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The ALMA project
ALMA (Greek for 'leap') is an acronym for ALgorithm parallelization for Multicore Architectures. Driven by the technology restrictions in chip design, the end of Moore's law and the quest for increasing computing performance, ALMA is a fundamental step forward in the necessary introduction of novel computing paradigms and methodologies.
The ALMA tool-chain will implement parallelization and optimization algorithms for a whole class of multi-cores. ALMA intends to show how various embedded reconfigurable multi-cores from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Recore Systems can be efficiently programmed using the same tool-chain and the same application code.
The project partners
The ALMA consortium brings together partners from industry and academia. The industry partners Recore Systems (The Netherlands) and Intracom Telecom (Greece) contribute their expertise in reconfigurable hardware technology for multi-core systems-on-chip software development tools and real world applications.
Five academic partners contribute their outstanding expertise in reconfigurable computing and compilation tools development: the project coordinator Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) (Germany), Université de Rennes I (France), University of Peloponnese (Greece), Technological Educational Institute of Mesolonghi (Greece) and the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (Germany).
The focus: practical applications
To ascertain that programmers can directly apply the programming tool chains that the ALMA consortium develops in the course of the project, ALMA targets two cases in market domains with different, complementary requirements.
The first case is from the field of telecom, and intends to support the fast development of next generation of Point-to-Point / Point-to-Multipoint wireless communication systems. Multi-core architectures are a very good fit, since many performance-critical functions must be executed in parallel in order to meet real-time constraints. The call for short time-to-market at a minimum design effort requires high-quality models that produce optimized code, and release the designer from the code optimization burden through a set of tools that allow efficient optimization and parallelization of system-level models with minimum designer intervention.
The second application is in the area of multi-object detection and tracking. Multi-object tracking is often implemented on embedded systems with strong restrictions on power consumption and heating. The algorithms cope with a variable number of objects and must process data on each object within a small time frame. The computational load can vary heavily from image to image. For embedded systems offering low computational power, algorithms must be adapted and parallelized over multiple processors, often resulting in poor performance of the application. ALMA's tool supported, guided development, which hides the complexity of the architecture of the embedded system and the algorithm from the developer, should result in an enormous increase of the system performance and definitely to a reduction of time consuming implementation.
ALMA results: easily and efficiently programming multi-coresBrussels, Belgium, March 3, 2015 - Programming multi-cores just got up to 58% cheaper while applications run 3 times faster. Read more...
ALMA results are inBrussels, Belgium, March 3, 2015 - The results are reviewed by the project officers. Public results are availabe here...
ALMA @ DATE 2015Grenoble, France, March 11, 2015 - The ALMA project will present a paper at DATE 2015 Read more...
This project is cofunded by the European Union under the 7th Framework Programme under grant agreement ICT- 287733.
ALMA strengthens the position of the EU in the world market of multiprocessor-targeted software tool chains.


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What metta is
- Metta is an attitude of recognizing that all sentient beings (that is, all beings that are capable of feeling), can feel good or feel bad, and that all, given the choice, will choose the former over the latter.
- Metta is a recognition of the most basic solidarity that we have with others, this sharing of a common aspiration to find fulfillment and escape suffering.
- Metta is empathy. It's the willingness to see the world from another's point of view: to walk a mile in another person's shoes.
- Metta is the desire that all sentient beings be well, or at least the ones we're currently thinking about or in contact with. It's wishing others well.
- Metta is friendliness, consideration, kindness, generosity.
- Metta is an attitude rather than just a feeling. It's an attitude of friendliness.
- Metta is the basis for compassion. When our Metta meets another's suffering, then our Metta transforms into compassion.
- Metta is the basis for shared joy. When our Metta meets with another's happiness or good fortune, then it transmutes into an empathetic joyfulness.
- Metta is boundless. We can feel Metta for any sentient being, regardless of gender, race, or nationality.
- Metta is the most fulfilling emotional state that we can know. It's the fulfillment of the emotional development of every being.
- It's our inherent potential. To wish another well is to wish that they be in a state of experiencing Metta.
- Metta is the answer to almost every problem the world faces today. Money won't do it. Technology won't do it. Metta will.
Comment from Silvia
Time: January 20, 2013, 10:35 am
The whole Wildmind website is a marvel of form and content, even the least, the most laconical comment can bring one insight. I have been immersed in it for weeks, and have found help and inspiration aplenty. But this description of Metta, in its sobriety and, well, loving kindness, is the best I've read yet. Thank you.
Pingback from Cancer Out of my Hands | A life in 5 years
Time: March 31, 2013, 1:58 am
[…] will no longer worry about infecting others with my negativity. I will however continue to send out metta every morning as I wind up my meditation sessions. That is something I am more than happy to infect […]
Comment from Tammy Kuykendall
Time: April 22, 2013, 12:06 am
I was told by my brother that I live in a fantasy world when I told him we are responsible for each other,so on and so forth. I saw the word Metta and looked it up and found this definition and I realized THIS is how I feel!!!!! I had no idea there was a word for this feeling inside me.
Pingback from Mindfulness and creativity – The Centre For Mindfulness Studies – The Centre For Mindfulness Studies
Time: June 17, 2013, 9:43 am
[…] instructs us to try to bring a basic friendliness (or Metta) to our experience as best we […]
Comment from Millie
Time: July 1, 2014, 7:13 pm
Yes, Metta puts a word to what I've felt for others my entire life. You are my brothers and sisters, how could I not feel and wish Metta for and upon you?
Comment from Jim
Time: September 23, 2014, 11:23 am
I have been trying to discipline myself for better meditation and come upon your site and am very interested and enchanted by metta.. Thank you
Pingback from Becoming The One | adviceyouneed
Time: October 26, 2014, 9:58 pm
[…] one's self in actions and motives. Something I will explore in a later post is the practice of metta, or sending love to all beings. That is the great part about compassion; it widens the capacity of […]
Comment from Elan45
Time: March 7, 2015, 7:10 am
Thank you for this text. There is lots for me to consider…. as well as the comments of others. THANK YOU ALL!
Pingback from Something Missing? | The Inner Space Project
Time: March 31, 2015, 1:26 pm
[…] a more meaningful experience. Regular mindfulness practice and other forms of meditation, such as Metta meditation has a positive impact on ourselves: it makes us "nicer". This connection within, when […]

subset: commoncrawl


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Thanks to the growing popularity of smartphones, more and more people are having their online identities stolen from cyber criminals.
Roughly 12 million Americans were victims of identity theft last year, 13% more than were reported in 2010, according to a study released on Wednesday from Javelin Strategy & Research. The dominance of smartphones and real-name social media websites like Facebook have helped contribute to the increase in ID fraud. Hackers looking for profit can not only find out where a person lives, how old they are, and where they were born, but they can break into smart phones through malicious programming and steal credit card information, running up charges.
The number of people whose information was accessed in a data breach increased by 67% in 2011, but that's mostly skewed by Sony Play Station data breach last year. Someone whose personal information is taken in a data breach is nearly 10 times more likely to fall prey to ID thieves.
"If you buy a new smartphone it is probably connected to your money somehow, and criminals can find your credit card account, the one you use to pay your phone bill with. Once they find it, they can do whatever they want with it," says Denis Maslennikov, a mobile malware researcher at Kaspersky Lab in Moscow.
Between 2004 and 2010, Kaspersky Lab discovered a little over 1,000 malware applications designed to profit from hacked mobile devices. They run the range of trojans that send SMS text messages to premium numbers, charging the phone account and giving profit to the premium phone number owners, to outright identity fraud, where thieves can discover bank account information linked to the customer's hacked smart phone and empty out bank accounts.
"We're up to around 1,000 new malware programs a month now,"says Maslennikov. "Most of it is from Android. It's not as safe as the iPhone. This year we'll see even more attacks on Android operating systems," he says.


