China exchanged land and factories for foreign investment and technology. The land and factories are state assets and belong to the people. However, the profits generated from such joint ventures did not go to the people. The profits went into pockets of the Party officials and factory directors.
The reform of state-owned enterprises has resulted in a small number of officials and investors owning the state assets, while a large number of workers have been laid off, losing their benefits and retirement funds.
Presidents and general managers of the big state-owned enterprises are all appointed by the central government. Some of these enterprises, through selling the company's state-owned assets and listing the enterprises on the stock market, have generated large amounts of cash. The Party officials and factory directors are the ones who have benefited.
Then came the "housing reforms" in the late1990s. In effect, the practice has been to sell state-controlled land. When the land is sold, more investment comes in, the land price goes up, and GDP growth accelerates.
Click www.ept.ms/ccp-crisis to read about the most recent developments in the ongoing power struggle within the Chinese communist regime. In this special topic, we provide readers with the necessary context to understand the situation. Get the RSS feed. Get the Timeline of Events. Who are the Major Players?
Higher growth is then taken as evidence of good administrative performance, providing better chances of promotion for these officials. At the same time, by colluding with real estate developers, the officials selling the land share in the profits of development.
Prior to the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, the CCP openly proclaimed the imperative of "upholding the leadership of the CCP." After the massacre, the CCP began talking instead about "maintaining social stability." The CCP softened its tone, but the meaning remained the same: The first priority was to maintain the Party's rule. Economic reform was simply a means to that end.
Economic Reforms Are Failing
But the Chinese economy can no longer be counted on to maintain social stability.
The export sector is slowing down. Since the global financial crisis, economic growth has significantly slowed worldwide. The Eurozone, China's largest export market, is experiencing a serious debt crisis, which has greatly affected China's exports. The slowdown in other regions has also decreased the demand for Chinese exports.
The exchange rate does not provide as big a boost as it formerly did. As China's trading partners have been denouncing more loudly how China's long-undervalued exchange rates have disrupted world trade, the regime has revalued the exchange rates in recent years. Consequently, China's exporters are now facing higher costs, as they get less of a subsidy through the exchange rate.


text:
Loading streams...
Now Playing
Connect with Us
Most Active Stories
News Director
Reporter & Morning Edition Host
Reporter & All Things Considered Host
Programming & Operations Director, Here & Now Host
Host, Folktales & Meet the Music
Host, Matinee and Con Brio
7:49 am
Fri January 25, 2013
NASA Needs Your Help To Feed The Astronauts
By editor
Originally published on Fri January 25, 2013 9:14 am
Good morning. I'm Steve Inskeep. Not long ago on this program, we reported that food expiration dates are often meaningless. Let's take that concept into space. Researchers from the University of Hawaii and Cornell University are asking you to send them long-lasting recipes. They want to help NASA determine an extremely durable menu to keep astronauts fed, should the agency send people on a four-month journey to Mars. I got just one word for you, NASA: Cheetos. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


text: No recent wiki edits to this page. The Panzerkampfwagen III, or the Panzer III as it is usually known was a German medium tank produced from 1939 to 1943. During the early campaigns against Poland, France, Yugoslavia and Greece its high mobility proved highly valuable, and added to the image of the German army as superior to the allied forces.Intended to fight other tanks to complement the anti-infantery Panzer IV. When the German forces encountered the vastly superior T-34 and KV tanks of the Soviet Union in 1941, the weak 37 and 50mm guns of the Panzer III proved incapable of penetrating the armor of these new tanks. The heavier Panzer IV was better suited to equip with heavier guns and it took on the role of the main tank of the German forces for the remainder of the war, even as better tanks such as the Panther were eventually developed. The Panzer III was relegated to support roles, proving effective against infantery. Many Panzer III were converted to Stug III to better suit the defensive war the germans were fighting of the german forces in the final years of the war.After the war a couple of Panzer III tanks were sent to Norway were they for a couple of years served as a quick reactonary force incase the soviets attacked the oslo area. They were soon replaced by more modern tanks.


text:
Food Media and News
Vegan Meat Photos
Oh this should be interesting. I see on Metafilter that the vegan magazine VegNews has been "caught" using photos of non-vegan meat dishes.
I think the "expose" is led by this link.
Anybody care? Who's got the real butter popcorn?
Talk is closed, but that doesn't mean the conversations have to stop!
Check out this post for a more thorough explanation, and jump onto our Facebook page or our Twitter feed to keep the conversations going!


text:
November 15, 2012 - 1:32am
#Michlinks: Fordham University group rescinds invite to Coulter
#Michlinks is The Michigan Daily's citizen journalism tool that compiles reporting about Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. If you find an interesting piece about the city of Ann Arbor, college life or the University, send a tweet with the hashtag #Michlinks for a chance to be published on our website.
This Jesuit university just said "hell no!" to Ann Coulter huff.to/Zf3w9q
— Huffington Post (@HuffingtonPost) November 13, 2012
After their decision to invite conservative commentator Ann Coulter to campus drew criticism from students, Fordham University's chapter of the College Republicans is examining other options for speakers to bring to the Bronx. Coulter, a University Law alum who called President Barack Obama a "retard" after one of the presidential debates, had been invited to talk at Fordham on Nov. 9. But the invitation evoked anger from students and prompted the university's president, Rev. Joseph McShane, to write a letter to the group slamming Coulter.
At #UCRegents mtg @jerrybrowngov pushes online classes, says @gavinnewsom "let the cat out of the bag" on tuition hikes ow.ly/firlq
— Laurel Rosenhall (@LaurelRosenhall) November 14, 2012
California Gov. Jerry Brown urged the struggling University of California system on Wednesday to "get more grounded" by offering more online courses. Brown has campaigned to avoid tuition increases. On Wednesday, he compared the situation facing public universities to the financial difficulties challenging newspapers.


