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Chapter 2
"If you think that's funny, no one's laughing."
Jack stood up and glared at Ross. "Mr and Mrs Foxtail told us not to tell her."
"Jack, don't be stupid," I said. "Ross is being a jerk." Something deep inside me was strangely annoyed at my insult. That was new. I hated Ross.
"Well she would have found out one day, wouldn't she? I mean, I heard they were going to buy her a beryl on her 18th and explain everything after she'd finished school." I turned to look at Ross while he was speaking. He looked dead serious.
"But she's 16, not 18." Jack was glaring.
"Ah but I have to practise telling humans this sort of thing, Jack. For when I'm a kingfisher." There was some subtle other meaning behind his last statement (which didn't make sense anyway), but he kept it well hidden.
"Perhaps. But not someone whose parents made us promise not to."
"Will someone please tell me what's going on?" I shouted.
"I will," Ross offered, putting his hand up like a child answering a teacher's question.
"You won't," Jack snarled. I'd never seen him look so angry before.
"Jack darling, don't get mad," I murmured, reaching out to hold his hand.
He glanced down at me. His look was still imploring. "Please, Rosa. Don't pursue this. You like a simple life, remember? That's what you told me when we went out on our first date."
My brow furrowed. "So, this will complicate things?"
Jack nodded. "And you won't like it, baby, so don't ask any more questions."
Something inside me was restless when he called me baby, as if it was longing for something else, not something that was more, but something that was different. It was strange. This deeper part of me seemed to have awakened when I'd been alone with Ross.
"Stop sheltering her, Jack," Ross said.
"I'm fine being sheltered," I said quickly. "I don't want to upset you Jack." I smiled at him, but felt awkward, as if it was wrong for me to act as though I loved him. But I do love him, I told myself. I've loved him for years.
"Come to my room with me, Rosa," Ross murmured. "Then Jack can pretend I'm not telling you."
His words tugged at the new part of me. The new part seemed drawn to him for some reason. I couldn't understand why it was overjoyed at the thought of being alone with him.
I felt myself stand up.
"What are you doing?" Jack looked horrified, as if I'd just told him I was going to assassinate someone.
"I... don't know," I said truthfully as I walked towards Ross. "At least you can pretend this never happened."
Jack glared at Ross. "Are you using your sapphire on her?"
Ross looked puzzled by the fact I wasn't arguing further. "Um, no. I don't know why she wants to come with me either."
As I reached Ross, I said to Jack, "I love you."
Ross frowned. "Um, did she just try to convince herself she meant that?"
Jack scowled in a very un-Jack-like way. "I don't read her thoughts."
Ross shrugged. "Okay. I won't keep her too long."
The strange part of me frowned. It wanted Ross to keep me too long.
In Ross's room, I sat on the bed while Ross sat on an office chair. He smiled at me.
"What am I doing here?" I wondered aloud. "You tried to invade my mind."
Ross cringed. "Succeeded actually. I'm sorry. I probably wasn't meant to do that."
"No, I don't think you were."
"At least I know now."
"Know what?"
"You're my rose-dove," he said matter-of-factly.
"Are you going to tell me what that means?"
Ross nodded. "Yup. You and I are destined to be lovers."
I snorted. "No, the truth, please."
"I wasn't lying. We won't ever be whole without each other."
The annoying part of me was nodding in agreement. It seemed to know this.
"Prove it," I said, humouring him.
"Okay." Ross stood up. He wandered over to his chest of drawers, opened it and pulled out a packet of what looked like some dried flower. He came over to me and handed it to me. "This is dried foxglove. Take some out and then cast a spell."
"Cast a spell? What: like magic? Will my fairy godmother appear?" I asked sarcastically.
Ross shrugged. "Depends. And it's exactly like magic. Um, try saying... 'Let someone I know appear, who'd help me if I e'er felt fear.'"
He smiled encouragingly at me. I wondered if he'd gone crazy. He was never this smiley and what he was saying sounded insane.
I thought I might as well go along with it though. I pulled out some foxglove and half-heartedly muttered, "Let someone I know appear, who'd help me if I e'er felt fear."
Suddenly, Jack appeared. He glanced around and looked bewildered. He saw me and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Is she holding foxglove?"
I puzzled over how he had appeared and wondered what foxglove had to do with any of this.
Ross nodded. "She must be someone's rose-dove. Maybe yours."
I frowned slightly as he lied, but Jack was beaming. "Oh, that's wonderful."
He took me up in his arms and began to kiss me, pausing every so often to tuck a stray hair behind my ear and whisper, "I love you."
Earlier today, I would have felt wonderful. I loved it when he kissed me. But now, I felt impatient, as if I wanted him to stop.
I pushed him away. "How did you get here?"
Jack sighed, gently putting me back on the bed (to the relief of the deeper part within me). "It's true, I'm afraid. Magic exists."
"But, but, how?" I spluttered.
"Well, I don't think anyone could tell you that."
"Why haven't you told me this before?!"
"Because your parents told me not to. I'm sorry. I think they didn't want to alarm you."
"They shouldn't have lied to me."
"I'm sure they had a good reason for it."
"Oh, go away. You're both crazy."
"We're telling the truth, Rosa. Would I really have appeared out of thin air if magic didn't exist?"
I deflated, unable to answer him.
"Well, I won't say any more on the subject."
Jack turned to frown at Ross. "And I don't think she's my rose-dove, by the way."
"Ah, too bad. Hopefully she won't find the guy who is."
Jack shrugged. "Hopefully," he said half-heartedly.
He left the room, sighing and looking slightly sad.
"Now, we've proved you're my rose-dove. You can't deny it after Jack said there was such a thing."
"Why did you lie to him?" I asked.
"Well, he's my best friend. I didn't want to depress him if you needed more time as his girlfriend before we got together."
"Well, the rest of my life should do it," I said. "I don't want us to get together. I don't even understand why we would."
"I don't mind. I've not felt any particular longing for you to be mine, yet."
I felt a pang deep within me. "Oh, that's so annoying!" I muttered.
"Nothing. I suppose we've also proved that magic exists as well, haven't we?" I sighed, shaking my head at the tattered ruins that my world had become.
"Yup. Now, you can ask me whatever questions you like. After all, both Jack and I are witches."
I laughed. "Ha. Funny."
"I was serious. That's what we were talking about when we mentioned your thoughts."
I paled. "Witches are real?!"
"That's what I've been trying to say. Come on! You've just learned that magic is real! Why can't witches be?"
I spluttered out incoherent phrases. "But you can't be witches! I've known you both since I was like 2! I would have noticed!"
"Would you have, though? Did you ever go outside at night with Jack?"
"Yes, but nothing was different... What should have happened?"
"Oh, we just look slightly different by night. Well, I do. Jack's a bit of an oddity because he's a human with witch traits... I suppose he's technically human because none of his grandparents were witches and the witch gene skips a generation but he's been exposed to a lot of magic so he has a few special abilities that only witches have. He can use a birthstone and read minds but while taking the normal length of time to age..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, back it up right there for a second! I don't get you! Reading minds? Mucked up ageing?"
"Oh, yeah. Witches are psychic. And you might have noticed I don't take as long to age as Jack does - as you do."
"Oh." It suddenly made sense. The way he had gradually looked the same age as Jack until he looked younger. "How old are you?"
"Well, I'm not 18."
"Go on."
"NO! You can't be!"
"I am."
My parents have some explaining to do, I thought grimly. Keeping this from me. "Wait! Why did my parents know about witches?"
Ross winced. "Your dad's a witch, Rosa. And your mum is too, though I reckon she used to be human."
"And they just kept this stuff from me?! How could they? When it's so important for me to know! When I get home tonight..."
"You'll keep your mouth shut unless you want Jack to get into trouble. Or maybe..."
"Maybe what?! I need to shout at them Ross, or I'll go mad."
"You could say you got told this stuff because you found your kingfisher..." He paused.
I crossed my arms, waiting for an explanation. Was I supposed to understand?
"But then, you'd have to accept you were my rose-dove," Ross added.
"Can you tell me a bit more about the rose-dove thing? You said we were meant to be lovers. And why did the foxglove prove I was one?"
"Well, basically, the rose-dove or the kingfisher, depending on gender, is the love of a witch's life. The rose-dove and kingfisher are two halves of the same heart. They belong to each other. And the foxglove proves you're a rose-dove because it aided you in casting a spell. There's this poem about rose-doves and kingfishers which says that foxglove favours the rose-dove, which means that even if she doesn't have magical powers, she can cast a spell when in possession of it."