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Privacy and Cookies
Russia's Aeroflot is to brand its new budget airline spin-off Dobrolet, after the original name of Aeroflot adopted when the flag-carrier was formed 90 years ago.
Dobrolet will be based in Moscow and initially use eight Boeing 737-800s in a single-class configuration.
Aeroflot says the first flights of the budget operation are foreseen to take place in spring 2014, serving popular destinations in the European region of Russia.
The flag-carrier says that it will cut the cost of transport by up to 40% compared with legacy carriers by configuring the 737s with higher capacity, reducing the seat pitch, and offering direct ticket sales.
It will also charge ancillary fees for checked baggage, priority boarding and catering.
Aeroflot will wholly own the new carrier and says it will invest some $100 million in the operation over the first two years. Dobrolet's fleet will expand by eight aircraft annually, it adds.
It has named Vladimir Gorbunov as the head of the carrier.
But Aeroflot chief Vitaly Saveliev warns that low-cost operations in Russia will not be feasible unless legislation is adopted to enable the charging of ancillary fees and hiring of foreign pilots. "We look forward to the adoption of appropriate legislative measures before the end of this year," he says.
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Poughkeepsie, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Led by 15 points from Khallid Hart, the Marist Red Foxes made easy work of the Fairfield Stags, 75-56, in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference bout at McCann Arena.
Jay Bowie and Chavaughn Lewis scored 14 points apiece for Marist (4-9, 1-2 MAAC), while Manny Thomas chipped in 10. Bowie also grabbed eight rebounds for the Red Foxes, who have won four in a row after an 0-9 start to the season.
For Fairfield (3-10, 0-3), Sean Grennan poured in 14 points, while Coleman Johnson and Marcus Gilbert netted 11 and 10, respectively.
Marist outshot Fairfield from the floor in the first half, 43.5 percent to 33.3 percent, as it took a 29-19 lead into intermission.
The Red Foxes never trailed after halftime and pulled away from the Stags thanks in large part to a 25-of-29 showing at the foul line over the final 20 minutes.
Both teams made 19 field goals, but the difference was made at the charity stripe, where Marist finished 32-of-40 compared to just 11-of-17 for Fairfield.
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Please note these are member-submitted secrets and are not reviewed by SparkPeople's health experts for accuracy. If you feel a secret is inappropriate, please click the "Report Inappropriate Secret" on the secret's page and our staff will review it.
Water. I started working out and water is the key. no if ands or buts about it half your bodies weight or more water water water
- Submitted by SLIM234 8/22/2013 in Getting Started | 0 Comments
measure your weight and body size. You can look at the charts to see where your body resists change and understand those will be your trouble spots. Your body will want to stay that weight or return to that weight. The charts help you understand your body.
- Submitted by LINTPICKER 7/19/2013 in Getting Started | 4 Comments
If it has been a bad day, create a healthy plan for the rest of the day, now..Don't wait
It's easy to let the whole day slide if part of the day's been bad. If you've had a bad spell, get up and figure out all the healthy actions you're going to take the rest of the day and put the bad part of the day behind you.
- Submitted by EDENFELL 6/19/2013 in Getting Started | 0 Comments
Set a reminder to create a habit of tracking
I used the alarm function on my phone to remind me a few times per day (specific to each day of the week) to track my food & exercise. After a while I only remind myself with my wake up alarm. When I get off track, I go back on the reminders. It's like a nagging mother!
- Submitted by UTAH_MOM_3 6/12/2013 in Getting Started | 4 Comments
Today I tracked a marshmallow. A single little marshmallow that I carelessly popped in my mouth. It is easy to leave little things like that off. Track every bite and nibble. The more aware, the more accountable, the easier it is to change.
- Submitted by HSCROGGINS1 6/10/2013 in Getting Started | 1 Comment
Any time I messed up when working towards a goal, it was too easy to quit. "Well, I already failed, one more soda won't make much difference." Now I remind myself, "Every day is day one." Had a soda yesterday? Today is day one. Today I can keep trying.
- Submitted by GHOSTOFJANE 6/6/2013 in Getting Started | 3 Comments
I am a picky eater and horrible at being consistent about working out. So I've began to walk or do some type of exercises when I get munchy.
- Submitted by SOFTKITTY81 5/15/2013 in Getting Started | 0 Comments
I am just getting started in SP, and I love it, this kourney I know will not be as hard as I originally thought
- Submitted by LADYLUCK72 5/6/2013 in Getting Started | 2 Comments
Measure out your snacks and put them in the little snack-size bags that are available. One serving of animal crackers, usually about 16, fit perfectly. Or a cup of air-popped corn. A serving of Goldfish!
- Submitted by DUSTYPRAIRIE 3/26/2013 in Getting Started | 4 Comments
An easy way to drink 8 glasses of water a day is to get a tall glass which holds 500 ml or 16 floz. Drink one when you wake up in the morning, another before lunch, again before dinner. Thats 6 down, just two more to go throughout the day and whilee exercising and your done.
- Submitted by DEEZU76 3/11/2013 in Getting Started | 2 Comments


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Are you up for the challenge?
Being an entrepreneur has many ups and downs. Often times you end up questioning every single decision you make and that can leave you feel overwhelmed and confused.
But there's one thing I know for sure when you're an entrepreneur… Watch the video to find out what it is.
Are you up for the challenge? If so, leave a comment below and let me know what you plan on doing and then COME BACK here once you do it and leave another comment with how it went. I promise you won't be disappointed and you'll feel amazing in your business!


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Gear Review
Nice shorts
- Gender: Female
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Nice shorts with little pocket in the back. As with most clothing, when wet the shorts are a little bigger. I surfed with these shorts for a week and they held up great. I wish I would have bought the smaller size because I think they would fit better in the water.
Great for lounging too!
View More Details on Hurley Phantom Beachrider Board Short - Women's


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I'm new here as well and we're just waiting for my son's biopsy and blood tests for the rest of the family. We're in Menasha. I've been looking for a support group or something that would help the kids with the transition. All I've seen are ones in Sheboygan or somewhere further away (can't remember where).
So, hello from Menasha!
Woahh... I live in Mensha!


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Benco Dental employs more than 1,200 dedicated, enthusiastic, caring individuals, helping both the customers we serve and the communities we touch. It starts with our new CenterPoint facility, which qualifies for LEED Silver Certification, a federal program recognizing environmentally conscious companies. The goal for the new facility is to reduce trash waste by 50% and physical server usage by 35%. Benco Dental has also instituted new, fuel-efficient service vans with high-tech GPS routing systems and implemented strict recycling programs for everything from paper, plastic and glass to aluminum, eyeglasses, batteries and cell phones.
Benco Continuous Improvement (BCI) is a division of Benco Dental solely devoted to improving the company's processes. Through training seminars, kaizen (Japanese for improvement) events, talent management initiatives and many other programs, BCI works to make Benco Dental a little better each day—for both associates and customers. In 2010, BCI implemented almost 2,000 employee-submitted ideas in addition to completing 120 Kaizen events.


