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If it has wheels, you can race it. Mike Haag keeps you up to speed on the racing scene in and around South Texas in his Motorsports blog.
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Engine builder Doug Yates says fuel injection working successfully in NASCAR
When the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season started in February, there was a lot of uncertainty about whether fuel injection would be successful in the high-powered stock car series. After all, since 1948 NASCAR had been successful running carburetors on their V-8 powered stock cars. However, after fifteen races this season on the Sprint Cup Series […] [Read More]
NASCAR and automotive technology highlighted at Freescale Technology Forum
Some of the newest, latest and greatest innovative technological designs and concepts that will soon hit the market are being showcased this week at the Freescale Technology Forum of the Americas. The four-day technology conference, which is being held at the J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, has attracted more than 2,200 […] [Read More]


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subset: commoncrawl


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American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2008 A congressman from Arizona has recognized a group from his state for its continued dedication to supporting the troops.
U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell honored Packages From Home on June 14 for its efforts and continued support for the nation's servicemembers and for their dedication in providing care packages to U.S. troops.
Packages From Home is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Mitchell recognized Kathleen Lewis and Lisa Benson -- president and executive director, respectively, of Packages From Home -- in a Flag Day ceremony at the state capitol. The three participated in the unveiling of a poster-sized replica of the new Arizona state flag stamp.
Packages from Home has sent more than 140,000 packages to U.S. troops over the past four years. The group also has provided tons of equipment for the troops to use in rest centers in Iraq.


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I am my school's Anti-Bullying Specialist so I'm uniquely qualified to comment on this law and I for one wouldn't mind having a few dollars thrown my way, but doubt I'll se an additional cent. To really investigate a case it takes approximately 5 to 7 school hours requiring one to stay extra hours just to get your own work done. The best part of the law is the fact that cyberbullying through texting or social media can now be dealt with by the school. Before this, there were no consequences for someone if they trashed a fellow student online for all of their peers to see. But once the word spread that school cab administer punishments for postings on Facebook, Twitter, texting, etc. we've seen a drastic reduction in this type of bullying.
You are all missing the point about the anti-bullying initiative. It's all about the bully and zero about the target. It's just one more way that kids today are protected from all the evils of the world without providing them with the coping skills to fend for themselves. No one hates bullies more than I do. However at a very young age, I was taught how to deal with bullies, and why kids bullied. It helped me to understand them better, and deal with them as I got older and the bullying became less about the physical and more about the mental, i.e. in the workplace. Eventually, we won't be able to protect kids from bullies, and they will need the coping mechanisms to deal with the situation. There will always be bullies, its the targets that really need to be addressed in a way that will help them deal with it when mommy, daddy or school principal can't step in!
Hey Jackass! The girl is dead, and calling her an idiot is an unnecessary comment. It's a tragedy! You don't know all the details of why she was out. There's a reason they call them "flash floods"!
MyNJ, all I know i smy experience with the NJEA and my local teachers union and they couldn't give to craps about the nontenured teachers who lost their jobs. Not one bit! In fact, my local teachers union practically guaranteed that we would all get our jobs back so to quell the call for a pay freeze. And when it came time to hire us back, the NJEA and my local union did nothing to insure that the first ones hired back were the ones that were laid off. In fact across the state I lost out to numerous recent college grads just so a district could save a couple thousand dollars. All this after I paying union dues for two years and seeing absolutely ZERO post-employment protection. No taxation without representation...Nontenured teachers shouldn't pay one dime in union dues!
Good, I hope the entire state legislature fell in!
Was sitting in may car in Westfield and immediately felt the car rock up and down. Thought it was one of my co-workers messing with me. I knew right away it was a tremor. Turned to the woman next to me and asked her if she felt that, and she looked at me like I was nuts. Some people must be more sensitive to motion than others.
Ducasse is a project alright..The Manhattan Project! A big bomb!...Seriously, the kid looks lost out there. Sanchez looks a thousand times more confident than last year and McElroy really showed moxy after an awful start! Someone tell Rex to chill a bit...It's only the first pre-season game!
The Umpire Strikes Back!...What a tool!
God does anybody who posted on here have a brain? Bin Laden is not dead! Israel was behind 9/11, we faked the moon landing, and Paul Mccartney died before Sgt. Pepper's! Did you also know that the Easter Bunny and professional wrestling are REAL? Get a life conspiracy theorists and go kiss Jesse Ventura's ass! You're a sad, pathetic lot!
sameold, who is the one that is being ignorant now? A little bit harder to get rid of a teacher you say? C'mon! I interviewed for a position after I was laid off because the district was trying to get rid of a teacher and I was going to replace him. This person had numerous indiscretions over the years which ultimately led to a parent pressing charges, Well it turned out that the district decided it was cost prohibitive to get rid of him and myself, who was extremely highly regarded with a perfect track record was denied the job simply because he had tenure and I didn't.
and about your volunteer PAC,,,BS! It's all a big shell game! Teachers volunteering money? Hahahaha! You can hardly get teachers to chip in for a birthday card!
The 7 million came from teachers??? Hahahaha! You can hardly get teachers at a school to chip in for a birthday card!
Does that comment include the nontenures?
So where does the advertising money come from vegafuera? Does the NJEA produce a line of cookies that I'm not aware of? You are an incredible a-hole! And your cavalier reaction to many of your fellow colleagues losing their jobs is appalling, yet all too typical of how too many tenured teachers reacted to the layoffs. When I worked in the "real world" for over 15 years, as cutthroat as it was sometimes, we cared about a fellow colleague losing their job. But like I said, tenure reform is coming as sure as springtime vegafuera and with your lack of compassion you surely can't be any good at teaching. Start putting that resume together!
Then nontenured teachers should not be charged union dues. No taxation without representation. Also, once you stop paying union dues you are done in the eyes of the NJEA. They haven't lifted a finger to have those of us who paid thyem for two years get our jobs back. When the federal gov't gave NJ 268 million (which was advertised as money to hire back laid off teachers) the state dept. of ed asked all superintendants throughout the state to hold that money back to avoid further layoffs. The NJEA knows all about this and has said NOTHING! So once again those of us that were laid off in the purge of 6/10 fall through the cracks once again! And Vegafuera, if you're reading this, you disgust me! You forgot where you came from my friend and your lack of empathy for your fellow colleagues is all too common in the world of education. When I worked in the "real world" for 15 years, as cutthroat as it was sometimes, we actually gave a crap when someone lost their job. Well my firend, tenure reform is coming as sure as springtime, and karma is a bitch! With your lack of compassion you surely can't be a very good teacher so start putting that resume together!
Well blastpast you just made my point entirely! How can you rate a union as effective when they only work to fight for some of their members? Why the hell did I pay union dues if I received no support from my union? You made your comments so matter-of-factly and it sounded like all the tenured teachers I worked with last year that were only concerned about their 4% raise and scoffed at voting on a pay freeze. You all seemed to lose sight of the fact that you were once nontenured too! I will shed no tears when tenure reform comes (and its coming) and we'll all be in the same boat!
Bingo Joseyp!
Ge t Real, your name should be Get a Brain!...You're a typical left wing, bleeding heart idiot with your head buried in the sand. McCarthy was an moron who gained fame from a truly unfounded and fallacious threat!...King has guts and is basing this on actual events. Bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993 did happen! 9/11 did happen! The Ft Hood massacre did happen! Thwarting the Time Square bomber did happen! The Buffalo Six did exist! so on and so forth...or did we all just have a collective dream?
So libertyjam this is a phantom threat we're facing? Whew, thank god! I had this horrible nightmare that nearly 3,000 people were killed killed in the Twin Towers, The Pentagoin and Shenksville PA. by Muslim extremists who came to America in search of personal growth through training and education. It was horrible! People were jumping out of buildings and the towers came down!...But thank god it was only a dream and it wasn't real!
Great point! We see so many Muslims in Africa cry out when Christians are sold into slavery and at genocide in Darfur at the hands of the muslim janjuweed! Or when Jesus (who happens to be a Muslim prophet as well) is lampooned in cartoons! The hypocrisy from the Muslim community and the left makes me vomit sometimes!