"But why am I yours? I have a boyfriend, who I love and wish to marry."
Ross looked startled. "Marry?! You can't do that! You'll regret it so much."
"Is that a threat?"
"No, that's the truth. It's in the poem. Rose-doves and kingfishers can't be apart."
"Well, that's a silly poem."
"Everything the poem said has come true. I talked to Lily about it and she said she knew a couple who had experienced everything in the poem. Come to think of it, the couple was your parents."
"My parents have experienced this?!"
If I hadn't been sitting down, my knees would have buckled.
"Yes. I suppose they didn't tell you because no one really wants to hear their parents' love story."
"Yeah, I suppose so actually. So, what showed you first that we were ... destined for each other?"I asked hesitantly.
"The psychic link at physical contact," he replied calmly. "That's something only we can make each other feel."
"I don't get it. I mean, it's a nice idea, but ... I don't love you."
Ross gazed out of his window with a slightly wistful expression. "Don't you?" he murmured, before turning back to me.
"Er, no. I'd know, wouldn't I?"
"Well I reckon the answer should be yes, but you're not analysing your feelings, so in this case, no."
"Are you analysing my feelings?"
"Every second..."
"And...?" I prompted.
Ross frowned. "You want me to tell you about your feelings?"
I nodded. "Yes, please, 'cause I sure don't know what they're telling me."
"Okay then. There's a part deep within you, I sense, that is definitely in love with me. It's revealed itself a few times today. When Jack called you 'baby', it was restless and then it was annoyed when you called me a jerk; it was drawn to me which was what made you come up here with me; you sounded like you were trying to convince yourself you loved Jack when we left him in the living room when you should have been sure of your feelings for him and it wasn't happy when I said I wouldn't keep you too long."
"It seemed to agree with you when you told me we were destined for each other as if it knew that already; it felt a pang when you told me you didn't long for me to be your lover and it was impatient when I kissed Jack," I added, recognising the common factor in all these things as that strange part of me deep within that had awoken at Ross's first touch.
"What that's telling you," Ross continued, "is that..."
"I do, in fact, love you," I finished, grimacing, "and that Jack is going to be devastated since it's his birthday."
"Don't tell him! At least, not today. You need to be sure you can take that step, first."
"Take what step?"
"Fully accepting your love for me and actually wanting to be in a relationship with me. Do you?"
I sighed. "I'm ... not sure, Ross. I obviously love you, but it's more subconsciously than anything."
Ross stood up and came over to sit beside me on the bed. He gazed deep into my eyes. I noticed, for the first time, that they were a lovely cerulean blue. I could picture them darkening and reflecting the turmoil of the sea during a storm, but right now, they were calming. I was reminded of the beach, because his hair was blond and reminded me of sand while his eyes were the cloudless skies above. I felt myself leaning in towards him to brush my lips against his briefly, before I was totally drawn in. It was as if all other thoughts had been swept away. I rested my hands on the bed to steady myself as I kissed him passionately, almost falling on him from the force I was putting into my kisses. I could feel him kissing back, not as passionately, since he was trying not to force me to make a decision too soon, but in a way that would make me realise he loved me too. I felt his thoughts. They were all tinged with coldness. Yes, he was happy and yes, he loved me, but there was still darkness there.
So, you probably think I'm all cuddly and gentle now. I'm really not. Today, I was taken by surprise. Normally, I'm cold and dispassionate. But you probably noticed that, didn't you? That I distance myself from other people and am usually bored, exasperated or just plain heartless.
'I don't believe you're totally heartless,' I thought to him, while simultaneously feeling awe at the ability to communicate with him like this.
No, me neither. But don't start buying my heart-shaped cushions. Valentine's Day is not a date in my calendar.
I laughed in my head at the absurdity of the thought of buying Ross something that conjured up the words 'tender' and 'romantic'. It just wasn't something you'd do in a relationship with him.
'Love is more than what you buy someone, anyway,' I told him. 'It's about the deeper emotions which create a bond between you and your lover. Kind of like this. This is slightly unnecessary, really.'
'Really. When you love someone, you see it when you look into their eyes and see straight into their heart. You just open up to each other.'
I think I prefer this.
I laughed in my head. 'This is opening up to each other, silly.'
'Don't get affectionate with me,' he warned.
'Why not? I know now that I won't be able to love Jack like this. He's great, but this is just so much more... intimate.'
You're making me feel ill, Rosa.
'Good. I want to get you back for all the times you annoyed me.'
Are you feeling okay? You seem really ... happy. Unnaturally so. You were really mad when I tried to see your soul.
I stopped kissing him. "You what?" I whispered.
"That's what I was doing when you wanted to give Jack his cake."
"Why? That's like... the deepest part of me. You can't just barge in there without my permission. I hope you failed."
"No, actually, I saw it. I'm really sorry."
"Oh, Ross, but why?! Why would you do that?! I was terrified when you invaded my mind, I probably would have died of shock if I'd known that was your intention."
"I know and I'm sorry. It was just something that would prove you were my rose-dove."
I stood up. "I probably would have let you see it if we'd gotten to this point before."
"Are you leaving?" I could hear the pain in his voice, the longing for me to sit back down and start kissing him again.
I turned to face him. "I think I need some time to mull things over, Ross. I shouldn't have been so quick to make a decision. And I'm not feeling okay. I'm getting hysterical and letting my subconscious intentions overpower my natural ones. I don't think you should have forced my defences down."
He nodded. "I agree. But, don't you feel like something is tugging at your heart?" He said this as if he was discussing a fact - I was sure he'd never be the romantic type.
"Oh, of course - it's almost impossible to resist. But, as much as I'd love to stay here and kiss you and allow myself to be enveloped by your thoughts..." I paused, surprised by how much I did want that, "I have to go. If I stay any longer, I'll completely lose myself in you and then I won't be in the right state to talk to Jack."
Ross nodded again. "I ... won't be down for a while. Tell Jack I hope he has a brilliant day."
"I will."
"I love you, Rosa," he murmured sincerely.
"I love you too, Ross."
It took a lot of effort not to fling myself into his arms and start kissing him again, and inside I was crying, but I wrenched myself away from his solemn eyes and walked out the door. It had been the hardest thing I'd had to do in my life.


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"All that separates man from animal…are the stories he tells". Those words appear at the beginning of the first official trailer for Kevin Smith's wacky horror thriller Tusk which dropped last night at Comic-Con. Smith is clearly in his element in this genre. Set in the Canadian wilderness, pic stars Justin Long as a podcaster who's assigned to interview a mysterious seafarer (Michael Parks) who happens to have a strange obsession with walruses. Haley Joel Osment and Genesis Rodriguez also star. A24 releases Tusk on September 19. Check it out:
Hot Comic-Con Trailer: Kevin Smith's 'Tusk'
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Kevin Smith does it again! Hilarious comedy. Justin Long gives the comedic performance of a lifetime in this parody of Misery.
It is supposed to be a parody, right?
Anyone? Right?
Oh. It's not supposed to be funny?
Oh. Oh my.
Sort of like how your comment is supposed to be funny but really just seems like struggle?
Of course!
So this is basically Human Centipede then.
"Then Came Bronson" 's Bus Riley is back in town! That's great and I think this looks like a lot of fun!
Kevin Smith was one of my favorite comedic directors when I was growing up and I am extremely disappointed by the fact that he never grew or evolved as a director or writer. Please just stick to Jay and Silent Bob movies as it's what you do and leave the rest of the film genres to people who either know what they are doing or take the time to learn how to do it right. Just stop making awful, piss-poor excuses for movies. And for crying out loud, find a decent or at least coherent tone for one of your movies…this is just getting more pathetic with every movie he makes. Too bad George Carlin isn't still around as I bet he could do a pretty funny stand-up bit about Smith's recent……career?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I could have sworn that Kevin Smith promised to stop making movies. Seriously, I thought he said a couple years ago that he was getting out of the business. To me, he's the ultimate one-hit wonder who never could follow up on his original promise. Sad.
Combine lotsa pot, too many viewings of the Buffalo Bill scenes from Silence of the Lambs, too much giddy self-pleasure at one's baked observations, a willing, pliant (and hopefully as stoned) fanbase, a deep need to reinvent one's self after years of out of off-kilter Talent to Fame quotient, a desire to be Tarantino, lotsa pot, repeated viewings of Boxing Helena, MORE POT, a deeply held conviction that Red State was scary, a belief that pot has made you more productive and not just silly and out of touch, and a need to be more than a talk show host and what do you get?
