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The method for exploring desired characteristics of a subsurface sector, having at least one resonant frequency, is based on selectively transmitting suitable narrowband energy waves into the subsurface sector, thereby producing narrowband signals reflected off the subsurface sector. The transmitted narrowband energy waves can be selectively and optimally adjusted in real time so as to provide optimum illumination of the desired characteristics from the explored sector.
1. A method of acquiring seismic data from a subsurface region that contains a target sector of interest, comprising:
(A) controlling a seismic source to provide seismic waves in a narrowband through underground strata to the target sector of interest;
(B) sensing reflections of the seismic waves at a seismic receiver; and
(C) adjusting the seismic source based on the sensed reflections to sequentially provide seismic waves in each of a plurality of narrowbands (i) to determine a harmonic response for the target sector of interest, wherein the harmonic response is based on reflections off interfaces of the target sector of interest with formations, and (ii) to acquire seismic data associated with the harmonic response.
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9. A method of acquiring seismic data from a subsurface sector that contains a formation, the method comprising:
(A) providing in predetermined configuration, relative to the subsurface sector, at least a first seismic source and at least a first seismic receiver, wherein the seismic source generates seismic waves in a first narrowband;
(B) activating the seismic source to introduce seismic waves into the subsurface sector in the first narrowband through underground strata to the subsurface sector containing the formation; then
(C) collecting data at the seismic receiver about reflections of the seismic waves from the formation, which conveys information about the harmonic response of the formation based on reflections off interfaces of the formation with other formations; and,
(D) on the basis of the information, adjusting the seismic source in real time, such that seismic waves are sequentially introduced from the seismic source into the subsurface sector in each of a plurality of narrowbands, differing from the first narrowband, to achieve an improvement in signal-to-noise ratio for data collected at the seismic receiver of reflections from the formation,
whereby the harmonic response of the formation is identified and data is acquired based on at least one of the plurality of narrowbands.
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13. A system for acquiring seismic data from a subsurface region that contains a target sector of interest, comprising: (A) a seismic source configured to provide seismic waves through underground strata to the target sector of interest in narrowbands
(B) a seismic receiver configured to sense reflections of the seismic waves; and
(C) an adjuster configured to adjust the seismic source to provide seismic waves to the target sector sequentially, in each of a plurality of narrowbands, based on the sensed reflections, whereby a harmonic response of the target sector of interest is approached based on reflections off interfaces of the target sector of interest with formations.
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1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of seismic data acquisition. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for selective bandlimited data acquisition in real time, resulting in improved imaging of economically valuable or useful earth targets of interest.
2. Background Technology
Surface acoustic sources generate seismic waves from the surface and operate at relatively low frequencies resulting in low-resolution surveys. A few downhole seismic sources have been developed which transmit acoustic waves into the formation through a borehole medium. These downhole sources can operate at a higher frequency than surface sources but often do not generate enough energy to result in accurate surveys.
Conventional downhole sources include:
the cylindrical bender source using piezoelectric rings bonded to a tube developed by Southeast Research Institute and described in Balogh et al.'s, "New Piezoelectric Transducer for Hole-to-Hole Seismic Applications," 58th Annual International Meeting of the Society of Exploration Geophysics (1988), Session DEV2.5; the electro-acoustic transducer cylindrical bender source developed by Kompanek and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,044; the arc discharge pulse source developed by Southwestern Research Institute as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,011; the swept frequency borehole source developed by Western Atlas and described in Owen et al.'s, "Arc Discharge Pulse Source for Borehole Seismic Applications," 58th Annual International Meeting of the Society of Exploration Geophysics (1988), Session DEV2.4; the potential energy "drop mass" source developed by Institut Francais du Petrole (IFP) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,362; the hammer launched source developed by OYO Corporation and described in Kennedy et al.'s "A Swept-Frequency Borehole Source for Inverse VSP and Cross-Borehole Surveying," 7.sup.th Geophysical Conference of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysics (1989), Volume 20, pages 133-136; and the orbital vibrator developed by Conoco and described in Ziolkowksi et al.'s "Determination of Tube-Wave to Body-Wave Ratio for Conoco Borehole Orbital Source," 69th Annual International Meeting of the Society of Exploration Geophysics (1999), pages 156-159.
A few sources have been developed that are clamped against the borehole wall. These sources are generally more difficult to design, and not many have been developed. One source utilizes a hydraulic vibrator clamped against the borehole wall to oscillate a reaction mass axially or radially and is more fully described in Turpening et al.'s "Imaging with Reverse Vertical Seismic Profiles Using a Downhole, Hydraulic, Axial Vibrator," 62nd Meeting of EAGE (2000), Session P0161.
Some of the most recent and promising techniques for improved imaging use complicated mathematics, such as Fourier transforms, to deconstruct the seismic data into discrete frequencies. As is well known, a Fourier transform utilizes windows, which suffer from the time-resolution frequency-localization tradeoff.
When the harmonic frequency of the desired target of interest is displayed, the image becomes much clearer than the broadband seismic image. This resonance effect is described in The Leading Edge, Interpretational Applications of Spectral Decomposition in Reservoir Characterization, Greg Partyka, 1999.
Recently, the more advanced technique of using wavelet transforms, which mitigate the significant windowing problems associated with Fourier transforms, has been successfully applied to geophysical problems.
Patent application 20050010366 of John Castagna describes the technique of Instantaneous Spectral Analysis, which decomposes the seismic signal from the time domain to the frequency domain by superimposing members of a preselected "wavelet dictionary" onto the trace, cross-correlating, and subtracting the energy of the wavelets until some predefined minimum threshold is reached. The result is a spectrum for each time location on the trace. More on this subject can be found in "The Leading Edge: Instantaneous Spectral Analysis", John Castagna, 2003. Partyka, G. A., Gridley, J. A., and Lopez, J. A., 1999, Interpretational aspects of spectral decomposition in reservoir characterization: The Leading Edge, 18, 353-360. Castagna, J. P., Sun, Shenjie, and Siegfried, R. W., 2003, Instantaneous spectral analysis: Detection of low-frequency shadows associated with hydrocarbons, 120-127. Marfurt, K. J. and Kirlin, R. L., 2001, Narrow-band spectral analysis and thin-bed tuning: Geophysics, 66, 1274-1283. The results obtained from data deconstruction are essentially based on mathematical estimates.
Another recent industry development is time-lapse production imaging commonly termed 4D seismic monitoring. It is a method of viewing the reservoir with repeat surveys to determine how it is draining dynamically. Essentially, the seismic surveys are repeated with as much precision as possible in order to generate data sets that differ only with respect to changes associated with reservoir production. By finding the residual between the time-lapse images, one is able to infer subsurface fluid flow patterns and place constraints on fluid conduits and baffles associated with the drainage, thereby enabling one to modify reservoir models and future drilling plans. Because these changes can be subtle, any improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio would have a beneficial effect for 4D monitoring.
Accurate repositioning of the seismic source is considered one of the most critical elements in achieving 4D monitoring precision. Furthermore, a priori knowledge of the source signature would be beneficial. More on the subject can be found in the book "4D Reservoir Monitoring and Characterization" by Dr. Rodney Calvert.
The frequency range that is providing a given image is governed by the seismic wavelet, which initially represents the source signature and then changes as it experiences a number of earth-filtering effects, including absorption, geometrical spreading, and scattering. Better knowledge of the seismic source improves processes that remove the earth filtering effects.