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Mile High Cab: Is next stop court after Public Utilities Commission kills application?
The November feature story "Mean Streets" detailed how frustrated taxi drivers, faced with alleged discrimination and abuse have spent years asking the state's Public Utilities Commission to let them launch a company of their own, Mile High Cab. Last week that battle came to an end, with the PUC rejecting Mile High Cab's last-ditch appeal. So the upstart company is down... but not necessarily out.
In January, Mile High Cab filed a final appeal to the PUC, asking officials to reconsider their rejection of the company's application to start operating in the metro area. But last week, the PUC voted that appeal down, reports the cab company's lawyer, Tom Russell. "It was really a foregone conclusion," says Russell.
So what's the next step? According to Russell, the easiest step may be new legislation introduced by Senator Ted Harvey that would loosen taxi-company application rules. However, considering similar legislative attempts in the past have been stonewalled or hobbled by powerful lobbyists working for existing cab companies, Russell knows he and his clients can't put all their eggs in this basket.
That's why they may take the issue to court. The company has thirty days to appeal the PUC's rejection to Denver District Court, if it chooses to do so.
Then again, before that happens, Russell has to make sure his clients are still in it for the long haul. They've already spent years and thousands of dollars on their fight. Are they willing and able to take it much further? "My personal view is, it's important that the PUC is restrained by an actual court of law. But that is not my decision to make; it's the Mile High board's decision," says Russell. "The PUC, and the incumbent companies, can wear entrepreneurs like this down."
More from our Follow That Story archive: "Metro Taxi's $10,000 for Hick's inauguration payback for opposing Mile High Cab?" Follow Joel Warner on Twitter @joelmwarner
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The present invention discloses an improved information security system and method. A polymorphic engine is used to enhance the security features of a software application and the data generated by or made available to the application and/or the operating system. The polymorphic engine operates to randomly alter the standard executable code of the original application while preserving its functional characteristics. Each polymorphed instance of the application differs from any other instance of the same application in form only. Various other security features operate to protect the polymorphic engine itself and/or the polymorphed code generated therefrom. These other security features include: just-in-time instruction code decryption; virtual CPU instruction code pre-processing; call mutation; stack manipulation; secure hook-capture of device input; secure display device output; application level decryption of encrypted hardware data streams; and a dynamic, randomly configured graphical keypad interface.
1. A computer system for modifying compiled code of an application while substantially preserving operational and functional characteristics thereof, the computer system comprising:
a processor;
means, executable by the processor, for providing the compiled code;
means, executable by the processor, for detecting a program execution jump in the compiled code that requires header data for execution;
means, executable by the processor, for overwriting the header data and generating overwritten header data to prevent the program execution jump;
means, executable by the processor, for redirecting program execution to a resolution subroutine; and
correlation means, executable by the processor, for enabling the resolution subroutine to execute a program jump to an appropriate codebase with the overwritten header data.
2. A computer-implemented method of modifying compiled code of an application while substantially preserving operational and functional characteristics thereof comprising:
using a computer processor configured to execute method steps, the steps comprising:
detecting a program execution jump in the compiled code that requires header data for execution;
overwriting the header data and generating overwritten header data to prevent the program execution jump;
redirecting program execution; and
executing a program jump to an appropriate codebase with the overwritten header data.
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. A computer-implemented method of securely executing compiled code of an application while substantially preserving operational and functional characteristics thereof, the computer-implemented method comprising:
providing a platform having a CPU, said CPU having a program stack;
providing compiled code;
replacing dynamically at least a first call and a first plurality of instructions in the compiled code with a second call to a second plurality of instructions, wherein the second plurality of instructions is written substantially directly to the program stack, and wherein the second plurality of instructions substantially replicates the function of the first plurality of instructions; and
removing the first call from the compiled code.
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. The method of
11. The method of
12. The method of
13. The method of
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/855,073, filed on May 14, 2001, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/203,877 entitled "INFORMATION SECURITY SYSTEM" filed on May 12, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference.
This invention generally relates to information security systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for improving the security features of executable computer program code and/or data which is generated, stored or manipulated by program code in order to more effectively prevent theft, decompilation, unauthorized reproduction and/or unauthorized use.
As computers have become more widely used and more pervasively networked, information, privacy, and financial losses, etc., due to information security breaches have dramatically increased as well. According to a Mar. 12, 2001 survey press release, published by the Computer Security Institute, eighty-five percent of 538 respondents, primarily large corporations and government agencies, detected computer security breaches in the preceding year. (http://www.gocsi.com/prelea.sub-.--000321.htm, incorporated herein by reference.) Sixty-four percent of the same respondents confirmed financial losses due to computer breaches, with thirty-five percent of 186 respondents being capable of quantifying their losses as totaling $377,828,700. By comparison, the losses from 249 respondents in 2000 totalled $265,589,940, with the average annual total over the prior three year period being $120,240,180. This trend illustrates that the threat of computer crime and other electronic information security breaches continues to grow with financial loss exposure also increasing.
As in previous years, the most serious financial losses have occurred from theft of information (34 respondents reporting $151,230,100) and fraud (21 respondents reporting $92,935,500). Notably, those respondents that cited their Internet connections as a frequent point of attack rose from 59% in 2000 to 70% in 2001. Some examples of security breaches and cyber crimes on the rise are: system penetration from external sources (40% of respondents); denial of service attacks (38%); employee abuse of Internet access privileges, for example downloading pirated software or inappropriate use of email systems (91%); and computer virus attacks (94%).
Many advances have been made in recent years in the field of computer information security. Most of these security countermeasure technologies have employed computer software to: identify authorized users of a system; protect against virus infection; encrypt/decrypt data streams; prevent unauthorized registration and/or use of pirated software applications; and block malicious or surreptitious communications originating from a particular source. Unauthorized access to a particular computer system, however, may often be obtained by exploiting various security flaws present in the program code of the countermeasure software itself. Additionally, unauthorized access may also occur with the theft of user identification and password information.
With respect to the unauthorized and illegal reproduction of computer software, one of the most prevalent problems is that the software applications can be reverse engineered with decompiling tools. Decompilers are essentially software applications that examine other compiled software applications in order to reconstruct the original source code. For commercial software applications offered for sale, decompilation and reverse engineering is often prohibited by software license agreements. Decompilers, however, are freely available for a variety of platforms. Generally, a decompiler works by analyzing the byte code of software and making educated guesses about the source code that created it. Most decompilers also provide additional debugging information, which can help the decompiler generate a more accurate representation of the original source code. If the software employs code routines for protecting itself against unauthorized use, such as with the aid of serial numbers, hardware locks, locking to floppy disks or CD's, time-limited license expiration, etc., the code fragments can be decompiled, analyzed, modified and recompiled to produce a new version of the software application in which the security code routine has been defeated and is no longer capable of preventing unauthorized use. The modified software application is thereafter unprotected and may be duplicated and distributed ad infinitum for illegal, royalty-free use, for example, over the internet as what is known to those skilled in the art of software piracy as "warez".
Several debugging tools, such as, for example, NUMEGA.RTM. SOFTICE.RTM., are readily available for this purpose. (http://www.numega.com/drivercentral/components/si_driver.shtml). A debugging tool, more commonly known as a "debugger", is a software development program that allows the user to debug and troubleshoot computer code as the application is being developed. Generally, the debugger acts to interrupt the CPU in order to watch each individual instruction as it arrives for processing and execution. For example, a debugger may be used to analyze and determine precisely which code fragment in a compiled application is responsible for interrogating whether a valid serial number has been provided in order to permit an authorized user to execute the program application. Once the serial number interrogation code fragment is located by the debugger, it becomes rather simple to decompile the code fragment to determine the characteristics that a valid serial number key must have in order to permit program execution access. For example, for any serial number interrogation code fragment and any valid serial number, the operation of the code fragment on a valid serial number s permits user access (1=True; therefore, allow access) as given by: s=1 and the operation of the interrogation code fragment on an invalid serial number x denies user access (0=False; therefore, deny access) as given by: x=0. Given the code fragment, an inverse function .sup.−1 may be derived such that: 1iC^−1Ri=isii=1nC^si=n, wherein, any operation of the inverse function .sup.−1 upon a random seed R.sub.i generates a random and valid serial number s.sub.i. Moreover, an algorithm may be deduced from the inverse function of the code fragment .sup.−1 to generate a stand-alone application capable of generating multiple random, yet valid, serial numbers. Alternatively, the interrogation code fragment may be removed altogether and the program recompiled to a version which no longer has an interrogation code routine and that looks for a serial number prior to permitting the user to execute the application.
Another representative software security weakness involves the MICROSOFT.RTM. WINDOWS.RTM. Application Programming Interface (API). For example, when the user displays a webpage requesting that the user login, there may be a textbox provided for the username and another textbox for the password. Using the WINDOWS.RTM. API, another application can continuously or periodically request the contents of the textboxes, even if the webpage display subroutine passes asterisk characters to obscure that content. Such an application can be designed to run in the background and would be generally undetectable to the average user.
Yet another exploitable software security vulnerability involves the logging of user keystrokes. In these types of breaches, an application can monitor the data originating from the operating system's keyboard device driver routines to look for username, password or other sensitive data and store and/or transmit the data for future use. Additionally, keyboards, like most electronic devices, generally emit electromagnetic radiation of particular frequencies which propagate away from the keyboard in all directions. Someone monitoring these frequencies at a distance can analyze the signals to determine which keys on the keyboard have been depressed.
The "cut and paste" feature of many operating systems also presents a security problem. Each time the cut-and-paste feature is used, for example, in MICROSOFT.RTM. WINDOWS.RTM., another application can interrogate the clipboard and make copies of the contents. There are many other examples of exploiting software security flaws that involve other mechanisms, such as digital wallets/passports, web browser cookies, etc. Often, a computer virus is selected as a transport mechanism for depositing these malicious applications onto a target computer system.
There is a need, therefore, within the electronic information security art, to more effectively counter the exploitation of security flaws in software applications during the execution of the application code. There is also a need to more effectively prevent (1) unauthorized duplication and distribution of software applications and (2) the capturing of identification, password and/or other data that might be used, inter alia, to gain access to a particular computer system.
In general, the present invention suitably protects standard and/or custom compiled code using a polymorphic engine which randomly alters the executable code of a compiled application while conserving the application's original operational and functional characteristics. Once the code has been randomly polymorphed, it becomes statistically impossible to retrieve the original application source code. Additionally, each polymorphed copy of the application randomly differs from any other copy and, therefore, precludes the possibility of generating a patch or crack for any one polymorphed copy that will work generically with any other polymorphed copy of the application. Moreover, the code polymorphing process can be iteratively applied to generate multiple layers of protection.
In order to protect the polymorphic engine from debugging, decompilation and/or reverse engineering by analysis of memory snap-shots, a running line encryption method, is also disclosed, which protects the polymorphic engine while the engine's code resides in memory. This is generally accomplished by having only one line of the engine's encrypted instruction code decrypted for any given CPU instruction cycle. As the polymorphic engine's code moves through the stack to be processed by the CPU, these instructions are decrypted "just-in-time" and provided to the CPU for execution, and then immediately re-encrypted before decryption and subsequent execution of the next line of instruction code. The present invention also discloses a virtual CPU instruction set pre-processor employing a matchable data structure that is randomly created when the polymorphed application initializes. The matchable data structure correlates instructions specific to the CPU's instruction set with virtual CPU opcodes generated by the polymorphic engine.
As an added layer of protection, the present invention also discloses stack manipulation and call mutation features that operates with the polymorphic engine to further subvert attempts to analyze and reverse engineer the application code. For applications or operating systems that use member calls to classes where the calls contain certain header data required by the class member to function properly, the call mutation feature operates as an execution sequence redirector by: (1) inserting mischievous data into the header of the original call, thereby rendering the original call ineffective; (2) rerouting the original call to a substitute call in which the substitute routine queries the stack pointer to determine where the substitute routine has been called from; and (3) comparing the data obtained from the stack to a matchable data structure in order to pass program execution control to the appropriate routine. The software application still includes similar or identical functionality, but the header of the original call is different and not readily traceable. This process can be iteratively applied to generate multiple layers of protection and may also be applied to API or other pointers as well.
A secure output display interface for concealing data, protects users from applications that may use operating system calls to capture data by placing a hook into OS routines that preprocess input, (i.e., from a keyboard, mouse, light pen, etc.) and by interpreting the input before it is made available to other OS processes. The hook-captured input is then enciphered and hidden from the OS. For example, a user password entered in a textbox could be hook-captured from the keyboard device driver, enciphered and stored, and then the hook routine passes literal asterisk characters to the appropriate textbox. In such a system, queries from other OS routines to the textbox object would return the series of asterisks characters placed there by the hook routine and not the literal text of, for example, a password entered by the user. In one of the various aspects of the present invention, the hook-capture routine helps to secure user input to the polymorphed application by modifying display device output as well as corresponding literal data object content.
Another security feature of the present invention involves a secure hardware input device driver interface (i.e., keyboard, mouse, light pen, Ethernet cards, etc.) for entering secure data content. In one aspect of the present invention, the polymorphed application communicates with an encryption chip located within the user input device to notify the device when encrypted communication is desired. All other communication with the input device, in the absence of a request for encrypted data traffic, will be unencrypted. Encrypted data streams from the input device are decrypted at the polymorphed code application level, not the hardware or OS level, in order to prevent background applications from obtaining the decrypted data stream.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a secure software application for entering authentication information (i.e., username and password data, etc.) is described. The authentication application is a dynamic, randomly configured, graphical keypad display, which is designed to subvert optical capture/recognition and hardware input device logging.
The above and other features and advantages of the present invention are hereinafter described in the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar system parts and/or method steps in the similar views and:
Other aspects and features of the present invention will be more fully apparent from the detailed description that follows.
The present invention offers substantial advantages and improvements over existing electronic information security technology with respect to the security features of executable application code and/or data which is generated, stored or manipulated by the application code in order to more effectively prevent unauthorized reproduction, access and/or use of the same. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the present invention operates to protect standard or custom compiled code using a polymorphic engine which randomly alters the standard executable code of a compiled application while conserving the application's original operational and functional characteristics. Other methods and systems for protecting data traffic to and from the polymorphed application and the polymorphic engine itself are also described.
The following descriptions are of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide convenient illustrations for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention, benign instructions may also be inserted into the polymorph instruction code 20 to further differentiate the polymorph 20 from the original compiled executable 10 without altering the functional operation of the polymorphed code 20. Generally, a benign function is an instruction, or a set of instructions, whose operation is inconsequential to the overall operation, function or result of the remainder of the application code.
Once the isomorphic instructions have been substituted for original instructions (step 120), the resulting code polymorph 20 is physically different from the original compiled executable 10, yet has substantially the same operational and functional characteristics. The process, shown in
where {circumflex over (X)} represents the polymorphic algorithm 15 whose action on the originally compiled executable code 10 ( ) generates a code polymorph 20 ({circumflex over (X)}*), which when applied to the set of data, parameters and/or variables (.PSI.) typically operated on by the originally compiled code 10 ( ) produces substantially the same functional result o. Therefore, the unitary transformation performed by the polymorphic algorithm 15 ({circumflex over (X)}) on the originally compiled code 10 ( ) may also be represented by: .therefore.{circumflex over (X)}(.PSI.)=.PSI. where the operation of the polymorphic algorithm 15 ({circumflex over (X)}) may be more simply considered as any representative or exemplary unitary transformation, such as, for example, multiplication of a particular value by the quantity 1. In the present invention, however, the polymorphic engine 15 is not considered to be merely limited to performing mathematically unitary transformations of the original compiled code 10, but also functionally unitary transformation of individual and/or blocks of CPU instructions themselves. Therefore, the generated code polymorph 20 ({circumflex over (X)}*) is said to constitute a functionally isomorphic variant of the originally compiled code 10 ( ) having the property, inter alia, of being statistically impossible to reverse engineer in attempts to regenerate the original code 10.
