text:
Make Lasting First Impressions With Women
You should always dress according to your environment. In today's day and age, everything is relative to your surroundings. Obviously, a college student isn't expected to show up to class in a tuxedo. Nor should you accept that your best friend shows up to a dinner party in a sweat shirt and dirty jeans. The idea is to constantly add some stylish threads to your wardrobe, and keep your clothing clean and in good condition. You should also have a few pairs of trendy shoes. Women can tell a lot about a man by what he wears on his feet and how he cares for his shoes. Don't ever wear shoes that are scratched, filthy or in dire need of a polish.
Yellow teeth
Canary yellow teeth is one of the biggest turnoffs for everyone. It shows that you're a lazy individual who can't even keep his mouth clean. If your teeth are yellow, splurge on whitening gel and mouthpieces from your dentist. Nothing is sexier than pearly whites.
Body odor
The way you smell is an important factor that helps attract the ladies, so unless she's addicted to the smell of onions and sewer, make sure you don't smell like it. Smelling good starts with taking daily showers and avoiding foods that cause unwanted odors. A designer cologne wouldn't hurt either. Just make sure you're not trying to camouflage an awful odor with it.
AttitudeNo ambition
That's right, you're uneducated, unemployed, you spend your free time (which happens to be 24 hours a day) playing video games, you owe money to every one of your friends, and the worst part of it all is that you're happy with your life and expect women to accept you for who you are. Well, keep dreaming because women are naturally attracted to men with ambitions and goals. And if you're satisfied with your great job, think again because that will get boring too. Women love men who are constantly shooting for the stars.
Poor manners
Talking with your mouth full, blowing your nose at the table, not using a knife and fork when appropriate, and forgetting to pull the chair out for a lady at the dinner table are sure-fire ways to get dismissed.
Using slang or curse words demonstrates a lack of intelligence. There are a lot of words in the English language that can get your point across without your having to resort to cursing. When you speak using vulgarity, women will dismiss you and you'll never be taken seriously. As well, swearing demonstrates that your vocabulary is limited.
Discussing past experiences
Talking about ex-girlfriends or worse, ex-wives, whether positive or negative, is a kiss of death. No one wants to compete nor do they want to be around a hypocrite.
Excessively cheap
Going Dutch on a first date, not tipping, never buying a round of drinks, and making excuses not to go out on a date in order to save money, will motivate her to be a little more economical with the time she allocates to you.
Still living at home
Unless you're Italian, a woman will never understand why a man who's over 30 still lives at home with mommy and daddy. Get your own apartment and learn to be responsible.
Stop complaining, speak well, and learn something, will ya?


text:
Hella Marine's dimmable and energy-efficient zEuroLED 115mm down lights deliver a bright and uniform beam through advanced optics.
Gill announced the addition of two styles to its Elements Collection of casual wear.
The SoliCharger-SP by Sol Light is a carrying case, solar charger and amplified speaker system rolled into one. It works with virtually any cell phone, iPod, MP3 player and even Sony PlayStation, according to the manufacturer.
Furuno's new Navpilot 700 series autopilot offers new looks and a host of features, including Safe Helm and Power Assist for emergency maneuvering and significantly reduced steering effort.
Airmar Technology Corp. now sells broadband transducers for the next generation of compressed high-intensity radar pulse fishfinders.
Page 29 of 57

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Blog
Shimon Peres Teaches Barack Obama a Thing or Two
3:42 PM, Mar 20, 2009 • By RACHEL ABRAMS
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In his own Nowruz greeting to the people of Iran, Peres "heaped praise on the Iranian people and expressed his belief that they would eventually topple the regime because 'leaders who do not serve their constituents are eventually removed.'" Now that's how a president should be speaking to the prisoners of the Mullahcracy.
Editor's note: Also check out Jamie Kirchick's Nowruz Greeting.
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text: "Before I came to the mansion, I'd been a soccer player. But then I got here, and there's a 24-hour kitchen with any food I could ask for," she told Us of gaining weight. "With all these beautiful women surrounding you, you're like, I want her stomach! I want her arms! That motivates me."


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The best thing we can all do is respect the man's decision. Now, for the rest of the season enjoy watching him whellspin the machine sideways out of corners...because really...no one else does that better. Its a time to appreciate a real champion...enough said


text: Jackets like the Dainese Racing D1 Perforated make our jobs really, really easy. When shopping for new gear, we encourage you to discover the intersection where safety, fit, feel, and function come together. The Racing reflects Dainese's uncompromising attitude toward safety and quality, and blends it with awesome style that looks good wherever the road takes […]Full article


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NHS Diabetes has this week launched a new, free e-learning tool called Safe Management of Hypoglycaemia. This is an online training course that will help people with type 1 safely manage hypos.
The module is designed primarily for healthcare professionals but is also suitable for adults with type 1 and families and carers of adults with type 1. It takes about half an hour and can be done in more than one sitting.
The training focuses on the key elements of managing hypos:
The 2011 National Diabetes Inpatient Audit reported that the number of inpatients who had at least one hypoglycaemic episode has increased from 21.7% to 23.4% since the 2010 audit. This module aims to reduce the number of people with type 1 who experience hypos.
Hypos occur when blood glucose levels become too low and are one of the most common and potentially severe side effects of insulin therapy.
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Shimano Dura-Ace PD-9000 Road Pedals - Wide
By msp
from Dayton, OH
About Me Avid Cyclist
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Comments about Shimano Dura-Ace PD-9000 Road Pedals - Wide:
These pedals are the best I have ever riden on. They have exceeded my expectations. I bought these shimano pedals along with a pair of shimano cleats. Also, I bought 2 pair of cleat covers that did not fit the cleats.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
Stable, Smooth & Easy - Two Thumbs Up!
By TourdeMonde
from Ithaca, NY
About Me Competitive Cyclist
I bought my first pair about 6 months ago and have now put them on two more of my bikes. Once you get the tension adjusted to what's comfortable for you, these pedals are very consistently easy to get in and out of. Even at a fairly low release setting, I have not experienced an unintentional release, and I'm a sprinter. Can't comment on durability yet, but in about 25 years of racing, I've had almost no issues with Dura Ace products, so I expect these will hold up well.Note: My review is for the extra wide model, which fits me better than the standard spindle model. If you are not a whippet-thin body type, you may want to try these. I'm fairly sturdily built compared to the average road racer, and these feel better to me. For reference, I use 44cm wide bars. The wide version is only offered in the Dura Ace level. If Shimano also offered a wide Ultegra model, I would probably have gone with Ultegra on the bike I use least to save some $$.
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Woodworkers Connection to Wood Market News
Dip in homeowner remodeling continues
Thursday, 05 February 2009 16:13
The weak economy and uncertainty in housing markets remain key hurdles for remodeling activity, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) points to homeowner improvement spending declining at an annual rate of 12 percent by the second quarter of 2009.
Furniture Society heads to Boone, N.C.
Written by Jennifer Hicks Wednesday, 04 February 2009 21:57
The Furniture Society's 2009 annual conference will be held June 10-13 at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. This year's theme, "Industrious: The Design, Craft & Commerce of Furniture Making," is intended to connect the diverse history of furniture making.
Career switch pays for Harvard engineer
Written by Mike Ward Wednesday, 04 February 2009 21:18
For artisans who specialize in building exquisite, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces by hand, the event amounts to an Academy Awards of craftsmanship in New England. It's an annual competition that attracts more than 250 skilled craftsman from around the country, each vying for the best-of-show award.
Bosch plans to buy parts of Freud Group
Wednesday, 04 February 2009 21:05
Mergers and acquisitions are commonplace in today's business world, and the woodworking industry is not immune to such actions. Bosch Power Tools announced in December the planned acquisition of parts of the Freud Group, including four Freud manufacturing sites in Italy, as well as sales companies in North America, China, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
North Carolina show attendance declines
Wednesday, 31 December 2008 14:47Attendance was also down at the Fall High Point Market, the furniture industry's trade show held in High Point, N.C.
Page 60 of 67


text:
CLARKSVILLE, Ind. (AP) – A prosecutor says a southern Indiana girl was sexually assaulted before she was slain.
Clark County Prosecutor Steve Stewart says that 17-year-old Tara Willenborg of Clarksville "suffered a horrible death" Saturday morning in her apartment. However, neither he nor police indicated how she died.
Stewart says formal charges will be prepared Monday accusing 49-year-old Richard Carley Hooten of murder and sexual assault.
Hooten was being held Sunday in the Clark County Jail. He was arrested walking down a Clarksville street several hours after Willenborg's body was found by her boyfriend when he returned home from work early Saturday.
Clarksville Police Department Maj. Darrell Rayborn says Willenborg and Hooten knew one another.
Rayborn says Hooten has resided in Clark County, Louisville, and Georgia but his current home address is not known.


