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The London Olympics are less than one month away! If you're a member of Ravelry, you know what that means: The Ravellenic Games! Formerly known as the Ravelympics, this event brings together yarncrafters from around the globe as complete yarncrafting projects during the duration of the Olympics. Each participant selects a team (think of it as your country) and participates in special yarn-related events, including Sock Put, Sweater Triathalon, Synchronized Stash Busting, and more. There are just two rules: challenge yourself and finish the project during the Olympics (July 27th – August 12th)! For more information, be sure to visit the Ravellenic Games Ravelry board.
In the meantime, we want to help you prepare! Get 15% off your LionBrand.com purchase of supplies for the Ravellenic Games; just enter code rav2012 at checkout! This coupon is good for US orders now through 11:59pm EDT on Friday, July 6th, so you'll be able to receive your supplies in time for the mass cast-on during the Olympic opening ceremony. Still looking for a group to join for the Ravellenic Games? I kindly suggest our friends at the Vanna's Choice Fan Club.
So, what are your plans for the Ravellenic Games? Do you have a project in mind? Share your ideas in the comments!
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Events, Knitting | 3 Comments » Comments
Making your own hair ties is a great way to get creative with your favorite yarns, colors and textures. It's a wonderful way to try out new yarns, or to use up scraps. Your finished decorated hair ties make excellent gifts for girls sports teams, clubs, girl scout troops, or you can make them as party favors (and don't forget to make a few for yourself while you're at it)!
First, check out these step-by-step instructions with pictures we wrote on how to create your own crocheted hair tie. In this post, I'll show you how to expand on those basic instructions to create a variety of looks by using different textures, colors and techniques.
Here are some inventive variations you can crochet to make your hair ties (or those you are make for others) extra special!
Technique: Add a second yarn in a new texture for a stunning visual impact
Yarn Used: Vanna's Choice and Martha Stewart Crafts Glitter Eyelash
Get this look by using a straight yarn like Vanna's Choice for the first round in double crochet, and used a strand of Martha Stewart Crafts Glitter Eyelash to create a border! Once you've completed the first round, join the second yarn and make one single crochet stitch loosely into each stitch and chain-1 space. If you find your stitches are tighter than you'd like, single crochet into each stitch but chain one stitch in between, to add more give to the finished project.
Posted in Crocheting, Fashion & Style, Tips & How To, Tutorials | 2 Comments » Comments
July 4th is a great time of celebration where we recognize the Independence of the United States from Great Britain in 1776. Now, we've all come to appreciate this holiday as a great day to turn on the grill, hit the picnic tables, and spend quality time with loved ones. And who can forget the fireworks!
Since there are so many BBQs and parties happening this day, I thought it'd be fun to share some easy projects for festive red, white, and blue decor to add to your celebration. Wow your guests with DIY yarn craft projects that requires no crochet hooks or knitting needles. Get the family involved as well, this is a great project for the kids who will be out of school!
Posted in Crafting, Tutorials | 5 Comments » Comments
That's one of the most popular questions on the Lion Brand FAQ section. Maybe you don't have a pattern with you when you shop or you want to design your own creation. Having a general idea of the amount of yarn you will need for a project can be helpful in the planning phase before you get started.
Click here to see an approximate yardage for a variety of projects from afghans to scarves and get an idea how much yarn each project takes in some of our most popular yarns.
Did you know that we offer so much more than patterns and products on our site? We've developed a wide range of information that is designed to help expand your yarn crafting horizons. From a helpful list of pattern abbreviations to a virtual encyclopedia of stitch patterns, you'll find a wealth of useful facts, images, and instructions that help you grow your skills and hopefully bring you more enjoyment when you pick up your hooks and needles.
If there anything we don't have that you're looking for, I'd love to hear about it in the comments.
Related links:
Posted in Did You Know . . . ?, Tips & How To | Comments Off on How Much Yarn Do I Need? Comments
Hello everyone! For those who are following along live, this week we're done! Please post pictures as you finish your project!
After your blocking is completed, the final step is seaming the two halves together. With crochet, seaming is very easy because you can simply crochet the two pieces together! You will first be seaming the two longer edges of the upper and lower halves. When you crochet, you will be holding the pieces with the right sides together. I laid them flat in the picture so that it is easy to see where to insert the crochet hook.
Posted in Community, Crochet-Along, Crocheting | 22 Comments » Comments
If you're beginning to knit or crochet, you may have noticed that there are a TON of resources online that help you along your way. BUT sometimes it's hard to know exactly what you need to know (or what you should be asking questions about).
Here are some of our most useful blog posts for beginners, organized by topic. Read through each of them and you'll have a better sense of the basic skills that you'll need for every project!
Just the Basics
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Tips & How To | 6 Comments » Comments
Hate weaving in ends? The Russian join is an excellent technique for attaching a new skein of yarn or for changing colors. Best of all, it creates a secure join, so you can keep crocheting or knitting without worrying about yarn ends! Here are instructions on how to complete the Russian join in 7 easy steps. I've used 2 different colors of yarn, but this is a great technique for attaching a new skein of the same color yarn, too!
1. Thread a blunt needle with one end of yarn.
2. Work the needle through the plies of your yarn for a few inches. Don't worry if this looks bunched up now.
3. Pull your working yarn through, leaving a small loop at the end. This is where the second piece of yarn will be attached.
4. Thread your needle with the second piece of yarn, then insert the needle into the small loop you created before.
5. Pull a few inches of yarn through the small loop.
6. Like you did before, work the needle through the plies of your second piece of yarn.
7. Give each strand a little tug to smooth out the bunching. You now have a secure join! Trim off any excess ends.
That's all there is to it! Depending on your yarn, you may notice that this joined area is slightly thicker than the rest of your yarn. I find this isn't very noticeable when I've worked my projects, but it's something to keep an eye on.
Related links:
Posted in Crocheting, Did You Know . . . ?, Knitting, Tips & How To, Tutorials | 122 Comments » Comments
Create your own designer hair ties with this quick and easy method for turning any hair elastic (or plain old rubber band if you're daring) into a fabulous scrunchy! Scrunchies make great party favors, gifts for girls' sports teams or fun accessories for any occasion. Cute scrunchies are useful and always add a note of celebration – even for grown ups! Adding a scrunchy to a bridal shower goodie bag, making them for bride's maids or crocheting enough for a spa day or girl's night are all clever ways to give handmade scrunchies as gifts.
Posted in Crocheting, Tips & How To, Tutorials | 17 Comments » Comments
Hello everyone! I hope everyone's projects are still going well. The good news is that we're coming close to finishing our shrugs, and after next week we'll be done and able to wear them! At this point, we have finished the upper and lower half and completed the finishing border on the lower half. This week I am going go over the beginning of the finishing of your Glittery Shrug, which is the upper half border and the blocking. The border on the upper half uses the same front and back post double crochet stitch that the cuffs use. After doing the upper half border, you will be completely prepared to do the sleeve cuffs next week!
The upper half border starts with one plain row of single crochet and then one row of double crochet. The pattern calls for two single crochet stitches in each of the mesh stitches. This means you will be working two single crochet stitches into each chain space along the edge of the upper half. When you get row 3 of the edging, the special stitches are abbreviated as BPDC for the back post double crochet, the first of the two stitches that you will be working, and FPDC for the front post double crochet, the second of the two stitches. The difference between a standard stitch and a post stitch is that in a regular stitch, you are working horizontally, inserting your needle underneath a little "v" along the surface to create your stitch. With a post stitch you are working the around the base of the stitch from the previous row instead of in the top of this stitch. This is quite easy with the double crochet, as it is a taller stitch, and easy to work around the post.
Posted in Community, Crochet-Along, Crocheting, Tips & How To | 4 Comments » Comments
It's that time of year again: World Wide Knit (and Crochet!) in Public Day is upon us! I love this unofficial holiday because it encourages crafters to come together and celebrate their amazing skills. Now through Sunday, people are gathering all over the globe to show off their yarncrafting skills in public. If you're in the New York area, you might see some familiar faces at Saturday's event at the Brooklyn Public Library!
