text:
A Tare for a Month!
Traduction à suivre
7 Avril 2014
It was exciting to welcome the 4 Week March Tare. We had eight participants from UK, Belgium, Sweden, USA, India, Costa Rica and Pakistan alongside our existing 5, 12 week. This programme we had a great diversity in the group and also several new things to get excited about, we had our first participant from Bharat Scouts and Guides India, first participant from Pakistan and also first male participant. It was also very good to see our 12 Week Tare very confident to support the new Tare on the sites and sharing their knowledge and experience.
During March we were able to go on several outings to visit other Community Partners. We visited Alandi temple and Toulapur Temple, to explore more about Indian Culture as well as Ishwari, a women's cooperative group who are based in a rural location but give skills to local women, we were shown around by Sister Rosalia and had a delicious lunch which also coincided with Emelie, one of the 4 week Tare's 20th birthday which was a fun way to celebrate the day.
We also took guests and Tare to visit ECF (Equal Community Foundation) who do great community action work with boys and men in the slum communities of Pune raising their awareness of violence and promoting positive male role models in the community. We are hoping to be able to work more with them and the Community Programme in the near future.
During March India celebrates Holi, the Colour festival. Liv one of our 12 week Tare has been working with eCoexist, who make natural Holi colours and had her 10 weeks of hard work rewarded after helping plan and execute several Holi Hearts parties which Tare and Sangam Volunteers volunteered alongside eCoexist at some of our Community Partners. We took colour and snacks to both Maher and Tara Mobile Creche and played with all the residents and children at both sites to give them a special day full of smiles and colour.
We then had a huge group Holi party here at Sangam, with lots of colour, water, food, music and dancing. It was so much fun and a very memorable experience for everyone.
Time flew so fast and it was soon time for all the Tare to go home. Their last week was spend saying goodbye to everyone at site and at Sangam, reflecting on the experiences, new skills and achievements during their time in Community Programme and as a final surprise we arranged Rickshaw driving for them all. We had a great time learning the ropes with Raju and Deepak who were very patient with our driving skills. Mina even showed us all how easy it was.
We have now got 10 applicants accepted on our Special July Community Programme, but have plenty of opportunities to come and Be a Tare for 12 weeks from the end of August, and 4 weeks in October and November. For more information click on the link above or contact Minakshi, our Community Relations Manager, at email@example.com.
We look forward to seeing you all at Sangam soon – Mina and Max


text:
Symphonic Band
Contemporary compositions as well as classic wind arrangements make for rich and varied concerts by the UAFS Symphonic Band, known throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma for its outstanding performances. Under the direction of faculty member Alexandra Zacharella, this auditioned ensemble of 60 instrumentalists delivers a challenging repertoire along with plenty of listening pleasure. The Symphonic Band's busy schedule includes two Season of Entertainment concerts a year, with programs that range from rousing Sousa marches to inspirational symphonic hymns and most everything in between.
Directed by: Dr. Alexandra Zacharella
Director of Bands

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Feb 23 2010
48 Hours
I left on a plane early this morning to spend exactly 48 hours in New York City. What would have been the scene of shopping, Broadway plays, and FAO Schwarz in my youth has suddenly metamorphosed into a place of no-nonsense, no-frills, 100% business and absolutely zero shopping…unless you count the 43 Starbucks runs I plan to make during the next two days. Somewhere in my twisted logic, I've decided that I somehow need and deserve 43 Venti Half-Caf Cappuccinos.
I've traveled more in the last three months than I traveled in the first thirteen years Marlboro Man and I were married, and while I cherish each and every memory of my book signings and plan to continue having them, I've found that my life—my real life—is at home. That anything I might want to do or any opportunities that might come my way will always have to be put through the filter of a fine mesh sieve…and the only things that will manage to drip out of the bottom will be those things that allow me to stay ensconced in my safe cocoon. On the ranch. Where I belong. In my holey yoga pants. Slaving over a hot stove. Barefoot and pregnant. Then end.
Minus the pregnant.
As far as I know.
So if President Obama wants to appoint me as his new Physical Fitness Czar? By golly, he's just going to have to hightail it to Northeastern Oklahoma, somehow locate my house, and knock on my bright red door.
I'll be waiting, Mr. President. I'll be waiting.
I happen to be in New York right now so that—gulp—I can appear on—Lord help my overactive sweat glands—Good Morning America (Thursday) and Fox & Friends (Wednesday); I'll let you know the details and times when I have them, and if I can work up the guts. During my respective segments, I'll be doing what I do best: talking about and/or cooking some kind of messy, drippy, freaky food, stuttering and stammering to beat the band, and likely looking like I wished I'd started Pilates back in January when I said to myself, "You'd better start Pilates now while you still have time," but instead I ate Ding Dongs. And I'm sure I'll be sweating profusely under some dark-colored article of clothing—dark to hide my rings of fire, dark to hide the Ding Dongs and the non-Pilates, dark to symbolize my wistfulness after leaving my four punks sleeping in their beds when I left for the airport this morning.
Dark, because I'm, like, so goth.
Or not.
It's like clockwork, though. Once the plane takes off from the ground, gains altitude, and I become relatively confident it will defy gravity and stay in the air, I take a deep breath, unclench my teeth, allow my white knuckles to return to their normal peachy-pink, and reflect that while I always feel a little melancholy going somewhere and leaving the kids behind, I never once have to worry about their safety or well-being once I'm gone.
And then my thoughts turn to Marlboro Man, who is wholly responsible for that peace of mind. Who sends me off to this place or that, who kisses me and carries my bags to the car. Who doesn't have to ask me any questions, who doesn't need me to leave him any lists. Who keeps our home together during the times I'm not there.
Who's half of my whole, in almost every way.
("Almost", because of the whole Nascar thing.)
I just uploaded this photo of him last night and was able to look at it on the plane, after my heart rate returned to normal and my internal breakdown subsided. I like the photo because it's dirty…grimy…real. It looks like him—projects nothing but the truth of who he is. I like the dirt smudges on his face, the mud on his coat, the puffiness of his eyes that betrays the hard work required of someone who does his best to make a living in agriculture, raise four children, and navigate one highly obstinate Basset Hound that has worked its way into our lives.
I like his goatee. It's scratchy.
I miss it.
And him.
526 Comments
CINDY On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:42 pm
Fun! I will have to tivo GMA. Oh just heard the weather report, we are expecting some more snow Wed, Thurs & Friday. So you might be stuck in NYC for longer than 48 hours……Hope you have fun! Can't wait to watch!
Emily Hill On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:43 pm
That is a GREAT photo! Best of luck this week–you'll do fabulously!
Cathy Bell On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:44 pm
Oh… have an amazing time! Take deep cleansing breaths and lots of pictures and thank the good Lord above for Spanx.
But don't wear three at a time. It will disable the ability to take the deep cleansing breaths!
Glamorous Life of a Housewife On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:46 pm
Ya know, Dorothy had something. There's no place like home. (But NYC sure is fun!)
Terri in Iowa On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:46 pm
I miss my husband while I'm at work every day. Mondays are especially hard because we've had two solid days of one on one time with each other. But I get through it.
The Bumpkin Lisa On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:46 pm
Can't wait to see you Ree. Miss Big Time Ree I should say.
Dooce on HGTV and you on GMA. Making us bloggers proud.
I'll say it again, because I just know you wouldn't care,
MM is hot, bumpkin hot, and that's a good thing.
You should market this hottness in something other than cow shit!
Denise On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:46 pm
You go to New York and show those people what farm women are made of. What a wonderful example you are to your girls showing them they can have it all…do it all…and be whatever they want. Oklahoma will be so proud of you:):):):)
susan in Colorado On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:48 pm
Sorry you gotta leave the Ranch and MM.. but yeah for your fans!!! You will do GOOD.. just remember your Spanx!!! lol
Sydney On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:50 pm
How cool!! May have to be late for work so I can watch you on TV. Wow! You are becoming quite the celebrity!!
Laura On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:51 pm
Beautiful post Ree….It made me feel so much better since I have been dreading a trip I have to take in a few weeks.
You will do great on the shows!
Tammy On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:52 pm
Lo On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:54 pm
Yeah, that picture is pretty hot.
Karen On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:55 pm
You're on Fox and Friends highlight thingy at the top….. a teaser I guess you'd call it! hooray! Good luck!!
Darcie Cash On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:55 pm
I love my husband's goatee too! Have fun in the Big City! We love to experience the city-the food, the lights, shows, etc., but like most country people, we can't wait to get back home.
Theresa On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:58 pm
I'm sure you'll do great!
Good luck!
Patsy G. On Tuesday, February 23 at 3:59 pm
OMG!! reading the last paragraph of this story, just brought tears to my eyes…. The love and dedication that you & Marlboro Man have to each other, to your family and your life, is just absolutely AMAZING!!
I'm a huge fan of your blog and I personally think you should have a tv show of your own, either cooking at the lodge or like a reality show of your life on the ranch.
p.s… you will do great on the tv shows… I'll be looking for you on GMA on Thursday.
Caroline in Tennessee On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:00 pm
Can't wait for the details of GMA!
laurs826 On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:03 pm
AWW! We're so appreciative that you accept things like GMA…because we get to see you and cheer you on! Love you, Ree!
Angela (Basset Mom) On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:04 pm
WOW!! You're in my hood!!! Can't wait to see you on TV. You'll be great! Need restaurant suggestions? Try Moran's on 10th Avenue & 18th St. They have 4 roaring fireplaces (hmm, maybe not a good idea if you sweat) and steaks and chops. So cozy!! xxoo
karen On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:05 pm
I think that is one of the best posts you have had – it is so from the heart – and while GMA and NY are great – I like your perspective on home much better
Julie at Elisharose On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:05 pm
Mine don't even get by with the lists I leave!!
