text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Mar 10, 2009
|Filing date
|Mar 12, 2007
|Priority date
|Jun 27, 2001
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Laurence Hamid
|Original Assignee
|Activcard Ireland Ltd.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (25), Referenced by (7), Classifications (12), Legal Events (2)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/155,004 filed May 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,203,347, which claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/300,832 filed Jun. 27, 2001.
This invention relates generally to biometric imaging devices and more particularly to a method of processing images captured using said imaging devices.
Biometric techniques for determining the identity of individuals are being used increasingly in authentication, recognition, and/or access systems. These techniques use biometric identifiers or human characteristics to verify or identify an individual. The fact that most human characteristics are unique to each individual, are difficult to reproduce by others, and are easily converted to electronic data, is particularly advantageous in biometric identification applications.
Historically, fingerprints have been the most widely used biometric identifiers, as is evident from law enforcement's extensive use of fingerprinting. The recent trends in biometric identification have been toward automating the above-mentioned authentication, recognition, and/or access systems. Most current techniques rely upon correlation methods that use automated detection systems connected to a computer database, for comparing detected biometric data to biometric data stored in the database, to confirm or determine the identity of an individual. Such automated systems have been used to identify individuals before granting access to cars, computers, home or business offices, hotel rooms, and in general, any sensitive or restricted area.
Various optical devices are known which employ prisms upon which a finger whose print is to be identified is placed. For example, the prism has a first surface upon which a finger is placed, a second surface disposed at an acute angle to the first surface through which the fingerprint is viewed and a third illumination surface through which light is directed into the prism. In some cases, the illumination surface is at an acute angle to the first surface, as seen for example, in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,187,482 and 5,187,748. In other cases, the illumination surface is parallel to the first surface, as seen for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,109,427 and 5,233,404.
An alternative type of contact imaging device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,056 in the name of Tsikos issued Oct. 5, 1982, herein incorporated by reference. The imaging device that is described by Tsikos uses a capacitive sensing approach. To this end, the imaging device comprises a two dimensional, row and column, array of capacitors, each comprising a pair of spaced apart electrodes, carried in a sensing member and covered by an insulating film. The sensors rely upon deformation to the sensing member caused by a finger being placed thereon so as to vary locally the spacing between capacitor electrodes, according to the ridge/trough pattern of the fingerprint, and hence, the capacitance of the capacitors.
A further contact imaging device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,442 in the name of Knapp, issued Jun. 28, 1994, herein incorporated by reference. Knapp discloses a capacitance measuring contact imaging device in the form of a single large active matrix array, formed by the deposition and definition by photolithographic processes of a number of layers on a single large insulating substrate. Electrodes and sets of address conductors formed of metal and field effect transistors are formed as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors (TFTs) using an appropriate substrate of, for example, glass or quartz.
Additionally, a fingerprint sensing device and recognition system that includes an array of closely spaced apart sensing elements, each comprising a sensing electrode and an amplifier circuit, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,089 in the name of Borza, issued Jul. 7, 1998, herein incorporated by reference.
"Swipe imagers" are also known, wherein an individual places a fingertip into contact with a surface of a contact imaging device and then draws, or "swipes", the fingertip across a sensing portion of the surface. Images from adjacent portions of the fingerprint are captured and combined in order to construct a composite image of the fingerprint having an area that is greater than the area of a single captured image. In this way, an area of the fingertip that is substantially larger than the sensing portion is imaged. Such an arrangement allows a smaller capacitive fingerprint scanner to be used, which is advantageous due to lower manufacturing costs, improved robustness, and so forth. Also, the small area required is highly advantageous for embedded applications such as with a cell phone, a telephone, a computer (laptop) and so forth.
Methods for processing fingerprint images, for instance to extract data that is useful in correlating an image with previously stored templates, are well known in the art. However, the prior art methods often rely upon the fingerprint image being of a known size and having a known area of interest, and are best suited for use with contact imaging devices that require the individual to hold their fingertip stationary during image acquisition. A particular problem with the swipe imagers described above is that it is unlikely that the individual will "swipe" their fingertip along a perfectly straight line. Accordingly, swipe imagers often produce a fingertip image of arbitrary shape and size. This results in a breakdown of the assumption that are inherent in the prior art processing methods and therefore must be addressed. Typical systems address this issue by increasing the processing to process the entire image in case features are located anywhere therein. Unfortunately, this approach requires changing every biometric identification system for use with each imager.
It would be advantageous to provide an imager that is functional with a plurality of identification processes. It would be further advantageous to provide a method for identifying and/or recognizing individuals based upon a feature extracted from an image of a fingerprint, the image being of arbitrary shape and size.
Thus, in an attempt to overcome these and other limitations of the prior art, it is an object of this invention to provide a contact imaging device that provides an image area about a feature of interest as an output image therefrom.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of imaging a biometric information source comprising the steps of: sensing a biometric information source to provide biometric image data; analyzing the biometric image data to determine a location of at least repeatably identifiable feature of the sensed biometric information within the biometric image data; and providing an image of a known size less than the size of the biometric image data, the provided image sensed at contiguous locations of the biometric information source near the determined location of the at least a repeatably identifiable feature.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of imaging a biological surface comprising the steps of: sensing a plurality of images of a same biological surface; aligning the sensed images one relative to another to form a composite image of the biological surface; analyzing at least one of the composite image and the plurality of images to determine a location of a repeatably identifiable feature; and, providing a known amount of image data at locations relative to the location of the repeatable identifiable feature as the composite image data.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a swipe fingerprint scanner comprising: a sensor for sensing a plurality of images of a same biological surface; a memory in communication with the sensor, for retrievably storing each image of the plurality of images; a processor in communication with the sensor and with the memory, the processor programmed for aligning the sensed images one relative to another to form a composite image of the biological surface, for analyzing the composite image to determine at least a location of a repeatably identifiable feature and, for providing a known amount of image data at locations relative to the determined location of the repeatably identifiable feature as output image data; and a data input/output port in communication with the processor, for receiving the output image data therefrom, and for providing the output image data to a process external to the swipe fingerprint scanner.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which similar reference numbers designate similar items:
The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. It is to be completely understood that the term "cropping", as it is used in the specification and in the claims that follow, is intended to encompass both actually deleting image data at image locations outside of a selected image area, and virtually "deleting" image data at image locations outside of a selected image area by merely eliminating such data from a frame of consideration—by ignoring such data or other than transferring said data from an imaging device.
Referring to
Referring to
Adjacent the first sensing pad 100 is a second sensing pad 101 for use in determining motion of a sensed fingertip. Because of the random nature of fingerprint data, a scan line across a fingertip is unlikely to match a second other scan line across the same fingertip unless both scan lines are of a same portion of the fingertip. Therefore, when the sensed fingerprint data sensed by the second sensing pad 101 is substantially the same as data previously sensed by the first sensing pad 100, the fingertip is known to have moved a predetermined distance Δd. Thus, currently sensed fingerprint data, sensed by the first array has a known relative position to the previously sensed data. The second sensing pad 101 does not need to be as topographically sensitive as the first sensing pad 100. In this regard, the second sensing pad 101 may have a lower resolution than the first sensing pad 100, thereby reducing component costs.
The combined sensing and measuring array of
Referring now to
In contrast to
The unitary swipe sensor of
Referring now to
The multi-directional swipe sensor of
Referring now to
In a next step a search for a correlation between the initial image and a second other image is initiated, that is, it is determined 60 if there is a known spatial relationship between stored images. There are two possible results to the search: YES or NO.
In the case of a YES response an image is stored 62 in the image space at a known location relative to a previously imaged portion and another portion of a fingertip is then imaged 58. Again it is determined if there is a known spatial relationship between stored images 60. In the case of a NO response the image portion is stored 64 for later reference and another portion of the fingertip is then imaged 58 and it is determined 60 if there is a known spatial relationship between stored images. By the use of a suitably programmed processor, thresholds for rejection or acceptance of data in determinations of correlation are selectable. After sufficient correlations are found, the data is then assembled using known relations between different image portions and a composite fingerprint image so formed is compared to a stored template of fingerprint data. For example, the fingerprint assembly is performed using a simultaneous solution to place all image portions having unknown fixed locations but limited possible locations relative to some other image portions. Alternatively, the composite image is assembled through iterative steps of image portion placement and image analysis to determine placement errors.
As described above, the composite image produced according to the method of
Referring now to
Referring to
Once the composite image is constructed 74, the processor analyses the constructed image to locate 76 a feature or features of interest. Typically, for fingerprint images, the feature of interest is the fingerprint core. Methods for identifying the core are known, such as for instance the method described below with reference to
Referring now to
Once the composite image is constructed and the feature of interest is located, a selected area of the composite image having a known spatial relation to the feature of interest is defined, the image within the buffer is cropped—extraneous data is ignored or deleted—and the selected area of the composite image is provided 88 as the output image.
Referring now to
According to the method of
Referring now to
Referring to
Referring now to
The composite image provided as the output image is optionally the cleaned up image. Further optionally, it is the raw image merely cropped to identify a region of interest.
According to the first embodiment of the instant invention, the feature of interest, for instance the core, is centered within the selected area of image data for provision from the sensor. The image data is of a size and resolution relating to the sensor itself. Typical sensors provide 300�200 pixels having 50 μm spacing. Thus, the core is centered at location (150, 100) within the provided image. Of course, the position of the feature of interest will vary depending upon the selected feature and upon the sensor.
According to the second embodiment of the instant invention there is provided a method wherein the quality of the image of the selected area is evaluated prior to the image being output from the sensor. Referring to
Referring now to
Of course, features of interest selected from other feature types are also suitable for use with any of the above-described methods. For instance, the selected area is optionally defined as an area about and including a minimum number of minutia points per unit area of image. Further optionally, a crease as is shown in
Referring now to
Further optionally, if first and second portions of an individual's preferred feature can be imaged within first and second image portions, respectively, for instance using 10 rows and 300 columns of sensing elements, then it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of processing that is required to perform composite image construction. Referring now to
The above exemplary embodiments refer to image resolution and providing data relating to an area of interest. It is preferable, however, that the swipe fingerprint scanner according to the invention be flexible and be able to output any of a number of image formats and sizes at locations relative to a known extracted feature. Alternatively, the extracted feature is also selectable from a number of features. Further alternatively, the fingerprint imager first provides data indicative of identified features and image size and resolution.
The host system then provides to the imager a set of parameters relating to the data received—for example, 200 pixels above the core, 200 pixels below, 200 pixels to the right, and 200 pixels to the left—which allows the imager to determine the area of interest. This provides significant flexibility for the host system recognition process and for the imager's potential applications.
According to another aspect of the instant invention, an authorized user, such as for instance a system administrator, configures the system (scanner/software) according to preferred priorities. In this way, the user specifies the desired identifiers. For example, the user selects the feature type of the feature of interest. Some non-limiting examples of feature types include: the fingerprint core; the top crease; six closest minutiae, etc. Further, the user selects the location and/or orientation for displaying the feature of interest within the output image. In this way, the system provides a fingerprint composite that meets all of the requirements specified by the user. Optionally, the user provides the image evaluation criteria. For example, the user specifies that the first 30 pixel columns and rows immediately adjacent the feature of interest must be 100% populated, the next 30 rows and columns must be at least 80% populated, the next 30 rows and columns must be at least 50% populated, etc. If it is determined that the image evaluation criteria is not satisfied, then the image is rejected and a new image is acquired. Preferably, the user specified parameters are provided to the system via the data input/output port 5 and are retrievably stored within the memory buffer 3. Optionally, the preferences are retrievably stored within a not illustrated non-volatile memory of the swipe scanner 1. The non-volatile memory also optionally stores imager software for execution by the processor 4. Further optionally, the preferences are stored in a not illustrated volatile memory in communication with the processor 4.
Preferably, the above-described processing is performed within the imager, or using imager software, such that the processing required by the correlation software is reduced. Advantageously, the output image provided by the system is universal in nature, for example, each application can specify the size and/or other attributes of the output image.
The above examples refer to fingerprint imaging but are equally applicable to other contact based biometric imaging including palm scanning and skin imaging in general. In particular, adoption of the instant invention for use with different biometric imaging devices facilitates processing of biometric information captured. Referring now to
Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jan 25, 1988
|Jun 12, 1990
|C.F.A. Technologies, Inc.
|System for generating rolled fingerprint images
|Aug 31, 1990
|Jul 20, 1993
|Digital Biometrics, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for capturing skin print images
|Sep 9, 1993
|Aug 9, 1994
|Nec Corporation
|Equipment for fingerprint pattern classification
|Mar 31, 1993
|Nov 14, 1995
|Digital Biometrics, Inc.
|Portable fingerprint scanning apparatus for identification verification
|Apr 30, 1996
|May 5, 1998
|Identix Incorporated
|Method and device for reducing smear in a rolled fingerprint image
|Feb 25, 1998
|Jul 17, 2001
|International Business Machines Corporation
|System and method for identifying foreground and background portions of digitized images
|Jan 13, 1998
|Nov 13, 2001
|Stmicroelectronics, Inc.
|Scanning capacitive semiconductor fingerprint detector
|Nov 17, 1997
|Dec 11, 2001
|Veridicom, Inc.
|Automatic adjustment processing for sensor devices
|Mar 29, 1999
|Dec 25, 2001
|Dew Engineering And Development Limited
|Contact imaging device
|Jun 13, 2001
|Oct 1, 2002
|Fingerprint-reading system
|Aug 19, 1999
|Nov 19, 2002
|Cross Match Technologies, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for rolled fingerprint capture
|Jul 29, 1999
|Apr 8, 2003
|Veridicom, Inc.
|Method for combining fingerprint templates representing various sensed areas of a fingerprint to derive one fingerprint template representing the fingerprint
|May 9, 2000
|Aug 31, 2004
|Authentic, Inc.
|Fingerprint segment area processing method and associated apparatus
|Mar 12, 2001
|Nov 1, 2005
|Fujitsu Limited
|Fingerprint data synthesis method, fingerprint data synthesis apparatus and computer-readable recording medium on which fingerprint data synthesis program is recorded as well as biometric information synthesis method
|May 16, 2001
|Nov 29, 2005
|Upek, Inc.
|Enclosure and biometric data collection for fingerprint sensor device
|Jul 12, 2002
|Mar 27, 2007
|Atrua Technologies, Inc.
|Method and system for biometric image assembly from multiple partial biometric frame scans
|May 28, 2002
|Apr 10, 2007
|Activcard Ireland Limited
|Method and system for extracting an area of interest from within a swipe image of a biological surface
|Jul 11, 2001
|Dec 18, 2007
|Ume Tech Yugen Kaisha
|Fingerprint verification apparatus, fingerprint verification method and a fingerprint verification program
|Mar 12, 2001
|Oct 18, 2001
|Yusaku Fujii
|Fingerprint data synthesis method, fingerprint data synthesis apparatus and computer-readable recording medium on which fingerprint data synthesis program is recorded as well as biometric information synthesis method
|May 11, 2001
|Jan 31, 2002
|Henrik Benckert
|Composite image generating method, and a fingerprint detection apparatus
|Jan 27, 1998
|Jul 29, 1998
|Aetex Biometric Corporation
|Method for extracting highlevel features for fingerprint recognition
|Jan 12, 1999
|Jul 14, 1999
|SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS, INC. (a Delaware corp.)
|Scanning capacitive semiconductor fingerprint detector
|Dec 14, 1999
|Jun 21, 2000
|Nec Corporation
|Personal communication system and communication method thereof for performing a subscriber authenticating process
|Sep 10, 1997
|Mar 19, 1998
|Yang Li
|Method of using fingerprints to authenticate wireless communications
|Jun 12, 1998
|Dec 23, 1998
|Method and apparatus for measuring structures in a fingerprint
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Nov 6, 2012
|Harris Corporation
|Automatic identification of fingerprint inpainting target areas
|Oct 28, 2014
|Aug 16, 2016
|Sony Corporation
|Information processing device, information processing method, and program
|Mar 11, 2009
|Sep 16, 2010
|Harris Corporation
|Method for reconstructing iris scans through novel inpainting techniques and mosaicing of partial collections
|Sep 16, 2010
|Harris Corporation
|Method for fingerprint template synthesis and fingerprint mosaicing using a point matching algorithm
|Aug 19, 2009
|Feb 24, 2011
|Harris Corporation
|Method for n-wise registration and mosaicing of partial prints
|Feb 24, 2011
|Harris Corporation
|Automatic identification of fingerprint inpainting target areas
|Oct 28, 2014
|Jun 25, 2015
|Sony Corporation
|Information processing device, information processing method, and program
|U.S. Classification
|382/124, 713/186, 902/3, 340/5.53
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Apr 2, 2007
Owner name: ACTIVCARD IRELAND LIMITED, IRELAND
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HAMID, LAURENCE;REEL/FRAME:019099/0781
Effective date: 20020503
|Aug 28, 2012
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4