Are you interested in finding a gathering near you? Click here to search the official WWKiP Day website. If there's no meet up scheduled in your area, you can still celebrate! Simply take your yarn, hooks, and needles to your local coffee shop, park, restaurant, or other public space and start crafting. Make today and every day your own personal WWKiP Day!
Are you celebrating WWKiP Day this year? Where do you plan to crochet or knit in public? Let us know in the comments!
Image courtesy of wwkipday.com.
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Events, Knitting | 18 Comments » Comments


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Video: Dantonio doesn't want to talk quarterback
A quarterback question here. A quarterback question there. A quarterback question everywhere. The quarterback questions were aplenty during Mark Dantonio's weekly media session Tuesday. As expected, the Michigan State coach politely refused to entertain the topic. The whole thing made for pretty great viewing.
Find out more about: Mark Dantonio

subset: commoncrawl


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Earns 16th-Place Starting Spot for Daytona 500
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2009) – Carl Edwards started 14th and worked his way into the top five in Thursday's second session of the Gatorade Duels, at Daytona International Speedway, but being one of only four Fords in the race and the only Roush Fenway Racing Ford in the event, Edwards was shuffled throughout the field for much of the race. That coupled with two uncharacteristically poor pit stops by the No. 99 team left Edwards with little to lean on, but a "good car". Fortunately he had just that and managed to finish the 60-lap qualifying event in eighth place. Edwards will roll off 16th in Sunday's Daytona 500.
Edwards gave kudos to the handling of his Aflac Ford for the majority of the race in spite of being stuck mid-pack. Though his Ford was reported to be "fast" and "good handling", Edwards had trouble finding a drafting partner. A caution on lap 14 should have been the break Edwards was looking for, but a slow pit stop left him mid-pack once again.
On lap 47, Edwards had worked his way up to fifth place when the race's second and final caution fell and the field made their way to pit road for the race's final pit stops. After clocking pit stops of 12 seconds or less during Saturday night's Bud Shootout, Edwards was confident that his crew could get him in and out ahead of the pack. However, that wouldn't be the case; as yet another poor pit stop relegated Edwards to 20th position for the lap 50 restart.
Down, but not out, Edwards picked off the competition one-by-one and captured the checkers in eighth place. Kyle Busch got a shove from teammate Denny Hamlin with just a couple laps remaining to pass Mark Martin and win the second Gatorade 150 Qualifying Race for Sunday's Daytona 500. Martin led several laps before finishing second ahead of Brian Vickers. Juan Pablo Montoya passed Hamlin on the final lap to finish fourth. Bobby Labonte was sixth in the No. 96 Ask.com Ford. Rounding out the top 10 were Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Edwards, Jeremy Mayfield, and AJ Allmendinger.
The eighth-place finish for Edwards qualifies him 16th for Sunday's Daytona 500. FOX television and MRN radio affiliates will carry the live broadcast beginning at 3:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, February 15.
"I learned a lot," said Edwards. "We've got a really good car. I wasn't really saving much. Basically, we have a really good car, and they say we have a really good back-up car, so I wasn't just racing really hard.
"It's good to start the season off strong. I hope we make it through practice without wrecking this thing, and I hope we make through the end of the 500."
About Roush Fenway Racing
Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR's largest team operating nine motorsports teams. Five in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; three in the Nationwide Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Erik Darnell, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Colin Braun; and one in the Camping World Truck Series with Braun.


text: DeMarcus Cousins leaned back at his stall in the visitors' locker room at Madison Square Garden, dressed all in black. Despite his apparel, Cousins made it clear he's not the villain from his point of view. And after the Kings' worst loss of the season, 120-81 to the New York Knicks on Saturday night, Cousins said he's doing his part to try to make things work. Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/03/5161354/kings-hit-rock-bottom.html#mi_rss=Kings/NBA#storylink=cpy


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Fire department formed after 20 years of civil war
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Monday, June 03, 2013 9:14:09 PM Its called Never Give Up.
Thursday, August 22, 2013 8:10:07 AM Hold fast Brothers, what you are doing is the act of one who places service above self!
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Aug 21 2007
I'm Sorry, Helen.
There's always one in every crowd, the mama cow that resists going through the working chute and having her rear-end examined by a vet wearing a sleeveless Ralph Lauren shirt. And by the time her turn finally rolls around, she's usually worked herself up into a total frenzy. This cow's name is Helen. And here, she's chased Cowboy Josh all the way up on the fence.
Here, Helen squares off with my Pesky Brother-in-Law, Tim. She really doesn't want to be messed with today.
Josh gives chase. He knows it's essential that we preg-check Helen so we'll know what level of care she needs. Failure is not an option.
Josh and Pesky Tim grab hold. They need a little rodeo practice.
Helen has no trouble shaking those turkeys loose, so Malrboro Man has to step in. "Let me show you guys how it's done." Yeah, you show 'em, Marlboro Man.
He got her! And just look—Josh and Tim run in to make it look like they got her down, too. They're always riding Marlboro Man's muscular coattails.
Nonetheless, it does take several guys to keep a big, heavy cow like Helen down on the ground.
So Josh hops on top and, with the other guys, keeps the ol' gal restrained. I'm sorry, Helen.
Oh no. Here comes Dr. Gene. I tell you, the guy's not happy in his soul until every last cow has been preg-tested. It's just what he does. Some kind of mutated Hippocratic Oath for large animal vets. I'm sorry, Helen.
Talk about diving into his work. Geez, Dr. Gene.
I'm sorry, Helen.
If this isn't The Final Injustice, I don't know what is.
Helen, I'm…well, you know.
Whew. The worst part's over, girl. It's all uphill from here.
The last cow is now officially worked. Time to let her up.
Wait…Helen, you don't understand! I'm your ADVOCATE! Your FRIEND! Your HOMEGIRL!
99 Comments
Miss Wisabus On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:18 am
Ree! Ree! Tell us you're okay!
Amy in TN On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:19 am
If it ain't sellin', it ain't Helen.
Remudamom On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:20 am
You gotta love those Helens. When we were younger we had cow/calves. Now we just buy and raise steer, and the occasional accidental heifer. I don't miss calving but I miss the babies. Have you ever noticed what cute knees calves have?
Robin (PENSIEVE) On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:20 am
Final Injustice???
It's finding a stealth way to insert Dr. Gene rear angle shots into a post!!
Kelli On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:20 am
RUN Ree, RUN!! said in my best Jenny voice.
Amy On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:23 am
I'm on the edge of my computer chair! You didn't get stampeded, did you? Man, I hope you and your camera are both okay. Ree?
rdennis On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:26 am
Do you suppose Helen and the rest the girls wish they could follow you to your next OBGYN checkup, with their camera's?
And just when I had some people convinced cows were noble, gentle creatures.
Kathy On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:26 am
Well??? Does Helen get another night on the town with the bull or is she eating for two? I just have to know!
Donna On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:33 am
Listen..I don't think Helen is all that sassy…she knows what it would take to have FIVE men…Yah FIVE…all on top of her…laughing and having a good time..hee hee..I think I"m taking a lesson from HER!! Yah Cowboys…I"m over HERE!!!!! NOT going down the chute!!! OH…Let me slow down enough so you can hop on top!! YAH BABY!! That's what I'm talkin bout!!
Mid Michigan
Swamp Witch On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:33 am
Poor Helen. Her mama should've told her there would be days like this.
Reminds me of a sign at The Swamp Drainer's office:
Go to Helen Wait.
kim-d On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:36 am
Oh my. Poor, poor Helen! And possibly poor, poor Ree! But what I really wanna say is, nice a** shot of Josh in the sixth picture–good going! And also, the MM arm muscles in pic #8. Oh my.
kim On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:37 am
For some reason, Dr. Gene's arm really got to me, and had me gagging….too early in the morning I guess.
Becky On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:38 am
Well so is Helen pregnant? I'm sure MM rescued you before Helen trampled you.