Additional Related prior art can be found in the following:
Variable frequency seismic sources
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,014,403, 4,049,077, 4,410,062, 4,483,411 and 4,578,784 issued to Joseph F. Mifsud describe tunable frequency land and marine seismic vibrators.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,403 relates to a vibrator in which the frequency of vibration changes as the stiffness of a spring is automatically adjusted. As a result, the impedance of the spring resonates with the impedance of the reaction mass to maximize the reaction impedance, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the vibrator.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,049,077 shows the use of a coupling plate as feedback for controlling the vibrator operation. At low frequencies, the feedback is proportional to the coupling plate position, and at higher frequencies, the feedback is proportional to the coupling plate velocity.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,410,062 shows a compliant member whose compliance is such that it is substantially rigid at the natural frequency of the vibrator, and the natural frequency of the driven load of the vibrator is within the seismic spectrum but is higher than the natural frequency of the vibrator.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,411 shows a seismic source, which produces a varying FM signal at the low end of the acoustic spectrum. The seismic source uses stiff oscillating radiators to create a signal in the water. These radiators are attached to devices acting as springs with a variable spring rate. Variation of the spring rate as a function of the frequency permits the device to be tuned for maximum power output.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,784 shows a seismic source, which produces a varying FM signal generally within the 10-100 Hz region of the spectrum.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,432 describes a method of characterizing transducers, and the use of a characterized transducer in the measurement of the impedance of cement located behind a section of a casing in a borehole.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,030 describes a seismic defense system having a closely monitored seismic source used to relay vital information from the source to the receiver.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,737 describes a tool including a programmable acoustic source that is controlled by a computer. The tool is used for logging.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,811 refers to a fracture study technique in which resonance is established in the borehole to investigate fracture dimension by comparing the standing wave response at the wellhead to the modeled response.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,137,109 and 6,394,221 refer to seismic sources that sweep through a range of frequencies, the first utilizing hydraulic pressure to vary the resonance frequency of the device itself, and the second utilizing a series of variable frequency impacts to sweep the seismic range. Both are concerned with the seismic source itself and not with adjusting the source output to reach a resonant frequency of the target of interest.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,514 refers to a tool having frequencies in the 500-1500 Hz range, equivalent to a seismic band of 10-30 Hz, which includes much of the typical seismic band. Longer source intervals and stacking are used to increase energy and the signal-to-noise ratio. This tool does not adjust the source output to reach a resonant frequency of the target of interest in order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, nor does it use multiple narrowbands.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,671,379 and 4,834,210 describe a tool that creates a standing resonant pressure wave whose frequency depends on the spacing between two end means in a borehole. Frictional, structural, and radiated acoustic energy loses are compensated for by continued application of pressure oscillations. This tool relies on establishing resonance at the source and not at the target of interest.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,613 describes a method that generates pressure oscillations that produce resonant frequencies in the wellbore. After removing the effects of known reflectors, the resonant frequencies are used to determine the depth and impedance of downhole obstructions. While this method does take advantage of resonance, it is confined to the wellbore and not to the target of interest.
As attested by the above references, the geophysical industry has struggled, and continues to struggle, to develop improved data acquisition techniques for improved imaging, as well as for better and easier characterization of targets of interest that are economically suitable for production, and for guidance in selecting optimum well locations with reduced investments.
It is a primary object of this invention to address some of the prior art limitations mentioned above by extending the capabilities of known seismic sources and methods for data acquisition. The method of this invention for exploring desired characteristics of a subsurface sector is based on selectively transmitting suitable narrowband energy waves into the subsurface sector, thereby producing narrowband signals reflected off the subsurface sector. An operator in the field can selectively adjust the transmitted narrowbands in real time so as to extract optimum illumination of the desired characteristics from the explored sector. Also, the narrowband signals reflected off the subsurface sector are preferably collected and recorded on location in real time, as well as displayed on a monitor in real time for assisting the operator to continue making the necessary frequency adjustments.
Defined Terms
In use, source 101 transmits bandlimited vibratory waves 105 into ground 106, which, after reflecting off the interfaces of target of interest 107, are sensed or measured by appropriately positioned receivers 102 in array 103.
When source 101 is activated, it generates downgoing vibratory waves 105 within narrowbands, which propagate through underground formations 106 to target of interest 107.
Reflections of these waves from interface 108, between upper formation 106a and target of interest 107, and interface 109 between target of interest 107 and lower formation 106 b, return as bandlimited upgoing waves 110 to receivers 102 at the surface.
In the preferred embodiment, a sector of interest 111 can be studied using an array of receivers 103, which process the received bandlimited upgoing waves 110. From the receivers they are utilized as inputs to adjust source 101 through feedback loop 112.
In practice, most reflection coefficient pairs will not be equal in magnitude, in which case they can be decomposed into even and odd components. Also, the number of harmonics that are actually useful for imaging is generally small and depends strongly on the signal-to-noise ratio.
The signals generated by receiver 902 are passed to a signal conditioner 908, which amplifies, filters and converts the analog signals to digital signals. The resulting digital signals are passed to a processor 909, which converts them into image signals.
The digital image signals from processor 909 are passed to imaging means, illustrated as a display 910, which can be a conventional black-and-white or color monitor. The digital signals from processor 909 are also passed to a digital data collector 912.
In operation, an operator of apparatus 900 controls the output signals from source 901 through a signal adjuster 905 that is designed to control the source and its energy output.
The operator evaluates the images presented on display 910 and decides whether the video signals have been optimized. If the answer is yes, the acquisition data is stored in data collector 912 and data collection continues. If the answer is no, the operator uses signal adjuster 905 to adjust the output of source 901 until the image on display 910 more closely approximates the optimal harmonic resonance response expected from sector of interest 911.
A memory unit (not shown) in processor 909 stores information indicative of the received bandlimited return signals, which can be further processed depending on future needs. A communication device (not shown) in apparatus 900 can allow for direct communication with remotely located control units.
Using a feedback loop from processor 909 to adjuster 905, the desired source output adjustments could be executed automatically, thereby allowing the operator to intervene only as a troubleshooter.
Conventional sources in the above mentioned prior art include surface acoustic sources, downhole seismic sources, swept frequency borehole sources, tunable frequency land and marine seismic vibrators, feedback-controlled vibrators, orbital vibrators, programmable acoustic sources that are controlled by a computer, sources that are clamped against the borehole wall, and others.
The preferred seismic energy source for practicing the method of this invention is a controlled-frequency adjustable acoustic source capable of transmitting frequencies within narrowbands. It can be positioned on the surface or inside a borehole. It can be conveyed into an open borehole by any known means such as production tubing, coiled tubing, cable, wireline, etc.
The source may produce bandlimited vibratory waves either simultaneously or sequentially, which can be held constant for some predetermined duration, or can be varied incrementally. When the source is activated it transmits vibratory waves into the ground within narrowbands, which, after reflecting off the targets of interest, are sensed and measured by the appropriately positioned receivers.
A conventional receiver has long been a velocity measuring geophone. However, accelerometers are becoming more widely utilized, and multi-axis, or multi-component, accelerometers are emerging. Multi-component three axis sensing has produced superior images of the subsurface as compared to single component sensing.
Receivers provide signals indicative of the sensed seismic energy to an acquisition device that can be co-located with the receiver unit and coupled thereto for receiving the signal. A memory unit is disposed in the acquisition device for storing information indicative of the received signal. A communication device may also be co-located with the receiver/acquisition unit for allowing direct communication with a remotely located control unit.
In the crosswell or interwell seismic technique, the source is placed in a borehole and the receivers are placed in adjacent boreholes. When using a reverse vertical seismic profiling technique, the source is placed in a borehole and the receivers are placed along the surface as shown in
Bandlimited Data Acquisition
When correlated to the harmonics of a specific target of interest, each received bandlimited segment will have improved accuracy over broadband collection due to elimination of many waves that are not conducive to imaging, such as those created by uncontrolled seismic energy sources.
Through the production of energy within selected multiple narrowbands, the details of individual geologic targets of interest become accentuated. This is because each target of interest responds optimally to energy produced within specific narrowbands centered on harmonics.
Harmonic resonance occurs when the bandlimited reflections from two interfaces are in phase as shown in
Harmonic distortion occurs when the bandlimited reflections from the two interfaces are 180 degrees out of phase as shown in
If the reflection coefficients are equal in magnitude and opposite in sign, the response will show odd harmonics as shown in
Once the fundamental frequency of a given target of interest has been determined by adjusting the frequency of the source, other harmonics will occur at a period that is the inverse of the thickness of the target of interest.
A target of interest with a given thickness will respond preferentially to energy produced at one set of harmonics, while a target of interest with another thickness will show a peak response to energy produced at another set of harmonics as shown in
The central or peak frequency of the bandlimited waves applied by the source should be appropriate for the depth of penetration necessary to image the target of interest.
The range of narrowbands will occur within the range of seismic frequencies, which is generally between 10 Hz and 250 Hz, although this range can vary depending on the source and other specific imaging conditions.
Bandlimited collection of data can focus on a single target of interest or multiple targets of interest. For example, the data collection effort may focus on a petroleum reservoir, or on a petroleum reservoir together with the surrounding or encasing formations, or stacked petroleum reservoirs, each of which may have a distinct optimal narrowband for imaging.
Real Time Bandlimited Data Acquisition
Based on information received by the receivers, real time interactive frequency adjustments to the source can be made by an operator or by a feedback loop so as to induce harmonic resonance within the targets of interest.
By utilizing the harmonic response properties of the target of interest to make real time adjustments to the narrowband signals, the target of interest can be quickly and optimally imaged.
For example, if a target of interest is more optimally illuminated by one narrowband than by an adjacent narrowband, generally the narrowband with the superior response is closer to the harmonic resonance of the target of interest.
The speed with which accurate subsurface images can be obtained is often crucial to operations in the oilfield. Decisions involving the expenditure of vast sums of money are often necessarily made on short notice due to practical considerations, such as equipment scheduling and/or downtime.
Real time bandlimited data acquisition of the present invention. enables an operator to interact directly during the data collection process.
The novel method reduces processing expenses significantly by permitting interactive real time adjustments to acquisition parameters that optimize target of interest response. Utilization of the narrowband producing harmonic resonance of the target of interest can reduce the processing time and inaccuracies inherent in current spectral decomposition methods, which can produce large volumes of data.