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2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Delivers Added Power, Added Size, Added Efficiency
Offered in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles with short, standard and long bed lengths, the new 2014 Sierra 1500 showcases three new EcoTec engines. Each power plant is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission equipped with Cruise Grade Braking, and includes direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management technology that shuts off half of the engine's cylinders under low-load driving conditions in an effort to conserve fuel.
The standard 4.3-liter V-6 engine is developed specifically for truck duty, with GMC pointing out that the new engine is not a repurposed V-6 designed to power passenger cars. Upgrades include a new 5.3-liter V-8 and a new 6.2-liter V-8.
All three engines are more powerful than the power plants they replace, and they are more fuel efficient. However, final horsepower, torque, payload, tow, and fuel-economy ratings were not final as this article is written. Expect to see these figures closer to the truck's official unveiling at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
In addition to the revamped engine lineup, the new 2014 Sierra offers a stronger frame and body structure comprised mostly of high-strength steel. The frame rails and major cross members make extensive use of hydroforming to reduce weight while maximizing strength, according to GMC, and the Sierra's cab is protected by high-strength steel construction.
Wrapped around this structure are body panels designed to slip through the atmosphere with as little aerodynamic drag as possible, with the goals of increasing fuel economy and making the Sierra's interior quieter.
The front of the truck is sealed to improve aerodynamics, and the Sierra is equipped with drag-reducing spoilers on the roof and the top of the tailgate. Spats located forward of the wheels help smooth airflow around the truck, as do special side mirror caps, cab-to-box seals, underbody panels, and "inlaid" side door designs. Even the hood is shaped to direct air up and over the windshield wiper arms to reduce aerodynamic drag. GMC equips the Sierra with low-rolling-resistance tires to help maximize gas mileage.
From a styling standpoint, the GMC Sierra is equipped with a chrome-ringed grille, projector-beam headlights, black wheel arch moldings, and a range of wheel choices ranging in size from 17 inches to 20 inches in diameter. The GMC dealer can also install a number of extra-cost 22-inch wheel designs. Optional LED running lights are available for the new Sierra.
The Sierra's rear bumper is equipped with integrated corner steps which make it easier to tie down a load when used in conjunction with the handgrips located on the cargo box rail protection strips. The Sierra's cargo bed is equipped with standard adjustable tie-down cleats and offers two-tier loading. A locking tailgate is standard, and buyers can opt for an EZ Lift and Lower assisted tailgate design as well as LED lighting tucked under the bed rails.
Inside the Sierra's cab, new seats with dual-density foam padding are standard, and available with a new stain- and water-resistant cloth upholstery or optional leather. They face a redesigned dashboard with controls that GMC says are designed for easy use when wearing work gloves. The instrument cluster includes 6 different gauges and, on most models, a 4.2-inch information display. The 2014 Sierra is equipped with dual glove boxes, numerous storage compartments, several USB ports, and both 12-volt and 110-volt power outlets.
For 2014, it is easier to load passengers into the back seats of the Sierra Extended Cab and Sierra Crew Cab models. The extended cab version has forward-hinged rear access doors, replacing the former rear-hinged design. The crew cab version has longer rear doors for easier entry and exit, as well as a redesigned rear bench seat with 2 extra inches of leg room.
Sierra models equipped with IntelliLink technology, which provides a wireless connection between the on-board infotainment system and up to 10 mobile devices, are equipped with an 8-inch, in-dash, high-definition color touch screen. IntelliLink employs natural voice-recognition technology for truly hands-free operation. Navigation is optional.
In addition to IntelliLink, the new 2014 GMC Sierra is offered with a reversing camera, front and rear park-assist sensors, and several new safety-related technologies. The forward-collision warning system and lane-departure warning systems are self-explanatory, while the Active Safety Seat system is designed to give the driver tactile warnings associated with these features, a subtle vibration through the seat cushion to let the driver know they ought to pay closer attention. Trailer sway control is standard on the new Sierra, with an integrated trailer brake offered as an option.
To serve Sierra buyers who might take their new truck off-roading, GMC offers the All-Terrain package on SLE and SLT models. The 2014 Sierra All-Terrain includes off-road suspension tuning, automatic locking rear differential, transfer case skid plate, hill-descent control system, and all-terrain tires mounted to 18-inch or 20-inch aluminum wheels. A painted grille, front tow hooks, brushed metal doorsill plates, and unique interior trim identify the Sierra All-Terrain.
The new 2014 GMC Sierra Crew Cab goes on sale by the end of June 2013, with regular cab and extended cab models arriving later in the year. More details about this truck will be available after it debuts next month at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Summary, Photos & Specs
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Ratings
GMC Truck Ratings


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We are happy to arrange Table d'hote dinner menu with choice of three starters, three main dishes, sweet or cheese and coffee.
Alternatively, for smaller numbers, a price allowance to select from A la Carte may be possible.
- Please call us on 01394 385678 to discuss your conference hotel requirements
- Seckford Hall hotel is based in Woodbridge, Suffolk, East Anglia UK. Please click here for a location map
- Seckford Hall Business and Conferencing Articles
- Article in Suffolk Business Magazine September 2008
- Historic setting for modern meetings – article in Suffolk Business July 2008


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Holiday shopping is expected to be up ... unlessBy ANNE DINNOCENZIO
The Associated Press | October 04,2013NEW YORK Americans, who are increasingly optimistic about improving economic conditions, are expected to spend at a more rapid clip during the upcoming holiday shopping season than they did last year.
But that could change if the partial government shutdown that has forced about 800,000 federal workers off the job continues and causes shoppers to lose confidence in the economy.
The National Retail Federation, the nations largest retail trade group, is expected to release Thursday a forecast that sales in November and December will rise 3.9 percent to $602.1 billion. Thats above the 3.5 percent increase a year ago and the 10-year average in holiday sales growth of 3.3 percent.
But Matthew Shay, the groups president and CEO, said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday that the forecast was calculated before the government shut down after Congress failed to pass a spending bill by Mondays midnight deadline. In addition to the furlough of hundreds of thousands of workers, that resulted in the shuttering of national parks and halting of a range of government services.
Shay said the groups forecast does not account for the possibility that the shutdown, now in its third day, could go on for a prolonged period of time that he defines as two weeks or more. But it does factor in the optimism Americans feel as jobs have become easier to get and the housing recovery has gained momentum.
What we are trying to balance here is the underlying fundamentals with the economy, which seem strong, against all that consumer unease and the uncertainty coming from Washington, Shay said.
Shay acknowledges that predicting how the holiday season will fare is difficult. In fact, the National Retail Federation has often been either too cautious or too optimistic. Last year, for instance, the groups forecast of 4.1 percent increase was far higher than the 3.5 percent rise retailers actually saw.
But the forecast nonetheless is an important indicator for retailers who rely on the last two months of the year for 20 percent to 40 percent of their annual sales. The estimates also provide insight for economists into consumer spending, which accounts for up to 70 percent of economic activity.
A big concern is that a prolonged government shutdown could severely hurt the economy and necessarily, consumer spending. For each week the government remains shut, the U.S. economy would lose 0.15 percent of annualized growth, estimates David Stockton, a former research director at the Federal Reserve who is now at the Peterson Institute.
And even before the government shutdown, retailers had reasons to be cautiously optimistic. While the job and housing markets are improving, that hasnt yet translated into sustained spending increases among most shoppers. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and other low-priced chains say that customers continue to struggle with a 2 percentage-point increase in the Social Security payroll tax that started on Jan. 1.
Those worries hurt stores sales during the back-to-school shopping season, the second largest shopping period behind the winter holidays. And a slew of retailers lowered their expectations for the rest of the year.
An extended government shutdown would only further threaten holiday sales, but it wouldnt be the first time the governments actions have had that impact. Last year, many Americans were worried about tense negotiations to resolve the fiscal cliff, a simultaneous increase in tax rates and a decrease in government spending. Congress and the White House reached a deal on Jan. 1 that prevented income taxes from rising for most households, but many store executives blamed the uncertainty during the height of holiday shopping for a slowdown in sales in late December.
Unlike that battle last year, Shay, with the National Retail Federation, said he expects the government shutdown to be over well before the official kickoff to the holiday period on the day after Thanksgiving.
We are optimistic that it could get resolved, he said. But we still have to be realistic.MORE IN National / World BusinessWASHINGTON U.S. Full StoryGroup recognizes Full StoryNEW YORK Stocks ended the day mostly flat on Thursday, recovering from broad losses earlier in... Full Story
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- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day 1739, 'Richard Palmer' identified in prison at York Castle as the notorious outlaw DICK TURPIN; IN 1836, Battle of the Alamo begins near San Antonio de Bexar, Texas; 1896, the Tootsie Roll invented by LEO HIRSCHFELD.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1472, Orkney, Shetland islands put up as collateral by Norway to Scotland in lieu of dowry for MARGARET OF DENMARK on her marriage with JAMES III, king of Scotland; 1962, JOHN GLENN first American to orbit Earth.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: City mayoral candidates debate campaign issues; Hartford, Conn., woman still missing; Neal Goswami reports attempts to legislate suicide; local woman loses 100 pounds through TOPS program.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1878, JOHN TUNSTALL murdered near Lincoln, New Mexico, by the outlaw JESSE EVANS; in 1930, ELM FARM OLLIE first cow to fly in aircraft, first to be milked airborne; 1955, nuke test WASP; '79, snow in Sahara.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: Rutland Herald News Editor Alan J. Keays and staff writer Gordon Dritschilo discuss stories planned for the February 18, 2015, edition of the newspaper: Winter budgets maxed, legal marijuana, Springfield bank job, USPS slowdown
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1249 AD, ANDRE of LONGJUMEAU is dispatched by LOUIS IX of France to meet the KHAGAN, ruler of the Mongol Empire; in 1804, during 1st Barbary War, STEPHEN DECATUR scuttles the pirate-held USS Philadelphia in Tripoli.