JATS On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:43 am
Loved the reference to "Young Frankenstein" yesterday. My very favorite movie. Favorite lines are Frankenstein: "Igor, get the bags." Igor: "You take the blonde, and I'll take the one in the turban."
Ella On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:43 am
Is she pregnant at the end? :o)
Windy On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:46 am
Hilarious laughter coming from here.
At the bottom of the thread on Dr. Gene and his Ralph Lauren shirt, I added a comment about reading about Ralphie in the September Vanity Fair, at his ranch in Colorado, pictured duded out in his hat, jeans and boots.
Audra On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:48 am
Poor Helen. I have to confess, I find Marlboro man a wee bit hot. Makes me want to buy my husband a cowboy hat and throw him at a cow. He would probably try to reprogram its hard drive though so that wouldn't be too safe for him.
Anya On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:51 am
OK, time to de-lurk.
Poor Helen.
Kitty Bo On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:51 am
I saw a wonderful program last night on PBS about show cows up in Maine. Some people showed dairy and some beef. The lady who showed Angus said their way is kick first, ask questions later. Very appropriate!
Kristi Smith On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:52 am
Please tell me Dr. Gene makes a ton of money doing this. And I am still dying to know how he washes his clothes?!?!?
Helen, I feel for you.
Twigs On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:53 am
I'm sorry too, Helen. But you do have the most gorgeous ears.
cecedon On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:54 am
too funny. I love the 'action' in the pictures, showing us how it's done. You can see that you were really running when Helen was pissed at you becuase that last photo is a wee bit fuzzy. Glad you didn't get trampled. So is Helen gonna be a mama again?
Jenn On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:55 am
poor poor Helen. glad that is all over with, im sure its been a long few weeks! and um ree?? are ya still out there girl? surely you are, cause MM saved you i can bet on that! yano of course there always has to be those stubborn cows out there, the ones that think they are going to outsmart everyone!
Hyacinth On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:57 am
REE? That puff of smoke isn't your soul leaving your body, is it?!
Charity On Tuesday, August 21 at 8:59 am
Helen needs some chocolate!
Andi On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:11 am
I'm asking the burning question as well…is Helen with calf?
Great pic's, Ree. Poor Helen. Dr. Gene makes me welcome a cold speculum.
Nancy On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:15 am
Another great photo story.
Helen? I sure hope you are preggers … you don't need Dr. Gene messin' with you again!
Mo Hashim On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:16 am
I just found this blog a few days ago, and it right will be added to the rss feeder. This is absolute entertainment. I love it. Really well done.
Dodi On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:19 am
chocolatechic On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:19 am
Waiting to see if Helen is pregnant….
Cindy Z On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:19 am
Love the action shots! Actually, I just love the whole blog and your writing.
rain On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:31 am
Ah Helen, just think of England.
Jenni in KS On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:37 am
Now is that any way to treat a lady who could be, you know, in a family way? I may have behaved a bit like Helen at my prenatal appointments, and I'm so thankful the doctors, midwives, and nurses never ganged up on me like that. And they're laughing. Cruel, heartless cowboys. Poor, poor Helen indeed;o)
Donna in Michigan's comment *killed* me! So glad I hadn't refilled my coffe cup yet.
Angela On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:42 am
While I am a married woman, and practically a baby at that, Dr. Gene is the hottest old guy I've seen in a while. Not only is he tan and kinda leathery in a good way, he's got some pretty decent guns himself. And he obviously likes what he does. So if there is an award out there for hottest old guy vet, he wins in my book. Though I'm only 24, and happily married, he's not for me. But I bet he has a lot of fun!
teetotaled On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:43 am
I hope you made it up the fence in time! That Helen sure looked peeved. Can't say I blame the poor gal.
ella On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:46 am
LOL! Ok this was the funniest photo shoot/story you've ever posted.
And I know you're ok because who else could tell it as well as you?
Poor Helen.
P.S. LOVED the cowboy booty shot!
Linda On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:48 am
Ree, I think Helen just wanted to make sure Dr. Gene had time to put on new shoulder length gloves.
Cynde On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:48 am
I'm curious what MM was discussing with the cowboy up at Helen's other end.
I notice that Josh and Tim, at the business end, seem to be averting their eyes while Dr. Gene does his job.
You know, this exact job was on "Dirtiest Jobs" on Discovery. Ick.
rkintn On Tuesday, August 21 at 9:59 am
I think it is pretty dang hiliarious that those cowboys can't seem to watch Dr. Gene do his stuff LOL As the proud mom of four kids it has always been my observation that if it were up to the menfolk to repopulate the earth, there would be alot less people around LOL
RobsCat On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:02 am
Man, what a Helen! How could she turn on you like that?
Anonymous On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:15 am
Mercy in Heaven! Poor Helen! With all those men all over her she just looks VIOLATED! Whew! I won't feel so bad the next time I visit my Gyno!!
Have a good one Ree (& I hope you're OK!)
JJ On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:19 am
Seriously…is she with calf? And all that man-handling…are they tuff enuf to withstand that? All this suddenly makes "Okay you'll feel a little pressure here" sound like a walk in the park!
Katie On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:22 am
When I was younger, my goal was always to be a large animal veterinarian (mostly inspired by reading James Herriot). After the last week or so of posts, I think I'm glad my career went in a completely different direction
janet On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:26 am
We're sorry, too, Helen. But don't hurt our Ree!
(But, um, Ree? We DO need to know if she's with calf. Perhaps it was the pregnancy hormones that made her so … ahem… crabby!)
Bon Don On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:37 am
In the, Helen? Are you okay? shot i can't help but notice a red mark on her back…is Helen ok??
Tracey On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:39 am
Oh my gosh! You crack me up! I look forward to your post every morning to give me a laugh with my tea! I am also a bit out of my element, as I moved from the 'burbs to a rural farmette with 2 horses (one is a Clydesdale!) The biggest animal I'd ever had before this is a cat! Anyway, love your blog!
Kymberlii On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:43 am
I still keep thinking, "there's GOTTA be an easier way". LOL!
Irene On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:44 am
eheheh…ok, you are her friend but you didn't do anything for her in those terrible moments! try to understand!
Mikey in AZ On Tuesday, August 21 at 10:48 am
ROTFL!!! That's great stuff!!!
Those are men who know how to get the job done!
BTW, love those boots Josh is wearing. I need a pair like that!
Great job as always, documenting ranch life. We love it!!!!
Wendy On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:00 am
You know? I would be ticked at the guys, but they are doing their jobs. Although, that vet doesnt have to enjoy his so much.
But you are just wrong. Not only is she violated by 4 guys, but you have to document it. And you didnt even get her best side.
Sucks to be a cow.
enuffisenuff On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:05 am
ewww, seriously, enough of the nasty cow poop pix
dori On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:10 am
Thanks for the morning hoots of laughter!
Anonymous On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:10 am
Okay — enough with the preg-testing posts!
You're scaring poor(possible)moms!
Valerie On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:14 am
Helen says, "Listen here Biaatch! You were supposed to be my friend! You mess with the bull, you getta horns!"
Bring on the Preg testing photos! For you poor(possible)moms, if this is how your OB checks you… time to find a new doctor!
BOSSY On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:20 am
Bossy thinks maybe she's been to that same Obstetrician.
Nan On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:30 am
Okay, I know I'm supposed to ooh and ahh over your cowboys and wonder how they do it and ask questions about the efficacy of arm lengthed gloves but… well, I don't so much care about all that. (Sorry!)
What I want to know is how you keep your lenses clean and "safe" in such a dusty dirty environment. Do you clean them daily? Are you obsessive about how you clean your lenses. Do you need arm lengthed kid gloves to do the job of cleaning your camera after a shoot like that? Do tell how obsessive (or negligent) you are with your lenses! :^D
sassy On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:41 am
So I guess asking if clearblue easy makes a cow-test would be a stupid question…
A Alabama Grandmother On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:42 am
Oh my! Poor, poor Helen.
Could ya give'er a apple, carrot or somethin for a treat after that brawl… poor baby!
