text:
It is September, and school is back in session for the students of the world. To help celebrate this right of passage, Charlaine Harris (and several other authors) has recently published a collection of short stories that have a school theme. The anthology is entitled "An Apple for a Creature" and contains what could possibly be the last short story from the Sookie universe, "Playing Possum" featuring Sookie and Hunter. In fact, Sookie and Hunter are the only existing characters we see in this story (Remy and Erin are mentioned but not a part of the story) and all happens during the school day. Yeah sure, Merlottes gets an honorable mention, with Sookie feeling the effects of working the night prior, but this story all takes place in Red Ditch. Sookie was bringing homemade cupcakes to Hunter's class to celebrate Labor Day. A normal activity, right?
But it would not be a normal day in the life of Sookie unless something goes terribly wrong. And it did, but not in the supernatural way. Sure, we have 2 telepaths and a witch (substitute teacher for Hunter's class. She also has met Amelia) but it was the human ex boyfriend of the school secretary who shows up at the elementary school.
With a gun.
This story was aptly named "Playing Possum", for that was what Sookie did while this mad man roamed the halls looking to kill his ex girlfriend. It was really intense, the waiting. Waiting on the floor pretending to be dead/injured. Waiting for the police to show up. Waiting and hoping to make sure the children are hidden and safe. Waiting while the principle (who was shot) continues to bleed. Waiting for the right moment to help take the gunman down. This moment is a collaborative effort between Sookie communicating via Hunter to his witch teacher Ms Sabrina Yarnell who used her powers (and a few well thrown apples) to assist the police woman in arresting the gunman.
The story ends with the gunman in custody, the parents rushing to the school. We also see the resilience of the kids through this ordeal as they start dealing with what happened. Some with tears, some willing to be distracted with song and cupcakes. And one with a well aimed apple at his fellow classmate.
Now, I need to deal with my reactions to this story.
This story could possibly have been the most scariest thing I have ever read… and Vampires, Weres or shifters were not even mentioned in this short story. As a member of the generation who has seen the aftermath of Columbine, the DC Sniper terror, the Virginia Tech shootings, and most recently Aurora, Colorado… this story hits very close to home. Yes, this is a work of fiction, but the chills you may feel reading this story won't be of the happy variety. Whether Charlaine meant to or not, she has taken on a very serious subject matter. This may be a story that many are not ready to read, but I am glad Charlaine has done so.
All and all, it is always good to slip back into the Sookie universe and spend time with our favorite telepathic barmaid/bar owner.
Now if only we can have an Eric side story, while waiting for the final book. I say side story cause there is nothing short about him.
For those who have read "Playing Possum", what are your reactions? Please share below.
If you have not had a chance to read it yet, you can pick up a copy at your local book store or order online at places like Barnes and Noble or Amazon.


text:
'The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'
Albert Einstein
This message board is only an archive. Click here to go to the current message board.
'The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.'
Albert Einstein
Insanity is inherited. You get it from your kids. I don't know who originated that one, but my mother told it to me. She was kidding, of course.
"Some people are like slinkies. Not really good for anything but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs" -Unknown
"At midnight all the agents
And the superhuman crew
Go out and round up everyone that knows more than they do."
Bob Dylan
Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans - John Lennon
War doesn't determine who is right - just who is left Bertrand Russel
"Attitude determines altitude."
--- Unknown
I'm really not a big fan of Thomas Jefferson (one of my least favorite Presidents), but these are some pretty good quotes.
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. -Thomas Jefferson
"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms..disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed one." - Thomas Jefferson quoting Cesare Beccaria, Criminologist in 1764. That was 230 years ago. -Thomas Jefferson
"The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it." -Thomas Jefferson
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.-Thomas Jefferson
I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.-Thomas Jefferson
Power is not alluring to pure minds.-Thomas Jefferson
Most bad government has grown out of too much government.-Thomas Jefferson
What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?-Thomas Jefferson
I think myself that we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious.-Thomas Jefferson
A free people [claim] their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate.-Thomas Jefferson
The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first.-Thomas Jefferson
Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
WebMD Health News
Daniel J. DeNoon
Reviewed by
Louise Chang, MD
Dec. 3, 2012 -- A major revision to the diagnostic "bible" -- which defines what is and what is not a mental illness -- has the final approval of the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
The approval means the final draft of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, will be official when it is published in May 2013.
Ten years in the making, the rewritten manual has been embroiled in controversy. One outspoken critic is Allen J. Frances, MD, chair of the task force that developed the previous edition, DSM-IV.
In a critique published online by Psychology Today, Frances calls the DSM-5 "deeply flawed," with "changes that seem clearly unsafe and scientifically unsound."
The APA defends the DSM-5 as the work of more than 1,500 experts in all fields of psychiatry and psychology from 39 countries.
"We have produced a manual that best represents the current science and will be useful to clinicians and the patients they serve," Dilip Jeste, MD, president of the APA, says in a news release.
Something called "psychotic risk syndrome," one of the most controversial proposed diagnoses, was dropped from the final draft. "Hypersexual disorder" (sex addiction) was also rejected, although the new manual opens the door to "behavioral addictions."
The APA points to several key decisions for the DSM-5, including:
SOURCES:DSM-5 web site.American Psychiatric Association web site.News release, American Psychological Association.Frances, A.J. Psychology Today, published online Dec. 2, 2012.
Here are the most recent story comments.View All
© 2015 Ramar Communications |
Site Map |
Terms Of Use |
Privacy Statement |
Copyright & Trademark Notice |
EEO Report |
FCC Public Files |
Closed Captioning |


text:
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
© Copyright 2015 Gwinnett Daily Post
ATLANTA - Delta Air Lines is imposing new or higher fees on a host of travelers, including frequent fliers, passengers traveling with pets and people booking their tickets over the phone.The fee changes, which go into affect Tuesday, come as Delta and its competitors try to boost revenue to offset record fuel prices. Delta did not say how much revenue it expected from the fee changes, but the parent company of United Airlines said new luggage fees would generate more than $100 million annually. The industry has had mixed success with fare increases. ""Desperate people do desperate things,' said Minneapolis airline expert Terry Trippler. Betsy Talton, a spokeswoman for Delta Air Lines Inc., the country's third-largest carrier, said Delta's additional fees are largely in response to fuel prices and said that the most recent attempts by Delta to raise fares ""have not been successful because there's also a need for Delta to be competitive.' Talton said Delta continuously reviews all aspects of its business ""to make sure our business model is aligned with current costs.' She said she did not know how much extra revenue the airline expected to generate annually from the fee changes.
More like this story
- Delta to reward frequent flier miles based on ticket price ( February 26, 2014 )
- Airline to charge for first checked luggage ( May 22, 2008 )
- American, Delta lead several carriers into boosting fares ( November 4, 2006 )
- Airlines collected $3.4B in bag fees in 2010 ( June 13, 2011 )
- Fee-weary air travelers get a break for now ( April 19, 2010 )


text:
Do you know what day it is today?
...It's beer day.
My Dearly Beloved has arrived home from her annual cross border shopping foray, and with her came my allotment of 24 bottles of Miller High Life.
It was back in April of 1978, my older brother and l were spring skiing at Marmot Basin In Jasper Alberta. We had just finished our last run and were in the parking lot with a bunch of friends from home who were also at the hill that weekend. Somebody had a dozen Miller High Life, which was odd as there was no beer strike, hence a healthy selection of domestic beer was available. I had two beers, and no two beers previous to or since, have tasted as good as those two Miller High Life.
Miller is now brewed under license here in Canada, and MGD is pretty much my domestic beer of choice. For the past three years, my Wife has gone on a bus tour to partake in the blood sport that has become shopping in Great Falls Montana on Black Friday. Each trip she brings me home a 24 of the Champagne of Beer. I have come to refer to this as Beer day, and l celebrate it most enthusiastically.
Happy Beer Day to all.
Re: Do you know what day it is today?
I'll drink to that!
...and Miller Beer has no preservatives in it, nice!
Re: Do you know what day it is today?
Just got home from work and have cracked a beer in honour of this thread.
Although I really fail to see why every day can't be beer day.......lord knows I try. After all, I've only ever had two kinds of beer........good and better!!
Re: Do you know what day it is today?
1 Attachment(s)
Buddha approves the High Life!
Re: Do you know what day it is today?
mmmmmm Beer Day.....
My favorite is whatever is in my hand.
|All times are GMT +2. The time now is 02:45 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2015, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Bernhard Castiglioni's DRUMMERWORLD.com


text:
Gear Review
Must have Marathon gear?
Im slowly replacing my M frame with Radar, and you guys were one of the first companies to carry replacement lens! I got my fav VR28. If it get dirty, just wipe on the shirt (I dont use cotton shirt, my wicking ones ), and the lens looks as new. That ease of maintenance is nothing compare to M frame, which usually end up on my head after mile 13 on marathon. Highly recommended!
View More Details on Oakley Radar Path Replacement Lenses