text:
- Filed Under
Turkey hunters who have been grousing about the lingering winterish weather probably will switch from complaints to praise in a couple of weeks.
That is, if Steven Dobey's prediction comes true.
"I know it's been cold and rainy and snowy throughout much of March, but I think that it's going to help when the (turkey) season opens," said Dobey, the turkey program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. ...


text:
"When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am fifty, I read them openly." - C.S. Lewis
I don't normally react to things that I read in the news, since I read more than I care to. But I figured I'd add a bit to the noise surrounding Time columnist Joel Stein's article today titled, "Adults Should Read Adult Books."
Last I understood from my journalism classes at college, news articles were supposed to present the facts and editorial pieces were supposed to start or contribute to conversations. I don't recall studying to try and make myself sound cool or better than the next person by putting down another. But perhaps I went to a different type of reporting school, where they taught against that Ivory Tower mentality.
As a consumer of children's books, I'm quite satisfied in my reading choices. Do they make me less of a person? Last I checked, I have a steady income, pay my taxes, don't cheat and kill people, and...oh yes, I contribute to publishing and the economy as a whole by buying books. No one tells me what I can or cannot spend my wages and time on, especially not someone who hasn't bothered to read the books he's putting down.
Clearly, Mr. Stein enjoys literature that doesn't fall under the kidlit categories. And there's nothing wrong with that. To each his own. But to try and shame people who do enjoy Harry Potter and The Hunger Games by presenting his own preferences as superior? That seems, well, childish.
Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. - Howard Thurman
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Eligere NOW AVAILABLE and giveaway
Ebook Eligere is now available! Check out the My Books page for places to purchase it. Paperback Eligere will be available next month.
There's also an interview and giveaway for a signed paperback of Seranfyll going on at Word Spelunker today. Check it out and enter for your chance to win! The giveaway ends on 4/2/12.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
On Writing: How do you shave a goat?
So, Eligere is with one last beta reader. As soon as she's finished with it, I'll be able to format the ebook for launch. But while I'm waiting on her, I thought a blog update was in order.
I had a salty old journalism professor in college who used to say, "Get everything in writing. Even if you're momma tells you she loves you, get it in writing." And basically, he meant that we needed to do our research and cover our backsides when it came to writing the news. If something went out with your byline on it and it's riddled with untruths and/or errors, then you're a sucky reporter and you need to fix it or find another major.
I find to a degree that holds true even when writing fiction and fantasy. There are natural laws at play in the world that if you don't present subjects and situations in a logical fashion, they're going to come off as a bit shallow.
|Image courtesy of...somebody else.
One master example of someone who pulled this off brilliantly, in my humble opinion, is none other than J. R. R. Tolkien. And the reason, I believe, is because he spent the time developing this world of Middle Earth complete with its own history, laws, and boundaries. So, when he wrote about it, it was as if it really existed. All Tolkien fans know that The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books are mere points on the grand timeline he had created.
Well, I'm no Tolkien. Not in the least. And rather than create my own worlds with histories and laws and boundaries, I have to borrow heavily from our own. So, thanks to the miracle known as the Internet, I often find myself researching in order to make certain aspects of my books believable. Some of my recent queries include:
1. How do you shave a goat?
2. What is a aft? What is a helm?
3. What is the technical name for "rock snot"?
4. Men's fashions of the seventeenth century.
5. Do horses cry?
6. What is a pyroclastic flow?
7. African drums.
8. How much blood can someone lose and still live?
9. Natural mosquito repellent.
10. Type of scientist who studies bugs.
And with that, I'll end this post with a clip from National Geographic about two Kenyans who meet fainting goats in Texas. Peace.
And with that, I'll end this post with a clip from National Geographic about two Kenyans who meet fainting goats in Texas. Peace.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Eligere (aka Seranfyll 2) cover reveal
Another fantastic cover from Susan Windsor! And I'm really looking forward to launching the ebook in the next couple weeks and the paperback in April. Just to clarify, this is the second book after Seranfyll, and it takes place roughly two years after the happenings of the first book. For now, here's the cover and description:
Rain. Is. Bored.
With Coal at university and Domrey away on a constant string of assignments from the Royal City, she and her sister Snow are stuck at Seranfyll Manor with their tutor Professor Digory, who has to be the dullest teacher on the face of the earth. She craves a break from the monotony or, even better, an adventure like the ones she only gets to read about in books.
A voyage to the jungles of Amyrania should do the trick. When Domrey agrees to do a favor for the king, Rain and the others get to set sail with him on what sounds like an exciting but relatively simple assignment. However, despite its tourist-friendly facade, Amyrania is called the "Untamed Isle" for good reason, and this adventure will prove to be more than any of them had bargained for.
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We absolutely loved our week at Kingfisher. It was a last minute decision and we're so please we chose this caravan park. It was quiet and peaceful, just what we needed after a hectic year, every one was so friendly and the caravan had everything we needed. This is a beautiful part of England, even my 15 year old grandson was impressed when I showed him the photos! We will definitely be coming again (and may even bring the grandson!)
A lovely restful break, caravan was lovely, immaculate site.
We had a lovely stay and found the caravan to be clean and well maintained. The staff were more than helpful and we were impressed. Rabbits hopped round our caravan early morning and the site was very peaceful. We hope to visit again. Thank you.
Would strongly recommend staying at this site - close to Harrogate and easy to get to the North Yorkshire moors etc.
Beautiful part of Yorkshire and a well stocked, clean and comfortable caravan - extremely peaceful location.
A fantastic location to explore Yorkshire.
Lovely quiet site. Not great for active kids but peaceful and relaxing for adults. Plenty of visitor attractions close by. Caravan was excellent and very well equipt with all we needed. Would definitely recommend to couples and families who want a peaceful holiday
Great site with friendly and helpful staff. Playground/ ball games area for children and local amenities not too far away. No WIFI or phone signal and yes I am 100% adding that as a positive! Local area eg. Knaresborough utterly gorgeous so much to do! Cannot wait to go back what a fabulous 7 nights with our 3 boys!
Excellent holiday in lovely surroundings
Lovely site. Very helpfully, would highly recommend it l
Lovely caravan park and immaculate caravan. Only fault would be the park could have done with a small shop and other amenities on site and nothing much for teenagers to do. Good base for visiting the surrounding areas.
A lovely park and a comfortable caravan made for a great week.
Had a lovely week here. Beautiful quiet site. Kingfisher lodge was spotless and very comfortable.
We loved the peaceful location and the caravan was lovely. Staff were more than helpful. I would definitely recommend.
Products on sale are only emergency items. Calling it a shop is misleading.
The fishing lake was overgrown and fishing in it would have been difficult.