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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Amy A. Duerksen, 19, of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 11, from a non-combat related injury. Duerksen was assigned to the 4th Combat Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.


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Social Work: Project Coordinator
A master's degree in social work with experience in office/academic office setting is required. This individual must have a commitment to serving students and the broader community. This individual must be a flexible and supportive team player, have strong working knowledge of ...
For more details, please click here.
Trinity Christian College is a four-year liberal arts college located in Palos Heights, Illinois, a suburb twenty miles southwest of Chicago. Since its founding in 1959, Trinity has provided its students with an excellent Christian higher education in the Reformed tradition. The College enrolment in the traditional program is about 1,100 with a vibrant residential program. We offer majors in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as professional programs in accounting and business administration, nursing, education, computer science, pre-medicine, and pre-law. Trinity also offers adult degree completion programs in business and education. Trinity Christian College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Trinity is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates.


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Central Carolina People@Work — David Caplan
NAME: David Caplan
FAMILY: Wife Kasey, dog Sadie
POSITION: Agency manager, Lee County Farm Bureau
HOMETOWN: Sanford
What are five most frequently played songs on your iPod playlist? "Speak Life," Toby Mac; "Happy," Pharrell Williams; "Colder Weather," Zac Brown Band; "Like Jesus Does," Eric Church; "Oh My Sweet Carolina," Zac Brown Band
What is your favorite movie? "Tombstone"
What is your favorite book? The Bible
Is there a hobby you can't live without? Golf
Is there an item or collectible you hold dear? No
Where would someone be most likely to find you on a Saturday night? During warmer weather, the beach
What was your dream job when you were a child? PGA golfer or athletic director at UNC
What are some of your favorite things? Sunday afternoon naps with Kasey and puppy Sadie, solidly struck golf shot, meal at a great restaurant with great friends, a really good beer, time with my family
What would be your last meal? Chicken Parmesan with cheesecake for dessert
Who would be your ideal dinner guests? (Name three, living or dead) Jesus, my two grandfathers (I did not get a chance to really know either before they died) and my wife, Kasey
What is something interesting most people don't know about you? I enjoy cooking, and I think I'm decent at it.
Ideal vacation spot: Italy or the beach, better yet, an Italian beach.
Favorite professional sports team: Cubs and Orioles
If you were given $5,000 to donate to a nonprofit organization, which would you pick? Kiwanis of Lee County — there is no better civic club in our area, period. I know the money would be used well and help a lot of children.
What's the worst injury you've ever had? Either a broken toe or sprained ankle playing soccer. Actually, probably my pride at various times, neither of those injuries were really that bad.
Ever had a brush with celebrity? Dane Northcutt worked with us at Farm Bureau. Google him. Also, one of my good friends is Jones Angell.
What would you like to know about the future? When will Jesus come again? Will Kasey and I ever have children? And when/if our great country will go bankrupt.
What's your favorite website? Google and GoHeels.com
Would you go bungee jumping or skydiving? Probably
Do you have a tattoo? No
Any fears or phobias? Fear of snakes, fear of failure
Ever been outside the United States? Yes
Did you have a childhood nickname? No
Favorite kind of cookie? Any kind
Favorite season? Late summer/early fall
What's the hardest thing you've ever had to tell someone? That they need to find a different career
Would you consider plastic surgery if someone else paid for it? No
What's the most embarrassing experience you've ever had at work? Probably my fly (zipper) down for about half the day and no one telling me.
Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life? Josh Duhamel — Kasey thinks he's handsome.
Biggest pet peeve? It frustrates me when people do not try nor give it their all and simply rely on others.
What's your usual wakeup time in the morning? 6:30 a.m.
What talent do you wish you had? Play guitar
Ever seen a ghost? Probably?
What superhero power would you most like to have? I'd love to be able to fly.
What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up? Cheers
Favorite band or musical artist? Zack Brown Band and Steve Miller Band
To keep the stars on the flag nice and even, which state should be traded for Puerto Rico? Just make Puerto Rico part of Florida, then another star would not be needed.
What's your cell phone ringtone? Not sure, sounds like a piano
Favorite dessert? Cheesecake or grandma's chocolate cupcakes
Who's your best friend and why? My wife and John Hatch — because they both know more about me than anyone else
You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do? Save the dog.
If you could go back in time and change one historic event, what would it be? During my lifetime, Sept. 11
Do you have bumper stickers of any kind on your car? Farm Bureau – Helping you is what we do best.
If you could never hear the music of one musical artist ever again, which would it be? OK, stumped on this one, not sure.
If you could create one rule that all society had to live by, what would it be? Already been created, The Golden Rule.
How do you define success? Happiness
Ever wondered why Kamikaze pilots wore helmets? No, but it's a good question.
Hamburger or pizza? Hamburger
Describe your life philosophy in six words or fewer: Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.