Just tell me that you want me! TUSK!


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Good offshore fishing is spreading northward and closer to South Jersey.
Michael Del Rosario of Margate headed toward Toms Canyon on Saturday with a crew on Sturgeon General that included Jon Weiss, Jeremy Juffe, Dave Waddell and Mike Weiner. They found clean, warm water but very little life in the water. Del Rosario said by e-mail that they "trolled hard" despite the fact they found no temperature breaks where game fish like to lurk. He said sometimes you just need to work an area and you might be surprised.
Well, given his record of success, it is no surprise that the crew went 2-for-3 in yellowfin tuna in the 40-to 60-pound class and caught more than two dozen mahi, and raised two white marlin.
Weiss is the owner of Offshore Enterprises in Atlantic City and was taking a break from running charters on the Carly A from Pirate's Cove out of Oregon Inlet in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Juffe is from Atlantic City, Waddell from Egg Harbor Township and Weiner from Margate.
John Raimondo, a veteran and successful offshore competition angler, said in a conversation on Saturday morning's Shep on Fishing on Air (7 a.m.-8 a.m. on1400 AM, WOND), that significant temperature breaks are hard to find. He says 1 or 2 degrees is all you need sometimes, which kind backs up Del Rosario's point.
Prior to this recent stretch of great weather, a fleet offshore sportfishing craft were piloted well south, often more than 100 miles to Washington Canyon. Quite a run for the average big-game fan.
Avalon Hodge-Podge reported a 100-pound plus wahoo that was 66 inches in length was caught by Kevin Best trolling the Hot Dog.
Matt Slobodjian reported from Jim's Bait and Tackle in Cape May that the east wall of Wilmington had bigeye tuna, as many as 10 per boat, Saturday. Matt verified that Washington Canyon is still a hot spot for yellowfin tuna, white marlin and a few blue marlin.
That area is likely to see a lot of traffic this week during the White Marlin Open, or WMO, out of Ocean City, Md. Incidentally, a number of well-known and respected South Jersey captains, crews and boats are competing.
The WMO has posted an estimated $2.4 million in prize money and a juggernaut of 262 boats from all over the East Coast. On a beautiful Monday opener, 204 captains and crews decided to take advantage of the conditions. The weigh-ins will be held from 4 p.m.-9:15 daily through Friday at Harbour House, 14th St. and the bay, in Ocean City, Md., just in case anyone wants to hop the ferry and go on over.
Slobodjian's dispatch also described more mahi and some tuna along the 20-Fathom Line and trolling around the pots might connect with bluefin and yellowfin.
Billfish followup
The Overnight Billfish run for the 36th year by Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club had some last-day drama. Tournament official Brian Logue said before the final overnight Friday-Saturday that only one boat, the Frigate, was sailing. When it pulled up to the weighstation at Ocean City Yacht Club on Saturday afternoon, it put a 161-pound bigeye tuna on the scale. It was caught by Aaron Braunstein, and it bumped Sailmaker, with a 139.5-pounder caught by Andrew Hall, out of third place.
The rest of the standings held up: Trust Me Too was overall tuna points leader with four bigeye. Troy Shadoin led Trust Me Too with a second-place, 216-pound bigeye and the heaviest mahi at 26.5 pounds; Thomas Garmany put Viking 70 up on the podium in second overall tuna with a 232-pound champion bigeye.
Polarizer won the billfish release honors with three and was third in tuna points. Viking 70 and Outrage also had billfish releases.
Press Contest
The Press Fishing Contest is just past the halfway point, and we recently received entries for two of the three heaviest flounder of the season.
Charles Grabbe of Sewell pulled an 8.55-pound flounder out of the back bays of Stone Harbor on July 23. It was registered for The Press Fishing Contest at Avalon Hodge-Podge.
But the day before, Dennis White of Clayton caught a flounder at Cape May Reef that weighed 9.5 pounds. Utsch's Marina in Cape May was the weighstation for that one.
The Press Fishing Contest runs to Oct. 31 with $100 gift certificates from participating bait and tackle shops and marinas located all around South Jersey. We also award weekly best-of certificates for top catches.
Bob Scittina of Media, Pa,. caught a 67-pound, 5-foot-7 inch wahoo on July 27 at Wilmington Canyon. Moran's Dockside in Avalon weighed it.
So for the week of July 21-27, Scittina and White share the best-of bragging rights.
Another contender for that week was a 4-pound, 1-ounce largemouth bass caught by Hal Becker at Penny Pot Lake and certified by Captain Howard's Bait and Tackle in Egg Harbor City.
Flounder continue to hang in the back bays as we head into August. Hard to believe that four weeks from today is Sept. 3, one day after Labor Day.
In addition to the two Press Fishing Contest flounder entries, Sterling Harbor Marina in Wildwood reported that George Danley of West Wildwoood picked a 7-9 flounder off Cape May Reef on Liquid Asset using a bucktail. And just to use this alliteration and to show that flounder are picking up inshore: Martin McMaster of West Wildwood whacked a 5-14 flounder at Wildwood Reef on his boat Wicked Witch. (I had to do it!)
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Mike Shepherd is the retired sports editor of The Press. His column appears Saturdays and Tuesdays in the sports section. Call 609-350-0388 or email:
You also can hear Shep on 1400 AM from 7-8 a.m. Saturdays, plus reports Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 6:05 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. on 1400 AM and on our website:


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jun 5, 2001
|Filing date
|Dec 3, 1996
|Priority date
|Aug 5, 1993
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|David E. Penna
|Original Assignee
|U.S. Philips Corporation
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (16), Non-Patent Citations (1), Referenced by (42), Classifications (5), Legal Events (3)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/285,838, filed Aug. 4, 1994 now abandoned.
The present invention relates to a method of image processing and an image processing apparatus.
In particular, the present invention relates to rendering a two dimensional image from three dimensional image data, wherein a polygon defined in three dimensional space is projected into two dimensional space and pixel values from a two dimensional image are mapped onto pixel positions within said projected two dimensional polygon.
Computer graphics systems are known in which two dimensional video images or two dimensional textures appear wrapped around a solid three dimensional object. A three dimensional object is represented as three dimensional image data, in which the vertices of polyhedra are defined as three dimensional co-ordinate locations within a virtual three dimensional world, commonly referred to as world-space. The object is viewed by producing a two dimensional projection from the three dimensional data, so as to produce a still two-dimensional image, or a sequence of images, which may be recorded onto the photographic film or a video carrying medium.
The position of objects, along with viewing position and orientation, may be adjusted within the three dimensional world-space, resulting in a sequence of projections being calculated. These projections may be calculated on a frame-by-frame basis, possibly in real time, thereby facilitating the creation of a virtual interactive environment.
In order to effect the rendering of three dimensional objects, each surface of a polyhedron may be considered individually, thereby reducing the object to a net of polygons. Thus, it is possible to project the object on a polygon-by-polygon basis and to calculate lighting values for each polygon, so that displayable pixel values may be determined for the pixel positions which lie within the projected polygon boundaries.
In addition to identifying solid colours for each polygon surface, it is also possible to map an existing video frame onto the polygon surfaces, so that it appears as if a flat two dimensional image has been wrapped around the three dimensional object. The video frame may consist of a single image, thereby creating the effect of a texture being mapped onto the three dimensional object. Alternatively, the video image may consist of a video sequence, thereby creating the effect of a moving video image being wrapped around the solid object.
In the three dimensional world-space, polygons have orientations in the x, y and the z dimensions. However, once projected onto a two dimensional plane, the polygons are defined with only two dimensions which, in order to distinguish these from the x, y and z dimensions of the three dimensional world, will be identified herein as X and Y dimensions. Thus, within a video frame, lines are scanned from the top left corner, in which traversing across a line is achieved by increasing values of X and advancing to the next line is achieved by increasing values of Y.
In order to create the illusion of a three dimensional object being viewed, it is necessary to take account of perspective, when projecting the three dimensional polygons onto the two dimensional plane. This is a non-linear process and, consequently, computationally demanding. It is therefore preferable to project the vertices of the three dimensional polygons onto positions within the two dimensional plane and thereafter perform further operations, such as shading and rendering, on the two dimensional polygons, such that it is only necessary to perform calculations with respect to two dimensions, rather than three.