text:
Byrne Sign Supply, Inc. has been selling to sign makers in the Cleveland and Northeastern Ohio area since 1961, providing the area with quality sign supplies and great technical support. We charge a flat $20.00 shipping and $8.00 handling fee per order within the Continental U.S.
We have selected a number of high quality sign and art supply products to feature on our website:
FDC Intermediate Vinyl Products
• Ultra High Gloss Vinyl Film [FDC4200/4250]
FDC Intermediate Print Media Products
• Intermediate Calendered, Air Advantage™ Adhesive [FDC7233]
• Intermediate Calendered Vinyl Film [FDC7242]
• Economy Calendered Vinyl Film [FDC7246]
• Intermediate Calendered Vinyl Film, Grey Adhesive [FDC7247]
• Perforated Window Calendered Vinyl Film, Removable Adhesive [FDC7260]
• Intermediate Calendered Translucent Vinyl Film [FDC7270]
Vinyl Banners
• Bandanna Banner
• Ready2Print Digital Banners
• FDC7503 Promotional Scrim PVC Banner - 13 OZ.
FDC Premium Vinyl Products
• High Performance Vinyl Film [FDC2100/2200]
• High Performance Engineered Film [FDC2301/2351]
• Premium Ultra Metallic Vinyl Film [FDC3700/3750]
• Premium Cast 3M™ Scotchcal™ ElectroCut™ Vinyl Film [FDC7125/7175]
• Premium Cast 3M™ Scotchcal™ ElectroCut™ Vinyl Film [FDC7725/7775]
FDC Translucent Vinyl Products
• Premium Translucent Vinyl Film [FDC2500/2550]
• Premium Cast Translucent Vinyl Film [FDC3630/3680]
• Premium Cast, Translucent Vinyl Film [FDC7116]
FDC Reflective Vinyl Products
• Flexible Engineer Grade Reflective Film [FDC2407/2457]
• 3M™ Flexible Reflective Film [FDC6800/6850]
FDC Premium Print Media Products
• High Performance Wrap, Air Advantage™ Adhesive [FDC7133]
• Premium Grade Reflective Vinyl Film [FDC7300]
FDC Digital Laminate Products
• Laminate: Premium Cast [FDC7000]
• Laminate: Premium Cast, Optically Clear Adhesive [FDC7004]
• Laminate: Premium Cast, Wrap [FDC7006]
• Laminate: Intermediate Calendered [FDC7010]
3M Products
• Premium Cast Translucent Vinyl Film [FDC3630/3680]
• 3M™ 680 Scotchlite™ Flexible Reflective Film [FDC6800/6850]
• Premium Cast 3M™ Scotchcal™ ElectroCut™ Vinyl Film [FDC7125/7175]
• Premium Cast 3M™ Scotchcal™ ElectroCut™ Vinyl Film [FDC7725/7775]
• RLA4075 High-Tack Application Tape [FDC2614]
• 3M™ Double Coated Urethane Foam Tape [FDC4016]
Our knowledgeable staff can help you with technical questions about the supplies we sell. Technical service has set us apart from other local and nationwide sign supply companies. In the Cleveland and NE Ohio area, we take orders and inquiries at 216-781-4340 and can make local deliveries when possible.


text:
CHURUBUSCO ŌĆö It wasnŌĆÖt a trip to the local immunization clinic, but it was close.
The town of Churubusco, like other Indiana municipalities, had some sick trees. After giving some of them a shot, the town announced most have made a startling recovery.
In 2005, the Emerald Ash Borer, an inch-long green beetle native to Asia, became a growing problem in Churubusco and other regions, spreading through the state as it killed ash trees. Recently, the Churubusco town council approved monies to save some of the most vital trees in the park.
COLUMBIA CITY ŌĆö Tonight twelve young women from Whitley County will establish themselves as part of Distinguished Young Women history.
The annual program will begin at 7 p.m. at Columbia City High SchoolŌĆÖs Newell Rice Auditorium and will feature individual talent acts as well as a group fitness routine.
COLUMBIA CITY ŌĆö Grace Lutheran Church has had a food pantry ministry for a number of decades, but a dwindling amount of donations is causing the church to come up with a different way to help people.
Church officials said there has been a reduction in funds and donations to the amount of 75 percent, compared to last year.
The church could have opted to close its doors completely, but an alternative will soon be offered. A voucher system, made in part by the Community Harvest Food Bank in Fort Wayne, is the churchŌĆÖs answer to the growing need to feed the hungry.
SOUTH WHITLEY ŌĆö South Whitley is planning on making a plan.
What started as rumblings by several residents earlier in the summer is shaping up to become what some hope is a road map to making the Southwestern Whitley County town a true success story.
ŌĆ£This summer I met with leaders from the town of South Whitley in my capacity as the community development person from the EDC (Whitley County Economic Development Corporation,ŌĆØ said Lori Shipman, one of the countyŌĆÖs foremost experts on grant writing and economic development.
BUTLER ŌĆö More than just water rained on EastsideŌĆÖs football field Friday night.
Churubusco reigned over the Northeast Corner Conference foes, winning 54-0, and remaining undefeated after four games.
In the last 96 minutes of play, the Eagles have not only had the lead against their opponents, but havenŌĆÖt allowed a single point to make the scoreboard.
After a strong 42-0 win last week over Prairie Heights last week, Churubusco outdid itself against Eastside, scoring eight touchdowns, despite the rainy weather.
The Eagles host Angola next week.
NORTH MANCHESTER ŌĆö Friday night was a soaking, muddy scuffle for WhitkoŌĆÖs football team as it fought hard against the Manchester Squires, falling just short of a victory with a final score of 13-10.
It was a somber moment, as the clock ran out and the boys sat in their half crescent around Head Coach Swender. ŌĆ£Boys,ŌĆØ he said, ŌĆ£we have two choices: We can go down, or come Monday, we can go back up.ŌĆØ
Next week, the Wildcats take on the Wabash Apaches in their homecoming game.
COLUMBIA CITY ŌĆö The rain came early in Friday nightŌĆÖs Columbia City home football game against Northeast Hoosier Conference foe Homestead, and with them came a flood of Eagle offensive woes.
With leading rusher Adam Neely on the sidelines in a cast, the Eagles were victimized for seven interceptions and had extreme difficulty finishing drives against the Spartans. The end result was a 41-6 loss for the Eagles.
On a wet night, Columbia City finished the contest with eight turnovers, and it was the first of those turnovers that helped give the Spartans the early lead.


text:
Sue Williams
1st Floor, Gallery 16
Sue Williams admits to making self-reflective art. She re-presents life experiences in large scale paintings and small drawings. While her works suggest the immediacy of a personal view, they explore a much bigger world of psychology, sexuality, and how to negotiate life as a woman. She does not set out to make feminist art but acknowledges that by expressing views on femininity, on being a woman living at this point in time, she places herself within the same bracket. She is not shy of reflecting the dilemmas of being an empowered woman in society today, (her society is Wales and the UK), when the characteristics of such freedom can be seen as flirtatious, flaunting and downright challenging.
More traditionally the acts of painting and drawing are fundamental to how Sue Williams approaches her art. She sees that drawing is an activity that enables her 'to extract ideas / images from my mind at a rapid pace'. Her paintings are larger than life at 8 square feet and their style reveals the physical nature of making them. Words, materials and objects are applied to the canvas to enhance the sense of physicality both as artworks and as a reflection of the stuff of life.


text:
By Jim GaramoneAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2001 Iraq has grown increasingly aggressive in trying to down a coalition aircraft, a Pentagon spokesman said July 31.
Rear Adm. Craig Quigley said the volume of fire is up "significantly" from last year. In the area encompassed by Operation Southern Watch, there were 221 Iraqi provocations of coalition aircraft in all of 2000. In just seven months of 2001, there have been 370 provocations. In the Northern Watch area, there were 145 provocations in 2000 and 62 this year.
These numbers also include Iraqi violations of the no-fly zones.
Quigley said "provocation" means missiles or anti-aircraft artillery fired or Iraqi radars "painting" -- locking onto -- coalition aircraft. He said Saddam Hussein has offered a reward for gunners who down a coalition aircraft. The Iraqis seem to be getting bolder, he noted. Last week, Iraqi gunners launched a surface-to-air missile at a U-2 reconnaissance plane. Earlier, Iraq even shot at a Navy E-2 Hawkeye plane flying over Kuwait.
Patrolling the southern and northern no-fly zones over Iraq is dangerous business, Quigley said.
"The Iraqis bring a variety of techniques to their integrated air defense system," he said. "Sometimes (the Iraqis) are closer (to hitting a coalition aircraft), sometimes they are further away. I'd be hard-pressed to make an across-the-board assessment of their capabilities."
For years, Saddam has offered a reward for crews that shoot down a coalition aircraft. The number cited most often is $1 million.
The United States "reserves the right to strike targets at a time and a place and a manner of our choosing," Quigley said. In the Southern Watch area, the United States launched strikes on Iraq 32 times in fiscal 2000. This year the number is 19. In the Northern Watch area, the United States launched strikes on Iraqi targets on 48 days in 2000 and seven times this year.


text:
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
What happened in Bulgaria, stays in Bulgaria
It is in the nature of much evangelistic endeavour that the more we make fools of ourselves, the more God may choose to use us. I'm not sure why but I guess its a matter of pride. There are countless photos that document some of this folly for the sake of the gospel. David Long will undoubtedly publish them but for now I must hold off.
Click to view Dave Long's Team Photo at Veliko Tornovo
In the tradition of one of the greatest films of all time we felt obliged to decree together, that "What Happened in Bulgaria, stays in Bulgaria". Whilst tales of us may not be told, let us echo the spirit of Acts 14v27 and speak loudly of what God did through us, opening doors of faith in Bulgaria. Kath and Ed and Dave will undoubtedly recount some of the stories....
That said, I'm a fallen sinful blogger so I probably wont be able to resist telling the tales, and publishing humiliating photos of myself, Kath Arnold, Lou Waddington, Matt Chen, Dancing Dave Long, Colin Tomsett, Ed Goode, Jonny Richards, Tom Riches and Anneli Van Wyk... see you all at Forum guys... [ -except Lou :( ]
Listening to: Chris Tomlin, Arriving.
(nice to have my music back!)
3 comments:
What happened in Bulgarai, stays in Bulgaria - amen to that!! Tho I'm already starting to miss not daily making a fool out of myself... or making others make fools of themselves in the name of teaching english and narnia! *sigh* nice photos bishReplyDelete
yeah, i know what you mean... having some time off is nice but it was great out there too.ReplyDelete
I'll second that Lou; I'm starting to miss bulgarian life. Finding it very hard to settle back into the British culture. I might have to release "God Save our Tea" to the UK Charts.ReplyDelete
It was fantastic seeing God work through myself and the team.
Photos are being uploaded to http://www.david-long.co.uk/bulgaria (still sorting out all 1200 photos, so still uploading and sorting).
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
About Sketch Fest~ The History of Sketch Fest
Log In or Register
Registration and login are optional!
Sketch Fest #65:Sketches ~ Prompts
Finished Work
Available Sketches
Previous Sketch Fests
See your Shopping Cart
Donate to get more spiffy features:
Steampunk Wingsby Christina Davis
Prompt: Steampunk Wings
I used my cat as a model for this. Thought it would be funny.
Tash Godfrey says: ~ Reply?
Tash Godfrey says: Oops, first attempt at comment failed...anyways... ~ Reply?
Jenny Heidewald says: *heeheehee8 that is funny and cute! I gotta wonder though, will that kitty fall over as soon as it tries to go anywhere? I am thinking of a funny video I have seen where the cat hates a sweater it is wearing so it just kind of falls over after the people stand it up. :D ~ Reply?
mikka says: What couldn't a flying cat get into? Nifty markings -- pretty cat! ~ Reply?
Christina Davis says: I am thinking my cat imagines having a flying suit like this. She is such a curious cat, always getting into things. Always looking at my studio shelves thinking, "one day, I will make it up there.: lol! ~ Reply?
|<< (Previous)
Wyvern Cat
|(Next) >>


