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Techniques are disclosed to provide randomized signal transforms and/or their applications. More particularly, a signal (e.g., an audio signal, an image, or a video signal) is transformed by applying randomly-selected basis functions to the signal. The applications of the randomized signal transforms include, but are not limited to, compression, denoising, hashing, identification, authentication, and data embedding (e.g., watermarking).
1. A method comprising:
generating, by a computing device, a plurality of sets of basis functions, wherein each set of basis functions comprises a randlet transform, the plurality of sets of basis functions being generated based on a library of step-mother randlets, the step-mother randlets having in turn been generated from a mother randlet;
randomly selecting, by the computing device, at least one set of basis functions from the plurality of sets of generated basis functions based on a secret key, the secret key being used to seed a pseudo-random number generator to generate a random number, the random number being used to randomly select the at least one set of basis functions;
applying, by the computing device, the randomly selected set of basis functions to a signal; and
in response to the applying, outputting, by the computing device, the signal which results from the applying, whereby the outputted signal facilitates applications of randomized signal transforms.
2. A method as recited by
3. One or more non-transitory computer storage media having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, direct a machine to perform acts comprising:
generating a plurality of sets of basis functions, wherein each set of basis functions comprises a randlet transform, the plurality of sets of basis functions being generated based on a library of step-mother randlets, the step-mother randlets having in turn been generated from a mother randlet;
randomly selecting at least one set of basis functions from the plurality of sets of generated basis functions based on a secret key, the secret key being used to seed a pseudo-random number generator to generate a random number, the random number being used to randomly select the at least one set of basis functions;
applying the randomly selected set of basis functions to a signal; and
in response to the applying, outputting the signal which results from the applying, whereby the outputted signal facilitates applications of randomized signal transforms.
4. One or more non-transitory computer storage media as recited by
5. A method as recited in
6. A method as recited in
7. A method as recited in
8. A method facilitating a transformation of a signal, the method comprising:
generating, by a computing device, a plurality of sets of basis functions, wherein each set of basis functions comprises a randlet transform and the generating comprises randomly choosing a cardinality of the sets of basis functions to generate as part of the plurality of sets of basis functions, the plurality of sets of basis functions being generated based on a library of step-mother randlets, the step-mother randlets having in turn been generated from a mother randlet;
randomly selecting, by the computing device, at least one set of basis functions from the plurality of sets of generated basis functions based on a secret key, the secret key being used to seed a pseudo-random number generator to generate a random number, the random number being used to randomly select the at least one set of basis functions;
applying, by the computing device, the randomly selected set of basis functions to a signal, wherein the applying is characterized by applying the randomly selected set of basis functions to the signal as a discrete transform; and
in response to the applying, outputting, by the computing device, the signal which results from the applying, whereby the outputted signal facilitates applications of randomized signal transforms, which comprise compression, de-noising, hashing, identification, authentication, data embedding, and watermarking.
The present invention generally relates to signal transforms, and more particularly, to randomized signal transforms and/or their applications.
As digital communication becomes more commonplace, the need for securing and/or authenticating the transferred digital data becomes increasingly more important. Digital signals carrying digital data is often (if not always) transformed into a specific format (e.g., by a transform) prior to being transferred. For example, a file containing digital data may be compressed prior to sending it over the Internet.
Since more powerful computers, high-speed Internet connections, and superior compression technologies are available to most users, the demand for digital media content is greater than ever. With instant and anytime access to literally millions of their favorite music and videos, consumers are applauding the convenience that digital distribution has afforded them. They enjoy being able to download or stream music to their hard drive or personal computer hard drive as fluidly as any television broadcast.
While the demand for digital content grows, however, so does the potential for its unauthorized use. Without a secure distribution system in place, digital media files can be easily copied or compressed into smaller files without the content owner's authorization. These files can then be transferred across the Internet for others to use or distribute freely. This violates the copyrights held by thousands of media companies, record labels, filmmakers, and recording artists. Such unauthorized use also strips these entities of valuable revenues as well.
One current approach is to encrypt the digital content to limit its unauthorized use. This approach, however, introduces additional overhead which can reduce the speed of systems utilizing signal transformation.
Accordingly, signal transformation solutions are desired which provide additional security while limiting performance degradation.
Techniques are disclosed to provide randomized signal transforms and/or their applications. More particularly, a signal (e.g., an audio or video signal) is transformed by applying randomly-selected basis functions to the signal. The applications of the randomized signal transforms include, but are not limited to, compression, denoising, hashing, identification, authentication, and data embedding (e.g., watermarking).
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.
The following disclosure generally describes techniques for improving signal transformation. More specifically, a family of signal transforms, referred to herein as randlet transforms (RTs), are applied to signals (such as audio and/or video signals) to provide security, while maintaining reasonable performance. Each family member transform uses a set of basis functions (also referred to herein as "randlets") that are chosen randomly or pseudorandomly based on a secret key (K). In various described implementations, the application of RT can result in improved data embedding (e.g., watermarking), identification, authentication, hashing, denoising, and/or compression.
Overview of Randlet Transform
The RT module 102 transforms the input signal using a set of basis functions (106) that are selected randomly. The randomness is provided by a random number generated (or multiple random numbers generated) by a pseudorandom generator (108). In an implementation, the pseudorandom generator (108) is seeded by a secret key (K) (110). The secret key (K) may be provided as a bit stream. In one implementation, the generator 108 is a cryptologically-strong pseudorandom generator. The output of the RT module 102 (e.g., a vector) can be used for a number of applications (112), which will be further discussed, for example, with reference to
Moreover, the RT may be applied as a discrete transform. The provided randomness may give the RT two distinct advantages. First, it is useful for security purposes because an attacker cannot know which basis functions are used in the transform, making attacks relatively much more difficult. Second, because the basis is chosen at random from a relatively large set of basis functions, the worst-case performance of the transform occurs with relatively low probability. The measure for the RT is therefore the average-case performance rather than the worst-case performance.
Generating RT Basis
The basis functions (also referred to herein as "randlets") are based on a set of two-dimensional functions called "mother randlets." A variety of mother randlets are discussed below. It is envisioned that basis functions that are one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional (e.g., corresponding to audio signals, images, and video signals, respectively) may be utilized.
In an implementation, given a mother randlet m(x,y), a randlet with horizontal translation a, vertical translation b, horizontal scaling α, vertical scaling β, and rotation θ would be:
Accordingly, to choose the specific randlets used in an instance of the RT, the secret key (K) is used to seed a pseudorandom number generator (such as 108 of
Library of Basis Functions
In an implementation, the basis functions are constrained by allowing only a finite set of scaling and rotation operations, instead of choosing the scaling and rotation independently for each randlet. Instead of defining each randlet independently of all others, a random library of non-translated randlets is generated. These randlets are known as "step-mother randlets," and are generated by randomly scaling and rotating the mother randlets (402 and 404, respectively). This set of all step-mother randlets may be referred to as the "library" (406).
Each mother randlet is scaled randomly in both directions. The distributions for the scaling depend on both the specific mother randlet and the application. Examples are given in later sections. For each scaled mother randlet, the number of rotations generated may be proportional to the perimeter.
The step-mother randlets are translated (408), discretized (410), and normalized (412). Because a step-mother randlet is a discretized version of a mother randlet that has been scaled and rotated by real numbers, the normalization constant is determined by setting the inner product of the randlet with itself equal to 1. Hence:
Note that K depends on α and β.
The following several important values are parameters for the creation of an RT basis:
n: The total number of basis functions.
<T,U>: The width and height of the block to be transformed, respectively.
F(�): An algorithm which determines the type of each randlet.
The full set of randlets is generated by randomly choosing and translating (408) step-mother randlets from the library. This is done by generating a list of n 3-tuples, with each one representing one randlet that will be used in the transform: <i, a, b>. In the 3-tuples, i is in index to the library, and so implicitly determines the scaling and rotation of the randlet. i is chosen at random by the function F(�). The exact function F used depends on the application. a and b are the real-valued horizontal and vertical translation of center point of the randlet, chosen uniformly at random from [0,T] and [0,U], respectively. In an implementation, once the list has been generated, it is sorted according to the size of the randlets, e.g., with the largest randlets first and the smallest randlets last.