By focusing the acquisition on the naturally occurring harmonic resonance of the target of interest, significant non-pertinent data can be eliminated from consideration.
Eliminating the non-pertinent data intrinsically improves both the accuracy of the data and the speed with which a quality subsurface image can be produced. This also permits the tailoring of data acquisition and processing to the requirements of each unique application by reducing the volume of non-pertinent data.
The entirety of the data collected using the method of this invention, including that which is not used for immediate application, can be stored and made available for future analysis involving other applications, which are presently known or which may be developed at some future date.
Narrowbands are collected independently of each other. However, if the signal-to-noise ratio is high at multiple harmonics, the narrowbands can be combined in ways that optimize the imaging of the subsurface target. Simply adding the time series of narrowbands centered on distinct harmonics will produce a more resolved image.
Thus, when used in conjunction with traditional stacking methods, the signal-to-noise ratio can be increased by narrowband imaging while maintaining resolution by combining multiple narrowbands.
Accordingly, a target of interest can be imaged at harmonics by inputting much less energy into the ground than would otherwise be required by the use of an uncontrolled energy source.
Earth-Filtering Effects
Earth filtering effects can modify and degrade the seismic signal. By making on the spot frequency adjustments in real time while knowing the seismic source, earth filtering effects can be better estimated and removed.
Traditionally, earth-filtering effects are removed by applying mathematical processes designed to remove these effects to the received seismic signal. Knowledge of the original bandlimited source signature provides additional constraints on the overall estimation of frequency-dependant earth filtering effects.
Spectral Information
Time-lapse reservoir 4D monitoring simply repeats former survey specifications, both in terms of source and receiver location and, for the method of this invention, source frequency ranges.
In one application, spectral information together with the instantaneous knowledge of the source signature may be used to guide selection of subsequent acquisition parameters for time-lapse monitoring, saving processing time and cost.
For a specific target, the need to estimate the narrowband parameters of the source is eliminated after the initial data collection effort. Thus, a priori knowledge of the optimal source signature parameters corresponding to the harmonics of the target of interest will improve accuracy and save time.
The angle of incidence of the reflection received from a given point on a target of interest is determined by the vertical position of the tool in the wellbore, the depth and orientation of the formation, the position of the receiver, and the physical parameters of the subsurface.
In one application, if the narrowband data is collected at various depths in adjacent wellbores, frequency-dependant AVO data can be collected. AVO stands for amplitude variation with offset.
AVO techniques known in the art provide estimates of acoustic and shear wave impedances for the media on either side of a reflecting interface, which are dependent on the parameters of the target of interest, including lithology, porosity, and pore fluid content. These estimates are based on various approximations to the Zoeppritz formulation of reflection coefficient variation as a function of incidence angle.
By collecting data within narrowbands, AVO attribute analysis is improved. For example, utilization of frequency-dependant AVO attributes eliminates the need for bandwidth balancing.
Using "real" data as opposed to mathematically deconstructed data, the current method provides improved imaging, thickness estimation, and frequency-dependant AVO.
It is also anticipated that the method of this invention will improve the quality of the estimates of attenuation for gas reservoirs.
The aforementioned techniques can be implemented on conventional processing software, the bandlimited nature of the signal being the only difference from conventional processing inputs.
Noise & Signal-to-Noise Ratio
In the art of geophysical imaging, which includes the acquisition and processing of data, the primary factor limiting the quality of seismic images is that of noise. The presence of noise in the seismic data diminishes the interpretability of the image.
More noise results in substandard image quality, which can obscure the target of interest. It is therefore highly desirable to mitigate these problems by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio.
There are different types of noise, and they can be dealt with in different ways. On the processing side, noise can be reduced by algorithmic data processing. Filtering in the frequency-wave number domain can reduce ground roll. Frequency filtering can also reduce random noise, although the filter can also affect the signal.
The most powerful technique used in geophysics for cancellation of random noise is that of stacking. In this technique, reflections from a common midpoint are added together to increase the signal. Because the noise is random, it is out of phase and statistically tends to cancel when added together.
On the acquisition side, ground role or surface wave noise is suppressed by positioning the receivers so that the relative responses of the individual receivers to the surface wave energy cancel each other out. This is an example of coherent noise reduction.
In accordance with this invention, the signal-to-noise ratio is improved through utilization of the periodically repeating resonance response of the target of interest, which is determined by the target thickness and reflection coefficient ratio.
In the plot of amplitude vs. frequency, the signal-to-noise ratio is simply the ratio of the area under the curve of the signal to that of the area under the curve of the noise.
Because random noise tends to be white or flat across the spectrum, regions of the spectrum centered on resonant frequencies of the target of interest will have a higher signal-to-noise ratio than those centered on the distortion frequencies as shown in
Also, regions of the spectrum centered narrowly on resonant frequencies will have a higher signal-to-noise ratio than a broadband signal, as shown in
Therefore, focusing the data acquisition on the regions in the vicinity of the resonant frequencies maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio, as previously described.
The following expressions give the area under the curve for a plot of amplitude of reflectivity vs. frequency for a typical target of interest, which might be a sand encased in shale as in
with thickness T=20 ms and an odd reflection coefficient pair r1=−0.1, and r2=1, utilizing
a broadband signal f=10-60 Hz, and
a bandlimited signal f=20-30 Hz
If the signal-to-noise ratio for the 10-60 Hz case is 10, then the noise level will be 0.637.
Assuming white noise, the noise level for 20-30 Hz will be 0.137, yielding a signal-to-noise ratio of 1.97/0.137=14.38.
Thus, by the method of this invention, the use of a narrowband in this example has improved the signal-to-noise ratio by about 44%.
Advantages & Benefits in Time & Investment
Some of the advantages of the selective real time bandlimited method include without limitation:
It provides an improved image without the necessity of detailed spectral decomposition analysis.
It can also be used in a marine setting.
The seismic source is controllable and frequency ranges can be tuned to the target of interest response.
Because the source takes advantage of the target of interest harmonic response, it requires less input energy to generate a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio for imaging.
In addition to location of the source, the source signal parameters for the specific target of interest will be known and more easily repeatable, thereby permitting more accurate 4D reservoir monitoring. Repeatability of multiple bandlimited investigations will provide more information on fluid migration patterns and vastly improve accuracy.
The costs and inaccuracies associated with algorithmic processing of seismic data are reduced.
The collection method reduces or eliminates noise associated with uncontrolled sources by not collecting it. This includes signals at distortion frequencies not useful for imaging.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were each specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The descriptions given herein, and best modes of operation of the invention, are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Many modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.
Patent Citations
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I work with a chick who said she had some bars. When I asked what mg she said 4. Now I don't mess with benzos a lot but I have NEVER heard of a bar that big and I've been doing this the better part of a decade now so if I could get some help with this that would be great. It is a yellowish looking rectangle with XANAX on one side and 2 on the other side. I have seen white ones like this but never the yellow. Hopefully the pics I took of them will load and be kinda clear. 1/4 is missing cause she already took it but let me know what yall think it is.
Damn pics wouldn't load but it's a yellow rectangle XANAX on one side and 2 on the other.

subset: commoncrawl


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This project is available on the Internet at:
During the 1990s, a number of state and local child welfare agencies began experimenting with privatization of child welfare services in order to improve performance and reduce costs. Models of privatization vary across the country, from statewide reforms to more limited initiatives. States continue to look for best practice measures to fuse programmatic and fiscal reforms. However, because little sound research and few outcome evaluations have been conducted on these initiatives, little information on effective practices and models is available.
To assist state and local child welfare policymakers who are considering or implementing privatization reform, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) undertook The Child Welfare Privatization Initiatives Project (CWPI). This project developed a series of topical papers drawing from the experience of child welfare and other social services programs which have privatized services and is intended to provide insights about factors that should be considered when approaching or improving upon privatization efforts.
The following topical papers were produced under this contract:
This project was carried out by a partnership between Planning and Learning Technologies Inc. of Arlington, VA, and The Urban Institute of Washington, DC. It builds on knowledge gained during a national needs assessment of child welfare privatization efforts conducted for the Childrens Bureaus Quality Improvement Center for the Privatization of Child Welfare Services (http://www.uky.edu/SocialWork/qicpcw/) as well as research on privatization conducted in other closely related social services (http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/privatization-rpt03/).
To obtain a printed copy of any report, send the title and your mailing information to:Human Services Policy, Room 404E
Fax: (202) 690-6562
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Home Pages:
Human Services Policy (HSP)
Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Last updated: 02/02/2009


text:
No such file or directory?
Is this a problem?
I was running the main menu maintenance scripts and was a little suprised to see it complete in 10 seconds.
Heres the log.
Is it normal for me to have several files and directories 'missing'.
Can anyone confirm if this is a problem or not?