It is also conventional to perform manipulations on the two dimensional polygon by processes of linear interpolation. Thus, in preference to allocating a single colour to each polygon surface, thereby resulting in a clear identification of the polygon boundaries, it is possible to perform Gouraud shading on the polygons by identifying a polygon colour for each of the vertices. Thereafter, pixel positions along the edges of the polygon are calculated by linearly interpolating along said edges and pixel values within the polygon are allocated values by linearly interpolating across the horizontal scan-line.
Although this process works adequately well when performing solid shading on an object, it has a major disadvantage when performing texture or video mapping.
As previously stated, the purpose of performing texture mapping or video mapping is to create the illusion of a texture or video image being wrapped around a solid three dimensional object. Thus, the desired result will be achieved if the calculations are performed in the three dimensional world-space. However, as previously stated, this is computationally demanding and would not, therefore, be realised in most practical embodiments. However, performing the mapping operation on the two dimensional polygon by a process of linear interpolation fails to take account of the non-linear nature of the perspective, resulting in incorrectly calculated values and clear errors in the final output image.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for rendering a two dimensional image from three dimensional image data, wherein a polygon defined in three dimensional space is projected into two dimensional space and pixel values from a two dimensional image are mapped onto pixels within said projected two dimensional polygon, characterised in that: positions within said two dimensional images are identified along a locus to be interpolated by addressing values from a look-up table to obtain a substantially perspectively correct mapping.
Thus, the present invention allows mapping values to be calculated, initially, by a process of linear interpolation. The values calculated by this method may then be perspectively corrected by addressing the look-up table.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus arranged to render a two dimensional image from three dimensional image data, such that a polygon defined in three dimensional space is projected into two dimensional space and pixel values from a two dimensional image are mapped onto pixels within the projected polygon, characterised by: storage means arranged to store look up tables of values defining perspective-correcting functions, and processing means arranged to interpolate a locus of positions within the input image by addressing values from a look up table so as to perspectively correct the interpolated positions.
Thus, the present invention provides an advantage of allowing perspectively correct video and texture mapping, but with minimal additional computational requirements.
The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows an image processing apparatus, including a processor having circuitry for effecting two dimensional texture mapping;
FIG. 2 shows a two dimensional polygon having a texture mapped thereon;
FIG. 3 shows the effect of a linear mapping and a perspectively correct mapping;
FIG. 4 details part of the processor shown in FIG. 1, including a plurality of look-up tables for storing mapping coefficients;
FIG. 5 illustrates non-linear functions defined by coefficients stored in look-up tables, of the type shown in FIG. 4; and
FIG. 6 details part of the processor shown in FIG. 1, for selecting a particular look-up table.
An image processing apparatus is shown in FIG. 1, having a processing unit 15, arranged to process three dimensional image data to produce a viewable two dimensional view of a virtual three dimensional world. Three dimensional data and instructions controlling the operation of the processor 15, are stored via a permanent storage device 16, which may include a magnetic disc, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc or other suitable storage medium. For example, the data could be stored on a conventional audio-type compact disc (CD-ROM) or any other medium capable of supplying data to the processor 15 at the required rate.
Video images are supplied to a video monitor 17, which could be in the form of a conventional television receiver. Furthermore, interactive inputs are received from a controller 18, which could take the form of a keyboard, tracker-ball, mouse or dedicated key-pad, etc.
Three dimensional data is stored by defining the position of polyhedra vertices in a three dimensional co-ordinate space. A two dimensional view of the three dimensional data is produced, on a frame-by-frame basis, by considering the vertices as being connected by straight lines, thereby defining a net of flat polygons. A view is rendered by considering each polygon in turn, possibly after performing back face culling, etc so as to remove polygons which are not visible from the particular view under consideration. Thereafter, a list of polygons may be defined, which ensures that the polygons are rendered in the correct order.
It is possible to allocate a solid colour to each of the polygons or, alternatively, to identify colours for the vertices and thereafter allocate colour values for each pixel within the polygon boundary by a process of linear interpolation. A similar process may also be performed to effect texture mapping or video mapping, the nature of which is illustrated with reference to FIG. 2.
In FIG. 2, a polygon 21 has been projected into a two dimensional viewing plane by processing three dimensional co-ordinates for vertices 22, 23 and 24. Thus, these vertices were previously defined in a three dimensional space, having x, y and z co-ordinates and are projected onto a two dimensional (X,Y) plane.
The conveyance of information obtained from the z dimension to an observer is achieved by ensuring that the polygons are rendered in the correct order, that is to say, polygons towards the rear (having greatest z extent) are rendered before polygons which have lower values of z, thereby ensuring that the polygons closest to an observer occlude polygons which are further away from the observer. Furthermore, information derived from the z dimension is also retained by ensuring perspectively correct projection of the polygons onto the two dimensional plane.
After projection, vertices 22, 23 and 24 are positioned at perspectively correct locations within the two dimensional image-frame. Each vertex contains co-ordinate locations reflecting a mapping from the three dimensional world space to the two dimensional image plane, in the form of a three dimensional co-ordinate set and a two dimensional co-ordinate set. In addition, each vertex may also contain other information, such as that defining aspects of the surface of the polygon, such as its colour, opacity or specularity, etc.
In the present embodiment, the processor is concerned with mapping a two dimensional image frame onto a three dimensional object, wherein said object is defined in the three dimensional world-space. Part of a two dimensional object is identified as reference 25 in FIG. 2. The two dimensional image is a conventional video frame, to provide a mapping of a video texture onto the three dimensional object. Alternatively, a sequence of video frames may be considered, resulting in the mapping of a moving video sequence onto the three dimensional object. Thus, the video frame consists of an array of multi-coloured pixels, which may be defined as RGB values, luminance plus colour difference values or a compressed representation of such values. The position of each pixel within the image frame is identified by measuring along a scan-line from the top left corner, in order to give a U co-ordinate and measuring the number of scan lines down the frame, resulting in a V co-ordinate. Thus, it should be emphasised that the notation U and V is used herein to identify co-ordinate locations within the originating image and should not be confused with colour difference signals used in the PAL system.
Returning to the polygon 21, said polygon may be considered as an area of an output image and the purpose of the texture mapping procedure is to identify pixel values for said area. Thus, the image frame may be built up in a storage device and once completely full, that is to say, once pixel values have been calculated for all of the pixels within the frame, said frame may be raster scanned in order to produce an viewable video signal.
Vertices 22, 23 and 24 were originally defined in three dimensional space, each having a coordinate position (x,y,z). The projection into the two dimensional plane results in each vertex having a two dimensional coordinate within the viewing plane (X, Y). Thus, the vertices 22, 23 and 24 define an area of pixels within the output video frame, bounded by triangular polygon 21.
In theory, it would be possible to consider each pixel within triangle 21 in the three dimensional world space. Thus, the input two dimensional image 25 could be mapped into the three dimensional world space, pixel values could be calculated within said space, whereafter said pixels could be projected into the two dimensional viewing plane. However, such a procedure would be computationally expensive and it would not allow the texture mapping facility to be implemented on many practical platforms.
As previously stated, it is known to effect types of shading by considering each of the vertices 22, 23, 24 and interpolating therebetween. Thus, a similar procedure may be adopted for effecting texture mapping, in that a mapping is defined for each of the vertices, whereafter mappings for each of the pixels bounded by the polygon are calculated by interpolating between the information which is available.
The process may be initiated by identifying the vertices having the lowest value of Y which, in this example, would be vertex 24. Thus, rendering, from top to bottom on a line-by-line basis, would be initiated from vertex 24.
A mapping is defined for vertex 24 which identifies a particular pixel location within the input image frame 25. Thus, in addition to an (X,Y) position being defined for a vertex 24, a (U,V) co-ordinate is also defined for this vertex. Thus, a pixel within the output image frame is defined at position (X,Y) of vertex 24, having colour values obtained by mapping a pixel from the input image frame 25 from position (U,V) in the input frame. Similarly, a pixel value at vertex 22 is defined by a (U,V) coordinate mapping into the input image frame, along with a (U,V) co-ordinate within the input frame for vertex 23.
For a triangular polygon 21 to be rendered, it is apparent that a triangular region of pixels within the input image frame 25 will be mapped onto the pixels within polygon 21. In known systems, pixel values, defined by (U,V) co-ordinates, are identified for all of the pixel locations (X,Y) within the polygon region by a process of linear interpolation. Thus, X and Y values for vertex 22 would be subtracted from the similar values for vertex 24. This difference would then be divided by the number of pixel spacings between vertex 24 and 22, resulting in gradient values which may be added successively from scan-line to scan-line, while traversing from vertex 24 to vertex 22. Similarly, a linear interpolation may be performed between vertex 24 and 23, whereafter further processes of linear interpolation may be performed across the scan-line, to produce U and v values for each pixel along each of the scan-lines.
