text:
Step 1: Supply List
1 yard of background fabric (flower pattern)
1 yard of accent fabric ( red polka-dot)
Two buttons (One for the waist band and one for the pocket.)
1 1/2 yards of rick rack
Thread to match
A sewing machine
A pencil with an eraser
Measuring tape
Step 2: Cutting the pieces
Line up the background fabric with right sides together so that you have a rectangle that is about 19" x 33" and cut three inches off the end so that you have a rectangle that is 19" x 33".
Step 2B: cutting the straps
With right sides together, cut out two 36" x 9" pieces.
Step 2C: cutting the bottom accent piece and waistband
With right sides together, cut two additional 33" x 9 pieces. Then take one of these pieces and fold down the center and using the pocket pattern (see images) cut a curve for the center of the waistband.
Step 2D: cutting the pocket
With remaining accent fabric, cut two pocket pieces using pocket pattern.


text:
Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology is a sub-specialty of Diagnostic Radiology that has evolved over the past 25 years to become an integral part of comprehensive patient care, providing alternatives to surgery for a broad range of health problems.
State-of-the-art imaging techniques including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are utilized to guide the placement of needles, catheters and devices directly to target sites deep within the body through a small skin incision. These procedures are often performed under local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation and typically do not require general anesthesia.
The Interventional Radiology team at MD Anderson is a dedicated group of healthcare professionals committed to providing quality patient care, research, and education programs for our patients, the institution, and the community at large, utilizing and promoting innovation in image-guided therapies for benign and malignant oncologic disease processes.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Belgravia attractions are listed below. Find things to do in or near Belgravia, United Kingdom for your upcoming individual or group travel for Belgravia visitors. We also offer the great discounts on Belgravia hotel and motel rooms.
Attractions + Things To See in Belgravia
... Next 6 Things to see > [1 - 6 of 30]


text:
Cast: Mona Singh, Parikshit Sahni, R. Madhavan, Omi Vaidya, Kareena Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani
Producer: Shantanu Moitra, Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Writer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani
Release Date: 25 December,2009
Storyline: 3 idiots is a 2009 indian comedy-drama film directed by rajkumar hirani, with a screenplay by abhijat joshi, and produced by vidhu vinod chopra. it was loosely adapted from the novel five point someone by chetan bhagat. 3 idiots stars aamir khan, kareena kapoor, r. madhavan, sharman joshi, omi vaidya, parikshit sahni and boman irani. upon release, the film broke all opening box office records in india. Read on Wikipedia
3 Idiots : Photos
3 Idiots : Videos
3 Idiots : Cast
Cast overview


text:
Which brand of 6600 or 6800 series card do you own?
View Single Post
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 432
Re: Which brand of 6600 or 6800 series card do you own?
Originally Posted by
Johnny C
eVga 6800Gt, I modded the bios the day after I got it. Runs perfect. I have decent scores in benchmarks and it works great for gaming. Imho the BFG and eVga are probably the ways to go as they are usually in stock and I got mine the day after I ordered it. The BFG has lifetime warranty, so if you're not overclocking it's a good solution. Both cards are virutally the same price. I did however get a copy of doom3 with my card so that's kindof an insentive to buy eVga. eVga tech support is fast and concise. However, stock cooling sucked and I replaced it with an NV-5 which keeps the temps very low. ohhh and Btw max overclock stable was 432 core and 1249 memory. No need to run it like that except for benching.
Hope this helps
What bios mod did you use and will it work fine with stock cooling. I hit a brick wall with my eVGA at 405 core and 1110 memory. I want to go higher. How do I flash the bios and what are the benefits of it. Once again, all I can have right now is stock cooling so will a bios flash be worth it for me?
Intel Q6600 @ 3.2 GHz (400X8 FSB) | Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L Rev 2.0 | Sapphire ATi 5850 @ 825/1175 | 250 GB WD SATA2 16 MB | 80 GB Seagate SATA 8 MB | 4 GB G.Skill DDR2 800 @ 1000 5-5-5-15 | Liteon 16X DVD RW | Samsung 22" 1680*1050 | Logitech G5 | FSP 600W PSU
View Public Profile
Find More Posts by KickAssCop


text:
Pens win 13th straightBy WILL GRAVES
the associated press | March 27,2013PITTSBURGH Sidney Crosby scored the games only goal late in the second period and the Pittsburgh Penguins extended their winning streak to 13 with a 1-0 victory over Montreal on Tuesday night.
Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stopped all 22 shots he faced but did not play in the third period following a collision in front of the Penguins net.
Tomas Vokoun filled in and made 15 saves to give Pittsburgh just the fourth combined shutout in franchise history.
Fleury appeared woozy after getting slammed into by teammate Tyler Kennedy and Montreals Brian Gionta late in the second period. He laid on the ice for a moment to collect himself, but did not come out of the dressing room for the third.
Carey Price made 24 saves for the Canadiens, but couldnt stop Montreal from losing consecutive games for the first time this season.MORE IN Wire SportsFLORHAM PARK, N.J. Full StoryTURNBERRY, Scotland Theres a Ko atop the leaderboard after three rounds of the Womens British... Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day 1739, 'Richard Palmer' identified in prison at York Castle as the notorious outlaw DICK TURPIN; IN 1836, Battle of the Alamo begins near San Antonio de Bexar, Texas; 1896, the Tootsie Roll invented by LEO HIRSCHFELD.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1472, Orkney, Shetland islands put up as collateral by Norway to Scotland in lieu of dowry for MARGARET OF DENMARK on her marriage with JAMES III, king of Scotland; 1962, JOHN GLENN first American to orbit Earth.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: City mayoral candidates debate campaign issues; Hartford, Conn., woman still missing; Neal Goswami reports attempts to legislate suicide; local woman loses 100 pounds through TOPS program.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1878, JOHN TUNSTALL murdered near Lincoln, New Mexico, by the outlaw JESSE EVANS; in 1930, ELM FARM OLLIE first cow to fly in aircraft, first to be milked airborne; 1955, nuke test WASP; '79, snow in Sahara.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: Rutland Herald News Editor Alan J. Keays and staff writer Gordon Dritschilo discuss stories planned for the February 18, 2015, edition of the newspaper: Winter budgets maxed, legal marijuana, Springfield bank job, USPS slowdown
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1249 AD, ANDRE of LONGJUMEAU is dispatched by LOUIS IX of France to meet the KHAGAN, ruler of the Mongol Empire; in 1804, during 1st Barbary War, STEPHEN DECATUR scuttles the pirate-held USS Philadelphia in Tripoli.


text:
He noted a positive step is the recent Falsified Medicines Directive of the EU, which aims to create a comprehensive anti-counterfeiting system across the full length of the supply chain in Europe.
Lechleiter said the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) is a very positive step forward and pressed for inclusion of biotech/biopharmaceutical industries in the ongoing TEC discussions and meetings. The TEC was initially proposed by Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2007 to strengthen transatlantic economic cooperation between the U.S. and the EU.
"The TEC is an additional important forum which we should use to foster the growth of biotechnologies and promote biopharmaceutical innovation," said Lechleiter. "An increased focus on biotech and innovative pharmaceuticals would complement the TEC's existing efforts to advance the transatlantic harmonization of regulatory regimes affecting key future growth industries."
"Other industries – such as auto and green energy – are already working closely with the U.S. and European governments to advance discussions through the TEC," concluded Lechleiter. "Transatlantic cooperation in biopharma would not only lead to technological advancement and job growth on both sides of the Atlantic, but also benefit society through faster/broader access to life-saving medical therapies."
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO)
|SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company
Copyright©2010 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved


text:
How to get Free Pole Barn Plans
Are you looking for free pole barn plans? Maybe you need some ideas and inspiration on planning your dream barn. If this is true you have come to the right place! We are offering several free books to download that are packed full of barn plans and ideas to inspire you.
These books are full of designs like these.
To get your free pole barn plans books just sign up for the free Barn Geek e-zine and you will find links to your books on the confirmation page.
The Barn Geek is full of tips and advice for planning that perfect barn. Go ahead and sign up, I will wait right here and give you more ways to get free pole barn plans when you return.
All done? Great! Here are some more ways to get those free plans and ideas you are looking for.
Your local lumberyard will gladly supply you with stock plans that you can use. Although, these are going to be your basic cookie cutter plans.
Well, that's not very helpful is it?
If you wanted cookie cutter plans you probably wouldn't have searched the internet for ideas would you? As a matter of fact it is possible that you already went to the local lumber yard and gave them your ideas. You probably heard things like "well this is what we have in stock" or "we can't design a barn like that" or "I hear you, but this is what you want instead" How insulting is it to have someone tell You what You want?
We here stories like this all the time. That is why it is our focus to give you practical ideas and advice so that you can develop a plan for the barn that is perfect for you. Here are a few pages that are meant to inspire you to dream about your barn and imagine what it will be like. Feel free to browse these pages, get some ideas and let us know how you would like your barn designed.
High pitched Gable barns are one of the oldest barn designs.
Gambrel barn designs and plans
King post truss post and beam barn kits
Barn terms and their definitions
Construction guide, How to build a post and beam barn
You can build a post and beam barn on almost any foundation.
Planning a barn,12 steps to the barn of your dreams
Post and beam barn kit, what you get and what you don't
Post and beam barns. Why you should consider a post and beam barn kit.
How to choose the right barn builders
28x40 King Post Barn Plans Just $29.99
Click here to learn more about these plans
22x30 Gambrel Horse Barn Plans Just $49.00!
Click here to learn more about these plans
30x50 Gambrel Plans Just $99.00!
Click here to learn more about these plans
22x30 Gable Barn Plans Just $49.00!
Click here to learn more about these plans
36x50 Gable Barn Plans Just $49.00!