Deborah On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:06 pm
Good luck Ree! You have so many of us wishing you well. Hugs and love. Will there be a hotel room photo tour?
Karla Anderson On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:07 pm
I love you and I love Fox & Friends. I'll have to watch! Have fun in NYC!
Dani England On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:08 pm
I know how you feel in a sense. I was very sad to leave my babies as well, asleep in their beds. And I was very nervous about the plane ride. I had flown once 13 years ago, but with no kids, and no husband. But I kept telling myself, "If Ree can get on a plane and leave her four kids, then so can I." And once I was in the air, I was fine.
I also have a good man that I don't have to leave lists for. He also steps up to the plate, whenever I need him to be. They're always fed, and clothed and bathed. We are lucky women. And you summed up MM very well. I agree. Good luck on GMA! We'll be watching!
newcountrygirl On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:08 pm
I wish I could take the day off of work to see you on GMA.
You will do great and I will wait for your photos.
GO Girl.
Carrie On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:08 pm
GMA is my favorite!! Yeah, can't wait to see you. Isn't it nice to be married to a great, capable guy. I love the stability.
Lesli Joe On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:10 pm
Whenever you write posts like this about MM, it makes me wish I was married and had someone of my own to take "real" pictures of, trust with my children (if I had any), and give me hiney-tingles. You are one truly blessed woman!
Susan's Snippets On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:10 pm
I am setting my dvr to record!!
so i wont ever again be bored
ps – break a leg girl!!
twirl twirl twirl
Yaya Cheryl On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:11 pm
I'll be watching for you on F&F on the "curvey couch"?or will you be cooking up a storm?? Have fun–you'll do great as usual.
Got a copies of your cookbook at Pawhuska for adult son and daughter. Now my son is the envy of a bunch of ladies that have seen his book, which they also have, and he asks if their copy is signed. Well, mine is! he always lets them know. He is quite the cook. One of the cowgirls in CO that has the cookbook even went to school at OSU–go Pokes!!
Petit Elefant On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:13 pm
Oh girl, good luck. You'll knock their socks off, make their skirts fly up, you know. Whatever makes people happy in New York.
SweetMonkey On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:15 pm
Don't sweat the "rings of fire," Ree! I promise those new clinical strength deodorant/antiperspirants work! They'll get you through it regardless of which shirt you wear! I can't wait to see you on GMA! Congratulations!
Linda On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:16 pm
You'll do GREAT Ree!!!! Break a leg.
sweetdoggirl On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:17 pm
cool and fun times! hope all your travels are safe and timely. xoxo Can't wait to watch you on youtube (don't have tv).
tahéré On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:17 pm
Good Morning America.. wow.. please post the link somewhere on your site.. I live in Europe and would love to watch your segments…
best of luck to you
alice On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:18 pm
Can't wait to hear all about your time in NYC. I feel compelled to let you know, "You make me proud, Ree!" Not that you need this from me or anyone else. It is so exciting to follow each and every one of your adventures.. at home and on the road.
Sues2u2 On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:18 pm
I can't wait to see you on Wed & Thurs. Tivo here I come!
Have a wonderful time w/ those coffee drink thingies.
GA in GA On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:19 pm
I don't know that I can be as brave. I've just canceled a trip to the big city as I did not want to leave my daughter for the 28 hours I'd be gone. She is 14 and would love to spend time with her grandmother. Dad is working this weekend, so he'd not even notice we're missing . . .
Though the 43 Starbucks are tempting, . . . but heck I can get those by driving 20 minutes . . . instead of 4 hours
Pam D On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:22 pm
I am so very excited that you will be on national teevee, Ree! The whole world needs to know you…. you bring sunshine and laughter and carry us back to simpler days. But I agree with the sieve; time flies, and no amount of "glory" can bring back missed minutes with your punks and glorious MM. So be steadfast in the truth, and don't let the world define where you should be or who you are. You are you, and it is beautiful.
Bratfink On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:23 pm
Ah, yes, DorothRee, there is no place like home, no place like home, no place like home….
Keep clicking those heels!
Andrea On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:26 pm
break a leg Ree…. I will be getting up extra early to watch you on teevee this week!
courtney kania On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:29 pm
I don't get the NASCAR thing either, but my husband sure does love it.
Amy On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:30 pm
I get it. Although my work only takes me five minutes away from home at a time, I miss my guy just as much, and while I love what I do, I am always happier to return home and be with the family!
KC @ Average: More or Less On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:32 pm
My Jack may not always keep the house in good order, but it's always standing and the kids are always happy. What more can you ask?
Clayvessel On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:32 pm
My hubby is like that too. Happy to send me off while he holds down the fort. So supportive. Everyone should have a spouse like that.
Heidi Hall On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:33 pm
Good luck! And you will do just fine.
Victoria On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:34 pm
So so sweet.
Bev On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:35 pm
I'm happy for you for your opportunities, but I'm even happier for you (and me) that you know home is the life you want and forever will stay in that blessed place.
Angien24 On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:35 pm
Aww Ree, I have a picture of my husband that he sent to me from his phone during his last business trip a year ago. I still have it saved in my email and I look at it now and then, even when he's in the next room. I understand that pang.
Enjoy your trip, you'll be home before you know it! Looking forward to your segmants, you'll do great, as always!
Lyn Holmes On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:36 pm
I know just how you feel about home, and leaving. I will watch you and think of you (because I feel kinda like I know you). You'll do great and be home before you know it!
SharonBinWA On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:37 pm
You'll knock 'em dead on those morning shows. I will set my DVR for GMA on Thursday and, just because it's you, I'll even set it for Fox tomorrow morning.
Anonymous On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:38 pm
I'm so excited for you! Good luck!
Mel On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:38 pm
I'll switch over from Matt & the Gang @ The Today Show to see you on GMA. But only for you!! I completely understand when you talk about how you don't have to leave a "To-do" list, etc. when you leave. I am, fortunate, to have the same kind of hubs! Best of Luck!
Jeannine On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:39 pm
my DVR is set for both shows!! My oldest doesnt have school that morning, so we wont be doing the typical morning rush that doesnt allow me to turn on and get sucked into the news. However, we will be getting ready to ship them off for a weekend at their beloved Grandparents house (my parents). Honestly, I wont miss them, I will be too busy. Ok, well I might miss them abit. But I will miss my hubband, when he is gone for 3 days next week. Mainly I will be jealous. Why? because I havent seen grass since November and he will be in Orlando…grrrrrrr! >:( I'll miss his goatee, too. It's also scratchy.
duchess On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:39 pm
Good luck – can't wait to watch!
Nana On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:40 pm
Dang gal, but he's a good one. NIce to look at, too. Hurry home safe, you hear?
Hope On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:40 pm
Aaah…I'll have to record it since I have to work (boo!). Have a great time in NYC…I was raised several hours north of there but have never been to the city. Ridiculous, isn't it?
Robyn On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:41 pm
Welcome back to NY! I walk by GMA on my way to work every day, so I'll be sure to be one of the waving crazies in the background for you.
Happy Starbucksing!
shelley e On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:43 pm
Have fun on your short trip to NY- I will have to tivo those shows to watch you….
Sinful Southern Sweets On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:43 pm
LOL! You better watch out for Nana (comment 250) I think she's kinda sweet on 'ole MM. But, she's not wrong….he is nice to look at Hope you get back to your cocoon soon!!
1tobe On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:49 pm
Hey Ree,
Yes, I did already post #185, but I just realized something.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder so they say.
You're pulling our leg with the no list part, right? I think I'm on to you b/c in the blog you posed the other day you mentioned that you had to write a detailed list for MM to shop for you at Wal-mart (s) so that he wouldn't call every few minutes.
Maybe running a ranch comes easier to him than grocery shopping. Now that I understand! Ha!
Have a great time and come back and tell us all about it. Can't wait to hear.
catherine a. On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:50 pm
That is one of my favorite pictures that I've seen on your site in a while. It is so beautiful and rich. Of course it helps that MM looks the way he does, but by golly, this is just a gorgeous photo for its tones and depth. wow!
Emmy On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:51 pm
Have fun and can't wait to see your appearances. I don't think my husband would survive if I was gone so much, nice to have a man that takes care of everything.
Bethany On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:52 pm
Go get 'em P-Dub! :o)
Murri Bishop On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:56 pm
You are so cute! I love how you so lovingly describe MM. Good Luck tomorrow. I'll be watching!!!!!
Murri Bishop On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:56 pm
You are so cute! I love how you so lovingly describe MM. Good Luck tomorrow. I'll be watching!!!!!
the domestic fringe On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:56 pm
Knock em' dead.
Lita On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:57 pm
I'm so excited for you…and I know how good it always feels to return home after a trip – home is where our hearts are and isn't that just simply lovely.
have a great time!!!
ronda On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:59 pm
I hope you don't get caught in the blizzard coming our way!! Good luck and have fun!
Jeanette On Tuesday, February 23 at 4:59 pm
What exciting news!!!! As great and well-loved as Bonnie is, these next 2 shows have a HUGE following. Next up, a new line of cooking ware that you will sell on QVC Have a splendid 48 hrs!
Lisa On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:01 pm
I can't wait to see you. I normally don't watch those shows but I will be late for work the next few days:)
Good luck and be yourself and everyone will LOVE you!!! Because we already do:)
Stacy Brewer On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:01 pm
Great post..as are all of them. Just made me want to rush home and hug my man. Making myself a list to include Fox and Friends (super good show) and GMA on my dvr list to catch you in all your glory, makin' all of us that read your post (especially us Okie's) so very proud!