The polymorphic engine 15, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is configured to randomly scan, select, assign and/or substitute isomorphic code fragments that are functionally correlated to substantially reproduce any particular operations, or set of operations, that may be found in the original executable code 10. This may be accomplished by comparing original instruction codes that are candidates for isomorphic substitution with multiple functional isomorphs of which at least one will be randomly selected for actual substitution into the generated polymorphed code 20. In other words, for each discrete operation of the polymorphic engine 15 as it is applied to the original compiled code 10, a different code polymorph 20 version of the original program 10 is generated which has physically different instructions, but substantially the same functional characteristics of any other code polymorph 20. This relationship among multiple code polymorphs 21-24 is depicted in
wherein, multiple application of the polymorphic algorithm 15 ({circumflex over (X)}) to the original compiled code 10 ( ) generates a series of code polymorphs 21-24 ({circumflex over (X)}*.sub.i). These code polymorphs 21-24 ({circumflex over (X)}*.sub.i) have the relationship of {circumflex over (X)}*.sub.i.noteq.{circumflex over (X)}*.sub.j, which is to say that no two code polymorphs are statistically physically identical to each other. However, the code polymorphs 21-24 ({circumflex over (X)}*.sub.i) also have the relationship of 3i=1nX^i*=n(o).
As such, they operate to substantially produce the same functional result when applied to the set of data, parameters and/or variables (.PSI.) typically operated on by the originally compiled code 10 ( ).
Once the code has been randomly polymorphed, it becomes statistically impossible to retrieve the original application source code. Additionally, each polymorphed copy 21-24 of the application randomly differs from any other copy, precluding the possibility of generating a patch or crack for any one polymorphed copy that will work generically with any other polymorphed copy of the application. Moreover, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the code polymorphing process may be iteratively applied to generate multiple layers of protection by looping the generated code polymorph back through the polymorphic engine as depicted in
In one exemplary aspect, the method for processing 120 executable code 10 to generate a polymorphed code variant 20 may be thought of as "wrapping" or "applying a wrapper to" the original executable. In another exemplary embodiment, wrapping 120 of the polymorphed code additionally enciphers the polymorph 20 to further subvert attempts to reverse engineer the application.
Generally, the ability of polymorphed code variants to remain securely protected will be at least partially dependent on the ability of the polymorphic application to resist hacking and/or cracking attacks. In order to protect the polymorphic engine 15 itself from debugging, decompilation and/or reverse engineering by, inter alia, analysis of memory snap-shots, a running line encryption method may also be employed. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, running line encryption operates to protect the polymorphic engine 15 while the engine's code resides in memory. This is generally accomplished by (1) encrypting the polymorphic algorithm's compiled instruction code, (2) having only one line of the engine's encrypted instruction code decrypted for any given CPU instruction cycle, and (3) re-encrypting the instruction code after the instruction has been executed. As program execution flow moves the polymorphic engine's code through the stack to be processed by the CPU, these instructions are decrypted just-in-time to be provided to the CPU for execution, and then immediately re-encrypted before the decryption and subsequent execution of the next line of instruction code.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the running line encryption encoding process proceeds by: (1) calculating the original opcode length; (2) exclusive or'ing (XOR) the first byte of the opcode using a key generated by a random number generation routine (RNG); (3) employing an encryption algorithm to encipher the first byte of the opcode; and (4) sequentially stepping through the original opcode to repeat steps (1)-(3) on subsequent instructions. It will generally be understood by those skilled in the art that any encryption algorithm, including, but not limited to, RSL, public/private key encryption, etc. now known or hereafter derived by those skilled in the art, may be used to encipher the opcode at step (3). The runtime decoding operation of the running line encryption process, in one exemplary embodiment, proceeds by: (A) decrypting the first byte of enciphered instruction; (B) providing the decoded instruction to the CPU for processing; (C) re-encrypting the first byte of the instruction after processing; and (D) sequentially stepping through the encrypted instruction code to repeat steps (A)-(C) to execute the enciphered program.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention also includes a virtual CPU instruction set pre-processor that uses a matchable data structure, which is randomly created when the polymorphed application initializes. The matchable data structure may comprise, for example, a look-up table, a database, a symmetrical correlation algorithm, an asymmetric correlation algorithm, a functional algorithm, a parametric algorithm, a one-way function, or any method for correlating a first set of data with at least a second set of data now known or hereafter derived by those skilled in the art. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the matchable data structure correlates instructions specific to the CPU's instruction set with virtual CPU opcodes generated by the polymorphic engine; thus, the original opcodes are replaced with nonsensical random context instructions. The virtual CPU pre-processor, in accordance with another exemplary aspect, may function to further obscure polymorphed code by: (1) calculating the original opcode length; (2) using a matchable data structure to convert the original opcode into a random context instruction; and (3) placing the random context instruction code on the same line as the original code so that correlation with the original code is generally accomplished by determining the location of the random context code in the instruction code stream. In a further exemplary aspect, two matchable data structures may be used, wherein one data structure correlates the original CPU instructions with random numbers and the other data structure correlates the random numbers of the first data structure with random context instruction codes. In yet a further exemplary aspect of the present invention, a customized import table may be constructed from an original instruction code table whose contents are overwritten with erroneous information. Other methods, now known or hereafter derived in the art, may be used to correlate original CPU instructions with random context instruction codes in accordance with the present invention.
In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, another layer of protection is provided by a call mutation feature that operates with the polymorphic engine to further impede attempts to analyze and reverse engineer application code. Many applications and/or operating systems use member calls to classes where the calls generally contain header data for the class member to function properly. Call mutation operates as a execution sequence redirector by: (1) overwriting the header of the original call with erroneous data, thereby effectively destroying the original call; (2) rerouting the original call to a substitute call in which the substitute routine queries the stack pointer to determine where the substitute routine has been called from; and (3) comparing the data obtained from the stack to, for example, a look-up table in order to pass program execution control to an appropriate routine. In one exemplary aspect, the overall function of the application is substantially the same, but the header of the original call is destroyed and not easily traced. This process can be iteratively applied to generate multiple layers of protection and may also be applied to pointers as well.
In a more specific exemplary embodiment, the call mutation routine scans polymorphed code for API calls such as, for example: CALL [API_NAME]; JMP [API_NAME]; MOV Register, [API_NAME]; etc. This data is used to generate an extended instruction pointer (EIP) table in which EIP's, as the offset from the base address, are correlated to API pointers, as shown in
Decoding and resolution of the mutated calls may be accomplished, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by (1) the polymorphic engine 15 obtaining the EIP for the particular calling line of code; (2) determining the destination address from the EIP look-up table, based on the EIP reference from the stack pointer; (3) correlating the AIP place holder in the import address table; (4) decrypting the AIP data; (5) conditioning the stack frame so that control is passed back to the line of instruction code immediately following the EIP on the stack; (6) determining if the program redirection is of the CALL or JMP type, and if so, performing a call to the original API; and (7) determining if the program redirection is instead of the MOV type, and if so, returning the original value in the appropriate register with minimal or no further execution of a call.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, a secure output display interface for concealing data may also be used to protect users from applications that may use operating system calls to capture data by placing a hook interface between OS routines and a hardware input device (i.e., from a keyboard, mouse, light pen, etc.). This is generally accomplished by capturing, interpreting and modifying device input before it is made available to other OS processes.
The hook-captured input is enciphered and hidden from the OS 35. For example, a user password "ABC" to be entered into a textbox 32 can be hook-captured from, for example, the keyboard device driver, enciphered and stored, and then the hook routine passes literal asterisks characters "***" to the textbox 32. Queries from other OS routines to the textbox object 32 would return the series of asterisks characters "***" placed there by the hook routine and not the literal text "ABC" entered by the user. In one of the various exemplary aspects of the present invention, the hook-capture routine would help to secure user input to and/or from the polymorphed application 20 by modifying display device output as well as corresponding literal data object content.
In a further representative aspect of the present invention, layered security methods, such as, for example, the described exemplary embodiment in accordance with steps 315-301, may be used to detect, for example, the presence and/or operation of a computer virus. Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while each security layer (steps 315-301) may individually provide suitable protection for the execution of a computer application, the combination of security layers, and the interoperability of the component features of the same, offers substantial benefits with respect to the discrete implementation of any single component security feature by itself.
An exemplary application of the security features of the present invention described herein, is directed to a "try-before-you-buy" implementation. Generally, this may be accomplished, in one representative aspect, by allowing the software developer to insert a macro or marker into the original source code 400 (Step "xSecure_Start . . . xSecure_End") which instructs the polymorphic engine 15 wrapper to encrypt the designated code block (Step "DO Cool_Stuff( ) . . . ") to avoid execution without a valid key. The source code 400 is then compiled to produce executable code 410. During polymorphic wrapping 420, an encryption method is selected which is suitably adapted such that brute force decryption attempts would generally not be practicable with industry standard equipment. When the protected application is formally licensed and/or registered ("read purchased"), a key is supplied to the user which is mathematically customized to the signature of the application's operating environment. A "fingerprint" key may be constructed as a function of, for example, software/hardware system component information, network connectivity data, user identification data, CPU serial numbers, etc. or any other information now known or hereafter derived by those skilled in the art. The key is combined with a calculated fingerprint signature, and the protected code block decrypted using the resulting combination 430. If the application is ported to a different machine, or executed without a valid key, the decryption will fail and, for example, a warning may be displayed indicating that the software is operating in a demonstration or trial-use mode.
In another exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the program stack may be manipulated to further subvert attempts to reverse engineer application code.
In the prior art embodiment, interrogation of memory will generally produce only the information corresponding to Context A 505, but the information of Context B 515 is contained in the data of Context A 505 by virtue of the "PUSH POINTER MSG" instruction (See 500). Therefore, the prior art code is susceptible to reverse engineering. In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, when a memory interrogation of Context A 535 occurs, substantially all information contained in Context B 545 is lost in such a fashion that the information generally cannot be regenerated from the contents of Context A 535. This occurs because the polymorph wrap process dynamically replaces the original code with a new call which is written directly to the stack. In other words, the call to the unwrapping code of the polymorphic wrapper application 15 is placed on the stack and generally never in the code of the protected application itself. The code on the stack 550, therefore, is generated in situ and concurrent with the removal of the original code. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the original code may or may not be encrypted. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system and method depicted in
In still other exemplary embodiments, the system of the present invention may include a host server or other computing systems including a processor for processing digital data, a memory coupled to said processor for storing digital data, an input digitizer coupled to the processor for inputting digital data, an application program stored in said memory and accessible by said processor for directing processing of digital data by said processor, a display coupled to the processor and memory for displaying information derived from digital data processed by said processor and a plurality of databases, said databases including data that could be used in association with the present invention. The database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Common database products that may be used to implement the database include DB2 by IBM (White Plains, N.Y.), any of the database products available from ORACLE.RTM. CORPORATION (Redwood Shores, Calif.), MICROSOFT.RTM. ACCESS by MICROSOFT.RTM. CORPORATION (Redmond, Wash.), or any other database product. The database may be organized in any suitable manner, including, for example, data tables, look-up tables or any matchable data structures now known or hereafter derived in the art.
Association of certain data may be accomplished through any data association technique known and practiced in the art. For example, the association may be accomplished either manually or automatically. Automatic association techniques may include, for example, a database search, a database merge, GREP, AGREP, SQL, and/or the like. The association step may be accomplished by a database merge function, for example, using a "key field". A "key field" partitions the database according to the high-level class of objects defined by the key field. For example, a certain class may be designated as a key field in both the first data table and the second data table, and the two data tables may then be merged on the basis of the class data in the key field. In this embodiment, the data corresponding to the key field in each of the merged data tables is preferably the same. However, data tables having similar, though not identical, data in the key fields may also be merged by using AGREP, for example.
The present invention may be described herein in terms of functional block components, screen shots, optional selections and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, matchable data structures, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software elements of the present invention may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as, for example, C, C++, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, eXtensible Markup Language (XML), etc., or any programming or scripting language now known or hereafter derived in the art, with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signalling, data processing, network control, and the like. Still further, the invention could be used to detect or prevent security issues with a client-side scripting language, such as JavaScript, VBScript or the like. For a basic introduction of cryptography, please review a text written by Bruce Schneider entitled "Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, And Source Code In C," published by John Wiley & Sons (second edition, 1996), which is hereby incorporated by reference.
It should be appreciated that the particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional data networking, application development and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.
It will be appreciated, that many applications of the present invention could be formulated. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the network may include any system for exchanging data, such as, for example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, WAN, LAN, satellite communications, and/or the like. It is noted that the network may be implemented as other types of networks, such as an interactive television (ITV) network. The users may interact with the system via any input device such as a keyboard, mouse, kiosk, personal digital assistant, handheld computer (e.g., Palm Pilot.RTM.), cellular phone and/or the like. Similarly, the invention could be used in conjunction with any type of personal computer, network computer, workstation, minicomputer, network via a leased line (T1, D3, etc.). Such communication methods are well known in the art, and are covered in a variety of standard texts. See, e.g., GILBERT HELD, UNDERSTANDING DATA COMMUNICATIONS (1996), hereby incorporated by reference.
As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a method, a system, a device, and/or a computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely software embodiment, an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining aspects of both software and hardware. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code means embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROM, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and/or the like.
Data communication is accomplished through any suitable communication means, such as, for example, a telephone network, Intranet, Internet, point of interaction device (point of sale device, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, kiosk, etc.); online communications, off-line communications, wireless communications, and/or the like. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that, for security reasons, any databases, systems, or components of the present invention may consist of any combination of databases or components at a single location or at multiple locations, wherein each database or system includes any of various suitable security features, such as firewalls, access codes, encryption, de-encryption, compression, decompression, and/or the like.
The present invention is described herein with reference to screen shots, block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatus (e.g., systems), and computer program products according to various aspects of the invention. It will be understood that each functional block of the block diagrams and the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of functional blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
Accordingly, functional blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions, and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each functional block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of functional blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by either special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions or steps, or suitable combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. The specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by merely the examples given above. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, no element described herein is required for the practice of the invention unless expressly described as "essential" or "critical". Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted by those skilled in the art to specific environments, manufacturing or design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
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text:
Linguistik-Klassifikation: Grammatikforschung / Grammar research
Year of publication
- 2009 (2) (remove)
- Informationsstruktur (2) (remove)
- Principles of information packaging in Baatonum (Gur) (2009)
- This talk presents a study on information structure in the under-documented Gur language Baatonum (Bénin and Nigeria, language code bba).
- How many focus markers are there in Konkomba? (2009)
- This article discusses the divergent status of the two particles lé and lá in the grammar of Konkomba, a Gur language (Niger-Congo) of the Gurma subgroup. While previous studies claim that both particles are focus markers, this author argues that only the particle lá should be analyzed as a pure pragmatic device. Distributional studies suggest that the use of particle lé, on the other hand, is only required under specific focus conditions, and primarily represents a syntactic device.