Mother Randlets
As discussed above, mother randlets are the base randlets from which all others are created as discussed with reference to
Gaussian Randlet:
High-frequency randlets have a Gaussian shape in the horizontal direction and various oscillatory shapes in the vertical direction. Since they will be rotated, we refer to the smooth direction as the direction of the Gaussian, and the rough direction as the direction of the oscillatory function. The variations in the vertical direction give these randlets edge-detection properties in the horizontal direction. When rotated by θ degrees, they will tend to detect edges at θ degrees. Other types of randlets include:
Half Randlet:
Mexican Hat Randlet:
Wavelet Randlet:
The w(y) portion of the wavelet randlet is a one-dimensional wavelet function. In an implementation, when scaling a wavelet randlet, instead of choosing a wavelet of fixed size, a wavelet family can be chosen, and instead of scaling, a longer or shorter member of the wavelet family can be chosen.
Generally, high-frequency randlets are scaled so that the randlet is longer in the smooth direction than in the rough direction. This enhances the randlet's ability to detect edges.
In an implementation, the mother randlets may be obtained by combinations of the Gaussian, half, Mexican Hat, and/or wavelet randlets.
RT Transformation
A transform coefficient k is computed (508) for each randlet by finding the inner product of randlet k and the residue of randlet k−1. If the randlet k is denoted by rk, the residue of randlet m is denoted by Rm, and coefficient n is denoted by cn, then:
As each coefficient is generated, it is quantized (510), and it is the quantized value that is stored (512) as the coefficient in the transform. In accordance with one implementation, it is also this quantized value that is subtracted from the signal (504). In an implementation, a uniform quantizer is used, basing the number of levels on type and scaling of the randlet. Randomized rounding may also be used, e.g., to round the coefficient based on a random number. The effects of randomized rounding may be accommodated by the iterative convergence of the algorithm.
Once the quantization is complete, the next residue is computed (514). If Q(�) is the quantizer, then:
In an implementation, the randlets are not projected upon the entire signal block. The effective footprint of the randlets is computed in a preprocessing phase (not shown) by considering only the area where the randlets have non-negligible value. The randlets are then only projected in that area.
In an alternative implementation, the basis functions are placed as normal and then their positions are perturbed to the nearby location of maximum power. This makes the transform converge with fewer coefficients, but extra information would have to be stored with each coefficient giving the horizontal and vertical perturbation.
Since the center of each randlet ranges uniformly across the whole signal block, the extremities of the randlets can reach outside of the block. This causes edge effects at the block boundaries. These edge effects may be eliminated by padding each block with a mirror signal of itself at each edge. In general, a padding of 5 to 10 pixels (e.g., for an image) is sufficient, even for very large images.
Extending RT Transform
Generally, a specific instance of the RT is generated to work on a specific size of signal block (e.g., an image). There are three ways to do this. First, the randlets can be chosen with centers in the range [0,1], and the transform can be expanded to the actual size of whatever signal block is chosen. One advantage of this method is that many coefficients of the transform will become scaling-invariant. However, to ensure that this transform will scale well for large data blocks, an enormous number of randlets may need to be chosen. These randlets will be redundant on small signals, but necessary to enable the transform to be taken to large scales.
Another method is to define the transform for a maximum signal block size. This method is similar to the previous method, except that the number of basis functions can be bounded, since the maximum block size is known. There is still the problem of redundant basis functions on smaller blocks, though.
The third method is to generate the transform for a relatively small block, e.g. images of 50�50 or 100�100. Any block that is larger than this size is decomposed into blocks of this size, transform is performed separately on all blocks. This method may be beneficial for transforms, because it avoids the redundant basis functions of the previous two methods. However, the first method is useful for applications of the RT such as hashing and watermarking, where a small number of basis functions can be used. These are further discussed below under the same titles.
Furthermore, since most signal blocks will not come in integer multiples of the block size, the blocks may be padded with zero values to achieve a size that is a multiple of the block size. This padding may be removed as part of the inverse transform or reconstruction discussed below.
In one implementation, the basis functions need not be completely and independently random. For example, the first basis function may be chosen completely randomly. For each subsequent basis function, a set of linear constraints may be generated which include constraints that ensure orthogonality to all previously-chosen basis functions and/or normalization. Such constraints may also ensure that the shape of the basis function is a randlet. The next basis function may then be randomly chosen from the functions which fulfill the constraints. As additional basis functions are chosen, it may however become harder for functions to fulfill all of the constraints. In this situation, the next basis function may be chosen randomly from among the functions which approximately fulfill the constraints (e.g., almost orthogonal), such as defined by some threshold which may vary with the size of the desired basis function. In one implementation, this process can be implemented by an optimization algorithm.
Moreover, lossy compression may be performed to an arbitrary level by throwing out coefficients corresponding to the smallest randlets (602). With respect to the sorted list of randlets discussed with reference to
Furthermore, the rate of lossy compression can be varied dynamically as well, so the amount of bandwidth spent on a signal block is made accordingly to the bandwidth available. Also, an image can be sent iteratively so that the basic representation appears first, and the details are filled in later. Moreover, when the list of basis functions is sorted by size (as discussed with reference to
The RT is an ideal tool for multimedia signal hashing such as image hashing. Even though this section discusses image hashing specifically in portions, it is envisioned RT based hashing may be generally applied to signals as will be discussed with reference to
With respect to image hashing, the generated hash value is believed to be robust to perturbations in the image, and the randomized nature of the basis functions ensures that the hash is hard to predict. A modified version of the RT of
Additionally, when hashing, it may be valuable to have each coefficient taken from a same distribution as all of the other coefficients, when taken over all images, for example. Therefore, the use of residues is not done when the RT is used for hashing. This simplifies the hashing algorithm and ensures that the power of hash coefficients are not reduced by previous randlets. Also, when residues are taken, later coefficients depend on earlier coefficients, so a small perturbation in a signal can cause large changes in later coefficients. This is an undesirable property for an approximate hash.
In an implementation, the hashed vector can be quantized using a suitable lattice. For example, one can have a public key lattice for which a private key allows quantization easily, whereas quantization from the public key may introduce more errors. Accordingly, the public key basis would be the image of a private key basis for the lattice under a suitable unimodular matrix transformation. Moreover, the quantization also allows one to ignore small changes.
Furthermore, when choosing a transform for a hash, the randlets do not have to be sorted by size (such as discussed with reference to
Finally, error correction is applied to the quantized transform coefficients (810) and the coefficients are stored (812). In an implementation, an error-correcting code's decoder is used to shrink the hash value and make it even more resistant to perturbations.
Hashing for Identification/Authentication
Images (and signals generally) can be compared by performing an RT-based hashing (as discussed with reference to
In an implementation, the L2 norm is utilized. It is envisioned that the Ln norm may produce better results, where n is large (since it magnifies large differences between coefficients while downplaying smaller differences).
Coefficients can be compared directly, or as ratios. For example, comparing the ratios of statistics in one image to the ratios of the same statistics in other images can help to defeat equalization attacks. This is similar to normalizing the transform coefficients. Alternately, statistics can be formed which are functions of subsets of coefficients. Again, these can be compared directly, or as ratios.
RT Watermarking
The watermark is then applied to the transform coefficients (908), which are inserted back into the signal (910), e.g., via a minimum-norm matrix solution to inverting the transform. To ensure that the matrix is well-behaved, the randlets may be chosen so that they do not substantially overlap. This may make it easier to identify and defeat the watermark, however.
Inverse Transform or Reconstruction
For example, if I[i, j] is the image, then:
In one implementation, the reconstruction method 1000 can be applied to almost-orthogonal basis functions. Accordingly, the reconstruction method 1000 may be applied when residues are used, when the basis functions are orthogonal, or when the basis functions are almost orthogonal.
Hardware Implementation
Computer environment 1100 includes a general-purpose computing device in the form of a computer 1102. The components of computer 1102 can include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 1104 (optionally including a cryptographic processor or co-processor), a system memory 1106, and a system bus 1108 that couples various system components including the processor 1104 to the system memory 1106.
The system bus 1108 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, such architectures can include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus also known as a Mezzanine bus.
Computer 1102 typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Such media can be any available media that is accessible by computer 1102 and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.
The system memory 1106 includes computer-readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 1110, and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM) 1112. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 1114, containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer 1102, such as during start-up, is stored in ROM 1112. RAM 1110 typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently operated on by the processing unit 1104.
Computer 1102 may also include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example,
The disk drives and their associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for computer 1102. Although the example illustrates a hard disk 1116, a removable magnetic disk 1120, and a removable optical disk 1124, it is to be appreciated that other types of computer-readable media which can store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like, can also be utilized to implement the exemplary computing system and environment.