Lee Ann On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:01 pm
Great post! Can't wait for GMA on Thursday! They will love you—especially Robin and Sam!
andrea z. On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:02 pm
You should have told me you would be in town-I would love do sushi and Starbucks with you!
Leyla On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:02 pm
Congrats, Ree! You will do amazing! I hope you'll post the links later to watch you, I doubt I'll be able to catch it live.
connie On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:05 pm
You remind me so much of myself. I love how you love your family; I feel the same about mine. I Love my hubby & my home and it is the best place in the whole world. Have fun in NY – will be watching you.
nancypants On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:07 pm
Oh, what a precious gift your man is.
And holy freakin' heck. I knew you'd be on GMA… but Fox & Friends too? I'm so stinkin' happy for you my friend. :^D I just feel sorta special cause I knew this fame thing would happen back in 2006 when I read your "I'm an asparagus" poem. :^P
Kendra aka The Meanest Momma On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:13 pm
Awesome! Say hi to Robin and Sam for me! (And George too, I guess. I miss Chris… sniff…)
anywho – yay for you! I'll be watching with great anticipation!
mkg On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:17 pm
Don't fret – my husband and I OWN a pilates studio and between the cinnamon rolls, the snow and, in my case, XL sweatshirts….well, lets just say I can't really admit the "owning the studio" to many people : (
mkg On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:18 pm
ps. the ding dongs were the ultimate thigh killer!
maggiewann On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:19 pm
And that right there–everything you just said–is why we love you so much!
Marti On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:20 pm
You know you can get Botox for those OVERLY SWEATY UNDERARMS, Ree.
just sayin…
Penny Wolf On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:20 pm
You love your kids and ya know what? I think you are supposed to. But the way you love your husband, well,
I can feel it when I read your words. How great is that?
Martha Sue On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:23 pm
Those are my two favorite morning shows… I'll be watching and recording…. good luck friend…
AliciaC On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:25 pm
Have a great time – can't wait to see you on Thursday! (on tv of course, hee hee)
Karen On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:29 pm
I don't have Tivo, just a vcr. how's that for techno impaired? anyway a time frame for me to tape or watch would be great. Good Luck! Should I say break a leg? maybe not. lol You rock
A Cupcake For Moose On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:29 pm
sweetness and love!
Diana Buswell On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:31 pm
Amen girl, there's no place like home and family and husband and ding dongs and dogs.
brooke On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:31 pm
If you tell me when, I will watch, armpits drenched or not!
rayleighsmom On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:31 pm
Pleeeease say Fox & Friends. That's the only morning cable show my husband will watch. (He's home from PT while it's on so I get to make his breakfast while he sits on the couch watching them interview cool people.) Anyway, have fun in NYC! While you're in the state why not come visit us in upstate NY? Ft Drum. It's cold and snowy… but we know how to make the best of it!
brooke On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:32 pm
Any chance you are getting your red back in NYC?
Dianne Sanders On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:33 pm
I'll be watching.
rayleighsmom On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:33 pm
Hahaha. I just noticed (after I posted the comment) that it IS Fox & Friends. I'm so dumb. Oh well! So, are you gonna help me decide what to make for breakfast tomorrow? Good luck! I'll be watching!!
julia On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:33 pm
Daily Soup…right across from the side of the Ed Sullivan theater….please go there for me.
Ambur On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:34 pm
Have a great time in New York and good luck w/ your t.v. segments!!
Jackie B On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:35 pm
Good luck! I can't wait to watch you on Fox & Friends!
Bill of Wasilla On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:38 pm
Seeing as how I have probably spent AT LEAST half of my adult life traveling, I sure do know what you speak of when you talk of home.
Speaking of traveling, too bad your stay in New York will be so short. I will be there in a bit more than a month from now. If you were still there, we could meet at Barney's on the corner of 43rd and 48 sts and chat over ginger tea.
Barney's makes the best ginger tea in all of New York.
Jody On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:42 pm
Am I right in saying that MM does the grocery shopping for you too? It is so nice to hear you say where your heart is, with your family. Our gender seems to be lost at times when it comes to what is really important. Thank you for your transparency, sharing your "real" life with the "wackos" in the blogoshpere. Have fun in NYC, a great place to visit.
Cyndi On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:43 pm
can't wait to see you on Good Morning America! Also, just have to say – met MM in person at your book signing in OKC and he was just as nice, polite and friendly as I thought he would be….but was acctually much, much taller. You guys are an adorable couple! Have fun in the big town and hurry back to the best state in the world!
Cyndi (cupcakesandcasseroles.com)
keely aka LKP On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:44 pm
good luck this week.
i love & appreciate your sentiments regarding home.
it's exactly how i feel at this point in my life, and i hope it always stays that way.
this photo of your husband's is my favorite ever so far, as it reminds me of my husband. dirty & wholehearted.
they would get along well. =)
safe travels & enjoy each moment you're counting until you're home again.
Kapur On Tuesday, February 23 at 5:45 pm
Hi Ree…what will the family be having for dinners while you're away? Do you stock the fridge usually? Leftovers from the big weekend? Just curious.


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Last night we at BIMMERPOST were invited to test the new headlight features of current BMW models and also to take a look into the future of BMW lighting at BMW's Light Days Workshop. We share the info and experience with you below.
To start, BMW AG gave us a little history of BMW headlight design on past BMW models. BMW has been using the double round headlights since 1963 on the e3 and e9 models. In 1990 BMW was the first … CONTINUED
Designtalk: Light – Magic – Technology with Adrian van Hooydonk and Paul Cocksedge. Highlight Summary.
"Today, our customers expect the cars to work very well but they buy our products for something else, something that is more emotional. With the lamps, we have reached that level where it began to be more than just a functional piece."
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CHAZY - As members of the American Legion get older, additional help is needed to keep their mission alive.
Currently, the Russell B. Childs Post 769 American Legion of Chazy is working to begin a Sons of the American Legion Squadron, which will be the seventh of its kind in the county.
"Our particular Legion post in Chazy is a small post and our members are getting older and we don't have the hands capable of doing the fundraising and stuff like that that we need," explained Steve Bowman, a 17-year member of the Chazy American Legion, and the Fourth District Commander of the American Legion.
"We want to stay around for a long time," he added. "So, we need to start looking at spreading our wings a little bit and having more capability."
Bowman explained the Sons of the American Legion are made up of sons, grandsons, stepsons and even great-grandsons of an American Legion member, an American military member, or an American military war veteran.
"If you have ... a World War II vet that had passed away, any of his sons, or grandsons are eligible to be a member of the Sons of the American Legion," he said.
Currently, Bowman, a veteran of Desert Storm, is considered a "dual hatter" as he is eligible to be a member of both organizations, because his grandfather was a World War II veteran.
Both organizations focus on raising funds for various programs and doing community work.
"Right now we're running a program in the county to collect socks for soldiers over in Afghanistan," Bowman explained. "We raise money for the American Legion baseball. We also raise money for the ... American Legion Emergency Fund, which helps American Legion families and posts that have had disaster-type issues."
One disaster Bowman explained was Hurricane Katrina which "destroyed large communities in a vast area where there was a lot of Legion members."
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City Council Testimony:
Geof Huth, New York State Caucus Chair, Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference
I am here representing the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (or MARAC),
an organization of approximately 1,100 archivists from an area covering New York
state to Virginia. I am the MARAC caucus chair for New York state, in which role
I represent the interests of our members from the state of New York, many of whom
live and work in this city. MARAC appreciates this chance the Council has
provided us to make known our concerns regarding the transfer of former Mayor
Rudolph Giuliani's mayoral papers to a private entity.
Foremost, we believe that the entire endeavor is bad public policy. City records
are public records that the city should maintain for the benefit of the public.
The democratic ideals of our country require an informed citizenry, and much of
the information citizens need is information about the operation of the
government. The transfer of records to the Rudolph W. Giuliani Center for Urban
Affairs will disrupt acceptable access to the public records of former Mayor
Giuliani in two ways. First, the center will not be able to provide adequate
access immediately to the records because at present it has no facility for
making records available. Currently, the center is merely a storage facility.
Second, the center will deal unfairly with the public's right to access by giving
preferred access to employees of a private organization (the Giuliani Center)
over the rights of the public.
What makes the transfer of these records even more disturbing is that the City of
New York runs its own archives, part of the Department of Records and Information
Services (or DORIS), and this archives currently maintains the official permanent
records of the city. This archives has storage facilities, reference facilities
for researchers, as well as full-time conservators and professional archivists.
This archives, although in need of improvement as all archives are, is one of
jewels of the state of New York. I have personally visited hundreds of local
government archives across the state, including many in very large governments,
yet I have never seen an archives that matches the breadth and professionalism of
that of the city of New York. The quantity of records it holds, the number of
researchers it serves, the number of requests it answers, the quality of the
staff, and the range of services it provides are unparalleled in local
government. And this archives is bigger and more robust even than many state
archives. So what-we have to ask-is the benefit to the public of moving
government records out of the direct control of this government?