text:
This month, Arkansas Securities Commissioner A. Heath Abshure wraps up his one-year term as president of the North American Securities Administrators Association. He spoke with Associate Editor Mason Braswell about what he accomplished, what is left on the table and the next steps for the organization, which includes regulators from the United States, Canada and Mexico.
All On Wall Street articles are archived after 7 days. REGISTER NOW for unlimited access to all recently archived articles, as well as thousands of searchable stories. Registered Members also gain access to exclusive industry white paper downloads, web seminars, blog discussions, the iPad App, CE Exams, and conference discounts. Qualified members may also choose to receive our free monthly magazine and any of our daily or weekly e-newsletters covering the latest breaking news, opinions from industry leaders, developing trends and growth strategies.


text:
Colorado Division of Property Taxation
JoAnn Groff, Property Tax Administrator
The Division coordinates and administers the implementation of property tax law throughout the 64 counties. It operates under the leadership of the property tax administrator, who is appointed by the State Board of Equalization (state board).
In promoting equalization of property valuation for property tax purposes and providing assistance to county assessors, the DPT's activities are divided into several sections which are listed below:
Administrative Resources Section prepares and publishes administrative manuals, administrative procedures and instructions. It conducts schools and seminars regarding the administrative functions of the assessors' offices. It conducts field studies and provides statewide assistance in title conveyance, mapping, abstracting valuations, certification of values to taxing entities, and feasibility studies; and the section investigates taxpayer complaints. It is responsible for various studies and reports such as the residential assessment rate study and the property tax administrator's annual report to the General Assembly and state board. It also coordinates with agencies that have an interest in property taxation. In addition, the field staff work closely with assessors in all areas of property taxation.
Appraisal Standards Section prepares and publishes appraisal manuals, appraisal procedures and instructions. It conducts schools and seminars regarding all areas of appraisal. It conducts field studies; provides statewide assistance in agricultural land classification, natural resources and personal property valuation in addition to assistance in the valuation of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The section assists in reappraisal efforts, reviews internal appraisal forms used by assessors, and investigates and responds to taxpayer complaints.
Exemptions Section is responsible for determining qualification for exemption from property taxation for properties that are owned and used for religious, charitable, and private school purposes. Currently exempt property owners are required to file annual reports with the DPT in order to continue exemption. The section provides assistance to counties and taxpayers with inquiries about exempt properties, conducts hearings on denied exemption applications and revocations of exemption, and defends appeals of such denials and revocations.
State Assessed Properties Section values all public utilities and rail transportation companies doing business in Colorado. The company valuations are then apportioned to the counties for collection of the local property tax. The section conducts research projects in connection with state assessed companies, assists counties and taxpayers with inquiries on the assessment of public utilities and rail transportation companies, hears protests of the assigned values, and defends appeals of such valuations.