text:
Council chair candidates Brown, Orange in live debate on TBD
September 1, 2010 - 09:30 AM
Text size Decrease Increase
As D.C. Council Chair candidates Kwame Brown and Vincent Orange debate on NewsTalk with Bruce DuPuyt this morning, follow our live chat. We'll be recapping the main points for those who can't watch the live streaming video. We'll also be relaying questions to the studio for the debate.


text:
2 BR | 2 BA | Sleeps 1-6
Base area lodging on the free shuttle route. Fantastic mountain views! The Sun Castle Condominiums are spacious units located in a quiet neighborhood near the resort. Each two bedroom condominium is equipped with a full kitchen, separate dining area, living room and gas fireplace. *2 bedroom, 2 bath *Quiet location at the end of a cul-de-sac *Quality rated! Gold available.


text:
Albums & Mixtapes
Album: Divine Intervention
DMV rhymesayer Marky is offering up his latest street release, the Divine Intervention mixtape, for free streaming and digital download via the new music sharing website Audiomack. Representative of a turning point in... More
Posted 3 years ago
Album: The Markwilder Show
Washington D.C. up-and-comer (and freestyle series alumnus) Marky and veteran beatsmith Rockwilder have joined forces with DJBooth.net to bring fans their latest street release, The Markwilder Show. Described by the emcee as... More
Posted 4 years ago
Reader favorite (and exclusive freestyle series contributor) Marky has hooked up with DJBooth.net and Kevin Nottingham to bring fans the second entry in his ongoing EP trilogy, Journey to Markyland, USA. Rest Stop 2 features... More
Posted 5 years ago


text:
Kawakubo's explanation clarified why the dancers' stiff leather or neoprene jackets were cut with rolled-up sleeves, and how their openwork inserts mimicked the cooler vents in a motorcycle engine, and why curviform foam-rubber seat-covers sometimes morphed into skirts. Done in black, tan, or orange, the jackets had the heft of a truly cool idea and made a strangely beautiful contrast with the fragile pinks and whites of the tutus.
Perhaps this collection was commenting on the resources a modern woman needsspeed, toughness, and rigorous self-discipline, for example. (Plus the wisdom of a judge, if that's what Kawakubo meant by those wacky powdered wigs.) Deep readings apart, there were certainly a couple of lovely, and pertinent, superficials: patent ballet flats and the bird-inspired feathery decorations on a couple of dance skirts.
All collections from Comme des Garçons


text:
Expert Travel Advice to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
The Best Park-to-Park Scenic DrivesYou don't get out there very often, so make the most of your time on the open road. Bag two national parks in one trip with these five scenic drives that start and end in some of the best spots in the West. Gorp Top Ten
Five of the Most Expensive Campsites in the U.S.You won't build up any backcountry cred at these posh spots, but even the most hardcore need a little time off. Here are our favorite places to camp in style. Gorp Top Ten
Top Ten Backpacking LoopsThere's a reason serious hikers love taking on a loopyou never see the same thing twice, and you end where you started. Here are our top ten backpacking loops in the United States, from wildflower fields of the Maroon Bells to the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Gorp Top Ten
May Parks and the Outdoors Travel GuideGorp Travel
Pacific CoastCruise from Olympic National Park, Washington, to San Diego, California. Gorp Travel
Thru-Hiker's Guide to AmericaJohn Muir Trail Introduction. Gorp Travel
Nordic Northern California: Hut-to-Hut Across the SierrasGorp Travel
Boomerang BackpackingHigh Sierra. Gorp Travel
America's Triple CrownPacific Coast Trail: Up Mt. Whitney. Gorp Travel
The Sierra High RouteThe Reward of a Tough Hike: Perfect Campsites. Gorp Travel
South Sierra BackpackingExploring out of Bear Dam Junction and Onion Valley Trailheads. Gorp Travel
Top Ten U.S. National Parks7. Sequoia & Kings Canyon, California. Gorp Top Ten
Top Ten Offbeat Summer ParksSequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Gorp Top Ten
Seldom-Seen SierraHiking Sequoia National Park's Mineral King Area. Gorp Travel
Top Ten National Parks for Rock ClimbingSequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California. Gorp Top Ten
Sequoia RevealedEarly Spring Splendor in the High Sierra (for those in the know). Gorp Travel
Top Ten Parks for SpringSequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Gorp Top Ten
Over the Snow on Big FeetSnowshoeing for Fun and Fitness. Gorp Practical Advice
America's B-SidesUnsung Sites on a U.S. Tour. Gorp Travel
Top Answers To Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Travel Questions
Answer this1 AnswerYes, I'd recommend making reservations as the campgrounds in these two popular California can get crowded in the summer. Summer gets into full swing at the end of May following the United States' Memorial Day holiday (last weekend of the month), but I'd still advise reserving spots ahead of time if you can. Check Recreation.gov for info and availability. Of course, once you get off the frontcountry, the world's your oyster as you can take your pick from primitive backcountry sites. More on hiking and camping in Sequoia/Kings Canyon at: http://bit.ly/gQeSkk Outside magazine also recently published a feature on insider stashes in the area at: http://bit.ly/hdQ1Io
I think your best bet would be to take Amtrak from the L.A. area to either Hanford or Fresno. Amtrak puts on a bus service connecting Hanford to Visalia, from where you can hop the Sequoia Park Shuttle to get you into the park to see the highlights. BUT, and this is a big but, I wouldn't recommend trying to do all this in one day. (Bear in mind, too, that Long Beach is on the "other" side of L.A. famous urban sprawl). If you can, you should at least try to spend a night up at Sequoia or Kings Canyon as it's going to take the better part of day just getting up there. You can always camp, or spend a night at Sequioa's historic Wuksachi Lodge. Wuksachi is reviewed on Away.com here: http://bit.ly/k6LaLP The National Park Service has some more info about transportation and directions to the park here: http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/directions.htm
Answer this1 AnswerIt's about a 7 hour drive from Lone Pine to Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park.
Kirsten asked:Answer this1 AnswerkathyM answered:It's about 240 miles from San Francisco to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Chances are you'll be taking the route through Fresno and on Highway 180 to the parks' Kings Canyon Visitor Center at Grant Grove Village. Here you'll find the General Grant Tree as well as be able to access the famous Generals Highway toward Lost Grove.


text:
Lincoln City historical cup results 2006/2007
Full listing of knockout competition results during the season
|F.A. Cup sponsored by e.on
|1st Round
|Sat 11 Nov
|Port Vale (LGE1)
|2 - 1
|Lincoln City (LGE2)
|Carling League Cup
|1st Round
|Tue 22 Aug
|Scunthorpe U. (LGE1)
|4 - 3
|Lincoln City (LGE2)
|after extra time, 90 minutes 2-2
|Johnstone's Paint Trophy (Associate Members)
|Northern Section 1st Round
|Tue 17 Oct
|Lincoln City (LGE2)
|0 - 0
|Grimsby Town (LGE2)
|no extra time played, Grimsby Town won 5-3 on penalties
|Coca Cola Football League Play-Offs (Lvl 4)
|Semi Final 1st Leg
|Sat 12 May
|Bristol Rvs. (LGE2)
|2 - 1
|Lincoln City (LGE2)
|Semi Final 2nd Leg
|Thu 17 May
|Lincoln City (LGE2)
|3 - 5
|Bristol Rvs. (LGE2)
|Bristol Rovers won 7-4 on aggregate


text:
Lost or Stolen Debit Card? Call (877) 226-2351
Lost or Stolen Credit Card? Call (800)-821-5184
We offer a sophisticated set of online tools that can be customized to suit any business. Monitor your account activity, move funds, and make payroll, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week from the convenience of your home or office. Here are some of the features offered:
Go Business (Basic) – Cash Management Service:
Go Business (Essential) – Cash Management Service:
Go Business (Plus) – Cash Management Service:
Call your Account Representative or Contact us for more information or to set an appointment to complete your application.
Access the demo here
Pine River Valley Bank 301 N Commerce Dr.
Bayfield, CO 81122
Pine River Valley Bank 1701 Main Ave.
Durango, CO 81301
Miners & Merchants 117 N. Main
PO Box 459
Creede, CO 81130
Miners & Merchants 231 Silver Street
PO Box 310
Lake City, CO 81235