Any number of program modules can be stored on the hard disk 1116, magnetic disk 1120, optical disk 1124, ROM 1112, and/or RAM 1110, including by way of example, an operating system 1126, one or more application programs 1128, other program modules 1130, and program data 1132. Each of such operating system 1126, one or more application programs 1128, other program modules 1130, and program data 1132 (or some combination thereof) may implement all or part of the resident components that support the distributed file system.
A user can enter commands and information into computer 1102 via input devices such as a keyboard 1134 and a pointing device 1136 (e.g., a "mouse"). Other input devices 1138 (not shown specifically) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, serial port, scanner, and/or the like. These and other input devices are connected to the processing unit 1104 via input/output interfaces 1140 that are coupled to the system bus 1108, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serial bus (USB).
A monitor 1142 or other type of display device can also be connected to the system bus 1108 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1144. In addition to the monitor 1142, other output peripheral devices can include components such as speakers (not shown) and a printer 1146 which can be connected to computer 1102 via the input/output interfaces 1140.
Computer 1102 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computing device 1148. By way of example, the remote computing device 1148 can be a personal computer, portable computer, a server, a router, a network computer, a peer device or other common network node, game console, and the like. The remote computing device 1148 is illustrated as a portable computer that can include many or all of the elements and features described herein relative to computer 1102.
Logical connections between computer 1102 and the remote computer 1148 are depicted as a local area network (LAN) 1150 and a general wide area network (WAN) 1152. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.
When implemented in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1102 is connected to a local network 1150 via a network interface or adapter 1154. When implemented in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1102 typically includes a modem 1156 or other means for establishing communications over the wide network 1152. The modem 1156, which can be internal or external to computer 1102, can be connected to the system bus 1108 via the input/output interfaces 1140 or other appropriate mechanisms. It is to be appreciated that the illustrated network connections are exemplary and that other means of establishing communication link(s) between the computers 1102 and 1148 can be employed.
In a networked environment, such as that illustrated with computing environment 1100, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1102, or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory storage device. By way of example, remote application programs 1158 reside on a memory device of remote computer 1148. For purposes of illustration, application programs and other executable program components such as the operating system are illustrated herein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programs and components reside at various times in different storage components of the computing device 1102, and are executed by the data processor(s) of the computer.
Various modules and techniques may be described herein in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various implementations.
An implementation of these modules and techniques may be stored on some form of non transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non transitory computer-readable media may comprise "non transitory computer storage media"
"Computer storage media" includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices.
"Communication media" typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communication media also includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), wireless fidelity (e.g., IEEE 802.11b wireless networking) (Wi-Fi), cellular, Bluetooth enabled, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. For example, the techniques discussed herein may be applied to audio signals, images, and/or video signals (i.e., one, two, or three dimensional signals, respectively). Hence, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed invention.
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By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2008 It was all a big joke for servicemembers and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Fisher House yesterday when comedian Kathy Griffin came to visit.
With camera crew in tow, Griffin, star of Bravo cable network's "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List," spent the morning touring the installation's two Fisher House facilities and joking with the residents.
"I had to get a pass to come out here so I could see Kathy Griffin," said Army Cpl. Nicholas Joseph McCauley. "I heard about her; she seemed cool, and my buddy … who lost his leg in September kind of figured he'd show me around, make me smile, cheer me up a little bit."
McCauley is recovering from a head injury suffered March 23 in Iraq. Getting out of the hospital, where he'd been for two days, and verbally sparring with Griffin about his tattoos, a salty take on an Irish phrase, seemed to give McCauley the boost he needed.
"(She's) the first person I've ever met that's famous," he said. "It's pretty cool. I get to be on TV, I guess. It's not cool being on TV in a wheelchair, but I'm alive."
Army Spc. Michael Brown, a below-the-knee amputee who's living at Fisher House with his wife and 14-month-old daughter, agreed.
"It's definitely a cool thing to tell your friends about when you go home," he said. "It's definitely a morale booster for everybody that's here.
"You get so run down with appointments every day and the daily grind," Brown continued. "Something like this is good to have, a break … (to) find out what's actually going on elsewhere."
Amanda Poppenhouse, whose husband, Army Cpl. Adam Poppenhouse, is recovering from a recent leg amputation, said celebrity visits aren't uncommon, and most of the visitors take a real interest in the families.
"We had a wrestler come (from World Wrestling Entertainment), Mankind, I think is his name," she said. "We met him like two or three times, and he recognizes us, calls us by name. He's really cool."
She said visits by stars can offer an outlet for servicemembers and their spouses to talk and tell their stories.
Servicemembers and their families soon will have a huge audience to listen to their stories thanks to Griffin, who is planning to turn her visit into an episode for her show. She discovered just how many people are interested in troops' stories when an episode of her show featured her tour to entertain troops overseas.
"Doing our silly little reality show, we got the most response we've ever gotten from the episode where I went and performed in Iraq," Griffin said. "I got lots and lots of e-mails, 'How are the guys doing?' That was an interesting insight to something.
"So often you hear about these men and women and they're just numbers … on the news, and it's a news story that's 90 seconds and then it's on to what starlet was drunk and flashing," she quipped.
Griffin said the combination of her audience's reaction to her episode from Iraq and some stories last year about conditions at Walter Reed made her want to show her audience a bigger picture. She wants to make sure her viewers understand the facility and the people there, and Bravo agreed.
"I felt really passionately about doing an episode here," Griffin said. "What I think is important about today, what's so great about Fisher House and coming here, is it really humanizes the numbers we see on the news."
Griffin was working to carry out a secondary mission as well: to make the servicemembers and their families laugh.
"That's all I know how to do," she said. "I think everybody needs a laugh and especially at a time like this.
"I just really, really hope I can provide them a good chuckle," she said before leaving to spend her afternoon with patients in the hospital and her evening performing a stand-up comedy show.
The episode of her show featuring Walter Reed is expected to air in late summer.
The Fisher House Foundation is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

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text: Wednesday Aug 26 2009 comments What movie, book or song title sums up your life? By: Asked by Marci Seither -A +A Marci Seither"Iris by Goo Goo Dolls. It's on my iPod and I listen to it when I run." Tabby Bailey Meadow Vista Marci Seither"8 Seconds because my life is always on full speed ahead." Greg McKenzie Walker Lake, NV Marci Seither"Summer Time!" Summer Wright Alta/Age 13 Marci Seither"Everything. It's a song by Life House. It talks about God being everything and that is what I am striving for.' T.J. Nations Alta Marci Seither'The Pursuit of Happiness.' Shannon Becker Chicago Park Marci Seither'Radical Rebel Restored. That sums up my life.' Don Hall Colfax Click Here


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Merkel Woos German States to Back Fiscal Pact, Spiegel Says
June 24 (Bloomberg) -- Chancellor Angela Merkel is offering federal aid to Germany's states in a bid to win their parliamentary support for the European Union's fiscal pact, Der Spiegel reported, without saying how it got the information.
Merkel proposed this month that the federal government pick up all of any fine that's due if Germany's total public deficit exceeds limits set in the pact, the magazine said today. The federal government normally pays just 65 percent of such fines with the rest falling to the states.
Merkel lacks a majority in the upper house of parliament, or Bundesrat, which groups delegates of Germany's 16 states. Two-thirds majorities in both houses are needed for Germany to ratify the fiscal pact.
To contact the reporter on this story: Tony Czuczka in Berlin at firstname.lastname@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Hertling at email@example.com


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Coach Toth is ready for the big matchup against crosstown rival UC.
March 25, 2014
CINCINNATI - Women's Tennis matches up against crosstown rival Cincinnati on Wednesday, March 26. XU is currently 12-3 on the season, while UC is 8-9. The match will be played at Western Tennis and Fitness Club with play beginning at 1 p.m.
"Cincinnati is a match we circle on our schedule every year and one we most definitely want to win," said head coach Eric Toth. "I think what is most important as far as Wednesday's match-up is concerned is that Cincinnati has a good squad and is really going to push us to the limit."
The two teams met this past fall season at the UC Invitational where play between the two teams was very competitive. When the teams faced off last spring season, Cincinnati came out on top, 4-3.
Xavier is coming off a 2-0 week which included a shutout win over Dayton. Cincinnati is coming back from their spring break trip to Puerto Rico where they went 3-0.


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Your Vision of the Future Part Six
vision: noun – the ability to see or a vivid mental image produced by the imagination or great perception of future developments
So, how did it go creating your vision of the future based on your top five goals for the next twelve months? Do you get excited when you read your vision? Does it feel great when you imagine yourself in the vision – in the time when these five goals are now your reality? If it doesn't then go rewrite your vision until you absolutely love how it sounds and feels and you can't wait to make it happen.