Give'er a little hug.. poor baby
photocat On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:43 am
I hope she is still pregnant after all that hassle. I always feel almost more for the animals then for the people… People have choices, animals don't…
Imagine being preggers and having four men sitting on you….
Guess I am too much of a city girl to grasp all this…
The Dairy Wife On Tuesday, August 21 at 12:12 pm
I must be whacked because I'm thinking way off on another direction. Poor Dr. Gene's arm. I'm sure those cows have "butt muscles" … he sure gets the "squeeze" out at your place doesn't he? Our Vet complains when he preg-checks way less cows than you all have.
You are way to funny!~ I actually busted out laughing with this post.
Johann On Tuesday, August 21 at 12:18 pm
Maybe she would be satisfied if we'd have a picture of you being preg-checked by… huh… let's say, Marlboro Man.
Okay, I will now drown in vodka.
Kim On Tuesday, August 21 at 12:26 pm
You just crack me up!!! I am sitting at work laughing out loud. Great pictures, great story!
PixelPi On Tuesday, August 21 at 12:40 pm
Well, this is what happens when it's the last cow. I mean, all the other girls have been telling Helen what the scoop is (did I just type that?) and she's had plenty of time to develop just right mix of angst and anger. You know how girls talk. She was forewarned, I tell you.
georgie*girl On Tuesday, August 21 at 12:56 pm
This is really a Wragler commercial or is it PBR? nnniiicceee
Mediocre Housewife On Tuesday, August 21 at 12:57 pm
I find it hysterical that in pics #10 and 11, Marlboro Man is grinning happily whilst Dr Gene is up to the shoulder in a cow's behind. I think it's leftover pride that he got the cow down. Right? That's what it is, right? Otherwise, smiling at such a thing would be a little, I don't know, too much like Dr Gene?
tiff On Tuesday, August 21 at 1:25 pm
Ya know if a bunch of guys treated a pregnant woman that way they'd be tossed in jail (hopefully). Poor sister cow!
snakeepoo On Tuesday, August 21 at 1:31 pm
I love the 8th picture down where MM is looking directly at you. Like, Are you watching? Are you shooting this?
He's getting to be quite comfortable with the paparazzi. He's the Paris Hilton of the ranch!
Robin On Tuesday, August 21 at 1:32 pm
OK Ree…is she pregnant or not? Inquiring minds have to know.
Love your site, but, please oh please can we stop now with the cow poop pics?
Sydney On Tuesday, August 21 at 1:51 pm
Can I make a request that you post more pictures of the other coyboys, I feel a bit odd oogling YOUR marlboro man..
When I can oogle my very own imagination marlboro man.
More pictures of the other coyboys PLLLEAAAASE!
Bonnie On Tuesday, August 21 at 1:59 pm
Shame on those cowboys jumping all over a pregnant lady! I'm just laughing imagining a bunch of interns jumping on one of us when we were pregnant and holding us down to get our feet in the stirrups! Yikes!
Anonymous On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:00 pm
I am so much enjoying your play by play pictures of your life or rather, your cow's life on the farm. In that one picture of the cow after she escaped and is being chased by Josh you sure could tell Helen was ticked right off. I used to own a cow who acted like that right after she calved. There was NO going near her anytime soon. But I loved her anyway. I had a favorite cow too… We named her Ticker cuz she when we bought her she had 3 ugly ticks on her back. Anyway, that cow had such short legs and was sooooooooo fat that when she would want to get up she had to rock herself back and forth and give a big grunt and heave to get on her feet. Was so funny.
Louise from Alberta Canada ( Cow country )
Janice On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:01 pm
Why can't she just pee on a stick?
momto3cubs On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:08 pm
I hope you were up on the fence when you took that last photo!
Photo #8 is too cute, like he's looking to make sure you are getting all this on film, er, memory card, and he doesn't seem to be annoyed that you are!
So is Helen with calf? Being that grumpy, I'm guessing she is.
carrie On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:09 pm
Well, is she or isn't she? There has to be some kind of reward (other than keeping her life) for having to go through that!!!
joanna On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:13 pm
your blog is an education – and it's hilarious! love these anecdotes – it looks like terribly hard work but that all your guys really enjoy it – i have to ask: how many of your cows actually end up pregnant? just curious, seeing that they are enduring, er, a lot! LOL
Johann On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:16 pm
@Janice : Dang, I just fell off my chair laughing. Happy, now ?
Laurie On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:26 pm
I dunno . . . I wouldn't feel too sorry for Helen. Helen can take care of herself, it's obvious. Beef cattle aren't like the docile hand-raised dairy cows I was raised with. Beef cows are 49% crazy and 51% delicious.
And that's the toughest preg check I've ever seen! Kudos to Dr. Gene!
Audrey On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:45 pm
So, uh, is she pregnant?
Renata On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:48 pm
Now Now — that is no way to treat an expectant mother !!
Is that Dr. Gene Mengela??
Janice in TX On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:52 pm
And as Helen charges after you, Ursula and Beatrice ,(with a sway in their hips)lead the other fertile "girls" in a chorus of:
Here we go loopty loop, here we go loopty ly….
On a side note I was checking to see if the Happy Cows in California had names and low and behold one is named Janice! O.M.G.
meanders On Tuesday, August 21 at 2:58 pm
I too am wondering which side of the gate Helen was channeled into! Please tell! Also, calling MM the Paris Hilton of the ranch is pretty good….
Brenda On Tuesday, August 21 at 3:12 pm
Unless Helen is still nursing a calf or has recently weaned a calf I can tell clear from Wyoming she's bred. No need to wrestle Helen to the ground, next year just send me a photo.
Love your blog!
jesslev On Tuesday, August 21 at 3:26 pm
After all that, I'm dying to know how many ended up pregnant? and like how often do they have to go thru this preg-testing ordeal? What happens to them now? Do they get served special treats when they get preg? Just wonderin- I'm quite a city girl and this is just fascinating!
Tara's Mama On Tuesday, August 21 at 3:30 pm
I was looking at the pictures of how hot and dirty those guys get working the cattle. I couldn't help but think about the cowboys of olden times that didn't have access to hot showers and large capacity Maytag washers and dryers. I used to think I would have liked living in the old west, but I just can't imagine giving up my shower and modern appliances. God love those cowboys! They are a special breed.
New Diva on the Blog On Tuesday, August 21 at 4:15 pm
I can't believe how enjoyable I find this blog. Who knew cows could be so interesting.
Tammy K-Oregon On Tuesday, August 21 at 4:20 pm
How do those boys wrestle the cows with such tight pants?
NOOO–I'm certainly NOT complaining!
If it were me, I'd probably be in comfy, movable sweats or flannel fancy-pants.
But that probably wouldn't make your blog, now would it?? lol
dolores On Tuesday, August 21 at 5:01 pm
if Helen was pregnant, how safe is it for the cowboys to rough house her down to the ground like that, just asking? man I bet she was pissed
Tiger Lamb Girl On Tuesday, August 21 at 5:31 pm
I just can't believe how much Gene smiles. That can't be normal. (LMAO)
Audra On Tuesday, August 21 at 5:42 pm
Man look at MM's teeth, he could be an Orbits commercial, Dirty Mouth clean it up…..So white and pearly
ocjen On Tuesday, August 21 at 5:42 pm
I love how MM stops…looks at the camera…and gives this big ol' grin!
Is he a ham or what?
Vonna On Tuesday, August 21 at 5:56 pm
those pics made my hiney cringe..
poor cows…
Stacie On Tuesday, August 21 at 5:56 pm
Aw…poor Helen! She's not a happy camper is she? I hope she didn't get your camera!
Dana Smith On Tuesday, August 21 at 11:49 pm
I graduated from Altus High School…..Altus, OK ……Class of '75. God knows I dated my share of Goat Ropers. That said….I have to know……is Helen knocked up?????