text:
Joe Paterno
McQueary's Lawsuit To Go Forward After Judge Rules 'Outrageous Conduct' From Penn State
A whistleblower and defamation lawsuit against Penn State will go forward, a judge ruled Tuesday, denying the university's request to have it dismissed.
Baffoe: Rise In Penn State Football Donations Shows The Real Issue
A fan base that has been criticized for putting football ahead of more important things went and put football ahead of more important things.
Baffoe: Getting To Know John Ziegler, Penn State Conspiracy Charlatan
I've watched John Ziegler from afar for a while now. As one of his Twitter followers (hey, follow back, dude!) I've seen him retweet every person that praises him and bully dissenters on a daily basis.
Scandal Costs For Penn State Top $41 Million
Penn State has released a document sought by some of its critics detailing the agreement with former FBI director Louis Freeh to investigate the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal, a review that cost the school about $8.1 million.
Baffoe: I Got A Sports Fan Reality Check
Reality checks are necessary every now and then.
Bernstein: Oscar Pistorius And Inconvenient Truths
It sounds simple enough: before you decide to whip up the next inspirational sports legend to sell to the world, check to see if he's already spent time in jail.
Penn State Weighing Sandusky Case Settlement Demands
The lawyer brought in by Penn State to help settle Jerry Sandusky-related claims said Monday that he recently gave university officials monetary settlement offers from most of the people asserting they were molested by the former assistant football coach.
Paterno Family Releases Own Report To Refute Freeh
Joe Paterno's family released its response to Penn State's report on the Jerry Sandusky scandal Sunday, attacking Louis Freeh's conclusion that the coach hid sex abuse allegations against his longtime assistant.
Bernstein: Early Revelations From The Paterno Report
Some of the Paterno Report findings are shocking, and may radically alter the way in which many have viewed the case, and the legacy of a legendary coach:
In Letter, Sue Paterno Defends Late Husband
Breaking more than a year of silence, Sue Paterno is defending her late husband as a "moral, disciplined" man who never twisted the truth to avoid bad publicity.
Sue Paterno To Give Her First Interview Since Penn State Scandal
For the first time since the Jerry Sandusky scandal broke, Joe Paterno's widow will speak out.
Two Pennsylvania Reps Want NCAA To Restore Penn State Football Scholarships
Two Pennsylvania congressmen want the NCAA to restore football scholarships taken away from Penn State as part of sanctions for the child sex abuse scandal involving retired assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.
'He's Still My Role Model' And Other Tweets Praising Joe Paterno On The Anniversary Of His Death
It's been one year since Joe Paterno died of lung cancer.
Vigil Planned To Mark Anniversary Of Joe Paterno's Death
Supporters of longtime Penn State football coach Joe Paterno are marking the anniversary of his death with a candlelight vigil.
Pacino To Play Paterno In Upcoming Movie
Al Pacino will play Joe Paterno in a movie about the late Penn State football coach.
Penn St. Attacks Claims By Ex-Assistant McQueary
Penn State's lawyers asked a judge Tuesday to throw out a whistleblower and defamation lawsuit filed by a former assistant football coach who testified he saw Jerry Sandusky attack a boy in a school shower more than a decade ago.
Pennsylvania Sues NCAA Over Penn State Sanctions
Gov. Tom Corbett said Tuesday he plans to sue the NCAA in federal court over stiff sanctions imposed against Penn State University in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal.
Bernstein: One Year Later, Sanity Has Returned To The Sports World
No Tebow, no Paterno, no "Linsanity."
Ten Foot Mailbag: Bears O, Obama, And Oh, Paterno Emails
When you have a Jay Cutler and a Brandon Marshall, an offensive coordinator can be—hell, probably should be—aggressive.
Bernstein: Penn State Must Stop Enabling Insanity
At this rate, they might as well just drag the statue out of storage and re-install it.


text:
in this issue
premium services
online directory
customer care
People & Business :: Companies
ENI Denies Permanent Closure of Porto Torres Cracker; Revises Plans for a Temporary Shutdown
11:52 AM MDT | July 22, 2009 | Peter Mapleston
ENI (Rome) has confirmed that it has no intention of closing its petrochemical complex at Porto Torres on the island of Sardinia, Italy on a permanent basis. But the company has had to alter recently announced plans for a temporary closure of the steam cracker that is the main operating unit at the site. Polimeri Europa, an ENI subsidiary, operates the Porto Torres complex. ENI is partly owned by the Italian government and the company's announcement at the beginning of this month that it would close the Porto Torres cracker temporarily caused a political storm...
This information is only available to Chemical Week subscribers.
Forgot your user ID or password?
Not an IHS Chemical Week member yet?
Here's why you should be:
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
contact us | about us | customer care | privacy policy | sitemap | advertise
Copyright © 2015 IHS, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


text:
Ashley Wirz
Ashley Wirz is a freelance Lubbock-based photographer.
I shoot West Texas High School sports and NCAA. To see more of my work, Click Here.
Mark Magnan
Mark Magnan is a Central Texas based photographer who frequently shoots University of Mary Hardin-Baylor games.
Living in Belton he follows the Belton Tigers in all sports.
The McNabbs
Mike and Mary Scott McNabb are San Antonio area photographers and have worked with Dave Campbell's Texas for many years. They shoot varsity-level football and other sports, primarily at San Antonio MacArthur. Playoff game coverage: SA Steele, SA Reagan, SA Madison, SA Brandeis, Devine, Wimberly, Kerrville Tivy, Lake Travis, CC Calallen, Port Lavaca, Dripping Springs, Weslaco, Cedar Park, Flour Bluff, Smithson Valley, SA Johnson... See and purchase photos on www.eventdigiphoto.photoreflect.com
JD Bryant
JD Bryant is a Dallas-area freelance photographer who shoots high school sports.
Pat Carrigan
Pat Carrigan is a Central Texas freelance photographer who shoots varsity football for DCTF. View his site here.


text:
|2 posts found
Novice Member
Joined: 12/12/08
Hey, lets start with the good shall we?
1) A good Idea, with a bigger player base, this will go far
2) A few goals to aim for, so you know what to do.
3) Multi Clienting available, and multiple Avatars, meaning you can play 2 different alts (characters) at one time, be it 1 Starfleet, 1 Civilian, or 2 Starfleet or 2 Civilian (can be more than 2, depending on your Computer
4) Can actually walk on planets and inside ships, player owned planets/systems, player owned buildings
that is all i can think of, next is the bad,
1) Not much to do after a while or before a certain point
2) Not much fighting last time i checked
3) Takes a long time (depending on distance) to get from A to B
4) a major bug that needs to be fixed, but i bet they are working on it
Next up is the forums
1) A large amount of people here, who help others readily, be it new or veteran or beta
2) Good RP, and a good place to keep up on recent events (so if you stopped playing until they add a certain thing, it will/should be listed here)
3) CAN BE friendly, and can be brutal, RP and OOC
1) Fighting on forums a lot, starts as RP but may turn to OOC unless Mods get on top of it
2) Most people Forum play, rather than play in the game, keeping their titles as Minister, or w/e yet contribute in no way to the games upkeep (IE so rich or supplied etc that they dont even need to log in)
3) Can be inactive some times, or can take a while to get a response if no one wants to know about that post
^ The link that began it all...
^ The link to end it all xD
Login or Register to never see this panel
Novice Member
Joined: 12/12/08
Ok i got another thing to add...
The admins work hard, and major bugs have been wiped from the game, so performance in battle has drastically increased. Also with the new Buildings for colonies it does make another thing to do, because you need the buildings to get the colony happy, so it makes it a little more challenging to get a colony.
Also with the new shuttles and Fighters coming soon, it will be an amazing addition to not only the fighting/combat side of the game, but also the Civilian side, where you can fly in a small shuttle to make things faster to Test chemicals etc. But the fighters will enable New players to be able to go in and shoot the enemy without much risk (apart from dying) and loosing a fighter, easily replacable.
The admins continue to add new stuff to the game, and to fix the Bugs in the game. Been a year and 2 months, and i am still LOVING the game, i recommend it to all RPers (or just people who like Sci-Fi/Space MMOs) with the helpful Forums, and the 'need' for new recruits, you will be adored for your first month in the game.
If you want to join, and want to play with people, or want to get taught how to play, rather than the (rather simple) Tutorial, then you are more than welcome to PM me (on SQO forums as i rarely log on here) and join the Independent Coalition of Systems (see another topic titles Independent Coalition of System's (above this topic somewhere) and follow that Forum link, and ask to join, I am always recruiting, and will be more than happy to help you get started :) )
^ The link that began it all...
^ The link to end it all xD


text:
9 Ball Girl
I just got my P&B mag in the mail and came across the New books and tapes section. Phil Capelle has a new book out called Capelle on 9 Ball, Archer vs. Reyes. What's even better is that this book comes with an instructional piece that's also on DVD or VHS, 2hrs 20 min. He got his info from watching the Accu-Stats tape from the Sands Regency.
Well, I'm sold!
Well, I'm sold!