Now, here is your first assignment with your vision – tape record it on to a small portable recorder. If you don't have a small digital recorder, then go get one. They are a marvelous tool for personal development. Once you have your vision tape recorded then I want you to start to listen to it at least twice per day. Listen to it first thing in the morning. Listen to it just before you go to bed a night. Each time that you listen to your vision, make it even more real for yourself – really be there. You will almost certainly find that you can enhance your vision quite a bit a first; you will be able to add details that make it even more compelling. This is a very good thing. A compelling vision makes it easy to take the necessary action to make that vision become real.
In the next entry, I will talk a bit about using your newly created vision to stay motivated and on track for achieving your goals. Later in this series I will talk about creating visions with business partners and also problems that I commonly see with visions. I also want to give you a sample of my vision – my vision for the next twelve months and my vision for the next ten years.
Till next time…Jack
"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship." ~Louisa May Alcott
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Goals, Fasting, Partner Wanted
about 2 years ago - No comments
"Change always comes bearing gifts." ~Price Pritchett I am continuing work on my upcoming book "Mastering the Art of Goal Achievement." My focus right now is on the back cover copy. I am modeling books and authors that I admire – my credentials and experience are similar to some, radically different than others, but I…
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Back Cover Copy and Dragons
about 2 years ago - No comments
"Artificial intelligence is the study of how to make real computers act like the ones in the movies." ~Anonymous I've started working on the copy for the back page of my upcoming book: working title – "Mastering the Art of Goal Achievement". I'm currently reviewing the back copy of the nonfiction books that I admire…
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about 2 years ago - No comments
"Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." ~L. Frank Baum With a working title of "Mastering the Art of Goal Achievement"; I have been continuing to brainstorm the subtitle copy for my upcoming book… Brainstorming of subtitle copy: Get off your butt, get clear on what you want, work smart, have a…
Mastering the Art of Goal Achievement
about 2 years ago - No comments
"The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible – and achieve it, generation after generation." ~Pearl S. Buck My first book is nearing completion – completion but not yet published. Actual printing and publication are still a fair ways away. This first book is going to be self-published. …
Goal Achievement, Compelling Futures, Juicing
about 3 years ago - No comments
"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it however" ~Richard Bach Today is a further continuation of my virtual seminar that I am creating for us both. Be sure to read the last few posts as well as this one…
New Year's Resolutions, Goals, Juicing
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"I should have no objection to go over the same life from its beginning to the end: requesting only the advantage authors have, of correcting in a second edition the faults of the first." ~Benjamin Franklin Today is my continuation of my virtual seminar that I am creating for us both. Be sure to read…
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"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." ~Abraham Lincoln One of my most popular seminars has always been my annual goal setting workshop. This seminar takes right at three hours and the attendees leave with great goals that are authentically theirs and workable plans to make…
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My Book about Goals
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Certification from Start to Finish
New York State teachers, administrators, and pupil personnel service providers are required to hold a New York State certificate in order to be employed in the State's public schools. The certificates are issued by the Office of Teaching Initiatives, and certify that an individual has met required degree, coursework, assessment, and experience requirements. Certificates are issued in a number of titles in three major categories: classroom teaching, administrative and supervisory, and pupil personnel service (e.g., school counselor, psychologist, social worker).
- Choose the best preparation pathway
- Find the requirements for the certificate you want
- Applying for a certificate
- Send us your supporting documentation
- Completing coursework to satisfy unmet requirements
- Check the status of your application
- Your issued certificate(s)
- Professional Development for Certificate Holders
- Apply for an additional certificate
- Verification of your NYS Certification
- Choose the best preparation pathway
There are a number of routes or Preparation Pathways, depending upon your background and preferences. Once you have chosen the appropriate pathway, you must complete the requirements for the certificate you choose and submit an application, supporting documents, and fee to the New York State Education Department.
- Find the requirements for the certificate you want
To determine the specific requirements for any given title, you can use the online search feature "Search Certification Requirements." To begin your search, follow the guidelines, see #1, to learn how to use the selection menus.
- Applying for a certificate
Applying online is easy and fast, and allows you the options of paying by credit card or mailing your payment. To apply online, click on .
If you are enrolled in a New York State teacher preparation program or alternative teacher preparation program, you need to apply online and indicate "Pathway: Approved Teacher Preparation Program " as your pathway. Your college Certification officer will submit your institutional recommendation online as well.
What happens once you receive my application?
Submitted Online: After you have entered your payment the "Application Confirmation" screen will appear. It will have the date we received your application, amount of the fee owed, requirements that have been completed, the requirements that need to be completed in order to receive the certificates , and the address for which you should send the supporting documents for your application. You should print the "Application Confirmation" screen and retain it for your records. You may login to TEACH at any time and click the Account Information link to see the status of your application.
- Send us your supporting documentation
Once you have applied for a certificate, you must send to us any supporting documentation necessary in order to conduct a complete evaluation of your credentials. Supporting documentation would include, but is not limited to:
- CLEP, DANTE, ACTFL, or Excelsior exam score reports;
- any documentation of paid teaching experience that we have requested;
- documentation of experience in lieu of student teaching;
- copy of teaching certificates from other states;
- copy of professional license or Certification such as professional license for LPN or speech language pathologist, etc;
- and/or any other information that we may have previously requested that will enable us to complete an evaluation.
Transcripts are not required for all pathways to Certification. Specifically, we do not require transcripts for applications submitted through the NYS Approved Teacher Preparation Program pathway. A recommendation from the college in which you completed your program leading to Certification is sufficient.
Please note due to storage space limitations we can only retain paper records for 3 years. If you previously submitted paper documentation more than three years ago, we no longer have them on file. Please submit new documentation.
You may send all paper documentation or correspondence to us at:
New York State Education Department
Office of Teaching Initiatives, Room 5N-EB
89 Washington Avenue
Albany NY 12234
You can check to see if we received the documents you sent to us. At any time, Login to access your TEACH account, click on TEACH Online Services, then click on the Account Information link, and click the topic for Correspondence (then click the "Go" button) to view a list of all documents you sent to us.
- Completing coursework to satisfy unmet requirements
After you have been evaluated, you may find that you are deficient in required course work. If you are unsure of what courses you should take to meet your deficiencies, follow the guidelines found in Frequently Asked Questions – Coursework to Satisfy Unmet Requirements to help you select appropriate courses.
- Check the status of your application
Click to check the status of your application and to view your pending evaluation.
Address Change: If you have not received your certificate in the mail and your address has changed, you may login to TEACH at any time and click Verify/Update Profile to update your address. Even after you receive your certificate, it is important that you notify us of future address changes so that you can receive any additional notices.
For more information go to
- Your issued certificate(s)
You will not receive a printed copy of your issued time limited certificate(s) such as the Provisional, Initial, Transitional, Teaching Assistant Levels I, II, and Pre-Professional types. Instead, you can verify that your certificate has been issued by logging in to your TEACH Online Services account and viewing the certificate table in Account Information. Once you have the end-level certificate such as Permanent, Professional, and Level III Teaching Assistant, you will receive a printed copy of these certificates. For more information go to the frequently asked questions on Printing of Time Limited Certificates Discontinued.
Effective and Expiration Date: Please take notice of the effective date and validity period of your end-level certificate. Certain certificate types, such as Initial, Provisional, and Teaching Assistant certificates are time limited. You must complete the requirements for the next level certificate before the first certificate expires. For more information on certificate validity periods, go to Types of Certificates and Licenses and Frequently Asked Questions - Effective Date .
Duplicate Certificates: If your certificate is lost or stolen you may apply for a duplicate certificate. Login to your TEACH Online Services account and click on Apply for Duplicate certificate. For more information go to Duplicate Certificates.
Certificate Time Extensions: If you are unable to meet the requirements for the next level certificate before your certificate expires, you may be eligible for a time extension. For more information, go to Time Extension of a Provisional, Initial, or Transitional Certificate.
Certificate Re-Issuance: If your Initial certificate expires, your certificate may be re-issued. For more information go to Re-issuance of an Expired Initial certificate.
- Professional Development for Certificate Holders
Professional Development requirements for holders of advanced-level certificates vary by type of certificate.
Professional: Holders of the Professional classroom teaching certificate must complete 175 hours of professional development every five years. Satisfaction of this requirement maintains the validity of the certificate. For more information on acceptable professional development activities, and how to report and record hours completed, go to Professional Development for Professional Certificate Holders.