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|28 Nov 2002
|Filing date
|23 May 2001
|Priority date
|23 May 2001
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Chienchung Chang, Narendranath Malayath
|Original Assignee
|Chienchung Chang, Narendranath Malayath
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Referenced by (30), Classifications (7), Legal Events (1)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The present invention relates to speech signal processing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for voice recognition using confirmation information provided by the speaker.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] The increasing demand for Internet accessibility creates a need for wireless communication devices capable of Internet access, thus allowing users access to a variety of information. Such devices effectively provide a wireless desktop wherever wireless communications are possible. As users have access to a variety of information services, including email, stock quotes, weather updates, travel advisories, and company news, it is no longer acceptable for a mobile worker be out of contact while traveling. A wealth of information and services are available through wireless devices, including information for personal consumption such as movie schedules, local news, sports scores, etc.
[0005] As many wireless devices, such as cellular telephones, have some form of speech processing capability, there is a desire to implement voice control and avoid keystrokes when possible. Typical Voice Recognition, VR, systems are designed to have the best performance over a broad number of users, but are not optimized to any single user. For some users, such as users having a strong foreign accent, the performance of a VR system can be so poor that they cannot effectively use VR services at all. There is a need therefore for a method of providing voice recognition optimized for a given user.
[0006] The methods and apparatus disclosed herein are directed to a novel and improved VR system. In one aspect, a voice recognition system includes a speech processor operative to receive an analog speech signal and generate a digital signal, a database operative to store voice recognition templates, and a memory storage unit coupled to the speech processor and the database, the memory storage unit operative to store the digital signal, the memory storage unit operative to update the voice recognition templates based on the digital signal and an implicit user confirmation.
[0007] In another aspect, a method for voice recognition in a wireless communication device, the device having a voice recognition template database, the device adapted to receive speech inputs from a user, includes calculating a test template based on a test utterance, matching the test template to a voice recognition template in the database, the voice recognition template having an associated vocabulary word, providing the vocabulary word as feedback, receiving an implicit user confirmation from a user, and updating the database in response to the implicit user confirmation.
[0008] In still another aspect, a wireless apparatus includes a speech processor operative to receive an analog speech signal and generate a digital signal, a database operative to store voice recognition templates, and a memory storage unit coupled to the speech processor and the database, the memory storage unit operative to store the digital signal, the memory storage unit operative to update the voice recognition templates based on the digital signal and an implicit user confirmation. Additionally, the apparatus includes a template matching unit coupled to the speech processor, the database, and the template matching unit, operative to compare the digital signals to the voice recognition templates and generating scores, and a selector coupled to the template matching unit and the database, the selector operative to select among the scores.
[0009] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described as an "exemplary embodiment" is not necessarily to be construed as being preferred or advantageous over another embodiment.
[0010] The features, objects, and advantages of the presently disclosed method and apparatus will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:
[0011]FIG. 1 is a wireless communication device;
[0012]FIG. 2 is a portion of a VR system;
[0013]FIG. 3 is an example of a speech signal;
[0014] FIGS. 4-5 are a VR system;
[0015]FIG. 6 is a speech processor;
[0016]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing voice recognition using user confirmation; and
[0017]FIG. 8 is a portion of a VR system implementing an HMM algorithm.
[0018] Command and control applications for wireless devices applied to speech recognition allow a user to speak a command to effect a corresponding action. As the device correctly recognizes the voice command, the action is initiated. One type of command and control application is a voice repertory dialer that allows a caller to place a call by speaking the corresponding name stored in a repertory. The result is "hands-free" calling, thus avoiding the need to dial the digit codes associated with the repertory name or manually scroll through the repertory to select the target call recipient. Command and control applications are particularly applicable in the wireless environment.
[0019] A command and control type speech recognition system typically incorporates a speaker-trained set of vocabulary patterns corresponding to repertory names, a speaker-independent set of vocabulary patterns corresponding to digits, and a set of command words for controlling normal telephone functions. While such systems are intended to be speaker-independent, some users, particularly those with strong accents, have poor results using these devices. It is desirable to speaker-train the vocabulary patterns corresponding to digits and the command words to enhance the performance of the system per individual user.
[0020] Systems that employ techniques to recover a linguistic message from an acoustic speech signal are called voice recognition, VR, systems. Voice recognition represents one of the most important techniques to endow a machine with simulated intelligence to recognize user voiced commands and to facilitate human interface with the machine. A basic VR system consists of an acoustic feature extraction (AFE) unit and a pattern matching engine. The AFE unit converts a series of digital voice samples into a set of measurement values (for example, extracted frequency components) called an acoustic feature vector. The pattern matching engine matches a series of acoustic feature vectors with the templates contained in a VR acoustic model. VR pattern matching engines generally employ either Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) or Hidden Markov Model (HMM) techniques. Both DTW and HMM are well known in the art, and are described in detail in Rabiner, L. R. and Juang, B. H., FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH RECOGNITION, Prentice Hall, 1993. When a series of patterns are recognized from the template, the series is analyzed to yield a desired format of output, such as an identified sequence of linguistic words corresponding to the input utterances.
[0021] As noted above, the acoustic model is generally either a HMM model or a DTW model. A DTW acoustic model may be thought of as a database of templates associated with each of the words that need to be recognized. In general DTW templates consist of a sequence of feature vectors (or modified feature vectors) which are averaged over many examples of the associated speech sound. In general an HMM templates stores a sequence of mean vectors, variance vectors and a set of transition probabilities. These parameters are used to describe the statistics of a speech unit and are estimated from many examples of the speech unit. These templates correspond to short speech segments such as phonemes, tri-phones or words.
[0022] "Training" refers to the process of collecting speech samples of a particular speech segment or syllable from one or more speakers in order to generate templates in the acoustic model. Each template in the acoustic model is associated with a particular word or speech segment called an utterance class. There may be multiple templates in the acoustic model associated with the same utterance class. "Testing" refers to the procedure for matching the templates in the acoustic model to the sequence of feature vectors extracted from the input utterance. The performance of a given system depends largely upon the degree of match between the input speech of the end-user and the contents of the database, and hence on the match between the reference templates created through training and the speech samples used for VR testing.
[0023] In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a wireless device 10 includes a display 12 and a keypad 14. The wireless device 10 includes a microphone 16 to receive voice signals from a user. The voice signals are converted into electrical signals in microphone 16 and are then converted into digital speech samples in an analog-to-digital converter, A/D. The digital sample stream is then filtered using a pre-emphasis filter, for example a finite impulse response, FIR, filter that attenuates low-frequency signal components.
[0024] The filtered samples are then converted from digital voice samples into the frequency domain to extract acoustic feature vectors. One process performs a Fourier Transform on a segment of consecutive digital samples to generate a vector of signal strengths corresponding to different frequency bins. In an exemplary embodiment, the frequency bins have varying bandwidths in accordance with a scale referred to as a bark scale. A bark scale is a nonlinear scale of frequency bins corresponding to the first 24 critical bands of hearing. The bin center frequencies are only 100 Hz apart at the low end of the scale (50 Hz, 150 Hz, 250 Hz, . . . ) but get progressively further apart at the upper end (4000 Hz, 4800 Hz, 5800 Hz, 7000 Hz, 8500 Hz, . . . ). Thus, the bandwidth of each frequency bin bears a relation to the center frequency of the bin, such that higher-frequency bins have wider frequency bands than lower-frequency bins. The allocation of bandwidths reflects the fact that humans resolve signals at low frequencies better than those at high frequencies—that is, the bandwidths are lower at the low-frequency end of the scale and higher at the high-frequency end. The bark scale is described in Rabiner, L. R. and Juang, B. H., Fundamentals of Speech Recognition, Prentice Hall, 1993, pp. 77-79, hereby expressly incorporated by reference. The bark scale is well known in the relevant art.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, each acoustic feature vector is extracted from a series of speech samples collected over a fixed time interval. In an exemplary embodiment, these time intervals overlap. For example, acoustic features may be obtained from 20-millisecond intervals of speech data beginning every ten milliseconds, such that each two consecutive intervals share a 10-millisecond segment. One skilled in the art would recognize that the time intervals might instead be non-overlapping or have non-fixed duration without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein.
[0026] A large number of utterances are analyzed by a VR engine 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 storing a set of VR templates. The VR templates contained in database 22 are initially Speaker-independent (SI) templates. The SI templates are trained using the speech data from a range of speakers. The VR engine 20 develops a set of Speaker-Dependent (SD) templates adapting the templates to the individual user. As illustrated the templates include one set of SI templates labeled SI 60, and two sets of SD templates labeled SD-1 62, and SD-2 64. Each set of templates contains the same number of entries. In conventional VR systems, SD templates are generated through supervised training, wherein a user will provide multiple utterances of a same phrase, character, letter or phoneme to the VR engine. The multiple utterances are recorded and acoustic features extracted. The SD templates are then trained using these features.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, training is enhanced with user confirmation, wherein the user speaks an alphanumeric entry to the microphone 16. The VR engine 20 associates the entry with a template in the database 22. The entry from the database 22 is then displayed on display 12. The user is then prompted for a confirmation. If the displayed entry is correct, the user confirms the entry and the VR engine develops a new template based on the user's spoken entry. If the displayed entry is not correct, the user indicates that the display is incorrect. The user may then repeat the entry or retry. The VR engine stores each of these utterances in memory, iteratively adapting to the user's speech. In one embodiment, after each utterance, the user uses the keypad to provide the spoken entry. In this way, the VR engine 20 is provided with a pair of the user's spoken entry and the confirmed alphanumeric entry.
[0028] The training is performed while the user is performing transactions, such as entering identification, password information, or any other alphanumeric entries used to conduct transactions via an electronic device. In each of these transactions, and a variety of other type transactions, the user enters information that is displayed or otherwise provided as feedback to the user. If the information is correct, the user completes the current step in the transaction, such as enabling a command to send information. This may involve hitting a send key or a predetermined key on an electronic device, such as a "#" key or an enter key. In an alternate embodiment, the user may confirm a transaction by a voice command or response, such as speaking the word "yes." The training uses these transaction confirmations, herein referred to as "user transaction confirmations," to train the VR templates. Note that the user may not be aware of the reuse of this information to train the templates, in contrast to a system wherein the user is specifically asked to confirm an input during a training mode. In this way, the user transaction confirmation is an implicit confirmation.
[0029] The input to microphone 16 is a user's utterance of an alphanumeric entry, such as an identification number, login, account number, personal identification number, or a password. The utterance may be a single alphanumeric entry or a combinational multi-digit entry. The entry may also be a command, such as backward or forward, or any other command used in an Internet type communication.
[0030] As discussed hereinabove, the VR database stores templates of acoustical features and/or patterns that identify phrases, phenomes, and/or alpha-numeric values. Statistical models are used to develop the VR templates based on the characteristics of speech. A sample of an uttered entry is illustrated in FIG. 3. The amplitude of the speech signal is plotted as a function of time. As illustrated, the variations in amplitude with respect to time identify the individual user's specific speech pattern. A mapping to the uttered value results in a SD template.
[0031] A set of templates according to one embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4. Each row corresponds to an entry, referred to as a vocabulary word, such as "0", "1", or "A", "Z", etc. The total number of vocabulary words in an active vocabulary word set is identified as N, wherein in the exemplary embodiment, the total number of vocabulary words includes ten numeric digits and 26 alphabetic letters. Each vocabulary word is associated with one SI template and two SD templates. Each template is a 1�n matrix of vectors, wherein n is the number of features included in a template. In the exemplary embodiment, n=20.