text:
December 04,2012RUDOLPH, Ohio Volunteers in the northwest Ohio village of Rudolph have come together to save the most famous postmark of all. Thousands of letters flood the village post office every December so they can be stamped with a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer postmark. But the tradition was in danger of ending when the post office staff was cut down to one and the work became too much to handle. Thats when volunteers in the community decided to take over the job. When word spread, pleadings from local politicians and townsfolk persuaded the U.S. Postal Service to allow volunteers to stamp the special Reindeer Station postmark on the 80,000 letters and cards that come in from across the country. Close to 75 people, including a few retired postal workers, have signed up to work daily shifts.
The Associated PressMORE IN Wire NewsJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Full StoryCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Full StoryNEW YORK President Barack Obama will impose even steeper cuts on greenhouse gas emissions from U. Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day 1739, 'Richard Palmer' identified in prison at York Castle as the notorious outlaw DICK TURPIN; IN 1836, Battle of the Alamo begins near San Antonio de Bexar, Texas; 1896, the Tootsie Roll invented by LEO HIRSCHFELD.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1472, Orkney, Shetland islands put up as collateral by Norway to Scotland in lieu of dowry for MARGARET OF DENMARK on her marriage with JAMES III, king of Scotland; 1962, JOHN GLENN first American to orbit Earth.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: City mayoral candidates debate campaign issues; Hartford, Conn., woman still missing; Neal Goswami reports attempts to legislate suicide; local woman loses 100 pounds through TOPS program.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1878, JOHN TUNSTALL murdered near Lincoln, New Mexico, by the outlaw JESSE EVANS; in 1930, ELM FARM OLLIE first cow to fly in aircraft, first to be milked airborne; 1955, nuke test WASP; '79, snow in Sahara.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: Rutland Herald News Editor Alan J. Keays and staff writer Gordon Dritschilo discuss stories planned for the February 18, 2015, edition of the newspaper: Winter budgets maxed, legal marijuana, Springfield bank job, USPS slowdown
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1249 AD, ANDRE of LONGJUMEAU is dispatched by LOUIS IX of France to meet the KHAGAN, ruler of the Mongol Empire; in 1804, during 1st Barbary War, STEPHEN DECATUR scuttles the pirate-held USS Philadelphia in Tripoli.


text:
Triton 2001 TR19 and EZLoader trailer , 200hp Mercury motor,Minn Kota trolling motor,2 fishfinders ,single console, Hot pedal,Jack plate, nice storage compartments and fishing rod holder compartment. Boat in great condition must see to apprecitate.More info Email a friend
1988 SPACIOUS 36" CARVER YACHT like a waterfront 2nd home Southport, NC. $39,900. For details- 704.999.0682More info Email a friend


text:
Sesame-Orange Chicken
OPEN KITCHEN with NATHAN SCOTT
Sesame-Orange Chicken
Serve this simple Sesame-Orange Chicken over steamed white rice for a delicious and healthy meal.
Serves 4
|teaspoons cornstarch
|cup freshly squeezed orange juice
|tablespoons soy sauce
|tablespoons vegetable oil
|tablespoon sesame oil, plus more for garnish
|pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch chunks
|ounces snow peas or sugar snap peas, trimmed
|cloves garlic, peeled and minced
|teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
|teaspoon crush red pepper flakes (optional)
|scallions, thinly sliced
|cup orange marmalade
|Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
|tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, orange juice, and soy sauce. Set aside.
- Combine the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a wok or large sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Warm the oils until they are hot, but not smoking. Then, add in the chicken and cook, tossing often, until the chicken is lightly golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add the peas and continue to cook until the peas are just tender, about 2 minutes more.
- Toss the garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes into the wok or sauté pan, cooking an additional minute. Then, stir in the scallions, orange marmalade, and reserved orange juice mixture. Cook, until the marmalade has melted and the sauce is hot and bubbly, about 1 minute more. Remove from the heat and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with an additional drizzle of sesame oil and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds.
Nathan Scott is the author of Nathan Scott's Open Kitchen: Annual Recipes 2011
Follow him on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nathan-Scotts-Books/138016506234359
Follow his blog at: http://thetrialstribulationsofawannabeauthor.blogspot.com/
Copyright © 2013 by Nathan Scott. All rights reserved.
Category: Open Kitchen


text:
Rachael: We have central air conditioning, but we try to use it as little as possible, to save on our electric bills. Can you tell us the best ways to keep the house cool without air conditioning? Sure, that's fairly easily done, especially in Vermont where air conditioning is rarely needed. Here are some tips: In the cooler hours of the evening and early morning, open your windows. Use a window fan, blowing toward the outside, to pull cool air in through other windows and to push hot air out. During the day, close coverings on the windows that get direct sunlight. On hottest days, keep the windows closed. External awnings and trees also provide shade for windows. Delay heat- and/or humidity- producing activities, such as dishwashing, baking, showering, or doing laundry, until the cooler evening hours. Always use a bath fan when showering. Use an exhaust fan, directly to the outdoors, to blow hot air out of your kitchen while cooking. The savings in your cooling costs far outweigh the electricity use of the fan. Caulk around your window frames and exterior door frames and use weather stripping on exterior doors. Seal any holes and gaps between the attic and your living space and see that you have a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in the attic. Hiring a professional is the most effective approach to air sealing and insulation. You can find a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR certified contractor at www.efficiencyvermont.com/homeperformance. Be sure that the clothes dryer is vented to the outdoors. In addition to reducing heat in the summer, this is important year-round for indoor air quality and for preventing damage to your home from moisture, mold and mildew. Rachael Pendleton Fredericks is a business development specialist at Efficiency Vermont. To find more energy saving tips or to submit a new question about energy use in your home or business, visit www.efficiencyvermont.com/askrachael or call, toll-free: 888-921-5990 to speak with a customer service representative.
More like this story
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.


text:
Campaign adviser Tom Gibbsons was fired for doing a good job. Sure, his tactics almost get his candidate's son killed. But, his son is Jamie Kennedy's wack rapper B-Rad. Small price to pay, I say.
After the President suffers a severe stroke, White House Chief of Staff Bob Alexander hires his exact double to fill his shoes. He assumes the double, Dave, to be his personal puppet that he can bend to his own nefarious agenda, effectively taking over the presidency. His plan fails when Dave forces him to resign and gives the presidency over to the vice president. Alexander is later indicted on several charges. Chief among them, being a d-bag.
It's a double-shot of Frank Langella. He may not have ascended to the highest chair in Dave, but he got to rule the free world as Richard Nixon in Frost/Nixon. The film centers around a series of interviews between Nixon and British television broadcaster David Frost regarding the Watergate scandal. In the interview, Frost gets Nixon to admit to ethical wrongdoings, something that never happened in a court of law.
Consider posting a comment.


text:
By John D. BanusiewiczAmerican Forces Press Service
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., June 13, 2005 Vice President Richard B. Cheney bristled in a June 10 interview here at the attention being given to allegations made by detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and how the publicity given to those allegations far outweighs that given to the good things U.S. servicemembers are doing.
Cheney spoke with Air Force Master Sgt. Sean Lehman of the Pentagon Channel after presenting medals to five special operations servicemembers for valor in combat.
"I think what's representative of the efforts that we've mounted is best captured by those five men I decorated today - amazing Americans who put their lives on the line for their fellow soldiers and for the American people, and that doesn't get enough coverage," he said.
The vice president emphasized the need for a detention facility such as the one at Guantanamo Bay.
"We've got over 500 individuals there who are primarily terrorists -- who were captured on the battlefield in Afghanistan, are members of al Qaeda, or in some fashion constitute a threat to the United States," Cheney said. Yet, he noted, the detainees at Guantanamo are treated and fed well, they receive medical care and their religious needs are catered to. Much of the criticism leveled at Guantanamo, he said, focuses on isolated incidents or results from rumors peddled by former detainees who have been freed.
"We absolutely have to have a facility like this as long as we're engaged in the global war on terror," Cheney said. "And the important thing is that we not release these people back on to the street so they can go out and kill more Americans. I think there has been a certain lack of perspective ... on the part of some public officials as well as a number of folks in the press, frankly, who spend all their time thinking somehow that's representative, or that what we're doing at Abu Ghraib or, in this case, Guantanamo, is somehow unlawful or illicit, or not consistent with American practices and principles."
While the media are free to focus on whatever they choose to, the vice president said, he expressed the hope that distorted coverage or the actions of a few would not overshadow "the enormous goodness of this great nation."
Cheney's message to the Pentagon Channel's worldwide U.S. military audience, he said, is one of deep appreciation from him and from the president.
"We know it's especially tough on family members - the long deployments that are required in wartime - and obviously we feel every single one of the casualties that occurs out there, an unfortunate part of warfare," Cheney said. "But the United States has been served remarkably well by our men and women in uniform, and key to their success, oftentimes, are their families."
Throughout the day, the vice president wore an "America Supports You" lapel pin bearing the logo for the DoD program designed to showcase the support servicemembers have from the American public, and he told the Pentagon Channel audience that the support is wholly deserved.
"We need to do everything we can as Americans to thank them, to support them, to make sure they've got the resources they need to bear the biggest burden for all of us during a major national crisis," he said.
Related Sites:America Supports YouThe Pentagon Channel
Related Articles:Cheney Praises Silent Professionals of Special OperationsWar on Terror Wont End With Treaty Signing, Cheney SaysTerrorist Threat Not Just a U.S. Problem, Cheney SaysVice President Urges Patience As Iraq Progress Continues