We do grant that there certainly may be, within the mayoral papers of Rudolph
Giuliani, records that are his private papers and which are not therefore
government records. We believe that the City of New York has no claim to these
records, and that the citizens of this city similarly have no right to insist on
access to these records. However, we believe that the professional archivists of
DORIS are the best equipped to separate the city's records from those of the
private person, Rudolph Giuliani. Why? Because they work daily with the archival
records of the city, they recognize what makes a record an official government
record, and they will labor fairly to identify these records. Dozens of times I
have seen situations across the state where former government officials
maintained their own records and the official records of their governments
intermixed, and the outcome is always the same: at least some part of the
official record is lost. Sometimes the records have vanished, other times they
are sold as if they were private papers, and frequently enough they are destroyed
even though they should have been retained permanently. This is a result the City
of New York should be sure to avoid.
To transfer the records to a private organization is to abrogate the city's
responsibility to preserve and make available its historical records. An employee
of the Giuliani Center made the unfair observation that DORIS was little more
than a "dusty archives," but that person ignored what it is that makes an
archives dusty-neglect. If the City of New York wants to retain its status as a
beacon of democracy, it needs to determine how best to fund its own archives so
that no one will ever again suggest that a better repository for the city's
records is elsewhere.
One of the important reasons the city has for maintaining its own archives is
that records naturally make more sense in a group than in their separate parts.
For example, a single letter between two people makes the most sense when it is
read in the context of a longstanding correspondence. Similarly, the records of
the Office of the Mayor of the City of New York will be easier to understand when
maintained in the context of the rest of the archival records of the city. If a
researcher twenty years from now tries to understand the significance of an issue
in the mayor's correspondence, having this correspondence managed by the same
organization and stored together with related records from other city offices
will make the records easier to interpret. To segregate the mayor's papers from
the other archives of the city is to isolate them from the body of the city's
records, which will only serve to damage the warp and weft of the historical
One solution that MARAC sees to the problem that we are facing right now (the
transfer of mayoral records to a private entity) is for the city to redraft its
records law, making sure it prohibits the transfer any of its official permanent
records into private custody. We believe the city's records law should plainly
state that records produced or received by the government of the City of New York
in the conduct of official business are public records. We believe the records
law should state that all permanent records of the City of New York must be
managed and maintained by the Municipal Archives. We believe that if these
changes are not made, then future mayoral papers may end up out of the control of
the city itself. And we believe that, without these changes, the citizens of this
city can never be promised full government accountability.
With all these issues in mind, the members of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives
Conference urge you to revoke the agreement transferring former Mayor Giuliani's
records out of the custody of the City of New York and to ensure their safe
return to the city archives. This change will help protect the value and
accessibility of these important records for years to come. MARAC makes these
statements not to be confrontational but to protect the public interest. And we
make these statements promising to provide any assistance we can to help make our
suggestions possible. We offer our professional advice and assistance to help the
city modify its records law or address any issues related to the public's right
to access to government records.


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In a security or monitoring system having a system roller and one or more sensor/transmitters, information is sent from the transmitter to the system controller in message packets. As improved message packet protocol provides a front porch pulse, a set of synchronization bits, a start bit, a set of information bits, a first stop bit, a set of error detection bits, and a second stop bit.
1. A method for transmitting information via a message packet from a transmitter to a system controller in a security system, the method comprising the steps of:
transmitting a front porch pulse;
transmitting a set of synchronization bits;
transmitting a start bit;
transmitting information bits;
transmitting a first stop bit;
transmitting a set of error detection bits; and
transmitting a second stop bit.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the information bits include:
a set of data bits;
a set of trigger count bits for uniquely identifying each of a plurality of the message packets;
a low battery bit for indicating a low battery level condition associated with the transmitter;
a set of input bits for indicating a condition of a sensor associated with the transmitter;
a set of parity bits; and
a programmable bit for flexible assignment to one or more of a variety of transmission tasks.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the data bits include a sensor identification code and a device type code.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the low battery bit is a logical zero when the battery is at or above a predetermined threshold, and is a logical one when the battery is below the predetermined threshold.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the front porch pulse is a 976 microsecond radio frequency pulse.
6. The method of claim 2 wherein the transmitter includes a plurality of inputs and the input bits include a latch bit and a debounce bit for each input.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the message packet includes about sixty-four bits of information to be decoded by the system controller.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the message packet includes parity bits and the parity bits include even parity over odd bits 15 to 55 and odd parity over even bits 16 through 56.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the error detection bits include a modulo eight count of the number of logical ones in bits 15 through 54.
10. A method for sending information from a transmitter to a system controller in a security system, comprising:
generating one or more message packets each time the transmitter receives a change in status condition from an associated sensor, wherein the message packet includes a front porch pulse, a set of synchronization bits, a start bit, a set of data bits, a set of trigger count bits for uniquely identifying each of the message packets, a low battery bit for indicating a low battery level condition associated with the transmitter, a set of input bits for indicating a condition of a sensor associated with the transmitter, a set of parity bits, a programmable bit for flexible assignment to one or more of a variety of transmission tasks, a first stop bit, a set of error detection bits, and a second stop bit; and
sending each of the message packets from the transmitter to the system controller.
11. In a security system comprising a system controller and a plurality of remote transmitters with associated sensors, wherein each of the transmitters sends information to the system controller when an associated one of the sensors detects a change in condition, the improvement comprising a method for transmitting the information from the transmitter to the system controller via a message packet, the method comprising the steps of:
transmitting a front porch pulse,
transmitting a set of synchronization bits,
transmitting a start bit,
transmitting a set of information bits,
transmitting a first stop bit,
transmitting a set of error detection bits, and
transmitting a second stop bit.
12. The security system of claim 11 wherein the information bits include a set of data bits, a set of trigger count bits for uniquely identifying each of a plurality of the message packets, a low battery bit for indicating a low battery level condition associated with one of the transmitters, a set of input bits for indicating a condition of one of the sensors, and a set of parity bits.
13. A method for transmitting information via a message packet from a transmitter to a system controller in a security system, wherein the security system includes a sensor associated with the transmitter, the method comprising the steps of:
transmitting a front porch pulse;
transmitting a set of synchronization bits;
transmitting a start bit;
transmitting a set of data bits;
transmitting a set of trigger count bits for uniquely identifying each of a plurality of the message packets;
transmitting a low battery bit for indicating a low battery level condition associated with the transmitter;
transmitting a set of input bits for indicating a condition of the sensor associated with the transmitter;
transmitting a set of parity bits;
transmitting a first stop bit;
transmitting a set of error detection bits; and
transmitting a second stop bit.
This invention relates to a message packet protocol used in a wireless security or monitoring system having a system controller and a plurality of sensor transmitters.
Security or monitoring systems typically include a plurality of sensor/transmitters and a host or system controller. The communication link between the sensors and system controller can be hardwired or wireless. As shown in FIG. 11, a wireless system includes a plurality of sensor/transmitters 803 that communicate with the system controller 805. The system controller 805 may have a communication linked with central station 807, which in turn may contact, for example, a fire or police department, or even another electronic device such as a computer (not shown).
When one of the sensors is triggered by motion or other triggering event, sensor/transmitter 803 transmits one or more message packets to the system controller, thereby signaling a change in status of the sensor. Each message packet typically includes information about the nature of the alarm and the identity of the sensor/transmitter that generated the alarm. Depending on the information received, the system controller 805 instructs the central station 807 to take appropriate action in response, e.g., contacting the police.
In wireless systems, the transmitter may use pulse width modulation to communicate a digital message consisting of logical 1's and logical 0's. One such protocol for sending this digital information is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,713, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, Interactive Technologies Inc. The protocol disclosed in the '713 patent is a 58-bit message providing the basic information on the status of the input ports, the battery status, the sensor type and transmitter identification codes, and limited error detection for a particular sensor/transmitter 803.
There is a need for an improved message packet protocol that provides additional information.
In the present invention, a message packet protocol is provided for a wireless security system. The protocol includes a message packet of 64 bits of information. The bits provide initialization for the system controller, information regarding the sending transmitter and associated sensor, error detection, and stop bits.
Advantages of the invention include an enhanced message packet protocol for sending information from a transmitter to the system controller. The enhancements include a front porch or wake up pulse that allows the receiver associated with the system controller to synchronize with the incoming packet. Additionally, the 3-bit trigger count is provided to prevent third parties from recording the message packet and reusing the message packet to manipulate the system controller. Also, an additional programmable bit is provided that provides greater functionality and flexibility. Finally, in addition to parity techniques for error detection and reconstruction, an additional 3 bits provide a modulus 8 count of the number of 1's in bits 15 through 54, providing enhanced error detection information.
Other advantages and features will become apparent from the following description and claims.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless sensor system.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the single-chip transmitter of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an input scanner.
FIG. 3B is a timing diagram for the input scanner.
FIGS. 4A through 4D are block diagrams of input processing circuits for four inputs of the transmitter.
FIG. 5A is a timing diagram of bit values.
FIG. 5B is a timing chart of a packet.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a main timer.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an interval timer.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a packet counter.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of transmitter logic.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a battery tester.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a message packet transmission system.
Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless sensor system 101 includes a single-chip transmitter 1 to which sensors, e.g., a door sensor 2 (e.g., model no. 60-362 available from Interactive Technologies Inc., North St. Paul, Minn.) may be connected. When the door opens or closes, the change in condition is detected at sensor inputs 5. Transmitter 1 responds to the change by generating a message, in packets, and sending them wirelessly via an RF modulation circuit 3 to a distant system controller (not shown). The system controller decodes the message, and determines whether to send an alarm to a monitoring station (also not shown). Transmitter 1 is clocked by a 32 kHz crystal 4. The system is powered by battery 6. Other kinds of sensors can be served, including window sensors, motion detectors, sound detectors, heat detectors, and smoke detectors.