Referring to FIG. 3, a two dimensional input image texture is illustrated at 31 and a representation of a three dimensional object, onto which the two dimensional image texture is to be mapped, is identified at 32.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, mapping and rendering are effected with reference to triangular polygons, therefore a first stage would consist of splitting the flat surfaces of object 32 into triangular renderable polygons and projecting the polygons onto a two dimensional plane. Thereafter, maps are defined for the polygon vertices and additional positions are interpolated, such that individual pixels within the polygons are identified by a direct two dimensional mapping from the input image to the output image.
The effect of using a conventional linearly interpolated mapping is illustrated by reference 33. As shown in this diagram, the mapped image is distorted and has been mapped with insufficient regard to the perspective. A perspectively correct mapping is illustrated by reference 34, in which it does appear that the originating image, illustrated at 31, has successfully been wrapped around the object illustrated at 32. However, it is not possible to achieve such a mapping using conventional techniques for linearly interpolating U and V values.
In the present embodiment, a mapping of pixel values from a two dimensional input image to an output two-dimensional frame is achieved by interpolation, however, said interpolation is performed with respect to a non-linear reference, thereby incorporating the non-linear effects (due to the non-linear projection) so as to correctly represent the perspective of the output image.
In the present embodiment, positions within the input two dimensional image, image 25 in FIG. 2, are identified along a locus to be interpolated, such as the locus of pixel positions along line 22 to 24 or the locus of pixel positions along individual scan-lines, by addressing values from a look-up table to obtain a substantially perspectively correct mapping.
The nature of the non-linear function will vary, depending upon the depth ratio of the two positions being interpolated. Thus, a plurality of functions are defined by the look-up table and a particular function is selected by making reference to this ratio.
A circuit for performing perspectively correct interpolation is shown in FIG. 4. An interpolation is performed between a first pixel position in the output image frame to a second pixel position within said frame. For each of these pixel positions, defined by their X and Y coordinates, pixel values are also identified in the input image frame, defined by U and V coordinate locations of said input image frame.
Between the two defined pixel positions in the output image frame, a plurality of pixel positions are present, for which interpolated values of U and V are required. In addition, the two defined X and Y locations in the output frame have associated z values, derived from the original three dimensional world space. This z information is also required in order to select a particular look-up table, which will provide the non-linear perspectively corrected response required.
Referring to FIG. 2, an interpolation between vertices 22 and 24 may be considered, as an example. Vertices 22 and 24 are both defined positionally within the output frame by (X,Y) coordinates. In addition, each position also has an associated (U,V) coordinate location identified therewith, identifying a pixel in the input image frame 25.
Position 24 is separated from position 22 by ten pixel spacings. Therefore, in order to identify the increments or gradients between adjacent pixels, it is necessary to divide the difference between the values for U and V at locations 22 and 24 by ten, that is, by the number of pixel spacings between them.
Thus, in order to perform an interpolation between positions 22 and 24, the (X,Y) coordinates, the original z position and the (U,V) coordinates are supplied to a processor 41, for each of said positions. The z value for each of the positions is supplied to a selector 42, arranged to select a particular look-up table to be used. After the selector 42 has processed these z values, a selection signal is supplied to a memory device 43, identifying a particular look-up table for the purpose of calculating the interpolation.
Thus selector 42 has now effectively determined the level of perspective and made a particular non-linearly programmed look up table available to processor 41. The processor 41 examines the (X,Y) coordinates for each of the vertices and calculates the pixel spacing. Thus, the vertices define a locus of pixel positions and, for each of these pixel positions, the processor 41 is required to identify a (U,V) coordinate in the input image frame, such that an input image pixel can be mapped onto the pixel position (X,Y) in the output frame. In accordance with the invention, this locus is interpolated by addressing values from the selected look up table to provide a substantially perspectively correct mapping.
Clearly, the range of possible U and V values within the locus may be very large, therefore it is necessary to scale the values before the look up table is addressed. The U and V values are considered sequentially and in substantially the same way. Considering the U values, a first vertex will have a particular U value and a second vertex, defining the other end of the locus, will (in the non-trivial case) have a different U value. To allow entry to the look up table, these values are scaled to values of zero and unity respectively and the scaling factor is retained to allow intermediate pixel positions to be scaled and to perform the reverse operation on values read from the look up table.
Thus, the scaled difference in U (or V) between the defined values, which will always be equal to unity, is divided by the number of pixel spacings between the extreme values. The result of this division identifies the scaled distance between pixels to be interpolated. This value also provides an entry address to the look up table for the first pixel to be interpolated. Thus, a value between zero and unity addresses the look up table and a similarly proportioned value is returned. This value is then de-scaled to provide a valid, but perspectively correct, U location within the input frame.
The scaled distance is now added to the previously calculated scaled value to provide a scaled value for the second pixel to be interpolated. Again, this value addresses the look up table to produce a modified version, which is de-scaled to provide a real U address for the next pixel. Thus, this process of adding the scaled distance to the previously scaled position, reading a value from the look up table and de-scaling continues until all of the positions along the locus have been interpolated. The procedure is then repeated for the V values, whereafter a pixel value can be read from the input frame for each interpolated co-ordinate pair.
The selector 64 is detailed in FIG. 6. Firstly, it should be noted that the response curves identified in FIG. 5 are symmetrical, therefore a single response curve may be used for two positions, with a flag being set depending upon whether, as a vector moves from a first position to a second position it is backward facing or forward facing.
Selection is made by considering the z positions of the points being interpolated between. As the interpolation is effected, this z information has been lost, therefore, the z positions must be considered by referring back to the original three dimensional world-space. However, once the comparison has been made and a particular non-linear response selected, no further reference is required to the z dimension.
Interpolation is performed between a point A and a point B. The z distances for said points z(A) and z(B) are supplied to a comparator 70, which determines whether a point A is in front of point B or vice versa. As a result of this comparison, a flag indication is made on a line 71 if z(A) is greater than z(B). This information is supplied as part of the address to a look-up table 43, ensuring that the stored positions are addressed in the correct orientation, thereby taking advantage of the symmetrical redundancy.
The z(A) and z(B) values are also supplied to a selector 72 which, in response to the output from the comparator 71, ensures that the position having the largest z value is supplied on an output line 73, while the position having the smaller z value is supplied on an output line 74.
Outputs on said lines 73 and 74 are supplied to respective priority encoders 75, 76 and shift registers 77, 78.
The priority encoders identify the position of the most significant bit for the z value and, as a result of this determination, effect a number of shifts in their associated shift register, 77 or 78, such that the most significant bit is shifted to the left most side of the word.
The output from the priority encoders, indicating the number of shifts required, is therefore mathematically equivalent to the integer components of the log to the base 2 of the original number. The word read out from the shift registers 77 and 78 is truncated, possibly to three bits, and said three bit values represent the fractional part of the log to the base 2 of said distances.
These fractional parts are read from shift register 77 and 78 and supplied to a look-up table 79, which in turn provides a further output to a look-up table 80. Addressable lines to the look-up table 80 are increased by receiving the output from priority encoder 75 to produce an output which is supplied to a further look-up table 81. Similarly, the number of input address lines to look-up table 81 is increased by the output from priority encoder 76. Thus, look-up table 81 produces integer numbers identifying particular look-up tables within addressable device 43. Alternatively, device 43 may include sufficient memory for one particular look-up table and, in response to a selection made by selector 42 said look-up table may be programmed with a suitable function, of the type illustrated in FIG. 5.
The size of the look-up table 43 may be reduced by storing less than the required number of values for each particular function. Thereafter, specific values may be determined by a process of linear interpolation. As shown in FIG. 6, the output from look-up table 81 produces an integer value N and, in addition thereto, adds unity to the value N1 to produce an integer value N2, incremented by 1. In this way, it is possible to address two look-up tables within table 43 and, therefrom, to produce a modified response by interpolating two actual responses read from the table. In this way, the resolution of the system may be improved for a given number of functions stored within the table 43.
Thus, the use of a plurality of look-up tables allows non-linearities due to projection to be taken into account, while interpolating solely within the two dimensional images. Thus, acceptable perspective results are achieved without actually performing perspective calculations for each pixel and without forming a large number of computationally expensive operations.