Dana in VA
Pam 'Oh Da Woods On Wednesday, August 22 at 12:39 am
Does that vet use a "sterile" glove?!!! Why don't they use "stirrups" like they do for us gals???!!!You know a man invented that one too!! http://dawoods12.blogspot.com/
Michal On Wednesday, August 22 at 6:32 am
You should post music with your pictures, then we can refer to them as Rodeo City Music Hall. HA! I'm stuck in Florida and your pictures are a great comfort to me as I get awfully homesick for cows, horses, cowboy boots and Wranglers.
Tracy F On Wednesday, August 22 at 6:34 am
Do you blame her? I would run too if some guy was going to stick his whole (you know) with 4 guys holding me down. Heck, maybe they all should have been arrested for that!! Is that what Helen was trying to tell you in those last pictures?
Melissa On Wednesday, August 22 at 7:36 am
Jeeez-LOUISE!!! Helen had better be pregnant or it looks like Dr.Gene may owe her dinner. Or some sugar pellets or something!
areader On Wednesday, August 22 at 10:55 am
ICK! I'll remember to open your pages after I have eaten and digested. I love the cows & cowboys but latley dr gene's poopy arm is making me gag:(
Joy T. On Thursday, August 23 at 7:59 pm
Oh good lord. And I thought peeing on a stick was hard when I was having my kids!!!


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I had not thought of an Alonso - Kimi swap. Alonso does command a great deal of sponsorship money and this could help with a return to Lotus.... Still highly unlikely, though, considering the size of his contract.


text:
Methods and systems for performing sales transactions using a mobile communications device and without requiring text messaging or paging services are disclosed. In one example, a subscriber desiring to purchase goods or services proceeds to a point of sale device where the purchase price for the goods or services is totaled. The subscriber then initiates a voice call with a central transaction server. The subscriber provides a point of sale device identifier and the purchase price to the central transaction server. The central transaction server contacts a local transaction server using the identifier provided by the subscriber. The central transaction server also prompts the subscriber to select the payment account for the transaction and verifies that the subscriber has sufficient credit to purchase the goods or services. The central transaction server locates a pending transaction entry in a database local to the point of sale using the device identifier provided by the subscriber. Upon locating the pending transaction entry and verifying that the subscriber has sufficient credit, the central transaction server notifies the subscriber and the point of sale device that the transaction is complete.
1. A system for performing a sales transaction using a mobile communications device, the system comprising:
(a) a point of sale device for totaling a purchase price for goods or services being purchased in a sales transaction and for communicating the purchase price and an identifier to a mobile communications subscriber;
(b) a local transaction server operatively associated with the point of sale device for storing the identifier and the purchase price for the transaction; and
(c) a central transaction server for receiving a voice call from the mobile communications subscriber, for obtaining the purchase price, the identifier, and payment account information from the subscriber without using text messaging or paging services, and for verifying the transaction using the purchase price, the identifier and the payment account information received from the mobile communications subscriber and the identifier and the purchase price stored by the local transaction server.
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20. A method for performing a sales transaction using a mobile communications device, the method comprising:
(a) totaling a purchase price for goods or services being purchased by a mobile subscriber in a sales transaction;
(b) communicating the purchase price and an identifier to the mobile subscriber;
(c) storing the identifier and the purchase price locally to the sales transaction;
(d) at a central transaction server, receiving a voice telephone call from the mobile subscriber and obtaining, without using text messaging or paging service, the identifier and payment information from the mobile subscriber;
(e) comparing the identifier received from the subscriber with identifiers stored locally to the sales transaction; and
(f) in response locating an identifier that matches the identifier obtained from the mobile subscriber, completing the sales transaction.
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30. A method for completing a sales transaction using a mobile communications device, the method comprising:
(a) initiating a voice call from a mobile communications device to an interactive voice response (IVR) interface associated with a central transaction server;
(b) communicating information relating to a pending sales transaction from the mobile communications device to the central transaction server using the voice call and the IVR interface; and
(c) at the central transaction server, using the information to contact a transaction terminal local to the mobile communications device and complete the sales transaction.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/382,211 filed May 21, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for enabling a mobile communications service subscriber to purchase goods and services using a mobile communications device. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and systems for paying for goods or services using a mobile communications device without requiring text messaging or paging service.
As the popularity of mobile telephone service has grown, so has competition among mobile network operators to attract potential subscribers. Increasingly, mobile service providers are searching for newer and better services to offer their existing and potential customer base. One such service is the ability to use a mobile communications device to purchase consumer goods or services. While numerous systems and techniques have been proposed to facilitate sales transactions using a mobile communications device, these systems require the sending of one or more transaction identifiers to the mobile communications device during the course of a sales transaction. Consequently, the mobile communications device must be capable of receiving, visually displaying, and responding to such transaction identifiers. Establishing and maintaining such an interactive session with a mobile device user is complex from a technical standpoint and cumbersome from an end user standpoint. For example, many end users may not subscribe to text messaging or paging services and thus be unable to complete a transaction. Moreover, some subscribers that do subscribe to these advanced services may not know how to use these services.
Accordingly, there exists a need for improved methods and systems for performing sales transactions using a mobile communications device that reduces the burden on the end user.
The present invention includes methods and systems for using a mobile communications device to complete a sales transaction without requiring the user to subscribe to advanced services, such as text messaging or paging services. A service, referred to herein as CellPay service, interacts with a vendor to purchase goods or services without requiring the user to carry cash, a check, or a credit card. In order to access the CellPay service, a wireless or mobile telephone service subscriber dials a telephone number associated with a central transaction server. The central transaction server may include an interactive voice response (IVR) interface for prompting the user for information regarding the transaction. For example, the IVR interface may obtain a purchase price, payment information, and a sales device ID from the user. The central transaction server may use the sales device ID to contact a local transaction server at the point of sale. Because the sales device ID is communicated to the central transaction server, prior connection with local transaction server is not required. As a result, bandwidth and central transaction server resources are conserved.
Using the sales device ID and the purchase price, the central transaction server locates the pending transaction in a database managed by the local transaction server. Provided that a matching entry is located in the local database and the subscriber has sufficient credit to cover the purchase price, the central transaction server completes the transaction and notifies the subscriber of the completion. Thus, the present invention completes the sales transaction without requiring text messaging or paging services. All that the user is required to do is provide information to the central transaction server over a voice call. In addition, because the information provided by the user includes the store location, no prior connection between the central and local transaction servers is required.
According to another aspect of the invention, the CellPay system enables commercial entities other than traditional credit card issuers to offer credit services to mobile communications network subscribers. The signaling nodes and databases required to perform a CellPay transaction may be managed by a mobile communications service provider. As a result, a mobile communications service provider can provide credit services to mobile subscribers using the CellPay infrastructure. Allowing mobile service providers to provide credit to mobile subscribers for the purchase of goods and services creates new business opportunities for mobile service providers.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method of enabling a mobile telephone service subscriber provide payment for a sales transaction using a voice response or dialing keypad interface.
It is another object of the present invention to enable mobile telecommunications service providers to provide credit or deposit account services to mobile subscribers
It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile telecommunications network subscriber with a method and system for performing a sales transaction without requiring the transmission of a transaction identifier to the mobile subscriber's handset.
Some of the objects of the invention having been stated hereinabove, other objects will be evident as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.
A description of the present invention will now proceed with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
Data network 104 may be any suitable packet network capable of carrying sales transaction information. In one example, data network 104 may be an Internet protocol (IP)-based network, such as an IP wide area network (WAN). However, the transaction system of the present invention is not limited to any one particular data network protocol. Any suitable network layer and physical layer protocols, such as IP over Ethernet, IP over SONET, IP over ATM or other network layer protocol over any of the referenced physical layer protocols, are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
In addition to voice messages, SS7/voice interface 110 may also transmit and receive the voice information necessary to support an interactive voice response (IVR) application component associated with central transaction server 108. Any suitable IVR interface may be used to prompt the subscriber for information regarding the sales transaction. It is understood that such an interface may include a pre-recorded or computer generated voice for prompting the user for information and a speech-to-text converter for converting data spoken by the user into the mobile communications handset into text or other computer-readable format. Such an IVR interface may also include hardware and/or software for converting DTMF digits entered by the user via the mobile communications handset into text or other computer-readable format. For purposes of explaining the present invention, it is assumed that upon dialing a telephone number associated the CellPay system, a mobile subscriber is connected to an IVR interface associated with central transaction server 108 that prompts the mobile subscriber to enter or provide information. SIP interface 112 transmits and receives SIP signaling messages using TCP or SCTP to set up the IVR session between the mobile subscriber and central transaction server 108.