text:
British girl, 17, raped by man posing as taxi driver in Tenerife
The attack happened near bars in the popular resort of Playa de las Americas
The attack happened near bars in the popular resort of Playa de las Americas
If we only ever talk about schizophrenia in the context of a violent murder, is it any surprise that the public think people with mental illness are dangerous?
Coronation Street actress Liz Dawn who became a household name as Vera Duckworth has suffered a heart attack, it has been reported.
Brit 'despises' the Giro as it's so crazy – and that's why he wants to win it so badly
Nowadays the primary satisfaction of a good meal seems to be sharing it online
'Whether flying fish or snails, have a go'
Each week we invite three companies to offer us their best deal for a specific break. Today: a trip to Tenerife during the February school half term. Prices are for a family of four (two adults, two children), with a week's accommodation and flights from the UK to Tenerife South on 16 or 17 February.
Bill Tarmey, who played the role of Jack Duckworth in Coronation Street for more than 30 years, has died aged 71.
Under £200... BA Holidays is having a "Go after the Games" sale. Book by 25 September for European city breaks. They range from Nice to Naples (pictured), where three nights at the Villa Capodimonte is £186pp (room only) with flights from Gatwick on 19 Oct. ba.com/holidays
Where to go and what to know
... or never knew in the first place. This beautiful patch of volcanic land welcomes visitors – but has not sold its soul
With the Patrick Moore Planetarium in Leicester inspiring a new generation of stargazers, Aaron Miller finds ways to let you get close to the wonders of our cosmos
Offering year-round spring temperatures, The Canary Islands can provide the perfect remedy to those UK winter blues, and The Independent has teamed up with The Canary Island Tourist Board and the Spanish Tourist Office to give you the chance to win a seven-night holiday for two to two of its islands.
Captain says 'Zola-esque' midfielder must rest or he may burn out before Euro 2012
Every week we invite competing companies to give us their best deal for a specific holiday. Today, a half-term special edition: 10 companies offer up a week-long European holiday during May half term. Prices are for a family of four...
The British woman stabbed and beheaded in a shop on the island of Tenerife on Friday was named last night as Jennifer Mills-Westley, a 60-year-old grandmother.
A British woman was beheaded in a shop in Tenerife yesterday. Witnesses said a main entered a Chinese supermarket in a shopping centre in the popular resort town of Los Cristianos and stabbed and then beheaded the 62-year-old woman, believed to be an expatriate living on the island.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Laboratory Work Group Charge
1. Proficiency Testing (PT) Limits
The Laboratory Work Group (WG) will address whether Blood Lead proficiency testing (PT) acceptability limits should be more stringent than the current Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88) standard of ±4 µg/dL or ±10% (whichever is greater) and if so, what they should be.
The WG should draft a letter from the ACCLPP to the appropriate federal agency recommending that a change in CLIA '88 regulations be implemented that would tighten the minimum acceptable PT limits for blood lead.
2. Practice Standards for Point of Care Lead testing
The WG should address the need for recommended standards of practice for those using point of care blood lead testing.
3. Alternative matrices for assessing exposure to lead
The WG should investigate and report to the ACCLPP on the efficacy, reliability and validity of measuring lead in saliva as an index of lead exposure. To a lesser extent, the WG should investigate report to the ACCLPP on the reliability and validity of measuring lead in other non traditional matrices such as sweat, hair, nails and packed red cells as indices of lead exposure.
4. Environmental lead analytical issues
The WG should investigate and report back to the ACCLPP on the reliability of current technologies for assessing the lead content of paint, plastics and other environmental samples, laboratory capacity and capability for handling.
5. Reference intervals for adult lead exposure
The WG should investigate and report back to the ACCLPP on how clinical laboratories should report the reference interval for adult lead exposure. Currently, many labs report <30 µg/dL, <20 µg/dL as "normal" for adult blood lead levels.
- Page last reviewed: June 1, 2009
- Page last updated: November 26, 2013
- Content source: National Center for Environmental Health, Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services