text:
Liberty students get more than $2.3 million in scholarships
June 17, 2015
Liberty High School and the Issaquah School District are grateful for the generosity of the community who contributed in part to more than $2.3 million in scholarships to Liberty's class of 2015 as reported by students and their parents.
Patriots make their college choices
April 21, 2015
Liberty High School honored four graduating student-athletes at a special ceremony April 15.
Runners Sarah Bliesner and Trevor Sytsma, as well as football players Russell Boston and Nate Jarvis, announced their commitments to continue their athletic careers at the college level.
Liberty athletes make all-conference team
December 9, 2014
KingCo 2A/3A Conference coaches recently announced their all-conference selections for sports during the 2014 fall season.
Listed below are some of the selections from Liberty High School. Read more
Patriots stay perfect
September 30, 2014
Four weeks into the high school football season, only one Issaquah School District team remains undefeated — and it's likely not the team you expected.
The Liberty Patriots improved to 4-0 after a 28-0 road victory over the Lake Washington Kangs on Sept. 26, following wins against Lakewood, Hazen and Interlake.
"It's amazing. It's everything I wanted of my senior year," Liberty running back and linebacker Drew Hall said of the Patriots' start. "But we still need to keep in mind that it's 1-0 every week, and we're on to our next opponent."
Liberty Patriots prevail in first football game of season
September 9, 2014
Liberty Patriots ready to take on 2A
September 2, 2014
After 16 years at the helm, Liberty High School football coach Steve Valach has seen his fair share of senior classes.
This year's, though, the class that will graduate in 2015, is in the running for the best he has ever coached.
"I think we were 3-7 in their sophomore year, so they've seen some lean times and still kept competing," Valach said. "There's some talent, and then it's bigger than ability, it's who they are as guys."
Patriots wrap up spring ball
June 24, 2014
As the Liberty High School football team wrapped up its spring practices June 17, not much looked different on the Patriots' field.
Music blared, whistles sounded and footballs flew into the outstretched hands of open receivers.
This season will be different, though, for all Liberty sports teams, as they prepare to move from the 3A to 2A level.
Liberty: 3A or 2A?
December 23, 2013
Whether to be in the 2A or 3A sports division has caused an uproar at Liberty High School. Some see 2A as Liberty's big chance to win, while others perceive 3A as home.
The main argument for remaining in 3A is Liberty has an opportunity to show that despite its size, it can win against larger schools.
"I honestly want to stay 3A. That's where we've always been as long as I can remember,"
Career game not enough in 55-21 loss
October 1, 2013
Russell Boston runs for 189 yards, 3 TDs
A week before Liberty's Sept. 27 matchup against Juanita, running back Russell Boston had a special visitor.
Boston had dinner with Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew prior to the team's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Jones-Drew, a star at UCLA, led the NFL in rushing in 2011 and is considered one of the league's top backs.
"He told me to surround yourself with the right people and just go at it 100 percent every day," Boston said.
Issaquah loses 51-26 to O'Dea
September 24, 2013
The third time proved not to be a charm for the Eagles. The Issaquah High School football team played its third-straight 3A team Sept. 20 against O'Dea.
MaxPreps Freeman Rankings for Washington had Issaquah still at 24, despite a 1-1 start. However, it was the lower-ranked, visiting Fighting Irish (38) that pulled off the upset, 51-26.
The two teams were all square at 14 after one quarter. The Eagles scored a pair of touchdowns with the usual suspects — Derek Chapman scored on a 38-yard pass from Jack Neary and Jack Gellatly rambled in from eight yards out.


text:
Sonyacha Amba, a Marathi-language short film by Govinda Raju has been selected for Generation Kplus competition at Berlinale 2013. Berlinale devotes its 'Generation' section to children and young people with two competitions – Generation Kplus and Generation 14plus.
Eighteen shorts will compete for the Crystal Bears and the Generation Kplus International Jury award for the Best Short Film comprising a cash prize of € 2,500. In 2012, Rajan Khosa's Gattu won Generation Kplus Jury's special mention.
This will be Sonyacha Amba's European Premier. The film was also screened at the Pune Short Film Festival in 2012.
However, no Indian film has made it to Berlinale Shorts, the competition section for short films at the Berlin Film Festival.


text:
- Ambulatory (Outpatient) Care
- Behavioral Health
- Dental Services (General)
- Kidney (Nephrology)
- Orthopaedics (Muscles/Bones)
- The Center for Oncology Care at ECMC
- Primary Care
- Regional Trauma/Burn Treatment Ctr.
- Rehabilitation
- Terrace View Long-Term Care Facility
- Specialty Care
- Stroke Center
- Surgery
- Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center
> Home > Medical Services > Behavioral Health > Chemical Dependency
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services (Chemical Dependency)
ECMC offers individuals and families the most comprehensive treatment services available in Western New York, with inpatient and outpatient programs to fill a variety of needs. All treatment programs provide patients with state-of-the-art medications to treat addictions.
Day Reporting Program
In conjunction with Buffalo drug courts, the Day Reporting Program offers assessment, treatment and referral to those defendants whose arrest histories include alcohol and/or drug abuse. ECMC also partners with domestic violence courts and with other drug courts in Erie and Niagara Counties.
Outpatient Treatment Services
Outpatient treatment services include an Intensive Rehabilitation Intervention, a six-day-a-week, two-hour-a-day program for those outpatients needing intensive stabilization to become or remain drug-free. There are around 60,000 outpatient-treatment visits every year.
The General Clinic offers services for chronic relapse, vocational rehabilitation and domestic violence. All three clinics provide chemical-dependency treatment for adolescents, and family and conjoint counseling is offered as needed. As part of the treatment program, the Downtown Alcoholism Clinic has HIV testing.
For more information on outpatient substance abuse services, call the location nearest you (see listing below).
Outpatient Locations
- Downtown Alcoholism Clinic
- 1285 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 883-4517
Map to Clinic
- Northern Erie Clinical Services
- 2282 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14217
(716) 874-5536
Map to Clinic
Inpatient Treatment Services
Inpatient chemical dependency services include an Acute Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Program—a hospitalization lasting three to five days to medically detoxify a patient—and a 35-bed chemical-dependency rehabilitation program. Hundreds of patients are discharged from the rehabilitation program every year.
The Substance Intervention Program is a medically supervised inpatient detoxification unit for patients dependent on both drugs and alcohol. The Alcoholism and Drug Rehabilitation Program is a residential program with structured rehabilitation treatment.
Contact Information
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services
- Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Services:
(716) 898-3415