As shown in FIG. 2, the main functional components of transmitter 1 include: (1) sensor input processors 10; (2) transmission logic 12, which generates packets based on sensor inputs; (3) main timer 13, which receives clock ticks from a low power oscillator 11 and generates corresponding timing signals based on the external 32 kHz crystal 4; (4) interval timer 14 for generating pseudo-random intervals between successive packets; (5) packet counter 15 for counting the number of packets sent during a transmission; (6) battery tester 16 for testing the supply battery voltage; (7) EEPROM 17 for storing data and program information; and (8) test logic 18 for internal testing of the transmitter.
The five sensor inputs 5 appear at pins F1IN through F5IN of the transmitter 1. Each input 5 has an associated input processor 10. Input processors 10 are scanned simultaneously every 250 ms. Uninterrupted simultaneous sensing of all inputs would be impractical for a battery-powered sensor system in which the battery is expected to last for a relatively long period, e.g., five years or more.
A change in an input signal level (reflecting a change in the sensor condition) is disregarded unless it appears in two successive scan cycles. Therefore, an input signal change must be present for at least 250 ms to be accepted. Optionally, the scanning cycle may be reduced to 31 ms. The shorter scanning cycle is used in applications where a 250 ms scan is inconvenient for the system user, e.g., when a key fob is used to active/deactive a system.
Among the other pins of transmitter 1 is RFMOD which provides an output message to RF modulation circuit 3. Pin P7 provides an output of a low battery comparator associated with battery tester 16 when pin CHPTST is set to logic "1". VSS and VDD receive negative and positive supply voltage, respectively. XTLEN carries an enable signal to RF modulation circuit 3. LBSET carries a low battery threshold voltage input. DVDRSTB delivers a strobe divider output. Pin P12 receives an EEPROM programming shift clock. CHPTST receives a chip test input signal. XTALl and XTAL2 are connected to 32 kilohertz (kHz) crystal 4.
Input scanner 11 receives several clock signals from main timer 13, including DCLKL, KCLK, NCLK, and BCLK. Input scanner 11 also receives signal FSCAN which corresponds to bit EP31 in EEPROM 17. FSCAN controls the scan cycle; when FSCAN is a logic "0" the scan cycle is 250 ms, and when FSCAN is a logic "1" the scan cycle is 31 ms.
As shown in FIG. 3A, input scanner 11 generates four output signals, INEN, INCLK, PUENL, and PUBEN to control the detection of inputs 5 by their respective input processors 10. As shown in FIG. 3B, just before the beginning of a scanning cycle, PUENL goes low (logical 0) for about 122 μs to allow any transitional signals (caused by capacitance or noise) to settle. The beginning of the cycle is signaled when INEN goes to a logical 1. At the start of the cycle INCLK goes high and stays high while inputs are being scanned. All inputs are scanned simultaneously.
As shown in FIG. 4A, INEN is gated with sensor input signal F4IN. On the rising edge of INCLK, the gated F4IN signal is latched into flip-flop 20. The latched input signal is then processed by debounce circuitry 21 to yield debounced signal F4DB as an output.
The input processors 10 for input signals FlIN, F2IN, and F5IN are shown in FIGS. 4B through 4D; the input processor for input signal F3IN is the same as in FIG. 4A. FIGS. 4B through 4D show additional processing circuitry that is specific to the associated input pins. In alternative implementations, the input processor for any given pin could have selected features from any of the FIGS. 4A-4D.
During scanning, the input pin is connected via a pull-up resistance to a voltage source VDD. As seen in FIG. 4A, this is accomplished by signal PUENL which switches in a relatively large (roughly 24k ohm) pull-up resistance 22 (a resistor or a transistor); the larger resistance value causes a smaller current, thereby reducing battery drain. To reduce dendrite build-up, each input processor 10 includes a second smaller pull-up resistor 23 (roughly 5k ohm). The larger current resulting from smaller pull-up resistor 23 reduces or blows away dendrite short circuits that may be forming on the traces of the circuit board connected with the input pins.
The development of parasitic parallel resistances, such as dendrite build-up on the circuit board, may cause an input processor 10 to initiate the generation of message packets indicating a change in condition, when no such change has actually occurred. For example, a door sensor 2 indicates whether the door is open (seen at the input pin as a logical 1) or closed (seen at the input pin as a logical 0). When the door is open, different voltage potentials exist between the copper traces on the circuit board. Dendrite particles on the circuit board are attracted to the voltage differential and can form a short circuit from trace to trace.
The short circuit causes a logical 0 to appear at the input pin. To the input processor 10, this looks the same as if the door sensor 2 has gone from an open-to-closed condition. Transmitter 1 will then send a message containing incorrect information. Once the dendrite-induced short circuit is established, it is possible that the door may be opened and closed numerous times without the transmitter 1 generating and sending packets which reflect the actual changes in condition.
Dendrite short-circuits and other types of parasitic parallel resistance are eliminated or overcome by using two pull-up resistors 22, 23. The first pull-up resistor 22 is normally used to switch in the power supply when the input processors 10 are scanned. The resistance value of pull-up resistor 22 is selected to activate the circuit with a low current, thereby conserving the battery. However, the current generated by pull-up resistor is not sufficient to destroy or overcome a dendrite-induced short circuit. Therefore, if a change of condition is detected, e.g., the signal at the input pin goes from logical 1 to logical zero, a second pull-up resistor 23 is used to switch in the battery. The resistance value of pull-up resistor 23 is selected to generate a current sufficient to destroy or overcome dendrite-induced short circuits. This two-resistor scheme eliminates or reduces false information from being generated by transmitter 1 (by selectively using a high current) without significantly increasing the energy requirements (by normally using a low current).
As discussed above, each input processor 10 is scanned about once every 250 msec. In addition to reducing the energy requirements of the transmitter, scanning helps reduce dendrite build-up in two ways. First, periodic scanning as opposed to a constant scan greatly reduces the time period when voltage differentials exist, thereby reducing the conditions under which dendrite short circuits form. Second, periodic scanning allows for larger currents on each scan. The larger currents are more likely to destroy dendrite build-up.
During scanning, the input pin is connected via a pull-up resistor to a voltage source VDD. As seen in FIG. 4A, this is accomplished by signal PUENL, which switches in either a relatively large (roughly 24k ohm) pull-up resistor 22 (a resistor or a transistor), or a relatively smaller, second pull-up resistor 23 (roughly 5k ohm). During periods when no change in condition occurs, relatively large pull-up resistor 22 is used to switch in voltage source VDD. The larger resistance value creates a smaller current, reducing the drain on the transmitter battery 6. This smaller current may have little or no effect on short circuits created by dendrite build-up.
If a change of condition is detected between scan cycles (e.g., logical 1 to logical 0), the smaller pull-up resistor 23 is used to switch in voltage source VDD on the next scan cycle. The smaller pull-up resistor 23 creates a larger current sufficient to destroy or overcome dendrite short circuits. In another embodiment, the small pull-up resistor 23 is used to switch in VDD immediately upon a change in condition.
If dendrite build-up has created a short circuit, the input processor will detect a change of condition from open to closed (logical 1 to logical 0). On the next scan cycle, smaller pull-up resistor 23 is connected with voltage source VDD and the larger current destroys the short circuit. The input processor will now detect a change in condition from closed to open (logical 0 to logical 1). Therefore, input processor 10 will not generate a TRGxL signal (discussed below) and the transmitter 1 will not generate message packets indicating a change in condition because a change in condition has not been detected for two consecutive scan cycles.
As discussed above, in another embodiment, the small pull-up resistor 23 is used to switch in VDD immediately upon a change in condition, as opposed to waiting for the next scan cycle. Therefore, at the end of the scan, after smaller pull-up resistor 23 is used to destroy the dendrite short circuit, the condition detected by input processor 10 will be the same as the previously detected condition.
The smaller pull-up resistor 23 is not used on every scan cycle because it will drain the battery more rapidly than resistor 22. As discussed above, it is important to maximize the life of battery 6 associated with wireless transmitter 1. Therefore, in the present invention, the smaller resistor 23 is only switched into the circuit when a change in condition has first been detected by a larger resistor, e.g., resistor 22. Limiting the use of smaller resistor 23 extends the battery life while at the same time preventing or reducing incorrect information being sent to the system controller due to dendrite-induced short circuits.
As an example, one can compare three ways to energize input processor 10. First, a non-pulsed, single pull-up resistor can be used. Second, a pulsed, single pull-up resistor can be used. Finally, the pulsed, 2-stage resistance of the present invention can be used. In the first case, the pull-up current (I) must be minimized to maintain a suitably long battery life, e.g., 1μ amp, limiting the battery draw 1μ amp. The parasitic parallel resistance at failure (0.5 V/I) is about 1.8 MΩ. Therefore, this circuit is very sensitive to parasitic parallel resistance.
In the second case, using the scanning sequence disclosed above, a larger pull-up current I, e.g., 150μ amps, can be used, while decreasing the battery draw (due to scanning) to 0.075μ amps. The parasitic parallel resistance at failure is now about 12KΩ.
In the third case, i.e., the present invention, the second pull-up resistor generates a larger current, e.g., 750μ amps. The normal battery draw is still about 0.075μ amps. However, when the second resistor is used, the parasitic parallel resistance at failure is now about 2.4KΩ. Therefore, a circuit that implements the two resistor scheme is much less susceptible to parasitic parallel resistance.
In one embodiment, pull-up resistor 23 is used following any detection of a change in condition, i.e., open-to-closed or closed-to-open. In another embodiment, pull-up resistor 23 is used only when the change in condition is open-to-closed.