text:
By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2003 Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld declared yesterday he's always respected military draftees' contributions, though "not eloquently stated" comments he made earlier this month at a Pentagon briefing were misinterpreted by some reporters.
The Defense Department's top leader - a Navy veteran himself - recounted the Jan. 7 briefing in a DoD news release. "We're not going to re-implement a draft," he bluntly told a reporter at the briefing. He then pointed out that using the draft to fill the ranks was inefficient and entailed disadvantages to both draftees and the armed services.
Rumsfeld said draftees "were sucked into the intake, trained for a period of months and then went out, adding no value, no advantage really, to the United States Armed Services over any sustained period of time, because (of) the churning that took place -- it took an enormous amount of effort in terms of training and then they were gone."
He said his comments led some columnists and others to infer he believed draftees' service had contributed nothing worthwhile to the military.
"That is not true," the secretary emphasized in the Jan. 21 press release. "I did not say they added no value while they were serving." He said he would never disparage draftees' contributions, adding he'd always "had the highest respect for their service."
In the press release, Rumsfeld also offered his "full apology to any veteran who misinterpreted my remarks when I said them, or who may have read any of the articles or columns that have attempted to take my words and suggest they were disparaging (of draftees)."
"It is particularly troubling for me that there are truly outstanding men and women in uniform or their families -- past and present -- who may believe that the secretary of defense would say or mean what some have written," Rumsfeld remarked.