text:
A computing system is described that includes a main system bus that remains active while said computing system operates within a non main CPU/OS based operational state. The computing system also includes a controller that operates functional tasks while the computing system is within the non main CPU/OS based operational state. The computing system also includes an I/O unit coupled to the main system bus that remains active while the computing system operates within the non main CPU/OS based operational state.
1. A machine readable medium having instructions for a computing system, said instructions when executed performing a method comprising:
a) making the computing system to operate within a non main CPU/OS based operational state while a main system bus of the computing system remains active, wherein an independent controller may operate functional tasks while the computing system is within the non main CPU/OS based operational state, the controller being coupled to the main system bus; and
b) maintaining active an I/O unit interface coupled to said main system bus while said computing system operates within said non main CPU/OS based operational state.
2. The machine readable medium of
3. The machine readable medium of
4. The machine readable medium of
5. The machine readable medium of
6. The machine readable medium of
7. The machine readable medium of
8. The machine readable medium of
9. The machine readable medium of
10. An apparatus, comprising:
a machine readable medium having instructions that when executed, implement at least part of an operating system for a computer system to:
(a) allow a first CPU to operate during a main CPU/OS based operational state;
(b) cooperate with a second CPU that can execute program code during a non main CPU/OS based operational state, wherein, first power consumed by said first CPU during said main CPU/OS based operational state is greater than second power consumed by said second CPU during said non main CPU/OS based operational state;
c) facilitate the first CPU to provide data from the first CPU to the second CPU through a wireless unit coupled to both an I/O unit interface for the first CPU and said second CPU; and
d) enable the data to be written into a non volatile storage unit for the second CPU so that the second CPU can use the data during the non main CPU/OS based operating state when the first CPU is not active.
11. The apparatus of
12. The apparatus of
13. The apparatus of
14. The apparatus of
15. The apparatus of
16. The apparatus of
This application is a continuation of and claims the priority date of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/435,264, filed May 15, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,428,650 which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/367,566, filed Feb. 14, 2003, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,271.
The field of invention relates generally to computing; and, more specifically, to a non main CPU/OS based operational environment.
A. Computing Systems
The graphics controller 105 and display 106 provide the computer generated images observed by the user of the computing system 100. The I/O controller of the memory and I/O control function 103 is responsible for managing access to the system memory 104 (and/or CPU 101) for various I/O units 108 1 through 108 N and 109, 111, 113 and 115. I/O units are typically viewed as functional units that send/receive information to/from the computing system (e.g., a networking adapter, a MODEM, a wireless interface, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) and/or functional units used for storing the computing system's information within the computing system 100 (e.g., a hard disk drive unit).
Various I/O units are frequently found within a computing system; and, moreover, various types of interfaces for communication between an I/O unit and the I/O control function are frequently found within a computing system. Often, these interfaces are defined by an industry standard. The exemplary computing system architecture of
Note that a different number of interfaces may be entertained from computer system to computer system; and, different interface types (e.g., in terms of the maximum number of I/O units per interface, interfacing technique, etc.) may be entertained from computer system to computer system. As just one possible implementation, using the computing system of
B. Computing System State Diagram
According to the depiction of
A third state 203 refers to any of one or more states where the computing system is recognized as "sleep". For sleep states, the operating environment of a system within the "normal on" state 201 (e.g., the state and data of various software routines) are saved prior to the CPU of the computer being entered into a lower power consumption state. The sleep state(s) 203 are aimed at saving power consumed by the CPU over a lull period in the continuous use of the computing system. That is, for example, if a user is using a computing system in the normal on state 201 (e.g., typing a document) and then becomes distracted so as to temporarily refrain from such use (e.g., to answer a telephone call)—the computing system can automatically transition from the normal on state 201 to a sleep state 202 to reduce system power consumption.
Here, the software operating environment of the computing system (e.g., including the document being written), which is also referred to as "context" or "the context", is saved beforehand. As a consequence, when the user returns to use the computing system after the distraction is complete, the computing system can automatically present the user with the environment that existed when the distraction arose (by recalling the saved context) as part of the transition back to the normal state 201 from the sleep state 203. The ACPI specification recognizes a collection of different sleep states (notably the "S1" "S2", "S3" and "S4" states) each having its own respective balance between power savings and delay when returning to the "normal on" state 201 (here, the S1, S2 and S3 states are recognized as being various flavors of "standby" and the S4 state is a "hibernate" state).
A problem with prior art sleep states, however, is that the CPU is unable to perform any useful work. As such, although power savings are recognized, any tasks that may have been useful to perform during the time period over which the computing system was sleep are impossible to implement.
The invention may be best understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:
State Diagram and Computing System Having Operational Low Power States
In order for a computing system to perform useful tasks from within a low power consumption state, special states need to be designed into the system. In particular, these special states should be configured to have a sufficient amount of functional prowess so that one or more useful tasks can be executed; while, at the same time, consume power at a rate that is lower than those associated with the "normal on" state. Here,
According to the state diagram scheme observed in
By contrast,
A more thorough discussion of the "main CPU/OS low power" state 304 and the "non main CPU/OS lower power" state 305 is provided immediately below.
Referring to
1) Computing system components other than the CPU that have the intelligence/ability to dynamically regulate their own power consumption are stripped of their authority to dynamically regulate their own power consumption; and, instead, are forced into their lowest power state. For example, in the case of an ACPI compliant system, various components within a computing system (including the display, graphics controller, various I/O devices (such as the hard disk drive), etc.) are given the authority to regulate their own power consumption (e.g., based upon observed usage through their device driver) according to a plurality of states D0 through D3; where, the D0 state is the highest power operating state and the D3 state is the lowest power non-operating state (D1 and D2 also being non-operating states with increasingly lower power). In an embodiment, the "main CPU/OS based low power" state 304 deliberately configures certain components to permanently remain within the D3 state so long as the system resides within the "main CPU/OS based low power" state 304. Non ACPI systems may be similarly configured. In
2) If the CPU is capable of dynamically adjusting its power consumption amongst a plurality of different power consumption states (e.g., by dynamically changing its internal voltage levels and/or clocking frequencies), the CPU is forced to operate within the lowest power state (or amongst the lowest power states). For example, Intel SpeedStep™ Technology based CPUs may have different "Pn" states: P0 through P4; where, P0 is the highest power state and P4 is the lowest power state. A SpeedStep™ Technology based CPU reduces power by reducing both its voltage and frequency to get a dramatic decrease in power with a moderate decrease in performance. In an embodiment that employs a Speedstep™ Technology based CPU, while the computing system is within the "non main CPU/OS low power" state 304, the CPU is forced to operate in the P4 state (although some application policies may allow for special exceptions for entry into the next lowest power state P3). Note that other CPUs may exist that reduce power by reducing either or both voltage and frequency—yet—are not SpeedStep™ Technology based CPUs. As such, the technique presently being described may be implemented with both SpeedStep™ Technology based CPUs and non SpeedStep™ based CPUs. In further embodiments, to the extent the internal clocking frequency can be adjusted while within a lowest power state, the clock frequency is set to the lowest clock frequency that the processor can properly operate at.
3) Defining application software programs that are not to be used within the "non main CPU/OS low power" state 304 and suspending their use during this state. Any software task or application that is deemed not useful or needed for the implementation of "main CPU/OS based" low power state 304 and the "non main CPU/OS based" lower power state 305 could be suspended to achieve very low system power. Examples may include a screen saver, a word processing application, a presentation/graphics application, and/or a spreadsheet application program. Moreover, any batch computing jobs could be suspended during operation in states 504 and 505.
4) In a computing system having multiple main CPUs (i.e., CPU 101 of
Referring to
Exemplary Implementation: Complete Cordless Telephone System
The incorporation of states 301, 304 and 305 (e.g., as per the computing system powering profile observed in
A basic implementation of the aforementioned complete cordless telephone system described above, as observed in
Note that the functional implementations described just above are consistent with their corresponding functional/processing capacity and power consumption requirements. That is, a basic cordless telephone function can easily be constructed from a few simple components and therefore: 1) can be easily integrated onto a single I/O unit (such as I/O unit 408 1); and, 2) will consume small amounts of power (relative to an entire computing system). As such, a basic cordless telephone is an ideal function to be designed into I/O unit 408 1 as one of the computing system's "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state 505 functions.
By contrast, an answering machine is a more complicated function that requires storage resources for both: 1) the recorded message to be played for a caller whose call has not been answered; and, 2) the caller's recorded message (if any). As such, although an answering machine can be integrated onto an I/O unit, it is probably more economical to use the storage resources of the computing system's main memory 404 for storing the recorded messages. Moreover, the main CPU 401 and main OS can be used to execute application software that manages the handling of recorded message playback (to both the caller whose call is not being answered and the computing system user who desires to hear a caller's message).
Note also that an answering machine often records a message when the user is not available to answer a call. As such, in most circumstances it is not an inconvenience if the display 406 and graphics controller 405 are not powered on (e.g., if the user is not at home to answer a phone call, the user is also not able to interface to the computing system through the display 406). Moreover, given that the main CPU 401 and main OS can be used to assist the operation of the answering machine as described just above, note that the answering machine tasks are by no means "high performance" tasks for a typical computing system CPU 401. As a consequence, these tasks can be easily implemented if the main CPU 401 is configured to have a reduced performance/power consumption state (e.g., by being forced to use lower internal voltages and/or lower clock frequencies).
Taking all of the aforementioned characteristics of an answering machine together, note that the answering machine function is well suited for the "main CPU/OS based low power" state 504. That is, referring to
Lastly, the Net Meeting function of the complete cordless telephone system of
Because the computing system can transition across the various states in the state diagram of
The computing system can also therefore be viewed as a hybrid between a traditional "high power" computing system and a low end appliance (in this case, a basic cordless telephone). When the user uses the system for traditional computing purposes (e.g., document writing, web surfing, etc.), the system behaves as a traditional computing system; and, when the user is not using the system as a traditional computing system, the system degrades (in terms of functionality and power consumption) into a basic appliance (in this case, a basic cordless telephone function). As the state diagram observed in
Moreover, continuing with the example provided just above, if the user, after temporarily abandoning the computer, receives a telephone call and cannot answer the telephone call; then, the computing system can trigger a state transition from the lowest power operable state 505 to the intermediate power operable state 504 so as to convert itself from a basic cordless telephone (as represented by state 505) into a basic cordless telephone having an answering machine (as represented by state 504). In this case, note that the system is able to tweak its functional abilities and corresponding power consumption in light of the overall uses that present themselves to the system.
Continuing with this same example, after recording the caller's message (e.g., by storing it to system memory 404), the software associated with the "main CPU/OS based low power" state 504 may be written so as to drop the system back into the lower power state 505 (absent the return of the user for traditional computing system uses) so as to convert the computing system back into a basic cordless telephone. Thus, in light of these state transitions, note that the computing system is not only able to tweak its functional capabilities and corresponding power consumption between a traditional computing system (state 501) and basic appliance (the basic cordless telephone of state 505); but, is also able to tweak its functional capabilities and corresponding power consumption to that of an "intermediate" appliance (the answering machine of state 504) as well. Moreover, the above described conversions between the various functional capabilities can be automatically triggered in light of whatever uses present themselves to the computing system over time.
An example of a complete cordless telephone system that shows a sequence of events sufficient to cause the establishment of a net meeting is provided in more detail below with respect to
State Transition Methodology and Supporting Hardware
Given that the above example describes a working system that is able to transition itself between various useful states 501, 504, 505 (each having their own degree of functional ability and power consumption), the manner in which these state transitions are implemented are of some import.
For example, as just a few possible instances, the computing system may recognize that no stimulus has been provided by a user over an extended period of time (e.g., the user has not used a mouse or typed on a keyboard for an extended period of time); or, the computing system may recognize that the user has closed the lid of the computing system (if the computing system is a handheld device such as a laptop/notebook computer); or, has powered off the screen/display (if the computing system is a typical "desktop" system). Note that whether the event should cause the system to enter the "main CPU/OS low power" state or a prior art sleep state 303 may be determined in light of various conditions that may vary from embodiment to embodiment and application to application. As just one example, if a lower power operational state is recognized as being "active" by setting a flag in software (e.g., if the basic cordless telephone system is recognized as being active), the system automatically transfers to a lower power operational state 304, 305 rather than a prior art sleep state 303.
In response to the detected event 602, the OS marks itself 603 as being within the "main CPU/OS low power" state. Here, recall again that the "main CPU/OS" component of this low power but operational state means that the main CPU is still operational and the main OS is still operational so that one or more application software programs can be executed on the main CPU and OS. As such, the OS marks itself 603 so that it can formally recognize that it is operating within a lower power state. Appropriate software drivers may similarly mark themselves. The "main CPU/OS based low power" state 304 is then setup or established 604. In this case, recall that state 304 may be implemented by: 1) stripping the authority of various components (e.g., the graphics controller and display) to regulate their own power consumption; and/or 2) forcing the CPU to remain within a lower performance/lower power consumption mode; and/or 3) parking certain application software programs or tasks; and/or 4) reducing the number of active main CPUs within a multiple main CPU system; and/or, 5) removing or lowering power to various components. Any software that is deactivated for the "main CPU/OS low power" state may have its context saved so that it can recall its operating environment upon return to the "normal on" state. Once the "main CPU low power state" has been set up, the system executes 605 in that state.
The transition of the system from the "main CPU/OS based low power" state to the "normal on" state, an embodiment of which is observed in