An additional feature to balance the requirements of battery conservation and dendrite reduction is the use of a lockout period. Once the smaller pull-up resistor 23 is used in a scanning cycle, pull-up resistor 23 is not used for a predetermined time period. The time period is selected to balance battery conservation with the likelihood of dendrite build-up. In one embodiment, the lockout period is about 4.25 minutes.
The lockout feature is implemented as shown in FIG. 3A by generating signal PUBEN, enabled by signal 4M from packet counter 15.
The selective use of pull-up resistors can be used to overcome other types of short circuits in addition to dendrite-induced short circuits. There are various situations where a short circuit can unexpectedly develop between parallel resistors. In many of these instances it would be advantageous to switch in a higher current that can eliminate or overcome a short circuit once a possible short circuit is identified by a current more suitable to normal operating conditions.
Among the other signals received by input processor 10 are CCLK, from main timer 13, which provides a 122 μs clock pulse, NOEN and NOENL which both derive from bit EP27 in EEPROM 17, and determine whether the latched input signal FxLTCH is set on a low-to-high input signal transition (for sensors that are normally closed) or on a high-to-low signal transition (for sensors that are normally open). Signal XMTL is generated from packet counter 15 and resets the latched input signal FxLTCH at the end of a message transmission.
Each debounced signal FxDB is fed to gate 24, along with a timing pulse derived from CCLK, to generate signal TRGxL that triggers both transmission logic 12 and packet counter 15. Debounced input signal FXDB is also processed by gates 25 to generate latched input signal FxLTCH.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the input processor for pin F1IN includes a lock-out timer which is used with a sensor of the kind that triggers constantly during certain periods (e.g., a passive infrared motion detector). The lock-out timer reduces the volume of messages, saving the battery. The lock-out function is enabled by signal F1LOUT from EEPROM 17, bit EP24. Flip-flops 26 form a 168 second (approximately) timer using SCLK as a clock input. Lock-out circuit 27 disables signals TRG1L and F1LTCH for about 168 seconds after a TRG1L signal.
As shown in FIG. 4C, input processor 10 for input pin F2IN includes a repeater function which is useful with critical sensors such as a smoke detector. The repeater function is achieved using gate 28 and flip-flop 29. Gate 28 has as inputs WCLCK (clock ticks appearing every 64 seconds), debounced signal F2DB, and the repeater enable signal F2RPT from EEPROM 17, bit EP26. This circuit initiates signal TRG2L every 64 seconds, causing generation of another group of message packets. Thus, as long as a sensor active signal is detected, i.e., pin F2IN is high, the system controller will receive the sensor message approximately every minute and will send repeated alarm messages to the monitoring station.
As shown in FIG. 4D, input processor 10 that serves pin F5IN includes elements that latch the debounced signal F5DB on both the rising and falling edges of the signal transition F5PLTCH and F5NLTCH, respectively. This configuration provides flexibility by accepting sensors that are in a normally open or closed state.
Each message generated by transmitter logic 12 is configured as a sixty-four bit data packet. Normally a series of eight identical data packets are transmitted for each qualified input signal change to assure that the system controller will reliably receive the message notwithstanding battery drain, overloading of the system by messages coming into the system controller, and other factors. If transmitter 1 is re-triggered by a sensor signal change while a group of packets is already being transmitted, the ongoing transmission of that group of packets is completed, then eight more packets are transmitted with the newer data.
Optionally, transmitter 1 may generate a group of only four packets for each qualified signal change during periods of frequent sensor triggering as a way to reduce battery drain. After the first series of eight packets is sent, if a subsequent input change is detected within 4.25 minutes of the end of the last packet transmission, then only four packets are sent. Otherwise, eight packets are sent.
Each packet carries sensor data and identification and includes sixty-four bits:
______________________________________Bits Description______________________________________00-02 976 μs RF front porch pulse03-14 12 sync pulses, logical zeros15 start pulse, logical one16-35 20 bit sensor identification code (ID bits 0-19)36-39 4 bit device type code (DT bits 0-3)40-42 3 bit trigger count (TC bit 0-2)43 low battery bit44 F1 latch bit45 F1 debounced level46 F2 latch bit47 F2 debounced level48 F3 latch bit49 F3 debounced level50 F4 latch bit51 F4 debounced level52 F5 positive latch bit53 F5 debounced level54 F5 negative latch bit55 even parity over odd bits 15-5556 odd parity over even bits 16-5657 zero/one, programmable58 RF on for 366 μs (old stop bit)59 one60-62 modulus 8 count of number of ones in bits 15-5463 zero (new stop bit)______________________________________
Bits 00 to 02 are a 976 ms RF front porch pulse, providing a wake up period that allows the system controller receiver to synchronize with the incoming packet. Bits 3 to 14 include 12 sync pulses, e.g., logical 0's, to synchronize the receiver. Bit 15 is a start pulse, e.g., a logical 1, that tells the receiver that data is to follow.
Bits 16-58 provide information regarding the transmitter and associated sensor. In other embodiments, bits 16-58 may be replaced by an analog signal.
Bits 16 to 35 provide a 20-bit sensor identification code that uniquely identifies the particular sensor sending the message. Bits 36 to 39 provide a 4 bit device-type code that identifies the specific-type of sensor, e.g., smoke, PIR, door, window, etc. The combination of the sensor bits and device bits provide a set of data bits.
Bits 40 through 42 provide a 3-bit trigger count that is incremented for each group of message packets. The trigger count is a simple but effective way for preventing a third party from recording a message packet transmission and then re-transmitting that message packet transmission to make the system controller think that a valid message packet is being transmitted.
Bit 43 provides the low battery bit.
Bits 44 through 53 provide the latch bit value and the debounced value for each of the five inputs associated with the transmitter. For the F5 input, both a positive and negative latch bit are provided.
Bit 55 provides even parity over odd bits 15 to 55. Bit 56 provides odd parity over even bits 16 to 56. Bit 57 is a programmable bit that can be used for a variety of applications, including providing an additional bit that could be used for the sensor identification code or device type code.
Bit 58 is a 366 ms RF on signal that functions as the "old" stop bit. This bit provides compatibility with prior system controllers that may be programmed to receive a 58-bit message.
Bit 59 is a logical 1. Bits 60 to 62 are a modulus eight count of the number of 1 bits in bits 15 through 54, providing enhanced error detection information to be used by the system controller. Finally, bit 63 is the "new" stop bit, e.g., a logical 0, that tells the system controller that it is the end of the message packet.
As shown in FIG. 5A, transmitter 1 uses pulse-width modulation to generate logical 1's and 0's. A 1 bit has 122 μs RF on and 244 μs RF off, a 0 bit has only 122 μs RF off. As shown in FIG. 5B, crystal enable pin, XTLEN, goes high approximately five ms before the start of each packet transmission and remains high until the end of the packet transmission.
The interval between successive packets in a group is varied pseudo-randomly from about 93 ms to 453 ms.
If about an hour elapses without a packet transmission, the main timer 13 will automatically cause transmitter 1 to send three, identical supervisory data packets each having the same configuration as for other packets. The quiet interval which ends in the supervisory packets being sent is varied in a pseudo-random manner from about 64 minutes to 68 minutes. Alternatively, the supervisory signals may be sent after a quiet period of only sixty-four seconds. The sixty-four second supervisory is used in high security applications, e.g., home incarceration.
EEPROM 17 stores 36 control bits. Bits EP00 to EP19 provide 20 sensor identification code bits. Bits EP20 to EP23 provide four device type bits (e.g., 0101 for a smoke detector). Bits EP32 to EP34 provide three band gap accuracy trim bits used with battery tester 16.
EEPROM bits EP24 to EP31 provide programming options. When EP24 is set to logical 1, it enables the three minute lock-out function as described above regarding FIG. 4B. When EP25 is set to logical 1, the supervisory interval is shifted from approximately one hour to sixty-four seconds. When EP26 is set to logical 1, the repeater function will trigger data transmissions every sixty-four seconds. When EP27 is set to logical 0, the input latch signals FxLTCH are set on the low to high input signal transition. For EP27 set to logical 1, the input latch signals FxLTCH are set on the high to low input transition.
EP28 controls the number of packets transmitted for each sensor trigger (logical 0 yields eight packets per group; logical 1 yields eight packets for more than 4.25 minutes from the end of the last packet transmission, otherwise only four packets).
When EP29 is logical 1, bits 60 to 63 of the packet are not transmitted, making the transmitter compatible with sixty bit systems. EP30 controls the value of bit 57. Bit 57 can be used as an additional bit to identify the device type. EP31 set to logical 1 increases the input scan cycle rate to 32 scans per second. When EP35 is set to logical 1, transmitter 1 delivers a 32 kHz signal on pin P7, otherwise 32 Hz.
The EEPROM is programmed by serial input. Pin CHPTST is set to logical 1. The EEPROM data is then serially entered on pin F5IN while a shift clock (PRGCLK) is delivered at pin 12. The data is shifted on the rise of each clock pulse. The serial data bits are preceded by a logical 1 followed by the program bits PB00 through PB35. Transmitter 1 begins EEPROM programming when it detects that the leading logical 1 has reached the end of the EEPROM 17 shift register.
Turning to the main timer 13, as shown in FIG. 6, 32 kHz ticks are received from oscillator 134 as input ACLK. The 32 kHz signal ripples through flip-flops 30 to generate BCLK (61 μs), CCLK (122 μs), DCLK (244 μs), NCLK (250 ms), KCLK (31.25 ms), JCLK (15.63 ms), SCLK (8 seconds), YCLK (512 seconds), and WCLK (128 seconds). Other clock signals are also generated, including 62.5 ms and 125 ms.