From reading the present disclosure, other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such modifications may involve other features which are already known in the design, manufacture and use of image processing apparatus and devices and component parts thereof and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present application also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.
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Effective date: 20050605


text:
When you visit an App page in Windows Store (that was already installed on your computer) on Windows 10, you may notice this error: 'This app encountered a problem. Please reinstall it to repair', when you click on 'reinstall' button, it shows the same error again after the installation completes. Let us see how to fix this.
READ: How to reinstall All Default Apps in Windows 10 at Once
Fixing Windows Store's message 'This app encountered a problem. Please reinstall it to repair' in Windows 10
1. Open the Run dialog box and type 'cmd' without quotes, and press enter
2. Now run the command wsreset.exe
3. Now Store refreshes, click on 'reinstall' button, the app will then be reinstalled and 'open' button will appear.
SEE: Fix Store App doesn't open in Windows 10 build 10130
Turn off or disable Automatic Updates for Store Apps in Windows 10
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The Official BlackBerry Thread | Part 2 | BlackBerry Q10 & Z10 Available Now
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Melrose Munch
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RIM going down...
TORONTO (Reuters) - Research In Motion Ltd delayed the make-or-break launch of its next-generation BlackBerry phones until next year, in a devastating setback to the once-dominant technology company whose sales are crumbling.
Shares in the company, which also announced a steeper-than-expected quarterly operating loss, plunged 18 percent after it said it would release its revamped BlackBerry 10 devices early in 2013, instead of late this year, because the development had "proven to be more time consuming than anticipated."
The delay in releasing the devices - RIM's last best hope of stemming its eclipse at the hands of Apple Inc.'s iPhone and Google's Android phones - confirmed the worst fears of analysts and investors.
Combined with the size of the loss, its first for eight years, and the likelihood that sales keep sliding into 2013, it narrows the window through which RIM must climb if it is to survive as an independent entity.
RIM's announcement that it would slash 5,000 jobs, or 30 percent of its workforce, only reinforced the impression of a company that could be in terminal decline.
"It's like watching a puppy die. It's terrible," said Matthew Thornton, an analyst at Avian Securities in Boston.
"Wow, what a disaster," said Edward Snyder, managing director of Charter Equity Research in San Francisco, who said RIM was now in "a handset death spiral."
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chapter xxxxiiMature
He wanted nothing more than to leap from the bed and scream with triumph. He felt spectacular lying there with her, like he could take on the entire world and come out unscathed, come out swinging, come out covered in blood and roaring like a King who'd just earned his title. He would fight for her, to the death, to the bloody mess of a beaten corpse if he had to. Fearless wasn't quite the word, and upon further contemplation, he thought perhaps the word was "invincible." He rolled it around in his mind, feeling it out. It definitely was the word he was looking for. She made him feel invincible.
She was still beside him, only her finger moving in slow repetitive circles on his chest. Perhaps he should have noticed how quiet she was, but he couldn't help feeling too at peace to dare address something that might lead to a confrontation.


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There's so much complimentary technology available in Le St Geran's ample suites you'll have a difficulty prising kids out of the room: multimedia entertainment systems, satellite television, super quick Wi-Fi and PlayStations are the norm. Outside the rooms, however, they'll find mountain bikes, guided kayak tours of the lagoon, tennis, pedalos, water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, a games room and special snacks and drinks around the pool. Taking part in the Kids Only Club means they'll get their own special backpack, with a holiday photo album to take home so they'll have mementos to look back on before they've even left.
Niyama, Maldives
The thought of dropping oneself on a far-flung tropical island is usually quite appealing to most adults, but to children the idea of being marooned for a week or two is often met with trepidation. Not so at Niyama. At just a 40 minute flight from Male transfer time is minimal, and there are nine restaurants and bars to keep all ages entertained, from elegant overwater dining at Edge to outdoor grills and traditional Argentian asado at Tribal. There are 11 different accommodation options depending on the size of your brood and a ridiculous number of activities to choose from: the children's club alone offers jungle safaris, circus days, beach cricket, cooking classes and its own amphitheatre for budding thespians. It's no wonder there's a nap room for daytime siestas – they'll be exhausted.
Carlisle Bay, Antigua
It's possible that the claim that Antigua has a beach for every day of the year contains a grain of poetic licence, but Carlisle Bay is situated on what is certainly one of the island's finest beaches, swathing around a picturesque bay on the unspoiled south coast. The family friendly Beach and Carlisle Suites ooze cool, contemporary style with terraces or balconies overlooking the sea for that little bit of extra space. The Cool Kids Club is open seven days a week for little ones as young as six months, with activities as varied as lizard hunting to arts and crafts. There's even a 45-seat screening room which shows movies every day, perfect for when the sun, sea and sand has worn them out.
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia's idyllic landscapes have long attracted families, but Sugar Beach is one of the best family properties on the island. There's an excellent children's club, which includes a huge range of activities from treasures to archery and coconut bowling, plus the Spice Club which is dedicated to entertaining older children with everything from watersports to table tennis and a sailing club, using the resort's own fleet of Laser Pico sailboats. Away from the hotel Saint Lucia has many treasures to reveal on hiking excursions through the forests, while cultural tours of the island include visits to chocolate plantations or the charming capital, Soufriere.
Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is a riot of colour – emerald green bands of jungle, exotic flowers in every colour imaginable and a great expanse of sparkling cerulean ocean that's jam packed with exciting marine life. Banyan Tree Phuket is rather like a technicolour cartoon brought to life, with starring roles provided by elephants and their mahouts on trekking adventures through the jungle – an experience not to be missed – or the resident wildlife living in the lagoon which can be spotted on a kayaking adventure. Dining can be taken in-villa, where the chef can whip up a mouth-watering outdoor barbecue for everyone to enjoy.
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort-Al Waha, Oman
The aptly named Al Waha, meaning 'oasis', boasts swaying green palms and a patchwork of azure, freeform pools juxtaposed against the dramatic backdrop of parched mountains. Nestled in one corner of the Shangri-La's secluded bay, Al Waha offers an enviable selection of activities to suit children of all ages. Youngsters will revel in the air conditioned Cool Zone and older children will gleefully tire themselves out at the Adventure Zone or trying one of the many water sports possible in the sheltered turquoise waters. A float on the lazy river is the inevitable conclusion to a day's exertions, and as Oman's only true family hotel, with all the additional benefits of the adjacent Al Bandar and its exceptional selection of restaurants, nobody will be left wanting.
The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas-Nusa Dua, Bali
Nusa Dua, an exclusive enclave of five-star resorts close to Bali's provincial capital, Denpasar, is home to the Mulia Resort, set on one of the loveliest (not to mention safest) beaches in Indonesia. The villas are huge – perfect for extended families of different ages and even better for older children as they're a little more spread out than other family properties. There's an enormously diverse range of dining options, from traditional Cantonese and Szechuan to French pastries and High Tea, so adventurous palates are well catered to, as well as the usual International fare for fussy eaters.
Tivoli Eco-Resort, Bahia, Brazil
The 12km stretch of Bahia's Coconut Coast is home to Tivoli Eco- Resort, not to mention a scattered coastline of deserted beaches, coconut groves and natural sea pools. It's a riot of blues, greens and golds, shining with the colours of the Brazilian flag, and kids will adore the eight swimming pools that shimmer under the warming rays. There's a whole wealth of activities to get involved in, from watersports to football, beach volleyball to environmental workshops and a sea turtle project that includes a trip to an ice cream parlour – what's not to love? Adults will appreciate the onsite cachaça club, where you can sample the local firewater in a traditional caipirinha cocktail.
Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
A serene oasis set in the middle of a dewy emerald jungle, surrounded by a mile of soft white sands, at first glance the Rosewood Mayakoba is a grown-ups' paradise on the stunningly beautiful Riviera Maya. And indeed it is: 650 acres of luxury accommodation nestled in a tropical utopia that beckons guests to unwind in private plunge pools, recline on spacious sun decks and sample the freshest local food. But dig a little deeper and you'll find a host of activities to enthral youngsters, from snorkelling, cave swimming and discovering ancient civilizations, kids' yoga, cooking classes and themed nights from pyjama parties to Mayan celebrations and educational trips with a biologist to learn about the resident flora and fauna.