text:
Eve V. Hussey
July 7, 1916 ~ May 14, 2010
Eve V. (Cashaback) Hussey, 93, passed away Friday, May 14, 2010, at Washington Odd Fellows Home in Walla Walla, Washington.
She was born July 7, 1916, inCochrane, Ontario, Canada to Mikeand Mollie (Chepeski) Cashaback.
Eve met the love of her life, Joseph"Joe" Hussey, while he was in the Armed Forces during World War II,
stationed in Dawson Creek, BritishColumbia, Canada. They were married November 17, 1942, at DawsonCreek. After the War, they made their home in Walla Walla.
She worked at Seattle First National Bank (Bank of America) as a teller until retiring after 31 years of service.
Eve was an avid bowler and loved to garden and cook. She was past president of the Walla Walla Women Bowlers Association, life member of Women's International Bowlers Congress, and an inductee into the Walla Walla Bowlers Association Hall of Fame. She was also an active member and held office in the Sunshine Club and Lady Elks (BPOE 287).
Eve is survived by one sister, Rita McMullen of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada andthe United States. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents, one brother and six sisters.
Figuratively and literally, Eve was a Great Aunt; she will be missed.
At her request, a private inurnment will be held at theWaitsburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to theSunshine Club of Walla Walla through Mountain View-Colonial DeWitt, 1551 Dalles Military Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362.
Friends may write memories and sign the online guestbookat www.mountainview-coloniadewitt.com.
More like this story
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.


text:
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will host a youth summit from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 20 at Trident Technical College, 7000 Rivers Ave., Building 410 in North Charleston.
The event is free and open to sixth through twelfth grade students. During the summit, youth participants will be engaged in interactive topics focused on igniting strong leadership skills and promoting healthy relationships.
The summit will feature an all-star panel of community leaders - S. C. Rep. Bakari Sellers, ABC Channel 4's Ava Wilhite, NFL player Rod Wilson, USC Gamecocks Football player Brandon Shell and moderated by radio personality, Terry Base.
Participants will enjoy lunch and give-a-way items including educational information and resources from a host of community organizations, educators, mentoring groups and other professionals.
Summit attendees are requested to pre-register by sending an e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com by April 15. For more information, call DeVetta Williams Hughes at 843-412-6361.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D. C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American college-educated women. It is comprised of 260,000 members in 958 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U. S. Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea and on the continent of Africa.
Its membership includes distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills and are involved in the global
community through advocacy and service. Alpha Kappa Alpha has dedicated itself to improving the quality of life for citizens worldwide and promoting peace. The organization is led by International President Carolyn House Stewart of Tampa, Fla., whose administration's programmatic theme is "Global Leadership Through Timeless Service." For more information, log on to www.aka1908.com.
Moultrie News is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not Moultrie News.
If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.
© 2015 Moultrie News an Evening Post Industries company. All Rights Reserved.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Parental Consent Form.