I still want to know if this is a problem? If no one knows can someone direct me to a site or person that will know.
My mac seems a little more sluggish than it was before I reinstalled leopard.
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COLUMIBA – There's a blue, almost cloudless sky over Williams-Brice Stadium, and shadows are starting to creep across the field.
With the sun setting in Columbia, a 7 p.m. kickoff between No. 13 South Carolina and Vanderbilt is getting closer. Players from both teams are going through pregame warmups, getting ready for tonight's game.
It should be an excellent atmosphere this evening for a game that will be televised on ESPN. USC announced its second sellout in as many games this fall. Many of the 80,250 fans expected to pack the stadium are still loitering in tailgate lots.
For the Gamecocks (1-1), a win against Vanderbilt (1-1) would help them officially move past the disappointment of last weekend's loss at No. 9 Georgia. The season is not over, far from it, even if USC needs help to make it to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game.
First, the Gamecocks must take care of the things they can control.
It starts by beating a Commodore team much improved in recent seasons under coach James Franklin. Vandy won is coming off a 9-4 record – its best season since 1915 – and a bowl victory in 2012. Still, a gap exists between where Franklin wants to take his program and the position it currently sits.
The Commodores enter this evening with a 14-game losing streak against ranked opponents. They badly want to beat one of the SEC's top three teams this fall. This is their first chance, with games against Florida and Georgia coming later this season.
Vanderbilt expects a breakthrough in 2013. Beating USC could be a springboard. The Gamecocks want to make sure that doesn't happen.
Stay tuned.
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But if we want to show our majestic wildlife to
the world, it is important that we understand they
also face risks from many directions.
When we established the WildWatchcam program,
we anticipated that at some time the view might
be unpleasant for some. We consulted with many
biologists, and their advice was "once the
birds start nesting, the risks to the chicks are
far greater if a human intervenes that if we don't."
So that is our operating philosophy. Once the
birds begin the nesting process, we are done until
all young have fledged and the adults move on.
We don't adjust cameras that get knocked
out of alignment; we don't clean cameras
that get splattered by rain or feces; and we don't
interfere with what nature dishes out. But we
do get to learn about the life and death struggles
that occur out our windows.
What are the WildWatchcams?
Newly available and affordable technologies in
surveillance equipment and web-based information
sharing have created an exciting opportunity.
We combined these two technologies to create a
new wildlife research tool -- one that we want
to share that with you. We call these WildWatchcams.
We use high-quality miniature security cameras
to observe wildlife from a safe, non-intrusive
distance; and broadband Internet transmissions
to bring live views of wildlife to our biologists'
desks and to your home.
The WildWatchcam projects are partially funded
through the sales of the personalized and the
specialty bald eagle license plates and private
donations. Contributions of equipment, installation
and technical assistance from Timothy K. Brown,
B.E. Meyers have helped launch many of the WildWatchcams.
Thermosight and Olympia Systems have provided
additional support and technical assistance.
Exciting new links and video clips are being
created to allow you behind the scenes to meet
some of the people who make these cams possible.
This year many of our cameras are being used
by biologists to study wildlife. We will bring
you special interviews and behind the scene visits
to see how the cameras are setup and used for
the various species.
About WDFW
Wildlife Viewing
Licensing & Permits
Living with Wildlife
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
E-mail: email@example.com
Privacy Statement
Fish Washington
Private Lands Hunting Access
Wildlife Areas
Water Access Sites
Online License Sales
Weekender Report
GoHunt (mapping)
Contact WDFW
Mailing Lists
RSS Feeds
WDFW Publications
Maps & Data Products
Hunter Education
Report a Violation
WDFW Image Gallery
WDFW Police Facebook


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Rent Increases Hit East Palo Alto Tenants Hard; Property Owner Delays Rent Hikes To Feb. 1 To Comply With State Law
Lecturer in Law Jeanne Merino, attorney with Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto, is quoted by Palo Alto Online about rent increases planned by landlords:
The increases will violate the rent board's 3.2 percent increase allowed for 2008, according to Jeanne Merino, a lawyer for Community Legal Services.
But there may be little the rent board or city can do to head off the increases despite the city's rent-control ordinance, Merino said.
Each apartment has a rent certificate and should have a base rent determined when the current tenants moved in, Merino said.
Merino said she hoped the board would call a special meeting for early January and take action to rescind the rent certificates Page Mill Properties used to calculate the increases.


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Thursday, October 30, 2008
Being Present - Living Present
I realized how this happens to me – times that I am not present in my life – one day while I was brushing my teeth. With toothbrush in hand and mouth, I was wandering around the bedroom, making the bed, picking out what I was going to wear, straightening things up, putting this away and that away. And suddenly, I stopped and realized, "I am not being present with brushing my teeth."
And I realized that I had no idea if I'd even moved the toothbrush over all of my teeth or if I'd had it on the same group of teeth for the whole two minutes I'd been doing other things.
This is how we go through our lives for the most part. Someone is talking to us and we are not even hearing what they are saying because we are either thinking about that guy that cut us off in traffic yesterday or what we want to say to this person when they are finished talking.
We miss so much of life's experiences when we are not present, when we don't stay in the moment and really hear what the other person is saying, or focus on the project that we are working on.
Our experiences can be so much more enriched by being present with them, looking at each moment in time.
When we are not present in any situation, it is because we are focusing our thoughts on either the past or the future. When we do this we are putting ourselves in the experience of suffering. We are resisting what is. We are saying to ourselves that we are not happy and that something in the future will make us happy.
But if we are truly present with what is happening right now in our lives, we can still be happy. It doesn't mean we want to stay in this job or experience or relationship. It just means that we are happy no matter what is going on around us or what experience we are having.
If we are in a job that we don't like and we spend our day wishing that the day was over, we will be miserable about being where we are and our day will drag on. But if we are totally present in each moment of our day, letting go of any desire to be in the past or the future, we will find that not only does the day fly by, but the job that we do is far superior to what we would do if we were looking forward to the end of the day. And there are so many more gifts we can receive from being present. People will feel us more present with them.
Think about this. Is there anything wrong right now in this moment? You probably cannot think of anything wrong in this very moment. Imagine what it would be like living each day in this moment where there is nothing wrong.
We are always wishing for something better to make us happy, but what if this is as good as it gets? Can we be happy, content, peaceful?
Living present can allow us to be in the place of pure contentment and acceptance of what is.
Letting go of past pain and future desires that we think make us either unhappy or happy, can lead to a feeling of peace within, that there is absolutely nothing wrong with what is in this moment.
Awareness is being present.
Take a look as you go through your week at times when you might catch yourself not being present. Then consciously bring yourself back into the present moment. Choose certain activities through the week where you will make the conscious effort to be present – with your children, your partner, your job, cleaning the house or even just sitting down to enjoy a meal, or even a piece of chocolate.
Have a wonderful week of total presence and awareness.
If you are interested in our weekly group meetings or one-on-one sessions please visit my website: www.bettinagoodwin.com
Thursday, October 23, 2008
This is not to say that there is anything wrong with having lots of money. People think that living a spiritual life or from a spiritual place within means living a life of poverty. This is not the case.
But there are far more aspects of abundance than financial. We have so much in our lives that make us abundant. But at times we don't see those things or even consider them to be a part of our abundance. If we think about it, we can probably not think of a time that we were not taken care of or supported in what we needed. Is there a time when you ever didn't have exactly what you needed at just the right time, whether it was money, support, love?
We can say, "Yes, but there was that time that I didn't get the house or the car I wanted, or the new clothes or job." But if we look back at the experience we can probably find that, in fact, we did receive exactly what we needed. Maybe it was in the form of a lesson or in bringing up something about our beliefs that needed to be looked at. Or perhaps, a better job, car or house came along after that.
We can look at abundance as something outside of ourselves such as money and material things, but when we desire these things to make us happy, we do not always feel abundant. There is nothing wrong with desiring something in our lives. But when we feel the desire for something we think is better, for example, "If I could make more money, I'd be happy," "If only I could get that great new car, house, pair of shoes, I'd be happy," this is coming from a place of neediness within, a place of lack. This is saying, "I am not happy right here, right now." When we come from this place of lack, nothing we ever desire will make us happy and we will search forever looking for the golden egg.
Desiring from a place of peace, love and contentment from within is different. We are no longer desperate to feel good about ourselves or our lives. Everything in THIS MOMENT is absolutely perfect. And anything we desire from this place can be enjoyed to it fullest.
It is from this place of peace that we can manifest our abundance. The richness of our lives, lies in the connection to our own peace, happiness and love – the place within us that is the truth of who we are.
So going back to what was discussed above about always getting exactly what we need at the very moment we need it, this can mean that what we get is not always what we THINK we need but what we REALLY need. If we desire from a place of lack or neediness, what we may need at that moment is not the thing we desire, but the lesson to look within at what the belief is about lack or need.