text:
As of 8/16 midnight we have six seats left on bus two. Bus leaves Thursday night 8/26 and heads down the Indiana toll Road from Exit 83 near South Bend at 6:30 PM. $325 includes round trip on luxury bus and two nights in the four star Crystal City Hilton in Arlington, VA near Reagan Airport. See details below. Thanks for your interest in our exciting Trip in August to See Glenn Beck at the Lincoln Memorial. Below is an overview the itinerary. Our bus driver suggested the memorial tour and I loved the idea. You can visit Capital Hill and be on your own Friday until 4 PM. Let me know your interest on the reservation form below. Be sure to click reply before you try to fill out the form or you will not be able to type. Thanks, Tom "Your Friendly Bus Czar" The Black Bus Ride in luxury to the Glenn Beck Event at the Lincoln Memorial Bus leaves 8/26 returning 8/29 Call [masked] Schedule (Subject to change if conditions dictate) : 8/26/10 Pick ups: All Park & Ride Lots adjacent to toll booths at designated Exits. Lv 6:30 PM Exit 83 IN Toll Rd. Mishawaka Capital AV. 7:00 PM Elkhart East CR 17 7:30 PM Angola I 80 Park n Ride 9:00 PM Toledo Ohio Turnpike exit 71 at I 280. Truck Stop and McDonald's We stop about every 90 min. for stretch, snacks and Potty brakes. There is a potty in the bus but we use for emergencies. We stop at Breezewood Exit on the PA Turnpike heading south to DC. There is a great diner there and we have a sit down meal. Sleep on bus as it travels through the night crossing Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia . Bring Sleep mask, neck pillow and ear plugs to create your environment. 8/27 Depending on traffic going into DC, we will arrive about 9 AM. We will go straight to Lincoln Center to see if we can get tickets for Beck's Friday night event. Then to Arlington National Cemetery . After touring the cemetery honoring our fallen heroes we will start a monument tour about 10:30 AM. Those who prefer to spend their will be within walking distance of the following government buildings and museum: nearby house and senate office building, Supreme Court, Library of congress, Federal Reserve, Smithsonian, Air museum. We will drive the two miles back the the Lincoln Memorial and start the monument tour and pick up the Capital District group at 4:00 PM and head to the hotel. We are staying at the Crystal City Hilton near Reagan Airport in Arlington VA. About Fifteen minutes from the National Mall via Metroline. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasct-courtyard-arlington-crystal-city-reagan-national-airport/ 8/28 Restoring Honor event on Saturday Leave Hotel 5:30 AM. Get best place available on the mall lawn. (Bring Chairs with sun blocking Canopy or umbrella. There is no shade where the best seats are. The actual Event will start at 10 AM with Beck Opening and Palin will be on stage in the first 15 min. Gary Senise and Ted Nugent will also be part of the opening. This is the Glenn Beck website with details. Watch videos on that site to answer many of our questions. http://www.glennbeck.com/828/ Restoring Honor event starts at 10 AM and goes to 1 PM 8/29 7:30 AM Bus leaves hotel for trip home Ar. South Bend by 9PM $325/ person � double occupancy Make checks payable to - Great American 9-12 Project. If you want to use Pay Pal You need to select the option "User or buyer pays fee" PP charges $10.01 for the $325 and that is for you to pay. I will take personal checks but they must be in my hands for deposit by Wed. Aug. 25. Some people used FedEx from IL and paid $25 to get their check in so as the date gets closer, be sure to have the check sent. Thanks. Mail Checks to address at bottom of page Press reply when you get this and you will be able to fill out the attached form. If you have MS Word, you can use the attached form, fill it out and return to me via email. Fee Paid includes R/T bus fare and 2 nights in hotel - Double Occupancy. All meals and other expenses are your responsibility. This trip is organized by Tom Grimes and the 527 political organization Great American 9-12 Project which is solely responsible for this event. We use the SJC Tea Party Patriots site to advertise the trip. Tom Grimes, Founder St. Joe County Tea Party Patriots 52676 Searer Drive South Bend, IN 46635 Cell: [masked] Email: [masked] Other related websites: http://www.meetup.com/StJoeCountyTeaParty/ Local Coordinator : Tea Party Patriots www.teapartypatriots.org
Categories: Organizations & Meetups
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text:
Bioinformatics Institute
The Bioinformatics Institute (BI) is a research and education centre bringing together biosciences, health sciences, computer science, mathematics, and statistics to understand complex datasets. The Institute is based in the Faculty of Science and affiliated with the Faculty Medical and Health Sciences.
The Bioinformatics Institute contributes to bioinformatics education at the University of Auckland, and provides consulting services operated in conjunction with New Zealand Genomics Ltd (NZGL), a nationally coordinated initiative that makes access to genomics and bioinformatics techniques accessible to New Zealand researchers. The Institute also provides facilities for graduates students at the University of Auckland and provides training and support for biological, ecological and medical researchers from any organisation using bioinformatics.
Our Institute
About the Bioinformatics Institute, our history, and bioinformatics in New Zealand.
Our research
Research themes within the Institute.
Assistance for researchers
We can provide advice and analysis services for any type of biologically-related data.
Tools and resources
Our hosted resources and bioinformatics tools.
Courses and training
Details of training programs and educational courses in bioinformatics, including those administered by the Institute.
Our people
Our staff, affiliates, and alumni.
Contact us
Institute location, phone, and email contacts.
Queenstown Research Week Event as iCalendar
28 August 2016 - 02 September 2016NZ's biggest bioscience conference series returns in late August, with a special new location in Nelson!
AGTA Conference 2016 and 8th Annual NZ Next Generation Sequencing Conference Event as iCalendar
09 October 2016 - 12 October 2016Held by the Australasian Genomic Technologies Association, this is Australasia's foremost genomic technology conference and returns to New Zealand for the first time in eight years! This year's AGTA conference is held in partnership with the 8th Annual New Zealand Next Generation Sequencing Conference.
eResearch NZ 2017 Conference Event as iCalendar
20 February 2017 - 22 February 2017NZ's annual meeting to support eResearch technologies will be co-hosted by REANNZ, NeSI, and NZGL in Queenstown.
UoA Bioinformatics alumnus in Naturejobs spotlight
06 April 2016A recent profile on bioinformatics includes UoA alumnus Dr Sibon Li.
Professor Cris Print delivers Inaugural Lecture
18 August 2015Our Director, Professor Cristin Print, presented his Inaugural Lecture on "Looking into a hidden world: seeing the changes to our genes that cause disease."
Dr Anna Santure awarded Marsden grant
07 November 2014Dr Santure was awarded a Marsden grant for her project on the adaptive potential of small populations such as the New Zealand hihi.