text:
MusiCares Colorado Flood Relief Fundraiser – Blue Roots TV Filming and Concert
|November 12, 2013
|7:30 pm
Blues Roots Denver and Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret
A Blue Roots Denver Blues & Jazz Feature Television Production
for MusiCares Colorado Flood Relief Fund
Blue Roots Denver is a Denver-produced program that will feature Colorado-based Blues and Jazz musicians captured in live performance. Directed by bandleader James Speiser (Roots & Rhythm Band) and broadcaster Erik Troe (Jazz89 KUVO/KVJZ-FM).
Come on down, be part of the fun as you do something really nice…
Here are just some of the unique and talented performers joining them tonight:
Lionel Young, the singing, fiddling two-time winner of the International Blues Challenge of Memphis, Venus Cruz, an incendiary, original Soul vocalist featured with the Future Jazz Project and the Greg Harris Vibe Quintet, and Danette Hollowell, the sweetest Jazz, Blues and Soul vocalist of the Old Souls.
These fine performers will be backed by five of Denver's finest players:
Greg Tanner Harris, globetrotting bandleader and stellar Jazz vibraphonist and keyboardist, Gabriel Mervine, a fiery angel of the trumpet and flugelhorn, Mikey Smith, explosive genius of Old Souls, jazz and swing pianist and organist, John Paul Grigsby, virtuoso upright bassist, and the infamous Mark Emmons in the engine room on drums.
Other guests include (along with other special TO BE ANNOUNCED GUESTS):
DR. MALCOLM LYNN BAKER – tenor saxophone, is the Director of the Jazz Studies and Commercial Music Program at the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver.
TONY BLACK – drums, is the house drummer at the world famous Blues & Jazz club here in Denver, El Chapultapec.
MARK EMMONS – drums, is one of Denver's best jazz and R&B drummers. Colorado born and raised, Mark performs with Laura Newman's AOA (Alive on Arrival).
Proceeds will go to MusiCares Colorado Flood Relief Fund
MusiCares has established the MusiCares Colorado Flood Relief Fund to assist music people affected by the devastation of the Colorado floods. MusiCares' initial assistance will provide funds for food and clothing, shelter, utilities, medical expenses, gasoline and transportation, cleanup efforts, relocation costs, instrument and recording equipment replacement, and other critical supplies. MusiCares understands the effects of this disaster in a unique way. Since their inception in 1989, it has been their mission to assist music industry people facing unexpected crises. To apply for assistance, please contact one of the two toll free help lines at 1.800.687.4227 or 1.877.626.2748.
Tuesday, November 12th at 7:30pm
Doors open at 6:30pm
Tickets: $20
Thank you to our friends at KUVO RADIO for helping to sponsor this event.
We do not issue physical tickets. Once purchased, your name will be added to our reservations list, check in at our box office when you arrive.
NOTE: If you would like to be seated as a group/with friends, please include the first and last name of the agreed upon group name on the line provided: GROUP. Group seating is not guaranteed if requested within 3 hours of show-time. If a show is almost sold out, we cannot guarantee group seating. Purchase early if you can!
If you do not receive a confirmation email within 30 minutes of completing your purchase, call (303) 293-0075.
Most shows have assigned seating based on order of ticket purchase and party size, assigned front to back. The venue is intimate, no seats are far from the stage.
Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable/non-transferable to other shows/dates. (You can sell or give them to friends if you can't make it.)
If you have special seating needs, (wheelchairs/elderly, etc) PLEASE let us know in advance.
We reserve the right to give up reserved seats after the show begins.
Doors typically open one hour prior to show-time (check website for info)
We serve appetizers, desserts, cocktails, wine, champagne and non-alcoholic beverages.
All tickets include sales tax.


text:
Burton and Swadlincote avoid flood warnings after torrential rain - BREAKING
Posted: July 19, 2014|
BURTON and South Derbyshire have avoided being placed on flood alert after rain battered both areas overnight and this morning.
Small pockets of flooding has cropped up across both areas but Environment Agency chiefs have put this down to build up of excess water after prolonged periods of rain.
However, both the River Trent and River Dove have avoided been placed on 'high' flood alert after rainfall levels were not as high as expected overnight.
Police and fire chiefs in Burton and Swadlincote revealed there had been 'no major incidents' related to the weather in the past 24 hours.
The Met Office issued the amber weather warning yesterday which covers Staffordshire and Derbyshire until 11.45pm this evening.
While it is wet and thundery, temperatures are forecast to reach 23C at 1pm.
The weather warning has also prompted the Highways Agency to alert drivers to potentially unsafe conditions.
Simon Sheldon-Wilson, director of traffic management at the Highways Agency, said: "With schools across the country now broken up for summer, lots of people will be taking to the roads this weekend.
"While this weather should not prevent people from making a journey, it's important that drivers are aware of the forecast and drive appropriately."
"Rain and spray can reduce visibility and when the road is wet it can take up to twice as long to stop so it makes sense to slow down when it's raining and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front. It's also a good idea to check the latest conditions before setting out on a journey."
Keep updated to burtonmail.co.uk for updates on weather related issues this weekend.