The lower half of FIG. 6 discloses a timer used to generate the pseudo-random supervisory timing period between sixty-four (64) and sixty-eight (68) minutes from the end of the last packet transmission. The pseudo-random period is used to prevent packet collisions at the system controller. To achieve the pseudo-random interval, interval timer 14 generates a five-bit pseudo-random number on lines RA1 through RE1 (FIG. 7). This number is sent to a two hundred and fifty-six second timer, formed by flip-flops 31, generating a period from zero to two hundred and fifty-six seconds (roughly zero to four minutes). This number is then added into flip-flops 32, to generate a pseudo-random period from 64 to 68 minutes.
Input signal XMTL resets the supervisory timer after every message packet generated by transmitter 1. When input signal SUPlM, from EEPROM 17, is a logical 1, the supervisory time period is reduced to sixty-four (64) seconds (e.g., for high security applications).
Interval timer 14 generates a pseudo-random time interval (from approximately 93 to 453 ms) between packets within a group, reducing the possibility that collisions of critical packets will occur at the system controller.
As shown in FIG. 7, flip-flops 34 function as a pseudo-random sequence generator having the sequence: 15, 08, 17, 1E, 1D, 1B, 16, 0D, 1A, 14, 09, 13, 06, 0C, 18, 10, 00, 01, 03, 07, 0E, 1C, 19, 12, 04, 08, 11, 02, 05, 0A 15
This pseudo-random sequence generator is driven by timing signal CCLK from main timer 13.
The lower half of FIG. 7 discloses a counter formed by flip-flops 35 using JCLK from main timer 13 and signal CCC from transmitter logic 12. The counter is reset at the end of each packet transmission by signal CCC. The pseudo-random sequence generator is then stopped at a pseudo-random value. Gate array 36 allows the lower counter to count until the following equivalencies are met: IA1=RA1 and IB1=RB1 and IC1=RC1 and (ID1=RD1 and IE1=1) or (IE1=RE1 and ID1=1)!. This yields a pseudo-random time interval between 93 and 453 ms. Interval timer 14 then generates end-of-interval pulses DDD and BBB, which are sent to packet counter 15 and transmitter logic 12.
Packet counter 15 works with transmitter logic 12 and interval timer 14 to determine the correct number of packets for transmission and then count the generated packets. As shown in FIG. 8, packet counter 15 has five types of inputs. Signals DDD and BBB are generated by interval timer 14 at the end of each pseudo-random time interval between packets. Signals TRG1L to TRG5L are inputs from each of the input processors 10. Signal STIM is from main timer 13 and generates a signal pulse when the supervisory time interval times out. Signal EN4ML is from EEPROM bit EP28 and enables the battery saving feature where new sensor inputs detected within 4.25 minutes of the end of the last packet transmission yield a message transmission of only four packets. Finally, packet counter 15 includes various clock inputs, including signals CCLK and YCLK.
Flip-flops 41 are used to count the number of packets for each transmission. As discussed above, normally the transmitter generates a group of eight identical message packets for each sensor input detected. In order to save the transmitter battery, the transmitter can be programmed at EEPROM bit EP28 to generate only four message packets if a change in sensor input is detected within 4.25 minutes of the end of the last packet transmission. Finally, when the supervisory period times out, only three message packets are generated for the supervisory message.
Under normal operating conditions, any one of the TRG1L to TRG5L input signals will cause flip-flops 41 to count eight packets before generating signal PK7L (discussed further below). If EEPROM bit EP28 is set to a logic 1, then the four packet feature is enabled. Therefore, if a sensor input is generated by one of TRG1L to TRG5L within 4.25 minutes of the end of the last packet transmission, flip-flops 41 will generate the signal PK7L after four packets are counted.
If there are no changes in inputs detected within the supervisory time interval, signal STIM causes flip-flops 41 to count three packets before generating signal PK7L.
Signal PK7L is sent to transmitter logic 12 and is used to latch the low battery signal (LBAT) on the stop bit of the last packet for that transmission. As discussed above, the last packet may be either the eighth, fourth, or third packet.
Packet counter 14 also generates the output signal 4M, which is used to control switching of the strong or weak pull-up resistors as discussed above regarding FIG. 4A. Signal TRGAL is sent to the EEPROM circuitry to load the EEPROM data into associated EEPROM latches. This configuration helps ensure that the correct EEPROM data is used for each set of message packets. The TRGAL signal is generated on each sensor input that generates a TRG1L to TRG5L signal, or the supervisory times out and generates the STIM signal.
The XMTL signal is sent to main timer 13 and is used to reset the flip-flops used to count the supervisory time interval. Therefore, the supervisory time interval is always counted from the last packet transmission, whether that packet transmission is based on a detected change in sensor inputs or a previous supervisory message. Signal XMTL is also sent to each of the input processors 10 and resets the latched input signal, FXLTCH, at the end of each transmission.
Signal TRGL is sent to transmit logic 12 and used to generate a three-bit trigger count.
Transmitter logic 12 is connected to the other major components of transmitter 1 to generate the message packets. As shown in FIG. 9, multiplexers 50 have as inputs the data for each packet, i.e., bits 16-63, including the device ID code (bits 16-35), device type code (bits 36-39), a "trigger" count (bits 40-42) which counts the number of times the transmitter has been triggered (either sensor or supervisory), low battery (bit 43), debounced and latched input signal FXDB and FxLTCH for each input 5 (bits 44-54), even and odd parity (bits 55 and 56), program bit (bit 57), old stop bit (bit 58), logical 1 (bit 59), modulus eight count of logical 1's in bits 15-64 (bit 60-62), and logical 0 (bit 63).
The device ID code and device type code are available from EEPROM 17. The trigger count is a three-bit value generated by flip-flops 51 using signals TRGL and TRSTL from packet counter 15. Low battery signal LBAT is received from battery tester 16 (FIG. 10). The input and latch values are received from input processors 10 for inputs 5 on lines B44 to B54.
Even and odd parity bits are output from even and odd parity generators 52 and 53, respectively. Even parity generator 52 uses the output of modulation signal generator 54 to count the odd bits (only bits 15-63) and to generate a parity bit P1 so that the sum of the odd bits and the parity bit is even. P1 is input into a multiplexer 50 and added to each message packet at bit 55.
Odd parity generator 53 also uses the output of modulation signal generator 54 to count the value of the even bits (only 16-64) and generate a parity bit P2 so that the sum of the even bits and the parity bit is odd. P2 is input into a multiplexer 50 and added to each message packet as bit 56.
The old stop bit is generated at gate 55 as 366 μs off and allows the transmitter to be used with older system controllers that recognize only 58-bit message packets. Bit 59 is used as a dummy bit to clear the old stop bit, bit 58, and allow bits 60-63 to be properly processed.
Bits 60 to 62 can be used to provide error detection information that is processed by the system controller. For example, flip-flops 61 can be used to count the number of "ones" in bits 15 through 54. This count can then be processed by the system controller to determine if there are errors in the message packet.
Flip-flops 56 form a counter that counts the 64 bits of each message packet. Output signal CCC is sent to interval timer 14 to start the packet interval time delay.
Multiplexers 50 and associated gates 57, serially input data bits 15-63 into modulation signal generator 54. Modulation signal generator 54 converts the internal binary code, recognized as voltage on (1) or off (0), into the modulated binary code described above (1=122 μs RF on and 244 μs RF off, 0=122 μs RF on and 122 μs RF off). This modulation scheme is achieved by a divide-by-2 or -3 counter formed by gates 58 and flip-flops 59.
Battery tester 16 generates an output signal LBAT. When LBAT is logical 1 the battery is low and needs to be replaced or recharged. A good time to measure the battery is at the end of the transmission of a group of packets. In the block diagram of battery tester 16, shown in FIG. 10, the supply voltage is compared to a reference voltage. If the battery voltage drops too low, transmitter 1 may not function correctly and RF modulation circuit 3 may not generate a strong enough signal for the system controller to receive and decode the message packets. Therefore, each message packet includes information, at bit 43, on the status of the supply battery. When bit 43 is 0, the battery voltage is above the reference voltage, and when bit 43 is 1, the battery voltage is below the reference voltage. When the supply battery voltage is below the reference voltage, this information at bit 43 can be used by the system controller or monitoring station to warn the user that the battery must be checked.
The supply battery should be tested at a period of its lowest charge to ensure that a low battery signal is sent early enough to prevent failure of the system. The end of the transmission of the last packet was selected. Other timing points may be selected based on the desired sensitivity of the battery test function.
As discussed above, packet counter 15 generates signal PK7L at the end of transmission of the last packet. PK7L is used by transmit logic 12 to generate ENBLO. The ENBLO signal enables battery tester 16 to compare the battery voltage to the reference voltage and generate LBAT.
The LBAT signal is input into latch circuit 60 in transmitter logic 12. PK7L is also used to generate LBLL which goes low on the stop bit (bit 63) of the last packet. Latch circuit 60 then latches the LBAT signal for use in the next set of message packets.
The latched LBAT signal is not used in the last packet of the current packet transmission. If the battery is low, then the last packet may not be received or properly decoded by the system controller. The latched LBAT signal is used at bit 43 in each packet of the next group of packets transmitted (due to sensor activation or supervisory interval), increasing the probability that at least one message packet containing the low battery information will be received and properly decoded by the system controller.
Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Patent Citations
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Report: China's Dominance in Rare Earths Set to Diminish
3:59 PM MDT | August 18, 2011 | Vincent Valk
China, which currently accounts for about 96% of global supply of rare earth oxides (REOs), is projected to lose market share as other producers come online, according to a report by Technology Metals Research (TMR; Carptenersville, IL), a consulting firm. The report forecasts China's share of global to supply to decline to 41% by 2017, down from 96% this year. It is expected to fall below 50% in 2016. REOs are used in wind turbines and other green technology. Photo courtesy dtsomp's flickr photostream, via creative commons license. However, the supply picture...