text:
The present invention relates to electronic circuits that retain identical functionality and performance under RAM and hard-wire ROM fabrication options. An integrated circuit (IC) providing identical functionality and performance in two selectable fabrication options, wherein: a first selectable option comprises a user configurable circuit; and a second selectable option comprises a hard-wired circuit in lieu of said user configurable circuit. Such a programmable to hard-wire conversion provides a significant IC cost reduction at minimal NRE cost and improved reliability.
1. An integrated circuit (IC) comprising:
a first selectable fabrication option comprised of a user configurable memory circuit; and
a second selectable fabrication option comprised of a hard-wired circuit in lieu of said user configurable memory circuit;
wherein, the IC functionality and performance is substantially identical for a given configuration utilizing the first or second fabrication options.
2. The IC of
3. The IC of
4. The IC of
an input said input received at an input-pad; and
an output, said output generated at an output-pad; and
an input to output signal propagation delay, said delay substantially identical between said first and said second selectable fabrication options.
5. The IC of
a power-bus connection to replace a logic one in said configurable memory circuit; and
a ground-bus connection to replace a logic zero in said configurable memory circuit.
6. The IC of
7. The IC of
8. A programmable logic device (PLD) comprising:
two selectable memory construction options to control logic circuits, wherein:
a first selectable option comprises a random access memory (RAM) construction; and
a second selectable option comprises a hard-wire read only memory (ROM) construction;
wherein, the logic circuits construction comprises one or more masking patterns that are invariant to the memory construction options.
9. The device of
10. The device of
11. The device of
an input, said input received at an input-pad; and
an output, said output generated at an output-pad; and
an input to output signal propagation delay, said delay substantially identical between said RAM and said ROM logic control options.
12. The device of
13. The device of
14. The device of
15. The device of
a logic one output to connect said two nodes; and
a logic zero output to disconnect said two nodes.
16. The device of
a hard-wire to power-bus to connect said two nodes; and
a hard-wire to ground-bus to disconnect said two nodes.
17. A configurable pass-gate logic element, to electrically couple two nodes in a programmable logic device (PLD), comprising:
a configuration circuit to configure the pass-gate logic element, said configuration achieved by a memory element in the configuration circuit, wherein the memory element construction comprises:
a first selectable option comprising a random access memory (RAM) construction; and
a second selectable option comprising a hard-wire read only memory (ROM) construction;
wherein, the pass-gate logic element construction comprises one or more masking patterns that are invariant to the memory construction options.
18. The element of
19. The element of
a power-bus ROM connection to replace a logic one in said RAM element; and
a ground-bus ROM connection to replace a logic zero in said RAM element.
20. The element of
This application is related to application Ser. No. 10/267,484 entitled "Methods for Fabricating Three-Dimensional Integrated Circuits", application Ser. No. 10/267,483 entitled "Three Dimensional Integrated Circuits", and application Ser. No. 10/267,511 entitled "Field Programmable Gate Array With Convertibility to Application Specific Integrated Circuit", all of which were filed on Oct. 8, 2002 and list as inventor Mr. R. U. Madurawe, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to electronic circuits that retain identical functionality and performance under Random Access Memory (RAM) and Hard-Wire Read Only Memory (ROM) fabrication options.
Traditionally, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) devices have been used in the integrated circuit (IC) industry to reduce cost, enhance performance or meet space constraints. The generic class of ASIC devices falls under a variety of sub classes such as Custom ASIC, Standard cell ASIC, Gate Array and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) where the degree of user allowed customization varies. In this disclosure the word ASIC is used only in reference to Custom and Standard Cell ASICs where the designer has to incur the cost of a full fabrication mask set. The term FPGA denotes an off the shelf programmable device with no fabrication mask costs, and Gate Array denotes a device with partial mask costs to the designer. The devices FPGA include Programmable Logic Devices (PLD) and Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLD), while the devices Gate Array include Laser Programmable Gate Arrays (LPGA), Mask Programmable Gate Arrays (MPGA) and a new class of devices known as Structured ASIC or Structured Arrays.
The design and fabrication of ASICs can be time consuming and expensive. The customization involves a lengthy design cycle during the product definition phase and high Non Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs during manufacturing phase. In the event of finding a logic error in the custom or semi-custom ASIC during final test phase, the design and fabrication cycle has to be repeated. Such lengthy correction cycles further aggravate the time to market and engineering cost. As a result, ASICs serve only specific applications and are custom built for high volume and low cost. The high cost of masks and unpredictable device life time shipment volumes have caused ASIC design starts to fall precipitously in the IC industry. ASICs offer no device for immediate design verification, no interactive design adjustment capability, and require a full mask set for fabrication.
Gate Array customizes pre-defined modular blocks at a reduced NRE cost by designing the module connections with a software tool similar to that in ASIC. The Gate Array has an array of non programmable (or moderately programmable) functional modules fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. To interconnect these modules to a user specification, multiple layers of wires are used during design synthesis. The level of customization may be limited to a single metal layer, or single via layer, or multiple metal layers, or multiple metals and via layers. The goal is to reduce the customization cost to the user, and provide the customized product faster. As a result, the customizable layers are designed to be the top most metal and via layers of a semiconductor fabrication process. This is an inconvenient location to customize wires. The customized transistors are located at the substrate level of the Silicon. All possible connections have to come up to the top level metal. The complexity of bringing up connections is a severe constraint for these devices. Structured ASICs fall into larger module Gate Arrays. These devices have varying degrees of complexity in the structured cell and varying degrees of complexity in the custom interconnection. The absence of Silicon for design verification and design optimization results in multiple spins and lengthy design iterations to the end user. The Gate Array evaluation phase is no different to that of an ASIC. The advantage over ASIC is in a lower upfront NRE cost for the fewer customization layers, tools and labor, and the shorter time to receive the finished product. Gate Arrays offer no device for immediate design verification, no interactive design adjustment capability, and require a partial mask set for fabrication. Compared to ASICs, Gate Arrays offer a lower initial cost and a faster turnaround to debug the design. The end IC is more expensive compared to an ASIC.
In recent years there has been a move away from custom, semi-custom and Gate Array ICs toward field programmable components whose function is determined not when the integrated circuit is fabricated, but by an end user "in the field" prior to use. Off the shelf FPGA products greatly simplify the design cycle and are fully customized by the user. These products offer user-friendly software to fit custom logic into the device through programmability, and the capability to tweak and optimize designs to improve Silicon performance. In an FPGA, a complex logic design is broken down to smaller logic blocks and programmed into logic blocks provided in the FPGA. Logic blocks contain multiple smaller logic elements. Logic elements facilitate sequential and combinational logic design implementations. Combinational logic has no memory and outputs reflect a function solely of present input states. Sequential logic is implemented by inserting memory in the form of a flip-flop into the logic path to store past history. Current FPGA architectures include transistor pairs, NAND or OR gates, multiplexers, look-up-tables (LUT) and AND-OR structures in a basic logic element. In a PLD the basic logic element is labeled a macro-cell. Hereafter the terminology logic element will include both logic elements and macro-cells.
For sequential logic designs, the logic element may also include flip-flops. A MUX based exemplary logic element described in Ref-1 (Seals & Whapshott) is shown in
Provision of this programmability is expensive in terms of Silicon real estate, but reduces design cycle time, time to solution (TTS) and upfront NRE cost to the designer. FPGAs offer the advantages of no NRE costs, fast turnaround (designs can be placed and routed on an FPGA in typically a few minutes), and low risk since designs can be easily amended late in the product design cycle. It is only for high volume production runs that there is a cost benefit in using the other two approaches. Compared to FPGA, an ASIC and Gate Array both have hard-wired logic connections, identified during the chip design phase. ASIC has no multiple logic choices and both ASIC and most Gate Arrays have no configuration memory to customize logic. This is a large chip area and a product cost saving for these approaches to design The larger Silicon area for programmability in an FPGA causes two events that aggravate cost: larger chip area leads to less total available die in a wafer, larger chip area has a higher chance of having a defect that will make it non-functional. Of the two events, the former is proportional to die area while the latter is exponential to die area and dominates the cost of the product. A full custom ASIC has customized logic functions which take less gate counts compared to Gate Arrays and FPGA configurations of the same functions. Thus, an ASIC is significantly smaller, faster, cheaper and more reliable than an equivalent gate-count FPGA. A Gate Array is also smaller, faster and cheaper compared to an equivalent FPGA. The trade-off is between time-to-market (FPGA advantage) versus low cost and better reliability (ASIC advantage). A Gate Array falls in the middle with an improvement in the ASIC NRE cost at a moderate penalty to product cost and performance. The killer defects found in the extra area for programmability in an FPGA compared to ASIC and Gate Array contribute to a significant portion of the extra cost the user has to bear for customer re-configurability of logic functions. A method to reduce an FPGA final die cost would greatly enhance the cost parity between an FPGA and an ASIC.
FPGA and Gate Array architectures are discussed in Hartmann et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,986), Carter (U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,216), Turner et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,768), El-Ayat et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,774), Freeman (U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,302), El Gamal et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,459), Freeman et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,406), Freeman et al (U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,316), Tsui et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,405), Trimberger et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,422), Wittig et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,208,163), Or-Bach (2001/0003428), Mendel (U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,065), Or-Bach (U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,789), et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,808), Agrawal et al. (2002/0186044), Sueyoshi at al. (2003/0001615) and Pugh et al. (2003/0085733). These patents disclose programmable AND/OR array, MUX and LUT structures and routing blocks to build logic blocks that are user configurable. The configuration memory element comprises multiple transistors. SRAM memory has six transistors in a cell. Single poly EEPROM has three transistors, one capacitor and one tunneling diode in a cell. In all cases the memory element together with a configuration circuit allows the user to program the device. This programmable overhead creates a significant cost burden due to enhanced Silicon area and killer defects compared to a non-configurable solution. Addition of redundant circuits in an FPGA to repair some faulty circuits is not sufficient to reduce the cost disparity. There is no provision in the referenced disclosures for a user to get to a lower cost solution from an FPGA without having to re-engineer the entire design to either a Gate Array or an ASIC platform.
Logic elements include programmable point to point connections. Four exemplary methods of programmable point to point connections, synonymous with programmable switches, between node A and node B are shown in
Most commercially available high density FPGA's use SRAM memory elements. A volatile six transistor SRAM based configuration circuit is shown in
For an emulation device, the cost of programmability is not the primary concern if such a device provides a migration path to a lower cost production solution. Today an FPGA migration to a Gate Array requires a new design to ensure timing closure. The FPGA and the Gate Array devices are completely different dies, manufactured with completely different mask sets, having identical functionality. A desirable migration path is to keep the timing of the original FPGA design intact. That would avoid valuable re-engineering time, prevent opportunity costs and save invaluable time to solution (TTS). Such a conversion is preferable in the same base die to avoid manufacturing logistics complexity, save on Silicon and system re-qualification costs and avoid implementation delays. Such a conversion should also realize a lower cost end product that is competitive with an equivalent standard cell ASIC or a Gate Array product in cost. Such an FPGA device will readily target applications that are cost sensitive, have short life cycles and demand medium volumes.
In one aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) providing identical functionality and performance in two selectable fabrication options, wherein: a first selectable option comprises a user configurable circuit; and a second selectable option comprises a hard-wired circuit in lieu of said user configurable circuit.
In a second aspect, a programmable logic device (PLD) comprising two selectable memory construction options to control logic, wherein: a first selectable option comprises a random access memory (RAM) construction; and a second selectable option comprises a hard-wire read only memory (ROM) construction.
In a third aspect, a configurable pass-gate logic element for a PLD, said pass-gate electrically coupling two nodes, said configuration achieved by a memory element, said memory element comprising two selectable construction options, wherein: a first selectable option constitutes a random access memory (RAM) construction; and a second selectable option constitutes a hard-wire read only memory (ROM) construction.
Implementations of the above aspects may include one or more of the following. A system design may be specified by the user in VHDL or Verilog design input language and synthesized to a gate-level netlist description. Synthesized netlist may be ported into a PLD, an FPGA, a Gate Array or used to construct a standard cell or custom ASIC. The final Integrated Circuit may include a programmable logic core to incorporate glue logic or other logic functions that could change at the last minute of system design. The programmable logic core may also provide some flexibility into otherwise a fixed IP Integrated Circuit to allow some degree of customer configurability. A PLD or an FPGA may include some fixed IP such as memory, adders, multipliers and I/O (Input/Output) to provide some standard features. Programmability in an FPGA and FPGA core is achieved by a configuration circuit that includes a memory module.