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A receiver, comprising an adaptive filter, performs blind equalization using a modified form of the constant modulus algorithm (CMA). This modified form of CMA is referred to as phase compensating CMA (PC-CMA). PC-CMA includes a phase-compensating term in the tap updating algorithm of the equalizer such that convergence to a straight constellation is achieved without the need of a rotator.
1. A method for use in a communications receiver, the method comprising the steps of:
equalizing a signal with an adaptive filter; and
blindly converging at least one of N tap coefficient vectors of the adaptive filter by using a modified form of a constant modulus based algorithm that uses a tap updating algorithm that includes a phase compensation term.
2. The method of
Cn is a complex coefficient vector that is input to the tap updating algorithm;
μΔCn is a phase-independent coefficient update term;
jαCnΔ{circumflex over (θ)}n is the phase compensation term; and
Cn+1 is a complex coefficient vector that is output from the tap updating algorithm.
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. Apparatus for use in a receiver, the apparatus comprising:
an adaptive filter having associated N tap coefficient vectors; and
circuitry for adapting at least one of the N tap coefficient vectors by using a modified form of a constant modulus based algorithm that uses a tap updating algorithm that includes a phase compensation term.
9. The apparatus of
10. The apparatus of
11. The apparatus of
12. The apparatus of
13. Apparatus for use in performing blind equalization in a receiver, the apparatus comprising:
a memory for storing N tap coefficient vectors; and
a processor for adapting at least one of the N tap coefficient vectors by using a modified form of a constant modulus based algorithm that uses a tap updating algorithm that includes a phase compensation term.
14. The apparatus of
15. The apparatus of
16. The apparatus of
17. The method of
18. The method of
19. The apparatus of
20. The apparatus of
Cn is a complex coefficient vector that is input to the tap updating algorithm;
μΔCn is a phase-independent coefficient update term;
jαCnΔ{circumflex over (θ)}n is the phase compensation term; and
Cn+1 is a complex coefficient vector that is output from the tap updating algorithm.
21. The apparatus of
22. The apparatus of
Cn is a complex coefficient vector that is input to the tap updating algorithm;
μΔCn is a phase-independent coefficient update term;
jαCnΔ{circumflex over (θ)}n is the phase compensation term; and
Cn+1 is a complex coefficient vector that is output from the tap updating algorithm.
Related subject matter is disclosed in the commonly assigned, U.S. patent applications of: Larsson, entitled "System And Method For Training A Plurality Of Equalizers And A Modem Employing The System Or Method," Ser. No. 08/855,086, filed May 13, 1997 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,389 on Jul. 11, 2000; Werner et al., entitled "Blind Equalization Algorithm with Joint Use of the Constant Modulus Algorithm and the MultiModulus Algorithm" Ser. No. 09/066,189, filed on Apr. 24, 1998 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,134 B1 on Nov. 6, 2001; and Werner et al., entitled "The Blind Equalization Algorithm with the Joint Use of the Constant R and the Sliced Symbols" Ser. No. 09/339,793, filed on Jun. 24, 1999.
The present invention relates to communications equipment, and, more particularly, to blind equalization in a receiver.
In blind equalization, the adaptive filters of a receiver are converged without the use of a training signal. As known in the art, there are two techniques for blind equalization: one is referred to herein as the "reduced constellation algorithm" (RCA) (e.g., see Y. Sato, "A Method of Self-Recovering Equalization for Multilevel Amplitude-Modulation Systems," IEEE Trans. Commun., pp. 679-682, June 1975; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,152, issued Oct. 7, 1980 to Godard); and the other technique is the so-called "constant modulus algorithm" (CMA) (e.g., see D. N. Godard, "Self-Recovering Equalization and Carrier Tracking in Two-Dimensional Data Communications Systems," IEEE Trans. Commun., vol. 28, no. 11, pp. 1867-1875, November 1980; and N. K Jablon, "Joint Blind Equalization, Carrier Recovery, and Timing Recovery for High-Order QAM Signal Constellations"IEEE Trans. Signal Processing, vol. 40, no. 6, pp. 1383-1398, 1992.) Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,807, issued Aug. 11, 1998 to Werner et al., and entitled "Blind Equalization," presents a new blind equalization technique—the multimodulus algorithm (MMA)—as an alternative to the above-mentioned RCA and CMA approaches.
However, for all blind equalization approaches the most fundamental performance issue is the ability to achieve reliable initial convergence—else the adaptive filter may converge to a wrong solution such as the well-known "diagonal solution."
We have discovered a technique for use in blind equalization of an adaptive equalizer that reduces the rate of occurrence of a diagonal solution. In particular, and in accordance with the invention, a receiver performs blind equalization by using a tap updating algorithm that includes a phase-compensating term.
In an embodiment of the invention, a receiver comprises an adaptive filter having a two-filter structure. The receiver uses a modified form of the CMA algorithm to perform blind equalization. This modified form of CMA is referred to herein as phase compensating CMA (PC-CMA). PC-CMA includes a phase-compensating term in the tap updating algorithm of the equalizer such that convergence to a straight constellation is achieved without the need of a rotator.
FIG. 1 is an illustrative block diagram of a portion of a communications system embodying the principles of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an illustrative block diagram of a prior art phase-splitting equalizer;
FIG. 3 is an illustrative block diagram of a portion of a prior art adaptive filter for use in an equalizer;
FIG. 4 shows an illustrative block diagram of a phase-splitting equalizer in accordance with the principles of the invention;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are illustrative block diagrams of a portion of a receiver embodying the principles of the invention; and
FIG. 7 shows an illustrative blind start-up procedure in accordance with the principles of the invention.
Other than the inventive concept, the elements described below and shown in the FIGS. are well-known and will not be described in detail. Also, as used herein, an adaptive filter is, e.g., a fractionally spaced linear equalizer, which is hereafter simply referred to as an FSLE equalizer or, simply, an equalizer.
An illustrative high-level block diagram of a portion of a communications system embodying the principles of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. For illustrative purposes only, it is assumed that receiver 10 receives a CAP (carrierless, amplitude modulation, phase modulation) signal, which can be represented by:
where an and bn are discrete-valued multilevel symbols, p(t) and {tilde over (p)}(t) are impulse responses which form a Hilbert pair, T is the symbol period, and ξ(t) is additive noise introduced in the channel (Additional information on a CAP communications system can be found in J. J. Werner, "Tutorial on Carrierless AM/PM—Part I—Fundamentals and Digital CAP Transmitter," Contribution to ANSI X3T9.5 TP/PMD Working Group, Minneapolis, Jun. 23, 1992.)
It is assumed that the CAP signal in equation (1) has been distorted while propagating through communications channel 9 and experiences intersymbol interference (ISI). This ISI consists of intrachannel ISI (an or bn symbols interfering with each other) and interchannel ISI (an and bn symbols interfering with each other). The purpose of receiver 10 is to remove the ISI and minimize the effect of the additive noise ξ(t) to provide signal r′(t). The inventive concept is illustratively described in the context of a phase compensating CMA (PC-CMA) blind equalization algorithm for use within receiver
At this point, before describing the inventive concept, a brief review is provided of adaptive filters and some blind equalization algorithms. If the reader is familiar with this background, simply skip-ahead to the section entitled "Phase Compensating CMA."
Adaptive Filters, and Blind Equalization
An illustrative phase-splitting FSLE equalizer 100 is shown in FIG. 2. It is assumed that FSLE equalizer 100 operates on an input signal that can be characterized as having N dimensions. In this example, N=2, i.e., the input signal comprises two component dimensions: an in-phase component and a quadrature component. (It should also be noted that the term "channel" may also be used to refer to each dimension, e.g., the in-phase dimension is also referred to as the in-phase channel) FSLE equalizer 100 comprises two parallel digital adaptive filters implemented as finite impulse response (FIR) filters 110 and 120. Equalizer 100 is called a "phase-splitting FSLE" because the two FIR filters 110 and 120 converge to in-phase and quadrature filters. Some illustrative details of the equalizer structure are shown in FIG. 3. The two FIR filters 110 and 120 share the same tapped delay line 115, which stores sequences of successive Analog-to-Digital Converter (A/D) 125 samples rk. The sampling rate 1/T′ of A/D 125 is typically three to four times higher than the symbol rate 1/T and is chosen in such a way that it satisfies the sampling theorem for real signals. It is assumed that T/T′=i, where i is an integer.
The output signals of the two adaptive FIR filters 110 and 120 as shown in FIG. 3 are computed at the symbol rate 1/T. The equalizer taps and input samples can be represented by a corresponding N-dimensional vector. As such, the following relationships are now defined:
where the superscript T denotes vector transpose, the subscript n refers to the symbol period nT, and k=(i)(n).
Let yn and {tilde over (y)}n be the computed output signals of the in-phase and quadrature filters, respectively, and:
An X/Y display of the output signals yn and {tilde over (y)}n or, equivalently, of the complex output signal Yn=yn+j{tilde over (y)}n, is called a signal constellation. After convergence, ideally the signal constellation consists of a display of the complex symbols An=an+jbn (which were sent from the transmitter) corrupted by some small noise and ISI.
Referring back to FIG. 2, FSLE equalizer 100 can be characterized as having two modes of operation, a normal mode (steady state) and a start-up mode (non-steady state). In the normal mode of operation, the decision devices, i.e., slicers 130 and 135, compare the equalizer complex output samples, Yn, (where Yn=yn+j{tilde over (y)}n), with all the possible transmitted complex symbols, An (where An=an+jbn), and select the symbol �n which is the closest to Yn. The receiver then computes an error, En, where En=f(Yn, �n). For example:
which is used to update the tap coefficients of equalizer 100. The most common tap updating algorithm is the LMS algorithm, which is a stochastic gradient algorithm that minimizes the mean square error (MSE), which is defined as:
In equation (8), E[.] denotes expectation and en and en are the following in-phase and quadrature errors:
The tap coefficients of the two adaptive filters are updated using the above-mentioned least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm, i.e.,
where α is the step size used in the tap adjustment algorithm.
In contrast to the steady state mode of operation, the start-up mode is used to converge the tap coefficient values to an initial set of values. In some systems a training sequence is used during start-up (i.e., a predefined sequence of An symbols), from which the receiver can compute meaningful errors En by using the equalizer output signal Yn and the known sequence of transmitted symbols An. In this case, tap adaptation is said to be done with respect to an "ideal reference."
However, when no training sequence is available, equalizer 100 has to be converged blindly. This usually comprises two main steps. First, a blind equalization algorithm is used to open the "eye diagram," i.e., achieve initial convergence. Then, once the eye is open enough, the receiver switches to, e.g., the above-described LMS tap adaptation algorithm to obtain final steady-state convergence. The switch between the two kinds of algorithms are controlled by so called schedule-driven or event-driven counters (e.g., see the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,074 issued to Werner et al.). The philosophy of blind equalization is to use a tap adaptation algorithm that minimizes a cost function that is better suited to provide initial convergence of equalizer 100 than the MSE represented by equation (8).
The cost functions used for blind equalization algorithms and the LMS algorithm minimizes different quantities. As see in equation (8), the cost function of the LMS algorithm is given as:
In equation (13), the LMS algorithm uses the sliced symbols, �n, to achieve convergence. However, with a blind start-up, due to the severe corruption of data, the cost functions used for blind equalization algorithms need to use a constant R, which is statistically related to the sliced symbols �n. For instance, the cost function of CMA is
(Illustrative techniques for the computation of R can be found in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,807, issued Aug. 11, 1998 to Werner et al., entitled "Multimodulus blind equalization using piecewise linear contours.")
For CMA, the tap coefficients of the two adaptive filters are updated according to:
The two-dimensional CMA cost function does not contain any information about the phase rotation of the constellation. Thus, it leaves an arbitrary phase offset after convergence. One proposed solution is to include a rotator and a counter-rotator after the equalizer (e.g., see the above-mentioned article by D. N. Godard). The desired phase rotation is:
where Δ{circumflex over (θ)}n is an estimate of the real phase error of the constellation, Y′n is the rotated equalizer output signal and �n is the sliced complex symbol. The rotated equalizer output signal is further defined as:
where Yn=yn+j{tilde over (y)}n, Cn=cn+jdn. In matrix form, the function of the rotator/derotator is described by:
Equation (20) indicates that the rotator implementation requires evaluation of sine/cosine functions. Unfortunately, even after convergence with CMA (i.e., the equalizer has been switched to using a standard LMS tap adaptation algorithm for steady-state operation), a rotator is still needed—which results in a higher implementation cost for CMA compared to other blind equalization schemes that do not require rotators.
One approach for dispensing with the rotator was presented in P. Larsson, "Adaptive Phase Shifting in FIR filters with Application to Equalizers," pp. 1660-1664, 31st Asilomar Conference, CA. 1997. However, this algorithm is limited to fractional equalizers and is not an integral part of the updating.
Phase Compensating CMA (PC-CMA
As noted earlier, when blind equalization is used with an adaptive filter, e.g., a phase-splitting equalizer, sometimes it converges to a wrong solution called diagonal solutions. Therefore, and in accordance with the invention, we have discovered a technique for use in blind equalization of an adaptive equalizer that reduces the rate of occurrence of a diagonal solution. In particular, and in accordance with the invention, a receiver performs blind equalization by using a tap updating algorithm that includes a phase-compensating term.
The new blind equalization algorithm is called phase compensating CMA (PC-CMA. In PC-CMA, CMA is modified to use a tap updating algorithm that includes a phase-compensating term. Thus, rotation of a constellation is achieved for a CMA-based algorithm without the use of a rotator. Further, since the constellation rotation is embedded in the blind equalization algorithm, it will automatically be switched off when using the standard LMS algorithm in steady-state operation, which results in a lower steady-state cost than for traditional CMA.
From equation (19), we have realized that a phase-compensating rotation of the constellation can be achieved with an equalizer having tap weights described by C′n instead of a filter with taps Cn followed by a rotator. That is,
where C′n T=Cn Tej{circumflex over (θ)} n .
The steps leading to an iterative gradient algorithm for converging the initial tap weights Cn towards the final tap weights C′n are mathematically described below. Using equation (21), the rotated output Y′n+1 is given by:
Replacing the definition of {circumflex over (θ)}n+1 in equation (18), and using Cn+1=Cn+μΔCn. equation (22) is rewritten as:
which shows that the updating of the rotator can be replaced by an additional modification of the tap weights Cn. It should be noted that equation (25) uses the assumption that the step size parameter α is a small number such that the small-angle approximation holds, i.e.,
cos(αΔ{circumflex over (θ)}n)≈1; and (27)
Neglecting the last term with a second-order quantity in equation (26), yields:
The tap updating algorithm of the new equalizer, C′n+1 is obtained from equations (22) and (29) as follows:
Taking the real and imaginary parts of equation (30), the following adaptation algorithms for the in-phase and quadrature phase tap coefficients result:
The above equations show that the equalization and phase-rotating tap adaptation can be done simultaneously. Merging the standard CMA with the tap adaptation of equations (31) and (32) give the tap updating algorithms of PC-CMA as:
In the PC-CMA scheme, the de-rotation of a tilted constellation is done by the use of the Δ{circumflex over (θ)}n term in equations (33) and (34). This parameter is the same for both the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) channels such that both I and Q filters will de-rotate the constellation in the same direction, thus avoiding the diagonal solution. The value of the error correction term, or step size, μ in equations (33) and (34) is best determined by simulation.
An illustrative block diagram of a phase-splitting equalizer in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in FIG. 4. Except for the inventive concept, FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 2 (described above) and as such will not be further described. As can be seen in FIG. 4, tap updating elements 275 and 285 (which represent equations (34) and (33)) update the coefficients of filters 210 and 220, respectively (as represented by the dashed arrows).
Illustrative embodiments of the inventive concept are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for use in receiver 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment representative of a digital signal processor 400 that is programmed to implement an FSLE in accordance with the principles of the invention. Digital signal processor 400 comprises a central processing unit (processor) 405 and memory 410. A portion of memory 410 is used to store program instructions that, when executed by processor 405, implement the PC-CMA algorithm. This portion of memory is shown as 411. Another portion of memory, 412, is used to store tap coefficient values that are updated by processor 405 in accordance with the inventive concept. It is assumed that a received signal 404 is applied to processor 405, which equalizes this signal in accordance with the inventive concept to provide a output signal 406. (As known in the art, it is assumed that received signal 404 is provided by an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter (not shown). Also, a digital signal processor may additionally process received signal 404 before deriving output signal 406.) An illustrative software program is not described herein since, after learning of the PC-CMA algorithm as described herein, such a program is within the capability of one skilled in the art. Also, it should be noted that any equalizer structures, such as that described earlier, can be implemented by digital signal processor 400 in accordance with the inventive concept.
FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the inventive concept. Circuitry 500 comprises a central processing unit (processor) 505, and an equalizer 510. The latter is illustratively assumed to be a phase-splitting FSLE as described above. It is assumed that equalizer 510 includes at least one tap-coefficient register for storing values for corresponding tap coefficient vectors (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). Processor 505 includes memory, not shown, similar to memory 410 of FIG. 5 for implementing the PC-CMA algorithm. Equalizer output signal 511 is applied to processor 505. The latter analyzes equalizer output signal 511, in accordance with the inventive concept, to adapt values of the tap coefficients, via signaling 506, in such a way as to converge to a correct solution.)
A blind start-up procedure in accordance with the principles of the invention for use in receiver 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 7. In step 605, receiver 10 uses the PC-CMA cost function with its corresponding tap updating algorithms to begin blind convergence of an equalizer, e.g., equalizer 510 of FIG. 6. In step 610, a decision is made whether to switch from the PC-CMA algorithm to the LMS adaptation algorithm or to continue using the PC-CMA algorithm to converge the equalizer. Typically, this is referred to in the art as determining if the eye is open enough (as noted above) and if the originally tilted constellation has been derotated to a straight constellation (e.g., by checking if Δ{circumflex over (θ)}n from equation (17) is a small number. Step 610 of the blind start-up procedure can be schedule-driven, event-driven, or both. With a schedule-driven approach, the switch between two different tap updating algorithms occurs after some fixed number, M, of iterations (which can be determined by a counter, for example). This approach presumes a certain amount of eye-opening and that the constellation has been adequately rotated after M iterations. With an event-driven approach, the switch occurs when a certain quality of eye opening and constellation rotation is achieved. This can be done, for example, by continuously monitoring values of MSE and Δ{circumflex over (θ)}n and making the switch when the values of MSE and Δ{circumflex over (θ)}n are below some thresholds. If the eye has been opened enough and the constellation has been adequately rotated, receiver 10 switches to the LMS Adaptation algorithm in step 615.
The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention and it will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous alternative arrangements which, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the invention and are within its spirit and scope. For example, although the inventive concept was illustrated herein as being implemented with discrete functional building blocks, e.g., FIR 210, etc., the functions of any one or more of those building blocks can be carried out using one or more appropriately programmed processors or processing circuitry, e.g., a digital signal processor; discrete circuit elements; integrated circuits; etc. Also, this technique is not limited to the CMA algorithm. Any blind equalization algorithm that leaves a tilted constellation after convergence can be combined with the phase correction technique described here.
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The French striker signed from Strasbourg in the summer of 2010 but has started just 14 games for the Merseyside club.
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The Diggers Garden Club was established in Robbinsdale, Minnesota in 1943. We are affiliated with the
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Stop procrastination with right surroundingsWritten by Tom Richard | | firstname.lastname@example.com
Why didn't we do this sooner?" That was the question my wife and I posed to each other as we laid down our paint brushes. We had been staring at the once-drab walls of our home for three years with wonder. The beauty of getting that first bright splash of paint on the wall was that it contained within itself the action required to get the thousand or so other brush strokes that were required to complete the remainder of the project.
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iPhone Unlock App is fully automatic when it comes to unlocking iPhone. That means you only connect your device, type your IMEI in and click one button - it's done!
iPhone Unlock App was designed for every iPhone (includes 4, 4S and 5). That means you can unlock EVERY iPhone with this simple method.
iPhone Unlock App is absolutely 100% safe for your device. All the safety modules (including file backup) will make sure you will not damage your iPhone!
- type *#06# on your iPhone's keyboard and you'll see the IMEI on the screen. Save it!
- choose your version ( unlock iPhone 4/4S or iPhone 5) and doubleclick on the icon
- just rewrite your IMEI into the program and you're ready! Keep your IMEI private.
- click Start button and wait for the unlock process to complete. Then connect to iTunes and you're done! Your iPhone unlocking is done!
Copyright 2013. Removesimlock-iphone.com