text:
Today I woke up as happy as I have ever been before. It is my favorite day of the year. I was not my birthday but I did celebrate it as one. You see for years I have gotten together with my best friend Felica exactly two weeks from the day of my birthday. The reason for this is we like our birthdays to last a long time and so once the buzz dies out, it's time to have the best possible time.
I have known Felica since I was three and have been doing this tradition since before I can remember. In our tradition we always get each other something really special and from all of our friends. It usually takes months to decide what we are going to get for each other. Luckily her birthday isn't for another six months.
As I was getting ready I was wondering what she could have possible gotten. I figuered it couldn't be jeans because I have like twenty pairs of two hundred dollar pairs of jeans, which by the way I got a new pair for my birthday which I am wearing. Anyway, that couldn't be special enough. I know she wouldn't get me a top because all I ever wear are tank tops, today a pretty pink one, and besides I have one in ever color. As I was wondering I put on my new silver necklace that my sister got me for my big eighteen and took my long brown hair out of its clip.
My hair had always been long. All the way down to my mid back with long layers I thought it was my best feature. The people I know however think it's either my blue eyes or my smile. They say it's a cute kind of innocent smile. But that's just me, I'm never riskay or anything, I'm just a country girl that has never changed much but with age. Why would I change me? I like me for who I am. I never go for a maincure or pedicure, why? Every girl said my boyfriend was so lucky. They said I was the hot girlfriend that was zeron maintence.
When I was waiting for Felica to come I saw the photo of her on my nightstand when we were at an amusement park. She was pretty. She had light blonde hair that barely grazed her shouldners and a slender body. She was like my sister.
Just as I began to fall into the looking at old pictures trance, the doorbell rang. It was time for my real birthday celebration.
"Hey GIRL!" Felica screamed at me as she ran into my house and gave me an enormous hug.
"Hey, so what are we doing today?" I asked
"Molly, Molly, Molly, do you think I would let you down?" Felica asked
"I don't doubt you for a second" I responed
"Well then here you go!"
She handed me an envelope. AN ENVELOPE. Which meant she really didn't care and she just got me money. I should have doubted her. I guess she could tell that I was upset because she screamed at me to just open the damn envelope. So I did. It was a coupon for a free makeover.
"What is this?" I asked
"All of us decided that you have never been pampered and never changed, so we decided that I am going to do it for you" Felica said
"Cool, where are we going to get me 'made over'?" I asked her
"No where, I am doing it." Felica said
"Oh, ok then. Where do you want to my nails and stuff?" I asked
"Let's just go in your room and I'll get all the stuff, just wait. I'll be up in a second" Felica said
"Whatever you say" I told her as I went to sit on my bed
I trusted her, kinda. She was my best friend forever and I knew she would never do anything to hurt me. Besides, how bad could getting my nails done and then going to a salon for a little trim be?
She inturruped my thoughts again as she came in with a towel and some red nail polish.
She quickly painted my nails and I waited for them to dry.
"Are those new jeans?" Felica asked
"Yeah, they're Sevens" I responded
"Oh, how much were these?" Felica asked again
"About two hundred" I said
"Oh, so cheap ones for you. Can I try them on?" Felica asked
"Now?" I asked with a curious tone
"I guess so" I told her
I took off my jeans leaving me pretty much exposed except for the white thong I was wearing.
"So, about your wardrobe" Felica said
"What about it?" I asked
"Nothing. It's just kinda plain. I'm gunna freshen it up for ya" Felica responed
"Oh so we're going to the mall?" I asked
Felica smiled and said, "No"
"Then what?' I aked her
Felica then walked over to my desk and grabbed a pair of big orange scissors off my desk.
"What are you doing?" I asked
"Relax" was all Felica said
She then took the scissors and picked up my jeans. I started to get worried. She made a first cut right below the croch line.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?" I screamed at her
"You need to dress more like an eighteen year old and not like an eight year old." Felica said as she kept cutting away at my brand new two hundred dollar pair of jeans. Once she was done she threw them back at me with the ends all frayed. They were so small and tight.
"I feel like Daisy Duke" I told her
"Good. That means that you feel hot" Felica said
"I guess so" I responded not thinking about it that way
"Now for your hair" Felica said
"What salon are we going to?" Asking her the obvious question
"No where silly, have you not learned. Everything is being done here" Felica responded
"You've never even cut hair before" I said nervously
"Just put this around you" Felica said throwing me a towel
I obliged. I put the towel around me and took my locks and draped them down the back. I guess I trused her, she was my best friend, and besides I could use a trim.
"You ready?" Felica asked
"How much you cutting off?" I asked
"Just relax, would I do anything to make you hate me?" Felica asked
"I guess not" I said "Go ahead"
Felica started brushing out my long hair and it felt so good. No one ever does that for me. She then picked up the same orange scissors she massecred my jeans with and that's when I started to get nervous. She walked in front of me and grabbed the left side of my hair that was hanging in front of me. I closed my eyes as I felt the scissors touch my hair. While cringed I wondered why it was so hard to just trim the ends. Was my hair that tough? I open my eyes only to see that all of my long locks were now on the floor! I was stunned. I went up to see just how much she cut and it was at my chin! I didn't say anything because I promised I wouldn't I just stared at my wall trying to watch her with my eyes. Everytime I looked I saw my favorite part of me flying to the ground in long strands. I couldn't help but to shed a tear. My hair felt really light. I didn't know what to expect, my hair was gone. It took like an hour of my hair hitting the ground before she finally said the words I had been waiting for.
"All done" Felica said
I got up and more of what used to be my long hair hit the floor. I look in my floor length mirror and I don't even recognize myself. She had cut off all my hair to a chin length bob with some layers. It did look pretty and healthy it just didn't look like me.
I woke up a simple country girl not wanted to reveal much with the standard girly girl long hair. Now I have short shorts showing off my legs and hair that only supermodels wear. I simply could not believe it.
Later that night when I was getting ready for bed, I realized I didn't have to spend all this time getting my hair ready for bed. This made me feel a little better about my change. In my diary that night instead of putting all the details all I wrote was:
This was "A Birthday to Remember."