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SANFORD — Do you dream of owning your own home but need help with a down payment or closing costs? Have less than perfect credit? Wondering how much house you can afford, or even if owning a home is right for you?
York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC), in partnership with Maine Homeworks, offers a monthly homeownership education class that answers these questions and many more. In-depth information is provided on the costs and benefits of homeownership, special financing programs for low-to-moderate home buyers, improving credit scores, and getting the most from the investment over the long term. Participants have the opportunity to meet professionals from local banks, insurance companies and real estate agencies.
Upon completion of the ten-hour curriculum, participants receive a certificate required by Maine State Housing Authority, HUD, Rural Development, and other low-interest loan programs. One-on-one credit and financial counseling is also provided free of charge.
"Our Homeowner Education class has helped hundreds of people become successful homeowners," says YCCAC Housing Director Jennifer Gordon. "With interest rates at historic lows we encourage anyone who is thinking about buying a home to take the class, evaluate their options and learn about the steps they need to take to get ready for homeownership."
The classes are held monthly at YCCAC's office complex at 6 Spruce Street in Sanford. The fee is $30 per person or $50 per couple. To get more information or to register, visit online www.yccac.org or call Lee Sullivan at (207) 459-2961.
YCCAC is a nonprofit anti-poverty organization that has been serving county residents since 1967.
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- Report: #1035163
Report - Rebuttal - Arbitrate
Complaint Review: hobbytron.com
hobbytron.com24700 ave rockefeller santa clarita ca 91355 santa clarita, California United States of America
hobbytron.com tried of the runaround santa clarita, California
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This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 03/15/2013 08:20 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/hobbytroncom/santa-clarita-California-91355/hobbytroncom-tried-of-the-runaround-santa-clarita-California-1035163. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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A Deadly Twin Tornado Takes Out a Tiny Town In Nebraska [VIDEO]
Cooper and I discussed the twin tornado devastation in the tiny town of Pilger Nebraska, where not one but 2 tornadoes wreaked havoc and almost wiped out the entire town yesterday.
Cooper and I discussed the twin tornado devastation in the tiny town of Pilger Nebraska, where not one but 2 tornadoes wreaked havoc and almost wiped out the entire town yesterday.
There's a new weapon in the fight to protect our children in school. Introducing the Bodyguard Blanket, a bulletproof blanket kids can wear like a backpack.
Everyone with a smartphone knows that they are very expensive, so we buy the over priced cases to protect them, and try to keep them close when we are out and about. But, unfortunately these have become a big target for thieves as well.
Currently on MIX 108 we are running a contest where someone could win $10,000, chances are if you win you'll get a check from our corporate office, but wouldn't it be cool to just get one bill, a $10,000 bill?
A dog that is assumed to be a stray, patiently waited at a bus stop in DeKalb County Georgia with a group of High School kids, and when the door opened he barreled his way onto the bus.
A group of of friends from the Anoka County Minnesota area rented an R.V. to celebrate a "Bachelor Party" road trip for a buddy who is getting married soon, until a foul smell halted the plans.
The internet can be described as many things, but sometimes this very powerful medium can do good things as well. Like bringing two strangers together to save a life.
Every parent hopes that their children get a good education, and If that child chooses to pursue more schooling after High School, we all know that comes with a big price tag.
The White House has addressed the petition to deport Justin Bieber back to Canada. Their response?
Some people truly dread Tax Day, fortunately I am not one of them since I always get a refund, but If you have to pay in, or maybe not getting much back these tips could help.
Can you imagine walking outside form work or shopping only to see your car flipped over on it's side? For a few unfortunate Smart Car owners this has happened.
A sophomore at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, attacked his fellow students Wednesday morning, injuring at least 20 people, four of them seriously. He is now in police custody.


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Perth Farmers' Market Scotland
Perth Farmers' Market takes place on the 1st Saturday of each month (except January) in King Edward Street & High Street, Perth, Scotland from 9am to 2pm.
Market Dates in 2016
- July 2nd
- August 6th
- September 3rd
- October 1st
- November 5th
- December 3rd
- December 17th
There are between 40 and 45 stalls selling a variety of quality local produce.
The Producers themselves run their own stalls so you can come and speak directly with them, ask them questions about their produce and purchase fresh quality products.
To enhance your shopping experience we have stalls offering a range of quality arts and crafts.
We also offer one off stalls to local businesses to promote their products or services giving you the opportunity to find out what is available in the local area such as hotels or tourist attractions or to obtain information about a particular subject such as recycling.
Charities can also have a stall to sell tickets, give out information or collect funds.
Visit the Information Point at Perth Farmers' Market to find out about our stallholders, local tourist attractions, restaurants & coffee shops. Come and sign our Visitor Book; we would love to hear your views of our market.
There's plenty to see and do at Perth Farmers' Market. Come along on the first Saturday of the month, watch the cooking demonstration, sample the food, enjoy the atmosphere and purchase some of the finest produce in Scotland.


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This Day in Music History - May 27thThis is what interesting stuff happened on today's date in music history.
WIN TICKETS TO SEE DEF LEPPARD!Def Leppard have announced they will return to the road this summer for an extensive tour across North America due to overwhelming demand. The Live Nation promoted outing will storm through 55 cities across all parts of the U.S. and Canada. It is set to kick off on May 1st in Orlando, FL and make a stop in Phoenix on September 20th at Ak-Chin Pavilion. Joining Def Leppard on their mighty summer outing are REO Speedwagon and Tesla. Please see full tour routing below.
Want To Win Tickets To See Def Leppard, Bad Company & Joe Walsh?All are coming to Ak-Chin Pavilion!
Def Leppard Announce Extensive Summer 2016 Tour! September 20 at Ak-Chin PavilionDef Leppard have just announced they will return to the road this summer for an extensive tour across North America due to overwhelming demand.
Joe Elliott Says Def Leppard's Hysteria Tour was 'Exhausting'When it comes to Def Leppard in the late 80s, sex and drugs were just for show.
Def Leppard to Tour with Styx & Tesla into 2016The next US leg for the trio kicks in Greensboro, NC on January 27th.
Def Leppard, Styx and Tesla Rocked Ak-Chin Pavillion
94.5 KOOL FM and Charlie Huero at Def Leppard
As Def Leppard's 2015 Tour Launches, Joe Elliott Gets Real About Being in a 'Legacy' BandElliott is one of rock's true believers. "When you're from a certain era, or you're of a certain age, it's really hard to let go of why you got into this in the first place. And we got into it to make albums."
Def Leppard's Joe Elliott on the Majesty of Thin LizzyJoe Elliott talks about his relationship with Thin Lizzy, his favorite song, his favorite album and how Phil Lynott blamed Def Leppard for splitting up the band.
Def Leppard Will Probably Decline a Rock Hall InductionThat is, unless the fans are pissed that they declined. Then they'll reconsider.
Def Leppard announces summer concert tour with Styx and Tesla


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PHILADELPHIA - Showing their solidarity against the firm they've nicknamed "VeriGreedy," some 5,000 Verizon workers, members of the Communications Workers and the Electrical Workers campaigned August 11 on the streets of Philadelphia against the firm's corporate greed.
The protest, in front of a regional Verizon headquarters in the city's Chinatown, also marked the one-year anniversary of when the firm forced the two unions into a two-week strike over its refusal to bargain. CWA has 45,000 members at the giant telcom and IBEW has another 10,000.
"We've spent 14 months at the talks" after last August's strike forced the firm back to the bargaining table "and we're still there," IBEW Local 827 President Bill Huber of New Jersey told the packed crowd in a talk from the back of a flatbed truck.
"It's not about CWA and IBEW any more," he added. "It's about one union fighting a greedy company."
Verizon, which earned $10 billion last year, refuses in public from a list of giveback demands that would cost workers pay, cut pensions, impose higher health care costs, eliminate seniority and security protections, the unions point out.
Officially the firm offered wage hikes of 1.75 percent in 2012 and 1.5 percent next year, with no retroactive increases since the old contract expired in 2011. It also wants to freeze pension benefits for current workers and cut the value of future pension benefits to 70 percent of current levels for workers with fewer than 30 years service. New hires would be barred from the company pension plan. New sales reps would have lower base pay.
"It's me and you against these as*h*les," added CWA District vice president Ed Mooney, whose area includes thousands of Verizon workers. Verizon "wants flexibility. But you know what 'flexibility' gives these corporations? They tell people to say to you: 'I don't have health care, so why should you have health care? I don't have benefits, so why should you?'"
After talks resumed, the unions asked and Verizon agreed to federal mediation in May, with a session scheduled for August 15. The workers in Philadelphia wanted to show Verizon they're determined to stand their ground against its giveback demands.
"If things don't change," Mooney warned, "We'll all be back on the street like we were last summer."
"This is about our families," declared CWA Local 13000 President Jim Gardler. "We don't need greedy bastards like this company telling us we can't have anything" to have a decent middle-class life.
The firm also fired at least two dozen union activists who participated in the two-week strike, on flimsy or false reasons. The National Labor Relations Board will hold a trial on labor law-breaking charges, filed by its general counsel's staff, against Verizon on behalf of those workers, in September.
"Verizon wants to make an example out of them. We'll make an example out of Verizon," CWA President Larry Cohen declared.
Photo: CWA Local 1101/Dawn Sickles