The memory in a first selectable construction is a Random Access Memory (RAM) module. The memory is one of volatile or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory includes DRAM, SRAM, and Optical cells, among other types of memory. Non-volatile memory includes fuses, anti-fuses, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, Ferro-electric, Electro-Chemical and Magnetic memory. The most common memory element is a six transistor SRAM cell. The memory element generates an output signal which controls the logic state of a pass-gate logic element. A pass-gate logic element is also known as a switch. A pass-gate is an NMOS transistor, or a PMOS transistor or a CMOS transistor pair that can electrically connect two points. Programming these pass-gate devices include forming one of either a conducting path or a non-conducting path in the connecting device. The configuration circuit consumes a large Silicon area. The larger area reduces the total die available in a wafer, increasing the die cost. The larger area is more prone to collecting a killer defect. The killer defects reduce the number of good die in a wafer, thus impacting the cost of a good die. The user benefits by the ability to configure circuits at the expense of a higher die cost. The RAM memory provides an off-the-shelf programmable device and saves TTS for the user.
The memory in a second selectable construction is a Read Only Memory (ROM). The ROM comprises hard-wire connections to power and ground buses. The ROM module cannot provide user configurability. The ROM is therefore generated by a finalized RAM pattern from the first selectable option. Both RAM and ROM options are provided in the same base Silicon die, with no changes to a majority of manufacturing mask sets and fabrication process. Both RAM and ROM elements control the very same logic gates. Each RAM pattern will generate a unique ROM pattern to duplicate identical logic functionality. Hard-wire ROM pattern may include coupling power-bus and ground-bus to pass-gate logic in lieu of RAM control signals. The ROM option may include one custom mask. The hard-wire ROM option may include two or more custom masks. The goal is to minimize the number of customized masks and to keep the non recurring engineering (NRE) costs to a minimum. Signal propagation wires and transistors are unchanged between the two memory options. There is no timing impact between the two options avoiding lengthy re-engineering time and cost. The die is identical between the two options avoiding re-qualification costs. There are only one or two custom masks in the ROM option, keeping the logistics involved in manufacturing RAM and ROM versions simple. The hard-wire ROM circuits mitigate the risk of killer defects in configuration circuits. The hard-wire ROM option uses less available logic choices, leaving unused circuits redundant. Unused circuits do not impact ROM die yield. ROM option provides an apparent defect density reduction and a higher yield. The ROM option provides a significant cost reduction for a RAM based FPGA.
Once the programming is finalized by the user, the programmable connections set by RAM bit pattern are fixed for most designs during product life cycle. Programmability is no longer needed and no longer valuable to the user. The user may convert the design to a lower cost hard-wire ROM circuit without altering the original RAM design. The programmed choices are mapped from RAM to hard-wire ROM. RAM outputs at logic one are mapped to ROM wires connected to power. RAM outputs at logic zero are mapped to ROM wires connected to ground. This may be done with a single metal mask. Such elimination of configuration circuits, including configuration memory, reduces the die cost of the ROM version. The propagation delays and critical path timing in the Integrated Circuit may be substantially identical between the two memory module options. Duplicated ROM pattern may be done with a customized thru-hole mask. Customization may be done with a thru-hole and a metal mask or a plurality of thru-hole and metal masks. Hard wire pattern improves reliability and reduces defect density of the final product. The ROM pattern provides a cost economical final product to the user at a very low NRE cost. The total solution provides a programmable and customized solution to the user in a single die.
The programmable circuits described constitute fabricating a VLSI IC product. The IC product is re-programmable in its initial stage with turnkey conversion to a one mask customized ASIC. The IC has reasonable cost parity with an ASIC cost and has initial off the shelf FPGA with re-programmability. The IC product offering occurs in two phases: the first phase is a generic PLD that has re-programmability contained in a programmable module, and a second phase is an ASIC that has the entire programmable module replaced by one or two customized hard-wire masks. Both FPGA version and turnkey custom ASIC has the same base die. No re-qualification is required by the conversion. The design and layout of these product families adhere to alterable memory concept: ensuring the functionality and timing of the product in its RAM and ROM canonicals. An easy turnkey customization of an end ASIC from an original programmable device would greatly enhance time to market, performance, product reliability and solution cost.
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Definitions: The terms wafer and substrate used in the following description include any structure having an exposed surface with which to form the integrated circuit (IC) structure of the invention. The term substrate is understood to include semiconductor wafers. The term substrate is also used to refer to semiconductor structures during processing, and may include other layers that have been fabricated thereupon. Both wafer and substrate include doped and undoped semiconductors, epitaxial semiconductor layers supported by a base semiconductor or insulator, SOI material as well as other semiconductor structures well known to one skilled in the art The term conductor is understood to include semiconductors, and the term insulator is defined to include any material that is less electrically conductive than the materials referred to as conductors.
The term module layer includes a structure that is fabricated using a series of predetermined process steps. The boundary of the structure is defined by a first step, one or more intermediate steps, and a final step. The resulting structure is formed on a substrate.
The term pass-gate refers to a structure that can pass a signal when on, and blocks signal passage when off. A pass-gate connects two points when on, and disconnects two points when off. A pass-gate can be a floating-gate transistor, an NMOS transistor, a PMOS transistor or a CMOS transistor pair. The gate electrode of pass-gate determines the state of the connection. A CMOS pass-gate requires complementary signals coupled to NMOS and PMOS gate electrodes. A control logic signal is connected to gate electrode of a pass-gate for programmable logic.
The term configuration circuit includes one or more configurable elements and connections that can be programmed for controlling one or more circuit blocks in accordance with a predetermined user-desired functionality. The configuration circuit includes the memory element and the access circuitry, herewith called memory circuitry, to modify said memory element. Configuration circuit does not include the logic pass-gate controlled by said memory element. In one embodiment, the configuration circuit includes a plurality of RAM circuits to store instructions to configure an FPGA. In another embodiment, the configuration circuit includes a first selectable configuration where a plurality of RAM circuits is formed to store instructions to control one or more circuit blocks. The configuration circuits include a second selectable configuration with a predetermined ROM conductive pattern formed in lieu of the RAM circuit to control substantially the same circuit blocks. The memory circuit includes elements such as diode, transistor, resistor, capacitor, metal link, wires, among others. The memory circuit also includes thin film elements. In yet another embodiment, the configuration circuits include a predetermined conductive pattern, contact, via, resistor, capacitor or other suitable circuits formed in lieu of the memory circuit to control substantially the same circuit blocks.
The term "horizontal" as used in this application is defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or surface of a wafer or substrate, regardless of the orientation of the wafer or substrate. The term "vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction as defined above. Prepositions, such as "on", "side", "higher", "lower", "over" and "under" are defined with respect to the conventional plane or surface being on the top surface of the wafer or substrate, regardless of the orientation of the wafer or substrate. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present invention attempts to realize a significant cost reduction in the conversion of RAM circuits to hard-wire ROM circuits. RAM circuits are useful for the user to configure circuits. ROM circuits have no user configurability. Such a RAM to ROM conversion needs to maintain the functionality and timing characteristics of the original RAM circuits, not change the die foot-print, simplify or maintain the fabrication process steps and have minimal customization cost. First a conversion method is described to map a user configured RAM pattern to a hard-wire ROM pattern. The method of conversion makes no impact to timing and functionality of logic in the resulting cheaper die. Second, the usefulness of such a scheme is discussed. Such a conversion makes all of the configuration memory and a plurality of extraneous circuits redundant in an integrated circuit. Most defects associated with those do not hurt the die yield. Furthermore, multiple logic choices are eliminated by the hard-wire option to a single choice. Any defect impacting the unselected logic choices also do not hinder the die yield.
Programmable logic use point to point connections that utilize programmable pass-gate logic as shown in
A volatile DRAM based configuration circuit to use with this invention is shown next in
A non-volatile anti-fuse based configuration circuit is shown next in
These configuration circuits, and similarly constructed other configuration circuits, can be used in programmable logic devices. Those with ordinary skill in the art may recognize other methods for constructing configuration circuits to generate a valid S0 output. The pass-gate logic element is not affected by the choice of the configuration circuit.
SRAM memory technology has the advantage of not requiring a high voltage to configure memory. The SRAM based switch shown in
The RAM point to point connection in
The programmable RAM circuit shown in
This method of ROM substitution is possible in all RAM applications where the output generated by the RAM bit is at binary voltage levels. Binary voltages are easily realized by hard-wire connections to power-bus and ground-bus. All SRAM based FPGAs and single poly PLDs commercially available, listed in Ref-1 & Ref-2 and discussed in the listed patents have binary voltage outputs. Commercially available anti-fuse based FPGAs only provide anti-fuse elements between two wires. Under the method disclosed, the Anti-fuse RAM elements are replaced in the ROM version with either a thru-holes connection or an absence of a thru-hole connection with one custom mask. There are many PLDs designed with double poly EPROM and FLASH processing technologies that do not lend to this method of easy ROM conversion. In a single floating-gate double poly transistor, the floating-gate is fully buried under the control gate, and there is no easy access to the floating gate. However, the floating-gate transistors may be replaced by normal transistors for a ROM option, with all the "on" bits in a row line having their gates coupled to a common row line, and all the "off" bits in that row line having their gates disconnected from the row line and tied to ground.
The impact of programmability on die cost is discussed next to demonstrate the value in replacing RAM circuits with ROM circuits. In this analysis, 6-transistor SRAM memory is used to illustrate the salient features. The discussion is equally valid under any other volatile and non-volatile programmable elements such as DRAM, EPROM, and EEPROM among others. Four factors contribute to the cost of programmability: the area penalty for memory elements, the area penalty of providing multiple logic choices, the total available die in a wafer and the cost penalty for wasted die due to killer defects.
The memory required for programmable logic is illustrated in a 4-input look-up-table (LUT) based logic element (LE) shown in
A second limitation in programmable logic is in the expense of providing multiple logic choices. Multiple logic choices provided in a 2:1 MUX is illustrated in
When the ROM utilization area is very small compared to RAM area, the apparent defect density becomes very small. A true estimate of A versus A′ is quite complicated to achieve. A simpler method is to take the FPGA die area A, and estimate an equivalent ASIC die area A′ that can provide the same functionality as the FPGA. ROM version of the FPGA would hard-wire a similar die area A′. For a commercially available FPGA device on 0.15μ process technology, we have estimated the following:
A typical FPGA core is estimated to be at least 10–20×larger in Silicon area compared to an ASIC. The commercial die example above includes memory, I/O pads, multipliers and other fixed area circuitry common to both FPGA and ASIC. Under such conditions, a process with D=0.5 def/cm2 reduces to D′=0.147 def/cm2 from EQ-1 for the ROM option of the FPGA. As some defects in the extraneous circuitry such as Vcc shorts and Vss shorts can still lend to killer defects, not all of this lower apparent defect density is realized in a real situation. That can be easily incorporated into a higher defect density by setting D′ higher than estimated by EQ-1 as follows:
In the example discussed, the 10% higher defect density yields D′=0.16 def/cm2 for the 88 mm2 ROM version of a 300 mm2 RAM based FPGA. The functional die yield Y (%) in a Semiconductors IC is modeled by the die area A (cm2), defect density D (def/cm2) and the probability of no defects in the Gamma Distribution function from Ref-3 (Sze) as:
For the FPGA with RAM option, where A=300 mm2, using D=0.5 def/cm2 and S= 1/12 in EQ-3, EQ-4 and EQ-5:
Y=24.3%, N=94 DPW, n=22 DPW
The same FPGA converted to a ROM option, where A′=88 mm2, but A=300 mm2 is unchanged, using D′=0.16 and S=112 in EQ-3, EQ-4 and EQ-5:
Y=62.5%, N=94 DPW, n=58 DPW
As the process and wafer cost remain identical between the two options, the latter ROM die cost is seen to be 2.6×cheaper than the identical RAM option. One can easily compare this to the ideal ASIC die cost by using A=88 mm2, using D=0.5 def/cm2 and S= 1/12 in EQ-3, EQ-4 and EQ-5:
Y=64.9%, N=321 DPW, n=208 DPW
In this example, the ASIC die is 9.5×cheaper than the RAM option of the FPGA, and 3.6×cheaper than the ROM option of the FPGA. However, to obtain an ASIC die the user has to incur 0.5–1.0 year Silicon fabrication, debug and qualification time and spend over 2M$ in NRE costs just for chip layout, masks and fabrication. At $2400 wafer prices, the RAM FPGA is economical for life time volumes less than 20,500 while the ROM FPGA is economical for life time volumes under 67,000 units. The cost associated with saving 8 months in shipping a product for an organization having a burn rate of 250 K$/month (20 person engineering team in the US) is another 2M$. A more meaningful economical balance is for an ASIC design option to save over 4M$ during life time shipments compared to an FPGA solution. For a 4M$ overall ASIC NRE cost, the RAM based FPGA is more economical when life time volume is under 41,000 units, while the ROM based FPGA is more economical when life time volume is under 134,000 units. Over 50% of designs ship under 100,000 units over a life time. The ROM based FPGA provides a significant cost advantage compared to the RAM based FPGA, and is more economical than an ASIC design for a majority of design opportunities. In this disclosed product duality, the system designer uses the RAM FPGA to debug, tweak and proto-type the initial system solution, then moves to cheaper ROM version for mass production. There is no engineering involved with the change, there is a single custom mask cost to the user. In a first embodiment the fabrication process steps do not change as RAM and ROM constructions use identical steps. In a second embodiment the fabrication process is made simpler by removing the custom processing steps needed only for RAM construction.
The disclosure describes a programmable logic device and an application specific device fabrication from the same base Silicon die. The PLD is fabricated with a programmable RAM module, while a cheaper option is fabricated with a conductive ROM pattern in lieu of the RAM. Both RAM module and ROM module provide identical control of logic circuits. For each set of RAM bit patterns, there is a unique ROM pattern to achieve the same logic functionality. The apparent defect density reduction in the hard-wire circuits leads to a significant cost reduction for the ROM version. Such conversions allow the user a lower cost and more reliable end product. These products offer an enormous advantage in lowering NRE costs and improving TTS in the ASIC design methodology in the industry.
Although an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications thereof, have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise embodiment and the described modifications, and that various changes and further modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Citations de brevets
Citations hors brevets
Référencé par
Événements juridiques
Image d'origine
Faire pivoter