Level III Teaching Assistant: Holders of the Level III Teaching Assistant certificate must complete 75 hours of professional development every five years. Satisfaction of this requirement maintains the validity of the certificate. For more information on acceptable professional development activities, and how to report and record hours completed, go to Professional Development for Teaching Assistant Level III Certificate.
Permanent: Holders of the Permanent certificate do not have to meet a continuing professional development requirement. The certificate is good for life, unless revoked for cause.
- Apply for an additional certificate
Holders of most New York State certificates may qualify for an additional certificate without meeting all of the requirements that a first-time applicant must meet. To determine whether this provision is applicable to you, as well as the exact requirements for a second Certification, go to
Click to apply online for an additional certificate!
- Verification of your NYS Certification
All New York State public school districts and most non-public school districts have direct access to the TEACH Online Services system and can verify your certification status online. We also offer direct access to the TEACH Online Services system to other states' and jurisdictions' certifying bodies so that they may verify NYS certification for individuals seeking to become certified in another state or jurisdiction. We do not provide official written verification of your certification for any purpose; all official verifications must be obtained online through the TEACH Online Services system.
You must select the appropriate certificate by category, subject area, grade level, title, and type.
Area of Interest: Certificates are divided into major groups, or categories. Examples are Administration and Pupil Personnel Services, Classroom Teacher, and Career and Technical Teacher. For a complete list, go to Certificate Area of Interest.
Subject Area: This represents general categories of certificate titles such as math, biology, or students with disabilities (all math titles would be in the math subject area; all biology titles would be in the biology subject area; and all students with disabilities titles would be in the students with disabilities subject area, etc).
Grade Level: All NYS certificates are issued for work in specific grade levels. These include early childhood (birth to grade two), childhood (grades 1-6), middle childhood (grades 5-9), adolescent (grades 7-12), and all grades (pre-kindergarten to grade 12).
Title: The certificate title denotes the subject and grade level that you are authorized to teach. Examples include Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2), Biology (Grade 7-12), and School District Administrator (K-12). To find the requirements for the certificate you want, see #2.
Type: The type of certificate issued to you depends upon your educational background and experience. Examples include Initial certificate, Professional certificate, and Teaching Assistant Level III certificate. For a complete list, go to Types of Certificates and Licenses.


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Pre-Awards / Proposal Development
Office of Sponsored Programs
The Office of Sponsored Programs, Contracts & Grants (SPCG) Pre-Awards staff assists the faculty, administration and staff at Elizabeth City State University through the grant seeking process of sponsored programs and research. A sponsored program refers to external sources of funding including Federal agencies, State agencies, and foundations. The Pre-Awards office is the central coordination point for all proposals involving restricted grants for programmatic and research initiatives.
The services that are available in pre-awards are:


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Food Bank for Westchester Hunger Heroes Awards Breakfast
Tuesday, Jun 4, 2013 at 12:00am
81 Highland Avenue, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Food Bank for Westchester will host the 8th Annual Hunger Heroes Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, June 4, 8:30 am at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill, Tarrytown. The event honors a Service Provider (agency or program), Volunteer, Donor and Corporation who have each made exceptional efforts fighting hunger in Westchester this past year. Also presented at the event is the coveted Golden Scoop Trophy to the winner of the Golden Scoop Corporate Competition, a friendly contest between corporate Food Bank supporters. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at www.foodbankforwestchester.org or by calling (914) 923-1100. For sponsorship information, contact Katy Coppinger at the Food Bank at (914) 909-9610 or email@example.com


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UKOUG roadmap to maintenance windows
Please enjoy this copy of the recent presentation I gave at the UKOUG 2012 conference in Birmingham England. Feedback and comments are always welcome!
This session was delivered to a hungry audience with whom I discussed a smart approach to doing maintenance windows for clients' databases. We delved into some of the best practices that are followed by smart technicians to ensure that the right work is done to the right database at the right time. What more could you ask for?
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One Response to "Do it Right; Do it Once – A Roadmap to Doing Maintenance Windows"
Interesting and very timely: we just had a maintenance window wasted because not everything was put on emails.
Then again, we cannot ensure everyone reads all emails – I know quite a few people who don't…
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Bruder Toys Mack Granite Liebherr Crane Truck 02818$119.00 Click for price
The Mack Granite Liebherr Crane Truck by Bruder combines American muscle with exceptional toy manufacturing. The highly-detailed semi features Mack's signature chrome-look fenders, hood ornament, exhaust pipes, roof lights, and working swing-out mirrors. The cab is complete with transparent polycarbonate windows, opening engine hood, and sliding panel door. Compatible with Bruder figures (sold separately). Features tread tires. And that's just the beginning for this 1:16 scale model!
This impressive truck features a telescopic crane that, when extended, towers above all other Bruder utility vehicles. An impressive 51" tall when fully raised and extended with the additional boom, it may even tower over your young builders! The crane's height-adjustable boom can be easily extended all as one piece with knob and locking mechanism. Hinged crane tip can be stored against the extendable boom. Crane swivels 360°. Die cast hook can be lowered quickly and noiselessly. A newly-developed and fully-functional cable winch with locking device and overload protection make lifting and lowering even large loads easy. Paying close attention to detail, Bruder also integrated a tool compartment into the platform.
Just like its real-life inspiration, a truck this large must be stabilized. To help prevent the crane truck from tipping while moving heavy loads, simply lower the four swiveling and individually-adjustable outrigger legs. Also includes counterweights that can be filled with sand to help balance the load.
This truck's incredibly accurate and realistic details encourage active imaginative play. Durable and made of high-quality materials, including fade-resistant ABS plastic, this truck is perfect for indoor and outdoor play. Add this massive machine to your Bruder fleet today! It is a toy that will be enjoyed by construction enthusiasts of all ages!
Made in Germany. Recommended for Ages Four and Up. Measures 26" x 7.3" x 10.6"
Rural King provides a defect or damage warranty within 30 days of receipt. All Manufacturing Return Policies supersede Rural King's Return Policy.Learn More
Bruder Mack Granite Fire Engine Truck With Water Pump 02821$119.00 Click for price
The Bruder Mack Granite fire truck shoots real water and features a 3-stage telescoping ladder that extends to over 4 feet tall and swivels 360º! The Bruder Fire engine even has realistic battery operated lights and sounds! Stabilizer legs and a counterweight can be filled with sand to maintain the crane's stability. Realistic driver's cabin features doors that open, a tilting engine hood that displays engine block, folding mirrors and chrome accessories. Bruder toys are tough German-made toys that provides years of heavy-duty play time.
Product Features:
- Battery operated lights and sounds (batteries included)
- 4 ft. Extendable ladder
- Ladder swivels 360º
- Opening doors
- Fold-in mirrors
- 4 Extendable support legs
- Integrated water tank that can be easily filled
- Fully functioning water nozzle
- Opening bonnet
Specifications Length (in.) 24" Width (in.) 8 5/8" Height (in.) 11 13/32" Weight 8.2 lbs Scale Size 1:16 Recommended Ages 4 years old and up Safety Warning Chocking Hazard- Small Parts Battery operated Batteries Included
Extra-large Bruder toys are built tough for regular use in the sandbox or back yard. Bruder products are developed as "model-sized toys." Model-sized to encourage children to imitate real life in the form of role plays; functional to help them understand the technical backgrounds by allowing them to "grasp by grabbing." Special attention is paid to the well-balanced interaction of easy-to-handle play functions and models that are true to life and offer the greatest possible level of stability. Bruder's company slogan "just like the real thing" manifests itself, in particular, in the products of the Pro SeriesLearn More
Bruder Scania R-Series Low Loader Truck With CAT Bulldozer 03556$104.00 Click for price
You have one of the most important jobs in the field as a truck driver! Now you can haul the right equipment to the waiting construction workers so they can finish their jobs too in a fantastic Bruder Scania R-Series Low Loader Truck with a CAT Bulldozer on board.
Scania R-Series Low Loader
The Scania Semi-Truck with Low Loader has an impressive detailed front grill and painted red cab. The windshield and windows are made of an unbreakable polycarbonate plastic for durability. Each mirror folds in, just in case you get into tight spots and both drivers and passanger side doors open. The entire cab lifts forward and allows you to view the trucks engine . An extra spare tire is mounted behind the cabin, just in case of emergiencies.
The matching trailor is designed with ample room for hauling the CAT Bulldozer. With a detachable, working, realistic 5th wheel clutch manuvering in and out of tight spaces becomes secondhand nature. The vehicle locking device for securing your load can be adjusted and both loading ramps raise and lower with ease.