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Herbert Raymond Henderson
Position: WB-HB
5-11, 170lb (180cm, 77kg)
Born: June 21, 1899 in Oberlin, OH
Died: January 14, 1991 in Odon, IN
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 0 (15060th overall since 1960)
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Now TV: Everything you need to knowPocket-lint
Sky's Now TV has launched, offering on-demand movies while allowing you to dodge the Sky subscription needed for Sky Go. There is a lot to like about the new service, but at £3.49 per rental, or £15 a month, is it really worth it?
We have had a long time to play with Now TV and have picked apart every feature we can find to help you come to that decision. So here's everything you need to know about Now TV.
Where can I get it?
Head over to the Now TV website to get yourself signed up. From there click in the top right-corner of the screen in the box marked "30-day free trial" to grab yourself, yup you guessed it, a 30-day free trial.
A few details later and you should be pretty much savvy on the desktop front. The service is compatible with both Mac and PC, by the way, so don't worry about which operating system you are using.
If you would rather go mobile, Android is the only thing that Now TV runs on at the moment. iOS is on its way as is an Xbox, PS3 and Roku version of the player. Just like Sky Go, Now TV will let you register up to two devices at once. You can only view a pay and play movie on a one device at a time, however.
How much is it?
Now TV comes in two different flavours. One, a Netflix-style, one-stop-shop affair that grants you unlimited movie viewing, is £15 per month. The other is a sort of pick-and-mix approach, costing from 99p to £3.49 per movie rental.
Once you have picked a film, then clicked on the pay-and-play symbol, it should start playing. Be careful though, because if you have setup a card you will pay for a movie straight away - a bit like one-click purchasing on Amazon. You can enable something called the pay pin in settings which will prevent this.
Once you have picked a film, then clicked on the pay-and-play symbol, it should start playing. Be careful though, because if you have setup a card you will pay for a movie straight away - a bit like one-click purchasing on Amazon. You can enable something called the pay pin in settings which will prevent this.
What sort of content is there?
Now TV is different from a conventional Sky subscription. Unlike Sky Go, this service is for everyone and as we have seen earlier, can either be picked at or subscribed to.
This is where the differences end, as in terms of content most of what is on Sky Go is also present in Now TV. Right now everything is restricted to Sky Movies, but there are plans to add sports as well as programmes from channels such as Sky Atlantic and Living.
In terms of keeping content fresh, Now TV is promising to add five new movies every Friday and crucially, to do it a whole year before any other subscription service. It has also said there will be three-quarters of all top 100 movies in the UK on offer. A lot of content then.
Here's the complex part: what you actually get for your money. Think of the £15 like a pass to gain access to Sky Movies. You can see the same films a Sky Movies subscriber and on top of that you can rent movies yet to come to Sky TV but are around the DVD release timescale. Or you can do without a subscription and rent any movie you would like. Complicated, we know.
Should I get it?
The best approach we can think of is to use Sky Now like a movie rental store. There is some great content there and having it built into your Xbox or iPhone once it launches, gives you yet another way to watch more movies on your device.
Sky has said it wants Now TV to be on as many platforms as possible and we can see it offering a major movie complement to the likes of YouView. Right now YouView is missing things such a sports and new movies, so Now TV could fill that gap. For £15 Now TV isn't cheap, but rentals priced from 99p to £3.49 are pretty good value. If you want an all-you-can-eat approach, then Netflix and Lovefilm seem a better bet, but they are nowhere near when if comes to offering the latest movies. Content is king here. But if picking and choosing is your thing, then Now TV is a great service.
Like the sound of Now TV? Let us know in the comments below ...
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text:
Complement library with clean bayouside
Published: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 11:23 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, January 13, 2003 at 11:00 p.m.
The bayouside across from the new Terrebonne Parish Public Library is such an eyesore. It doesn't do anything for such a beautiful building. I do hope it gets cleaned up soon.
Dorothy Olivier
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- Report: #930025
Report - Rebuttal - Arbitrate
Complaint Review: K Marketing
K MarketingFarmington Hills Internet United States of America
K Marketing What questions were asked in my interview? None! Internet
*Author of original report: Two question interview and you're hired!
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This is supposed to be a professional working environment with professionals. And I was able to learn all about her 3 month relationship to a man who gives her everything she needs including a trip to New Orleans, going to the Renaissance festival, meeting his parents...which leads me to....
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 08/20/2012 04:10 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/K-Marketing/internet/K-Marketing-What-questions-were-asked-in-my-interview-None-Internet-930025. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report.
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#1 Author of original report
Two question interview and you're hired!
AUTHOR: Miss Niss - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, August 21, 2012POSTED: Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Red Flags:
1) I walked into the office and the name on the outside of the office did not say 'K-Marketing'. It simply stated 'Marketing'. After during further research on this company, just as other posters have stated, K-Marketing is one of their many aliases. The question is, why do they need so many aliases?
2) I walked in and was introduced by the receptionist Charina who is also...drum roll please...the Human Resource Director.
2) After sitting in the reception with 3 other victims, each were called in for their 10 minute interview. Yes. 10 minutes.
3) Whilst waiting, the receptionist by day/ HR Director by night spoke forever and a day about herself and her boyfriend. This is supposed to be a professional working environment with professionals working. And I was able to learn all about her 3 month relationship to a man who gives her everything she needs including a trip to New Orleans, going to the Renaissance festival, meeting his parents...which leads me to....
4) A long wait. I learned more about her than the company itself as I sat with her for ages and with Sam for far too less.
5) Moving on to Sam and the interview...There was no interview. It was the Sam Show! I learned all about him! In fact, I should have been the interviewer as I had asked several questions and he just asked me two. Two questions and that was all it took for me to be called in for the next day shadowing.
6) Red Flags about Sam Striker the Director:
-He stated he is Arabic and his father is from Afghanistan. Yet, his last name is Striker? Really? I would love to know his REAL name and his REAL credentials as I think we could learn much more about this joke of a company when we learn all about this 'Director' who...
-Knows nothing about sales. Yes. You have read correctly. When I asked him if I would be shadowing him, he stated, 'I know nothing about sales!'. Let me get this straight. You are a Director of a Sales and Marketing company, and you know nothing about sales? He went on to clarify that he has not done sales in a long time. But then he told me earlier that he was in sales 18 months ago as it took him 18 months to get into this position. Confused.com
7) Next day shadowing consists of shadowing someone perform door to door sales from 9am to 5pm. And then you're hired!
It's sad that such companies exist, but you gotta get through the bad to find the best. This company is most certainly not it.
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Information Technology:
The Federal Enterprise Architecture and Agencies' Enterprise Architectures Are Still Maturing
GAO-04-798T: Published: May 19, 2004. Publicly Released: May 19, 2004.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
- Accessible Text:
(202) 512-6256
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
The concept of enterprise architecture emerged in the mid- 1980s as a means for optimizing integration and interoperability across organizations. In the early 1990s, GAO research of successful public and private sector organizations led it to identify enterprise architecture as a critical success factor for agencies that are attempting to modernize their information technology (IT) environments. Since then, GAO has repeatedly identified the lack of an enterprise architecture as a key management weakness in major modernization programs at a number of federal agencies. It has also collaborated with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the federal Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council to develop architecture guidance. In 2002, OMB began developing the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA), an initiative intended to guide and constrain federal agencies' enterprise architectures and IT investments. GAO was asked to testify on the status of the FEA and on the state of federal agencies' development and use of enterprise architectures.
OMB has made progress on the FEA, but it remains very much a work in process and is still maturing. Its stated purposes include facilitating (1) the development of agencies' enterprise architectures, (2) the reuse of common IT components across agencies, and (3) the identification of opportunities for interagency collaboration in developing common IT solutions. Currently, the FEA is made up of five parts known as reference models, four of which have been issued in at least initial form. OMB reports that the FEA has been used to help identify potentially redundant agency IT investments, choose five lines of business (e.g., grants management) in which to pursue opportunities for agency collaboration, and begin to develop the architectural foundation for some of these business lines. GAO supports the FEA as a framework for achieving these ends, but raises questions whose answers are important to the its future. For example: Should the FEA be described as an enterprise architecture? GAO's reading of its content suggests that it is more akin to a classification scheme for government operations than a true enterprise architecture. Further, OMB requires agencies to "map" and "align" their architectures with the FEA. However, since these terms are not well-defined, GAO asks if the expected relationship between the FEA and agencies' architectures is clear enough. Like the FEA, agencies' enterprise architectures are still maturing. GAO recently reported (GAO-04-40) that agencies' management of architecture programs was generally not mature. Using its Enterprise Architecture Management Maturity Framework as a benchmark, GAO found little change in overall maturity between 2001 and 2003. Only 20 of 96 agencies examined had established at least the foundation for effective architecture management. Further, while 22 agencies increased in maturity since 2001, 24 agencies decreased and 47 agencies remained the same. Recently, OMB and the federal CIO Council initiated actions to advance agency architecture programs that are consistent with many of GAO's recommendations.
Jun 29, 2016
Information Technology:IRS Needs to Improve Its Processes for Prioritizing and Reporting Performance of InvestmentsGAO-16-545: Published: Jun 29, 2016. Publicly Released: Jun 29, 2016.
Jun 22, 2016
Veterans Affairs:Sustained Management Attention Needed to Address Numerous IT ChallengesGAO-16-762T: Published: Jun 22, 2016. Publicly Released: Jun 22, 2016.
Jun 10, 2016
Digital Service Programs:Assessing Results and Coordinating with Chief Information Officers Can Improve Delivery of Federal ProjectsGAO-16-733T: Published: Jun 10, 2016. Publicly Released: Jun 10, 2016.
Jun 9, 2016
Information Technology:Management of Interdependencies between Programs Supporting 2020 CensusGAO-16-723T: Published: Jun 9, 2016. Publicly Released: Jun 9, 2016.
Jun 2, 2016
IT Dashboard:Agencies Need to Fully Consider Risks When Rating Their Major InvestmentsGAO-16-494: Published: Jun 2, 2016. Publicly Released: Jun 2, 2016.
May 25, 2016
Information Technology:Federal Agencies Need to Address Aging Legacy SystemsGAO-16-468: Published: May 25, 2016. Publicly Released: May 25, 2016.
Information Technology:Federal Agencies Need to Address Aging Legacy SystemsGAO-16-696T: Published: May 25, 2016. Publicly Released: May 25, 2016.
May 18, 2016
Information Technology:OMB and Agencies Need to Focus Continued Attention on Implementing Reform LawGAO-16-672T: Published: May 18, 2016. Publicly Released: May 18, 2016.
May 17, 2016
Polar Weather Satellites:NOAA Is Working to Ensure Continuity but Needs to Quickly Address Information Security Weaknesses and Future Program UncertaintiesGAO-16-359: Published: May 17, 2016. Publicly Released: May 17, 2016.
May 5, 2016
Information Technology:FEMA Needs to Address Management Weaknesses to Improve Its SystemsGAO-16-306: Published: Apr 5, 2016. Publicly Released: May 5, 2016.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here