In response to the triggering event 607, the OS and applicable device drivers mark themselves 608 as being within the "normal on" state. The "normal on" state is then established/setup 609 (e.g., by granting various components to regulate their own power consumption, allowing the main CPU to operate in a higher performance/power consumption mode, re-activating "parked" application software programs and re-storing their context, re supplying various components with their proper supply power). Once the "normal on" state is established, the system executes 610 in the "normal on" state.
Because the main CPU/OS is powered/kept awake during the "main CPU/OS based low power" state, the main CPU and main OS are not put to sleep during a state transition process between the "normal on" state and the "main CPU/OS based lower power state". By contrast, the "non main CPU/OS" component of the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state indicates that main CPU/OS are put into an inactive state. As a consequence, transitioning to the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" involves putting the main CPU/OS into a sleep state. Generally, when the main CPU/OS "awakes" after being put to sleep, the initial phases of the "wake-up" process are similar to those processes that are executed when the entire computing system is first powered on as a whole or when the computing system comes out of a RESET condition. That is, basic BIOS software has to be loaded and executed along with the OS itself.
A principle difference, however, between a basic power up or RESET response and a return from a sleep state is that, when returning from a sleep state, the initial software loading process recognizes that the system is returning from a sleep state. This recognition, in turn, causes the reloading of the previously stored context. By contrast, when initializing from a basic power up or RESET, no such recognition or context exists. Here, one or more specific bits that are stored in specific looked for locations are used during the wake up process so that the system can determine whether it is initializing from a basic power up/RESET or a from a sleep state (and in various cases what type of sleep state the system is being awoken from). If one or more bits indicate that the system is returning from a sleep state the saved context is restored so that system can return to its original environment.
The existence of these looked for bits indicate that some limited amount of hardware associated with the CPU and/or memory controller and/or I/O controller function remains powered on during the time period in which the main CPU/OS is sleeping. An embodiment of this limited hardware is observed in
In various embodiments the circuit used for recovery from a sleep state (such as the circuit of
Referring now to
When the system is entering a traditional non operational sleep state, both the "SLP_EN" and "SLP_TYP" bits 712, 713 are used by the wake/up sleep logic 701 to establish the appropriate power supply voltage scheme within the computing system. That is, each type of traditional sleep state mode may have its own unique power supply voltage scheme (e.g., some components may have supply removed, some components may have power supply voltage reduced, etc.). Output 709 is used to implement the proper power supply scheme for the indicated traditional sleep mode. Note that if a particular sleep mode scheme logically disables one or more components rather than tweaking their power supply voltage (e.g., by shutting down an input clock, activating a disable bit, etc.), wake up/sleep logic 701 and output 709 may be used for disablement purposes as well.
The "NMC/O_EN" bit 710 is written to when the system is transitioning from the "main CPU/OS based low power" state 304 to the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state 305. Here, because the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state may have its own unique power supply voltage scheme (e.g., as to what specific components have their supply power removed, reduced, etc.), in one embodiment, the wake up/sleep logic 701 has a special "NMC/O_EN" input bit 710 to indicate that the power supply scheme specific to the "non main CPU/based lower power state" is to be engaged.
In an alternate embodiment the notion of "sleep", even within the "non CPU/OS based lower power" state, is marked by the "SLP_EN" and "SLP_TYP" bits 712, 713 (e.g., by using a unique/heretofore unused combination of SLP_TYP bits to signify the "non main CPU/OS based" state). Here, the "NMC/O_EN" bit can be used as additional information that, when set, informs the wake up/sleep logic 701 that "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state is being transitioned to. Regardless, the output 709 is used to establish the proper power scheme. Again, note that if the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state 305 logically disables one or more components rather than tweaking their power supply voltage (e.g., by shutting down an input clock, activating a disable bit, etc.), wake up/sleep logic 701 and output 709 may be used for disablement purposes as well.
The input bits 704, 714 to the multiple input OR gate 703 are wake event bits. That is, upon the arrival of an event sufficient to cause the main CPU/OS to be awoken from a traditional sleep state or the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state, at least one of these input bits 710, 714 is activated. This causes net 708 to become active; which, in turn, causes the WAK_STS bit 702 to become active. In response to the WAK_STS bit 702 being active, the main CPU/OS recognizes that it is being awoken from a sleep state; and, then, may look to bits 704, 714 to further recognize why the system was awoken. Moreover, depending on implementation, the main CPU/OS can recognize that it is being awoken from the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state by reading the status of the NMC/O_EN bit 710 or the status of the NMC/O_STS bit 714.
Because the NMC/O_EN bit 710 is set active to enter the system into the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state, in one embodiment, bit 710 can be read during wake up in order to recognize that the system is waking up from the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state. Note that, in this case, bit 710 is a read/write bit in the sense that it can be both written to (for entry into the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state) and read from (for transition from the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state). In this particular case, the NMC/O_STS bit 714 is used simply to notify the circuitry of
In an alternate embodiment where the SLP_TYP bits 713 are used to indicate that the system is entering the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state (e.g., through a unique/heretofore unused combination of SLP_TYP bit settings), these same SLP_TYP bits are read from in order to recognize that the system is awaking from the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state. In another alternate embodiment, the system is configured to look to the NMC/O_STS bit 714 to recognize whether or not the system is waking from the "non CPU/OS based lower power" state (i.e., if bit 714 is active upon wake-up; then, the system is waking up from the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state). Bits 704 are "prior art" ACPI bits that correspond to traditional wake events (e.g., vis-�-vis the LID_STS bit, the opening of a laptop/notebook computer's previously closed lid).
As a consequence, the main CPU and OS are put to sleep 805. This involves: 1) preparing the OS and drivers for the transaction and the storing of context 803; and, 2) recording that the main CPU/OS is being put to sleep because it is entering the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state (e.g., by setting the NMC/O_EN bit 710 of
In response to the BIOS being loaded so as to initialize appropriate hardware, control of the system is handed off to the main OS which determines 809 whether or not the wake up event 807 corresponds to a transition from a traditional sleep state 303 or from the "non CPU/OS based lower power" state 305. Here, depending on implementation, the main OS can refer to bits 712, 710 and/or 714 of
Here, if the non main CPU/OS lower power subsystem includes a processor that executes software (as explained in more detail below with respect to
Note that, bit 710 of
Non Main CPU/OS Based Lower Power State Hardware and Software Design
By contrast more elaborate non main CPU/OS state 305 hardware implementations are presently envisioned that can be viewed as lower power/lower performance computing systems having identifiable software and I/O.
Hence, according to the embodiment of
Apart from the distinctive features highlighted just above, note that the computing system used to implement the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state may also share various I/O units with the main CPU/OS computing system. In the embodiment of
In one embodiment, interfaces 910, 912, 914 and 916 (which are inactive during the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state) respectively correspond to: 1) for interface 910, a serial port interface (in which case MODEM 909 may further correspond to a V.90 MODEM 909); 2) for interface 912, a USB interface for an IEEE 802.11 based network interface card; 3) for interface 914, a serial interface for a General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) wireless modem; for 4) for interface 916, an ATA-100 interface for an IDE Hard disk Drive (HDD). In further embodiments, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface that emanates from the I/O controller portion of the memory and I/O control function 903 (not shown in
In another embodiment the system bus 923 can be the same system bus 907. In this case the main CPU 901 can access devices 908 1 to 908 N in addition to the Controller 917 while in the "normal on" State 301. However the Controller 917 can then access devices 908 1 to 908 N through the system bus 923/907 (which in this embodiment is the same bus, but not shown in
Note that the non main CPU/OS system may include its own distinctive user interface 925. The embodiment of
Examples of data which could be accessed on this closed lid user interface are calendar, contact and to do information; commonly referred to as Personal Information Management (PIM) data; however it is not limited to this type of data and can include any information which might be important for an end user that uses a notebook computer in a "closed lid" state (e.g. current sales data for a traveling salesperson). Additionally the overall computing system may allow for the control of functions within the notebook through a closed lid user interface. An example of this could be the playing of MP3 music files stored on the computer through a wireless headset. In this case the user could control the playing of music (song selection, volume, and other attributes) through the closed lid user interface.
Referring back to
The right hand side of
Application software 1005, 1006 may also reside on the non main CPU/OS computing system. Application software can typically broken down into two types: 1) data storage 1005 (which is directed to the use/management of stored data); and, 2) functional 1006 (which are directed to useful functions to be performed by the underlying controller 917).
As with typically software environments, the non main CPU/OS computing system applications 1005, 1006 interface with the non main CPU/OS computing system operating system through an API 1001.
When in the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state, the non main CPU/OS computing system (including software components 1001 through 1006) operates independently. Also, because the main CPU/OS is inactive during the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state, software components 1007 through 1012 that run on the main CPU/OS are likewise inactive. However, when the overall system is within the "normal active" state or the "main CPU/OS based low power state" various software components that run on the main CPU/OS are active; and, moreover, because the non main CPU/OS computing system remains active during either of these states, the software from both systems may work together as a cooperative whole.
For example, by being cognizant of certain resources that are under the control of the non main CPU/OS computing system, the main CPU/OS side software may be configured to "use" these resources. For example, software routines on the main CPU/OS computing system may be configured to utilize data storage or memory resources that are distinctive to the non main CPU/OS computing system (e.g., such as units 918, 921 and 922 of
In order for the main CPU/OS software 1007 through 1012 to "work with" the non main CPU/OS software 1001 through 1006, such software may send messages to the non main CPU/OS controller 917 to request certain actions or can pass data objects for storage 1003. The application software may again be broken down into data applications 1009, 1010 and functional applications 1013, 1011. However, some of these applications 1009, 1013 may be pre-written with an understanding that resources on a non-main CPU/OS computing system are available; whereas, other (e.g., older "legacy") software applications 1010, 1011 may have been written without any recognition or cognizance that such resources exist. For those software applications of the later type, "proxy" software 1007, 1008 that acts as a "glue layer" may be used to force or otherwise cause the legacy applications to be able to operate cooperatively with the non main CPU/OS system resources. Functional blocks 1002, 1003 and 1004 allow the User to interact with the User Interface 925 to display PIM and other information or to control some functions like playing MP3 files. The manager 1002 accepts data objects which are then stored in the storage block 1003. These data objects represent data to be displayed on the user interface (PIM or other data) and originate in data applications 1005, 1010 or 1009. The applications 1010 and 1007 operate in the "normal on" state 301 and are responsible for providing data objects to be stored in storage 1003 through the API 1001 via the Manager 1002. Examples of Legacy Data Applications 1010 are present versions of Outlook™ and Lotus Notes™ which contain PIM data but have no knowledge of how to create data objects that the User Interface 1004 can understand or how to move these objects to the Storage 1003. The Proxy Application 1007 is responsible for this function, and essentially pulls the appropriate date from the Legacy application, formats it into the correct data object, and then passes these data objects to the Manager 1002 via the API 1001 to be stored by the Storage 1003. In the future these types of applications will build in these exporting functions and are represented by the Data Application 1009.
Functions that will operate in the "main CPU/OS based" state 304 and are controlled by this user interface 925/1004 include applications 1011, 1008 and 1013. Again Legacy Function represents something that is unaware of the non-main CPU/OS functions, and therefore require a main CPU/OS Proxy driver to interface with these functions. An example of one such application is a legacy media player which can play music files. In this case a proxy application 1008 can be written to allow the User Interface 1004 to control this application while in the main CPU/OS based state 304. This application would allow the user to control playing of media songs stored on the subsystems available in the main CPU/OS based state 304 and then output through some audio interface. In the future these types of applications will build in these proxy functions and are represented by the Function Application 1013.
Functions that operate in the non main CPU/OS based state 305 reside on the right side of the diagram. The User Interface 1004 is responsible for reacting to user button presses (Keyboard/Buttons 920) and then displaying the data objects on the Display 919. Embedded within the data objects are navigation commands that tell the User Interface which objects to display next based on which button is pressed. Additionally the Manager will allow the user to control MP3 playback through an MP3 non main CPU/OS based lower power state Function Apps 1006; which is responsible for getting the MP3 file from storage 1003, decoding the file and sending the output through a Bluetooth interface to a wireless headset.
An example of a data storage application 1005 is an application that connects back to an enterprise server to retrieve new PIM data objects which can then be put in Storage 1003 for access by the user through the User Interface 1004. In this case the application 1005 would access these new data objects through a wireless communication device operating in the non main CPU/OS based state 305 (such as the WLAN 911 or WWAN 913)
At point in time T2 a call is made into the cordless telephone and no one answers. As a consequence a transition into the "main CPU/OS based low power state" 504, 1102 is caused to realize the answering machine function. Over a time period T3, the answering machine function answers the phone, plays a message to the caller, records the callers message and causes an LED to repeatedly flash on the user interface that is distinctive to the non main CPU/OS computing system (e.g., LED 924 of
Upon completion of the above functions, at time T4, the overall computing system transitions back into the "non main CPU/OS based lower power" state 505, 1103. At time T5, with the LED continuing to flash (i.e., it does not stop flashing until the user listens to the recorded message), the phone again rings. However, this time, the user answers the phone and recognizes that the present call is in regard to a net meeting that needs to be established. The user presses a "net meeting" button found on the non main CPU/OS computing system user interface (e.g., associated with keyboards/buttons 920 of
The pressing of the "net meeting" button causes a first transition into the "main CPU/OS based lower power" state 505, 1104 and a second transition into the "normal on" state 501, 1105. In the "normal on" state, the caller ID of the incoming phone call and the resources of the main CPU/OS are utilized to establish a net meeting and perform work there under (e.g., by modifying a common document with another individual over the internet). The LED continues to flash under the control of the non main CPU/OS computing system because the user has still not listened to the recorded message.
It is also to be understood that because embodiments of the present teachings may be implemented as one or more software programs, embodiments of the present teachings may be implemented or realized upon or within a machine readable medium. A machine readable medium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine readable medium includes read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.); etc.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Original Image