[0032]FIG. 5 illustrates VR engine 20 and database 22 according to an exemplary embodiment. The utterance is received via a microphone (not shown), such as microphone 16 of FIG. 1, at the speech processor 24. The speech processor 24 is further detailed in FIG. 6, discussed hereinbelow. The input to the speech processor 24 is identified as Stest(t). The speech processor converts the analog signal to a digital signal and applies a Fourier Transform to the digital signal. A Bark scale is applied, and the result normalized to a predetermined number of time frames. The result is then quantized to form an output {t(n)n=0 T}, wherein T is the total number of time frames. The output of speech processor 24 is provided to template matching unit 26 and memory 30, which are each coupled to speech processor 24.
[0033] Template matching unit 26 is coupled to database 22 and accesses templates stored therein. Template matching unit 26 compares the output of the speech processor 24 to each template in database 22 and generates a score for each comparison. Template matching unit 26 is also coupled to selector 28, wherein the selector 28 determines a winner among the scores generated by template matching unit 26. The winner has a score reflecting the closest match of input utterance to a template. Note that each template within database 22 is associated with a vocabulary word. The vocabulary word associated with the winner selected by selector 28 is displayed on a display, such as display 12 of FIG. 1. The user then provides a confirmation that the displayed vocabulary word matches the utterance or indicates a failed attempt. The confidence check unit 32 receives the information from the user.
[0034] Memory 30 is coupled to template matching unit 26 via confidence check unit 32. The templates and associated scores generated by template matching unit 26 are stored in memory 30, wherein upon control from the confidence check unit 32 the winner template(s) is stored in database 22, replacing an existing or older template.
[0035]FIG. 6 details one embodiment of a speech processor 24 for generating t(n) consistent with a DTW method as described hereinabove. An A/D converter 40 converts the analog test utterance Stest(t) to a digital version. The resultant digital signal Stest(n) is provided to a Short-Time Fourier Transform, STFT, unit 42 at 8000 samples per second, i.e., 8 kHz. The STFT is a modified version of a Fourier Transform, FT, that handles signals, such as speech signals, wherein the amplitude of the harmonic signal fluctuates with time. The STFT is used to window a signal into a sequence of snapshots, each sufficiently small that the waveform snapshot approximates a stationary waveform. The STFT is computed by taking the Fourier transform of a sequence of short segments of data. The STFT unit 42 converts the signal to the frequency domain. Alternate embodiments may implement other frequency conversion methods. In the present embodiment, the STFT unit 42 is based on a 256 point Fast Fourier Transform, FFT, and generates 20 ms frames at a rate of 100 frames per second.
[0036] The output of the STFT unit 42 is provided to bark scale computation unit 44 and an end pointer 46. The end pointer provides a starting point, nSTART, and an ending point, NEND, for the bark scale computation unit 44 identifying each frame. For each frame the bark scale computation unit 44 generates a bark scale value, {b(n,k)}, where k is bark-scale filter index (k=1,2, . . . 16) and n is the time frame index (n=0,1 . . . t). The output of the bark scale computation unit 44 is provided to time normalization unit 48 which condenses the t frame bark scale values {b(n,k)} to 20 frame values {
[0037] A method 100 of processing SD templates is illustrated in FIG. 7. The process begins at step 102 where a test utterance is received from a user. From the test utterance the VR engine generates test templates (as described in FIG. 6). The test templates compared to the templates in the database at step 104. A score is generated for each comparison. Each score reflects the closeness of the test template to a template in the database. Any of a variety of methods may be used to determine the score. One example is Euclidian distance based dynamic time warping, which is well known in the art. The test templates and the associated scores are temporarily stored in memory at step 106. A winner is selected from the generated scores at step 108. The winner is determined based on the score indicating the most likely match. The winner is a template that identifies a vocabulary word. The corresponding vocabulary word is then displayed for the user to review at step 110. In one embodiment the display is an alphanumeric type display, such as display 12 of FIG. 1. In an alternate embodiment, the vocabulary word corresponding to the winner may be output as a digitally generated audio signal from a speaker located on the wireless device. In still another embodiment, the vocabulary word is displayed on a display screen and is provided as an audio output from a speaker.
[0038] The user then is prompted to confirm the vocabulary word at decision diamond 112. If the VR engine selected the correct vocabulary word, the user will confirm the match and processing continues to step 114. If the vocabulary word is not correct, the user indicates a failure and processing returns to step 102 to retry with another test utterance. In one embodiment, the user is prompted for confirmation of each vocabulary word within a string. In an alternate embodiment, the user is prompted at completion of an entire string, wherein a string may be a user identification number, password, etc.
[0039] When the user confirms the vocabulary word, the VR engine performs a confidence check to verify the accuracy of the match. The process compares the confidence level of the test template to that of any existing SD templates at step 114. When the test template has a higher confidence level than an existing SD template for that vocabulary word, the test template is stored in the database at step 116, wherein the SD templates are updated. Note that the comparison may involve multiple test templates, each associated with one vocabulary word in a string.
[0040] According to one embodiment, when the process 100 of FIG. 6 is initiated when there is no match between a received voice command and any of the templates stored in the database. In this case, the display will prompt the user to provide a test utterance, and may indicate the device is in a training mode.
[0041] The wireless device may store template information, including but not limited to templates, scores, and/or training sequences. This information may be statistically processed to determine optimize system recognition of a particular user. A central controller or a base station may periodically query the wireless device for this information. The wireless device may then provide a portion or all of the information to the controller. Such information may be processed to optimize performance for a geographical area, such as a country or a province, to allow the system to better recognize a particular accent or dialect.
[0042] In one embodiment, the user enters the alphanumeric information in a different language. During training, the user confirmation process allows the user to enter the utterance and press the associated keypad entry. In this way, the VR system allows native speech for command and control.
[0043] For application to user identification type information, the set of vocabulary words may be expanded to include, for example, a set of Chinese characters. Thus a user desiring to enter a Chinese character or string as an identifier may apply the voice command and control process. In one embodiment, the device is capable of displaying one or several sets of language characters.
[0044] The process 100 detailed in FIG. 6 as implemented in the VR engine 20 of FIG. 5 stores the output of speech processor 24 t(n) temporarily in memory 30, awaiting a confirmation by the user. The value t(n) stored in the memory 30 is also provided to template matching unit 26 for comparison with templates in the database 22, score assignment, and selection of a winner as described hereinabove. Each template t(n) is compared to each of the templates stored in the database. For example, considering the database 22 illustrated in FIG. 2, having three sets: SI, SD-1, SD-2, and N vocabulary words, the template matching unit 26 will generate 3�N scores for t(n). The scores are provided to the selector 28, which determines the closest match.
[0045] Upon confirmation by the user, the stored t(n) is provided to confidence check unit 32 for comparison with existing SD entries. If the confidence level of t(n) is greater than the confidence level of an existing entry, the existing entry is replaced with t(n), else, the t(n) stored in memory may be ignored. Alternate embodiments may store t(n) on each confirmation by the user.
[0046] Allowing the user to confirm the accuracy of the voice recognition decisions during a training mode enhances the VR capabilities of a wireless device. VR templates are adapted to achieve implicit speaker adaptation, ISA, by incorporating user confirmation information. In this way, a device is adapted to allow VR entry of user identification information, password, etc., specific to a user. For example, after a user enters his 'User Name' and 'Password' ISA is achieved upon confirmation by pressing an OK key. Speaker trained templates are then used to enhance performance of the alpha-numeric engine each time the user logs on, i.e., enters this information. The training is performed during normal operation of the device, and allows the user enhanced VR operation.
[0047] In one embodiment, the VR engine is phonetic allowing both dynamic and static vocabulary words, wherein the dynamic vocabulary size may be determined by the application, such as web browsing. The advantages to the wireless user include hands-free and eyes-free operation, efficient Internet access, streamlined navigation, and generally user-friendly operation.
[0048] In one embodiment, the VR SD templates and training are used to implement security features on the wireless device. For example, the wireless device may store the SD templates or a function thereof as identification. In one embodiment, the device is programmed to disallow other speakers to use the device.
[0049] In an alternate embodiment, the speech processing, such as performed by speech processor 24 of FIG. 5, is consistent with an HMM method, as described hereinabove.
[0050] HMMs model words (or sub-word units like phonemes or triphones) as a sequence of states. Each state contains parameters, e.g., means and variances, that describe the probability distribution of predetermined acoustic features. In a speaker independent system, these parameters are trained using speech data collected from a large number of speakers. Methods for training the HMM models are will known in the art, wherein one method of training is referred to as the Baum-Welch algorithm. According to this algorithm, during testing, a sequence of feature vectors, X, are extracted from the utterance. The probability that this sequence is generated by all the contesting HMM models is computed using a standard algorithm, such as Viterbi type decoding. The utterance is recognized as the word (or sequence of words), which gives the highest probability.
[0051] As the HMM models are trained using the speech of many speakers and hence can work well over a large population of speakers. The performance could vary drastically over speakers depending on how well the speaker is represented by the population of speakers used to train the acoustic models. For example, a non-native speaker or a speaker with a peculiar accent can result in a significant degradation of performance.
[0052] Adaptation is an effective method to alleviate degradations in recognition performance caused by the mismatch between the voice characteristics of the end user and the once captured by the speaker-independent HMM. Adaptation modifies the model parameters during testing to closely match with the test speaker. If the sequence X is the set of feature vectors used while testing and M is the set of model parameters then, M can be modified to match with the statistical characteristics of X. Such a modification of HMM parameters can be done using various techniques like Maximum Likelihood Linear Regression, MLLR, or Maximum A Posteriori, MAP, adaptation. These techniques are well known in the art and the details can be found in C. J. Leggetter, P. C. Woodland: "Maximum Likelihood linear regression for speaker adaptation of continuous density hidden Markov models", Computer, Speech and Language, vol. 9, pp. 171-185, 1995, and Chin-Hui Lee et. al.:" A study on speaker adaptation of the parameters of continuous density hidden Markov models", IEEE transactions on signal processing", vo.39, pp. 806-814.
[0053] For performing supervised adaptation the label of the utterance is also required. FIG. 8 illustrates a system 200 for implementing the HMM method. The Speaker Independent, SI, HMM models are stored in a database 202. The SI HMM models from database 202 and the results of front end processing unit 210 are provided to decoder 206. The front end processing unit 210 processing received utterances from a user. The decoded information is provided to recognition and probability calculation unit 212. The unit 212 determines a match between the received utterance and stored HMM models. The unit 212 provides the results of these comparisons and calculations to adaptation unit 204. The adaptation unit 204 updates the HMM models based on the results of unit 212 and user transaction confirmation information.
[0054] In an alternate embodiment, user transaction confirmation information is applied to recognition of handwriting. The user enters handwriting information into an electronic device, such as a Personal Digital Assistant, PD. The user uses the input handwriting to initiate or transact a transaction. When the user makes a transaction confirmation based on the input handwriting, a test template is generated based on the input handwriting. The electronic device analyzes the handwriting to extract predetermined parameters that form the test template. Analogous to the speech processing embodiment illustrated FIG. 5; a handwriting processor replaces the speech process 24, wherein handwriting templates are generated based on handwriting inputs by the user. These User Dependent, UD, templates are compared to handwriting templates stored in a database analogous to database 22. A user transaction confirmation triggers a confidence check to determine if the test template has a higher confidence level than a UD template stored in the database. The database includes a set of User Independent, UI, templates and at least one UD template. The adaptation process is used to update the UD templates.
[0055] Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.
[0056] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.
[0057] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0058] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a remote station. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a remote station.
[0059] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
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|U.S. Classification
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|23 May 2001
Owner name: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED, A CORP. OF DELAWARE, CALIFO
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHANG, CHIENCHUNG;MALAYATH, NARENDRANATH;REEL/FRAME:011851/0422
Effective date: 20010523