text:
ELC Collects "Pennies for Books"
The Early Learning Center (ELC) has launched a 'Pennies for Books' campaign to raise money to purchase quality reading books for the students at the school. Students were asked to look for pennies in their home and donate the pennies to help purchase books for each of the 650 students enrolled at ELC. The campaign began on February 20 and will conclude on April 5. Through the generosity of students and families, the ELC has already raised $700.
For over 20 years, the Early Learning Center (ELC) has relied on the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program to provide three free books for each student. Recently, the federal funding for RIF has been cut and the ELC can no longer rely on these funds to help get books in the hands of Sheboygan's youngest school-aged students.
In addition to requesting that families donate pennies for books, the school has asked local south-side Sheboygan businesses to match some of the funds.
Due to the early success of the Pennies for Books campaign, the ELC is hoping to make this an annual event to replace the RIF funding the school used to receive. The ELC staff would like to thank the students and families of the ELC for their generous donations to help get books in the hands and homes of students.
(photo posted with parent permission)
Sheboygan Area School District Press Release
March 16, 2012


text:
Unlocking the Key to Deep Sleep
By Sarah Fenske
Making the Ferguson Commission Matter
By Danny Wicentowski
My Fake Boyfriend Became a Real-Life Crush
By Lindsay Toler
Rep. Jeffrey Pogue Bill Would Ban Unisex Bathrooms
By Danny Wicentowski
Darren Wilson Gives Speech to Nonprofit
By Danny Wicentowski
Angel Stewart and Other Victims of Violence Ask for Mercy
By Jessica Lussenhop
Obama Praises St. Louis' LaunchCode
By Lindsay Toler
By Lindsay Toler
South Africa/St. Louis
Noero comes from a place with a history of incomparable wrongs and is part of the human legacy, the ongoing struggle to right those wrongs. "I come from a world where you're taught that architects have an ethical responsibility," Noero says. He is of the generation that brought down the cruel institution of apartheid. In the late '60s and early '70s, while at the University of Natal in Durban -- one of the country's political hotbeds -- he became directly engaged in the social upheavals of the time. He studied medicine briefly, dropped out, then returned to study architecture from 1973-78. After he met his wife, Gillian, they moved to England for studies at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne but continued their anti-apartheid activities from London.
When Noero returned to teach at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, he declined to pursue government contracts for his private practice. That would have meant designing buildings made to sustain the segregation of society. The insanity of apartheid created an insanity of architecture -- each government building required four entrances for four prescribed races: white, black, colored and mixed. Buildings were designed as austere symbols of the regime, built to evidence power and divide peoples.
Noero's career as a practicing architect might never have emerged were it not for a fortuitous introduction to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Noero speaks warmly of his friend "Desmond." As serious and determined as Noero is, when his face brightens with laughter it is wide as a clown's -- white hair contrasted by black, bushy eyebrows, combined with an impish grin. This is how his face broadens when he speaks of his friend.
"He has a wonderful ability of putting his finger right on the very issue," says Noero. He retells a story Tutu once used to illustrate to a white audience the depth of black anger and frustration in South Africa. "Can you imagine that black woman who brings you your coffee in bed every morning?" Noero begins. "Behind her smiling face lies a great deal of anger. And how do you know she hasn't put poison into your coffee? If every maid put poison in the coffee tomorrow morning, there would be no more white people in South Africa."
Noero laughs giddily at the reminiscence. "That one single comment sensitized white people who had black servants who were invisible presences. They just weren't there. You'd hear of people having the most embarrassing and candid arguments and discussions in the presence of a servant that they would never have in front of everyone else, with the assumption that the servant wasn't there. With Tutu's comment those servants became people, and it changed fundamental relationships in South Africa. He did it deliberately. He found the right metaphor. He found the right way to be able to say it."
Noero became principal architect for the Anglican Diocese of the Province of Transvaal, designing 15 churches and an addition to Tutu's private residence in Soweto.
By the 1980s and early '90s, during the time of international sanctions, the focus of the world turned to the struggle in South Africa. Noero was a part of that time of active change. "It was a lived experience of change. Every minute of your life you were confronted by this, and it became part of the way you lived your life. It was amazing."
After the release of Nelson Mandela and his subsequent election as president, Noero became as much a part of the restructuring of post-apartheid South Africa as he did the struggle to dismantle the system. With the full support of the new government, Noero designed buildings for which he began to receive his greatest international recognition.
One of those buildings was the Soweto Career Center. In an area where ramshackle housing was put together out of recycled corrugated metal, rather than dismiss those structures as unsightly memories that needed to be erased, Noero found integrity in the material. It was by no means ideal housing, but it revealed a high degree of ingenuity. The Career Center is made of corrugated steel not only to honor the past but to add to the modern structure a sense of familiarity.
Noero utilized members of the community as part of the labor force that constructed the Career Center, providing job skills to an underserved population and facilitating a sense of community ownership.
It can be a little unsettling to realize how readily Noero's strategies for rebuilding a nation devastated by apartheid could be adapted to St. Louis. The Bohemian Hill project will also employ a workforce from a neglected part of society, the students involved in Youth Build, offering them opportunities far beyond the limited horizons of service jobs. Before Noero designed homes for 114 families in the township of Alexandra, he spent 18 months studying the site and talking to people about their needs -- not unlike the community-meeting process in Soulard.
To argue that post-apartheid South Africa and St. Louis are the same would be simplistic, however. The differences are acute, and some of those differences have caused Noero feelings of disorientation. For example, the phrase "housing problem" has very different meanings in separate contexts.
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As of Thursday, December 6, 2012
© Copyright 2015 Gwinnett Daily Post
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jefferson High School (Take I-85 north to exit 137 toward Jefferson/Gainesville. Turn right on Ga.-11 and left on Ga.-11 business. School on right.)
Coaches: Tim Hardy, GAC; T. McFerrin, Jefferson
Records: GAC 10-3; Jefferson 12-1
Last week: GAC beat Early County 27-24; Jefferson beat 53-51 in 3 OT
Winner plays: Lamar County-Calhoun winner
GAC leaders:
Rushing: Kyle Scales, 1,311 yards
Micah Abernathy, 501 yards
Passing: Rafe Chapple, 2,279 yards
Receiving: Peter Whiteneck, 906 yards
Tackles: Paul Carothers and Trevor Dedecker, 54
Interceptions: Ross Wood and Darius Slayton, 5
Sacks: Jake Rose, 3
Game-by-game: GAC Spartans (10-3)
Stone Mountain W 34-26
Savannah W 31-8
at Apalachee W 31-21
Chamblee L 27-24
at Howard W 42-20
Thomson L 36-27
Westminster W 30-0
at Hapeville W 38-20
Wesleyan W 42-20
at Lovett L 31-30
Model W 35-6
at Heard Co. W 52-21
Early County W 27-24
Jefferson Dragons (12-1)
at Commerce L 22-7
Jackson County W 28-6
at North Hall W 27-21
at Greene Co. W 62-26
Wash.-Wilkes W 31-0
at Rabun Co. W 55-7
Oglethorpe Co. W 43-0
at Social Circle W 47-10
at Riverside W 35-7
Union County W 42-7
Kendrick W 42-8
Westminster W 35-7
Fitzgerald W 53-51
(triple overtime)
NORCROSS -- In the midst of an historic playoff run, the Spartans' practice Monday for their State Class AA semifinal matchup against Jefferson looked like any other football practice.
There was no extra shouting. No reminders of the gravity of the upcoming game, of the potential trip to the Georgia Dome or loud noises to simulate the visiting crowd the Spartans will face tonight.
No, they just practiced like always.
"We just talk about Round 1, Round 2, Round 3 and Round 4. This isn't a semifinal game, it's Round 4," first-year GAC head coach Tim Hardy said. "That's all we need to think about. We don't need to focus on what this could mean, afterward. Just focus on the right now and afterward will take care of itself."
And with the business-like attitude at practice, it appears the Spartans believe what Hardy is preaching. And why not? This approach led the Spartans to this game in a playoff run that's seen high-scoring wins and a narrow victory last week against Early County.
"We've tried to be very even-keel," Hardy said. "We have good players and have mature players that understand the importance of preparation.
"We've played well the last couple of weeks because we've focused specifically on the week at hand, the round at hand and the task at hand. We've been able to execute well."
Hardy mostly dismisses the surprise nature of his team's maturity after it began the season with just three returning starters, a new coaching staff and without any real playoff experience.
"We've grown up quite a bit. I am very pleased," Hardy said. "The whole story of our season is a story of team. When a group comes together they are greater than they are by themselves."
The group narrative fits for the Spartans, who have a 1,300-yard rusher in Kyle Scales, a quarterback in Rafe Chapple who's thrown for more than 2,200 yards and a pair of receivers in Peter Whiteneck and Chris Williams with more than 500 yards receiving.
Some games they ride their running game. Others, it's the passing game. And the defense has been steady all season.
"We really believe in the ability to be balanced," Hardy said. "We've shown that consistently this year."
They'll need it all tonight against a 12-1 Jefferson team coached by former South Gwinnett coach T. McFerrin.
It's McFerrin's fourth year leading the Dragons and the team has reached the playoffs in three of those four seasons, including an undefeated regular season in 2009.
This team, with its spread attack, relies first on its quarterback and senior returning starter Bryant Shirreffs.
"He's a dynamic player," Hardy said. "He's utilized well in the things they ask him to do and he just makes plays. It starts with him, offensively, and it spills from there."
Shirreffs leads an offense that hasn't scored less than 30 points since week three and a team that lost its opener and has won 12-straight games.
"The thing that jumps out to me is there aren't what I would call weak spots," Hardy said. "All their players are physical, they tackle well, block well, run well. They know where they are supposed to be."
That's the McFerrin influence and the biggest challenge facing the Spartans. That, and another road trip, this time north, to face another high-scoring offense.
But the win over Heard County two weeks ago in as hostile an environment as a visitor could face, gives the Spartans solace that they can overcome the external challenges.
They've done it all year. They just have to do it in Round 4.
"Our players really believe in each other as a group and trust themselves and have worked extremely hard to be prepared to do what they've needed to do," Hardy said.
"The focus right now needs to be a laser-like focus on preparation and on the performance on Friday night."
More like this story
- One drive spells doom for Spartans ( December 7, 2012 )
- Jefferson outruns GAC 42-14 ( December 7, 2012 )
- McFerrin, Jefferson win Class AA state championship ( December 15, 2012 )
- Prep Football Notes: Blue Devils carry on despite key injuries ( December 8, 2012 )
- Early County stands between GAC and rare quarterfinal win ( November 29, 2012 )