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The theme of TEDxYouth@PalisadesCharterHighSchool will be "Sparking Creativity." It is a call to classmates and community members to interrupt standard routines and spend an afternoon considering alternative perspectives. We want to engage our audience by featuring speakers who are thought-provoking, entertaining and inspiring.
Palisades Charter High School is composed of students from different ethnic and economic backgrounds. By hosting a TEDxYouth event, we aim to bring our community together in order to spark unique ideas -- ideas we can all utilize in both the classroom and the real world. The event will be entirely produced, marketed, filmed and organized by students who want to bring a positive change to our community.
Our inaugural TEDxYouth Event will be held at Palisades Charter High School in the Mercer Hall Auditorium on Saturday, January 25th.
We invite students "of all ages" to attend. Please spread the word through Facebook and Twitter. Tickets will be available soon!
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Dr. Richard WoodwardDr. Woodward has been an associate professor at CSUDH where he taught courses in neuroanatomy & physiology and kinesiology. He was also a faculty research adviser for the occupational therapy program. Currently, Dr. Woodward teaches science at Palisades Charter High School. He has also been a frequent presenter at California charter school conferences. He received the Outstanding Professor Award while teaching at the American Intercontinental University. Dr. Woodward has been an educator for over fifteen years and continues to develop dynamic and rigorous curriculum with a touch of mirth.
Shirin Laor-Raz SalemniaShirin Salemnia is the Founder and CEO of PlayWerks, an independent interactive media company that creates high quality innovative multi-platform immersive experiences that engage children and adults. Also, She is the Founder of WhizGirls Academy where students engage in exciting projects that help them acquire skills in the areas of coding, entrepreneurship, and more, while building confidence and growing as members of the community. She previously worked at MGA Entertainment on Bratz and Mattel on Barbie, where she performed ongoing research and analysis of industry trends, consumer motivations and competitor activity. At MGA, she was responsible for designing the Play Lab, where children would gather for in-house research. While she was the Brand Manager for the billion dollar Bratz brand. She is actively involved in Women in Gaming, an Advisor to the LA Film School Video Game Dept, The Boys and Girls Club in Venice, Girls in Tech, Girl Scouts, and the White House Council of Women and Girls.
Diane Luby LaneDiane Luby Lane is the Founder and Executive Director of Get Lit-Words Ignite, the leading teen literacy nonprofit in Southern California. She is the director of the Get Lit Players, an award-winning classic teen poetry troupe, and the creator of Get Lit's annual citywide "Classic Slam," teen poetry event. She is the author of Get Lit A 12-Week Course in Literacy and Life Through Poetry and the "Lit Kit" which is Get Lit's curriculum and curriculum package that's aligned to federal Common Core standards. Lane has received numerous awards including the Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award.
Hayden LeeHayden Lee is a certified Academic Life Coach for teenagers, teen motivator, a TEDxTalk speaker, and a consultant for LA's Incubator School. He graduated with honors from UC San Diego with degrees in Psychology, Theatre, and a minor in European Studies. A former SAT tutor, Hayden became a certified Academic Life Coach because he realized that at the heart of many teens' academic struggles were motivation and confidence. He now helps teenagers empower themselves with the self-awareness and life skills in order to achieve academic and personal success by linking a sense of purpose, passion, and fulfillment to their work.
Annie CipollaAnnie Cipolla is currently the Young Adult Librarian at the Palisades Branch of Los Angeles Public Library and previously held the same position at the Westwood Branch. She also substitutes as a librarian in the Youth Services Department of Santa Monica Public Library. Before becoming a librarian, she worked in television as a broadcast journalist, Managing Editor and Executive Producer in Baltimore, San Francisco, New York City and Los Angeles. She tries to apply the same creativity to her work in the library as she did in television. She is not only impressed with but inspired by the creativity of the teens she feels fortunate enough to work with each day.
Stephen GlassmanLA-based sculptor Stephen Glassman first came to international attention in the early 1990′s when he began creating freeform, large-scale bamboo installations in urban sites devastated by the Rodney King Riots, Malibu Fires and Northridge Quake. These works became local symbols of resiliency as well as a springboard for the permanent, monumental-scale public works he creates today — art for art's sake in a social context. Stephen's work has been published worldwide, and been awarded with an NEA/White House Millennium Fellowship, a Chrysler Design Award nomination, the London International Creativity Award, and more.
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Michael J. Fox is heading back to TV this fall with the new sitcom The Michael J. Fox Show on NBC.
But the actor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 and whose last full-time small-screen gig was Spin City in 2000, is up for the challenge.
"People said, 'Are you sure you can handle this? Are you sure you can take it on? Are you sure you can deal with it?'" Fox tells Rolling Stone in the magazine's latest issue.
"And I said, 'No, I'm not sure I can, but I want to and I have an opportunity to.' And another side of it, that I don't deal with every day but is certainly present, is that on some level it might be empowering for people."
Fox added that when it comes to his symptoms, "people look at me and have fear and sadness in their eyes, which they think they're seeing reflected back at them. They wouldn't see what I'm really feeling, which is, 'I'm OK!' But people are afraid."
The 52-year-old Emmy winner recalled an interview he did once with Larry King.
"It was a little more disjointed and fractured than usual, and I realized that it was the first time I'd talked to him since my diagnosis and that he was afraid. So I had to understand that before people deal with me, they're going to deal with what they think I'm going through. Then time will pass and then they'll realize that this is just my life, the stuff I was given to deal with."
The Michael J. Fox Show premieres September 26 on NBC.
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)


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Mobile Leadership Strategies
Samsung Unveils New Galaxy S IV Phone
Daily Insight | Carl Howe | March 15, 2013
Samsung officials took the stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City to show off the company's latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S IV, on March 14. The device is Samsung's latest challenge to the Apple iPhone.
According to The New York Times, the new Galaxy S IV comes equipped with several innovative features such as Smart Scroll, which allows the user to scroll on the screen by simply moving his or her eyes. The phone can also be controlled with hand gestures picked up by the front-facing camera. "Once you spend time with the Galaxy S IV, I'm very confident you'll find how its innovations make your life simpler and fuller," Samsung Mobile Communications President JK Shin said, according to the newspaper.
The Galaxy S IV is slated for release in the second quarter and will be available in the U.S. through Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. However, Samsung did not release pricing for its newest device.
Yankee Group VP of Research Carl Howe comments
"If Samsung were Apple, it would have named this design the Galaxy S IIIS. While Samsung updated the internals and the software, the S IV is just another iteration on the Galaxy design to be slightly bigger, faster and with a few new apps.
We fully expect the Galaxy S IV to be an excellent flagship phone for Samsung, but Yankee Group doesn't see the S IV allowing Samsung to gain ground against Apple in the crucial U.S. market. According to Yankee Group's 2013 US Consumer Survey, March, only about 15 percent of consumers intend to buy a Samsung phone within the next six months, while 40 percent intend to buy Apple iPhones within that period. That's actually a slight decline from the December quarter. Further, Samsung isn't generating the same kind of brand loyalty that Apple owners have; in that same survey, only 61 percent of Samsung owners intend to buy another Samsung as their next smartphone; that contrasts dramatically with 85 percent of Apple iPhone owners intending to buy another iPhone. Unless Samsung works very hard to change consumers' minds in the next six months, we actually see Apple gaining ownership share on Samsung in the U.S. in 2013 rather than the other way around."
Mobile and Connected Device Strategies
Samsung Intros Connected Health Accessories for New Device
Daily Insight | Brian Partridge | March 15, 2013
In addition to introducing the world to its latest and greatest smartphone, the Galaxy S IV, Samsung also used its New York City launch event to debut several connected health devices to go along with the new phone.Read more >
Mobile Broadband Strategies
Sprint Promises LTE Deals for Small Businesses
Daily Insight | Rich Karpinski | March 15, 2013
In an attempt to lure more small business customers, Sprint has unveiled a new promotion promising deals on devices and account credits for every line that's switched to Sprint from a competitor.Read more >
Mobile Application and Cloud Strategies
Sony Has High Hopes for PlayStation 4
Daily Insight | Jason Armitage | March 15, 2013
It appears that Sony is banking a lot on the upcoming release of its latest console, PlayStation 4. Reportedly, the company expects to sell more than 16 million units in 2013, which would make it the largest launch of any game console.Read more >
Mobile Marketing and Commerce Strategies
PayPal Acquires App Developer Duff Research
Daily Insight | Nick Holland | March 15, 2013
Not long after the company admitted it has fallen behind in the mobile payments space, PayPal acquired mobile app developer Duff Research in an effort to improve its offerings and make the task of completing mobile payments easier for users.Read more >
Recent Insights
New Funding Helps Stripe Reach US$5bn Valuation
Daily Insight | July 28, 2015
AT&T, DirecTV Merger Gets the Go-Ahead
Daily Insight | July 27, 2015
AT&T Beats Earnings Estimates
Daily Insight | July 24, 2015
Qualcomm To Cut 15% of Workforce, Mulls Breakup
Daily Insight | July 23, 2015
Webinars & Events
Mobile Data Monetization 2.0: Lessons Learned from the US LTE Experience
| June 24, 2014On-Demand
Busting the Enterprise Mobility Myths
| June 10, 2014On-Demand
Telematics Detroit 2014
| June 4, 2014Event


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