Central transaction server 108 may include one or more databases for providing CellPay service. In the illustrated example, these databases include a CellPay service subscriber database 114, a central transaction database 116, and a store locator database 118. CellPay service subscriber database 114 subscriber specific information for performing a valid sales secure manner. Table 1 shown below illustrates an example of may be contained in CellPay service subscriber database 114.
Central transaction database 116 may maintain pending and processed CellPay transaction records. Table 2 shown below illustrates an example of information that may be contained in central transaction database 116.
Store locator database 118 may maintain information associated with sales agents or stores that support CellPay transactions. Table 3 shown below illustrates exemplary data that may be stored in store locator database 118.
In the example illustrated in
Local transaction database 122 may maintain information associated with a CellPay transaction. Table 4 shown below illustrates is an example of information that may be contained in a local transaction database 122.
Although the embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, central transaction server 108 may copy information from signaling messages associated with a CellPay transaction and generate call detail records (CDRs). Table 5 shown below illustrates exemplary CDR data that may be generated by central transaction server 108.
As indicated in Table 5 an exemplary CDR associated with a CellPay transaction may include date and time information indicating the date and time of each transaction, a mobile subscriber identifier, and a network service provider or carrier identifier. These CDRs may be stored in a CDR database 124 and utilized for various purposes, such as billing, billing verification, fraud detection, etc. For example, the data in CDR database 124 may be used to bill a telecommunications subscriber and/or a telecommunications service provider for usage of the telecommunications network for the CellPay transaction.
In the example illustrated in
The store/sales device identifier is preferably in a form that may be easily entered via the dialing keypad of a mobile subscriber's communication handset. For example, the store/sales device ID may be a predetermined sequence of digits. Alternatively, the identifier may be spoken by a mobile subscriber into the communication handset. In this example, the store/sales device identifier is the six digit alphanumeric string "100003," indicating retailer store 1000 and point of sale device 03. In another alternative, the store/sales device identifier may include information that identifies the particular sales agent involved in the transaction. For example, an identifier string "100003001" may be used to indicate retailer store 1000, point of sale device 03, and sales agent 001. The salesperson identifier allows retailers to create CellPay transaction records that can be used to track the performance of their sales staffs.
Once the purchase price and store/sales device identifier have been provided, mobile subscriber 102 dials a phone number associated with the CellPay transaction service. In one embodiment, mobile subscriber 102 may simply dial his or her own phone number, which is typically used to connect to an IVR system from which the subscriber's voice mail server or CellPay server may be accessed. For example, mobile subscriber 102 may dial (919) 469-1300 and be connected to an IVR interface of central CellPay server 108. The IVR interface may prompt the subscriber to press "1" to access voice mail or press "2" to make a CellPay purchase. The subscriber may enter information via the mobile handset keypad or using spoken commands, depending on whether the IVR interface has voice recognition capability.
Returning to the messaging example shown in
The mobile subscriber input information collected as well as mobile subscriber identification information is subsequently entered as a pending transaction record in central CellPay transaction database 116, as indicated in step ST12. The pending sales transaction information stored in database 116 may include information similar to that shown in the third entry of Table 2. Using the store/sales device identifier 100003 provided by mobile subscriber 102, central transaction server 108 accesses the store locator database 118 and obtains the information necessary to contact local transaction server 120 that is servicing the pending transaction associated with mobile subscriber 102, as indicated in steps ST13 and ST14. Information similar to that contained in the first entry of Table 3 may be obtained during the store locator database access. Using the local transaction server address obtained from database 118, central transaction server 108 contacts the serving local transaction server 120 and searches local transaction database 122 for a pending transaction entry that matches the pending transaction entry associated with mobile subscriber 102 stored in central CellPay transaction database 116, as indicated in step ST15. The search may be based on the store/sales device ID alone or combination of the store/sales device identifier and the purchase price. Using the store/sales device ID alone or a combination of the purchase price and the device ID to search local store transaction database 122 should yield a unique result, provided that a given point of sale device is only allowed to have a single pending transaction entry in database 122. If multiple pending entries per PoS device are allowed, PoS device 125 or local transaction server 120 may assign a unique identifier to each entry to ensure that the correct transaction is verified. For example, if multiple pending entries are allowed, PoS device 125 may use an additional digit in the store/sales device identifier to distinguish among simultaneously pending transactions at the same sales device.
The present invention is not limited to using SIP for communications between central transaction server 108 and local transaction server 120. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the simple object access protocol (SOAP) may be used. SOAP is defined in Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) 1.1, W3C Note 08 May 2000, http://www.w3.org/TR/SOAP, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Briefly, SOAP is a lightweight protocol for the exchange of messages in a decentralized, distributed environment. SOAP is XML-based and can be used in conjunction with other protocols, such as hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Thus, local transaction server 120 illustrated in
XML packets may be carried in the SIP messages for the actual information exchange.
Returning to the SIP message flow diagram of
In any event, in step ST15I, local transaction server 120 formulates a response and transmits the response information to central CellPay server 108 via a SIP Notify message. Central transaction server 108 receives the SIP Notify message and begins to terminate the SIP session by responding with a SIP Bye message, as indicated in step ST15J. In step ST15K, local transaction server 120 responds with a SIP 200 Ok message, which in turn evokes a SIP Ack message from central transaction server 108 (ST15L), thereby terminating the SIP session. As such, the pending transaction associated with mobile subscriber 102 is successfully verified (ST16) and the corresponding transaction entry in central CellPay transaction database 116 is updated to reflect the successful completion of the transaction (ST17). In a manner similar to that described above with respect to local store transaction database 122, the pending transaction entry in central transaction database 116 may be updated to indicate non-pending status. This update may include assigning a transaction confirmation identifier to the formerly pending transaction entry, where the transaction identifier may be the same transaction identifier assigned to the corresponding transaction entry in the local store transaction database.
Also, in instances where credit limits apply, the central transaction database update may include modifying available credit information for the mobile subscriber to reflect the effect of the transaction on the selected credit account. A check may be performed prior to processing a transaction to determine whether the pending transaction will cause the subscriber to exceed his or her available credit. In cases where a pending transaction, if processed, would exceed the available credit for the selected credit account, central transaction server 108 may deny the transaction request and terminate further transaction processing. In this case, the pending transaction record in central transaction database 116 may time-out and be deleted. Alternatively, the record may be saved and marked as a failed transaction attempt. The corresponding pending transaction record in local store transaction database 122 may be treated in a similar manner. Alternatively, central transaction server 108 may prompt the subscriber to select another credit account, assuming the subscriber has more than one credit account to access.
In any event, once the above-described transaction processing is completed, the IVR interface may notify mobile subscriber 102 that the transaction was completed successfully and terminate the telephone call. Local transaction server 120 may notify the point of sale terminal that originated the transaction that the pending transaction was successfully completed.
By using a cashless transaction system of the present invention, a mobile subscriber may complete a transaction at a checkout register without requiring the exchange of hard currency or the physical presence of a credit card or debit card. Furthermore, during the course of the transaction, the mobile subscriber's credit card, debit card, checking, or savings account information may not be transmitted through the mobile communications network and hence is significantly less vulnerable to theft or fraud. Also, the mobile subscriber is free to select any one of a number of credit or deposit accounts for a particular transaction via the CellPay IVR system. As a result of the ease of credit account selection/transactions via a mobile telephone, it may now prove attractive for mobile service providers to offer credit account services to their subscribers in much the same manner as traditional credit card providers. Mobile service providers may also provide checking or savings account services to their subscribers.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that mobile subscribers are not required to subscribe to text messaging or paging services in order to complete a CellPay transaction. Because the user can complete a purchase over a voice call, specialized text messaging and paging services may not be required. As a result, the system described herein is less complex and more user-friendly than conventional mobile-telephone-based purchasing systems that require such advanced services.