text:
Office 365 for Students
What's new in Office 2013
Computer Lab
Mineral Area College Acceptable Use Policy
html version
Google Mobile Setup
Note: you will need your firstname.lastname@example.com for setup
Faculty/Staff Jenzabar/MyMAC Help Desk Software Info
Add Security to a PDF file
Welcome to IT Services at Mineral
Area College. Located in the Technology Center, we provide technical assistance for all students, faculty, and staff. Our mission is to provide you with a suite of IT services and resources.
Wireless access connections are available in all campus locations with the exception of the Fire Academy.
Contact information for the MAC Help Desk
Fall/Spring Help Desk Hours:
Monday-Thursday 7 am – 7 pm
Friday 7 am – 4 pm
Summer Help Desk Hours:
Monday-Friday 7 am – 3 pm
After hours and weekends, email firstname.lastname@example.com
Or call 573-518-3850
Lab - T106
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 7 pm
Friday 8 am - 2 pm
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 7 pm
Friday 8 am - 2 pm
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 7 pm
Friday 8 am - 2 pm
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 3 pm
Friday 8 am - 2 pm
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 3 pm
For MyMAC issues, include the following info in your message:
All network and computer systems will be unavailable on the SECOND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 4:00 AM UNTIL 10:00 AM.
Lab Hours-T106
Monday-Thursday 8 am - 7 pm
Friday 8 am - 2 pm
Monday-Friday 8 am - 2 pm
Students: Click here for instructions on how to change your passwords in MyMAC, email and Main campus computers.
Last updated 5/22/2015
Student Logins
Username: Use your student id number.
Password: On initial login, use your College issued password.
*Changing your password in MyMAC does not automatically change your passwords for email and campus computers.
If you have forgotten your MyMAC password, go to MyMAC and under "Login Information," click "Access your Password" and follow the instructions. Tip: birth year should be keyed as the full year, example: 1976.
Username: Use first and last name initials, your student ID number plus @mineralarea.edu
Password: Use your College issued password.
Campus Computers
Username: Use first and last name initials plus your student ID number.
Password: Use your MyMAC password at the time you enrolled in courses.


text:
Dr. Jim Taylor
Dr. Jim Taylor is internationally recognized for his work in the psychology of business, sport, and parenting. Jim is the author or editor of ten books and hundreds of scholarly and popular articles, and speaks to and consults with businesses, athletes and sports teams, and schools throughout North America, Europe, and the Middle East. To learn more, visit www.drjimtaylor.com.
Monthly Archive for May, 2012
Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda
What is the worst emotion you can imagine feeling? In my work, I see people express many different emotions. Yes, some are wonderful such as joy, excitement, pride, and inspiration. But others I see, not surprisingly, are less positive including fear, frustration, anger, and sadness. Yet, the one emotion that lies along the continuum of […] [Read More]
Pride in My Bride: A Mother's Day Tribute
Mother's Day is on Sunday. Unfortunately, my own mother died some years ago, so I can't celebrate the day with her (though I owe her an immense debt of gratitude for all that she gave me). There is, however, another mother in my life that deserves to be honored, namely, my bride Sarah (yes, after […] [Read More]


text:
Unsupported Browser Detected!
You are using an unsupported browser, and the mydlink website may not look, behave, or function as intended.
If you experience any problems, we recommend that you use one of the following supported browsers:
- Internet Explorer 8 or higher (32-bit)
- Firefox 12 or higher
- Chrome 20 or higher (32-bit on Windows, 32-bit/64-bit on Mac OS)
- Safari 6 or higher (Mac OS only)


text:
Pomona College & Harvey Mudd College Receive $546,273 Grant for Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope
The Pomona Petrology research group, led by Jade Star Lackey, investigates magma diversification and contamination in complementary metamorphic and fluid flow processes in igneous and metamorphic rocks in magmatic arc terranes. Primary tools of the research include complete SEM petrographic characterization of samples (including the garnet, quartz and zircon shown above) using high-resolution imaging.
Pomona College and Harvey Mudd College have received a $546,273 National Science Foundation grant for a new field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). This type of microscope can image analyze fibers, cells, particles, minerals and new materials at size scales ranging from inches to nanometers, corresponding to magnifications from 10 times to one million times, which is significantly better than any traditional optical microscope. The new instrument will be available to students and faculty throughout the Claremont Colleges.
The collaborative grant proposal was led by Professor David Tanenbaum in physics. The four co-principal investigators were Professor Charles Taylor, Pomona chemistry; and Harvey Mudd College Professors Nancy Lape, engineering; Elizabeth Orwin, engineering and biology, and Hal Van Ryswyk, chemistry. The group also included Robert Gaines and Jade Star Lackey of Pomona's Geology Department as senior investigators.
Plans call for the new microscope to be installed on the Pomona campus before the end of the spring semester. It will replace a 13-year-old FE-SEM instrument that, over the last four years, has been used by more than 150 people, almost all undergraduates, for more than 1,000 sessions.
According to Tanenbaum, "The new instrument will take sharper images at higher magnifications, better than 2 nanometers, and enable some new types of imaging techniques with different detectors. It will also support larger beam currents, which means faster data acquisition for some types of experiments. Students will spend much more of their time collecting data than setting up the instrument. Depending on which instrument we get, there will be other new features as well."
The new machine will also be able to use several accessories on the current system that are still state of the art. These include the EDS (energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer), the electron beam pattern generator and a dedicated cathodoluminesence CL detector.
Once installed, the instrument will be available for use to students and faculty through an online reservation system. The grant proposal focused on the instrument's usefulness in three main research areas:
- Materials for Energy and the Environment: In this area, the proposed instrument would support important imaging in several projects: Low-cost, high-stability polymer solar cells; dye-sensitized solar cells with porphyrin sensitizers on zinc oxide nanotubes; Inorganic/organic composite gas separation membranes for low-energy separations; and environmental monitoring involving combinatorial materials research for chemical microsensor and microanalytical system development.
- Bioengineering: Among other projects in this area, the instrument would support projects on tissue engineering a cornea, and chitosan nanoparticle synthesis.
- Geology: Two major projects in this area include igneous and metamorphic petrology relating to magma diversification and contamination, and geomicrobiology and sedimentary geology for research on the interactions between the biosphere and the geosphere over long timescales.
Pomona College has a long history of providing opportunities for students to be involved in significant research, and many faculty members have coauthored articles in peer-reviewed journals with students. The College maintains a variety of sophisticated, research-grade equipment including a 400Mhz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, an atomic force microscope, a scanning tunneling microscope, optical microscopes, optical spectrometers, vapor pressure osmometer and an X-ray diffractometer.
Research has always been central to the Harvey Mudd undergraduate educational experience as well. In 2008, the NSF publication Baccalaureate Origins of S&E Doctorate Recipients cited HMC as the most productive baccalaureate institution in terms of the proportion of its graduates who eventually earn a doctorate.
For faculty and students, sometimes the lab is where the class material comes alive in exciting ways. "Providing undergraduate students with the opportunity to work with sophisticated instrumentation provides motivation to discuss a variety of specialized topics," notes the proposal, "and can be a key factor in encouraging students to pursue further scientific research, graduate studies or industrial research positions."