text:
To link to this article, copy this persistent link:
(Apr 19, 2012)
On April 13, 2012, the President of the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court and of the National Council of Justice, Minister Cezar Peluso, took the initial step for the creation of the National Center for Procedural and Extra-Procedural Information (Central Nacional de Informações Processuais e Extraprocessuais, CNIPE). CNIPE will gather data from all tribunals and registrars (cartórios) in the country. (Mariana Braga & Jorge Vasconcellos, Judiciário Ganha Banco de Dados Integrado, AGÊNCIA CNJ DE NOTÍCIAS (Apr. 13, 2012).)
The purpose of CNIPE is to provide access at a single electronic address to information on legal proceedings, statistical data on the judiciary, real estate records, divorce, and much more CNIPE is being designed to provide citizens with the means to learn, for example, whether a person or company is being prosecuted or has any type of dispute pending in court, is responding to criminal prosecution, or has property that was made unavailable due to a dispute anywhere in the country. (Braga & Vasconcellos, supra.)
According to the project, the central database will enable judicial authorities to assess the procedural workflow of the courts in the districts (comarcas) and to evaluate the need to create new judicial trial courts, expand the existing tribunals, or hire more workers. (Id.)
Currently, to obtain procedural information online, a person needs to access the websites of the different courts in the country, which allow different levels and forms of consultation and data access. The expectation is that with the new database, a search for information about any of the 91 Brazilian courts can be done at a single website. It is expected that by the end of this year, 50% of all cases in the country will become available for consultation in the central database, and that by the end of 2014 all 91 Brazilian courts will be integrated into the system. (Id.)
In addition to facilitating the lives of Brazilian citizens through improved access to judicial and extra-judicial information the central database is expected to provide savings of time and personnel, to the courts that collect such information. With the search tool, it will also be possible "to create reports that provide analyses of judicial and extrajudicial activities to support corrections of and assist in the definition of strategic actions." (Id.)
|Eduardo Soares More by this author
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|Brazil More about this jurisdiction
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Last updated: 04/19/2012