- 1:16 Scale
- Matching Red paint schemes
- Detailed Scania Front Grill
- Unbreakable Polycarbonate Windshield
- Folding Mirrors
- Opening / Closing Doors
- Realistic Tires with Tread including a Spare Tire
- 5th Wheel Clutch
- Pivoting Trailor
- Loading Ramps
Choking hazard: not for infants under 3 years of age.
Cat Bulldozer
With a functioning front blade that lifts and tilts, moving debris is a cinch. When you are finished unloading the dirt, lock the blade in position for safety as you travel around the construction zone.
If needed move the rake, up and down, located at the rear of the CAT Bulldozer too loosen that hard packed earth before lifting it and moving it to another location.
The crawler tracks around the tires add for a smooth ride even over those large dirt piles and rocks that prove too difficult for ordinary tires and equiptment. Nothing will get in your way of getting the job done.
1:16 scale is a perfect size to pack in a bag and take on vacation, to the parks or just in the backyard. Made of high quality ABS plastics, the Bruder SCANIA R -Series Low Loader with CAT Bulldozer is easy to clean up after hours of playtime. Designed for ages 4 and up, Bruder Toys have provided hours of entertainment and memories in children and adults alike. Create new memories like the ones you have from childhood for the next generation.
Product Dimensions:
- Rear Loosening Rake
- Height Adjustable Front Plow Blade
- True to Life Crawler Tracks
- 1:16 Scaled Equipment
- 30 inches long
- 7.3 inches wide
- 10.2 inches high
Choking hazard: not for infants under 3 years of age.
Learn More
Playmobil Pirate Adventure Island 5134$119.99
Enhance your little pirates treasure box of imagination by creating an Island Adventure! Build and search for lost gold while exploring the Pirate Adventure Island!
Sail the vast ocean seas and when your crew arrives by row boat at the island, position the three included action figures throughout the island to help navigate through swamps, the adjustable bamboo maze and secret stairs while avoiding Island hazards like snakes and spiders. Complete the Pirate Adventure by placing the 5 magic coins in the correct order on the RFID fire code puzzle to make the working LED lighted cave open revealing the hidden treasure!
The Pirate Adventure Island has a 45 minute average construction time that helps increase valuable hand / eye coordination development in children while building and constructing problem solving brain development all while having fun! With life-like bushes, hills, sand and swamps to navigate the possibilities are endless.
Included in this set:
- 3 Pirate Action Figures
- 1 Skelton
- Snakes
- Spiders
- Bamboo Maze
- Row Boat w Oars
- Barrels
- Weapons for the Pirates
- Magic Coins
- Secret Stairs
- Cannon
- Dock
- Gold & Treasure
Measures :70 x 55 x 28 cm
Not Included:(4) 1.5 Volt Batteries are needed for the LED lighted cave and RFID detection
With small pieces - Not suitable for children under 3 years of age - Choking HazardLearn More
Valley Industries Green/Yellow Tricycle w/ Wood Side Wagon CART-042$129.99
Product Description:
- Strong square tubular steel frame construction
- All terrain build
- Knobby tread pneumatic wheels with steel hubs
- Steel frame tow-behind wagon with wooden side panels
- Adjustable saddle seat for different heights
- Hours of fun for children 3 and up
Huffy 26" Men's Cruiser Deluxe Bicycle 26645$128.97
Product Features:
- Wheels: 26"
- Color: Vintage Gray
- Classic cruiser frame
- Coaster brakes
- Embroidered seat
- 26" x 2.35" Creme Tires with 40mm painted alloy rims
- Front basket
- Beverage holder
- Dual density grips and pedals
- 12-gauge spokes
- Quick release seat
Valley Industries Red Tricycle w/ Wood Side Wagon CART-042R$129.99
Product Description:
- Strong square tubular steel frame construction
- All terrain build
- Knobby tread pneumatic wheels with steel hubs
- Steel frame tow-behind wagon with wooden side panels
- Adjustable saddle seat for different heights
- Hours of fun for children 3 and up
- 15 inches from the ground to the seat
Huffy 26" Women's Cruiser Good Vibrations Bicycle 26634$108.97
Product Features:
- Wheels: 26"
- Color: Gloss Creme
- Classic cruiser frame
- Coaster brakes
- Embroidered seat
- 26" x 2.125" Whitewall tires
- 38mm steel rims
- 12-gauge spokes
- Dual density grips
Radio Flyer All-Terrain Steel & Wood Wagon 32$149.98
The original classic red wagon with wooden stake sides and air tires to handle any terrain.
- The Original, Little Red Wagon - now with wooden stake sides
- Full-sized, all-steel seamless body with no scratch edges
- Air tires can handle any terrain
- Extra-long handle folds under for easy storage
- No-pinch ball joint keeps fingers safe
- Controlled turning radius prevents tipping
- For ages over 1 1/2 years
- Weight Capacity: 200 lbs.
Wild Sports University of Texas Austin Tower Desktop Statue TWSC-TXTOWER$99.97
Heralded as one of the most talented wildlife artists in the country, Tim Wolfe stands among the most recognized sculptors in the industry today. Tim's remarkable understanding and knowledge of both animal and human anatomy, combined with an extraordinary artistic talent has led him to international recognition for his sculpture. His artworks now reside in thousands of private collections throughout the world. The ability to recreate the very spirit of nature's creatures in his artworks is only one of Tim's many gifts.
Each Tim Wolfe Desktop Statue is hand craved and carefully antiqued by artisans trained by Tim Wolfe using his own finishing process. Tim's Collection is the perfect gift for the Student, Parent, Alum, Employee or Fan alike. We know the pride each person takes in their respective institution; we feel that pride comes through in Tim's Artwork
- Alabaster Stone and Resin
- 8.5 Inches wide
- Hand Painted Bronze Patina Finish
- Collectable Numbered Edition
- Officially Licensed


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Corporate governance
Compliance report for the year 2013-2014
1. A brief statement on Company's philosophy on code of governance:
The Company always strives to achieve optimum performance at all levels by adhering to corporate governance practices, such as:
• Fair and transparent business practices.
• Effective management control by Board.
• Adequate representation of promoter, executive and independent directors on the Board.
• Accountability for performance.
• Monitoring of executive performance by the Board.
• Compliance of laws.
• Transparent and timely disclosure of financial management information.
2. Board of directors and Board procedure:
i. The Chairman of the Board is executive director and more than 50% of the Board comprises of non-executive independent directors.
ii During 2013-2014, the Board of Directors met 5 (five) times, viz. on 4th May, 2013, 10th August, 2013, 14th September, 2013, 30th October, 2013 and 25th January, 2014. The time-gap between two meetings was less than four months.
iii. The information as required under Annexure IA to clause 49 was made available to the Board in all its meetings.
iv. None of the directors on the Board was a member of more than 10 committees or chairman of more than 5 committees across all the companies in which he was a director. The necessary disclosures regarding committee positions have been made by the directors.
v. The details of attendance of each of the directors at the Board (BM), Audit Committee (ACM), Investors' Grievance Committee (IGCM) meetings and last Annual General Meeting (AGM) held during the financial year 2013-2014,
(vi) Six independent directors namely Mr. Sanjay K. Asher, Mr. Kanaiyalal N. Atmaramani, Mr. Dara N. Damania, Mr.Shrikrishna N. Inamdar, Mr.Prabhakar D. Karandikar and Dr.Sunil U. Pathak being eligible and offering themselves, for appointment, are proposed to be appointed as Independent Directors to hold office for five consecutive years with effect from the date of thirty-third annual general meeting.
One executive director namely Mr. Sanjay S. Math retires at the thirty-third annual general meeting of the Company and being eligible, offer himself for re-appoinment.