text:
Benazir Bhutto's 19-year-old son Bilawal was catapulted into the maelstrom of Pakistani politics yesterday, appointed leader of her party just three days after the assassination that plunged the country into chaos.It is arguably the most perilous job in Pakistani politics. Bilawal's grandfather died at the gallows, his mother following last week's bomb and bullet attack. But his leadership will be initially symbolic because the party will be stewarded by his father, Asif Zardari, until his studies at Oxford are over."When I am at university my father will take care of the party," said Bilawal at his maiden press conference at the family estate in Naudero."The party's long struggle for democracy will continue with renewed vigour," he said. "My mother always said, democracy is the best revenge."It was a remarkable day for Bilawal, described by relatives as a polite, somewhat bookish young man who just one week ago was a university student on Christmas break at the family home in Dubai.Now, barely coming to terms with the assassination of his mother, he has become the titular head of Pakistan's greatest political dynasty as the country staggers towards turbulent elections.
Labels: Benazir Bhutto, democracy, dictators, Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf
Stand with the people of IranSign the petition:
Site Feed
Email Me
**NEW** Follow me on Twitter!
My Open Salon Blog
My TPM Blog
My FaceBook Page
My MySpace
Think Tanks/Other:


text:
Getting nvnet specs
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get nvidia to release the specs for nvnet?
What is nvidia's stance on it in the first place?
I mean I don't see them gaining anything from keeping the specs from us(unlike for their GPU), except complaints :P
Yeah, this has been discussed before and as far as I know we never got a statement from any nVidia employee about it. It's true that everyone would benefit from open specs, so I dont see much point in not opening them.
I agree
With the nForce chips getting great reviews and getting included on high-end motherboards, which Linux users tend to acquire, it would make sense for nVidia to open as much as it can to community support - the stuff will become more dependable and easier to install, and nVidia will save staff time in the long run as the community takes over. Especially for a NIC, what can they be protecting? I saw a 10/100 NIC for $5 in a store yesterday. It's just not a big part of the value of what nVidia's chips provide, especially if it takes more than $5 of extra puzzlement for the user to get the drivers installed, as compared to open drivers for just about any other NIC, which are already included with the kernel.
I kind of wish that board manufacturers would make the boards without lan and sound. that way us linux users can use what has best support.
Well we still can. Just because there is onboard audio/video/lan doesnt mean we have to use them. We're not forced to use the integrated features, its just a possibility.
onboard features
We're not forced to use the onboard features, unless we've built an X PC that only has one PCI and one AGP expansion slot. It's really the onboard features that make those systems possible and popular.
IIRC, the LAN chip was developed using other companies' IP. It's not so much an issue of "want" so much as "can".
I would also add that USB can take care of your networking needs for the most part. I've been using a wireless USB adapter on my RH9 system, and it works very well. I'd imagine that it would not be much more difficult to find a wired adapter, or even a modem. A bit more expensive, of course, but you aren't cluttering up PCI slots.
The advantage to the other company of making public the specs to the NIC would be the same as the advantage to nVidia - happier end users because of better OS support of the hardware.
As for hanging stuff off USB - the point of having a small case (like the Shuttle that's currently available with nForce chips) is in having the system be compact as possible. An extraneous external device defeats that goal. There is such an animal though (see http://www.tomshardware.com/network/20021122/) but it only works in Windows (not DOS or Linux).
If you look at the NIC drivers included in the kernel code, it's pretty much everyone in the industry aside from nVidia (and these USB NICs). This doesn't seem to have hurt 3com's business, for instance, has it?
Options and Actions
First, I'd like to say that it's good that Nvidia has provided network drivers for the Linux community. It works well in the 2.4.X series, even if it causes install problems for some users.
I also understand Nvidia's position on not GLPing the current drivers since they are apparently based on 3rd party non-GLP code.
But the current nvnet drivers cause problems for the community. Problems include:
What can we do to help you to help us?
Thanks - Geowiz
Re: Options and Actions
To improve some other functions, I've switched to a 2.6 kernel, and that means I have to go without the NIC and soundsystem for now. This is absurd - high end hardware that's rendered incompatible with high end software because it has the only NIC or sound board in current production whose interface isn't openly specified.
I'm waiting to see what nVidia does to improve this. If they fix the problem soon I'll become their biggest fan. If not I'll be one of those people passing the word to avoid nforce products. I'd rather be the first guy - being positive is almost always more satisfying.
At the least, with the 2.6 kernel almost at official release, I hope they'll be quick in supporting it. If the interfaces were already publicly specified there's no doubt the 2.6 kernel would already support this hardware. Turning down free outside labor hardly seems feduciary. It's their free decision, but how do they explain to investors in the company that they're taking the course that requires them to maintain extra staff to do the work that otherwise would be done for free? This isn't just public relations; it's investor relations.
1 Attachment(s)
This patch applies to the nforce-1.0-0261 package(Not my creation), it will let you compile nvnet under 2.6, as for the sound chip you can use alsa(snd-intel8x0)
|All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:13 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2015, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©1998 - 2014, nV News.


text:
Rose Marie Belforti
Town Clerk, Ledyard NY
Dear Ms. Belforti,
There are legislators in the state of New York. From what I hear from my perch in Kansas City, they can be a pretty odd bunch at times. Still, they *are* legislators, and after they argue and bicker and horsetrade, in the end they manage to pass legislation every now and then.
You are not a member of the legislature.
There is also a governor in New York. He argues and bickers and horsetrades with the legislators, trying to shape the proposals into something he'd like. In the end, he takes whatever legislation is passed by the legislature, and either signs it into law or not.
You are not the governor.
There are also judges in New York. When people argue and bicker with one another over the meaning or application or constitutionality of a law, they often end up arguing and bickering in front of a judge. Sometimes there are juries who listen in. In the end, the judges and juries pass judgement on the laws and their application.
You are not one of them.
You are a town clerk. It's a fine and noble position, and people in your town depend on you to do your job. They don't depend on you to write legislation, approve legislation, or rule on its constitutionality. Other people have those jobs, not you. [cont'd.]
Your job is to be the town clerk. When two people present themselves to obtain a marriage license, your job is to insure that they meet the requirements of the state of New York before you issue it to them. Is one of them too young? Your reply is simple: "No license for you. Come back when you're older." Is one of them presently married to someone else? Again, your answer is clear: "Sorry, but it's one license at a time per customer. Come back when the old one is void." Is one of them drunk? "Sorry, but we can't serve you if you've had too much to drink. Come back when you're sober."
And if they meet the requirements, your answer is equally clear: "Sign here . . . pay your fees . . . and here's your license."
There's no "but I don't think they'll stay married" exception that allows you to refuse a license because you think the union will not last. There's no "but I don't like interracial marriages because it confuses the kids" exception that allows you to refuse a license based on your perception of what's best for children the couple may or may not have down the road. There's no "but he/she is just a golddigger after your money" exception that allows you to override the wishes of the couple because you believe that one of them is taking advantage of the other.
And there's no "but I don't like same-sex couples" exclusion that allows you to override the law of the state of New York. There just isn't.
If that's a problem for you, then I suggest you find another line of work that lets you practice your prejudices. Either that, or move to somewhere else that approves of your prejudice and become a county clerk there.
Ms. Belforti, you are entitled to your religious beliefs, just as I am entitled to mine. But your beliefs do not entitle you as an agent of the state of New York to set aside and ignore the laws you don't like that have been passed by the state legislature, signed by the governor, and not been overturned by the judges of the state of New York.
Katie Carmichael and Deirdre DiBiaggio came to you two weeks ago to obtain a license for which they meet all the requirements, and you refused to grant it. For that you should be sanctioned, and if you persist, you should be removed from office and replaced with someone who will faithfully execute the laws of the state of New York.
It's been two weeks, and the clock is still ticking. You can argue with the law and bicker with the law, but you cannot do it on the county's time and at this couple's expense. To borrow from a certain pastor, "Marriage delayed is marriage denied," and marriages like these have been delayed far too long already.
Rev. Peterr


text:
July 18, 2012
Clinton Community College President John Jablonski unveiling the school's new logo and tagline.
Stories this photo appears in:
Clinton Community College needs more money
The state has slashed Clinton Community College's aid by nearly $1 million over the past three years. Yet costs continue to soar.
Clinton Community College gets new logo and tagline
Start up here at Clinton Community College, nestled on Bluff Point, overlooking Lake Champlain with views of the Adirondack and Green mountains, said President John Jablonski.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.