text:
UT Tyler Student Organizations
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning (ASHRAE)
Statement of Purpose/Organization Description: To expose students to professionals and equipment in the HVAC industry. We take tours of facilities, meet professionals involved in the East Texas ASHRAE chapter, and listen to technical talks from different areas of the industry.
Organization Contacts
Todd Nelms, President
Jonathan Dorsey, Vice President
Zach Moehring, Treasurer
Dr. Nelson Fumo, Advisor
Organization e-mail address: email@example.com
National organization affiliation: www.ashrae.org


text:
The Harvard men's tennis team kicked off its Ivy title defense this weekend and immediately faced tough tests against No. 19 Columbia and No. 46 Cornell.
The No. 34 Crimson (12-6, 1-1 Ivy) had an uneven road trip, getting blanked by the surging Lions (16-1, 3-0), 7-0, on Saturday, before turning things around against the Big Red (10-7, 0-3) Sunday afternoon.
Columbia, undefeated in conference play, represents perhaps the biggest obstacle to Harvard's three-peat chances.
"Yesterday was a tough loss, but [the Lions] are very good on their home courts," junior co-captain Alex Steinroeder said. "They are playing well and are tough to beat, but anything is possible in Ivies."
Harvard skillfully handled both the brisk Ithaca early-spring weather and Cornell to hand the Big Red its third straight conference loss.
In doubles, the Crimson jumped out to a 1-0 lead, marking a turnaround after having to play from behind on Saturday. Sophomore Nicky Hu and freshman Brian Yeung closed out a 8-6 win, and the team's top tandem of co-captain Casey MacMaster and junior Denis Nguyen followed suit with an 8-5 mark to hand Harvard the advantage.
"We haven't won a lot of doubles points this year against the really good teams," Harvard coach Dave Fish said. "Today we played some good tennis and got back on track."
In singles, Steinroeder did the early damage, cruising to a 6-2, 6-2 win. Freshman Andrew Ball then fell at No. 6 to make the match score 2-1.
Yeung proceeded to crush a serve on match point on the fifth court to finish off a two-set win and bring the Crimson to the precipice of victory. Junior Shaun Chaudhuri would seal the deal, coming back from a set deficit to close out the win in three.
Freshman Sebastian Beltrame picked up a victory, but Nguyen lost in a third-set tiebreak to make up the final 5-2 score.
"Our job going forward is focusing on our matches and not worrying about how other teams are doing," Steinroeder said. "We did a great job of doing that today, bouncing back with a great, hard-fought win."
In its first foray into Ivy League play, the Crimson attempted to avenge a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Lions in the final round of the ECAC Team Championships in February.
But things didn't go as planned for Harvard in its first test at defending its Ancient Eight crown, as Columbia dropped the Crimson, 7-0, in a match that was much closer than the final score indicated.
Read more in SportsMen's Crew Posts Strong Performance at Matthews & Leonard Cups


text:
This morning I saw a crew working on a manhole with a huge wire spool and a makeshift railing around the hole. I looked inside it, and there was all this electrical and piping stuff. I'm assuming it's all for the outside air vent that is nearby, and whatever else it is connected to.
I saw another crew working on another manhole with a makeshift railing around it. This one had a ladder going down into it! Wow, I can just imagine going down there. That would be so cool! I would love to be able to see what makes up the underground of UT!
I wonder if the people going down there see it the same way. Maybe they do at first, but then the fun is taken away by the job the have to do down there, unless they enjoy it. I would love to be able to explore all those tunnels. Maybe there is an entrance in a ditch somewhere. I bet you could get lost pretty easily!
Captcha: Bon voyage
#tunnels #underground #school #exploration #scary #adventure