(vii) Brief resume of the directors being appointed and reappointed, nature of their expertise in specific functional areas and names of companies in which they hold directorships, memberships of the committees of the Board and the details of shares held in the Company are furnished hereunder:
Mr. Sanjay K. Asher, age 51 years, is a director of the Company since 4th February, 2012. Mr. Sanjay K. Asher, has been practising as a solicitor for a number of years on various matters including corporate laws. He is also a Director in the following companies, viz.: A. L. Movers Private Limited, A. L. Records Management Private Limited, Ashok Leyland Limited, Allied Pickfords India Private Limited, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited, Diamant Boart Marketing Private Limited, Enam Infrastructure Trusteeship Services Private Limited, Finolex Cables Limited, Finolex Plasson Industries Ltd., Finolex Industries Limited, Hoganas India Private Limited, ArjoHuntleigh Healthcare India Private Limited, Indian Cookery Private Limited, Innoventive Industries Limited, Kryfs Power Components Limited, Mandhana Industries Limited, Master Voss International Project Private Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited, NV Advisory Services Private Limited, Orbit Electricals Private Limited, Oerlion Textile India Private Limited, Repro India Limited, Sanghvi Movers Limited, Sharp India Limited, Shree Renuka Sugars Limited, Siporex India Private Limited, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, ValueQb Consulting Private Limited, Varun Maritime Private Limited, Varun Global Private Limited, Varun Resources Private Limited, J.B.Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited, Arch Protection Chemicals Private Limited, Kineco Kaman Composites India Private Limited, Lonza India Private Limited, Narendra Plastic Pvt. Limited, Team Relocations India Private Limited, Pallazzio Hotels & Leisure Limited, Vamona Developers Private Limited, Classic Mall Development Company Private Limied, Gangetic Hotels Private Limited, Offbeat Developers Private Limited, Alliance Hospitality Services Private Limited. Turning Point Estate Private Limited, Surya Treasure Island Private Limited, Jabalpur Treasure Island Private Limited, Raipur Treasure Island Private Limited, Indore Treasure Island Private Limited, AKME Rhine River Projects Private Limited.
Mr.Sanjay K. Asher is not holding shares in the Company.
Mr. Kanaiyalal N. Atmaramani, age 76 years, is a director of the Company since 27th July, 2002. Mr. Atmaramani is a director of IL&FS Securities Services Limited and Finolex Industries Limited. He held various high ranking positions in the investment and finance fields. He was associated with UTI in various capacities for a period of seventeen years including Executive Trustee. Subsequently, he was with Tata Mutual Fund and retired as its Managing Director in February, 2002.
Mr.Kanaiylal N. Atmaramani is not holding shares in the Company.
Mr. Dara N. Damania, age 78 years, is a director of Company since 29th July, 2011. He is B.E. (Mech.) from College of Engineering, Pune. He joined Buckau Wolf India in the year 1957 as a Trainee Engineer. During his tenure from 1957 to the present date, he converted Buckau Wolf India (now the Company known as ThyssenKrupp Industries India Pvt. Limited, a Group Company of ThyssenKrupp Ag. Germany) from a single product company to a multi-product company.
Presently, he is Vice Chairman of ThyssenKrupp Industries India Pvt. Limited and ThyssenKrupp Group's Representative for India. He is also director of group companies of ThyssenKrupp and other public and private limited companies viz, ThyssenKrupp Industries India Private Limited,, Thyssenkrupp Elevator (India) Pvt. Limited, Thyssenkrupp Engine Components India Pvt. Limited, Thyssenkrupp System Engineering India Pvt. Limited, Uhde India Private Limited, Berco Undercarriages (India) Private Limited, Finolex Industries Limited, KSB Pumps Limited, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited and Sanghvi Movers Limited.
Mr. Dara N.Damania is holding 900 shares in the Company.
Mr. Shrikrishna N. Inamdar, age 69 years, is a director of the Company since 22nd March, 1989, is an eminent Advocate of repute practising on income tax side. Mr.Inamdar is director of the following companies viz. Kulkarni Power Tools, Kirloskar Ferrous Limited, Kirloskar Brothers Limited, Finolex Industries Limited, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, The Ugar Sugar Works Limited, Apple Hospitals Research Institute Limited, Kirloskar Proprietary Limited, Sakal Papers Pvt. Limited and CMC Commutators Mfg. Co. Pvt. Limited. Mr. Shrikrishna N.Inamdar is holding 2,000 shares in the Company. Mr. Prabhakar D. Karandikar, age 65 years, is a director of the Company since 27th June, 2009. He is M.A., I.A.S. (Retd.), M.Sc. (London School of Economics) is the former divisional commissioner of Pune. He has been at the helm of affairs of various Government organizations and has held position of Secretary to Government of Maharashtra in various departments. He is also director of IL&FS Renewable Energy Limited, Shriram EPC Limited, Shriram Asset Management Committee Ltd, State Farms Corpn. of India Limited, Finolex Industries Limited, Finolex Plasson Industries Ltd., Cabal Insurance Broking Services Pvt. Limited, BVG India Pvt. Limited and Rajasthan Olive Plantation Ltd. Mr. Prabhakar D.Karandikar is not holding shares in the Company.
Dr. Sunil U. Pathak, age 63 years, is a director of the Company since 21st October, 2008. He is M.Sc., Ph.D., an eminent personality in the field of Income Tax and he held high ranking positions in the Income Tax Department, Government of India. He wrote a thesis on "Depreciation under Income Tax Act" for which he was awarded Ph.D degree by Pune University in 1995. After illustrious career of 24 years in IRS, he opted for voluntary retirement in the year 1997, and engaged in Income Tax Tribunal and Chamber consultation practice in Pune and Mumbai. He is also a member of the audit committee and investors' grievance committee of the Board. He is a director of Orbit Electricals Pvt. Limited and Finolex Industries Limited.
Dr. Sunil U. Pathak is holding 300 shares in the Company.
Mr. Sanjay S. Math, age 59 years, is a director of the Company since 4th February, 2012. He is B.E.(Chemicals), UDCT and PGDM, Mumbai. He is a member of American Institute of Chemical Engineering. He has rich working experience in various reputed projects and petrochemical plant operations. He worked in reputed organizations like National Organic Chemicals Industries Ltd., Bombay Dyeing & Mfg. Co. Ltd., Rama Petrochemicals Ltd., Essar Oil Ltd. and Soudi Yanbu Petrochemical Company (a public company of SABIC). Mr. Sanjay S. Math is holding 3000 shares in the Company.
3. Code of conduct: The Board has laid down the code of conduct for the Board and senior management team of the Company. The code is posted on www.finolex.com
The Board members and senior management team personnel have affirmed compliance with the code. The declaration dated 25th April, 2014 received from Mr.Saurabh S. Dhanorkar, Managing Director in this regard is given below:
"I hereby declare that all Board members of the Company and senior management personnel have affirmed compliance with the code of conduct for applicable period of the financial year 2013-2014."
4. Audit committee:
Brief description of terms of reference of the Audit Committee (the "Committee"):
1) Oversight of Company's financial reporting process and the disclosure of its financial information;
2) Recommending the appointment/removal of external auditors and their remuneration;
3) Reviewing financial statements, adequacy of internal control systems and internal audit function, financial and risk management policies; and
4) Pre-audit and post audit discussions with external auditors on nature and scope of audit and areas of concern, if any, respectively.
Composition, members' names and chairperson:
• As on 31st March, 2014, audit committee was consisting of 5 (five) independent directors viz. Mr.Kanaiyalal N. Atmaramani, Mr.Dara N. Damania, Mr.Shrikrishna N. Inamdar (Chairman of the Committee), Mr.Prabhakar D. Karandikar and Dr.Sunil U. Pathak.
• All members of the audit committee are financially literate and have accounting or related financial management expertise.
• Required information for review was placed before the audit committee meetings held during the year.
Meetings and attendance during the year: Details given in Table 1.
Mr. Umesh M. Gosavi, General Manager (Legal) & Company Secretary of the Company acts as secretary to the committee.
5. Remuneration committee (non-mandatory):
The Board at its meeting held on 27th October, 2012 has constituted a remuneration committee, inter alia, to determine and recommend the remuneration of the wholetime directors of the Company. Mr.Sanjay K. Asher, Mr.Kanaiylal N. Atmaramani, Mr.Dara N. Damania, Mr.Shrikrishna N. Inamdar (Chairman of the Committee), Mr.Prabhakar D.Karandikar and Dr.Sunil U. Pathak are the members of the remuneration committee. The remuneration committee is, inter alia, entrusted with the following terms of reference:
• To recommend to the Board the specific remuneration packages for executive directors within the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 including amendments and re-enactments thereof. The objective of such policy shall be to ensure that the executive directors of the Company are rewarded for their individual contributions to the overall growth of the Company;
• The Committee shall consider and recommend the remuneration and revision thereof of the executive directors after taking into consideration, inter alia, various factors, such as qualification, working experience, expertise in relevant field of the incumbent, comparative remuneration, profile with respect to the industry and the size of the Company, the recommendations made under listing agreements, profit for the year of the company and any other criteria as deemed and appropriate by the Committee.
• One meeting of the remuneration committee was held on 25th January, 2014. All Committee Members attended the meeting.
6. Investors' grievance committee:
As on 31st March, 2014, the investors' grievance committee was comprising of six directors viz. Mr. Kanaiyalal N. Atmaramani (Chairman of the committee), Mr. Dara N. Damania, Mr.Shrikrishna N. Inamdar, Mr. Prabhakar D. Karandikar and Dr. Sunil U. Pathak the nonexecutive directors and Mr. Prakash P. Chhabria, the Executive Chairman of the Company.