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Getsome Athletics Heads to Sydney
Menai Indoor Sports Centre
Menai NSW Australia
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Getsome Athletics Heads to Sydney
South Side Derby Dolls is proud to bring Getsome Athletics to Sydney, Australia to teach derby athletes all of the newest roller derby skills and strategies as well as how to beat them! This exclusive two day clinic will be hosted by world renowned coaches and Rat City All Stars team members, Shorty Ounce and Carmen Getsome!
The clinic will run from 9am to 4pm for two days. April 13th and 14th. Classes will be run to cater for skill levels from beginner to advanced skaters.
Just some of the skills that will be covered in the clinic include:
- Jamming with Intelligence
- Mastering Containment
- Effective Start Line Strategy
- How to be Effective in a Power Jam
- Advanced Strategies and How to Counter Them
At the end of the 2nd day of the clinic you get to put your skills to the test during scenario style classes and scrimmaging with Carmen and Shorty where the coaches earn their keep and play alongside the participants!! A full weekend of new classes and drills will be brought to this clinic and you will find yourself learning new techniques and strategies to catapult you, your team and your league to the next level!
Skaters from any and all leagues are welcome and encouraged to participate. This will be your only chance to experience the Getsome Athletics clinic in New South Wales and registrations are limited so book now!
Carmen Getsome:
Carmen Getsome is a 7 year Rat City Allstar member that has been voted by her leaguemates as MVP for the past five years in a row. A hardworking athlete that has proven her skill and leadership by not only skating for the currently #6 roller derby team in the world but by starting a banked track team. Carmen believes versatility is an important component to success so while you work with her at camp you will experience drills that resemble other sports and types of workouts that come together to not only improve your derby skills but your athleticism.
Shorty Ounce:
Recongized by her teammates 2011 as the Rat City Rollergirls Rookie of the Year, and 2012 as the most defensive blocker of the year, Shorty Ounce is proof that powerful things come in small packages!
Shorty Ounce has coached all over the world! From Australia to North Carolina, she has taught people how to hold their walls together to help people put their weight in the proper place while blocking to improve their position on the floor as well as how to be an all around awesome blocker!!
A full weekend of new classes and drills will be brought to this clinic and you will find yourself learning new techniques and strategies to catapult you and your team to the next level!
Jr's age 16 and over are welcome but just like all other attendees they must be able to:
-skate safely
-cross over
-give and take a hit
-stay focused and work hard for the full day
they also must have a signed consent form from a parent
Menai Indoor Sports Centre
98-150 Allison Crescent
Menai NSW 2234
Roller Derby
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Tanji Patton
Tanji Patton is an Emmy award-winning journalist who produces a fun, engaging and informative Web site called Good Taste With Tanji. You can read more about Tanji on her Web site and can follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/TanjiPatton and Facebook.
Monthly Archive for September, 2011
Chicken Fried Braggin' Rights
If you're looking for a quick weekend getaway that offers a totally Texas dining experience, head for the hills…the Texas hills! The Cabernet Grill, a quaint restaurant with a B&B in Fredericksburg, takes 'bigger and better in Texas' to an all new level with its delicious chicken fried fare. The really good news is they're […] [Read More]
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By Claudette RouloAmerican Forces Press Service
STUTTGART, Germany, April 5, 2013 Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez became U.S. Africa Command's third commander here today during a ceremony at the command's headquarters with Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presiding.
Rodriguez succeeds Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, who is retiring after a 39-year career that included two years as an enlisted infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division.
In a letter read at the ceremony, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel thanked Ham for his service. "You took command of Africom at a critical time on the continent and in the larger region," he wrote.
As a result of Ham's leadership, America has deepened its engagements in Africa and built and strengthened important relationships with U.S. allies and partners, Hagel said in the letter.
"Your inspired leadership has helped African nations realize the value of Africom in fostering stability and hope on the continent," Hagel continued.. "You devoted the whole of yourself to the United States Army and to the United States of America, and for that, we are grateful."
Within days of taking command in 2011, Ham assembled an international coalition dedicated to help in protecting the people of Libya, Dempsey said at today's ceremony here. "From Tanzania to Senegal, Tunisia to Botswana, you've found new ways to deepen partnerships and to build capability," he added.
Alongside international partners, Africom has "critically weakened al Shabab, put the Lord's Resistance Army on the run and helped beat back extremism in Mali," Dempsey said. "Not bad for a 5-year-old command."
Those achievements are a product of Ham's principled and grounded leadership, the chairman said.
"As a famous African saying goes: 'A tree is known by its fruit.' … You've cultivated a strategy that embraces complexity and acknowledges that enduring solutions can only be the result of open, honest collaboration," Dempsey said to Ham.
Military, diplomatic and political representatives from throughout the command and Germany, where Ham spent much of his career, attended the ceremony.
"If you'd have told me in March of 2011 that the chief of staff of the Libyan armed forces would be here today, I might have questioned your sanity and your judgment," Ham said. "Yet, Gen. [Yousef] Mangoush is here today, and he represents a strong and growing partnership between Libya and the United States."
Ham also expressed confidence in his successor.
"There will indeed be more challenges ahead," he said, "but I remain wholly confident the Africa Command team, under General Rodriguez's most capable leadership, will meet each and every one of those challenges with agility, imaginative thought and unselfish dedication."
Promising Rodriguez a "full plate," Dempsey noted that terrorism, transnational crime, internal instability and illicit trafficking all need to be addressed in the region. The Defense Department and the nation have great confidence in Rodriguez, the chairman added, and in his ability to confront tomorrow's challenges.
Rodriguez has served with distinction on the unforgiving battlefields of the 21st century, Hagel wrote in his letter. "By your actions," Hagel said of the general, "you have gained the trust and confidence of the president and the department's leadership."
Rodriguez's most recent assignment was as commander of U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, N.C. His responsibilities included manning, equipping and training 265,000 active component soldiers. He also held training and readiness oversight for 560,000 Army reservists and National Guardsmen.
Previous assignments include command of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command and deputy commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan. Rodriguez also has led the 82nd Airborne Division and units within the 101st Airborne Division, 1st Armored Division and 75th Ranger Regiment.
Africom was established in 2007 and is responsible to the secretary of defense for military relations with African nations, the African Union and African regional security organizations.
Related Sites:U.S. Africa CommandSpecial Report: U.S. Africa CommandMessageVideo
Related Articles:Dempsey Arrives in Germany for Africom Change of Command