For instance if we say, "If only this person would change, I would be much happier." The person may not change and even if they did, we may not be any happier than before and we will desire something else to make us happy.
We cannot change another person. We can only look within ourselves and if we are not in a place of peace, contentment and pure love, we can look at the belief that is causing our unhappiness. If we find ourselves wanting to fix another person, we can look within and find out why we are driven to do it. Most often we will find something within ourselves that we feel needs to be fixed.
And as we take responsibility for our own thoughts, emotions and beliefs, we can shift them, leading us to a place of peace and love within. From this place we can then inspire others to find that place within themselves.
This is the abundance in our lives. The gifts we receive every day that guide us to that place of peace and happiness within, the joy in life when we accept what is, the love we feel that we can share with others, the worthiness we feel in receiving these gifts and a richness in our lives that we feel each day.
As you go through your week this week, take a look at any instance, experience or gesture which indicates your abundance. Try to look at the abundance from all aspects of your life and stay away from looking at it from a financial standpoint.
May you be surrounded this week by beautiful gifts of abundance.
If you are interested in our weekly group meetings or one-on-one sessions please visit my website: http://www.bettinagoodwin.com/
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Because we are always searching for happiness, love, peace, and contentment in our lives we are always finding ways to control what happens. Because we have certain beliefs, we are always looking for ways to support those beliefs. Judgment can help us to feed the flames of our beliefs, whether they are positive or negative.
When we choose not to practice acceptance, how do we feel? Usually we feel aggravated, agitated, restless, and out of control. How about when we truly accept what is? We feel the sense of peace in letting go of what we believe and judge and just allowing it to be.
Acceptance does not mean there is no action taken and that when someone is attacking us either verbally or physically that we must continue to let them do it. Acceptance comes more from the aspect of "This is what is happening right now and I cannot change it or the person doing it. It is what it is." If it doesn't feel comfortable to us, then we can take action, such as to remove ourselves from the situation or ask the person to stop treating us in this way.
But when we accept what is happening we are coming from that place of peace within ourselves from which our request to the other person is more likely going to be heard. There will be no anger behind our words because we are not judging the actions, simply not wishing to be the recipient of them.
Another aspect of acceptance is that when we have an experience that is not a positive one, we can accept what is happening and if it triggers us or causes us pain, we can look at it as a great way to look within ourselves and most important of all practice acceptance of ourselves. When we learn to accept ourselves and how we think and feel, it is much easier to accept others as well. For when we judge another, we are also judging ourselves.
We cannot change or fix others. We can only look within ourselves and see where our beliefs no longer work for us and shift them to something that does work.
A perfect example of acceptance is meditation. When we are meditating we are aware of everything around us and can sit in stillness as life happens around us. And yet there is no need to change or fix any of it. We are simply aware that it is happening. Life can be a meditation. Can we stay in this state all the time? No, practically speaking, we are human and part of our human experience is to feel and think. But we can be aware of what is happening all the time.
We can hear the phone ringing and we can say, "That phone shouldn't be ringing!" But we cannot stop it from ringing. It has happened. We can accept it or we can fight it. We can answer it or we can let it ring. If we put a judgment on it, like "I HAVE to answer the phone because it is ringing" we will probably not accept the fact that it is ringing. But if we realize that we have a choice to either answer it or not, we can accept that it is ringing without judgment.
Acceptance doesn't mean we don't have to take action.
Acceptance is not judging what is happening, as it cannot be changed.
Acceptance comes from peace, judgment comes from pain.
As you go through your week this week, be aware of times when you judge or cannot accept a situation as it is. Then take a breath and see if you can accept what is happening and if you cannot, look inside yourself to see what is preventing you from practicing acceptance. This is where the lesson lies.
Have a wonderful week of peace, love and acceptance.
If you are interested in our weekly Spiritual Group Meetings or private one-on-one sessions please visit my website at http://www.bettinagoodwin.com/
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Fear is simply the absence of the feeling of love. The love is always in us and can be felt at any moment. But fear can be the emotion that blocks us from feeling the love.
We tend to attach fear to certain situations and things to give it an identity because we often cannot get to the very basic fear. Fear of not being loved, fear of not being approved of, fear of not being good enough. Fear of dogs, snakes, speaking in public and the list goes on and on. But the most basic fear at the core of our beings, is fear of not existing.
We feel the void within ourselves, that great expansion, the perfect stillness and we feel the fear arise. The simple concept of being brings up our fear. We fear losing our identity if we drop our beliefs and let go of the thoughts and emotions that keep us from feeling our love. We think, "If I drop that belief about who I am, then what is left."
The place where fear lies is in that moment before we take the first step. It lies in the pushing back of the emotion as it arises in us. In that moment before we surrender to the feeling and feel it fully in our bodies, that is the moment when the fear is the worst.
To let go of this fear, all we need to do is let go of the idea of having to keep it hidden. To trust that we are supported and loved and taken care of and that nothing that happens can be as scary as actually taking the step into the fear.
Pushing against the fear and not allowing it to come up is keeping us in suffering. It is that pushing against the fear that causes the most pain. Letting go of the fear, allowing it to fill us, to consume us brings us to the freedom we all desire.
During this next week, take a look at any situations or experiences that may bring up your fear. And as the fear is recognized, step over the threshold and allow it to fully come up in your body, letting it go and see if facing the situation becomes easier than you originally thought.
Have a wonderful week full of freedom!
For more information about one-on-one sessions, please visit my website at www.bettinagoodwin.com
Friday, October 3, 2008
How do we measure the limitlessness of our worthiness? It is interesting that so many issues can be traced back to a feeling of unworthiness. How does this happen?
When we are children we learn that some actions or words will bring us what we want, while others will bring us what we don't want. "Be a good boy and you will get a cookie" "Be a bad boy and no cookie." Reward and punishment teaches us when to feel worthy and when not to feel worthy. It teaches us judgment.
If our parents do not know how to take care of their own issues, such as anger, the energy of that anger comes through in their words. When children misbehave and feel this angry energy coming at them, they begin to believe that they are not worthy of love because of something they may have done or said.
This is where we learn to judge ourselves and others. We decide whether we are good parents, good employees, good wives, husbands, friends. And based on that judgment, we also decide whether we are worthy of love, approval, abundance, and freedom.
But the truth is that we are all worthy of all that the universe has to offer, no questions asked, no judgments made. There is no such thing as worthy or unworthy to the universe. As a part of all that is, we are entitled to experience all that is.
If we are living in a place of suffering, which is merely a place of not feeling the love within us, then we are not in total acceptance of what is. Judgment is non-acceptance. Judgment leads to feelings of not being worthy.
This becomes evident in our every day life. Someone pays us a compliment and we respond with, "Oh thank you but it's just from Walmart." Or someone gives us a beautiful gift out of the blue and we feel ourselves welling up with tears because we don't feel we deserve it. We are keeping this secret inside that we don't feel worthy because of some thing or another that we have judged as bad.
Have you ever had someone give you a Christmas gift and you didn't have one to give them in return? Was there that awkward silence in accepting the gift from them? That apology for not having bought them something and the guilt that is felt within? When we don't feel worthy, we find it difficult to receive. We feel indebted, that it must be paid back, a balance or tally kept.
But when we feel and believe in our own worthiness, we can receive with grace. And when giving and receiving is done from that place of pure love, a natural balance occurs.
This week try to take a look at each opportunity you have to receive with grace. If someone pays you a compliment, can you breathe into that compliment and receive it simply as a true expression of another person's feelings? If someone offers you a helping hand, to buy you lunch, to loan you money, to give you a drive somewhere, open a door for you, whatever it is, be aware of what you feel and how you accept these gifts. Know the limitless of your worthiness within and from that place receive with grace.


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Our Publications
Agroforestry as plant production system in a multifunctional landscape. Inaugural lecture upon taking up the post of Special Professor of Agroforestry at Wageningen University on 16 October 2014. :29. Abstract. Submitted.
Implementing REDD at the local level: Assessing the key enablers for credible mitigation and sustainable livelihood outcomes. Journal of Environmental Management. 157. 2015.
Beyond REDD+ readiness: land-use governance to reduce deforestation in Peru. Climate Policy. 14(6):734-747. Abstract. 2014.
Governing complexity for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD). Climate Policy. 14(6):801-803. Abstract. 2014.
The political economy of Readiness for REDD. Climate Policy. 14(6):677-684. Abstract. 2014.
Reform or reversal: the impact of REDD+ readiness on forest governance in Indonesia. Climate Policy. 14(6):748-768. Abstract. 2014.
Are REDD projects pro-poor in their spatial targeting? Evidence from Kenya Applied Geography. 52:14–24. Abstract. 2014.
Implementing REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation): evidence on governance, evaluation and impacts from the REDD-ALERT project. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change. Abstract. 2014.