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Coyote Eyewear Rage Sunglasses - Polarized
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About Coyote Eyewear Rage Sunglasses - Polarized
Closeouts. Be prepared for the beach party with the glare-reducing polarized lenses and full wrap coverage of Coyote Eyewear's Rage sunglasses.
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- Lens material: Polycarbonate
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Reviewed by Central WI walker from Wisconsin on Tuesday, April 2, 2013Fit well and the style is attractive. They are clear with little distortion. Will probably buy another pair.
Question & Answer
Questions about this product? Get answers from community and staff experts.


text:
Junagadh Municipal Corporation 08 Inspector, Assistant Engineer Recruitment 2016 Last Date 22nd July 2016 - walkin Interview junagadhmunicipal.org
Junagadh Municipal Corporation Has Invited Application Form For 08 Inspector, Assistant Engineer. All Eligible Candidates Are Required To check Eligibility details for Junagadh Municipal Corporation Job Advertisement and Attend walkin Interview On 22-07-2016 (22nd July 2016). All Candidates Who Are Applying For Junagadh Municipal Corporation Recruitment 2016 - 08 Inspector, Assistant Engineer, Should Check Vacancy Details Like - Educational Qualifications And Experiences Requirement, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Age Limit, Selection Criteria, Admit Card, Results, Exam Date, Before Applying.
Looking For More Relavent Jobs - Click Here
Junagadh Municipal Corporation Jobs Notification 2016 Detailed Vacancy Information -
Hiring Organization - Junagadh Municipal Corporation
Graduate Government Jobs
Total No. of Vacancies - 08 posts
Salary And Grade Pay - INR Rs. 13,700/- (Post 1,3-5), Rs. 7,800/- (Post 2).
Employment Type - Full time
Location - Junagadh
No. of Posts & Their Name -
1. Officer - 01
2. Inspector - 02
3. Environment Engineer - 01
4. Assistant Engineer - 03
5. EDP Manager - 01 posts
Age Limit - Candidates Candidates upper age limit should not exceed 35 Years. Age relaxations will be applicable as per the rules. For Postwise Age Details Go To Detailed Advertisement.
Educational Qualification - All Interested Candidates should have completed B.E. / D.S.E or its equivalent qualification from a recognized Board/University. For Post Wise Qualification Go To Detailed Advertisement.
Selection Procedure - Interview
How To Apply - All job Hunters seeking through direct recruitment process are advised to Download and read vacancy notification to get aware of recruitment schedule and venue from official websitehttp://junagadhmunicipal.org. Aspirant must reach advertised venue and attend walkin interview on the dates mentioned below with all original document and xerox copies, filled in application form (if required) as mentioned in detailed advertisement. 22-07-2016.
Address -Office of Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Azad Chowk, Junagadh
Official Website -junagadhmunicipal.org .
Important Dates To Remember-Date and Schedule of walkin interview : 22-07-2016 .


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|Half Baths
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
This house is a charming cottage with a wood-burning fireplace and a newly remodeled kitchen. The house has cable TV, a newly remodeled bathroom and patio with privacy fence.
The beach is a short walk down the street from the house and includes a park with picnic tables and grills. You can see the mile-long fishing pier from the beach. The best amusement park in the world, Cedar Point, is only six miles from the house. There are three major golf courses, including Sawmill Creek, within five miles. There are also several metro-parks with hiking trails and the Old Women Creek National Estuarine Sanctuary is two miles away. This nature preserve features nesting eagles as well as blue herons and other wildlife. Fishing charters are available as well as boat rentals.
There is something for everyone.
Keywords: House
Our family has been staying at this cottage since 2004. We have been so happy here! It is large and comfortable, and just a short walk to the beach. We look forward to going every year.


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It only takes a minute to get started. Fill out our simple sign up form and login to the website.
This step is voluntary but will dramatically boost your chances of getting interest from other over 50s members on the site. Introduce yourself, your hobbies and upload some good photos of yourself.
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text: Sensitivity to spatiotemporal combined luminance and chromaticity contrast.C Noorlander, M J Heuts, J J KoenderinkJournal of the Optical Society of America1981Contrast-detection thresholds for various combinations of chromaticity and luminance differences were obtained for spatiotemporal square-wave modulation of a yellow field. The results are expressed in terms of excitation of the Vos-Walraven R,G primaries. For every spatiotemporal frequency the thresholds can be approximated by an ellipse in the red-green… (More)


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products from other companies Conducting the Analysis - Lack of clear vision and priorities - Microsoft didn't identify product opportunities
Words: 637 - Pages: 3
. Look in Microsoft word for Fax cover sheet... the Fax # 1-703-761-4089, To Accounts Payable, Company: Pragmatics. Then Attach the Fax Verification
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of socioeconomic environment. The social, legal and environmental environment of Microsoft Corporation is very much like its software programs. The
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Microsoft Reports Loss After a Write-Down By NICK WINGFIELD SEATTLE — An accounting charge related to Microsoft's ill-fated acquisition of an
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analysis that at times is uncomfortable (in employee's views). These qualities of Gate's have enabled Microsoft to dominate personal computers (PCs
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Finally, offer guidance for Microsoft regarding what potential strategies the company could use in order to regain its position as the leader of
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malfunction, environment, and cyber catastrophic events. Microsoft challenges have been trying to create something newer and faster to beat other
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Page 25 Microsoft Corporation SWOT Analysis its software on multiple products like PCs, phones, tablets and gaming consoles which is
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------------------------------------------------- Microsoft Office Microsoft Office is an office
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Certification for Cert ca n Certification MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE (MTA TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE (MTA) ECHNOLOGY C (MTA A) STUDENT STUDY GUIDE F UDY FOR IT
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Introduction This report presents the financial analysis of Microsoft Corporation. The firm's financial status is evaluated using ratio analysis
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Donell Jones NT2580 Unit 2 Assignment 2: Microsoft Environment Analysis 5 vulnerabilities for this workgroup LAN based on the Microsoft
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Factor Description Microsoft Company Resources C1.Brand
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In the late 1990s, Microsoft became so inconceivably rich and mighty that the U.S. government hauled the company into court and threatened to break
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flexibility: software development costs and revenue recognition Microsoft: conservative method of reporting. Software Development Costs GAAP: software
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Microsoft dominates the operating system market for microcomputers with its Windows operating system. Discuss the pros and cons this creates for
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William (Bill) H. Gates is chairman of Microsoft Corporation, the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and
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Elvie Bramich Unit2 Assignment 2 : Microsoft Environment Analysis 1. WHAT VULNERABILITIES EXIST FOR THIS WORKGROUP LAN BASED ON ADVISORIES
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ETEC 522 The Business of eLearning The Phoenix Effect An Environmental Analysis of Apple Inc. Jeff
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environment. One leader of virtualization is VMware. To compete against VMware, Microsoft includes Hyper-V, which is a replacement to Microsoft's Virtual
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Unit 2 Assignment 2: Microsoft Environment Analysis 1. What vulnerabilities exist for this workgroup LAN based on the advisories? List five of
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attitude in the work environment. Researchers can get access to data by looking in major publications or journals produced by associations, and
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lived in bungalows. However, there are also many people who grow up in bad environment. And they need to do everything by themselves under pressure. They
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Microsoft? Because external environment has strong impacts on a company's strategic competitiveness, all companies must analyze it carefully before
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Last updated July 2015 MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM IF YOU LIVE IN (OR IF YOUR PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS IN) THE
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. SWOT analysis of Microsoft In a bid to establish the internal strengths and weaknesses of Microsoft Corporation, it is essential to
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Microsoft is an organization that has been around for many years but people fail to realize how Microsoft has innovated its company and its products
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Unit 2 Assignment 2 Microsoft Environment Analysis ITT Technical Institute Instructor: Date 1. What vulnerabilities exist for this
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will discuss the external environment, Industry structure, Industry Life Cycle, and some analysis of Microsoft and their future. Upon the conclusion
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The Ryckerts Take Manhattan
Become Premium to Watch
Andromeda largely feels like a shoddily assembled facsimile of the previous Mass Effect games.
If you're the sort of person who just wants to mindlessly shoot through co-op games with a chatty group of friends, Wildlands is fine for that. Anyone else should probably look elsewhere.
Link's most ambitious adventure is one of Nintendo's crowning achievements.
Game »
consists of 2 releases.
Released Nov 23, 2000
Circle-strafing is strafing around a target while facing it. This is useful for disorienting the target's aim, making for an easier kill.