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WIT Web Lesson
Plan Assessment
WIT Web Curriculum Project Assessment
Teaching Guide
Evaluation of Module
return to Assessment of Educational Web Sites
Introduction: The critical evaluation of web sites is essential when using these sites to plan lessons and activities for children's use. Seemingly unendless streams of information are accessible to anyone with internet access. How does one determine which sites contain information that is trustworthy, accurate, and appropriate? As you surf the web, you will develop a keen eye for determining which sites meet your needs. Formulating a series of questions for consideration is helpful when evaluating web sites. It is important to take careful notes as you discriminate among sites. Scoring the sites using an evaluative instrument such as a rubric may be helpful.
Overview: We will discuss questions that will help us evaluate web sites, review a checklist of these questions, evaluate web sites using the check list, and then assign a rubric score to each web site.
NOTE: The following is taken from the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association. Their home page is located at http://www.ala.org/parentspage/greatsites/criteria.html
Activity 1: Discuss the following criteria in small groups. Are there any that are mandatory for a children's web site? Are there any additional criteria that should be considered? Be prepared to share your findings with the whole group.
A. Authorship/Sponsorship: Who Put up the Site?
B. Purpose: Every Site Has a Reason for Being There.
C. Design and Stability: A Great Site Has Personality and Strength of Character.
D. Content: A Great Site Shares Meaningful and Useful Content that Educates, Informs, or Entertains.
E. Additional considerations:
The checklist is available here
Activity 2: Visit several of the following web sites to decide which one you would like to evaluate using the above criteria. Then download the Web Evaluation Checklist to make written notes about the site.
Warning: Some of the following sites may contain controversial material. One of the sites is bogus - are you able to identify it?
- Abortion and Reproductive Rights: Choices for Women
Activity 3: Once you have evaluated a web site using the above criteria, you may wish to score the entire site using a rubric such as the following 1 - 5 point scale.
You may use a form such as the following to keep track of your site evaluations, as well as to compile your homeroom's evaluations:
Click here to download a copy of this form.
Early Elementary: http://istweb.syr.edu/AWArds/Invest.pdf
Internet Safety for Children's Use
Using the Internet Safely: http://www.yahooligans.com/docs/safety/index.html
Keeping Children Safe As They Surf
FBI site - A Parent Guide to Internet Safety : http://www.fbi.gov/library/pguide/pguidee.htm
Additional web evaluation sites:
Submit a form to Cathy
Schrock's web page evaluation (This site offers an interactive,
online critical evaluation survey and database)
The contents of the Web Institute Web Site, including the On-Line Curriculum, Web Tank, and Session Notes, are Copyright 1999-2000, Graham School of General Studies, University of Chicago. No one may print, copy, or otherwise reproduce these materials without the express written permission of the Director of Education Programs at the Graham School. All rights reserved.
The chapters from Curriculum Webs: A Practical Guide to Weaving the Web into Teaching and Learning are Copyright 1999-2000, Craig A. Cunningham and Marty Billingsley. No one may print, copy, or otherwise reproduce these materials without the express written permission of the authors. All rights reserved.