text:
The Acropolis in the Age of Pericles Paperback with CD-ROMMixed media product
List price $37.49
You save $3.95 10% off
Free delivery worldwide
Dispatched in 1 business day
When will my order arrive?
- Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
- Format: Mixed media product | 330 pages
- Dimensions: 173mm x 272mm x 23mm | 885g
- Publication date: 5 July 2004
- Publication City/Country: Cambridge
- Edition: Abridged
- Edition statement: Abridged edition
- Illustrations note: 145 b/w illus.
- Sales rank: 587,518
Product description
This book is an abridged and revised edition of the author's monumental The Athenian Acropolis: History, Mythology and Archaeology from the Neolithic Era to the Present. It focuses specifically on the development of the Acropolis in the fifth century BC and the building program initiated by Pericles. Placing the century-long development within its historical and cultural contexts, Jeffrey Hurwit explores the physical nature of the Acropolis itself, the character of the goddess Athena, and how the building program exploits and reveals the Acropolis's own venerable history. He also offers an interpretation of the thematic unity that links the many structures of the Periclean Acropolis. Incorporating the latest discoveries and research on individual monuments of the Acropolis, this edition is illustrated with 145 halftones as well as a CD-ROM including 180 colour images of the monuments of the Acropolis.
Add item to wishlist
Other people who viewed this bought:
The Cambridge Companion to the A...
USD$33.52 - Save $2.41 (6%) - RRP $35.93
Periklean Athens and Its Legacy
USD$54.99 - Save $5.96 (9%) - RRP $60.95
The Acropolis in the Age of Peri...
USD$88.67 - Save $1.97 (2%) - RRP $90.64
Artists and Signatures in Ancien...
USD$99.98 - Save $1.58 (1%) - RRP $101.56
Moleskine Pocket Watercolour
USD$12.55 - Save $5.42 30% off - RRP $17.97
Codex Seraphinianus XXXIII
USD$83.60 - Save $49.23 37% off - RRP $132.83
Other books in this category
The Wes Anderson Collection
USD$29.11 - Save $5.25 15% off - RRP $34.36
Wall and Piece
USD$18.14 - Save $5.28 22% off - RRP $23.42
USD$34.16 - Save $4.83 12% off - RRP $38.99
Wall and Piece
USD$27.58 - Save $3.67 11% off - RRP $31.25
Codex Seraphinianus XXXIII
USD$83.60 - Save $49.23 37% off - RRP $132.83
Moleskine Pocket Watercolour
USD$12.55 - Save $5.42 30% off - RRP $17.97
- Categories:
Author information
Jeffrey Hurwit is one of the leading scholars of ancient Greek art. A professor of art and archaeology at the University of Oregon, he is the author of numerous articles on aspects of Greek art and archaeology, and the author of The Art and Culture of Early Greece. A Guggenheim fellow, he was appointed in 2001 to the prestigious Martha S. Joukowsky Lectureship for the Archaeological Institute of America and in 2003 became the inaugural Dorothy Burr Thompson Memorial Lecturer at the University of British Columbia.
Review quote
'While Hurwit's summaries are invaluable to the general reader, he occasionally presents alternative interpretations that will intrigue the specialist.' Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians 'This is the first single-authored, academic study of the impact of the Great War on Ireland, and it performs this pioneering role admirably. It provides an essential introduction to the subject and suggests avenues for further study ... This is an immensely valuable book that is certain to become a standard text. It is engagingly written, well illustrated and will be of benefit to, and enjoyed by, anyone interested in Irish history.' Reviews in History
Table of contents
1. The rock and the goddess; 2. Landscape of memory: the past on the classical acropolis; 3. Pericles, Athens, and the building program; 4. The Parthenon; 5. The Propylaia; 6. The Erechtheion (the classical temple of Athena Polias); 7. The sanctuary of Athena Nike; 8. The rest of the program; 9. Conclusion: the Periclean Acropolis as a whole.


text:
Forgot password?
Thank you for submitting this poll.
Search thousands of documents on OneMine - the online global mining and minerals library:
Find the industry products
and services you need.
Tuesday 8/18
SME Twin Cities Annual Conference
Sunday 8/23
Tuesday 8/25
Mining 101
Show All
List an Event
The 2004 SME Distinguished Member Award
Awarded To: Madan M. Singh
In recognition and appreciation of outstanding service to the minerals industry and to the Society.
Dr. Singh has been involved in a variety of technical and professional activities. The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Inc. (SME) awarded him The Howard N, Eavenson Award in 2000, and the Coal Division of SME presented him with the Distinguished Service Award in 1997. In 1958, he won the SME Student Paper Prize, Graduate Division.
He was a Director of SME (1993-95), and was Chair, Coal Division of SME (1993-94). He chaired the SME Underground Ventilation Committee (1986-87). Madan was elected chair of the Chicago Section of AIME/ISS-SME (1980-81). He has served on and chaired several committees for the Society.
In the National Research Council of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering/U.S. National Academy of Science, Singh served on the Committee for Coal Waste Impoundments (2001). He was elected to the U.S. National Committee for Rock Mechanics, 1977-80; and was Co-chair, Subpanel on Interpretation/Scaling of Laboratory Results to Field Problems, 1979-81. He served on the U.S. National Committee on Tunneling Technology, 1974-76, and on its Committee on Technical Data and Information. He was Chairman of the Subcommittee on Rock Strength for a decade, 1968-77, for the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
In 1999, Dr. Singh was awarded the Robert Stefanko Distinguished Achievement Award by the Department of Energy and Geoenvironmental Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. He was selected Centennial Fellow by the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State in 1996. In 1978, Singh was conferred the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Indian School of Mines and Applied Geology. In 1997, Dr. Singh was elected Fellow of the American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC) and Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in 1985. He is a Life Member of the Society of the Sigma Xi (since 1964), Life Member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (since 1965), and a Charter Member of the Institute of Shaft Drilling (since 1982). In 1990, he won the Minority Vendor of the Year Award (Illinois Minority and Female Business Enterprise Council). The Federal Highway Administration selected his company, Engineers International, Inc., for the 1999 Environmental Excellence Award. He was selected to serve on the prestigious Washington Award Committee (1980-82). In the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc. (AIME), he served as Chair, Environmental Conservation Distinguished Service Award committee (1989-90).
Dr. Singh was elected National Director of the American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC) (1997-98). He was elected President of the Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois (CECI) (1996-1997), Vice President (1993-96), Secretary-Treasurer and Chair, Finance Committee (1992-93), and Director (1989-92) He was appointed to the Panel of Arbitrators of the American Arbitration Association. He has been active in HWAC (an association of engineering and science firms practicing in hazardous waste management), served on its insurance committee (1987-88). He was editor of its "Legislative Update" (1989-91) In June 1981, he went with a Coal Mining Delegation from the United States to the Peoples Republic of China.
Singh was elected a Director of Demeter Insurance Co. (1988-90). Madan has chaired six national conferences (including the Silver Anniversary Rock Mechanics Symposium and two Engineering Foundation Conferences). He is listed in Who's Who Among American Executives, Who's Who in the Midwest, American Men and Women of Science, and several other biographical compendia. He has authored well over 100 papers on various aspects of mining and geotechnical engineering and has lectured extensively in the USA and abroad. Singh is registered as a Professional Engineer in nine states.
About The SME Distinguished Member Award:
The Distinguished Member Award, established in 1975, is presented to a select few who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating significant and sustained contributions to the minerals industry and to SME. There must be some contributions to both the industry and SME, though significant and sustained contributions can be to either one.
© SME · PH: 303-948-4200 and 800-763-3132 · FAX: 303-973-3845
12999 E. Adam Aircraft Circle, Englewood, CO 80112 -
SME is a member society of
, the
SME Foundation
, and the
American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers (


text:
From our pal Newt:
"At some point I think it's going to come down to Romney and me," Gingrich said. "Once we get down to a two-person debate, then I'm reasonably confident I will win," Gingrich said.
He's so cute when he's being delusional.
From our pal Newt:
"At some point I think it's going to come down to Romney and me," Gingrich said. "Once we get down to a two-person debate, then I'm reasonably confident I will win," Gingrich said.
He's so cute when he's being delusional.
Marcus Ranum says
That really is some weapons-grade delusion, right there. I wonder if Newt's going to snap and wind up in a padded white room somewhere. And I don't mean the oval office.
dingojack says
Ed – You think the Amphibian is always 'cute'? – Dingo
John Hinkle says
Newt is so tricky, he'll probably ask Romney to be his running mate.
tacitus says
If it did become a straight race between Newt and Mitt I wouldn't be so quick to write Newt off. Given any other choice (of a right-wing candidate) the right of the GOP base wouldn't vote for him, but even though they don't like him very much, they always seem to go out of their way to say they "respect his intellect" and he's an "idea's man".
So if it's between him and Romney, who has been written off as a liberal, I suspect it would be a close run thing, with many on the right holding their noses to vote for Newt.
slc1 says
Perhaps one should not be so quick to write off Mr. Gingrich.
Michael Heath says
Newt Gingrich justifies his claim he's a serious and viable candidate for the nomination by pointing out that John McCain was supposedly concurrently running third in the polls in the '08 electoral season. This justification was a response to criticism he received from Meghan McCain; she claimed his campaign is, "obviously some sort of vanity project".
Cite: http://goo.gl/JW98C
MikeMa says
Newty may have risen (barely) to double digits in some polls but he's not that high in many places. He is also severely strapped for cash. That's going to hurt him medium & long term if he has a long term.
slc1 says
Re MikeMa @ #7
According to the article I linked to in #5, apparently Mr. Gingrich is having some success in raising campaign funds as of late.
fifthdentist says
No, no, no!
I want the Teabaggers — particularly those of the Southern persuasion — to find themselves in a booth in a few weeks with the sudden realization that they either have to vote for the Mormon or the black guy.
MikeMa says
As to Newty's finances, I saw the claim of $2.1 million but Cain pulled in $3 million during the same time period I think. Sounds like the Koch brothers are trying to seal their influence regardless of who wins the GOP
idiot primary.
tuibguy says
If this blog had a "Like" button, I would do #9 for the Fifth Dentist.
noastronomer says
apparently Newt plays lowball poker.
You must be logged in to post a comment.


text:
Jonny Wilkinson could be one step closer to leaving the Guinness Premiership after Toulon's incoming Director of Rugby Philippe Saint-Andre confirmed the player's representatives were in talks with the French club.
World Cup-winning fly-half Wilkinson has been linked consistently with a move to the Top 14, following England colleagues Riki Flutey, James Haskell and Tom Palmer, and it now seems that formal negotiations have been opened. Also linked to the French club is Wilkinson's Falcons team mate Tom May (who wears Puma V1-08 Rugby boots).
Wilkinson, 29, has not played for Newcastle Falcons, his only professional club, since suffering the latest in a long line of injury problems against Gloucester on September 30 and last represented his country more than a year ago.
"Jonny's people are in talks with the Toulon chairman," Saint-Andre, who is leaving Sale Sharks to join Toulon, told BBC Sport.
"I would obviously like to have as many good players as possible next season and Jonny is a top-quality player.
"I have heard that a couple of other French clubs are in for him and there is also of course the option for him to stay at Newcastle."
BBC also claim that Wilkinson's agent, Tim Buttimore, described talks with Toulon as "ongoing".
French clubs are not under the same financial constraints as Premiership sides and have proved an attractive proposition for out-of-contract players in recent years.
Toulon already have the likes of Jerry Collins, Tana Umaga, Joe van Niekerk and Sonny Bill Williams on their books, thanks to the patronship of millionaire owner Mourad Boudjellal and are keen to continue their ambitious recruitment drive.
Accepting the club's overtures may yet have an impact on Wilkinson's hopes of an international recall, though, after the Rugby Football Union made their concerns about England players leaving the country following the simultaneous departures of Haskell, Palmer and Flutey from Wasps.
Wilkinson who wears (Adidas Predator Powerswerve Rugby boots FG) is no longer in the RFU's elite playing squad due to his injury woes but the current party were all contacted by chief executive Francis Baron outlining the potentially harmful effect of abandoning the domestic game.
Toulon's top 14 future was all but secured after a great win against Toulouse at the weekend.