text:
Recently our colleagues over at PCP (the Parallel Computing Platform team) have been doing a number of Channel 9 videos - on their most recent taping they asked Damien Watkins from VC++ to join them. Why? Well the focus of the video was around the journey towards getting the PCP bits shaped and shipped in VS2010. Damien has been the VC++ Program Manger (PM) managing that relationship. He also works on many of our C++0x and Libraries features, which turned out to be a fortunate match for a few reasons, firstly ConcRT/PPL benefits from using some new C++0x features (for example lambdas and support for transporting exceptions between threads) and secondly since the ConcRT runtime ships in the CRT and the PPL ships as a VC++ library. We hope you enjoy the video.
Hey guys,
Can you post this video in WMP format? I don't really care about installing silverlight.
I will forward this on to Charles at Channel 9 to see what can be done. One question, when I click on the "Downloads" option at the bottom of the page I see you can download it as:
iPod (MP4)
WMV (High)
Do none of these other formats work for you either?
Any idea when the next Visual Studio 2010 CPT will be released?
And, will VS 2010 Express Edition support MFC?
Hello "longtime c++/mfc dev"
Thanks for the interest and questions. Schedules and Product Plans are normally announced on Soma's blog first: http://blogs.msdn.com/somasegar/ (and we follow-up with items that closely affect us shortly thereafter.) So the best I can suggest is to keep an eye on Soma's blog (or wait until we relay another here.)


text:
Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano has been diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia, the team announced today, and will miss several games to receive treatment.
Colts owner Jim Irsay made the announcement at a news conference today, saying, "He is ready to take this fight on and he is a fighter."
Pagano, 51, had been experiencing what he believed to be fatigue, but a blood test revealed he was suffering from leukemia. He has been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at an Indianapolis-area hospital since Wednesday.
Bruce Arians, the team's offensive coordinator, will serve as the interim coach in Pagano's absence.
Pagano is in his first season as the head coach of the Colts. He had previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
To comment, the following rules must be followed:
Comments may be monitored for inappropriate content, but the station is under no legal obligation to do so.
If you believe a comment violates the above rules, please use the Flagging Tool to alert a Moderator.
Flagging does not guarantee removal.
Multiple violations may result in account suspension.
Decisions to suspend or unsuspend accounts are made by Station Moderators.
Questions may be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com. Please provide detailed information.


text:
Yellow weather warning of snow in Leicester
Posted: February 06, 2013|
A yellow weather warning of snow is in place in Leicester today, with the Met Office forecasting blustery showers and a potential accumulation of snow.
The warning, which remains in place until midday on Thursday, urges the public to "be aware" of snow on roads and pavements, and to take extra care when walking, driving or cycling in affected areas.
The Met Office warns of blustery, wintry showers in areas covered by the yellow snow warning. It says: "Accumulations of snow are likely to be quite small over low-lying areas until the overnight period, when 1-3 cm may occur away from the immediate coast.
"However, over higher ground, for example the North York Moors and Wolds, accumulations of snow around 5 to 10 cm may build up.
Related content
"Icy stretches will also develop on untreated surfaces during Wednesday evening and overnight into Thursday."
A level two cold alert remains in place in Leicester alongside the yellow warning of snow.
The cold alert urges the public to check on vulnerable neighbours and ensure they are able to sufficiently heat their homes.
The cold alert remains in place until 8am on Friday.
The Met Office predicts Wednesday afternoon will be cold and cloudy, with temperatures feeling as low as -2C amid wind gusts of up to 33mph.
The Met Office forecasts a dry night in Leicester, but the mercury could feel as low as -4C.
Thursday is forecast to be cloudy with sunny intervals, and wind gusts are likely to have subsided. Temperatures could feel as low as -3C until mid-morning but linger around the 1C mark by Thursday afternoon.
A flurry of snow is forecast on Friday morning, from around 3am until 9am. An overcast afternoon will most likely follow, and temperatures should feel around 1C.
Saturday is set to be cold and foggy at times, and evening showers are forecast. Light rain will most likely continue to fall until around midday on Sunday.
Temperatures could feel considerably milder, however – as high as 3C.