text: Free Camacho Cigar If you are looking to get a high quality cigar for someone…perhaps as a present or just for fun this is a good way to do it:) Flag this deal What's the matter? Choose a reason (2) Dead deal 2 Duplicate Bad link Spam Inaccurate No value Alive again Edit deal pandaKrusher Oct 10, 2012 "We've given away all our free cigars." The consolation prize is a $50 coupon for a box of cigars, which typically retails for $150, so that's not so bad. Reply buzzdogear777 Aug 29, 2012 just finished the form. Hope I can get one!! Reply ImaGoHard Aug 25, 2012 This is Usa only btw wished it worked for canada Reply bbattag Aug 25, 2012 Doesnt like like a good change of getting one. Not to mention im not into smoking. But Im sure people will appreciate the deal Reply MrBklynW Aug 24, 2012 sweet, awesome find. hope it comes=D Reply Dexterous Aug 24, 2012 Even free smoking is injurious to health Reply 1 like Florida2Texas Aug 24, 2012 I doubt anyone is going to be lucky ones to receive this but I still filled the form...we will see! Reply vdealhunter Aug 24, 2012 Hope I can get one for my dad :D Reply kffight3r Aug 24, 2012 nice free cigar!! My humidor is excited Reply vimalr Aug 24, 2012 Thanks! We've got your info and will email you soon to tell you if you're one of the lucky ones who will be getting a FREE Camacho Corojo. Reply Dominiccarter Aug 24, 2012 This is great. Reply shimisi Aug 24, 2012 Wish they at least told us how many they're giving out. Thanks. Reply redradishes Aug 24, 2012 They do. "We've only got 10,000 FREE Camacho Corojos to give away. So the sooner you fill in the information to the right, the better chance you'll have to grab a FREE one for yourself." Reply bbattag Aug 25, 2012 It'd be nicer if they just closed it when they hit 10,000. But im sure they want to collect as much info as they can Reply 1 like shimisi Aug 25, 2012 Wish it's at least mentioned in the post then. Thanks. And yes, bbattag, you're absolutely right. Reply blackfoot Aug 24, 2012 Nice if it pays off, I picked one off the list even though I don't know what type of cigar it is:) Reply arsiel Aug 24, 2012 Thanks! We've got your info and will email you soon to tell you if you're one of the lucky ones who will be getting a FREE Camacho Corojo. I just picked a random flavor... I have no clue about cigars. Haha Reply 3 likes themoneyman1113 Aug 24, 2012 Hahaha. I know nothing about cigars either arsiel. My buddy knows about cigars and beers. I should ask him before I sign up what a good flavor would be to choose. Good find!! Maybe I will just give it to my buddy he will certainly enjoy it more then me :) Reply 1 like skipp658 Aug 24, 2012 on its way! Reply chuckydealpl Aug 24, 2012 easy, thanks Reply jkbane Aug 24, 2012 It didnt say that I got one, said it will let me know... Reply joabozi26 Aug 24, 2012 signed up for it...received an email from them saying they will let me know if i will get one. Reply gendun Aug 24, 2012 My Husband will loves this!!!! Reply nickhardcour Aug 24, 2012 Got it! Reply Load More Comments


text:
Engie wants to open up the auto-repair industry with diagnostics tech and mechanic marketplace
Israeli startup Engie wants to crack open the auto-repair industry with a combination of hardware and software to enable you to better understand the health of your car, tied to a more transparent marketplace for local mechanics. Read More
European restaurant delivery startup Take Eat Easy ceases trading as it tries to find a buyer
The restaurant food delivery wars in Europe were always going to get messy and the latest casualty is Take Eat Easy. Despite celebrating its 1 millionth order last week, the Brussels-headquartered startup has ceased trading and will file for "juridical restructuring" after it failed to raise a much-needed Series C round and has run out of money. Read More
Confirmed: Hailo sells 60% of company to Daimler as it merges with MyTaxi
Some more movement and consolidation is afoot in the on-demand transportation industry, specifically in Europe. Today, Hailo is announcing that it has sold 60% of its company to Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler, and Hailo will merge its and rebrand its operations under MyTaxi, another on-demand ride-sharing company that was acquired by Daimler subsidiary Moovel in 2014. The merged… Read More
N26 launches its investment product in Germany
A few days after announcing its banking license, N26 (formerly known as Number26) is partnering with fellow German fintech startup vaamo to add a new service to its banking offering with its first investment product for German customers. vaamo manages different portfolios of risky and not-so-risky assets thanks to robo-advisors so that you don't have to micro-manage these portfolios. Read More
Amazon partners with U.K. government to test its drones
Amazon today announced that it has partnered with the U.K. government to test some of the technologies that may one day enable its Prime Air drone delivery service. In a partnership with the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Amazon now has the permission to explore beyond-line-of-sight operations in rural and suburban areas (something the U.S.'s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)… Read More
French startup Stuart partners with Just Eat to let restaurants outsource delivery
It's Groundhog Day in the world of European restaurant delivery. Despite Delivery Hero-owned Valk Fleet's spectacular failure, another startup is trying its hand at letting quick service restaurants or take-outs outsource delivery. Stuart, the heavily-funded "last-mile" delivery startup backed by Le Groupe La Poste, is partnering with take-out marketplace Just Eat in… Read More
MoreUnited.UK will use tech to shake-up UK politics — and stop extremists
Crowd-funding is almost an old-fashioned concept in the tech world these days, but it's still having a relatively new and significant impact in the world of politics. A brand new initiative is now taking the UK by storm and plans to use tech to shake up the UK's political system in the wake of the chaos of the Brexit vote. Kicked-off by former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown… Read More
Super-fast small biz mobile banking service Tide raises $2M seed round
The race to create a new, 21st Century form of bank continues. In Europe, Holvi (coming out of Finland) was desktop-first and hasn't come to the UK. It also hasn't been focussed on being a hub for third party services, so therefore behaving more like a platform. In the US there is Seed.co (a YCombinator startup) but they haven't launched internationally yet. So with the… Read More
Apply to The Duke Of York's next series of Pitch@Palace events
The Duke Of York in England runs a unique series of events called Pitch@Palace which have become a respected fixture in the London startup scene. Application are now open for the next series of events. Entrepreneurs can apply from any of the following areas: • Biotech and Medical Technology
• Consumer Technology and Internet of Things
• Cybersecurity
• Data Management and Analytics
… Read More
MasterCard jumps into UK payments technologies, buys VocaLink for up to $1.14B
For those keeping tabs, one more big tech company built and operating in the UK has been snapped up by another company from abroad. Today, MasterCard Inc. announced that it has agreed to acquire 92.4% of VocaLink — the tech giant behind the UK's ATM, direct debit, and major mobile payments networks — for $1.14 billion in an all-cash deal: £700 million ($920 million)… Read More
Number26 is now a true bank as it now has a full banking license
Berlin-based startup Number26 is trying to reinvent the bank. This might sound crazy, and that's why the startup has processed step by step. After partnering with Wirecard for the banking back end, attracting 200,000 users and raising tens of millions of dollars, the company now has a full banking license to operate in Europe. Read More
SwiftKey officially unwraps its emoji prediction app 🎁😆💃🔛
Keyboard app maker Swiftkey, which was acquired by Microsoft for $250 million in February, has officially launched its first product since that acquisition — and it's an emoji-predicting keyboard app, called Swiftmoji. Read More
Square quietly sets up for a UK launch, now takes payments in pounds on Square Register
The UK is sometimes called a nation of shopkeepers, and soon mobile payments company Square may be putting that to the test in the search for new business. Square Register — the company's point of sale app used by merchants to manage their inventory, make invoices and take payments from customers — has quietly started to allow users to make payments in the UK, in UK pounds. Read More
Apple Pay is now available in France
Apple l'avait déjà annoncé lors de sa conférence d'inauguration de la WWDC en juin, mais maintenant c'est officiel. Apple Pay est désormais disponible pour les clients des banques partenaires possédant une carte Visa ou MasterCard. Malheureusement, rares sont ceux qui vont pouvoir s'en servir dès aujourd'hui. Parmi les grandes banques françaises, seul le Read More
Bulk data collection only lawful for fighting serious crime, says Europe's top court
The European Court of Justice has issued a preliminary ruling on a data retention case brought by UK MPs and privacy rights groups seeking to challenge the government's data retention regime under DRIPA. Read More