Yet another advantage of the invention is that after authentication, subscribers are preferably only required to provide the store/sales device ID and the purchase price to the central transaction server to complete a transaction. Such information is readily available to the subscriber at the time of purchase and easily entered via a keypad or speaker of a mobile communications handset. However, the present invention is not limited using the purchase price and store/sales device ID to verify and complete a transaction. Any suitable identifier that uniquely identifies a transaction and that allows central transaction server 108 to locate the transaction is intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that a permanent connection between central transaction server 108 and local transaction server 120 is not required. Because local transaction server 120 communicates the store/sales device ID to central transaction server 108 and because central transaction server 108 locates the local transaction server 120 using database 118, connections between local transaction server 120 and central transaction server 108 can be established on-the-fly for each transaction. As a result, bandwidth in IP network 104 is more efficiently utilized.
It will be understood that various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.
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A powerful symbol of war's cost
Posted: November 09, 2012|
A fascinating reminder of the origin of the poppy as a symbol for Remembrance Day is to go on display in Leicestershire, as we report on Page 3 today.
It is a soldier's Bible from the First World War in which a Flanders poppy has been pressed between the pages.
This historical treasure has been donated by the nephew of a Wigston soldier who served in France and Belgium between 1914 and 1918.
It was, of course, the poppies which bloomed across the battlefields of Flanders in the First World War which inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol to remember those killed in conflict.
It is extraordinary that one should have survived all these years so fittingly pressed in a soldier's Bible.
The poppy became a worldwide symbol thanks to a famous poem by Canadian officer Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae called In Flanders Fields.
The first two stanzas are evocative. The opening lines describe how the poppies in Flanders fields blow between the crosses marking the graves of the fallen and the poem goes on to describe how: "Short days ago/ We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow/ Loved and were loved, and now we lie/ In Flanders fields."
The third stanza is more problematic – an exhortation to the living to carry on fighting – but then it was written at a time when the war was universally seen as a just cause.
That aside, however, the haunting lines in the first part of the poem have become a powerful lament to the human cost of warfare.
Many millions more have paid that price since the carnage of the First World War finally ended in 1918 "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month".
There is a reminder of this in Mr Leicester today, which is devoted to the memory of some of the sons and daughters of Leicestershire who have lost their lives in conflicts from the First World War to the war in Iraq.
All these thoughts will be in our minds this weekend as people across Leicestershire wear their poppies with pride and pay tribute to Britain's war dead.
To quote from another well-known poem – Laurence Binyon's For the Fallen – we will remember them.


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Seattle sports news, covering the Seattle Sounders, Washington Huskies, college football, college basketball, NBA and other sports topics. View the Seahawks and Mariners blogs for NFL and MLB news.
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Drug Compare
Generic: promethazine
It is used to treat allergic reactions and to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting from illness or motion sickness
What should I watch for while using this medicine?Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better in 1 to 2 days.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/ booths.
If you are diabetic, check your blood- sugar levels regularly.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
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Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts identify the prospects rising and falling on draft boards around the league:
On the rise
1. Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada
After evaluating film of his junior year, most scouts viewed Kaepernick as a super athletic, developmental prospect who was a long way from being ready to play in the NFL and projected him to go in the fifth or sixth round.
This season, Kaepernick (6-4 3/4, 219) impressed with his athleticism and speed as a runner but, more important, showed good arm strength and accuracy as a passer.
Throughout his senior season, he has displayed the consistent ability to be accurate from the pocket and on the move. He also has carried the Nevada offense on his back, making big plays with his arm and legs.
Kaepernick will not be a high pick but with a good week at the Senior Bowl in January he could we set himself up to be a second- or third-round pick.
2. Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Miller led the nation in sacks in 2009 as an end in a 4-3 scheme, but NFL personnel men were excited to have him return for his senior season mostly because A&M was switching to a 3-4 system and he would get a year of experience at outside linebacker.
He has flashed the explosiveness that excites NFL scouts but battled an ankle/foot injury much of '10 and didn't have the same impact for much of the season. Over the last month, however, Miller regained his health and again is playing at a high level.
Miller (6-3, 240) has impressive pass-rush skills from the stand-up position but also has looked surprisingly comfortable in coverage and playing off the ball vs. the run.
His play the last month -- and with 3-4 outside linebackers in such demand in the NFL -- has vaulted him back into the top 15 of the first round and it wouldn't be surprising for him to sneak into the top five.
3. Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
It always is tough to find tall cornerbacks with elite speed and athleticism, and Smith (6-2, 202) definitely has those traits. Smith always shined in man-to-man coverage but has become more consistent in '10 at playing "off" coverage and in zones.
He still doesn't attack runs and passes in front of him as aggressively as he should, but he has eased concerns about his instincts and reaction time. He never will be great in run support, but as a senior he was solid on runs to his side of the field.
With questions popping up about other top cornerbacks, Smith's stock is on the rise. If he has a great week of practices at the Senior Bowl, he could become the first cornerback drafted.
On the decline
1. Nathan Enderle, QB, Idaho
Enderle is a frustrating prospect, failing to maximize his physical skills. His accuracy has been all over the place, and he consistently made bad decisions with the ball.
In breaking down film, Enderle (6-4, 235) still shows good mechanics, the arm strength to make every NFL throw and the athleticism to avoid sacks and make plays on the move, but he is maddeningly inconsistent. Too often, he forced passes into tight spots and was intercepted or threw passes up for grabs when under duress instead of throwing it away.
Enderle will be drafted in April but not nearly as highly as he could have been if he'd followed up his strong junior season with a productive '10. General managers are now wary of quarterbacks whose performance drop significantly as seniors, learning from the mistakes made in drafting Brian Brohm and Trent Edwards too highly.
2. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Heyward, the son of former NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, was expected to challenge for a high first-round pick, but his play slipped significantly as a senior. He could well fall into the second round.
Heyward (6-5, 280) is a well built and athletic end who flashed the ability to play strong at the point of attack agaisnt run blocks and as a bull rusher, but far too often as a senior he had minimal impact on games. At times, he was pushed around against the run.
He never was viewed as an impact pass rusher, but as a junior he showed a decent job of driving blockers into the pocket to disrupt the quarterback's timing. This year, he struggled vs. the better offensive tackles.
Heyward still is a big, strong and athletic end, but his play as a senior has caused his stock to drop. He now likely will be drafted between No. 25 overall and No. 45.
3. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
To call Amukamara a "faller" is a bit of a stretch because he could well move back into the top 10 with strong performances at the NFL Combine and other pre-draft workouts.
Scouts still love his size (6-1, 205), strength, instincts and willingness to play physical in coverage vs. the run, but he failed to have a dominant '10 season.
Elite college cornerbacks can be tough to evaluate because opponents rarely challenge them, but Nebraska's opponents this year threw his way fairly often and he allowed more catches than expected.
Amukamara has not shown the quick transition to close in a blink on receivers and break up passes. He often reminds us of former St. Louis Rams CB Todd Lyght, an elite athlete who allowed too many catches and rarely broke up passes. He has not shown the elite acceleration and speed and stay with the fastest receivers downfield.
Amukamara has the talent to be a great NFL starter but must improve his footwork to make quicker transitions and improve his ball skills.