text:
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Imagine going to the pharmacy to fill a prescription, only to be turned away, denied medication both you and your doctor know you need.
That's what's happening to patients across the area.
Patricia Kellner suffers from osteoporosis, spinal splinters and degenerative disc disease, "It's excruciating at times. I've had nerve blocks also and that's when it gets to the point where I'm totally immobilized."
Patricia's doctor, Mahesh Kuthuru, prescribes heavy duty meds for her pain but lately it's harder for her to get those prescriptions filled.
Chief Investigator Darcy Spears asked, "Do you feel like they're questioning you, suspicious that you are abusing? Selling?"
Patricia answered, "Yes. Yes. Yes."
Abuse of prescription painkillers, particularly oxycodone, is a serious problem, leaving real patients with real needs battling someone else's addiction.
Desert Pain Management sees between 300 and 500 patients a month and Dr. Kuthuru reports at least half of them have problems getting legitimate prescriptions filled.
"A lot of them are elderly. They are handicapped. They have complex medical conditions," said Dr. Kuthuru.
It's not just Dr. Kuthuru's patients who've run into roadblocks at local pharmacies.
"Before the surgery on my feet, you get up in the morning and it's just unbearable."
A patient named Tami suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. She had no problems filling her prescriptions for oxycodone at Walgreens and CVS over the last few years. Now? Delays and denials at both.
"You get the, "No, we're not going to fill it.' Well, why not? 'Well, you don't meet our criteria.'"
So what's changed?
In an effort to crack down on prescription drug abuse, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency slapped Walgreens with $80 million in penalties last summer over violations at a distribution center and retail stores in Florida. In 2012, the feds pulled licenses to sell controlled substances from two Florida CVS stores.
Why would that affect Nevada patients? Our state board of pharmacy believes those large corporations have tightened procedures nationwide.
"But to just say no? And no reason? No excuse. No explanation. No nothing. You just get turned away," said Tami.
CVS sent us this statement:
"Federal law places a corresponding responsibility upon the pharmacist to ensure that a prescription for a controlled substance is issued for a legitimate medical purpose. If a pharmacist knows, or has reason to believe, that a controlled substance prescription is not issued for a legitimate medical purpose they cannot legally fill the prescription. Our pharmacists consider a variety of factors when evaluating a controlled substance prescriptions as part of their corresponding responsibility obligation. These factors are taken into consideration when pharmacists exercise their professional judgment in determining the appropriateness of filling prescriptions for controlled substances."
And CVS sent an additional statement when we asked about the federal law enforcement activity in 2012:
"We previously responded to the DEA's concerns by enhancing our policies and procedures for filling controlled substance prescriptions. We believe these changes further support our pharmacists as they exercise their professional judgment to ensure that prescriptions they fill have been issued for legitimate medical purposes."
Dr. Kuthuru believes that could cross the line into pharmacies practicing medicine.
"I disagree with the pharmacies making decisions on behalf of the patients or on behalf of the doctors."
Walgreens sent this response:
"With the sharp rise in the abuse of prescription painkillers in recent years, health care professionals in all practices are continuously striving to find better ways of ensuring those medications are used only for legitimate medical purposes. We are working to ensure our patients continue to have access to the medications they need while fulfilling our role in reducing the potential abuse of controlled substances. We have over recent months taken a number of steps to provide additional guidance and training to our pharmacies on the proper handling of controlled substances. Because of the legal requirements placed on pharmacists to verify that controlled substance prescriptions are issued for a legitimate medical purpose, pharmacists may need to gather additional patient information from their prescribing physician's office. This diligence may take extra time.
For example, under our good faith dispensing policy, pharmacists may determine that they first need to check the state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program database for anything unusual. They may also decide to contact the prescribing doctor's office to verify the diagnosis and confirm that the patient has had a recent examination. Often, this information can be obtained from a member of the doctor's staff.
We firmly believe that addressing prescription drug abuse will require all parties - including leaders in the community, physicians, pharmacies, distributors and regulators - to play a role in finding practical solutions to combating abuse while balancing patient access to critical medication."
And Walgreens added the following information after we asked about the federal law enforcement activity in Florida.
"Our agreement with the DEA provided us direction going forward on specific measures the DEA wanted to see enacted and clarified compliance steps moving forward. In fact, we had already taken many of those measures before the agreement was announced.
While I can't comment on specific doctors or detailed procedures, I can tell you as I mentioned earlier that under our good faith dispensing policy, pharmacists may determine that they first need to check the state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program database for anything unusual. They may also decide to contact the prescribing doctor's office to verify the diagnosis and confirm that the patient has had a recent examination."
For patients like Tami that means running all over town. Last month she says she went to nearly 10 pharmacies to fill her prescriptions.
The problem has gotten so bad Dr. Kuthuru is asking lawmakers for help. The state's advice to patients who are denied? Try another pharmacy or talk to their doctors about pain management alternatives.
- Latest


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Hair color & design
We at La Jolie are dedicated to bringing you the highest level of artistry. Our color and design team has been trained by international masters. Allow us to make you be the shining star of your own life.
Our team is certified in: Goldwell International Masters Program/Color, Cutting, Wella hair color, Deva Curly Girl & Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatments.
Whether your desire is to lighten or brighten or to create a glossy glow; be it vibrant or classic, we have what is perfect for your individual look.
Curly or Straight? Choose your look with our latest services and products
Are you a Curly Girl? Embrace and enjoy the authentic quality of your hair every day with Deva Curl.
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We use only the finest professional products beneficial to your hair, body and the environment including: Goldwell & Wella hair color and care, Eufora-organic hair care, Onesta organic hair care, Coppola smoothing therapy, and Deva curly girl products.Salon Retail Special: Buy 3 or more products receive 25% off!
*Additional charges may apply for long hair
Pricing - hair*
|Women's Haircut
|40.00 - 90.00
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|35.00 & up
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|New Talent Deva Cut
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|35.00 - 55.00
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pricing - Hair Color*
|Single Process Permanent
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|175.00 & up
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|150.00 & up
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|235.00 & up
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|upon consultation
Relaxer & Smoothing Services
|Anti-Curl Straightener
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(lasts 12-15 weeks) Tuesdays & Wednesday Special $250!
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(lasts 4-6 weeks)
|Keratin Express Blowout when added onto a haircut
|75.00 & up
|Goldwell Kerasilk Smoothing Treatment
|350.00 & up
*Additional charges may apply for long hair


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At ENT Associates of North Georgia, we want you to experience how good health care can be!
Convenient Locations in Acworth, Hiram, Marietta, and Woodstock
Our team of highly skilled surgeons brings to bear years of academic teaching experience, clinical practice, and innovation within our specialty to provide the best care in the North Metro Atlanta area. We are an integrated team of surgeons, audiologists, and clinical staff with one common goal: improving your ear, nose, and throat health through professionalism and personalized service, with dignity and integrity.
We want you to be informed and educated about ear, nose, and throat issues and treatments. That's why we have included extensive information on our website about various ear, nose, and throat-related topics, as well as links to other resources. When you visit us in person, you can expect a clear explanation regarding your medical condition as well as additional literature if indicated.
We use some of the most advanced and innovative technologies for diagnosis and treatment of medical and surgical diseases of the head and neck.
We also know that convenience is important to your selection of an ENT specialist. That's why we offer four convenient practice locations (Marietta, Acworth, Woodstock, and Hiram) and perform surgery at both Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Hospitals. Please see our practice location and contact information pages for directions, insurance coverage, policies, and scheduling information.
On behalf of all the ENT Associates of North Georgia physicians and staff, we welcome you to our practice and look forward to helping you and your family preserve a lifetime of good health.


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The keys to success in social media are being honest about who you are, being thoughtful before you post, and respecting the purpose of the community where you are posting.
Be honest about your identity. If you are authorized by your supervisor to represent Binghamton University in social media, say so. If you choose to post about Binghamton on your personal time, please identify yourself as a Binghamton faculty or staff member. Never hide your identity for the purpose of promoting Binghamton through social media.
In December 2009, the Federal Trade Commission implemented regulations requiring bloggers and those who write online reviews to reveal if they have been compensated in any way—a free copy of a book, dinner, complementary admission—or have a relationship to a company, product or service they review. Already a "best practice" for most bloggers, such disclosure is now being enforced.
A good resource about transparency in online communities is the Blog Council's "Disclosure Best Practices Toolkit" at http://blogcouncil.org/disclosure/.
Make sure that you have all the facts before you post. It's better to verify information with a source first than to have to post a correction or retraction later. Cite and link to your sources whenever possible; after all, that's how you build community.
If you make an error, correct it quickly and visibly. This will earn you respect in the online community.
You are more likely to achieve your goals or sway others to your beliefs if you are constructive and respectful while discussing a bad experience or disagreeing with a concept or person.
If you join a social network like a Facebook group or comment on someone's blog, make sure you are contributing valuable insights. Don't post information about topics like Binghamton University events or a book you've authored unless you are sure it will be of interest to readers. Self-promoting behavior is viewed negatively and can lead to you being banned from Web sites or groups.
Social media often span traditional boundaries between professional and personal relationships. Use privacy settings to restrict personal information on otherwise public sites. Choose profile photos and avatars carefully. Be thoughtful about the type of photos you upload.
There's no such thing as a "private" social media site. Search engines can turn up posts years after the publication date. Comments can be forwarded or copied. Archival systems save information even if you delete a post. If you feel angry or passionate about a subject, it's wise to delay posting until you are calm and clear-headed.
Do not post confidential or proprietary information about Binghamton University, its students, its alumni or your fellow employees. Use good ethical judgment and follow university policies and federal requirements, such as FERPA.
If you discuss a situation involving individuals on a social media site, be sure that they cannot be identified. As a guideline, don't post anything that you would not present at a conference.
As stated in the Acceptable Use Policy/Network Security, university computers and your work time are to be used for university-related business. It's appropriate to post at work if your comments are directly related to accomplishing work goals, such as seeking sources for information or working with others to resolve a problem. You should maintain your personal sites on your own time using non-university computers.
Binghamton University welcomes and encourages you to engage with Binghamton through social media. We monitor our social media platforms daily in order to answer any questions or correct factually inaccurate statements. We promote healthy and respectful dialogue, including disagreements, but not personal attacks or language that can be considered offensive, vile or threatening to a person or group of people. To the best of our abilities, we will review all comments to our official social media properties and will remove any that are duplicate posts; potential personal attacks or offensive language; illegal suggestions; advertisements, SPAM, or other solicitation; or violate US law or University policy. We will also remove any user content we become aware of or are notified of that violates the social media platform's Terms of Use. Individuals who do not follow Binghamton's social media policy may be banned from Binghamton social media properties. Comments posted by followers do not represent the opinions of Binghamton.
Last Updated: 12/4/14