Mud, muddle and models in the knowledge value-chain to action on tropical peatland conservation. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change.. 2014.
Agroforestry solutions to address climate change and food security challenges in Africa. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 6:61-67. Abstract. 2014.
Prospects for Agroforestry in REDD landscapes in Africa. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability . 6:78-82. Abstract. 2014.
Social actors and unsustainability of agriculture. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability. 6 Abstract. 2014.
Beyond reforestation: An assessment of Vietnams REDD+ Readiness. (Working Paper 180):23.. 2014.
Community Monitoring of Carbon Stocks for REDD+: Does Accuracy and Cost Change over Time? Forests. 5(8):1834-1854. Abstract. 2014.
Institutional dimensions of the developing REDD process in Cameroon. Climate Policy. 14(4) Abstract. 2014.
Intensification of Cocoa Agroforestry systems as a REDD+ strategy in Cameroon: Hurdles, Motivations, and Challenges. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability .. 2014.
Lessons learnt for operationalization of REDD+ in the Kasigau Corridor project of Kenya. ASB Policy Brief No.44. :4. Abstract. 2014.


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Consumer behavior drives every business.
You can have the best product or service in the world but if it doesn't fit the customer's needs or desires it will still find its way onto the fail pile. Consumer behavior is also important when it comes to your marketing and communications efforts, including social media. We live in a day and age where people fast forward through commercials on their DVRs, avoid ads altogether with Spotify and let incoming phone calls go straight to voicemail. If you want to get the attention of your target market today you need to engage on their terms.
Check your assumptions about social media.
We are all guilty of making assumptions from time to time that are later proven false. I shared one of my biggest misses in a post about the importance of connecting to active users on social networks. It took me a few months to come to the realization that Twitter is a powerful tool for the financial professional. Like I did, I am sure you have a few assumptions about how you will use social media, what it is good for, who uses social media and which tool is best for you.
Below is a short list of assumptions I have heard in my conversations with financial advisors in 2011. Each assumption is a challenge that needs to be addressed before you, the advisor, can achieve success with social media in your practice.
- "My clients aren't on social media." Are you sure? Have you checked? With 800 million people on Facebook, 200 million Twitter accounts and 120 million on LinkedIn are you sure none of your clients are using social media? The big problem with this assumption is that it halts you from digging in to see which clients are using social media and what are they using it for.
- "I'm only going to focus on LinkedIn because that's the most professional network." True, LinkedIn is a professional network. However, are all your clients professionals who spend significant time on LinkedIn? LinkedIn is important and a great source for networking and seeing money in motion opportunities created by people changing jobs but what about small business owners or people who don't really do much business networking like say…developers? How much time are these people spending on LinkedIn? Be aware that your clients and prospects may not have the same preferences when it comes to their social networks of choice.
- "I am going to use a Business Page for all my professional interactions on Facebook. I don't want to mix personal and professional networks." Did you know that over 90% of the people who "Like" your Facebook Business Page will never come back to that page? Your Facebook Page also can't friend people on Facebook, so you are going to have work extra hard to drive traffic to your page to generate likes so you can take advantage of all that Facebook has to offer. Should you have a business page? Sure, but remember people are connecting with you not just your business.
- "I'm never going to get on Facebook. I'm a private person. I don't want people knowing everything about me." Come on…we all remember plenty of people (maybe you were one of them) who said they saw no need to have a cell phone or that the internet was a fad. I had people tell me the same thing about LinkedIn back in 2004 but they are all using the service now. Planting your foot in the ground doesn't help you explore the potential value of a new technology. What's worse is such a statement increases the likelihood that you will be a laggard and feel completely out of touch with your network at some point in the near future. Lastly, who said you have to share details about yourself that you aren't comfortable sharing on Facebook? It's not like joining Facebook magically causes all of the most intimate details of your life to be sucked in. What's most important is that you are there for your clients and prospects when they are sharing things that are important to them.
How your clients, prospects and referral partners use the tools available to them should be the primary driver of your social strategy.
When in Rome…Go Native!
You wouldn't show up to a black tie dinner wearing shorts and flip-flops just as you wouldn't go to the clambake at the beach in a tux. Observing the cultural norms of the community and the situation is key to successful networking. I often use the cocktail party analogy to illustrate how to effectively work the "social media" room. The key takeaway being that you should consider your participation on social networking sites to be akin to your attending a real world social event.
More importantly, remember you actually KNOW the people at this social event. You need to be real and approachable with these people.
The assumptions listed above and many other preconceived notions can hinder your ability to navigate this new world. This is especially true if you let it blind you to the value of how your clients, prospects and referral partners are choosing to engage online.
What should drive you as a professional in any social situation is a desire to add value and build relationships. Relationships are built on shared interests, values and connections. Your ability to add value to those with whom you have, or seek to have, a relationship is predicated on your relevancy to that person's life. Value, is created in many ways (see Maslow's hierarchy of needs) and people engage at nearly every level you can imagine via social.
To be successful you have to pay attention to how, and why, people are using the tools. Here are a few things people use social media for:
- Connection – People are social beings. They love to connect with others. Using social allows them to feel connected and ensures they will never lose touch. Your clients, prospects and referral partners are people too.
- Fun – People like to laugh and play. "But, I want to make money!" you say? Hello?! Golf course, tennis, sailing, wine tastings….any of these ring a bell? You are already out there having fun with your network. You can do it here too.
- Venting – People love to blow off steam. It's not uncommon to see someone go off the hook about the little things that drive them nuts on social networks. You can learn a lot about people by understanding and identifying with their pain points. Remember, people want to be heard and understood.
- Requests for Help – People turn to their networks for referrals (that got your attention), information, support and occasionally genuine pleas for help. Does it makes sense that you might want to be there for your network when they need help? If for no other reason than to protect your client base?
- Exploration and Discovery – People love to find new things, venues, services, entertainment and connections. The cool thing is, they tend to remember the people who introduced them to the new hotness very fondly.
- Sharing and Thought Leadership – I put this one at the bottom so you would have to scan through the others and let their importance sink in. People absolutely share business updates and thought leadership on social channels. They have professions and goals too. They want to plug in to social in hopes of their network spreading their message just like you do.
The list could go on forever I am sure but you get the point. Your network is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and beyond and they are using the tools for all sorts of reasons in all sorts of ways. Your job…join the conversation.


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Recent Samsung ads for the Galaxy S4 have been used to highlight a unique feature of the phone that can automatically pause video when you turn your head away from your device. This has been an exclusive feature on the S4 for quite some time, but is now available to jailbroken iOS users through a new tweak called FaceHalt.
While early versions of FaceHalt seemed a bit buggy and unstable, the latest build works flawlessly on both the iPhone and iPad. The tweak works system-wide, from the YouTube app to the built-in Videos app, and all of the third-party apps tested. The biggest downside? You'll actually have to watch those YouTube ads now.
FaceHalt is available on Cydia now for $1.99 on the BigBoss repo.
Leave a Reply
4 Responses to "FaceHalt brings Galaxy S4-style automatic video pausing to jailbroken iOS devices"
you don't need a jailbroken device, there's a similar app on the App Store and even let's you mute the video by putting your finger in front of your nose, it's called LookAway!
There's nothing iPhone couldn't do what S4 does. I think this feature is pointless and they have to pay for it with a phone anyway. We can get it to our iPhone if we want to (over the App Store or Jailbreak).
Ooh Bright Eyes. Nice sound great album amazing artist.


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A method to remotely determine a location of a mobile unit without intervention by a user of the mobile unit is provided. The mobile unit may receive a location query, download location data from a GPS, and transmit the location data via a wireless telecommunications network. For example, a call center may initiate a location query using a voice channel call to the mobile unit. In addition, the mobile unit may select a mode of communication from a number of alternative modes of digital wireless communication based upon a determined characteristic of the transmission mode. By way of example, the determined characteristic could be a transmission speed, cost of transmission, or signal strength of the selected communication mode. Furthermore, the unit may be a battery pack or other accessory device attachable to a wireless telephone handset, or integrated within a mobile unit.
1. A remote method of determining a geographic location of a wireless mobile unit capable of communicating with a wireless telecommunications network, the method comprising the steps of:
at the mobile unit, receiving a location query via a wireless telecommunications network serving the mobile unit;
responsive to the location query, downloading location data from a GPS unit in the mobile unit; and
transmitting the location data via said wireless telecommunications network
wherein the mobile unit supports at least two communication modes and further comprising:
determining what wireless communication modes are currently available to the mobile unit on the network;
assessing at least one selected characteristic of each of the currently available communication modes;
based on the assessment, determining a preferred one of the currently available communication modes communication mode to transmit the location data; and
transmitting the location data via the preferred communication mode.