Mock draft
Projecting first-round picks in the 2011 NFL draft (* -- underclassman)
1. Carolina Panthers—Andrew Luck*, QB, Stanford
2. Detroit Lions—Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
3. Cincinnati Bengals—Da'Quan Bowers*, DE, Clemson
4. Buffalo Bills—Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
5. Arizona Cardinals—Jake Locker, QB, Washington
6. Denver Broncos—A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia
7. San Francisco 49ers—Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
8. Dallas Cowboys—Nick Fairley*, DT, Auburn
9. Tennessee Titans—Jonathan Baldwin*, WR, Pitt
10. Washington Redskins—Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
11. Houston Texans—Patrick Peterson*, CB, LSU
12. Minnesota Vikings—Ryan Mallett*, QB, Arkansas
13. Cleveland Browns—Robert Quinn*, OLB, North Carolina
14. San Diego Chargers—Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
15. New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders)—Ryan Williams*, RB, Virginia Tech
16. Seattle Seahawks—Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
17. Indianapolis Colts—Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
18. Miami Dolphins—Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
20. Green Bay Packers—DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
21. St. Louis Rams—Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
22. Jacksonville Jaguars—Michael Floyd*, WR, Notre Dame
23. Kansas City Chiefs—Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
24. New York Giants—Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
25. Baltimore Ravens—DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
26. Philadelphia Eagles—Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami (Fla.)
27. New Orleans Saints—Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
28. Chicago Bears—Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy
29. New York Jets—Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson
30. Pittsburgh Steelers—Julio Jones*, WR, Alabama
31. Atlanta Falcons—Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
32. New England Patriots—Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
For more than 165 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts plus a weekly updated Mock Draft and Super 99 player rankings, go to warroom.sportingnews.com.


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Chesapeake Bay Foundation heads back to court over restoration strategy
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is back in court over bay restoration efforts.
The bay advocacy group announced Wednesday that it is siding with the Environmental Protection Agency in a dispute with farm groups over its bay restoration strategy.
The American Farm Bureau Federation sued the EPA in January over the stricter federally led effort and other groups have since joined the challenge. Critics say it is too far-reaching and will burden states with huge costs.
The foundation says it is filing a motion to intervene in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The foundation, which has sued the EPA over the slow pace of restoration efforts, says it is being joined by groups including the National Wildlife Federation, the Mid-Shore Riverkeeper Conservancy and Defenders of Wildlife.
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TORONTO – The stocky running back who has three touchdowns in this year's playoffs looks to have become more than just another guy named Chad for the Toronto Argonauts.
While receiving and kick returning ace Chad Owens has justifiably attracted much of the attention during Grey Cup week, running back Chad Kackert should not be overlooked.
"He's really fit our team well and has had some huge plays to help us get here," coach Scott Milanovich said Thursday.
He hopes Kackert will be a factor again when the Argonauts attempt to win the 100th Grey Cup game on home turf over the Calgary Stampeders on Sunday.
The Simi Valley, Cal., native scored twice as the Argonauts downed the Edmonton Eskimos in the East Division semifinal two weeks ago, then added a spectacular 49-yard TD run up the middle to give Toronto the lead in an upset 27-20 victory in Montreal in the East final last Sunday.
"If I'm going to take anything from it, it's just confidence," said Kackert. "That was a really good defence that we went against last week and there was room to run."
It felt better because in the first half, Kackert was stopped cold as the Argonauts failed to score after being first and goal from the Montreal one yard line.
And he had fumbled on Toronto's opening drive, which let Montreal take an early 3-0 lead.
"I had to fight back after that goalline stand," Kackert added. "I was a little upset about that.
"Everyone has to do their part and I have to do a better job of breaking tackles there, because it's not going to be easy getting into the end zone. It never is."
He ended the game with 139 rushing yards.
Milanovich accepts that not all running plays in his offence are going to be game-breakers and many are going to end in a quick pileup. The Toronto attack is centred on Ricky Ray standing in the pocket and throwing the ball.
But when the hole is there, they look to their five-foot-eight, 200-pound back to use his considerable ability to accelerate to turn it into a big gain.
"We're always going to be a pass-first team as long as Ricky's here," said Milanovich. "Chad's opportunities come within the ebb and flow of a game.
"The thing Chad really gets, and he got it last week, is that there were going to be times when we handed it off and he wasn't going to get anything, but there are also times we handed it off and we were going to have a nice front and that's when he had to explode. And he did. He was as key to that win as anyone on the team."
Kackert's whole season has been about making the best of opportunities.
He showed promise last season as a rookie filling in for the injured Cory Boyd, and got his break this season when the Argonauts, reportedly fed up with Boyd's attitude and weak blocking skills, released the two-time East all-star on Aug. 12.
After that, Kackert maintained a 6.4 yards per carry average, best among the CFL's top 10 rushers, and became a threat catching the ball out of the backfield. His said he works hard on his blocking, which is essential with Ray's limited scrambling ability.
"It was a challenge," he said. "It's experience that builds confidence, as long as you're doing the right things and that's what we've been doing since Week 7 when I got my chance."
Proving himself has been a constant for Kackert, who recalled being overlooked in high school because he was considered too small.
"I actually had a coach tell me when I was 13 that it's good to be little and fast but it's better to be big," he said. "That felt like a shot to the heart because they wouldn't play me on that team.
"I wasn't getting any reps and I was one of the fastest guys on the team. So ever since then I've been trying to prove people wrong. But it's no longer about that. It's about winning a game."
Kackert said his pre-game ritual involves "walking around and smiling."
Tackle Chris Van Zeyl said that's part of what makes blocking for him a pleasure.
"He's easy to block for because he's a great person," said Van Zeyl. "He's a guy you want to play for, a guy you don't want to disappoint.
"If you give him a little crack, he's going to kill people. Maybe not kill people, but he's going to score touchdowns."
Kackert is even second fiddle among running backs in the Grey Cup game, where most of the focus will be on Calgary's CFL rushing record-breaker Jon Cornish. Toronto's tailback has no problem with that.
And he's as happy as anyone that Owens is the Chad who has been drawing massive media scrums after practises and games. The entire team was to attend the CFL awards night where Owens was up against Cornish for the Most Outstanding Player award, including yet another Chad — Argos long snapper Chad Rempel.
"There's only a certain number of players on the field and if they're going to key on (Owens), it's going to open up somebody else," said Kackert. "And we have a lot of talent on our offence."


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Best Drink Menu St. Louis 2007 - Monarch Restaurant
7401 Manchester Road
Maplewood, MO 63143
Readers' Choice: The Royale
Monarch is intoxicating and that's before you imbibe a selection or two from its superlative drink menu. The gracious service, the architectural panache, the beautiful people, the sultry soundtrack: It's enough to knock you off your chair. But hold on tight and open up cocktail-master Ted Kilgore's drink list. The beverages are always calibrated to the season and to executive chef Brian Hale's menu, so it's unlikely that you'll find yourself dipping into the same list twice. What is unchanging about Monarch's drink menu is its inventiveness. Before the warm days slip entirely away, try the limoncello mojito, a purely refreshing drink made with muddled lemons, mint, sugar, club soda and Monarch's own lemon liqueur. The Monarch Martini is another winner: Cognac, housemade orangecello, fresh orange juice, moscato and a shot of cassis that drops to the bottom like a perfect marble. Also fabulous is the Bentley, a mixture of Bombay Sapphire gin, B&B, apricot brandy, fresh lime juice and bitters. Whether you enjoy your cocktail with one of Hale's superb dishes or sip it as an aperitif, you're guaranteed one of the finest drinking experiences in the city or hell, anywhere.


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MAC Guilty Passions – Tenderly Warm Crushed Metallic Pigment Set
Tuesday, October 30th, 2012
A warm-toned set of pigments!
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Updated: 02/19/2013 7:28 PM KSTP.com By: Jennie Olson
A Big Lake man is back at it again, creating a giant ice sculpture in his backyard you've got to see to believe.
Roger Hanson started creating these ice projects in his backyard in 2007. This year's sculpture is 100 feet wide and 63 feet tall, which is taller than the Guinness World Record's current tallest free-standing ice sculpture in China, which is 54 feet hight.
Hanson is a software designer. He said he pumps the waste water from his geo-thermal heating system in his house up through a pipe and out into the air. He says there's a steel cable that stretches across the top with a 150-foot span and a height of 65 feet.
Improvements to the structure this year include stronger and taller towers, break-away devices, nozzle design, weight control, pressure control, six temperature probes, software design, and other advancements.
The sculpture has become so popular that Hanson now gives tour. Come spring, he thinks it will melt and fall into the river.