Customization in games that allow users to change various parts of their equipment or moves to fit their gaming style.
Damage modelling is used to show damage that has been inflicted. Damage can be modelled on game object so long as the game's engine will allow for it
The 2000 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California on May 11-13.
Any weapon that shoots laser and plasma beams or energy bolts rather than conventional bullets.
Freeware games are those which have their full versions legally free to download or otherwise obtain.
An independent group of about forty worldwide media outlets who, since 1998, determine the best games of the Electronic Entertainment Expo.
The 2001 Interactive Achievement Awards celebrated the best games of 2000.
Limb Targeting is the ability to target specific limbs on the body with the object being either to disable the limb or kill the target faster. It may also be referred to as the "Limb System" or "Localized Damage".
Multiple endings is a term used to describe different outcomes or conclusions to a game based on the previous actions of the player.
Games which allow players to interact with others over the internet.
Games that have had an Original Soundtrack album released.
What lies ahead, and is distant from the present.
The building/editing of vehicles, mechs, and the like.
Xfire is a downloadable instant messenger client and Digital Download Store for Windows. It is targeted at gamers and has many features related to gaming.
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Destroy your paper licence counterpart on June 8
Er might just hold onto it if its all the same to you DVLA
THE Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency has set a date for us to tear up the paper counterparts to our driving licences – again.
The DVLA says the paper counterpart will be scrapped on June 8 next year. No new ones will be issued from that date and existing ones should be destroyed, according to the government agency. Details held on the counterparts such as endorsements will instead be accessible in an online database.
Last month the DVLA said we should destroy the counterpart 'in 2015' and then had to clarify that the exact date had not been set and was not January 1.
The last time Visordown reported on the matter, some readers commented that they'd rather hold on to the counterpart in case data is lost by the DVLA.
One wrote: 'Never, ever, ever destroy or surrender anything sent to you by the DVLA. It's your only evidence when Computer Says No.'
The latest release from the DVLA said: 'From 8 June 2015, the photocard licence counterpart will not be valid and will no longer be issued by DVLA.
'When DVLA stops issuing the counterpart, you should destroy yours but you still need to keep your current photocard driving licence.
'You'll still be able to use the counterpart driving licence to change your address with DVLA. You can also change your address online.'
The agency said paper driving licences issued before 1998 would remain valid and should not be destroyed.
Related Content
So when exactly will the paper licence counterpart be scrapped? Don't ask the DVLA
Tear up licence counterparts from next year
A2 motorcycle licence explained
Drop in under-19s taking test continues
Warning over copycat licence and tax sites
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text:
It recalls Xenephon's ten thousand and their shouts of 'θαλασσα!' 'Thalassa!' 'the sea!' - when they finally reached the Black Sea after fighting their way out of hostile Persia.
'WE HAVE WATER!' blogs Phil in capital letters, after a week without mains supply at the West Point complex of 353? flats in the old Royal Mail building in Leeds.
The Guardian Northerner reported on this yesterday and you can read much more, step by step, in the residents' engrossing blog. The episode has raised issues about the quality and maintenance of fittings in the rash of city centre flats built rapidly in many of the north's city centres during the last boom.
The return of supplies came just after heavy rain reached Leeds, amid quips from West Pointers about running outside with shower gel, or jugs and cans because the supply of bottled water from the Worcester-based agent for the complex of four blocks, Mainstay, had run out. The prospect of a third burst when pressure returned – as happened the first time repairs were made on Saturday last – was avoided: the switch-on was careful and slow.
Resident Ralph posted on the blog:
Rainwater outside, yes. none in here yet, maybe because I am on 14th floor?
Twenty minutes later, Majid echoed Phil with a smiley:
Block B, 1st floor – WE HAVE WATER!! Never has flushing the loo felt like such luxury
Eight minutes later, more supplies of bottle water arrived, causing fresh concern, then a fire alarm went off and subsequently pressure fluctuated, but Mainstay posted this on their website just before 5pm on Wednesday 9 May:
Mains water has been restored to the development.
Mainstay continue to assess the situation alongside Mechanical Consultant and contractor to assess the position.
We hope that this brings to an end the remedial works for this incident, but only time will tell over the next 24 hours as all existing/new pipework stabilises under normal operating levels.
We will continue to provide further updates and would ask that everybody use the Mainstay West Point webpage to monitor updates.
We thank you for your continued patience and understanding
Leeds Central's Labour MP Hilary Benn, who has kept in touch with residents throughout, added seven minutes later:
Really glad to hear that water has now been restored.
As you all get back to normal I just wanted to reiterate that I am very happy to assist with post-leak conversations with Mainstay. I have also said to the Council that they should reflect on what's been learned because although the responsibility was clearly Mainstay's, the council should have a plan in case something like this happens again in a large apartment block (by the way the offer of free showers was very welcome).
The showers to which he refers were arranged at the council's nearest leisure centres, but there was criticism of emergency planners for failing to have a more comprehensive strategy to deal with such an event. That too will be part of the inquest into the affair which - coming soon after a Manchester block of private flats suffered six days without water - will be followed well beyond Leeds.
There is more from West Point residents on Facebook here and here and via a search of Twitter. On the silver lining side, in the often disconnected life of modern city centre living, the second Facebook site declares:
Through drought we found unity!


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Summer Social Networking in the Beer Garden!
Bay Area HR Executives Council (BAHREC) a SHRM affiliate
Thursday, August 7, 2014 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM (PDT)
Who's Going
San Francisco, California
London, United Kingdom
Florence, Italy
Event Details
Summer Social in the Beer Garden?
Is your Net Working?
Find out...
Yes, it's time to enjoy a little networking, the way networking was intended to be, FUN! We will be right in the middle of hip, cool downtown Mountain View. Outside where the sun is shining and the breeze is refreshing... so don't forget your sunglasses.
Bring your business cards for the BIG drawing! Members who bring a colleague/friend will receive additional chance in the drawing. Our newest members will be introduced, so don't be shy.
Price includes wine, beer, and a variety of Appetizers (some call it dinner).
Show your team how it's done with a field trip to "Network with the HR Community". Work should be fun; so be the example you want to see in the world. Leaders at all levels know how important it is to keep their network alive and at BAHREC alive is an understatment.
And thanks to our new sponsor...
Sage Human Capital is disrupting the recruiting industry by introducing the very first fully data-driven recruiting model. Their success lies on a foundation of incorporating mindfulness into the recruiting process.
Come on out! We missed you in July.
When & Where
Steins Beer Garden and Restaurant
895 Villa Street
Mountain View,
Thursday, August 7, 2014 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM (PDT)
Add to my calendar


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Why? Because you can! And pickle, and jam, or otherwise celebrate the resurgence of the domestic arts our forebears held so dear. Put on your best apron and step into our kitchen, won't you?
I am never buying salsa again, now that I know how easy it is to make, how inexpensive, and how delicious it is! Toast and grind whole cumin for REALLY amazing flavor.
The tart sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes and the freshness of coriander leaves come together in this lovely chutney.
Mojo verde (Canarian green sauce) is traditionally made of cilantro, olive oil, sea salt, garlic and cumin. This 5 minutes condiment is so versatile it fits to almost everything: roasted vegetables, potatoes, fresh bread, fish, salads and beans.
This is a creamy dressing heavy on cilantro and lime made with homemade ranch seasoning. It's great on tacos, salads and more.
Summer squash pickles with cilantro, coriander, and garlic. Spicy squash coins!
Jazz up your next meal salad or roast chicken dinner with this 5-minute, herb-filled, healthy avocado goddess dressing.
This dressing is heavy on cilantro and lime. Adding tequila gives it an extra, irresistible zip! Perfect for your next BBQ!
Here's a full-flavor, creamy, herb-filled dip that goes well with crackers, chips, a tray of veggies or paired with veggie burger, fish or meat. This stuff is pretty awesome.
A cilantro take on the classic pickled beet recipe.
A beautiful, fresh salsa perfect for tortilla chips or freshly fried tostones and plantain chips. All the ingredients are roasted first for an amazing flavor.


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On the Resolution of Ultra-fast NBTI Measurements and Reaction-Diffusion Theory
30 Dec 2009 | Online Presentations | Contributor(s): Ahmad Ehteshamul Islam, Souvik Mahapatra, Muhammad A. Alam
Reaction-Diffusion (R-D) theory, well-known to successfully explain most features of NBTI stress, is perceived to fail in explaining NBTI recovery. Several efforts have been made to understand...


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