2. The method of determining a geographic location of a wireless mobile unit according to
3. The method of determining a geographic location of a wireless mobile unit according to
4. The method of determining a geographic location of a wireless mobile unit according to
5. The method of determining a geographic location of a wireless mobile unit according to
processing the location information transmitted by the mobile unit via said wireless telecommunications network; and
reporting the processed location information to another location remote from the mobile unit.
6. The method of determining a geographic location of a wireless mobile unit according to
7. The method of determining a geographic location of a wireless mobile unit according to
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/559,811, filed Nov. 14, 2006, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/016,631, filed Nov. 1, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,215,965, both hereby incorporated by reference.
This disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to acquiring location data of a remote wireless telecommunication unit.
Some wireless telephone users need to send or receive digital data. Such data may include computer data files, stock quotes, personal calendar data, business contact information, and innumerable other data subjects. Existing wireless telephone users are able to transmit such data, but with limitations on the transmission speed, economy, and location.
There are several different modes of wireless data transmission, with new alternative modes expected to be developed and implemented as technology progresses. Current modes include packet data transport modes such as SMS (Short Message Service), 1XRTT (Multi-Carrier 1X), GPRS (General Packet Radio Services), 3XRTT (Multi-Carrier 3X), and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM and TDMA Evolution), CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) and BlueTooth. Various of these are adapted for use in conjunction with the various digital cellular voice transmission mode such as CDMA, GSM, and TDMA.
While of each of these is reasonably effective where implemented, no one mode is superior in all areas and instances. Even where a region is covered by one mode, there are localized areas where coverage is weak or unavailable. Thus, conventional digital cellular modems using any one mode are of limited use on some occasions when needed. The typical mode is for the user to employ a CDPD modem, which operates in only one mode.
To reduce the disadvantages of being tied to a single mode, one system employs the WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) communication standard and SMS. If a user fails to achieve digital data communication by the default mode of the handset, the user may manually select the alternate mode, and attempt to communicate in hopes that the second mode is effective. This is essentially a back up for when failure occurs, and is often an inconvenience to the user. Moreover, a marginal transmission may in fact occur with the first mode, but at relative high cost (either to the user or the carrier, such as when bandwidth is restricted), at relatively low speed, or with possible corruption of data. This marginal transmission may occur while the back-up mode was able to provide much better service, with that opportunity being lost because the user never was aware (in the absence of a complete failure of the primary mode) of the benefits of switching to the back up mode.
This system has the additional disadvantage in that it is incorporated into a hand set. Thus, as voice or data transmission technologies change, the entire handset may become obsolete, even when one aspect remains effective. In addition, a user opting to upgrade to data capability after owning a conventional handset must discard the handset.
One type of digital data transmission is location data, such as provided by a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. Hand sets have included GPS capability, although these suffer from the disadvantage noted above in that one aspect of the unit may become obsolete before the other. In the case of expensive GPS circuitry, a user may occasionally wish to upgrade a telephone, except that the appreciable investment in a still-current GPS unit makes an upgrade unaffordable. GPS units have been used in conjunction with wireless handsets to collect and transmit GPS location data to a call center, which converts the data to a useful format such as a graphical GIF image, and transmits the image for viewing on the handset's display screen. While useful in some circumstances, this has limited use in transmitting the information to other remote units, or for actuation of location functions from anyone but the holder of the handset.
The present inventors have recognized a need for an improved method, device, and system for wireless communication of digital data that employs a mobile unit having a number of alternative transmission modes of digital wireless communication. The unit may be a battery pack or other accessory device attachable to a wireless telephone handset in some embodiments. The mobile unit is operated to assess some characteristic of each of the alternative transmission modes, and based on the assessment, a preferred mode is determined. Data is transmitted via the preferred mode. The unit may include a GPS locator, so that the transmitted data may include the location of the unit. A call center is connected via the Internet Protocol and/or through the Public Switch Telecommunication Network, and receives the data for processing, such as to return information to the user about the location.
The following description and drawings proceed using terminology that is typically expressed with acronyms and abbreviations best understood by the following glossary:
The handset 12 includes a conventional digital cellular telephone 26 and a detachable accessory module 30. The accessory module may include a battery or attached to a battery pack by some means or interfaces directly to the phone via the cellular communication interface bus, hence not needing to have a battery. The accessory module includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) circuit 32, which includes an antenna for receiving radio signals broadcast from a network of GPS satellites to identify the location of the module. A user-actuated button 34 on the exterior of the module triggers the circuitry to collect the location data, which is gathered in an initial format that requires processing to convert it into a useful form that may be read by the user. An electrical connector 36 on the accessory interfaces with a connector on the handset to transmit the GPS data to the handset for transmission to the wireless network. In alternative embodiments, the accessory may lack the GPS functionality, but have other functions that generate, receive, and or collect digital data. This may include conventional modem cards that receive data from a personal computer, personal data assistant (PDA) modules that store address and calendar information, cameras, biometric transducers and other type of data generating devices. By placing the non-telephone functionality in the accessory, a user may add the functionality after acquiring a phone, and may switch among wireless providers using different communications modes without abandoning the accessory.
The Wireless network 20 operates using a set of geographically-distributed transceiver stations that may have the capability to communicate by way of any of numerous alternative communication protocols or modes using radio frequency bands. In addition to analog modes, there are numerous digital modes. These include iDEN, CDMA, GSM, AMPS, and TDMA. In addition, there are several digital data packet transport modes such as SMS, GPRS, and 1XRTT, which are used for transmission of digital data, as opposed to the transmission of acoustic voice patterns in a digital format. The wireless network will generally employ several, but not all, of the modes. For instance, a typical CDMA system would support voice, and for data it would support SMS and/or 1XRTT as communication modes, but it would not support GPRS. Regardless of which and how many different modes the system can employ, there is at least one voice transmission mode, and one packet data mode, so that the user may use his phone handset conventionally for voice calls, or for data transmission. Other handsets 40 are also operable to connect to the wireless network, so that they may communicate with the call center, or provide voice or data communication among two or more handsets.
The wireless carrier network is connected to the Local Exchange Carrier 22, so that wireless calls from the network are transmitted along conventional land lines 42 to all other possible telephone users, including the call center 14. While it is generally preferable to use "hard wire" or land lines to transmit calls, some wireless communication may be employed in addition to the connection between the first handset and the wireless network. For instance, the call center 14 may connect to its own associated wireless network, or may be connected to the same network in the manner of phone 40. Nonetheless, line 42 represents any line or mode of voice communication that may normally be employed for conventional communication of acoustic signals, such as voice calls, modem tones, and the like, whether transmitted in analog format or encoded in digital format.
The wireless carrier network is also connected to the Internet network 24 via a conventional TCP-IP or other connection useful for high speed data transmission. The wireless network includes a packet data transport server 44 that is connected within the wireless network to receive selected calls from remote handsets, and to convert the call data to a useful format that may be transmitted via the Internet to the Call Center 14. The packet data server is adapted to convert one of the packet data communications modes such as SMS, GPRS, and 1XRTT. Other servers may be used in the same wireless system to convert additional modes, so that a choice of packet data modes may be offered to a user in the geographical area of the wireless carrier.
The call center includes a call center server 50 connected to the LEC via line 42, and to the Internet 24. The call center server operates to receive data from the user's handset accessory 30, and processes it into a useful format that is either used by personnel or other systems in the call center, or transmitted back to the user for use by the user. The call center operates for two way communication over both the voice and data lines illustrated. The detailed functional capabilities and options for the call center will be discussed below.
Consequently, the accessory has a good understanding of the phone's transmission capabilities and can use any of them based on its configured preference. In step 106, the accessory receives the phone information, and saves it to a transport policy management table in a storage device in the accessory, so that the accessory knows what format of data may be readily used by the phone for transmission via the network to the call center, and is ready to send data per step 110. Once the accessory has saved the identity of the available data transmission mode(s) (a.k.a. phone transport medium), in advanced embodiments, the user may configure the device to generate a particular data type suited to a selected mode. For instance, the user can configure the accessory to use the phone's voice capability when he dials 911, because this is the most readily available transport medium. The user can further configure the accessory to use GPRS when using his credit card to purchase an item, this mode of transmission is of higher bandwidth and allows quick validation. Similarly, this method could be use to download stock prices and other financial data. In some embodiments, this capability may be accessed via a computer or hand held device such as a PDA, which may have an input device and display with greater capabilities than that of the phone or accessory.
In step 204, the accessory circuitry determines whether voice is the primary medium. This means determining whether the phone's voice transmission mode is capable of data transmission, and if so, whether the voice mode is preferable to an alternative packet data mode that may be available. This determination of which mode is preferred is based on any of a range of criteria to be discussed below. If it is determined that voice is not the primary medium, either because voice is not suitable for data transmission, or because the data mode is determined to be preferred, the accessory circuitry in step 206 then formats the message for the packet mode that has been determined in steps 102, 104, 106 to be available. In the preferred embodiment example, SMS is employed, although any other packet mode or other data transmission protocol may be employed, as may any other mode of data transmission. In step 210, the accessory requests the phone to send the formatted data via the selected transport mode. This is achieved by transmitting through the accessory-phone connector conventional commands, such as AT commands, modem code/tones corresponding to the commands and message content.