text:
Well Thankyou Icy, Byuakuya and Twizzdid, I'm still enjoying my stay, and i still can't believe how nice you all are!
I bet you lot ain't this nice in real life, your all gangster's ain't you? LOL!
Because it just doesn't add up, LOL!
Thank you again!
check out my Joke's thread I made since i joined:


text:
North Students Qualify for National History Day Nationals
Two Sheboygan North High students will be traveling to College Park, Maryland for the National History Day National Competition. The national competition will be held June 12-17. Chamila Amithriligala and Kelsey Obremski, both tenth graders, qualified for the national competition by earning first place at the state National History Day competition. The students' project is a group documentary called "H.H. Bennett: Exposing the Photographic Frontier."
Sheboygan Area School District Press Release
May 25, 2010


text:
Report Forum Post
*Note - This report is sent only to the Forum Moderators, no other user will see this.
Reported Post
I love lost camo, and it works very very well. I have the monster jacket and overalls that you are going to get and they are very toasty even on the coldest days.. I just cant wait tell the solo tech jacket and pants come out!!!
Reason for Reporting


text:
MR, CT, Angiography Images Fuse in Interventional Suite
A new MR/CT and angiography fusion navigation system has been added to Philips Healthcare Allura Xper FD20 system to better guide percutaneous oncology and cardiology procedures.
The MR/CT Roadmap feature allows clinicians to synchronize live fluoroscopy with previously acquired MRA/CTA datasets to help reduce contrast media use and X-ray dose compared to standard 2D or 3D navigation. XperGuide can also overlay live fluoroscopy on MR/CT images for needle image guidance.
Earlier this year Philips acquired Traxtal and its portfolio of minimally-invasive instruments and software for image-guided intervention and therapy. PercuNav functions as a GPS for medical instruments and is now integrated into the Philips interventional suite of products. The system provides 3D visualization and navigation tools to guide instruments to desired targets. The system tracks the tips of flexible and rigid instruments while inside the patient and displays the instrument position, orientation and trajectory on preprocedure and intraprocedure images.
The system can generate fused multimodality images, such as CT with real-time ultrasound. The fusion imaging can aid in procedures such as biopsy and ablation.
Ultrasound access and use is also improved with the launch of the integrated CX50 system, combining good image quality with full data, user interface and video integration. With the CX50's portability, physicians in the cath lab can control the CX50 from the Allura Xper FD tableside module, and view images directly on interventional exam room monitors.
The imaging improvements were introduced in November 2009.
For more information: www.philips.com/newscenter


text:
YORK HARBOR – Get to know acclaimed writer Colin Sargent during the next installment of the York Art Association's new series, which features some of the best authors from the Seacoast region and its surrounding communities.
On Nov. 13, Sargent, who is a playwright and poet, and is also the publisher of Portland Magazine, will read from his first novel, "Museum of Human Beings," the story of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the child of Sacagawea.
During a recent interview, Sargent spoke of his inspiration for this work of fiction that is steeped in historical fact.
"All the images of Lewis and Clark's famous Shoshone guide, from elementary history books to the coin in currency today, are titled 'Sacagawea.' But there are two human beings in those pictures… Sacagawea is always portrayed with her 'papoose,' who appears to be a fashion accessory as central to her legend as a flag is to Betsy Ross… I found myself wondering, who is that boy? Whatever happened to him?"
From there, Sargent explained that he began hunting through archive entries that mention Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, who lived from 1805 to 1866.
As a result of that search, Sargent said, "a picture of a man struggling to emerge from the shadow of his celebrity mom began to take shape, and I felt a real connection – Baptiste is a touchstone for so many of us who are searching for our own place in the world."
Sargent's next task was to work the biographical and historical information he gathered into a work of fiction. The facts known about Baptiste include his education in St. Louis as the adopted son of William Clark after his mother's death, followed by his appearance in Duke Paul of Wurttemberg's journal when he was a teenager, Sargent explained.
"Facts gather value when connected together by a narrative. A strictly literal viewer doesn't have the eyes to see The Big Dipper, just dissociated stars," Sargent said. "I had to understand, for example, how Baptiste's adopted father, the explorer William Clark, was so indifferent to Baptiste's fortunes that he palmed him off on a German nobleman with Duke Paul's reputation as a sexual tourist. Then, I wanted to understand why the boy agreed to go."
Describing his love of reading itself as the "out-of-body" experience that happens when immersed in a compelling story, Sargent said he strove to write as a "reader," asking questions throughout the writing process to stimulate his own imagination as though he, too, were experiencing the places and times of his characters.
"I spent so much time trying to feel things like Baptiste Charbonneau so I could share them with readers that there were a couple of times while commuting to work in Portland when I caught myself looking into the passenger seat of my car expecting to see him riding beside me," he said.
Sargent said elements of Baptiste's history troubled him, while others were inspirational.
"Sacagawea was maybe the first true celebrated working mother, a New World Madonna. When I found out her son was paraded through the capitals of Europe by a German prince as a half-gentleman, half-animal, I was hurt for him, but then I came to admire Baptiste as a person who was able to survive and find his dignity, even through a youth of drug abuse, sexual negotiation and humiliation in a savage world," he explained. "At court, Baptiste mastered at least seven languages, performed as an accomplished musician and acquired a keen sense of irony, but it was in the New World he learned to appreciate that all experiences, horrific or joyous, make a whole person. Baptiste is a contemporary, complex character who led his own riveting life of thrills, adventures, exquisite loss and, finally, love. He wasn't just a witness to the Voyage of Discovery. Straddling several cultures at once and adapting the best of each to find meaning in his life, Baptiste was an agent of the coming of age of America."
Sargent said his inspiration for writing this book came in part from his realization as a magazine publisher that "a person's life is not defined by a photo-op… in spite of the fact that a 24-hour barrage of headline news can make it seem that way. …. I wanted to liberate Baptiste from reductive history and photo-ops."
And when it comes to sharing his novel locally, Sargent said he is especially looking forward to the Nov. 13 event.
Page 3 of 4 | Previous page | Next page