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A Few More Words on Joe Flom, From a Former Skadden Partner
Lots of ink (and pixels) were spilled last week (LB, WSJ, NYT) about Joe Flom, the legendary Skadden lawyer who, throughout his long career, changed both corporate America and the practice of law. Flom died last week at age 87.
But allow us to revisit Flom, at least briefly, courtesy of this interesting post over at WSJ's Deal Journal, by Ronald Barusch, a former Skadden M&A partner.
Barusch explains his relationship with Flom like this:
I spent 32 years at Skadden, joining the firm about half way through Joe's legal career. I rarely worked directly for him and I didn't have a close personal relationship with Joe. I had never even heard of him when I decided to go to law school or even when I interviewed for a job at Skadden in 1976. However, outside of my own family, there is probably no individual who had a greater effect on my life than Joe.
Much has been written about how Flom changed how lawyers at big firms practice. But Barusch gives good personal insight into this. Next time you insist on returning client call from an anniversary or graduation dinner, you can thank Joe Flom.
Writes Barusch:
[Flom] made the practice of law about being competitive in the delivery of the best possible service to clients.
When clients called, he insisted that you immediately return calls. When clients had deadlines that seemed impossible, you met them. When clients had what seemed like impossible problems, you didn't give up. . . . In short, you lived, ate and breathed your client's objectives, issues and tribulations. And there was almost always a perpetual and urgent search for the very best talent to work at the firm, regardless of where candidates came from.
The drive for the best made law firms more meritocratic and, along the way, more inclusive, writes Barusch.
Sterling, Cooper from the television show "Mad Men" would have been a progressive organization in comparison to the big law firms of the mid-20th century. Law firms then were, for the most part, all-white, all-male, all straight (or deeply closeted) and overwhelmingly Protestant . . . . In short, firms could compete on the basis of their lawyers coming from a "good" family and having the right contacts. A sense of entitlement was key to big-firm practice. No one expected that a little Jewish guy who was smarter and worked harder than they did could outflank the establishment firms. By the time I joined Skadden in the late 1970′s those firms were beginning to figure out just how wrong they were.
. . . In short, being smart became more important to the practice of law than who you knew and what of the arcane case law you could memorize.
Barusch also explains how Flom was able to grow Skadden so steeply so quickly.
When I joined Skadden in 1978, takeovers defined us. We had two practice groups: corporate and litigation. And the litigation was largely limited to cases arising out of takeovers.
Joe . . . made a conscious determination to leverage the firm's takeover dominance. Joe did this by expanding the firm into new practice areas that were thought to be disciplines in which skilled lawyers could deliver high value to clients. Then the firm began a series of acquisitions of its own: identifying the most talented individual it could find in these strategic practice areas.


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Cast, creators of TV's 'Walking Dead' shuffling to Riverside
Three stars and an executive producer of AMC's horror hit series "The Walking Dead" will be live and in person at the Riverside Theater on Feb. 16.
Norman Reedus, who plays the crossbow-wielding outcast Daryl, and Steven Yeun and Lauren Cohan, who portray the romantically involved Glenn and Maggie on the apocalyptic zombie series, will join Greg Nicotero, a co-executive producer, special-effects makeup artist and episode director, for a live panel discussion. They also will answer fan questions, provide an inside look behind the scenes of the show and screen never-before-seen footage. »Read Full Article(3)
Melvin Rhyne was a jazz innovator and a Milwaukee icon
Jazz organist Melvin Rhyne played with jazz guitar legend Wes Montgomery, and bluesmen B.B. King and T-Bone Walker before coming to Milwaukee, where he inspired a generation of artists - including bop trumpeter Brian Lynch.
Rhyne, 76, died March 5 of lung cancer at a hospice in Indianapolis. »Read Full Article
Nigel Wade, 'New York Didn't Make Me'
Nigel Wade is a product of Milwaukee.
By November of 2011, though, he decided that his opportunities here were too limited. So, he did what many young people here do. He left. He moved to New York City, where he got a job and an apartment in the Flatiron District. »Read Full Blog Post
'Blue Bayou' is Domes spring floral theme
"Blue Bayou," the spring floral show at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd., will open March 23 and run through May 27, park officials have announced.
And "blue" will indeed be the color of the flowers in the show, though the setting will include a scene with a white gazebo and Mardi Gras décor, along with tulips, Easter lilies, daisies, and other spring flowers. A swamp scene and a graveyard featuring a Hoodoo Man take things spookier. »Read Full Article
'The Penelope Project' screens at UWM tonight
Can aging be more meaningful? Are games of bingo all we can expect in our final years? Are there means of engagement that are more relevant to us when the mind and body naturally begin to fail in older age?
"The Penelope Project," a 52-minute documentary, offers some profound alternatives to the common strategies. It that looks at how a theater company joined forces with a long-term care facility to explore a work of art with particular resonance for aging residents. It will be screened tonight at UWM's Union Theater at 7 p.m. »Read Full Blog Post(1)
Fun. to headline Marcus Amphitheater June 27
Grammy-winning rockers fun. will headline Summerfest's Marcus Amphitheater on June 27, fest officials have announced.
Tickets go on sale at noon Saturday at the Summerfest box office, Ticketmaster outlets, Walmart stores with Ticketmaster outlets, (800) 745-3000 and ticketmaster.com. »Read Full Article(13)
Top of the Charts: Even more Milwaukee 'Harlem Shake' videos
YouTube phenomenon Baauer's "Harlem Shake" cruised to a third week on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That gives us a chance to uncover more of the local "Harlem Shake" viral meme videos. Watch them below and then watch the videos for the songs that topped the charts this week in 2009, 1999, 1989 and 1979.
No. 1 hit March 11, 2013 »Read Full Blog Post(1)
On Tap for Today: Milwaukee dialogue, free movie and a concert
Every other day of the week is fine. So why does Monday get grief?
Take Monday into your own hands and make it a great day. This list offers three things that could change the way you feel about Monday. »Read Full Blog Post