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How to ensure that nvidia-settings have been loaded?
Our company plans to build media server box. The box has nVidia GTS 450 video card and runs Ubuntu.
The media server box is configured by us at the factory and sent to the end user, an operator who does not have any computer knowledge.
The media server has two displays attached to it running two different x-server sessions. At factory, we make sure that "sync to vblank" setting is enabled. The resulting .nvidia-settings.rc is saved in operator's home directory.
When I log in as operator and run nvidia-settings, I can see that my vblank settings are preserved. However, the actual operator will not be running nvidia-settings. In this case, how do I make sure that nvidia-settings are indeed loaded?
A post on a forum suggests add "nvidia-settings -l" to profile. Can someone please verify if this is what needs to be done? Also, is there a way to check if "vblank" settings are enabled without really running nvidia-settings?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Re: How to ensure that nvidia-settings have been loaded?
Yes, nvidia-settings -l loads the .nvidia-settings-rc file and applies the settings inside. To query whether sync-to-vblank is enabled, you can run
nvidia-settings -tq SyncToVblank
You can use
nvidia-settings --describe list
Re: How to ensure that nvidia-settings have been loaded?
Thank you very much for your help.
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Create a cosy winter living room
Woolly blankets, thick pile rugs and warm fires are on our list for a cosy living room this winter. Create inviting nooks and sumptuous schemes for a space you'll be grateful to escape to, from the frosty winter weather outside.
10 winter warming ideas
Cosy autumnal bedroom ideas
Cosy living room accessories
Updated November 2011
Colour contrast
Velvets and silks are nothing new to interiors, but shake things up with this oh-so-now colour scheme. Set pieces of furniture in bright, block colours against dark, moody walls for an eye-catching contrast. Dream velvet armchair, £1195 - £1570, and footstool, £430 - £595, Graham and Green.
Related sections: Living room ideas , Chic
Related articles
Video: how to choose a colour scheme
Choosing a colour scheme can be a nightmare. How ...
Colour schemes video: Decorating with neutrals
Want a decorating scheme that won't look dated...
Other galleries
Home is a UK TV channel, available on Sky 196 and Virgin 265, featuring the best interior design, home decorating, DIY and gardening programmes. Our website, lovehome.co.uk, has articles, videos and photo galleries to inspire and help you in your home improvement projects, from kitchens to bathrooms, bedrooms to landscaping.
Our team of experts, including Ty Pennington, Paul Martin, Nick Knowles and Craig Phillips, offer practical advice and inspiration in Home's TV shows - from DIY SOS, Homes Under The Hammer and Ground Force to Escape To The Country and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Find advice or simply draw inspiration by browsing our galleries. Home, there's no place like it!


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- Listen>
The Current | Jul 31, 2015
The accepted narrative across the country seems to be that a long election will benefit Stephen Harper and the Conservatives... but that narrative may be too simple.
- Listen>
As It Happens | Jul 30, 2015
Living the Lampoon. A real-life Griswold family recreates the station wagon from National Lampoon's Vacation, and the car gets a role in the movie's reboot.
- Listen>
Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids | Jul 27, 2015
Phantom killer kittens, an $800 phone bill, and an island with no babes. Recorded live in Banff, AB.
- Listen>
Q | Jul 31, 2015
It's time for another deliberately divisive Good or Bad debate! This time we weigh the pros and cons of unstructured time away from school.
- Listen>
New Fire | Jul 28, 2015
As a young weaver, Meghann O'Brien faces the challenge of creating cultural art while making a living doing it - and weighs in on "trendy" traditional goods. (July 28 / 2015)


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Below is the poem entitled The no name killer which was written by poet
Pranab Jyoti
Rava. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.
Read Poems by
Pranab Jyoti
Pranab Jyoti Rava
quiet yet abrupt he is
commisioned to thrill but kill
Is he an assassin?
believes in sobriety
but still merciless
Is he the no name killer?
his victim never asked his name
his whereabouts unknown to the world
Perhaps he is the no name killer
a cold blooded killer
a homicidal maniac some say
But still a no name killer
A comment has not been posted for this poem. Encourage a poet by being the first to comment.


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Updated: 07/22/2013 9:47 PM KSTP.com By: Leslie Dyste
Back to school shopping is typically an exciting time for kids.
But, for families in Moore, Oklahoma who lost their homes and maybe even loved ones, getting ready for a new year will be very difficult.
That's why the Kids in Need Foundation is stepping in to help. With volunteers from Target the foundation filled backpacks Monday full of school supplies that will be delivered to families in Moore.
The volunteers put together 2,000 backpacks.


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A county teen was killed in a head-on crash, Monday morning, while driving to school.
According state police, Tiffany Skylar LaPrade, 16, was driving east on Va. 24 when her 2001 Toyota Camry crossed the center line and hit a 2003 Dodge Ram pick-up driven by Rodney Whorley, of Huddleston. Whorley's truck then ran off the right shoulder of the road and overturned.
The force of the impact threw LaPrades' car back into her original lane of travel, hiting a Honda Accord driven by Crystal Mayhew, of Vinton. Mayhew was eastbound at the time.
In a debate held this week, Bedford Elementary students took the initiative to study and learn about the issues of this year's presidential election by thoughtfully considering the candidates' positions on those issues. The students' arguments were well researched and thought out. Let's hope the adults of this community — and this country — are willing to take that same initiative as they get ready for the Nov. 4 election. And then let's hope they turn out and vote.
Shopping local for the holidays
It's almost Halloween and then around the corner is Thanksgiving and yes, next is Christmas. Don't remind me!
In a letter written by Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Baptiste Leroy, Franklin said: "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Taxes may be a certainty for every American, but complicated taxes shouldn't be. Today's tax code is unfair, discourages against savings and investment, and is impossibly complex. We can all agree that the current tax system is broken, and keeping it is not in America's best interest. We need a less burdensome tax code which will ultimately benefit our national economy and our hard working citizens.
On Oct. 16 representatives of TCRC, SMLA, Marine Fire and Rescue, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Chamber of Commerce, marina operators and residents of Smith Mountain Lake traveled to Richmond to attend the State Water Control Board (SWCB) meeting.
It has been said that sometimes history and an individual meet each other at the right moment. Without being melodramatic, that is exactly what many Americans feel about Barack Obama and his quest for the presidency.
One prominent new convert is former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. In endorsing Obama, Powell called the Illinois senator "a transformational figure," exactly the kind of inspirational leader with "both style and substance," as Powell put it, that we need right now.
Some people have questioned John McCain's judgement for selecting Sarah Palin as his running mate. The same could be said for Barack Obama when one considers some of the stuff that has come out of Joe Biden's mouth in recent weeks.
Ol' Joe is the fellow who thinks that Franklin Roosevelt was president in 1929 and that television existed back then. He's also the guy who claims to hang out with blue collar guys at a diner in Delaware that went out of business years ago.
Anger crackled across the telephone line.
My brother, Dan, had called to gripe about how his plans for a World Series get-together had been overwhelmed by the finances involved.
Dan lives in South Philadelphia, about a stone's throw from Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies play.
He had figured to have some family members over to his place, so as to catch a World Series game.
It was not to be. Not at $800 a ticket, anyway.
The Phillies' website showed that the team was out of tickets.
A mistake by a school nurse at New London Academy resulted in six staff at the school receiving insulin shots instead of flu shots Friday. Five of the six receiving the shots were sent to the hospital for treatment.
"All are fine and back at work today (Monday)," noted Ryan Edwards, public relations coordinator with Bedford County Public Schools.
Copyright © 2015
The Bedford Bulletin is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Bedford County and Bedford, VA and the surrounding area.