text: I've seen this debate going on at a few other Canuck sites so I thought I'd weigh in. For me, he's absolutely a #1 guy - I don't think there's any doubt about it. He's 2nd in the league in points for a dman, he's big and can hit like a truck, he's got a huge slapshot and he's a very good passer. He still makes the odd bonehead play (probably 1 every other game or so) and has the odd off night (probably every 4th-5th game or so), which are 2 strikes against him. That said, he's only 25 years old and has improved steadily since entering the league. He continues to get better and hasn't hit his prime yet, probably still a couple of years away. If he's not a #1 in your opinion, who is and what's the definition of a #1 dman?


text:
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2006 Iraqi forces, with coalition forces in support, delivered emergency food supplies to a mosque in Ramadi Nov. 4, military officials in Iraq reported.
Iraqi policemen and Iraqi soldiers delivered more than 6,000 pounds of food supplies to the Al Bohemla mosque Nov. 4 to help relieve a food shortage in the central portion of Ramadi.
Local residents approached Iraqi army soldiers during patrols to express their concern about the food shortage.
"Being the sons of Ramadi," Maj. Kathem from the Iraqi police said, "we must help the people of Ramadi."
Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, provided external security while soldiers with the 2-1-7 Iraqi Army and policemen from the western Ramadi police station unloaded rice, flour, beans and cooking oil for the people of the area to a local Imam. The Iraqi government provided the food supplies.
In another operation, soldiers detained four suspected terrorists and wounded another in eastern Baghdad Nov. 3.
At about 12:30 a.m., Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, identified a terrorist placing an improvised explosive device along the side of a road in New Baghdad, a neighborhood in eastern Baghdad.
After positively identifying the terrorist actions, the soldiers fired on and wounded the individual emplacing the roadside bomb.
The 4th BCT soldiers later detained four terrorists who were placing IEDs in the same area of New Baghdad. The four terrorists were caught carrying a submachine gun, a grenade and various bomb-making materials. The suspects were detained for further questioning, and an explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the munitions.
(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)


text:
We'd love to hear from you.
We are available to take your call or chat online during store hours.
Thursday 10am to 9pm
Store Locations & Hours
View all Offers
3pc Pedestal Gathering Set
Laminated table tops. Heat, water, scratch and dent resistant. 38" Gathering Height Table
Dimensions:Height - " Width - " Depth - "
Compare at $799.99
5pc Gathering Height Set
18" extendable table leaf.
Compare at $1,299.99
Gathering Ht Pedestal Table
Compare at $439.99


text:
One Harley key with Harley fob, believe lost on Thurmond starting at road construction. Please call 602-361-6728.
Brown Polish Chicken hen in Downer Addition area. Please call 751-1271.
2 yr old male Corgi mix,has a Star Wars collar on and his name is Jasper. A very friendly dog, lost between Ranchester and Dayton. Please call Judy at 307-461-0163.
Brown slumberjack sleeping bag in Kerney Lake area on 7-4-15. Please call 751-2380 if found.
I male cat, black with white chest, name of Moses. lost from 395 pheasant place in sparrowhawk subdivision. Please call 307 751 4379 or 307 674 4379
Black Ray Ban sunglasses at PowWow. Please call 303 777 0635.
Lost cream colored Siamese looking kitty. In the Shoshone st./birch st area . Her name is Lily. Please call 307-751-8382.
Glasses with black metal rims found on West Brundage St. Please call 751-8211.
Male dog, brindle colored, medium size found at Story park. If this is your dog, call 683-3262.
Please call and describe. 673-4703
keys on a lanyard at WYO rodeo. Please call to identify.
672-9084 between noon and 5 Monday through Friday
cell phone at WYO rodeo. Please call to identify. 672-9084 Monday through Friday Noon to 5
Umbrella at WYO rodeo. Please call 672-9084 between noon and 5, Monday through Friday to identify.
Found a fly rod bag on interstate 90 between Buffalo and lake desmet. It is khaki colored with a fly rod fishing pole and flies in the front pockets of the bag. Call 307-672-9391. We also seen a fishing net on the interstate also.