text:
On Mass Effect, Part 2: Collaborative storytelling and the end.
By MSG 1 Comments
Yes this post contains spoilers for the Mass Effect series. All titles are fair game. You have been warned.
In part one of this reflection on the Mass Effect series, I retold the games' plot as I saw it: an epic love story set against a galaxy's struggle for survival. It's not a prerequisite for reading part 2, but it does serve as the basis for much of my argument presented here.
Let's cut to the chase: there is no possible ending BioWare could have devised for Mass Effect 3 that would have pleased everyone. The beauty of that series -- something that has been reaffirmed by the outrage surrounding the finale -- is the unique narrative each player builds throughout their 90-hour experience. It's all thanks to collaborative storytelling, with both the player and developer working to build each Shepard's story.
But that's only true to a degree. The greatest trick BioWare ever played was making you think you were somehow writing this story. While there are near infinite combinations of story beats and outcomes across the entirety of the series, each momentary decision is just as trivially presented as the final one: you stand at a crossroad with two, three or maybe, if your lucky, four possible paths. Take your pick.
The feeling of attachment and ownership over your Shepard is birthed out of a totality of your decisions. Your story isn't dictated solely by who you left behind on Virmire or whether or not you cheated on Liara during Mass Effect 2. Those individual moments, while some may be very weighty decisions, are just fractions of your Shepard's identity.
But there's a second layer of player driven storytelling that leads to ownership, one that takes place outside the game. Each unique story is informed by which characters, relationships, events and decisions most greatly resonate with the player. This isn't necessarily something we actively decide -- it's based on our own experiences, flaws and aspirations -- but it's at the core of Mass Effect. It's what propels us to save species and romance characters while rejecting others. This is where the player has the most influence on the story. Everything else is just picking and choosing from bits the developers have laid out for you.
Herein lies the problem with ending Mass Effect. Because the specifics of each player's story are so unique and personal, (no, not because you chose to cure the genophage, or let the Quarians wipe out the Geth. BioWare was perfectly capable of taking those things into account, and they did) there was really no way to craft a satisfying ending. The writers did what they could: creating an ending that wrapped up, both in narrative and theme, the events and conflicts that were common touchstones for all players, but many of the specifics that you or I might have identified with were left unresolved.
In my version of the story, Shepard is a hopeless romantic driven by his love for Liara. Sure, saving humanity and everybody else would be nice, but he really just wants to put all this war behind him and settle down on some remote planet. Even his final decision, to destroy the reapers, was driven by this (it's the only choice that gives Shepard a chance of surviving the ending).
With this romance being Shepard's main motivation, it's not surprising that I'd have liked a little more closure on that story thread. I just wanted some sort of acknowledgment that Liara, after stepping out of the downed Normandy, was just as concerned with reuniting as Shepard. Hell, I'd even have taken a knowing glance at the stars! (On second thought, that last one would have been pretty good actually; perhaps a bit cliché, but still subtle and effective.) All I got was a hazy memory of Liara as Shepard bumrushed that reactor thingy. Oh, and it wasn't even the first person he remembered. Admiral Anderson before the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with? Really?
My point is, these narratives we construct for our Shepard take control out of the hands of the developer. They've given us the tools -- the characters, the worlds, the choices -- and guided us along the way, but for many players, myself included, they actually did too good a job of masking that guiding hand. When the ending finally rolls along, it comes back and slaps us right in the face. Despite all the narrative control I was given, I didn't write these games and in the end this is just as much BioWare's story as it is mine.
That's the problem with the ending. We've been under the allure of collaborative storytelling for 90 hours, but an ending is definitive. We can bring all we want into it, but we can't mold it to cap the narrative we've built in a meaningful way. This dissonance and the disappointment it has created is understandable, but this is just something we're going to have to come to terms with.
If players really want games this deep, malleable and personally fulfilling, they're going to have to expect some disappointment. As much as it might seem like it, you're not actually writing this story. You can choose how to behave within it as a sort of digital actor and interpret its themes and characters as much as you want, but you're trapped within a playset the developer has built for you.
Collaborative storytelling is a partnership for sure, but one partner did all the work.