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From poetry to fiction, 19th century to the 1990s, our department offers a variety of courses designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions and cultural contexts.
The following are descriptions of the literature and writing concentrations. For a comprehensive list of classes, browse the English department course
This course introduces English majors to the fundamentals of literary study.
Students will attain a familiarity with a broad range of critical vocabulary,
techniques, and approaches. Specifically, students will learn to critically
analyze literary works in terms of formal features, by focusing on the skills
of close reading. Offered at least once per semester, students take this course
once, early in the major.
These foundational courses introduce students to significant works of literature in three major periods of time, ranging from the Medieval to the contemporary. Specific topics change often, and have recently included Shakespeare, British Romanticism, the Harlem Renaissance and American Autobiographies. Each period course is generally offered every semester; students take one course in each period.
This course builds on the analytical and critical skills developed in Introduction
to Literary Study, through examination of the major methodologies of twentieth
century literary theories. Offered every fall, it is suggested that students
take this class during junior year.
A varying series of topics examined by means of critical theory and
research methods. These courses focus on particular subjects or issues in
literature. Recent topics include: "21st Century American
Literature," "Love," and "Poetry & Poverty." Offered at least once per
semester, students take any five of these courses.
Offered in fiction, poetry, nonfiction and oral history, these introductory courses build a foundation for
English majors in the writing track. Focusing on the elements and techniques of
each genre, these classes combine creative writing exercises with published
examples so that students appreciate the richness of a particular genre as well
as the recognize its possibilities. Students take any two of these courses.
Offered in fiction, poetry and nonfiction, these advanced courses allow students to create, critique and
polish stories, poems and essays in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Students take any two of these courses.
Offered in fiction, poetry and nonfiction -- and often, a combination of genres -- these courses focus on
particular subjects or issues in creative writing. Recent topics have included
writing about politics, points of view in fiction and nonfiction and
retellings. Offered at least once per semester, students take any two of these
In this service-learning course, students will discuss and grapple with the issues and responsibilities
of collecting and creating oral histories, nonfiction narratives and profiles.
Proceeding from the premise that ordinary people have within them extraordinary
stories, students will study the craft of the interview and the oral history, and
discuss inherent issues of documentation, exploitation, confidentiality,
authorship and more. In class, students will read published examples of oral
histories, practice interview techniques and discuss supplementary research
methods as they collect, transcribe, edit and revise "untold stories" in a
variety of forms. This class is also a designated Service Learning (SL) class.
Each student will dedicate a minimum of 25 hours during the semester to
Kalmanovitz Hall 487
2130 Fulton St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
Hours: M-F, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Telephone: (415) 422-6426Fax: (415) 422-5426Email: email@example.com