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- Report: #806470
Report - Rebuttal - Arbitrate
Complaint Review: Rainsoft
Rainsoft1330 W. Auto Dr. #200 tempe, Arizona United States of America
Rainsoft High quality water of arizona Rainsoft=Scam tempe, Arizona
*Author of original report: Update
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by their authorized dealer High Quality Water. Every single customer was lied to. First they were told the water test only take 15-30 minutes, when they know it takes 1.5 to 2.0 hours. Otherwise no one would set the appointment. So they lie to get into your home. Then the sales reps would perform several tests using bottled water and tell the customers that it was Rainsoft water from the office. That equals fraud. I told Scott Harmon; the director of customer satisfaction for Aquion, Inc. the parent company of RainSoft. I told him what was going on and that because all the customers were lied to that they should be informed and Rainsoft should offer them a full refund because they bought under false pretenses. None of the customers were notified or
offered a refund. We are talking about hundreds of customers. Instead he had his lawyer contact me tell me HighQuality Water did nothing wrong. What a scam artist. I am spear heading a law suit against these people. So please email me all your Rainsoft horror stories so I can add you to my law suit. (((ROR redacted)))
Before you buy Rainsoft check out the Law suit filed by the state of West Virginia and the 60 minute repot done on Rainsoft and their predatory sales tactics. That is right Rainsoft is such a scam that 60 Minutes has done a report on how they allow their dealers to rip off old ladies.
CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 12/07/2011 10:27 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Rainsoft/tempe-Arizona-85284/Rainsoft-High-quality-water-of-arizona-RainsoftScam-tempe-Arizona-806470. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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AUTHOR: Kyle Cartmell - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, December 15, 2011POSTED: Thursday, December 15, 2011
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|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|7 nights
Bring your bathing suit and a smile...the rest is up to us! Come to Sanddollar on Sanibel Island. Drink a cup of coffee and watch the pelicans make lazy loops in the clear blue sky or sip lemonade and watch the bright reds, oranges and indigo hues of a southwest Florida sunset ...all from your own private direct oceanfront lanai. Relax...stroll the sugar white beaches stooping for shells, swim in the heated pool or float with the dolphins in the warm clear Gulf waters. Laugh with your loved ones as you bike around the Island or go out to eat fresh seafood. Sanibel is a safe haven for people and wildlife...spend a lazy day putting together a puzzle...Relax...
We keep our condo immaculate with our private cleaning service. The condo is professionally decorated and recently updated. We provide beach chairs, umbrellas, toys and towels.
Owner pays WiFi, linen, and clean fees per stay.
Keywords: Southwest Florida, Sanibel Island, Beachfront, Oceanfront, On the Beach, Top Floor
We are retired teachers who live on a farm in Amish country in Ohio. We find Sanibel Island restorative. The Island is safe, kid friendly and restful.
The Owner purchased this condo in 1999
We bought a condo the very first time we visited Sanibel. We drove across the causeway and saw dolphins jumping in San Carlos Bay and knew we would come back.
We enjoy sitting by the pool and catching up on our reading. We enjoy having our family visit. We swim in the pool, rent bikes, watch the dolphins in the Gulf and walk for miles. We come here to relax and renew.
The Sand Dollar condo was beautiful inside and out. The unit was clean and comfortable with everything we needed to make our stay exceptional. Beds and furniture were very comfortable and view of beach was beautiful. Pool and other accommodations were very nice as well. Sanibel is a special place to enjoy Christmas and plan on returning. Thanks
Our family enjoyed the condo. It was clean spacious and well maintained. The beach was so much fun to hunt for shells and see animals. Every day was a new adventure. The pool was awesome. We can't say enough good things about our stay.
Just spent 3 weeks in this lovely, bright, clean condo on Sanibel. It was much better than it looks in the photos. There was everything in the property we needed for a relaxing vacation. Loved watching the sunrises every morning from the balcony and walks on the, easy to reach, beach in the early evening to watch the sunset. The balcony with its direct beach front view was a great place to sit as there was always some activity on the beach or on the water. Sand Dollar was very quite when we were there and so we had the lovely swimming pool to ourselves on a number of occasions. The surrounding gardens are well maintained with the gardeners there most of the days we were there.
Sanibel has some great restaurants for all kinds of budgets and tastes and there are a number of supermarkets with a good selection of produce if you don't want to travel to the mainland to shop.
We would recommend this property for people looking to have a relaxing vacation on a beautiful island.
Everything from making our booking to checking into the condo to checking out went very well and the staff at Royal Shell were very helpful and welcoming and the owners Jean and Clyde answered our questions very promptly.
Can't wait to return.
The condo was great. Everything as listed and more. The only problem we had was with the lock to the storage room. The lock needs to be changed. We did not find any of the restaurants on Sanibel to be worth the money. The food was only so so. The next time we come we will plan to do more cooking in. We would recommend this property to any one.
Simply a beautiful condo to match the wonderful view. Everything was well appointed and ready for us to unpack and relax. This condo actually has the value plus that we look for when planning our vacation. We will definitely return to this unit.
My family and I have stayed at Sandollar A301 for so many years it's been a family destination since I can remember. They have thought of everything possible, so we know when we arrive all we have to do is relax and enjoy! Luxurious comfort at it's finest. The condo is always spotless when we arrive.The view from the lanai is breathtaking, especially during sunsets, perfect for enjoying all the beauty of the ocreanfront. The pool, tennis courts, and grounds of the complex are well maintained. I definitely recommend renting bikes, they are the best way to experience the island. And if you have time go fishing! I have so many wonderful memories staying here and I would definitely recommend this unit to anyone that wants to get the best out of their Sanibel vacation!
Rollerblading, shelling, vegging out, world famous Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Shell Museum, CROW-one of a handful of outdoor veterinary clinics that allows visitors
|Rate Period
|Weekend Night
Off Season
Apr 9 2016 - Dec 23 2016
Changeover Day: Saturday
7 night minimum stay
Peak Season
Dec 24 2016 - Jan 6 2017
Changeover Day: Saturday
7 night minimum stay
Shoulder Season
Jan 7 2017 - Jan 27 2017
Changeover Day: Saturday
7 night minimum stay
Peak Season
Jan 28 2017 - Mar 10 2017
Changeover Day: Saturday
7 night minimum stay
High Peak Season
Mar 11 2017 - Apr 21 2017
Changeover Day: Saturday
7 night minimum stay
Shoulder Season
Apr 22 2017 - Apr 28 2017
Changeover Day: Saturday
7 night minimum stay
My Standard Rate
7 night minimum stay
|Booking Fee
|$55 + Tax
|Refundable damage deposit
|Tax Rate
Until confirmed rates are subject to change without notice.
Read rate terms and conditions carefully before booking.
**All reservations require a $35 booking fee and a security deposit waiver that is 2.5% of the rental amount.**
A down payment (20% of rent plus $38.85) is due, by credit card, to secure a reservation.
Final payments are due 30 days prior to arrival by check. (Reservations longer than 21 nights or over $8,000 will require final payment 60 days prior to arrival.)


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Where do the warm-weather animals stay during the cold months? You can find out at this behind-the-scenes event if you participate in the Zoological Society's Sponsor an Animal program. Not an animal sponsor? No problem – you can sponsor an animal online or at the event and join the tours!
SPECIAL NOTE: Bluemound Road is now open eastbound and westbound from 95th to 97th Street. Wisconsin Avenue is now closed long term in both directions from 95th to 97th Street.
Animal Safari
View More
Give a gift as big as all outdoors.
View More
The Zoological Society's goal this year is to give the Colobus monkeys a gift as big as all outdoors! The plan is to create an access corridor to an outdoor yard so that the Colobus monkeys will experience fresh air, sunshine and trees for the very first time – EVER! We need your help.


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This week on The Reading Life: Nancy Horan, who has followed up her bestselling novel about Mamah Cheney and Frank Lloyd Wright, Loving Frank, with a novel about the adventurous life of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife, Fanny, titled Under the Wide and Starry Sky.
This week on The Reading Life: One of the greats of the New Orleans poetry scene, Tulane University professor Peter Cooley, reads from his new collection, Night Bus to the Afterlife. Duke University professor Thomas Brothers talks about Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism.
And we'll hear from Candice Huber, founder of fleurdelit.com and the Reading Between the Wines literary series.
This week on The Reading Life: Former U.S. poet laureate Robert Pinsky, whose new book is Singing School: Learning to Write (and Read) Poetry by Studying with the Masters, and book critic John Freeman, author of How to Read a Novelist.
Susan also reviews some books on reading.
The whole region might be encased in ice this week, but there's still time to get to your favorite local bookstore and stock up before the temperature drops and the roads close.
Here are some snow day reading choices perfect for curling up with in front of a roaring fire (or a space heater!).
— Finish up Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series with The Days of Anna Madrigal and pretend you're in San Francisco, where there is no snow, only an ever-charming and beloved cast of characters.
This week on The Reading Life: Award-winning novelist Jesmyn Ward, whose most recent book is the very moving memoir, Men We Reaped, and Beverly Hegre of the Jane Austen Society of America.
This week on The Reading Life: Poet Geoff Munsterman, author of Because the Stars Shine Through It, and Carla Kaplan, author of Miss Anne in Harlem: The White Women of the Black Renaissance.
This week on The Reading Life: Jean Redmann, whose new murder mystery is The Shoal of Time; and Carolyn Kolb, author of New Orleans Memories: One Writer's City.
This week on The Reading Life: Wendy Rodrigue talks about her life with artist George Rodrigue in an interview about her book, The Other Side of the Painting, recorded earlier this year.
We'll also hear from writer Ann Patchett, whose new essay collection is This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage. And I'll have a few thoughts on the literary year 2013.
This week on The Reading Life: Eric Bookhardt, editor of Inventing Reality: New Orleans Visionary Photography, and his publisher and subject, photographer Josephine Sacabo. We'll also hear from Phillip Collier, whose gorgeous new book is Phillip Collier's Making New Orleans Products Past and Present.
And we'll meet the writers of a new children's book, What the Sleepy Animals Do at the Audubon Zoo — Ryan Murphy and Grace Millsaps.
This week on The Reading Life: Michael Allen Zell and photographers Jeff Louviere and Vanessa Brown, who work as Louviere and Vanessa, about their new book, The Oblivion Atlas.
We'll also hear from Marty Mulé about his new book, Game Changers: The Rousing Legacy of Louisiana Sports.


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Google's top searches this year showed that users around the globe were interested in celebrities, social networking, and the World Cup.
Four of the top five search terms on Google.com were online social networks. Bebo, a San Francisco-based company, topped the list, with MySpace in second place, video-sharing site Metacafe No. 4, and music-sharing site Radioblog fifth. The World Cup was the third most popular site.
On Google News, celebrity heiress Paris Hilton attracted the most interest, followed by teen heartthrob Orlando Bloom.
In making its rankings, Google considers the increase in the number of queries a search term receives during the year, as opposed to considering only the number of searches. By monitoring growth, Google believes it can give a more accurate picture of the world's shifting interests. "It's about change," Douglas Merrill, VP of engineering for Google, said. "It captures the changes of our cultural perspective."
That strategy leads to some interesting results. For example, Portuguese words such as ciencia (science) and filosofia (philosophy) were among the top 10 words searchers sought definitions for, and several painkillers and anti-stress drugs were searched with the words "what is." "We appear to be in pain and stressed at an increasing rate," Merrill said.
Actress Nicole Kidman's marriage to singer Keith Urban was the most popular wedding of the year, beating ex-husband Tom Cruise tying the knot with actress Katie Holmes, who were No. 2. Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney calling it quits with second wife Heather Mills McCartney was the top divorce, and the death of TV producer Aaron Spelling, creator of the '90s hit Beverly Hills, 90210, attracted the most searches in the obituary category.
Under What's Hot, Borat, the fictional character of British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, was the most likely term to follow the question: "Who is?" Refinance and hezbollah topped the "how to" and "what is" searches, respectively; and people were most interested in finding Togo, the small African nation that made it to the World Cup for the first time.
Google searchers appeared to have a moral dilemma, with promiscuous topping the list of definitions sought. Three of the five top terms related to U.S. scandals were connected to the alleged rape of an exotic dancer during a raucous party involving members of Duke University's lacrosse team.
The most-sought-after tickets this year were for Disney's The Cheetah Girls, who were a hit on the concert circuit and on the Disney Channel. Most of the top 10 entertainment tickets were for bands or sports. The exception was Broadway musical Jersey Boys.
Sci-fi comedy movie Idiocracy topped the search list for show times. The most popular sports jersey had a World Cup theme, and game-show host Bob Barker led the list of celebrities announcing their retirement.
Google released its most popular search terms Tuesday. The complete list is available on the Google Zeitgeist site.
Editor's note: This story was changed on Dec. 20 to add additional material from Google.


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