Meeting and attendance during the year: Details given in Table 1.
Mr. Umesh M. Gosavi, General Manager (Legal) & Company Secretary is the Compliance Officer of the Company.
During the year, Company received 11 shareholders' complaints and all of them were resolved during the year.
iii. Any special resolution passed last year through postal ballot. No special resolution was passed last year through postal ballot.
iv. Whether any special resolution is proposed to be conducted through postal ballot:
A special resolution under section 180(1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules made thereunder for creation of charges on the assets of the Company as mentioned in the notice of the 33rd annual general meeting is proposed to be conducted through postal ballot.
7. Disclosures:
i. No transaction of material nature has been entered into by the Company with its promoters, directors or management or relatives etc. that may have potential conflict with the interest of the Company.
ii. There were no instances of non-compliance or penalty, strictures imposed on the Company by stock exchanges or SEBI or any statutory authority on any matter related to capital markets, during last three years.
iii. The Company has complied with all the mandatory requirements of clause 49 of the listing agreements.
Application of non-mandatory requirements:
1. Remuneration committee
Earlier, the Company has not constituted the remuneration committee. But the audit committee was entrusted with the responsibility of finalisation of remuneration of executive directors. The Board at its meeting held on 27th October, 2012 has constituted a remuneration committee.
2. Audit qualification
The Company has already moved to a regime of unqualified financial statements.
3. Training of board members
The Board members are having adequate experience and expertise to deal with the business matters of the Company.
4. Whistle blower policy
The Company has adopted 'Whistle Blower Policy' at the Board meeting held on 12th May, 2014.
iv. Cost Auditor:
With reference to the general circular No.15/2011-52/5/CAB-2011 dated 11th April, 2011 issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Cost Audit Branch, New Delhi, following are the details of cost auditor and filing of cost audit report with Central Government.
Particulars of cost auditor
M/s. S. R. Bhargave & Co.
3, Kushaboo Apartments5 No.78/2, Plot No.29, Bhusari Colony(L)Off:Paud Road,Kothrud, Pune 411 038
E-mail: email@example.com
Details of filing of cost audit report for the period ended 31st March, 2013
Cost Audit Report:
Due date: 27.09.2013 Filing date: 24.09.2013
Cost compliance report for 31.3.2013 Filing date: 23.09.2013
9. Means of communication:
The quarterly results were published during the year under review in leading national and regional newspapers.
The quarterly results are displayed on www.finolex.com and on websites of BSE and NSE.
The official news releases of the Company are displayed on the websites of BSE and NSE.
Presentations made to institutional investors or to the analysts The Management Discussion and Analysis Report is forming part of annual report. Detailed report is given on pages 4 to 10.
10. General shareholder information:
a. Annual general meeting:
• Day, date & time : Saturday, 20th September, 2014 at 11.00 a.m.
• Venue : Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies,
Gat No. 356 & 357, Near Tata Foundry Maval, Village Dhamane, Taluka Maval, District Pune 410 506.
b. Financial Calendar (Tentative) :
April, 2014 to March, 2015
Announcement of quarterly results of 2014-2015 & annual general meeting
Quarterly results by 14th August, 2014, 14th November, 2014, 14th February, 2015 and 30th May, 2015 and annual general meeting by end of September, 2015.
c. Book Closure Period :
10th September, 2014 to 20th September, 2014
d. Dividend Payment date :
Credit / despatch between 25th September, 2014 to 29th September, 2014.
e. Name of the stock exchange
Scrip Code
BSE Limited (BSE) 500940/finolexind
National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) FINPIPE
ISIN Code INE183A01016
The annual listing fees for the year 2014-15 has been paid to BSE & NSE. Market price data:
f. Registrar and transfer agent:
The Company is registered with SEBI as in-house share transfer agent category II. All shareholder related services are provided in-house.
g . Share transfer system:
The share transfer committee attends to share transfer formalities normally once in a fortnight. Demat requests are confirmed within 15 days from the date of receipt of request, if found in order.
j. Dematerialisation of shares:
h . Company has not issued any GDRS / ADRS / Share Warrants or any convertible instruments.
i. Plant locations :
PVC, PVC pipes and power plants
Ranpar - Pawas Road, District Ratnagiri 415 616, Maharashtra, India.
PVC pipes & fittings plants
Gat No.399, Urse, Taluka Maval, District Pune 410 506, Maharashtra, India.
PVC pipes plant
Village Masar, Taluka Padra,
District Vadodara 391 421, Gujarat, India.
D1/10, M.I.D.C. Chinchwad, Pune 411 019, Maharashtra, India.
j . Address for correspondence:
Investor Relations Centre
D1/10, M.I.D.C., Chinchwad, Pune 411 019, Maharashtra, India.
Tel. No.020-2740 8200 / 2740 8571 Fax No.020-27479000 E-mail: email@example.com


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Music News
10:02 am
Fri April 11, 2014
World Cafe, April 14-18
By Mark Grube
World Cafe Airs weekdays at 2pm. Here's the line-up for the week!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Slowdive and Mojave 3 frontman, Neil Halstead, showcases his solo record, Palindrome Hunches, on this Vintage Cafe from 2012.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Lost In The Trees have released a new guitar-forward album, Past Life, that contrasts much of their previous orchestral work.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
In My Soul is Robert Cray's new collection of covers and originals featuring his trademark guitar playing.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Some of Brett Dennen's best work yet, including the hit single "Wild Child", appears on his latest disc, Smoke and Mirrors.
Friday, April 18, 2014
Philadelphia psych-rockers, The War On Drugs, return with Lost In The Dream.


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There are three things that help a community thrive and Northeast Tennessee has all of them, according to an official with the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Earl Gohl, federal co-chairman of the ARC, said the area's colleges and universities, Tri-Cities Regional Airport and the leadership of the region all work in favor of advancing the region's economic opportunities.
Gohl said the ARC has a long history of working with East Tennessee State University and also economic development in Johnson City. On Thursday, Gohl visited with people at ETSU who have worked with the commission on things such as health care and education. He also visited with local businesses to talk about economic challenges and opportunities, a directive from President Barack Obama.
"The folks that we talked to this morning talked about the challenge of making sure that the work force that's looking for jobs is matched up with critical industries and critical job openings," Gohl said.
A big part of that is preparing children for the right jobs, he said.
"It's not saying every kid goes to college," Gohl said. "It's saying every kid completes what they start, whether it's community college, whether it's job training, whether it's technical training."
Another part of the business discussion centered around creating an environment in Appalachia that is conducive to entrepreneurship.
"Everybody seems to have some kind of business that they run out of the back of their truck," Gohl said. "And the challenge that we have and our mission really is how do we develop a system that helps them move from the back of their truck into a storefront, into a warehouse, so that they have greater opportunities and can create their part-time passion into a full-time career."
The ARC was established in 1965 as a partnership between the 13 states in the Appalachian region and the president of the United States. Appalachia stretches from New York and arcs down into Mississippi.
"Our objective is to work in a collaborative way to create jobs and create economic opportunities in Appalachia, so that the economicstandardsoftheAppalachian communities are the same as those of the rest of the U.S.," Gohl said.
An economic development policy centered around finding and recruiting factories to town is not as sure a bet now as it once was, Gohl said.
"The sure play is working with assets you have in the community already and helping to create and grow those assets," Gohl said.


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Dear Mr. King; 17 Oct 2013
I just finished reading your novel Christine. As a fan of your work for a long time, I was not impressed with the movie Christine. It felt like to me that only half the book was used. It gave the movie a different feel than the book. The movie was about a possessed car while the book was about possession.
I was hoping to get your permission to write a screen play about what I feel Christine should be. I would keep as much of your source material as I can. My idea is to start at the end of the book with the final scene at Darnell's garage go through the funerals, then go to the beginning of the book and go from there.
I hope that you will give me the OK to start on this project.
Very Respectfully;
Aaron Conrad


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AT&T has best quarter yet for U-verse
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Harness Logic Pro X's powerful features to make music in brand-new ways.
Dive into the new streamlined, modern interface and creative tools for musicians and producers, in this tour with a Logic Pro X insider.
Demonstrates four time-stretching remix techniques in four major digital audio workstations: Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Reason, and Ableton Live.
"Your training goes way more in-depth than most classes at my school, and you can pause and rewind it if you don't follow it the first time." —Jared L.
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