text:
It's time for this months roundup of the local video game positions!
Epic Games
Various Art Positions, Various Programming Positions and Various Production Positions
Icarus Studios
Flash/Actionscript Developer, PHP Developer and Corporate Controller (NEW!)
Insomniac Games
Lab Rats Studio
Beta Testers, Programmer Interns and Rigger/Animation Interns
Intl Marketing Associate, Associate Software Engineer and Software Engineer
Threshold Games
General Serious Game and Designer Positions
Vicious Cycle
Animator and Graphics Programmer
Virtual Heroes
Gameplay Programmer and Senior Game Designer (NEW!)
Premier Internship Mentions
Villain (http://www.villainhq.com/) is a mobile games developer and publisher based in Cary, NC. Our iPhone multiplayer shooter Archetype was inducted into the App Store Hall of Fame.
Villain is seeking students and recent graduates for an exciting Summer 2011 game programming internship. Two positions are available for the program, which will involve a full mobile game production cycle culminating with App Store release.
The Villain game programming internship provides:
- Gameplay coding positions for 10-12 weeks with stipend
- A game design with opportunities for creative gameplay iteration
- Existing tech of a shipped title to build on
- Production support, oversight, and mentoring from Villain staff
- Development hardware and tools
Qualified applicants will demonstrate:
- A passion for programming mobile game software
- Excellent time management and communication skills
- Experience with C, C++, and/or Objective-C
- Relevant coursework or personal projects
Applicants should be local to the Raleigh-Durham area from mid-May through mid-August to participate in weekly on-sites at the Villain offices. Preference will be given to applicants with iOS development experience.
Please send resumes to firstname.lastname@example.com for immediate consideration


text:
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St. Patrick's Day Parade, UNICO fests, etc . . . Every nationality seems to have a special day, parade or event. Is it just the Puerto Rican fests that bother you?
Stereotype much? Were you a drunk rowdy customer who got tossed out of a bar?
@kmop - They most likely did not lose readers, they just lost comments. I'll take 5 thoughtful comments rather than 100 ignorant, racist, and hateful comments any day of the week. Obviously I post anonymously now but 90% of my posts I would be comfortable posting under my own name. The other 10%, where I tend to be a wise a**; the forum could do without.
@mrsmass - I believe it would promote more thoughtful discussion and put the racist, sexist, hate mongering, xenophobic idiots back into a cave where they belong. There are almost a billion users, join the club.
@ Andrew, thanks for the response. Can't say I love the preview but I'll withhold judgement until I get a chance to use it.
I think it is highly unlikely for this to go the way of MySpace and I see FB being around for some time. MySpace started going down the tubes when people started using it to post those annoying pictures with quotes. It slowed down the site and annoyed users. FB on the other hand was the alternative. If FB learns the easy lessons of MySpace, they will likely stick around.
There biggest challenge will be to improve the mobile version since more people are using phones and tablets.
Damn liberals. it is all there fault. We all know that the NJSP are upstanding people who would never do wrong. Every now and then there is a bad apple. But it is all the liberals fault.
Does anyone even find these games interesting.
@Andrew Zuckerman,
Here's a thought. Nothing is worse than anonymous postings that allow people to routinely bash one another. Although most would agree that I refrain from that, admittedly I've been guilty.
To avoid the attacks, racism and downright ignorant posts; many newspapers are now making people log in using their Facebook accounts to post. Would you lose some posters? Sure. But it would promote more responsible posting and thoughtful dialogue since one's name is now attached to it.
Has NJ.com ever considered this - http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/media-lab/social-media/143192/news-sites-using-facebook-comments-see-higher-quality-discussion-more-referrals/
@kmop - that's not really necessary since they have a pretty decent mobile app to begin with.
I'm totally indifferent to the look of the new site. I think there are more pressing issues for NJ.com like why it is by far the slowest page on my computer to work even though I have a brand new computer.
@shadow - no. None of what you said is true. Your diatribe was nothing more than hyperbolic political glossy mail talking points that one side uses against the other for the purposes of convincing people that their view is better than someone elses.
Only an absolute imbecile would read a story involving some type of crime and blame liberals. Just a hunch, are you a Jerry Falwell guy who believed gays and lesbians and the ACLU were responsible for 9/11.
Seriously? This is the liberals' fault? unbelievable.
Some people believe in the fundamental right to not having their privacy invaded by government officials. Although most know you have to take the breathalyzer, many hold the belief that they should be able to deny. That is a perfectly reasonable viewpoint and hardly worth attacking.
There appears to be much more to this story. I've heard many of my cop partners say that they would gladly "write the hell out of an assemblyman" who voted to "screw with their benefits."
Trojans make a rare trip East looking to bolster their case for No. 1
Huh?? You think USC is using a game against a 5 win Big East team to bolster their case for #1? This nothing more than an early season easy warm up win for them.
Not letting him call his attorney will be the cops downfall. The attorney would have advised him to take the test and he would probably would have. Nonetheless, it is extremely rare that a cop makes a guy blow the breathalyzer when he passes the field sobriety test.
For you potential drunks, you can refuse the field sobriety test but you can not refuse the breathalyzer. You can beat borderline breathalyzer in court; but you can't beat the fact that you're on video falling all over the place.
This degenerate cops history is going to make for a good cross examination. I might drive down just to see that.
I feel as though the network cares only about the non sports fan who watch in Prime Time
You are absolutely correct. And those people represent the large majority which equates to larger ratings and ad buys. It is annoying but I can't join the criticism parade in light of the fact that the ratings are through the roof. As a business their job is to satisfy the most people possible. While a loud minority doesn't like it, the overwhelming majority apparently does.
In the end it is nothing more than a TV show and they will set the program in a way that draws the most people.
Are you insane? The guy has 14 Olympic Gold medals and 2 bronzes in 2 Olympics. He has dominated ths sport since 2004. I'd say he's live up to every ounce of hype there is. Although it seemed possible, he can not win every single race he is in. In terms of medals he is America's greatest Olympian.
While the lack of interest might have something to do with the fact that the Red Sox are in last place, I also believe that it might have something to do with the fact that they play so much; even when they are both good.
Prior to unbalanced scheduling the Yanks and Sox only played around 13 times per year. it wasn't much but the games mattered more and you tended to be way more interested. Playing a team 18 to 20 times per year is way too much and diminishes the rivalry.
I remember a time when you used to post and were not so outlandishly nuts. What happened.
Well this eliminated ant doubt that he was a political hack the whole time.
I know when I was 12 I ran all over the town I grew up in and bounced around from house to house. Was back by dinner then out and about. There is simply no way you know where your 12 year old is at all times unless they never leave the house.


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"Metaphors as the Interface of Language and Culture""Metaphors as the Interface of Language and Culture"http://www.haverford.edu/calendar/details/219442Chase Auditorium2012-11-15T16:30:002012-11-15T18:00:00
November 15,2012 4:30PM–6:00PM
Chase Auditorium
A talk by James Lantolf
The Department of Spanish in conjunction with the Distinguished Visitors Program presents a talk by James Lantolf, George and Jane Greer Professor in Language Acquisition and Applied Linguistics, Penn State University. Prof. Lantolf has published widely in the area of applied linguistics, and more specifically on sociocultural theory and second language learning. His talk will focus on metaphors.
Metaphors are not merely ways of speaking but represent the ways in which a community thinks and acts grounded in specific kinds of culturally organized experiences. The presentation considers how metaphors (and metonymy) are constructed and then exams some cross-cultural differences between English, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian metaphors that can result in intercultural misunderstandings.
Link: http://calper.la.psu.edu/people.php?page=11
For More Info
Ana Lopez-Sanchez


text:
1 year ago
by: Katie
On September 25th the 3rd Annual YNOT Awards Ceremony was held in Budapest. Every year hundreds of individuals and companies are nominated for the YNOT Awards in over 25 different categories. The lucky winners are determined by industry voting and receive a trophy at the award ceremony.
It is a huge honor for us here at Pornhub to be have won the 2013 YNOT Award for:
Best Tube Site
Obviously this would not be possible without you, the fans!
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