text:
Is St. Louis Mom Getting Her Teeth Whitened or Getting Intimate with Martian Phallus?
Categories: Apropos of Nothing
But enough about that. What in God's holy name is the woman doing in this ad? Sure, it implies she's whitening her teeth. But, c'mon, doesn't it look like she's servicing R2-D2?
Clicking on the link in the advertisement we discover that the woman is Cathy Anderson, a St. Louis mom who loves to blog about the two-step process she discovered for whitening her teeth.
Sadly, Anderson makes no mention of any alien trysts in her blogging. Perhaps she's just waiting to get to the good stuff. Or maybe the Martians deleted her memory after the abduction?
Sponsor Content


text:
We are holding a little fund raiser to help us return to the States.
If you are interested in some nice purses and handbags, take a look at this. If you are new to Miche, it's not just your regular ole pick up a purse deal. It's much nicer, and my sis will help you with any question you may have.
It's like this: Miche allows you to create endless looks with just ONE bag! The shells are interchangeable, and there are 4 different sizes for you to select from.
All it takes …
English and Grammar Curriculum:
English for the Thoughtful Child, Vol. 1 (V…
by Mary F. Hyde
is an English/Writing for children 'Grades: 3-4′. A Simply Grammar-like course for a younger child following the Charlotte Mason approach from Greenleaf Press. It contains everything you need for language arts – wholesome classic literature excerpts, narration, dictation, memorization, and composition. Lessons are self-contained and the book is very easy to use with short, manageable exercises and assignments. Like Simply Grammar, this volume is also a revision of an older book, complete with quaint, but stimulating, period …
The popular Speedy Geography by Homeschool Bits is a new geography series that can be speedy, easy, and fun to learn geography! It is also priced right as a starter curriculum you can use as an introduction or to springboard to whichever direction you plan to go in.
Information is given in a lower-middle level of learning. Copywork pages are lined for both lower and middle level. Some sections you may find in the studies include: vocabulary words, a checklist, fill-in-the-blanks, fact cards, diagrams (labeled & blank), mazes, and website links …
Title: The No Shampoo Method
Publisher: Feelin' Feminine Ministry
Author: featuring Jocelyn Tzahala, Kimberly Coghlan, Kate Scott, Lisa Sullivan
Format: Ebook for print download. There are 25 full-layout, graphically designed, corner to corner pages.
Description: There is a growing number of people who are rejecting society's standards of 'clean' by harsh and harmful chemicals found in many commercial shampoos, and turning to a natural solution. The No "Poo" Method is an easy, healthy, and cheaper way to cleanse your hair using your own personalized routine of baking soda, vinegar, …
Here is a variety of some of our favorite and highly-recommended reads.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Oh, the lovely stories of Anne with an e, the little orphan on Prince Edward Island, who finds the real meaning of family. This is one of our all-time favourite stories.
The Complete Anne of Green Gables Boxed Set…
by L.M. Montgomery
Anne of Green Gables (Unabridged Classics)
by Lucy Maud Montgomery
You will find more Anne resources in our Amazon Store.
Jeb Stuart
by Lena De Grummond
A true story about a famous American boy in the saddle.
The Bronze Bow
by …
Coming soon to the Store will be our line of homemade breads and bakery-type items. These items will be available for pickup at our home in Costa Rica for now.
We will also be making other items for the family that will be listed as soon as we get them made and have some photos up.
For now, I will give you a semi-list of bread items you can expect to be able to purchase and share with your friends here in Costa Rica:
Braided Challah
Whole Wheat Loaves
Whole Wheat Rounds
Whole Wheat Sourdough Loaves
Whole …
This is a Science Lapbook about Ecosystems from In the Hands of A Child. We highly recommend the In the Hands of a Child products.
It is in PDF format and delivered directly to your email.
Gr. 5-10
This pack includes an 11-page Research Guide and 16 hands-on activities about important cycles of an ecosystem, the delicate balance, managing ecosystems, and biomes PLUS a bonus activity to create your own ecosystem!
For more Science products:
Currclick Science products
Dixon Amazon Store: Science
I reviewed the CCC for Tropical Traditions blog in March, along with a giveaway. I am wayyyy behind on posting my reviews and giveaways here for the products they so graciously gave me to review before we left. Hopefully I will get them up soon.
We have been using the Tropical Traditions products for over a year now. We started with their Virgin Coconut Oil, and I remember that when Amanda opened the first jar she got to review, I couldn't believe how wonderful it smelled! She had been buying organic …
One of my favourite tees is a T-shirt I won from The Homeschool Boutique. I won it about 5 years ago, and it is still a fave of mine. As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for Lu and Samuel liking the 'sparklies' so much, it would still look very new. I love the feel of the 100% cotton, and it washes and wears well.
The Homeschool Boutique is a family company providing the homeschooling community with hip, trendy, and wholesome clothing to wear, and also providing tote bags, backpacks, …
America's 50 States by Learning with Weblinks
Review: Learning with Weblinks: America's 50 States
at States and Countries Exploration
In the Hands of A Child Project Pack American Government, Grades 4 – Up
Review: In the Hands of A Child Project Pack: American Government
Knowledge Box Central Presidential Election Process Lapbook (K-5th), Pre-Assembled
*REVIEW at States and Countries Exploration
Revolutionary War Period Cookery by Robert W. Pelton **LOVED THIS!**
Infinity Publishing http://www.buybooksontheweb.com
You can read my Review at States And Countries Exploration:
"Personally, …


text:
Quick Links
Fearrington's wine program is delighted to offer 10% off six or more bottles of wine purchased at The Goat! Whether you ask The Goat's wine guru to mix and match a custom case, or you choose the bottles yourself, you'll enjoy wines from hand-selected producers at a great value!
More about wine >
Reserve a Room
Fearrington House
Reserve a Table >
Fearrington Granary
Fearrington House Inn
Reserve a Room >
The Spa at Fearrington
Make an Appointment >
Real Estate
Tour Homes >
Live Music
India Cain & Keith Allen at Roost >
July 30, 5-8 p.m.
Village Calendar >
I am interested in...
Real Estate
Village News
Books & Authors
Food & Wine
Corporate Meetings
All Things Wine
Shop gift certificates and gift cards and give the gift of Fearrington.
Shop here >
Fearrington Events, Roost
June 2, 2015 1:35 PM | By The Chefs | Comment
The first time we talked about pizza we were in Atlanta at a pizza joint called Antique pizzeria. I knew this would be the perfect addition to Roost…what could go better with beer and live music than wood-fired pizzas?
When people think about chefs, they think we can do everything, but pizza isn't really in the realm of what "I do." It's new to me. I did a massive amount of research and then I started experimenting. From the sauce to the dough to the toppings, I wanted it all to be perfect. So three tries here and four tries there to get the structure just right. Now we finally ended up with a final product that I'm excited about.
So what's on the menu?
Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil $10
Prosciutto, Olives, Fontina, Parmesan $15
Veal, Asparagus. Asiago, Arugula, Confit Garlic $16
Cauliflower, Pinenut, Raisin Jam, Capers, Bread Crumbs, Pecorino $12
Zucchini, Kale, Onion Jam, Broccolini, Pesto, Ricotta, Parmesan $12
Four Cheese with Ricotta, Provolone, Parmesan, Fontina $14
And a weekly special! Last week's special was a Lobster, Mascarpone Cream, Aged Gouda, Fennel, Tarragon & Watercress pizza!
So check out our live music schedule and we'll see you soon!
– Executive Chef Colin Bedford
Fearrington House Restaurant, Roost, The Fearrington Granary, The Goat
Wine Director Maximilian Kast and Sean Lilly Wilson of Fullsteam Brewery have released their latest brew-concoction. This summer throughout Fearrington Village we will have the Fearrington-Fullsteam Summer India Tea Ale on tap. This beer is a session IPA made with tea grown by our neighbors in South Carolina.
Stop by The Fearrington House, The Fearrington Granary, The Goat or Roost to try the latest collaboration and cheers to the season! Full Post >
At McIntyre's Books
Ah, it's that time of year when the Haberdashers of America reap the rewards of clueless families everywhere as father after father across this great nation receive...another tie, just what dad needs. Well, break the mold! Come to McIntyre's Books and get him something different, something like The Manly Art of Knitting by Dave Fougner, an honest tutorial of the yarnly arts and perfect for the whole family. Or, how about, Everything I need to Know I Learned from Led... Full Post >
Our Belties & Farm Happenings
Fearrington's donkey, Mary Alice, welcomed her second baby last month. Meet our little princess Charlotte -- Charlie for short! Stop by our front pasture to say "hello" to this darling donkey and her Beltie friends! Full Post >
The Fearrington House Inn
Just because you are on vacation at The Fearrington House Inn does not mean you have to skip your regular workout routine! All of our Inn guests have complete access to the Duke Center for Living, attached to Galloway Ridge. This full fledged gym facility is an easy half mile walk or bike ride from the Village Center. All you need is a day pass issued by the staff at Inn Reception to utilize the entirety of the gym.
The Health and Wellness Center includes everything you could need for a full... Full Post >
The Goat, Wine
When you sit down with a bottle of wine, whether it be with friends, family, or even a good book, there is an opportunity for something more. Something that marks an occasion. Something that opens your heart. Something memorable. Have the perfect wine sow the seed for your next memory by selecting or special ordering a case (of 6 or more identical or mixed bottles) from The Goat. I'll help build a collection of the very best wines for you from all over the world. Call, email, or stop by today... Full Post >