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Station Master Events
Past Events - Show Coming Events
GenghisCon XXXVI - Radison Hotel, Aurora, CO, Aurora
Thu, Feb 12, 2015 (07:00 PM) - Sun, Feb 15, 2015 (05:00 PM)
The Denver Gamers Association cordially invites you to a weekend of great gaming and special events at GenghisCon XXXVI! We have a record number of fabulous Guests of Honor attending this year! Puffing Billy has joined us again for tons of awesome train games! ConJr continues to grow; we appreciate your support with the next generation of gamers.
Penguicon - Westin Hotel, Southfield
Fri, May 02, 2014 (04:00 PM) - Sun, May 04, 2014 (06:00 PM)
Penguicon is a three-day event where we all learn from each other (as well as from our Guests of Honor) about hacking, building sci-fi universes, soldering, painting miniatures, gaming, coding, music, incredible costumes, and more.
Mayfair Games Train Game Night - Mayfair Games, Plant City
Fri, Feb 07, 2014 (06:00 PM - 09:00 PM)
As part of the Plant City Railfest (Feb. 7-8) - Mayfair Games will be holding a Train Game Night on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6-9 p.m. We will be featuring our wide selection of train games including Empire Builder, Empire Express, Steam, Station Master, Hell Rail and more.
Gamehole Con 2013 - Sheraton Hotel, Madison
Fri, Nov 01, 2013 (12:00 AM) - Sun, Nov 03, 2013 (12:00 AM)
Gamehole Con is the premier hardcore tabletop gaming convention in the region. Gamehole Con is all about tabletop gaming and nothing else. The convention features role-playing games, board games, fantasy and historical miniature gaming, and collectible card games. Gamehole Con is for the fantasy and adventure tabletop gaming enthusiast. Serious gamers - you will love this con!
Origins Game Fair 2013 - Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 (08:00 AM) - Sun, Jun 16, 2013 (04:00 PM)
Mayfair Games will be at Origins in full force. Whether it is running demos in the Mayfair Booth in Hall C, or providing demos and product through the Mayfair Booth in Hall D. This year we bring Mammoth Games - Giant Games and regular game events to the Mayfair Room, while still sponsoring the Kids Room during the day. Play in the Catan North American Qualifier for a semifinal seat in the Catan North American Championship (win a free trip to the Catan North American Championship held this year at Gen Con Indy), Mayfair is dedicated to making sure your Origins is overflowing with fun! So come visit us our three locations! CNAC events are open to persons age 18 and older.
Penguicon - Marriot Centerpoint, Pontiac
Fri, Apr 26, 2013 (12:00 AM) - Sun, Apr 28, 2013 (12:00 AM)
Convention that covers Lenux and Sci-fi
UB Con - University at Buffalo North Campus Student Union Building, Amherst
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 (04:00 PM) - Sun, Apr 21, 2013 (03:00 PM)
TableTop Game Day - That Game Place, Lemoyne
Sat, Mar 30, 2013 (10:00 AM - 09:30 PM)
We will be showing episodes of Table Top all day and to coincide with Episode 2 there will be a Settlers of Catan tournament. There will also be free demos of the games played on the show.
BashCon - University of Toledo (Ohio) - Student Union - University of Toledo, Toledo
Fri, Feb 15, 2013 (05:00 PM) - Sun, Feb 17, 2013 (02:00 PM)
The University of Toledo Gaming Convention sponsored by UT-BASH - the official gaming club at the University of Toledo, who has been organizing and promoting social gaming in the greater Toledo area for more than 20 years!
The GameBoard's Spotlight Sunday! - The GameBoard, Sheboygan
Sun, Feb 03, 2013 (12:00 PM - 05:00 PM)
Join us for our first SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY! This inaugural event will focus on Mayfair Games! You have probably seen or heard of The Settlers of Catan, but did you know that Mayfair produces hundreds of other games?! Come out and join us to learn about any one of our over 30 different open copies of Mayfair Games! We would love to show you some of our favs or, bring your fav Mayfair Game to show off to us!
Mike's Comics Game Day - Mike's Comics, New Baltimore
Sat, Jan 19, 2013 (12:00 AM - 11:45 PM)
We are here for a day of fun, so stop by.
Aeroplanes, Trains(Steam), and an Automobile - That Game Place, Lemoyne
Fri, Nov 23, 2012 (11:00 AM - 09:00 PM)
As part of our annual "avoid the crowded mall" game day, we are offering a selection of Mayfair Games that we have chosen based on the title of our favorite "Thanksgiving Movie." We will be playing Aeroplanes, Steam(trains), and Automobile starting at approximately 11:00 AM and concluding whenever the third game ends. If there is enough interest and time permits, we will run this event-within-an-event multiple times.
Mike's Comics Game Day - Mike's Comics, New Baltimore
Sat, Nov 17, 2012 (12:00 AM - 11:45 PM)
Mike's Comics monthly Game Day - Mike's Comics, New Baltimore
Sat, Jun 16, 2012 (12:00 PM - 11:45 PM)
Game Day. A day of fun and games for anyone. Please come by and demo new games, or old favorites.
Mike's Comics monthly Game Day - Mike's Comics, New Baltimore
Sat, Mar 17, 2012 (12:00 AM - 12:00 AM)
We are ready to play games, and we would like to play a game with you.


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Discussion in 'DC United' started by gremio1903, Nov 8, 2012.
That's right! God was with us... Must have been because we know no one else was!
30 year Glennfiddich toast to DeLeon enjoyed. Scotch is better on snowy days. Just sayin.
Simply amazing...against everything, all odds, these guys came through.
Robbie Russell making the length of the field run in the 87th minute...amazing
DeLo looking like DeRo on the finish
Moments like these that remind me why and how much I love this sport and my club. Simply perfect.
Call me unrealistic, but I think those guys played for the 700 tonight. They played for the people who took off work or time with their families and got ********ed like no other. I'm glad I love a team that supports it's fans with more than lip service and PR speak. I'm glad I support DC United.
very entertaining game to watch.......congratulations.
1996, 2004, 2006, 2012. All we do is beat New York in the playoffs.
God this feels great.
...and doing it to them in their house makes it that much sweeter. Man, I love this team.
Team played for the WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love 2012 DC UNITED!!!
I feel the PA-JOY!!!!!!!!!
It feels soooooooo good. When the NY fans were chanting "F*** D.C." I was mad but I told myself, this is not over. WOOOOOOOO!
Everytime a president gets re-elected, DC United wins the MLS Cup. Just saying.
That is a good explanation for Virginia going blue...
DC UNITED... WEREWOLF's OF NJ!!!!!!!!!!!
This team has, unbelievably, grown a SACK right before our very eyes. Again, does everyone realize that we are now the highest seed left in the playoffs. We host MLS Cup if we get by Houston .... period! I still can't quite wrap my head around it.
I hope you didn't just jinx us...
That Coach of the Year award just might be a little more complicated than we thought.
All respect for Houston. They are BEASTS. If we lose, it would not be because of any jinx.
Tonight, tomorrow, we celebrate. Let's worry about Dynamo and the West from Sunday on...
Hooves up bitches!
Yeah, I can't believe I am agreeing, but Yallop has some competition now.
Separate names with a comma.


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