If, in step 204, it is determined that voice is the primary transmission mode, the accessory circuitry then determines in step 212 whether the phone is in the midst of an active call. That is, whether the user is "on the phone" or the phone is in talk mode. If not, then in step 214 the accessory requests the phone to call a selected phone number, using the voice communications mode available. The selected number is stored in the Transport Policy Management table stored in the accessory, and corresponds to the call center. In step 216, the phone makes the call, upon which the phone is connected in a call in step 220.
If the phone is determined in step 212 to already be in the midst of a call, it proceeds directly to step 220. While connected to the call center (or to the destination to which a call is already placed), the accessory prepares a message including the GPS location information in a transmissible format, such as using AT codes. Then, in step 224, the accessory commands the phone to activate a mute function, so that the call is muted briefly. During the mute interval, in step 226, the accessory sends the GPS data encoded via its modem circuitry using the voice channel. Essentially, the phone mutes the pre-existing call, and uses the existing voice call to the call center to transmit the data. This occurs during an adequately brief interval that it does not impair a conversation on the voice line. In addition, measures may be taken to buffer incoming and outgoing voice signals, so that they may be time-compressed and replayed immediately after the hold interval to avoid minimal loss of words or syllables. In step 230, the Call Center Server sends an acknowledgement signal back to the phone when the end of the sent data string has been received. This triggers the phone to de-activate the mute function, so that any pre-existing call may continue.
With the call center having the user's GPS data, it then processes this data to determine the user's location. Typically, this will yield a Latitude-Longitude location, or a definite location under another coordinate system. Such a location may be converted to any other useful format. Alternative formats include nearest street address, graphical representation on a map, and the like. This information may be sent back to the user by similar channels as the data was transmitted to the call center. The information may be in a readable text format (such as for nearest address), graphical format (for transmission of a map image) or acoustic format (for dictated directions or location information.)
The accessory achieves advantages by selecting from among several alternative communications modes. The selection may alternatively be made by the call center, because it may possess information that allows the optimization of mode selection. In either event (or if both the accessory and call center contribute data to the mode decision), a wide range of criteria may be used to determine the mode. Factors may include: the availability of bandwidth of alternative modes, the speed of transmission (elapsed time to transmit), the criticality of data to be transmitted, the robustness against data errors, the least cost, present availability, latency inherent from the network available resources or lack of the base station signal strength to the cellular phone, user preferences, cellular carrier preference, data type (i.e. credit card number) and cellular roaming status. Algorithms may be applied that consider multiple of these factors. For example, a preferred algorithm may entail: including encryption and compression to maximize the throughput and ensure security of the critical data.
The system may also optionally be set up to operate without any intervention by the user. The call center, or another user remote from the handset, may initiate a query of the handset of its location. A session is initiated by the call center to the handset via SMS, GPRS message or using an actual voice call, and a string of control codes triggers the GPS unit to download location information, which may be transmitted as discussed above. This information may then be reported to another location. For instance, a parent may query a handset carried by a child, to monitor the child's location. Other applications include monitoring of transportation, delivery, or emergency personnel for dispatch purposes. The nearest taxi, police cruiser, or delivery van may be dispatched to a desired location to reduce mileage costs and to speed up service.
The system may also operate for "geographical fencing" of the accessory. This entails programming the accessory to generate a communication when the GPS data indicates that it has departed from the boundaries of a pre-determined area. This may be used to prevent theft, to improve personnel efficiency and reliability, or for other purposes. As with the systems noted above, the location information may be transmitted to the call center for processing, or may be transmitted to a third party.
The GPS function may be aided by the wireless capabilities of the telephone handset. To improve accuracy, or to provide at least approximate location when out of GPS signal range, wireless functions may provide location information. Such functions may include cell identity, signal strength, cell sector, Time Of Arrival (TOA) and Enhanced Observed Time Difference (E-OTD). The location data may be supplemented with partial GPS data from less than all needed satellites, including the information of which satellites are in view of the user. All information may be transmitted in raw or limited form to the call center for analysis with the computing power and ephemeris data unavailable at the handset.
While the above is discussed in terms of preferred and alternative embodiments, the invention is not intended to be so limited.
It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.
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LULAC No. 4444 honors families who make a difference
CORPUS CHRISTI - A penchant for hard work, a healthy respect for education and a commitment to serving the community.
Those are the shared traits of the four Corpus Christi families who were honored Wednesday night by the League of United Latin American Citizens Council No. 4444.
The council's annual event, Celebrating Families, featured a packed room of community leaders and their loved ones at the Omni Bayfront Hotel, all honoring those who have made a difference in people's lives.
"Tonight we're celebrating the significant work of Latin American families in leading a more peaceful community," Council President Nancy Vera said.
Each couple was introduced by a relative who explained the legacy they passed down to their children, grandchildren and those they met through the years.
"Each story, each moment, each memory provided a lesson in humanity, morality, faith and servitude," said Edith Diaz of her parents, Tony and Maria Diaz. The couple has been married 55 years, both working as educators for nearly five decades, including one as a principal and the other as a school board member.
Adrian Rivera introduced his parents, Pete and Emma Rivera, who have been married 54 years and both retired after years of working for Corpus Christi ISD.
"They always treated people as equals and with respect," Rivera said of his parents. "And that's just a piece of the pie of who my mom and dad are."
Ola and the late Roger Tryon were honored by their daughter Sylvia, who spoke of their parents' patience raising 10 children and their willingness to get involved with area organizations.
"Mom and dad were pillars of the community and there was no stranger they met," she said.
The Tryons were married 55 years, and helped underprivileged children over the years whether through Little League Baseball, their church and Boy Scouts.
Attorney Clay Bonilla introduced his grandparents, William and Evelyn Bonilla, who have operated a successful law firm for more than 50 years. Many of their children and grandchildren went on to become doctors and lawyers, he said.
"They've instilled in their family the idea of higher education — that was always the most important thing," he said.
Proceeds from the charity dinner enable the council to award scholarships to area youths, to provide assistance for children with disabilities and to support drug and violence awareness programs, organizers said.
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- Before you start your coloring…. interview your guests. If they bring in a picture, have them identify the parts of the hair (the highlights, depth, or roots) that they like the best.
- Take into consideration their skin tone, eye color, personality, lifestyle, and most defiantly commitment to the salon. You would never want to give a guest a color service that will bring them back in needing touch ups every 3 weeks if they were planning on a 12 week cycle.
- Just because they would look GREAT as a platinum blond doesn't mean they HAVE to have it.
- Hair color should always compliment the client. Beautiful hair never overpowers a face.
- Make sure they rinse the foils in sections, so that the colors and highlights don't bleed into each other.
"How To Get Beautiful Natural Red Hair"
- 1st Step- Enhance Natural Reds: Use Joico Basebreaker on bottom base of the hair. What this means is its going to lighten your hair one level or less. One level is about four shades, it is not to be confused with bleaching the hair. It makes lighting the hair easier and faster than ever before. Let sit for 10 minutes. It enhances natural, high and low lights when coloring hair.
- 2nd Step- Highlights and Low Lights.: Use two different shades of red to create soft red on red shapes. For the highlights use a softer apricot shade, when coloring look at the way the hair lies before coloring. This will give you a better idea on what hair strands will be showing out the best. Make sure to wrap in foil and let sit for 20 minutes under heat. Next for low lights. Use a darker hue of red. Again make sure look at the way the hair lies before coloring. For the low lights try to keep the color on the tail ends of the hair. Make sure you wrap the low lights in foil as well and don't let them touch the apricot pieces. Let sit for 20 minutes under heat.
- 3rd Step-Finish with a opaque gloss: The gloss will extend your hair color by sealing the cuticles. It also conditions and adds luster to the hair.
To keep your vibrant look visit your colorist every 3-4 weeks for touch up. Follow up every 12 months for your dimensionals.
Recommended Products from Joico to preserve your color!
- Joico K-Pack Moisture Intense Hydrator
- Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo
- Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Conditioner
My next stop was to meet with hairstylist to the stars, Mika Fowler. She was soft spoken, and weaved her scissors through my hair with a gentle, precision touch.
Joico professional Mika Fowler from Gavert Atelier gives this advice:
- Have your hairstylist cut your hair while dry so they can watch the flow of the hair and concentrate only on the dry split ends, without taking off excessive length.
- Always try to avoid a scissor happy hairstylist (oh my, haven't we ALL experienced this!)
- Find a hairdresser who will cut your hair based on your lifestyle, not a trend.
- A haircut and style should be a process. Grow with a hairdresser, and let them mold your hair. Sometimes, it is small changes for the first few times.