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Home > Electronics > Speakers, Microphones > Computer Speakers
Digital Innovations
Digital Innovations AcoustiX Multimedia Speakers
Usually ships in 5-7 business days. Limited availability. May not be in stock at time of order. No back orders.
These high-quality speakers are great sounding, sleek in design and offer convenient USB power. Optimized for desktop use and packed with useful features, they'll be a welcome addition to any office. 2 watts of rich stereo sound. Powered from any USB port (no external power required). Magnetically shielded to prevent interference from monitor. Blue LED lights indicate when speakers are powered up. On/Off switch, headphone jack and volume controls.
Product Information
Mfr Part#
USB powered so there is no bulky power adapter to tote around;
On/Off, Volume
Enclosure Material
ABS Plastic
Magnetically Shielded
Speaker Color
Speaker Color
Speaker Configuration
Satellite Output Power (each)
1 Watt per Channel
Total Output Power
2 Watts RMS
4 Ohm Impedence
Response Bandwidth
200Hz - 20kHz
Frequency Response
200Hz - 20KHz
Speaker Interface
Speaker Interface
3.5mm Audio Jack
Audio Input
Audio Input
(1) 3.5mm audio input jack
Power Supply
Power Supply
USB Powered
Dimensions (WxDxH)
Dimensions (WxDxH)
7.3" x 5.9" x 3"
Manufacturer Warranty
Lifetime Limited
Lifetime Limited
What's in the Box
What's in the Box
2 x Speakers, Quick Start Guide
Important Add-Ons
Questions and Answers
More Info
Warranty & Support
Vendor Warranty:
- Parts: Lifetime Limited
- Labor: Lifetime Limited
Vendor Support:
- Main Website: www.digitalinnovations.com/
- Support Website: www.digitalinnovations.com/index.php?target=pages&page_id=support
- Support Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Micro Center Return Policy:
We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund — and you won't even need a receipt.* We want you to be satisfied with your Micro Center purchase. However, if you need help or need to return an item, we're here for you!
If an item you have purchased from us is not working as expected, please visit one of our in-store Knowledge Experts for free help, where they can solve your problem or even exchange the item for a product that better suits your needs.
If you need to return an item, simply bring it back to any Micro Center store for a full refund or exchange.
*If you are a Micro Center Insider or if you have provided us with validated contact information (name, address, email address), you won't even need your receipt.
General Return Policy
Desktop / notebook computers, tablets, processors, motherboards, digital cameras, camcorders and projectors, 3D printers, 3D scanners, and CD/DVD duplicators may be returned within 15 days of purchase. All other products may be returned within 30 days of purchase. Merchandise must be in new condition, with original carton / UPC, and all packaging / accessories / materials. If you need to return software, a game or a movie, remember that you may not retain any copies — it's not legal, and it's not nice.
Wireless Phones & Devices
Wireless phones and devices may be returned within 14 days of purchase. When returning a wireless phone or device with a plan, you are responsible for ensuring that your service is cancelled with the carrier. If you don't cancel your service, you may incur additional charges from your carrier. All carrier charges are your responsibility.
Digital Downloads
All Digital Download sales are final and are not eligible for return or refund under the Micro Center Return Policy.
Using the software may require the use of a computer or other device that must meet minimum system requirements. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the system requirements before making your purchase. Software system requirements are typically found on the Product information specification page.
Aerial Drones
Micro Center is happy to honor its customary 30-day return policy for Aerial Drone returns due to product defect or customer dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns with damage due to pilot error. So let's be careful out there!
Refunds will be credited to the credit card or debit card account used for the original purchase.
Micro Center Support:
|Free Walk-in Tech Support
|As a service to our customers, Micro Center offers free in-store technical support. Stop in any of our store locations during regular business hours, and our expert staff will answer your computer questions or help you with issues regarding:
|Support from Home or Office
If you need help with hardware or software products purchased from Micro Center, please contact one of our knowledgeable tech support reps by live chat or email.
|Free assistance is available for the first 30 days on new purchases, excluding internal hardware installations or networking support. Your invoice reference number will be required for free assistance.
We accept the following credit cards: Micro Center VISA® credit card with WorldPoints® Rewards; VISA; MasterCard; American Express; Novus/Discover.
|Learn more about our exclusive Priority Care Program. You'll have access to our in-house Technical Support team of certified technology professionals trained to assist you on a variety of PC and Mac related support issues.


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ne of my
favorite things to do:
Walk into a used book store for the very first time. Feel myself drawn into the dark, holy silence of muffled pages turning and words humming. Breathe in the earthy, fermented air of leather bindings, yellowed paper, and comfortable dust.
Walk among the infinite words, thoughts, emotions, and memories and wrap my arms around the ones that call to me. Touch the aging spines, peer at the insistent, mute words sprawled across every page. Bring them into my own life.
Continue the great chain of books.


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Teachers Newsletter
If you would like to be put on the mailing list for the Embassy's email alert service News for Teachers please complete the following form. You can also use this form if you wish to stop receiving the service.
View the latest News for Teacher's Newsletter
Education Matters Blog
Education Matters! Follow the U.S. Embassy's blog for the latest on Education in the U.S.


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messups Video Channel
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Dallas Atkins has been a Christian recording artist, entertainer and evangelist for well over 25 years. Dallas travels the world sharing the Gospel with one aim. T o bring all ages into a relationship with Christ. Dallas was lead singer in the popular Christian band The Message in Australia. Now a solo artist going where ever he is called to go.
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No video yet.
A lot of important points were made.
He says Russia will only use military force in the worst case scenario. It means when nationalists will attack Russians in Ukraine.
He stated that armed groups that are currently being observed in Crimea are not Russian military. These are Crimean militia (likely from Sevastopol).
He is directly blaming US and western countires for events that are taking place in Ukraine now.
Even more, he blames decicions made by US Federal Reserve System for the recent plunge in Russian market.
To the World: The Government of the USA is not the people of the USA.
Our Government has gone rogue and has stopped being a representative Government of the American People long ago, so remember that "We the People" are NOT your enemy and act accordingly.
As a Veteran I love my country dearly, but it stopped being a Government "of the People" "for the People" many years ago, it is broken and corrupt beyond repair.
Many have awoken from their sleep and are now seeing the light but sadly many more will never see that light. Many are hypnotized by patriotism, the we are the "Good Guys" patriotism and the my Government can do no wrong patriotism. For many the realization that we are not the "Good Guys" comes as a slap in the face, and the past decade we have been slapped way too many times. Over and over again we have been slapped by the lie's and path's this rogue Government has taken this country all in the name of Righteousness, Democracy and Freedom...."We the People" have had enough.
So once again as this Rogue regime takes the People of this nation and world on a path towards war and destruction I say to you..Forgive us for not acting as Americans and allowing this to reach this point.
We the People are NOT our Government". Please act accordingly.